An improved connection device for a camera

Abstract

A releasable connection device is suitable for releasably connecting two parts, wherein a base includes a clamping stud, a gimbal includes a stud latching mechanism, and wherein when the stud latching mechanism is engaged, the clamping stud and the stud latching mechanism are connected to each other, and when the stud latching mechanism is disengaged, the clamping stud and the stud latching mechanism are not connected to each other; when the stud latching mechanism is engaged, the stud latching mechanism provides a direct frictional connection between the stud latching mechanism and the stud catch, the stud latching mechanism including a stud latching plate suitable for axial movement and a stud latching plate axially oriented during use. A stud release rod that moves toward and away from the clamping stud allows the stud clip plate to engage and disengage the clamping stud during use. The base and pan / tilt unit each include mating surfaces of corresponding shapes. The mating surface of the base includes a generally flat area and a recessed area, and the mating surface of the pan / tilt unit includes a generally flat area and a raised area. The pan / tilt unit also includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the pan / tilt unit and the base when the base and pan / tilt unit are connected to each other. The pan / tilt unit also includes a platform assembly positioned away from the mating surfaces, which includes devices for attaching to other parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gimbal assembly for a tripod. Tripods are commonly used to support cameras, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Tripods are widely used to support cameras, which are typically mounted on a head, which in turn is fixed to the tripod. The head provides articulation, allowing the camera operator to move the camera horizontally and vertically, and it usually also provides a device for counterbalancing the camera and applying variable drag to suppress movement about each axis. The head typically also provides pan and tilt brakes to lock the camera in a specific position for safe and stable shooting.

[0003] When operators panning a camera, they typically want the pan axis to be truly vertical: otherwise, the camera will automatically rotate to its lowest point, and any panning shots won't be taken along the horizontal horizon. However, the top of a tripod is affected by the position, length, and angle of each leg and is rarely level. Instead, its orientation changes every time the tripod is moved or adjusted. While it's theoretically possible to adjust a tripod to make its top level, this is practically difficult to achieve, especially when a heavy camera and head are mounted on top.

[0004] Therefore, the common practice is to add a separate leveling device between the tripod and the pan / tilt head, allowing adjustment of the tripod's height and safety, and then adjusting the pan / tilt head separately to level it. When the pan / tilt head is level, the pan axis is vertical. The most common way to provide this leveling device is by using a cup clamp as the interface between the pan / tilt head and the tripod. The pan / tilt head typically has a level bubble to indicate when it is level.

[0005] A bowl clamp generally consists of four parts: the bottom part of the tripod head, whose outer surface is roughly hemispherical and has a stud protruding downwards; the bowl-shaped part at the top of the tripod, which is hemispherical with an inner radius slightly larger than the bottom of the tripod head; a ring at the top of the hemispherical shell, whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the bottom of the tripod head; and a clamping nut, which screws onto the stud in the bottom of the tripod head and has a partially spherical washer that contacts the outer surface of the hemispherical shell. In use, the tripod head is placed on the ring at the top of the bowl on the top of the tripod head, with the stud at the bottom of the tripod head passing through a hole in the bottom of the bowl; then the clamping nut is screwed onto the protruding stud from below the bowl. When the nut is loosened, the tripod head can move relative to the ring at its bottom to level itself. If the clamping nut is tightened, its washer presses against the bottom of the bowl shell, pulling the tripod head down onto the ring; the friction between the tripod head and the ring, and the friction between the washer and the bottom of the bowl, locks the tripod head in place. Therefore, users can level the gimbal by loosening the clamping nut, repositioning the gimbal, and then tightening the nut again.

[0006] Examples of such devices can be found in GB2535682A. Figure 2 Also seen in EP2787270, Figure 5 The cross-section of the lever-operated fixture in the middle.

[0007] The bowl clamp device has proven to be simple and robust, but it does have some drawbacks in use. It relies on tightening and loosening a clamping nut located below the top of the tripod. Space in this area is limited, especially when the legs are extended in a near-vertical position, making it difficult for the operator to maneuver the clamp and potentially causing knuckle injuries. Loosening the clamp and retightening it once the tripod head is level also takes a considerable amount of time, which becomes difficult when a heavy camera is on the tripod head, as the operator must balance it until the clamp is secured. To operate the clamp, the user must reach below the top of the tripod while observing the level bubble on the top of the tripod head and balancing the camera on top of the head. This can be inconvenient, especially when using heavy cameras. Finally, to remove the tripod head from the tripod, the clamping nut must be completely loosened, which can be time-consuming. Then, once separated from the tripod, the tripod head must be placed on its side, as the protruding studs on its bottom prevent it from standing upright on a flat surface, potentially damaging the tripod head and, if the camera is still mounted to it.

[0008] EP2787270 describes a bowl-shaped clamp mechanism that addresses some of these issues. Instead of using clamping nuts that must be tightened and loosened for operation, this device uses a lever-operated clamp. This makes operation easier and allows for faster clamping and loosening within the space below the top of the tripod, but the operator still needs to reach between the legs to operate the clamp. The clamp is still screwed onto studs protruding from the bottom of the gimbal, meaning that removing the entire gimbal still takes a considerable amount of time, and the gimbal cannot stand upright on a level surface due to the studs.

[0009] Our co-pending international patent application, PCT / GB2020 / 050649 (later published as WO / 2020 / 201695), describes a tripod head assembly comprising a releasably interconnected head and a bowl, the bowl having a clamping stud and the head having a stud-locking mechanism, wherein the stud-locking mechanism is adapted to be releasably connected to the clamping stud, and wherein the tripod head assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the head and the bowl when the head and the bowl are connected to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention provides a releasable connection device suitable for releasably connecting two parts, wherein a base includes a clamping stud, a gimbal includes a stud latching mechanism, and wherein when the stud latching mechanism is engaged, the clamping stud and the stud latching mechanism are connected to each other, and when the stud latching mechanism is disengaged, the clamping stud and the stud latching mechanism are not connected to each other; when the stud latching mechanism is engaged, the stud latching mechanism provides a direct frictional connection between the stud latching mechanism and the stud catch, the stud latching mechanism including a stud latching plate suitable for axial movement and a stud latching plate suitable for use. A stud release rod that moves axially toward and away from the clamping stud allows the stud snap plate to engage and disengage the clamping stud in use. The base and pan / tilt unit each include mating surfaces of corresponding shapes. The mating surface of the base includes a generally flat area and a recessed area, and the mating surface of the pan / tilt unit includes a generally flat area and a raised area. The pan / tilt unit also includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the pan / tilt unit and the base when the base and pan / tilt unit are connected to each other. The pan / tilt unit also includes a platform assembly positioned away from the mating surfaces, the platform assembly including means for attaching to other parts.

[0011] The friction connection distinguishes the stud snap-fit ​​mechanism from the previously known threaded devices as described above.

[0012] A gimbal may have a central axis, which can be substantially vertical in use. In use, the gimbal can be positioned substantially vertically above the base—although the reader, as a technician, will understand that not every component of the gimbal needs to be above every component of the base. In this context, the reader will understand references to the central axis and relative positions such as up, down, above, and below.

[0013] The mating surface of the gimbal forms a bowl shape with a flat base, and therefore, the mating surface of the base forms a corresponding bowl shape with a flat base. The gimbal thus fits onto the base from above. In this document, the platform assembly is arranged above the mating surface of the gimbal. Preferably, the platform assembly is substantially arranged on top of the gimbal during use. Therefore, other parts can be attached to the top of the gimbal via the platform assembly.

[0014] In use, the base can be attached to parts such as cameras or camera accessories. The gimbal can be attached to parts such as cameras or camera accessories via the platform assembly. Therefore, this device can be used to releasably connect a camera and accessories, or two accessories. This device can be daisy-chained to connect several parts together. For example, the platform assembly can be provided with other bases so that other gimbals can be attached to it, and so on.

[0015] The base may have a hole disposed on its underside, the hole including threads suitable for mating with a corresponding threaded stud. Such a stud may be an industry-standard stud found on fittings.

[0016] The platform component can be provided with slots for receiving and engaging camera boards. The camera boards are supplied in an industry-standard form, allowing for the attachment of various cameras and accessories. These camera boards can be equipped with industry-standard studs. The aforementioned holes at the base are therefore adapted to accommodate studs that match the camera board.

[0017] The intended component used in this invention is a slider adapter.

[0018] The clamping stud may include a groove. The stud locking mechanism of the gimbal may include a stud locking plate that is movable substantially horizontally into and out of the groove of the clamping stud. The stud locking plate may be engaged by a release lever. Thus, the release lever can be actuated to move the stud locking plate into and out of the groove of the clamping stud to engage and release the stud locking plate from the clamping stud, respectively.

[0019] Alternatively, the stud plate can be moved in other ways, such as by the user directly or by a button.

[0020] The base may also include a wedge-shaped collar substantially surrounding its periphery at the lower portion of the clamping stud. The clamping stud may have a first region with a reduced diameter at its lower portion to form an engagement portion with the upper edge of the wedge-shaped collar. The base may also include an annular groove in its flat region. The base may also include an annular wave-shaped spring disposed within the annular groove in the flat region. The clamping stud may have a second region with a reduced diameter located below the first region, the second region having a smaller diameter than the first region. When in the engaged state, the reduced diameter region, the wave-shaped spring, and the wedge-shaped collar form a mechanism suitable for more firmly pressing the base and the gimbal together.

[0021] Therefore, the gimbal can be released or attached to the base. The release lever can pivot around a point on the gimbal.

[0022] The adjustment mechanism has a leveling mode and a fixed mode. When the adjustment mechanism is in leveling mode, the connection between the gimbal and the headset can be adjusted. When the adjustment mechanism is in fixed mode, the connection between the gimbal and the headset is basically not adjustable.

[0023] When the adjustment mechanism is in leveling mode, some relative movement between the gimbal and the headset is allowed—while the gimbal and headset are connected to each other—allowing the user to make small adjustments to the position and / or angle of the gimbal relative to the headset. This enables the gimbal to be leveled. In fixed mode, adjustment is virtually impossible.

[0024] The gimbal may include a lower part, a spring, and a spring compression plate. The spring is designed to cause the lower part and the spring compression plate to move vertically away from each other. In other words, the spring compression plate can be pushed upwards away from the lower part of the gimbal by the spring.

[0025] When the gimbal and base are connected, the stud plate engages with the clamping stud, with the upper surface of the stud plate engaging with the lower surface of the clamping stud, and the lower surface of the stud plate engaging with the upper surface of the spring compression plate. Therefore, the spring pushes the clamping stud of the cup upwards to bring the gimbal and clamping cup closer together.

[0026] The spring compression plate may be provided with one or more slots in which the stud snap plate can move.

[0027] Alternatively, a spring compression plate can be used to provide vertical interaction, allowing the spring to push the stud snap plate upwards.

[0028] It is also desirable to have at least one precisely corresponding area between the lower surface of the gimbal's lower portion (sometimes referred to as the half-bowl) and the upper surface of the base. Therefore, preferably, the upper surface of the base has at least one annular portion whose angle and profile substantially precisely correspond to the protruding portion of the lower surface of the gimbal's lower portion.

[0029] The gimbal may also include a lead screw arranged substantially vertically along a central axis and located above a spring compression plate, the lower surface of the lead screw being adapted to engage the upper surface of the spring compression plate. Rotation of the lead screw can thus be transmitted to the spring compression plate to push it downwards. Therefore, the upward pushing of the spring against the spring compression plate can be mitigated by the downward pushing of the lead screw.

[0030] The spring can be a disc spring.

[0031] In leveling mode, the connection between the gimbal and the base is loosened by pushing the lead screw downwards. This loosening allows for adjustment, so the gimbal can be leveled when the lead screw has the appropriate rotational force applied to it.

[0032] In other words, the relief allows for a small degree of movement between the gimbal and the bowl.

[0033] The fixed mode can be engaged by applying an opposing rotational force to the lead screw.

[0034] The lead screw can engage with the handle at its upper end. Therefore, rotation of the handle can apply a rotational force to the lead screw or engage or disengage the fixed mode. The handle is preferably arranged to rotate in a horizontal plane (i.e., about a vertical axis). This horizontal rotation prevents the handle from interfering with the connection to accessories above the gimbal.

[0035] Therefore, users can select the leveling mode by moving the handle.

[0036] Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may be driven by any of a suitable button, lever, knob, or rotary device.

[0037] In some envisioned embodiments, the handle and release lever are identical components. Therefore, the user can engage and disengage the base and gimbal by actuating the same handle, and can also select a leveling mode.

[0038] The base of the gimbal preferably includes a substantially flat area at its lower end. This allows the gimbal to be placed on a flat or near-flat surface when detached from the bowl, without the risk of tipping over or rolling.

[0039] The top of the clamping stud can be tilted. The bottom of the stud clip plate can be tilted accordingly. Therefore, if the pan-tilt head is pushed down onto the clamping stud, the stud clip plate can automatically move outward and then inward again (e.g., be pushed), so that the stud clip plate can engage in the groove of the clamping stud. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the components of the inventive concept will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1An exploded perspective view of an exemplary gimbal is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The cross-section of the same gimbal shown;

[0043] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same gimbal is shown in both engaged and disengaged states.

[0044] Figure 5 The same gimbal was shown from different angles;

[0045] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary platform component is shown;

[0046] Figure 7 A cross-section of an exemplary base is shown; and

[0047] Figure 8 A perspective view of the same base is shown.

[0048] The accompanying drawings focus on certain components of the inventive concept. In some drawings, not every component is explicitly labeled and / or mentioned in the corresponding description. Labeling has been minimized to aid clarity, and the absence of a label in a particular drawing should not be construed as an implied absence of a particular component shown or described elsewhere.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the gimbal 100 is shown with a bowl 102 at its bottom, the bowl 102 having a flat bottom and convex side profiles, which together form the engagement surface of the gimbal 100. A bowl insert 104 is arranged within the bowl 102, having an inner surface adapted to engage a portion of a clamping stud at the bottom. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). The bowl insert 104 is placed in the annular groove in the bowl 102 ( Figure 1(Not shown in the image). The bowl insert 104 has an annular flange that engages with the lower end of a groove and a set of spring washers 108. At the upper end of the set of spring washers 108 is a spring edge contact ring 110, which in turn engages with the annular flange of the spring compression plate 112. The spring compression plate 112 houses three stud catch plates 114 (not all shown or labeled). The stud catch plates 114 are axially (horizontally) movable within the grooves of the spring compression plate 112. The lower side of the stud catch plates 114 contacts and is supported by the contact ring 110. The axial movement of the stud catch plates 114 is driven by corresponding stud release rods 116. The stud release rods 116 are pushed by springs 118, causing the stud catch plates 114 to be axially pushed toward the center of the gimbal, thereby being pushed toward the clamping studs (when they are present) during use. To enter the disengaged state, the stud latch plate 114 moves axially away from the center of the gimbal and thus away from the clamping stud during use (when it is present). The stud latch plate 114 has an end with an inclined region and is shaped to correspond to a groove in the clamping stud.

[0050] The spring compression plate 112 is part of module 120, which essentially has a disc-shaped portion forming the spring compression plate 112 and three upright sockets 122 equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the spring compression plate. The sockets 122 form pivots for stud release levers 116, allowing movement of stud catch plates 114. The stud catch plates 114 move within slots formed in module 120. Module 120 also has a truncated conical portion above the spring compression plate 112, smaller in diameter than the spring compression plate and spaced apart from the sockets 120, such that an annular planar portion is formed between the truncated conical portion and the sockets 120. The truncated conical portion of module 120 engages with a corresponding formed portion of a lead screw nut 124, within which a lead screw shaft 126 is arranged. The lead screw shaft 126 and the lead screw nut 124 have corresponding threads so that the shaft 126 can rotate within the nut 124.

[0051] The lead screw 126 has an upper portion with a wider diameter forming a disk portion, and above that is a portion with an approximately square cross-section. There are diameter-reducing portions at the top and bottom of the lead screw 126, the dimensions of which are designed to fit into corresponding holes in the module 120 (at the bottom of the lead screw 126) and the housing 128 (at the top of the lead screw 126).

[0052] The housing 128, located above the module 120, houses the lead screw shaft 126 and the lead screw nut 124. The housing 128 also houses a portion of a leveling rod 130, which has a nearly square hole at one end to engage a corresponding square cross-sectional portion of the lead screw shaft 126. The leveling rod 130 has an elongated handle extending away from the hole. The housing 128 also houses a thrust bearing 132 and a corresponding thrust bearing race 134. The thrust bearing 132 and the thrust bearing race 134 facilitate rotation of the leveling rod 130 within the housing 128. The leveling rod 130 is held in place relative to the lead screw shaft 126 by a screw 136.

[0053] The outer casing 128 is connected to the bowl 102 by a series of bolts 138.

[0054] Above the housing 128 and connected to the bowl 102 by a series of bolts 140 is the platform assembly 142. The platform assembly 142 has a groove or slot 144 formed therein, the slot having a wider portion toward the bottom and a narrower portion toward the top of the platform assembly 142, and the slot 144 thus having a trapezoidal cross-section. This arrangement of the slot 144 thus accommodates parts of a corresponding shape, such that the parts can slide horizontally into and out of the slot along the length of the slot 144, but remain vertically within the slot 144.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the middle, it is shown that... Figure 1 The same gimbal 100. In Figure 2 The figure shows more clearly the bowl insert 104 positioned within the annular groove 106 in the bowl 102. The camera plate assembly 146 is shown within the slot 144 in the same figure. The camera plate assembly 146 has threaded bolts 148 extending upward therefrom for connection to other parts or accessories.

[0056] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same gimbal 100 shown, such as Figure 2 As shown, a camera plate assembly exists within the slot. These figures illustrate the gimbal 100 from above (corresponding upper figure) and in a side cross-section (lower figure). Most features of the gimbal 100 are shown in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fact that it is not marked in the text helps to make the attached diagram clearer. Figure 3 In the middle, the leveling lever 130 is in the first position, while... Figure 4 In the middle, the leveling lever 130 is in the second position. Figure 3 In the first position, the leveling lever 130 has already affected the axis of the stud clip plate 114 toward the gimbal 100, so as to engage the clamping stud in use. Furthermore, the lead screw 126 is in the upper position, making adjustment impossible. Conversely, in... Figure 4In this configuration, the position of the leveling lever 130 affects the stud clip plate 114, moving it away from the axis of the gimbal 100, to facilitate the separation of the clamping studs during use. Furthermore, the lead screw 126 is in a lower position, allowing for leveling. (As...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, and in Figure 3 Compared to when adjustment is not possible, spring washer 108 is... Figure 4 The medium is further compressed when it can be leveled and adjusted.

[0057] Figure 5 It shows the relationship from different perspectives. Figures 1 to 4 The same gimbal 100. For example... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a camera board assembly exists in the slot.

[0058] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the platform assembly 142 as described above is shown. The platform assembly 142 has a platform side-loading slot 144 as described above. A side-loading release button 150 enables or disables the release of parts within the slot 144. The platform assembly 142 has as described above... Figure 6 Other features shown include clamping shaft 152, clamping knob 154 with screw 156, lock 158, clamp 160, springs 162 and 164, and mechanism cover unit 166 secured by screw 168. Platform assembly unit 142 has a bubble level 170 arranged therein.

[0059] Figure 7 A perspective cross-section of an exemplary base 200 of the present invention is shown. The base 200 has a circular body 202 with a flat base 204 and a bowl-shaped inner surface 206 having regions of a generally vertical wall 208 and an inclined wall 210. Standing upright from the flat bottom 204 is a clamping stud 212 having a groove 214 along its length and a spherical end 216. The shape of the groove 214 in use corresponds to the stud catch plate of a gimbal (not shown). Within the spherical end 216 is a groove 218, sized to accommodate a portion of the lead screw of the gimbal (not shown). Towards the lower end of the clamping stud 212, a wedge-shaped collar 220 surrounds the clamping stud 212. The wedge-shaped collar 220 is held against the clamping stud 212 by an engagement portion 222. An annular groove 224 in the flat base 204 of the base 200 accommodates a wave spring 226 that pushes the wedge ring 220 against the engagement portion 220 of the clamping stud 212.

[0060] The base 200 has a hole 228 formed in its underside, the hole 228 having threads that match the threads of a threaded bolt 230, which may be part of another component. The bolt 230 may be secured by a countersunk screw 232.

[0061] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of the base 200 shown. Figure 8 In the places shown, the components are labeled as follows Figure 7 As shown in the image.

Claims

1. A releasable connection device suitable for releasably connecting two parts, wherein a base includes a clamping stud, a gimbal includes a stud latching mechanism, and wherein when the stud latching mechanism is in an engaged state, the clamping stud and the stud latching mechanism are connected to each other, and when the stud latching mechanism is in a disengaged state, the clamping stud and the stud latching mechanism are not connected to each other; when the stud latching mechanism is in the engaged state, the stud latching mechanism provides a direct frictional connection between the stud latching mechanism and the clamping stud, the stud latching mechanism including a stud latching plate adapted for axial movement and a stud release rod adapted to axially move the stud latching plate toward and away from the clamping stud during use, such that the stud latching plate can be used The clamping studs are engaged and disengaged, and the base and gimbal each include engagement surfaces with corresponding shapes. The engagement surface of the base includes a generally flat area and a recessed area, and the engagement surface of the gimbal includes a generally flat area and a raised area. The engagement surface of the gimbal forms a bowl shape with a flat base, and thus the engagement surface of the base forms a corresponding bowl shape with a flat base. The gimbal also includes an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the gimbal and the base when the base and the gimbal are connected to each other. The gimbal also includes a platform assembly positioned away from the engagement surfaces, the platform assembly including devices for attaching to other parts.

2. The releasable connection device according to claim 1, wherein the gimbal includes a lead screw arranged substantially vertically along its central axis and located above the spring compression plate, the downward-facing surface of the lead screw being adapted to engage the upward-facing surface of the spring compression plate.

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