Adjusting mechanism for optical equipment capable of generating optical axis and equatorial telescope
Through spherical coordination and the design of three adjustment screws, the alignment process of the equatorial optical equipment is simplified, the problems of machining accuracy and operation difficulty in the prior art are solved, and low-cost and efficient optical axis adjustment is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422361920.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-25
AI Technical Summary
The existing optical equipment for aligning the polar axis of the equatorial instrument has insufficient machining accuracy and operation difficulty, resulting in high cost or complex adjustment problems.
The design of spherical fit and three adjustment screws is adopted. Through the cooperation of spherical connectors and conical connectors, the parallel adjustment of the optical equipment and the equatorial axis is achieved by using three adjustment screws, which simplifies operation and reduces friction.
It realizes the adjustment of optical equipment with simple structure, small size and low cost, and is convenient to operate, reduces friction during the adjustment process and improves alignment accuracy.
Smart Images
Figure CN223051579U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of astronomical observation and photography, and specifically relates to an adjustment mechanism for optical equipment capable of generating an optical axis and an equatorial mount. Background Art
[0002] Equatorial mounts are widely used in astronomical observation and star photography. Due to the rotation and revolution of the earth, the position of celestial bodies in the sky is constantly changing. Equatorial mounts 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 to the celestial body, making observation and recording more convenient.
[0003] An equatorial mount system generally includes: the equatorial mount body, latitude mount, tripod, equipment bracket / gimbal and various matching connectors. Among them, the equatorial mount body generally includes: right ascension axis, drive system, control system, etc.
[0004] Right Ascension Axis: Also called the principal axis or polar axis, it is the part that connects the base of the equatorial mount to the telescope. When using an equatorial mount, you need 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 in which you are located).
[0005] Drive system: Modern equatorial mounts are usually equipped with electric or computerized drive systems to accurately track the movement of celestial objects and keep the observation target in a stable position in the telescope or camera.
[0006] Control system: This includes a manual control handle, computer interface or remote control so that the user can precisely control the movement of the telescope and the selection of observation targets.
[0007] Tripod: Provides a level, stable platform for the entire system.
[0008] The latitude mount is a device used to set the latitude and direction of the observation site of the equatorial mount. The equatorial mount body is connected to the latitude mount. By adjusting the rotation and pitch of the latitude mount, it can ensure that the main axis / right ascension axis / polar axis of the equatorial mount is correctly aligned with the rotation axis of the earth.
[0009] Equipment Holder / Pan Head: An equipment mount is a device attached to the mount that is used to mount and adjust a telescope or other observing equipment. It usually has multiple axes of adjustment to allow fine adjustments in right ascension and declination.
[0010] The process of using the equatorial mount is as follows:
[0011] Setting up the mount: First, you need to set up the mount on stable ground. Make sure it is level and stable to ensure accurate observations. Some mounts may come with a leveler to assist with leveling.
[0012] Align the polar axis: Use a compass or other guiding tool to accurately point the polar axis of the equatorial mount towards the North Pole of the Earth. This step is to align the coordinate system of the equatorial mount with that of the Earth. Adjust the latitude setting and set the latitude scale of the equatorial mount to the latitude of the observing location so that the equatorial mount is correctly aligned. Generally, equatorial mounts can also use auxiliary devices such as polar finders, laser pointers, and viewports to improve the accuracy of polar axis alignment.
[0013] Install the telescope or other equipment: Mount the telescope or photographic equipment on the equatorial mount. Ensure that the equipment is firmly installed and adjust the direction so that it points to the target celestial body.
[0014] Observation: Once the target celestial body is aligned, observations or photography can be carried out through the telescope. The design of the equatorial mount enables the equipment to track the movement of celestial bodies and keep their positions stable in the field of view.
[0015] Calibration and adjustment: During the observation process, some fine-tuning and calibration may be required to ensure the accuracy of the observation. This may include realigning the equatorial mount, adjusting the focal length, or making other necessary adjustments.
[0016] In the above prior art, when using an equatorial mount, latitude scale, or similar device for astronomical observation or photography, aligning the polar axis (also known as polar axis alignment) is a crucial step. This ensures that the telescope accurately tracks celestial bodies in the night sky. The commonly used methods for polar axis alignment are as follows:
[0017] Polar finder alignment:
[0018] Many equatorial mounts are equipped with a built-in polar finder. First, through the sighting hole on the equatorial mount, adjust the equatorial mount so that the polar finder is aligned with Polaris (if in the Northern Hemisphere). Then, fine-tune according to the scale on the polar finder to make Polaris located at the designated position.
[0019] Alignment using a laser pointer:
[0020] Using a laser pointer can quickly and roughly align the polar axis of the equatorial mount. Place the equatorial mount and tripod on a stable position so that the polar axis roughly points to the North Pole (Northern Hemisphere) or South Pole (Southern Hemisphere). Install the laser pointer near the polar finder hole or the polar axis of the equatorial mount so that its beam shines along the polar axis direction. Use the beam of the laser pointer to find Polaris (Northern Hemisphere) or the South Celestial Pole (Southern Hemisphere). Fine-tune the altitude and azimuth adjustment knobs of the equatorial mount so that the beam points to Polaris or the South Celestial Pole to complete the rough alignment.
[0021] In the above methods, whether using a polar finder, laser pointer, or other optical methods derived therefrom, the optical axis of the polar finder, the optical axis of the laser pointer of the laser pointer, or the optical axis of other optical devices must be as parallel as possible to the polar axis of the equatorial mount, otherwise the alignment will fail.
[0022] Traditional mechanisms either require high-precision processing techniques, in which case the parallelism is directly ensured by the processing accuracy, resulting in high costs and inconvenience for production.
[0023] Alternatively, multiple sets of adjusting screws are used to hold the laser from different directions for adjustment. The adjustment is difficult, there are many operating surfaces, and it is not convenient for layout. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] To solve the above problems of the prior art, the present utility model provides an adjustment mechanism and an equatorial mount for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis, which have a simple structure and are convenient to operate.
[0025] To achieve the above object, the present utility model adopts the following technical solutions:
[0026] As one aspect of the present utility model, an adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis includes: a first connecting member, a first relief hole is formed in the middle of the first connecting member, and there is a preset distance between the optical device and the first relief hole;
[0027] A connecting cover plate, the connecting cover plate is provided with a first mounting hole for mounting the optical device, and the optical device is detachably connected in the first mounting hole;
[0028] An adjusting fitting, the adjusting fitting is provided with a second relief hole, and there is a preset distance between the optical device and the second relief hole; the adjusting fitting is matched with the first connecting member, and the mating surface between the adjusting fitting and the first connecting member is a spherical surface fit,
[0029] At least three adjusting screw members, the connecting cover plate is matched with the first connecting member through the adjusting screw members. At this time, the connecting cover plate presses the adjusting fitting, and under the cooperation of the adjusting fitting and the first connecting member, there is a preset distance between the connecting cover plate and the first connecting member.
[0030] Optionally, a first spherical surface is formed on the first connecting member, and a first conical surface is formed on the adjusting fitting to cooperate with the first spherical surface.
[0031] Optionally, the connecting cover plate is provided with fastening holes, the fastening holes are communicated with the first mounting holes, and set screws are threadedly connected in the fastening holes.
[0032] Optionally, the center line of the fastening hole is perpendicular to the center line of the first mounting hole.
[0033] Optionally, the connecting cover plate is provided with a second mounting groove portion for cooperating with the adjusting fitting, and the adjusting fitting is matched with the second mounting groove portion.
[0034] Optionally, there are three adjusting screw members, and the centers of the three adjusting screw members are sequentially connected to form a triangle.
[0035] Optionally, the connecting cover plate is provided with connecting holes for connecting the corresponding adjusting screw members. The rod portion of the adjusting screw member passes through the connecting hole and is threadedly connected to the support frame, and the cap portion of the adjusting screw member is located on the upper surface of the corresponding connecting hole.
[0036] Optionally, the center line of the first mounting hole coincides with the center line of the first relief hole; the center line of the second relief hole coincides with the center line of the first relief hole.
[0037] Optionally, the connecting cover plate is made of a metal material.
[0038] As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an equatorial mount, which includes an equatorial mount body, and the equatorial mount body is connected with an adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis as described above.
[0039] The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis and the equatorial mount of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: simple structure, small volume, convenient processing, low cost, only three adjusting screws are used, and the operating directions of the three adjusting screws are the same, which is convenient for adjustment and installation layout; the use of the spherical connecting member and the conical connecting member reduces the friction during the adjustment process; the connecting cover plate uses a metal material, which is beneficial to heat dissipation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The specification drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention.
[0041] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis of the present invention;
[0042] Figure 2 It is a structural cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 3 It is a main exploded view of the structure of the adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 4 It is a bottom exploded view of the structure of the adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present utility model and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without making creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0046] An adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to an embodiment of the present application. For the convenience of understanding and description, in this embodiment, the first connecting member 2 is connected to the support frame 1 for exemplary description; as Figures 1-4 shown, it includes: a first connecting member 2 connected to the support frame 1 or the equatorial mount body. The support frame 1 can also be a part of the equatorial mount body; or the first connecting member 2 and the equatorial mount body are of an integral structure. A first mounting groove portion 11 for mounting the first connecting member 2 is formed on the support frame 1, and the first connecting member 2 is fixedly connected to the first mounting groove portion 11. It should be noted that the structure of the equatorial mount body is a prior art and will not be elaborated here. The support frame 1 is used for mounting the equatorial mount body, that is, the equatorial mount body is connected to the support frame 1. At the same time, the optical axis generated by the optical device 6 is parallel to the right ascension axis on the equatorial mount body. The optical device 6 includes, but is not limited to, a pointing pen or a polar axis scope, and its structure is a prior art and will not be elaborated here. A first relief hole 21 is formed in the middle of the first connecting member 2 for the mounting relief of the optical device. There is a preset distance between the optical device and the first relief hole 21 to facilitate the adjustment of the optical device 6;
[0047] A connecting cover plate 3, which is made of a metal material, is conducive to heat dissipation. A first mounting hole 31 for mounting the optical device is provided on the connecting cover plate 3. The optical device is detachably connected to the first mounting hole 31. The optical axis channel generated by the optical device is located outside the first mounting hole 31. The center line of the first mounting hole 31 coincides with the center line of the first relief hole 21;
[0048] An adjustment fitting 4, a second relief hole 41 is provided on the adjustment fitting 4. The second relief hole 41 is used for the mounting relief of the optical device. There is a preset distance between the optical device and the second relief hole 41 to facilitate the adjustment of the optical device. The center line of the second relief hole 41 coincides with the center line of the first relief hole 21. The adjustment fitting 4 is matched with the first connecting member 2, and the mating surface between the adjustment fitting 4 and the first connecting member 2 is a spherical surface fit. That is, in this embodiment, a first spherical surface 22 is formed on the first connecting member 2, and a first conical surface 42 that matches the first spherical surface 22 is formed on the adjustment fitting 4. As an example, the first connecting member 2 is a spherical connecting member, and the adjustment fitting 4 is a conical connecting member;
[0049] At least three adjusting screw members 5, the connecting cover plate 3 is matched with the first connecting member 2 through the adjusting screw members 5. At this time, the connecting cover plate 3 presses the adjusting fitting 4, and with the cooperation of the adjusting fitting 4 and the first connecting member 2, there is a preset distance between the connecting cover plate 3 and the first connecting member 2; after the three adjusting screw members 5 are locked, the adjusting fitting 4 will not shake; the thread helix directions of the at least three adjusting screw members 5 are the same; by adjusting the at least three adjusting screw members 5, the inclination angle of the connecting cover plate 3 is changed, thereby driving the inclination angle of the optical device to change, so that the optical axis generated by the optical device connected to the connecting cover plate 3 is parallel to the right ascension axis of the equatorial mount.
[0050] As an example, in this embodiment, there are three adjusting screw members 5, and the centers of the three adjusting screw members 5 are connected in sequence to form a triangle; the connecting cover plate 3 is provided with connecting holes 51 for connecting the corresponding adjusting screw members 5. The rod portion of the adjusting screw member 5 passes through the connecting hole 51 and is threadedly connected to the support frame 1. The cap portion of the adjusting screw member 5 is located on the upper surface of the corresponding connecting hole 51. By the different or same thread depth positions between the three adjusting screw members 5 and the support frame 1, with the cooperation of the adjusting fitting 4 and the first connecting member 2, the connecting cover plate 3 is rotationally adjusted relative to the first connecting member 2, so that the optical axis generated by the optical device connected to the connecting cover plate 3 is parallel to the right ascension axis of the equatorial mount; in this embodiment, only three adjusting screw members are used, and the operating directions of the three adjusting screw members are the same. When adjusting, there is no need to frequently rotate the direction, which is convenient for adjustment and installation. The use of spherical and conical connecting members reduces the friction during the adjustment process; by respectively rotating a single or multiple adjusting screw members 5, the inclination angle of the connecting cover plate 3 is changed, thereby driving the inclination angle of the optical device to change, so that the optical axis of the optical device can be parallel to the right ascension axis of the equatorial mount.
[0051] In one embodiment, as Figures 3-4 shown, the connecting cover plate 3 is provided with a fastening hole 32, and the center line of the fastening hole 32 is perpendicular to the center line of the first mounting hole 31; the fastening hole 32 is communicated with the first mounting hole 31, and a set screw 33 is threadedly connected in the fastening hole 32. The inner end of the set screw 33 is fastened to the optical device provided in the first mounting hole 31, so that the optical device 6 is connected in the first mounting hole 31.
[0052] In one embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, a second installation groove portion 34 for cooperating with an adjustment fitting 4 is provided on the connecting cover plate 3. The adjustment fitting 4 cooperates with the second installation groove portion 34. When the connecting cover plate 3 presses on the adjustment fitting 4, the upper end of the adjustment fitting 4 cooperates with the second installation groove portion 34 to prevent the deviation of the adjustment fitting 4, ensuring the rotational adjustment between the adjustment fitting 4 and the first connecting member 2, and preventing wobbling after the three adjustment screw members 5 are tightened.
[0053] An equatorial mount according to another embodiment of the present application includes an equatorial mount body, the equatorial mount body is connected to a support frame 1, and the support frame 1 is connected with an adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis 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, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0055] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. At the same time, it should be understood that, for the sake of convenience of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one 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 orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front, rear, upper, lower, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal", and "top, bottom" are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. Without contrary description, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present application; the orientation words "inner, outer" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.
[0057] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" etc. can be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature shown in the figure with other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure for the device. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, the device described as "above or over other devices or structures" will then be positioned "below or under other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and corresponding interpretations should be made for the spatial relative descriptions used here.
[0058] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first", "second" etc. to define components is only for the convenience of differentiating the corresponding components. Without additional statements, the above terms have no special meanings, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of this application.
[0059] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms such as "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 directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0060] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and all equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present utility model shall fall within the scope covered by the present utility model.
Claims
1. An adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis, characterized in that: It includes: a first connecting member; A connecting cover plate, wherein a first mounting hole for mounting the optical device is provided on the connecting cover plate, and the optical device is detachably connected to the first mounting hole; An adjusting fitting, wherein the adjusting fitting is matched with the first connecting member, and the matching surface between the adjusting fitting and the first connecting member is a spherical matching surface. At least three adjusting screws, the connecting cover plate cooperates with the first connecting member through the adjusting screws, at this time, the connecting cover plate presses the adjusting fittings, and under the cooperation of the adjusting fittings and the first connecting member, there is a preset distance between the connecting cover plate and the first connecting member.
2. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first spherical surface is formed on the first connecting member, and a first conical surface matching with the first spherical surface is formed on the adjusting matching member.
3. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting cover plate is provided with a fastening hole, the fastening hole is communicated with the first mounting hole, and a set screw is threadedly connected to the inner thread of the fastening hole.
4. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 3, characterized in that: The center line of the fastening hole is perpendicular to the center line of the first mounting hole.
5. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting cover plate is provided with a second mounting groove portion for matching with the adjusting fitting, and the adjusting fitting matches with the second mounting groove portion.
6. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are three adjusting screws, and the centers of the three adjusting screws are connected in sequence to form a triangle.
7. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting cover plate is provided with a connecting hole for connecting with a corresponding adjusting screw, the rod of the adjusting screw passes through the connecting hole and is threadedly connected with the supporting frame, and the cap of the adjusting screw is located on the upper surface of the corresponding connecting hole.
8. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first clearance hole is provided in the middle of the first connecting member, and a preset distance is provided between the optical device and the first clearance hole; a second clearance hole is provided on the adjusting fitting, and a preset distance is provided between the optical device and the second clearance hole; the center line of the first mounting hole coincides with the center line of the first clearance hole; the center line of the second clearance hole coincides with the center line of the first clearance hole.
9. The adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting cover plate is made of metal material.
10. An equatorial mount, characterized in that: It comprises an equatorial mount body, to which is connected an adjustment mechanism for an optical device capable of generating an optical axis as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.