Pitching adjusting mechanism and equatorial telescope

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of astronomical observation equipment, and relates to a pitching adjusting mechanism and an equatorial telescope. The driven unit is connected to the equatorial telescope body and is connected with the transmission unit; the adjusting unit is movably connected to the latitude seat, and the adjusting unit is matched with the transmission unit; the latitude base further comprises a clutch unit, and the adjusting unit is connected to the latitude base through the clutch unit. When the clutch unit is in a non-clutch state, the adjusting unit is matched with the transmission unit; when the clutch unit is in the clutch state, the adjusting unit is not matched with the transmission unit. After the structure is adopted, the beneficial effect is that the knob does not need to be rotated. In this way, the pitching angle can be rapidly and roughly adjusted; the clutch device can automatically reset, and after the pulled-out adjusting hand wheel shaft is loosened, the adjusting unit and the clutch unit can automatically reset, so that accidental change of the pitch angle is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of astronomical observation equipment or photographic equipment, and specifically relates to a pitch adjustment mechanism and an equatorial mount. Background Art

[0002] Equatorial mounts are widely used as equipment for astronomical observation and star photography. Due to the rotation and revolution of the earth, the positions of celestial bodies in the sky are constantly changing. Equatorial mounts can track the movement of celestial bodies by rotating the right ascension axis, keeping the telescope, camera or other observation and recording equipment at a constant angle with the celestial body, making observation and recording more convenient.

[0003] When using an equatorial mount, it is generally necessary to use a latitude mount, a tripod, an equipment stand or a gimbal, and various matching connectors. The equatorial mount generally includes: a right ascension axis, a drive system, and a control system. The right ascension axis, also known as the polar axis, is a component that connects the equatorial mount base and the telescope, camera, or other observation and recording equipment. When using an equatorial mount, it is necessary to ensure that it is parallel to the axis of the earth and points to the north or south pole of the earth (depending on the hemisphere where it is located).

[0004] The latitude mount can be a relatively independent mechanism. It is usually connected to the equatorial mount body through dovetail grooves, screw holes, etc. At the same time, the latitude mount can also be designed as an integrated whole with the equatorial mount body.

[0005] When using the equatorial mount, the user needs to rotate the latitude mount to accurately point the polar axis of the equatorial mount to the North Pole or South Pole of the Earth. This step is to make the coordinate system of the equatorial mount consistent with the coordinate system of the Earth. In addition, the pitch of the latitude mount needs to be adjusted to the latitude of the observation site so that the right ascension axis / polar axis of the equatorial mount is parallel to the rotation axis of the Earth.

[0006] When using an equatorial mount, latitude mount or similar device to adjust the pitch, the following situations will be involved: 1. Quick but rough adjustment of the pitch, so as to quickly and roughly adjust the equipment to the required elevation angle. This situation usually occurs when setting up the equipment before starting work or when storing the equipment after finishing work.

[0007] 2. Slower but more precise pitch adjustment, so that the user can adjust the pitch angle to the desired accuracy (usually requires accuracy to the arc minute level).

[0008] 3. After the pitch adjustment is completed, ensure that the pitch angle does not change due to external interference (such as equipment weight, wind load, etc.).

[0009] There are several common technical paths for adjusting the pitch of existing equatorial mounts or their matching latitude mounts:

[0010] 1. Use a ball head or similar mechanism to adjust the pitch. This type of solution is convenient for quick and rough adjustments, but it is difficult to make precise adjustments. At the same time, an additional locking step is required after the adjustment is completed (usually tightening the locking knob).

[0011] 2. Use a worm gear device to adjust the pitch. The user rotates the knob, the knob drives the worm, and the worm drives the turbine to rotate to achieve pitch adjustment. This type of solution can utilize the self-locking effect of the worm gear, and does not require additional locking action to ensure that the altitude angle remains stable under certain external interference (such as equipment weight, wind load, etc.); at the same time, if the worm gear speed reduction is relatively large, the adjustment is accurate but the adjustment speed is slow, and if the worm gear speed reduction is relatively small, the adjustment speed is fast but the adjustment is not accurate.

[0012] 3. Use a threaded push rod and a nut to adjust the length of the push rod by rotating the nut, and finally achieve the purpose of adjusting the pitch. This solution has a slow adjustment speed and a large volume. Therefore, it is necessary to make improvements. Utility Model Content

[0013] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, the utility model provides a pitch adjustment mechanism and an equatorial mount, which have a high degree of integration, a small overall volume and strong practicality.

[0014] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0015] As one aspect of the present invention, a pitch adjustment mechanism is provided, which comprises:

[0016] A transmission unit movably connected to the latitude seat;

[0017] A driven unit connected to the equatorial mount body, wherein the driven unit is connected to the transmission unit; the equatorial mount body is rotatably connected to the latitude seat via the pitch axis, and the equatorial mount body can rotate relative to the latitude seat with the pitch axis as a fulcrum;

[0018] An adjustment unit is movably connected to the latitude seat, and the adjustment unit cooperates with the transmission unit;

[0019] It also includes a clutch unit, and the adjustment unit is connected to the latitude seat through the clutch unit; when the clutch unit is in a non-clutch state, the adjustment unit cooperates with the transmission unit; when the clutch unit is in a clutch state, the adjustment unit does not cooperate with the transmission unit.

[0020] Optionally, a resistance unit is also included, which is movably connected to the latitude seat and cooperates with the adjustment unit.

[0021] Optionally, the transmission unit includes a transmission assembly, the driven unit is a driven gear connected to the pitch shaft, and the driven gear cooperates with the transmission assembly.

[0022] Optionally, the transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear and a third transmission gear which are respectively rotatably connected to the side of the latitude seat, and the first transmission gear and the third transmission gear are respectively meshed with the second transmission gear; the driven gear is meshed with the third transmission gear.

[0023] As an option, the adjustment unit includes an adjusting handwheel shaft movably connected to the first bearing, the adjusting handwheel shaft can move axially relative to the first bearing, and the adjusting handwheel shaft is relatively limited radially relative to the first bearing; a fourth gear is connected to the adjusting handwheel shaft, and the fourth gear is meshed with the first transmission gear.

[0024] Optionally, a knob is connected to the operating end of the adjusting handwheel shaft.

[0025] Optionally, one end of the pitch axis is connected to an operating handle.

[0026] Optionally, the clutch unit includes a reset elastic member, one end of which is connected to the latitude seat, and the other end of which is connected to the adjusting hand wheel shaft of the adjusting unit.

[0027] Optionally, the resistance unit includes a resistance block body, which is rotatably connected to the latitude seat; a mounting groove is formed on the resistance block body, and the mounting groove cooperates with the adjusting hand wheel shaft.

[0028] Optionally, an adjustment fastener is connected to the resistance block body.

[0029] As another aspect of the present invention, an equatorial mount is provided, which includes the pitch adjustment mechanism as described above.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the pitch adjustment mechanism and the equatorial mount of the utility model are specifically embodied in the following aspects: the structure is simple, and the pitch can be performed by directly holding the equatorial mount body without rotating the knob; this method can quickly and roughly adjust the pitch angle; the clutch device can be automatically reset, and when the pulled-out adjustment handwheel shaft is released, the adjustment unit and the clutch unit will automatically reset, avoiding accidental changes in the pitch angle; when the clutch is reset, the pitch angle can be accurately adjusted by the adjustment handle; it is highly practical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of the present application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural front view of the pitch adjustment mechanism of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a rear structural view of the pitch adjustment mechanism of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the transmission unit of the utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the resistance unit of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the specific embodiments of the utility model and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0037] A pitch adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, it comprises: a transmission unit 2 movably connected to the latitude seat 1;

[0038] A driven unit 4 connected to the equatorial mount body 3, wherein the driven unit 4 is connected to the transmission unit 2; it should be noted that the equatorial mount body 3 is rotatably connected to the latitude mount 1 via the pitch axis 5, and the equatorial mount body 3 can rotate relative to the latitude mount 1 with the pitch axis 5 as a fulcrum; the structure of the equatorial mount body 3 is prior art and will not be described in detail herein;

[0039] An adjustment unit 6 is movably connected to the latitude seat 1, and the adjustment unit 6 cooperates with the transmission unit 2;

[0040] It also includes a clutch unit, and the adjustment unit 6 is connected to the latitude seat 1 through the clutch unit; when the clutch unit is in a non-clutch state, the adjustment unit 6 cooperates with the transmission unit 2; when the clutch unit is in a clutch state, the adjustment unit 6 does not cooperate with the transmission unit 2.

[0041] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 or Figure 3As shown, it also includes a resistance unit 8, which is movably connected to the latitude seat 1. The resistance unit 8 cooperates with the adjustment unit 6. The resistance unit 8 adds a preset friction resistance to the adjustment unit 6, so that self-locking is achieved under the rated load condition. Even if other locking mechanisms are not used, the transmission unit 2 will not be reversely driven, resulting in a change in the pitch angle. It should be noted that under the action of external force, the adjustment unit 6 can also rotate under the action of this friction resistance.

[0042] In one embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the transmission unit 2 includes a transmission assembly, the driven unit 4 is a driven gear connected to the pitch axis 5, the driven gear is arc-shaped, and the driven gear cooperates with the transmission assembly; the transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear 21, a second transmission gear 22 and a third transmission gear 23 which are respectively rotatably connected to the side of the latitude seat 1, the first transmission gear 21 and the third transmission gear 23 are respectively meshed with the second transmission gear 22; the driven gear is meshed with the third transmission gear 23; the transmission unit 2 drives the driven unit 4 to work, and drives the equatorial mount body 3 to adjust the pitch angle around the pitch axis 5.

[0043] It should be noted that the transmission unit 2 may also be a synchronous belt transmission mechanism, or other transmission mechanisms, as long as the transmission mechanism can achieve reverse drive. The use of transmission gears in this embodiment is just one of the ways, and any mechanism that can achieve transmission falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0044] In one embodiment, if Figure 2-Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment unit 6 includes an adjusting handwheel shaft 61 movably connected to the first bearing. It should be noted that the adjusting handwheel shaft 61 can move axially relative to the first bearing, and the adjusting handwheel shaft 61 is relatively limited radially relative to the first bearing, such as being connected by means of a slot and a rib. This structural principle is a prior art and will not be repeated here. A fourth gear 62 is connected to the adjusting handwheel shaft 61, and the fourth gear 62 is meshed with the first transmission gear 21. The adjusting handwheel shaft 61 rotates to drive the fourth gear 62 to work, and the fourth gear 62 drives the transmission unit 2 to work, and the active unit 2 drives the driven unit 4 to work, driving the equatorial mount body 3 to adjust the pitch angle around the pitch axis 5.

[0045] In one embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, in order to facilitate the operation of the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61 , a knob 63 is connected to the operating end of the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61 .

[0046] In one embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 2As shown, when the clutch unit is in the clutch state, the adjustment unit 6 does not cooperate with the transmission unit 2, and one end of the pitch shaft 5 is connected to an operating handle 9; the function of the operating handle 9 is to provide a suitable friction force to the pitch shaft, including completely locking the pitch shaft.

[0047] In one embodiment, the clutch unit includes a reset elastic member, which is a reset spring. One end of the reset elastic member is connected to the latitude seat 1, and the other end of the reset elastic member is connected to the adjustment hand wheel shaft 61. Under normal conditions, the reset elastic member tightens the adjustment hand wheel shaft 61, so that the fourth gear 62 of the adjustment unit 6 is meshed with the third transmission gear 23 of the transmission unit 2, that is, the clutch unit is in a non-clutch state.

[0048] When external force pulls the adjusting handwheel shaft 61 outward, the external force overcomes the elastic force of the reset elastic member, so that the fourth gear 62 of the adjusting unit 6 is separated from the third transmission gear 23 of the transmission unit 2, that is, the clutch unit is in a clutched state. When the clutch unit is in the clutched state, the transmission unit 2 and the driven unit 4 can be driven in reverse, which is convenient for the user to adjust; after the external force is removed, the adjusting handwheel shaft 61 returns to its original position under the action of the reset elastic member. At this time, the clutch unit is in a non-clutched state, the transmission unit 2 and the driven unit 4 cannot be driven in reverse, and the pitch angle is adjusted by the adjusting unit 6.

[0049] In one embodiment, if Figure 3-Figure 4 As shown, the resistance unit 8 includes a resistance block body 81, which is rotatably connected to the latitude seat 1; a mounting groove 82 is formed on the resistance block body 81, and the mounting groove 82 cooperates with the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61. Through the cooperation of the mounting groove 82 and the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61, a relative friction state is formed between the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61 and the resistance block body 81, and the mounting groove 82 applies a fixed friction resistance to the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61. This friction resistance can be amplified by the transmission unit 2 to prevent its back drive. When the friction resistance changes due to gear wear and other conditions, a new balance can be achieved by adjusting the tightness between the mounting groove 82 and the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61.

[0050] In one embodiment, if Figure 3-Figure 4 As shown, the resistance block body 81 is threadedly connected with an adjusting fastener 83, and the adjusting fastener 83 is used to adjust the tightness between the mounting slot 82 and the adjusting hand wheel shaft 61; the friction resistance of the mounting slot 82 is adjustable. After a period of use, the resistance feel can be changed by rotating the adjusting fastener 83, and after a period of use, the wear can be compensated and the pitch mechanism can always be kept self-locking.

[0051] When in use, you can directly hold the equatorial mount body to pitch without rotating the knob. This method can quickly and roughly adjust the pitch angle; the clutch device can be automatically reset. When the pulled out adjustment handwheel shaft is released, the adjustment unit and the clutch unit will automatically reset, avoiding accidental changes in the pitch angle; when the clutch is reset, the pitch angle can be accurately adjusted by adjusting the handle.

[0052] This embodiment can realize rapid coarse adjustment and slow adjustment of the pitch angle, and can ensure that the pitch angle does not change due to external interference (such as equipment weight, wind load, etc.) without the need for a special locking action; it is compact in size; and its use is intuitive to the user.

[0053] Another embodiment of the present application provides an equatorial mount, which includes the pitch adjustment mechanism as described above.

[0054] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​of the parts and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. Meanwhile, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as a part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once a certain item is defined in an accompanying drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0056] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0057] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between a device or feature and other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" may include both "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0058] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "provided with", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pitch adjustment mechanism, characterized in that: It includes: A transmission unit movably connected to the latitude seat; A driven unit connected to the equatorial mount body, wherein the driven unit is connected to the transmission unit; the equatorial mount body is rotatably connected to the latitude seat via the pitch axis, and the equatorial mount body can rotate relative to the latitude seat with the pitch axis as a fulcrum; An adjustment unit is movably connected to the latitude seat, and the adjustment unit cooperates with the transmission unit; It also includes a clutch unit, and the adjustment unit is connected to the latitude seat through the clutch unit; when the clutch unit is in a non-clutch state, the adjustment unit cooperates with the transmission unit; when the clutch unit is in a clutch state, the adjustment unit does not cooperate with the transmission unit.

2. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a resistance unit, which is movably connected to the latitude seat and cooperates with the adjustment unit.

3. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission unit includes a transmission assembly, and the driven unit is a driven gear connected to the pitch rotation axis, and the driven gear cooperates with the transmission assembly.

4. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear and a third transmission gear which are respectively rotatably connected to the side of the latitude seat, the first transmission gear and the third transmission gear are respectively meshed with the second transmission gear; the driven gear is meshed with the third transmission gear.

5. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjustment unit includes an adjusting handwheel shaft movably connected to the latitude seat through a first bearing, the adjusting handwheel shaft can move axially relative to the first bearing, and the adjusting handwheel shaft is relatively limited radially relative to the first bearing; a fourth gear is connected to the adjusting handwheel shaft, and the fourth gear is meshed with the first transmission gear.

6. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The operating end of the adjusting hand wheel shaft is connected with a knob.

7. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the pitch rotation axis is connected with an operating handle.

8. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch unit comprises a reset elastic member, one end of which is connected to the latitude seat, and the other end of which is connected to the adjustment unit.

9. The pitch adjustment mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The resistance unit comprises a resistance block body, which is rotatably connected to the latitude seat; a mounting groove is formed on the resistance block body, and the mounting groove matches with the adjusting hand wheel shaft.

10. An equatorial mount, characterized in that: It comprises a pitch adjustment mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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