Tripod with self-leveling device

By using a self-leveling counterweight and rotating base design, the stability problem caused by the upward shift of the tripod's center of gravity is solved, achieving stable support on inclined ground and enhancing the tripod's stability and adaptability.

CN224261273UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-19ZHONGSHAN HUAMING TAIQIRONG NEW MATERIALS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHONGSHAN HUAMING TAIQIRONG NEW MATERIALS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-11
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

With the addition of self-leveling devices, the center of gravity of existing tripods shifts upward, reducing stability and making them prone to tipping over, especially when used on sloping ground.

Method used

A self-leveling device was designed, including a counterweight rod, a rotating base, and a counterweight block. The center of gravity can be flexibly adjusted by the detachable connection and rotation adjustment of the counterweight block, ensuring that the tripod remains stable on inclined ground.

Benefits of technology

While ensuring self-leveling, it significantly enhances the stability of the tripod on sloping or uneven terrain, reduces the risk of tipping over, and improves efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of tripods, in particular to a tripod with a self-leveling device, which comprises the self-leveling device, the self-leveling device comprises a balance weight lever, a rotating seat and three groups of balancing weights, the rotating seat can rotate along the horizontal direction, one end of the balance weight lever is connected with the rotating center of the rotating seat, and the other end of the balance weight lever is connected with the rotating center of the rotating seat. The other end of the balance weight rod is used for being detachably connected with a balance weight block. The tripod body has a to-be-used state and a use state, the self-leveling device is arranged on the tripod body, the tripod body comprises three supporting legs, and the supporting legs are provided with mounting parts used for mounting balancing weights; when the three groups of balancing weights are all mounted on the mounting part, the tripod body is in a to-be-used state; and when one group of balancing weights is mounted at one end of the balance weight rod, the tripod body is in a use state. The tripod solves the problem that when a tripod is provided with a self-leveling device in the prior art, the gravity center moves upwards, and the tripod is prone to toppling over.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tripod technology, and in particular to a tripod with a self-leveling device. Background Technology

[0002] In the daily operations of chemical plants, tripods are widely used to support various tools and instruments, such as during equipment maintenance around reactors and the installation of liquid level monitoring equipment in tank areas. Because the ground in chemical production areas may be uneven due to long-term corrosion or uneven settlement, ordinary tripods are difficult to level quickly, often requiring workers to spend a significant amount of time manually adjusting them.

[0003] To improve the leveling efficiency of tripods, existing tripods use a self-leveling structure for leveling, such as the Chinese utility model patent with application number CN202120523674.5: A self-leveling tripod for construction site measurement, including a telescopic rod, one end of which is connected to a counterweight via a thread, and the tripod quickly levels itself by its own weight.

[0004] However, when a self-leveling structure is mounted on a tripod, its own weight and the equipment mounted on it cause the tripod's center of gravity to shift upwards. When used on an inclined surface, this upward shift in the center of gravity significantly reduces the tripod's stability, making it more prone to tipping over. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problem of tripods with self-leveling devices shifting upwards and becoming prone to tipping over, this invention provides a tripod with a self-leveling device.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An embodiment of this utility model provides a tripod with a self-leveling device, comprising:

[0008] The self-leveling device includes a counterweight rod, a rotating seat, and three sets of counterweight blocks. The rotating seat can rotate in the horizontal direction. One end of the counterweight rod is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat, and the other end of the counterweight rod is used for detachable connection with the counterweight blocks.

[0009] The tripod body has a ready-to-use state and a used state. The self-leveling device is installed on the tripod body. The tripod body includes three legs, and each leg is provided with a mounting part for installing the counterweight. When all three sets of counterweights are installed on the mounting part, the tripod body is in the ready-to-use state. When one set of counterweights is installed on one end of the counterweight rod, the tripod body is in the used state.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the counterweight includes a first counterweight and a second counterweight, wherein the first counterweight and the second counterweight are identical in shape and size.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first counterweight is provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove that pass through it. The first mounting groove is connected to the second mounting groove. The width of the first mounting groove is greater than the width of the second mounting groove. The second mounting groove is in communication with the surface of the first counterweight.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the counterweight rod includes a connecting rod, a first limiting block and two second limiting blocks. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat, and the other end is connected to the second limiting block. The two second limiting blocks are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting rod. The first counterweight block or the second counterweight block can be embedded in the second limiting block and abut against the first limiting block.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting part includes two third limiting blocks and two fourth limiting blocks, the first counterweight block can be embedded in one of the third limiting blocks and abut against one of the fourth limiting blocks; the second counterweight block can be embedded in the other third limiting block and abut against the other fourth limiting block.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the self-leveling device further includes a first rotating structure and a second rotating structure, the second rotating structure being connected to the first rotating structure, the rotating seat being connected to the second rotating structure, and the rotation directions of the first rotating structure and the second rotating structure being perpendicular to each other.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first rotating structure includes a first hinge seat, which is connected to the tripod body. The first hinge seat has a first through hole for the counterweight rod to pass through. The second rotating structure includes a second hinge seat, which is rotatably connected to the first hinge seat. The second hinge seat has a second through hole for the counterweight rod to pass through. The rotating seat is rotatably connected to the second hinge seat.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first hinge seat is provided with a accommodating cavity for the counterweight to move.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the top of the counterweight is provided with convex strips at intervals.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower ends of the three legs are provided with rotatable pads.

[0019] This invention offers at least the following advantages: When the tripod is in use, the three sets of counterweights are evenly distributed on the legs, effectively lowering the overall center of gravity and enhancing the tripod's stability on various terrains. Even when using the self-leveling device, two counterweights remain on the legs. The presence of these two counterweights keeps the tripod's center of gravity low, effectively preventing it from shifting upwards due to the self-leveling device. This design, while ensuring self-leveling functionality, significantly enhances the tripod's stability on sloping or uneven terrain, reducing the risk of tipping over. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a level instrument installed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of another angle when installing a level in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the usage of a level in an inclined location when it is installed, according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tripod body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tripod body without a set of counterweights according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the counterweight rod and two counterweight blocks according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a counterweight rod and a counterweight block according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a counterweight block according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This invention provides the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details should be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0031] It should be understood that when one element (e.g., the first element) is “connected” to another element (e.g., the second element), the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intervening element (e.g., the third element) between the element and the other element.

[0032] An embodiment of this utility model provides a tripod with a self-leveling device, such as... Figure 1-9 As shown, it includes:

[0033] The self-leveling device 100 includes a counterweight rod 110, a rotating seat 120 and three sets of counterweight blocks 130. The rotating seat 120 can rotate in the horizontal direction. One end of the counterweight rod 110 is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat 120, and the other end of the counterweight rod 110 is used for detachable connection with the counterweight blocks 130.

[0034] The tripod body 200 has a ready-to-use state and a used state. The self-leveling device 100 is installed on the tripod body 200. The tripod body 200 includes three legs 210, and each leg 210 is provided with a mounting part 220 for mounting counterweights 130. When all three sets of counterweights 130 are installed in the mounting part 220, the tripod body 200 is in the ready-to-use state. When one set of counterweights 130 is installed at one end of the counterweight rod 110, the tripod body 200 is in the used state.

[0035] The counterweight rod 110 connects the rotating base 120 and the counterweight blocks 130. The rotating base 120 can rotate horizontally, and its rotation center is connected to one end of the counterweight rod 110. Rotation allows adjustment of the position of the counterweight rod 110. Three sets of counterweight blocks 130 are used to adjust the tripod's balance. The counterweight blocks 130 can be detachably connected to one end of the counterweight rod 110 for easy adjustment as needed. The tripod body 200 includes three legs 210, each with a mounting part 220 for mounting the counterweight blocks 130. The rotating base 120 can rotate horizontally. The rotating base 120 uses a bearing connection; a bearing is installed at the bottom of the rotating base 120, with its inner ring fixedly connected to the rotating base 120 and its outer ring fixedly connected to the tripod's support structure. When the rotating base 120 is subjected to external force, the bearing allows it to rotate freely in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, a pivot and bushing structure can be used. A horizontal pivot is installed at the bottom of the rotating base 120, and the pivot is fixedly connected to the rotating base 120. A bushing that mates with the pivot is installed on the tripod support structure, allowing the pivot to rotate freely within the bushing. The self-leveling device 100 includes a counterweight rod 110, a rotating base 120, and a counterweight block 130. One end of the counterweight rod 110 is connected to the rotation center of the rotating base 120, and the other end is detachably connected to the counterweight block 130. When the counterweight block 130 is installed on the counterweight rod 110, the rotating base 120 can automatically adjust its horizontal position according to the inclination angle of the ground. This automatic adjustment mechanism ensures the levelness of the tripod top platform, providing a stable support platform for the equipment regardless of the ground inclination.

[0036] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0037] The tripod body 200 has a ready-to-use state and a used state:

[0038] Ready-to-use state: When the tripod is in the ready-to-use state, all three sets of counterweights 130 are installed on the mounting parts 220 of the tripod legs 210. At this time, the weight of the counterweights 130 is evenly distributed on the three legs 210 of the tripod, significantly lowering the overall center of gravity of the tripod and enhancing its stability on various terrains. This design allows the tripod to maintain good balance even when the self-leveling device 100 is not used, providing reliable support, especially on flat or slightly inclined ground.

[0039] Usage: When the self-leveling device 100 is needed, the operator only needs to remove one set of counterweights 130 from the mounting part 220 of the support leg 210 and install them onto one end of the counterweight rod 110 of the self-leveling device 100. At this time, the self-leveling device 100 can achieve automatic leveling by adjusting the weight of the counterweights 130, ensuring that the platform at the top of the tripod always remains level, thereby providing stable support for the equipment (such as cameras, measuring instruments, etc.) mounted on it.

[0040] Meanwhile, two additional counterweights 130 remain on the mounting portion 220 of the legs 210. Due to the presence of these two counterweights 130, the tripod's center of gravity remains low, effectively preventing the center of gravity from shifting upwards due to the use of the self-leveling device 100. This design, while ensuring self-leveling functionality, significantly enhances the tripod's stability on sloping or uneven terrain, reducing the risk of tipping over.

[0041] By distributing the counterweights 130 between the legs 210 and the self-leveling device 100, this invention achieves flexible adjustment of the center of gravity. When using the self-leveling device 100, the center of gravity distribution still leans towards the legs 210, avoiding instability caused by an excessively high center of gravity. Furthermore, the detachable design of the counterweights 130 allows users to flexibly choose whether to use the self-leveling device 100 and how to distribute the counterweights 130 according to the actual usage scenario and terrain conditions, further optimizing the tripod's stability and adaptability.

[0042] In some embodiments, the counterweight 130 includes a first counterweight 131 and a second counterweight 132, wherein the first counterweight 131 and the second counterweight 132 have the same shape and size.

[0043] The first counterweight 131 and the second counterweight 132 are identical in shape and size, meaning they are physically identical and interchangeable. This identical shape and size enhances usability. Users can choose any set of counterweights 130 to install on the mounting portion 220 of the counterweight rod 110 or the support leg 210 without compatibility issues. Their identical shape and size ensure consistent adjustment of the tripod's center of gravity during leveling, facilitating user understanding and operation.

[0044] Furthermore, the first counterweight 131 is provided with a first mounting groove 133 and a second mounting groove 134 that pass through it. The first mounting groove 133 and the second mounting groove 134 are connected. The width of the first mounting groove 133 is greater than the width of the second mounting groove 134. The second mounting groove 134 is in communication with the surface of the first counterweight 131.

[0045] The first mounting slot 133 penetrates the first counterweight 131, meaning it can be used to connect other components (such as the mounting portion 220 of the counterweight rod 110 or the support leg 210). The width of the first mounting slot 133 is greater than the width of the second mounting slot 134, a design that can accommodate connecting components of different sizes. The second mounting slot 134 connects to the first mounting slot 133, and the width of the second mounting slot 134 is smaller than that of the first mounting slot 133, a design that can accommodate even smaller connecting components. The second mounting slot 134 communicates with the surface of the first counterweight 131, meaning it can be easily connected to external components, and is also easy to install and remove. Because the mounting slot penetrates the counterweight 130, the user can quickly install or remove the counterweight 130 from the counterweight rod 110 or the support leg 210, improving the efficiency of the leveling operation.

[0046] Furthermore, the counterweight rod 110 includes a connecting rod 111, a first limiting block 112, and two second limiting blocks 113. One end of the connecting rod 111 is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat 120, and the other end is connected to the second limiting block 113. The two second limiting blocks 113 are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting rod 111. The first counterweight block 131 or the second counterweight block 132 can be embedded in the second limiting block 113 and abut against the first limiting block 112.

[0047] The connecting rod 111 connects the rotating seat 120 and the limiting block. One end of the connecting rod 111 is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat 120, and the other end is connected to the second limiting block 113. The first limiting block 112 restricts the position of the counterweight 130 on the connecting rod 111, ensuring that the counterweight 130 can be stably fixed after installation. Two second limiting blocks 113 are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting rod 111, used to cooperate with the counterweight 130 to achieve the embedding and fixing of the counterweight 130. The first counterweight 131 or the second counterweight 132 can be embedded in the second limiting block 113. This means that the design of the counterweight 130 matches the shape and size of the second limiting block 113, allowing for a tight fit. After the counterweight 130 is embedded in the second limiting block 113, it will abut against the first limiting block 112. This design ensures that the counterweight 130 is fixed on the connecting rod 111 by double limiting (the embedding of the second limiting block 113 and the abutment of the first limiting block 112), preventing it from loosening or shifting during use.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mounting part 220 includes two third limiting blocks 230 and two fourth limiting blocks 240. The first counterweight 131 can be embedded in one of the third limiting blocks 230 and abut against one of the fourth limiting blocks 240; the second counterweight 132 can be embedded in the other third limiting block 230 and abut against the other fourth limiting block 240.

[0049] The third limiting block 230 is used to restrict the position of the counterweight 130 on the support leg 210, ensuring its stable fixation after installation. The fourth limiting block 240 cooperates with the third limiting block 230 to further restrict the position of the counterweight 130, preventing it from loosening or shifting during use. The first counterweight 131 or the second counterweight 132 can be embedded in the third limiting block 230. This means that the design of the counterweight 130 matches the shape and size of the third limiting block 230, allowing for a tight fit. After being embedded in the third limiting block 230, the counterweight 130 abuts against the fourth limiting block 240. This design, through double limiting (the embedding of the third limiting block 230 and the abutment of the fourth limiting block 240), ensures that the position of the counterweight 130 on the support leg 210 is fixed, preventing it from loosening during use.

[0050] In some embodiments, the self-leveling device 100 further includes a first rotating structure 150 and a second rotating structure 160, the second rotating structure 160 being connected to the first rotating structure 150, the rotating seat 120 being connected to the second rotating structure 160, and the rotation directions of the first rotating structure 150 and the second rotating structure 160 being perpendicular to each other.

[0051] The first rotating structure 150 provides rotational capability in one direction, and the second rotating structure 160, connected to the first rotating structure 150, provides rotational capability in the other direction. The second rotating structure 160 is connected to the first rotating structure 150, and the rotating base 120 is connected to the second rotating structure 160. This design allows the rotating base 120 to rotate in both directions via the second rotating structure 160 and the first rotating structure 150.

[0052] Furthermore, the first rotating structure 150 includes a first hinge seat 151, which is connected to the tripod body 200. The first hinge seat 151 is provided with a first through hole 153 for the counterweight rod 110 to pass through. The second rotating structure 160 includes a second hinge seat 161, which is rotatably connected to the first hinge seat 151. The second hinge seat 161 is provided with a second through hole 162 for the counterweight rod 110 to pass through. The rotating seat 120 is rotatably connected to the second hinge seat 161.

[0053] The first hinge seat 151 is connected to the tripod body 200, serving to fix and support it. The first hinge seat 151 has a first through hole 153 for the counterweight rod 110 to pass through. This through hole design allows the counterweight rod 110 to move freely within the first hinge seat 151. The second hinge seat 161 is rotatably connected to the first hinge seat 151, and the second hinge seat 161 has a second through hole 162 for the counterweight rod 110 to pass through. This through hole design allows the counterweight rod 110 to move freely within the second hinge seat 161.

[0054] Furthermore, the first hinge seat 151 is provided with a receiving cavity 152 for the counterweight 130 to move.

[0055] A receiving cavity 152 is disposed within the first hinge seat 151, providing a dedicated space for the counterweight 130 to move. By providing the receiving cavity 152 within the first hinge seat 151, the counterweight 130 can move freely in the horizontal direction, further optimizing the tripod's leveling capability. The size and shape of the receiving cavity 152 determine the range of motion of the counterweight 130. The design of the receiving cavity 152 needs to ensure that the counterweight 130 can move freely within it while preventing it from falling out.

[0056] In some embodiments, the top of the counterweight 130 is provided with protrusions 140 spaced apart.

[0057] To prevent the tripod from tipping over, a counterweight 130 mounted on the legs 210 serves as a fulcrum for the user. When the equipment on the tripod is too heavy, the user can step on the counterweight 130 to prevent the tripod from tipping over. The protrusion 140 increases the friction between the counterweight 130 and the user's foot, preventing slippage when the user steps on the counterweight 130.

[0058] In some embodiments, the lower ends of the three legs 210 are provided with rotatable foot pads 250.

[0059] The rotatable feet 250 can be adjusted according to the slope or unevenness of the ground, allowing the tripod to better adapt to various terrains, including slopes, grass, sand, or uneven ground. By adjusting the angle of the feet 250, it can be ensured that each leg 210 of the tripod is firmly in contact with the ground, thereby improving the overall stability of the tripod.

[0060] The terms and words used in the foregoing description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the applicant to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tripod with a self-leveling device, characterized in that, include: A self-leveling device (100) includes a counterweight rod (110), a rotating seat (120), and three sets of counterweight blocks (130). The rotating seat (120) can rotate in the horizontal direction. One end of the counterweight rod (110) is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat (120), and the other end of the counterweight rod (110) is used for detachable connection with the counterweight blocks (130). The tripod body (200) has a ready-to-use state and a used state. The self-leveling device (100) is disposed on the tripod body (200). The tripod body (200) includes three legs (210). The legs (210) are provided with mounting parts (220) for mounting the counterweights (130). When all three sets of counterweights (130) are mounted on the mounting parts (220), the tripod body (200) is in the ready-to-use state. When one set of counterweights (130) is mounted on one end of the counterweight rod (110), the tripod body (200) is in the used state.

2. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight (130) includes a first counterweight (131) and a second counterweight (132), and the first counterweight (131) and the second counterweight (132) are the same in shape and size.

3. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first counterweight (131) is provided with a first mounting groove (133) and a second mounting groove (134) that pass through it. The first mounting groove (133) is connected to the second mounting groove (134). The width of the first mounting groove (133) is greater than the width of the second mounting groove (134). The second mounting groove (134) is in communication with the surface of the first counterweight (131).

4. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The counterweight rod (110) includes a connecting rod (111), a first limiting block (112), and two second limiting blocks (113). One end of the connecting rod (111) is connected to the rotation center of the rotating seat (120), and the other end is connected to the second limiting block (113). The two second limiting blocks (113) are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting rod (111). The first counterweight block (131) or the second counterweight block (132) can be embedded in the second limiting block (113) and abut against the first limiting block (112).

5. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting part (220) includes two third limiting blocks (230) and two fourth limiting blocks (240). The first counterweight (131) can be embedded in one of the third limiting blocks (230) and abut against one of the fourth limiting blocks (240); the second counterweight (132) can be embedded in the other third limiting block (230) and abut against the other fourth limiting block (240).

6. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The self-leveling device (100) further includes a first rotating structure (150) and a second rotating structure (160), the second rotating structure (160) being connected to the first rotating structure (150), the rotating seat (120) being connected to the second rotating structure (160), and the rotation directions of the first rotating structure (150) and the second rotating structure (160) being perpendicular to each other.

7. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first rotating structure (150) includes a first hinge seat (151), which is connected to the tripod body (200). The first hinge seat (151) has a first through hole (153) for the counterweight rod (110) to pass through. The second rotating structure (160) includes a second hinge seat (161), which is rotatably connected to the first hinge seat (151). The second hinge seat (161) has a second through hole (162) for the counterweight rod (110) to pass through. The rotating seat (120) is rotatably connected to the second hinge seat (161).

8. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first hinge seat (151) is provided with a receiving cavity (152) for the counterweight (130) to move.

9. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The top of the counterweight (130) is provided with protrusions (140) spaced apart.

10. A tripod with a self-leveling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The lower ends of the three legs (210) are provided with rotatable foot pads (250).