Modular equatorial and astronomical telescope

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of optical observation equipment, in particular to a modular equatorial telescope and an astronomical telescope. The modular equatorial telescope comprises a base and a rotating module, and the rotating module comprises a first rotating module and a second rotating module. The modular equatorial telescope has a single-shaft mode and a double-shaft mode. In the single-shaft mode, the first rotating module is connected with the base to form a single-shaft equatorial telescope. In the double-shaft mode, the first rotating module is connected with the base and the second rotating module to form a double-shaft equatorial telescope. The application has the effect that the modular equatorial telescope can be flexibly combined into a single-shaft equatorial telescope or a double-shaft equatorial telescope according to the needs of users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical observation equipment technology, and in particular to a modular equatorial mount and astronomical telescope. Background Technology

[0002] During astronomical observation, celestial objects appear to move slowly within the field of view of a typical astronomical telescope due to the Earth's rotation. In manual observation, the telescope can be slowly rotated to track the object. However, for long-exposure astrophotography or precise astronomical observation, an equatorial mount is required for automatic tracking.

[0003] An equatorial mount is an instrument used for astronomical observation, capable of automatically tracking celestial objects and keeping the telescope always pointed at the target object. Traditional equatorial mounts are generally divided into single-axis and dual-axis types. Single-axis equatorial mounts can only track along the right ascension direction, while dual-axis equatorial mounts can be adjusted along both right ascension and declination. Currently, equatorial mounts on the market often require buyers to specify whether they are single-axis or dual-axis at the time of purchase, lacking flexibility.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, existing equatorial mounts have the drawback that they cannot be flexibly combined into single-axis or dual-axis equatorial mounts according to user needs. Utility Model Content

[0005] To facilitate users in flexibly combining equatorial mounts into single-axis or dual-axis equatorial mounts as needed, this application provides a modular equatorial mount and astronomical telescope.

[0006] On the one hand, the modular equatorial mount provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A modular equatorial mount, including

[0008] Base;

[0009] The rotating module includes a first rotating module and a second rotating module; the modular equatorial mount has a single-axis mode and a dual-axis mode. In the single-axis mode, the first rotating module is connected to the base to form a single-axis equatorial mount. In the dual-axis mode, the second rotating module is connected to the first rotating module so that the first rotating module, the second rotating module, and the base form a dual-axis equatorial mount.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the first rotating module, the second rotating module and the base can be flexibly assembled into a single-axis equatorial mount or a dual-axis equatorial mount according to the user's actual needs. Compared with the integrated single-axis or dual-axis equatorial mount, it has a wider range of applications and higher practical value.

[0011] Optionally, the modular equatorial mount further includes a counterweight rod, a mounting bracket, and a tripod. One end of the counterweight rod is provided with a counterweight. The counterweight rod and the counterweight are used to balance the modular equatorial mount. The mounting bracket is used to connect with the observation equipment, and the tripod is used to support the modular equatorial mount. In the single-axis mode, the first surface of the first rotating module is connected to the base, the base is connected to the tripod, and the third surface of the first rotating module opposite to the first surface is connected to the mounting bracket. In the dual-axis mode, the first surface of the first rotating module is connected to the base, the base is connected to the tripod, the first surface of the second rotating module is connected to the mounting bracket, the second surface of the second rotating module adjacent to the first surface is connected to the third surface of the first rotating module opposite to the first surface, and the third surface of the second rotating module opposite to the first surface is connected to the end of the counterweight rod away from the counterweight.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the modularly designed counterweight rod, the mounting bracket, and the tripod facilitate user operation and installation; the counterweight rod and the counterweight can effectively balance the center of gravity of the modular equatorial mount in different modes, preventing the modular equatorial mount from tipping over due to center of gravity shift, thereby improving the stability and observation accuracy of the modular equatorial mount.

[0013] Optionally, the first rotating module includes a first housing, a first motor is disposed within the first housing, a first reducer is disposed on a first surface of the first housing, and the output shaft of the first motor is connected to the input end of the first reducer; the second rotating module includes a second housing, a second motor is disposed within the second housing, a second reducer is disposed on a first surface of the second housing, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to the input end of the second reducer; wherein, in the single-axis mode, the output end of the first reducer is connected to the base, and in the dual-axis mode, the output end of the first reducer is connected to the base, and the output end of the second reducer is connected to the mounting bracket.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the motor provides power to the reducer, and the reducer reduces the speed and increases the torque, enabling the modular equatorial mount to track celestial bodies stably and accurately.

[0015] Optionally, the first rotating module further includes a first connecting member, and the second rotating module further includes a second connecting member; wherein, in the single-axis mode, the card holder is connected to the third surface of the first housing opposite to the first surface via the first connecting member; in the dual-axis mode, the second surface of the second housing adjacent to the first surface is connected to the third surface of the first housing opposite to the first surface via the first connecting member; and the end of the counterweight rod away from the counterweight is connected to the third surface of the second housing opposite to the first surface via the second connecting member.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution and using the first connector and the second connector, the modular equatorial mount can be flexibly switched between the single-axis module and the dual-axis mode, and the conversion and assembly are more convenient.

[0017] Optionally, the first housing has a first power pin and a first signal pin on its second surface adjacent to the first surface, and a first power port and a first signal port on its third surface opposite to the first surface; the second housing has a second power pin and a second signal pin on its second surface adjacent to the first surface, and a second power port and a second signal port on its third surface opposite to the first surface; wherein, in the dual-axis mode, the first power port is connected to the second power pin for transmitting electrical energy between the first rotating module and the second rotating module; the first signal port is connected to the second signal pin for transmitting signals between the first rotating module and the second rotating module.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, in the dual-axis mode, the first rotating module and the second rotating module can transmit electrical energy through the first power connector and the second power pin, and can transmit signals through the first signal connector and the second signal pin. This design enables the first rotating module and the second rotating module to communicate and operate synchronously in real time, thereby achieving more accurate celestial tracking and celestial positioning.

[0019] Optionally, a first power interface and a first signal interface are provided on a fourth surface adjacent to the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface of the first housing, and a second power interface and a second signal interface are provided on a fourth surface adjacent to the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface of the second housing. The first power interface and the second power interface are both used to connect to an external power source, and the first signal interface and the second signal interface are both used to connect to an external device to receive signals.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, both the first rotating module and the second rotating module have the power interface and the signal interface. In this way, regardless of whether it is the single-axis mode or the dual-axis mode, the rotating module can be powered by an external source and receive external signals. This not only improves the flexibility of the modular equatorial mount, but also enhances the independence and reliability of the rotating module. Furthermore, if the power interface or signal interface of one rotating module fails, the other rotating module can still work normally, reducing the impact of sudden failures on observation.

[0021] Optionally, the first housing contains a first circuit board, which is electrically connected to the first power pin, the first signal pin, the first power port, the first signal port, the first power interface, and the first signal interface for transmitting power and transmitting signals; the second housing contains a second circuit board, which is electrically connected to the second power pin, the second signal pin, the second power port, the second signal port, the second power interface, and the second signal interface for transmitting power and transmitting signals.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection of pins, holes and interfaces with the circuit board provides a foundation for integrating more control components (such as processors, motor drivers, etc.), which facilitates the intelligent control of the modular equatorial mount.

[0023] Optionally, both the first and second circuit boards are equipped with processors, which are used to control the modular equatorial mount according to a preset program; both the first and second circuit boards are equipped with motor drivers, which are used to control the opening and closing and rotation speed of the first and second motors, respectively; both the first and second circuit boards are equipped with triaxial accelerometers and non-contact limit sensors, the triaxial accelerometers are used to measure the pitch angle of the rotation module, and one axis of the triaxial accelerometers coincides with the rotation axis of the rotation module; the non-contact limit sensors are used to prevent the rotation module from over-rotating.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the processor can automatically identify the single-axis mode and the dual-axis mode of the modular equatorial mount according to the preset program and the received signal, and can control the modular equatorial mount to automatically track celestial bodies according to the preset program. The triaxial accelerometer can measure the pitch angle of the rotation module, and the non-contact limit sensor can effectively prevent the rotation module from over-rotating, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the modular equatorial mount.

[0025] Optionally, a first display screen connected to the first circuit board is provided on the fifth surface of the first housing opposite to the second surface, and the first display screen is used to display the pitch angle of the first rotating module; a second display screen connected to the second circuit board is provided on the fifth surface of the second housing opposite to the second surface, and the second display screen is used to display the pitch angle of the second rotating module.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the first display screen and the second display screen respectively display the pitch angle of their respective rotating modules. During operation, the user can intuitively understand the attitude of each rotating module, which facilitates quick adjustment and setting of the modular equatorial mount.

[0027] On the other hand, this application also provides an astronomical telescope that adopts the following technical solution:

[0028] An astronomical telescope having the aforementioned modular equatorial mount.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution and applying the modular equatorial mount to the astronomical telescope, users can flexibly choose between single-axis and dual-axis observation modes as needed. For amateur astronauts observing celestial bodies, the single-axis observation mode is more convenient and allows for faster assembly and setup. When precise observation of celestial bodies is required, or when long-exposure astrophotography is needed, the dual-axis observation mode provides more accurate results and better observation effects.

[0030] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0031] 1. The first rotating module, the second rotating module, and the base can be flexibly assembled into a single-axis or dual-axis equatorial mount according to the user's actual needs. Compared with the integrated single-axis or dual-axis equatorial mount, it has a wider range of applications and higher practical value.

[0032] 2. The modular design of the counterweight rod, the mounting bracket, and the tripod facilitates user operation and installation; the counterweight rod and the counterweight can effectively balance the center of gravity of the modular equatorial mount in different modes, preventing the modular equatorial mount from tipping over due to center of gravity shift, thus improving the stability and observation accuracy of the modular equatorial mount;

[0033] 3. In the dual-axis mode, the first rotating module and the second rotating module can transmit electrical energy through the first power connector and the second power pin, and can transmit signals through the first signal connector and the second signal pin. This design enables the first rotating module and the second rotating module to communicate and operate synchronously in real time, thereby achieving more accurate celestial tracking and celestial positioning.

[0034] 4. Applying the modular equatorial mount to the astronomical telescope allows users to flexibly choose between single-axis and dual-axis observation modes as needed. For amateur astronauts observing celestial bodies, single-axis observation mode is more convenient and faster to assemble and debug. For precise observations or long-exposure astrophotography, dual-axis observation mode provides more accurate results and better observation effects. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a modular equatorial mount in dual-axis mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a modular equatorial mount in dual-axis mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a modular equatorial mount in dual-axis mode according to an embodiment of this application from another angle;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a modular equatorial mount in single-axis mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10, base; 20, first rotating module; 21, first housing; 21a, first power interface; 21b, first signal interface; 21c, first display screen; 22, first connector; 23, first circuit board; 24, first motor; 25, first reducer; 30, second rotating module; 31, second housing; 31a, second power interface; 31b, second signal interface; 31c, second display screen; 32, second connector; 33, second circuit board; 34, second motor; 35, second reducer; 40, counterweight rod; 41, counterweight body; 50, mounting base; 60, tripod. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0041] This application discloses a modular equatorial mount.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 The modular equatorial mount includes a base 10, a rotating module, a counterweight rod 40, a mounting bracket 50, and a tripod 60. The rotating module includes a first rotating module 20 and a second rotating module 30.

[0043] The modular equatorial mount has single-axis and dual-axis modes, which will be discussed below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The dual-axis mode of the modular equatorial mount is described below. The dual-axis mode of the modular equatorial mount is composed of the base 10, the first rotating module 20, the second rotating module 30, the counterweight rod 40, the mounting base 50, and the tripod 60. The first surface of the first rotating module 20 is connected to the base 10. The first surface of the second rotating module 30 is connected to the mounting base 50. The second surface of the second rotating module 30 adjacent to the first surface is connected to the third surface of the first rotating module 20 opposite to the first surface. The third surface of the second rotating module 30 opposite to the first surface is connected to one end of the counterweight rod 40.

[0044] The first rotating module 20 includes a first housing 21 and a first connector 22. A first motor 24 is housed inside the first housing 21, and a first reducer 25 is located on a first surface of the first housing 21. The output shaft of the first motor 24 is connected to the input end of the first reducer 25, and the output end of the first reducer 25 is connected to the base 10. The base 10 is connected to the tripod 60. The first motor 24 and the first reducer 25 are used to control the first rotating module 20 to slowly rotate relative to the base 10 to track a target celestial body.

[0045] The second rotating module 30 includes a second housing 31 and a second connector 32. A second motor 34 is housed inside the second housing 31, and a second reducer 35 is located on the first surface of the second housing 31. The output shaft of the second motor 34 is connected to the input end of the second reducer 35, and the output end of the second reducer 35 is connected to the mounting bracket 50. The second motor 34 and the second reducer 35 are used to control the second rotating module 30 to slowly rotate relative to the mounting bracket 50 to track a target celestial object. The mounting bracket 50 can be connected to observation equipment such as astronomical telescopes.

[0046] The second surface of the second housing 31 adjacent to the first surface and the third surface of the first housing 21 opposite to the first surface are connected by the first connector 22. The third surface of the second housing 31 opposite to the first surface is connected to one end of the counterweight rod 40 by the second connector 32. The end of the counterweight rod 40 away from the second connector 32 is provided with a counterweight 41. The counterweight rod 40 and the counterweight 41 can effectively balance the center of gravity of the modular equatorial mount in different modes, prevent the modular equatorial mount from tipping over due to the shift of the center of gravity, and improve the stability and observation accuracy of the modular equatorial mount.

[0047] The first housing 21 has a first power pin and a first signal pin on its second surface adjacent to the first surface. The first housing 21 also has a first power connector and a first signal connector on its third surface opposite to the first surface. The second housing 31 has a second power pin and a second signal pin on its second surface adjacent to the first surface. The second housing 31 also has a second power connector and a second signal connector on its third surface opposite to the first surface. Generally, there are two power pins and two power connectors, and generally four signal pins and four signal connectors. The second power pin connects to the first power connector and is used to transmit electrical energy between the first rotating module 20 and the second rotating module 30. The second signal pin connects to the first signal connector and is used to transmit signals between the first rotating module 20 and the second rotating module 30. Other devices can be connected to the first power pin and the first signal pin.

[0048] The first housing 21 has a first power interface 21a and a first signal interface 21b on its fourth surface, which is adjacent to the first, second, and third surfaces. The second housing 31 has a second power interface 31a and a second signal interface 31b on its fourth surface, which is also adjacent to the first, second, and third surfaces. Both the first power interface 21a and the second power interface 31a are used to connect to an external power source, and both the first signal interface 21b and the second signal interface 31b are used to connect to the astronomical telescope or other external devices to receive signals.

[0049] The first housing 21 also contains a first circuit board 23, which is electrically connected to the first power pin, the first signal pin, the first power connector, the first signal connector, the first power interface 21a, and the first signal interface 21b. The second housing 31 also contains a second circuit board 33, which is electrically connected to the second power pin, the second signal pin, the second power connector, the second signal connector, the second power interface 31a, and the second signal interface 31b. Both the first circuit board 23 and the second circuit board 33 have processors for controlling the electronic components connected to them. Both the first circuit board 23 and the second circuit board 33 have motor drivers for controlling the opening and closing of the first motor 24 and the rotational speed of the second motor 34.

[0050] Both the first circuit board 23 and the second circuit board 33 are equipped with a non-contact limit sensor and a triaxial accelerometer. The non-contact limit sensor can effectively prevent the first rotation module 20 and the second rotation module 30 from over-rotating, improving the safety and reliability of the modular equatorial mount. The triaxial accelerometer can measure the pitch angle of the first rotation module 20 and the second rotation module 30. One axis of the triaxial accelerometer coincides with the rotation axis of the rotation module.

[0051] A first display screen 21c, connected to the first circuit board 23, is provided on the fifth surface of the first housing 21 opposite to the second surface. The first display screen 21c is used to display the pitch angle of the first rotation module 20. A second display screen 31c, connected to the second circuit board 33, is provided on the fifth surface of the second housing 31 opposite to the second surface. The second display screen 31c is used to display the pitch angle of the second rotation module 30.

[0052] Reference Figure 4 The single-axis mode of the modular equatorial mount is composed of the base 10, the first rotating module 20, the mounting bracket 50, and the tripod 60. The first surface of the first rotating module 20 is connected to the base 10, the base 10 is connected to the tripod 60, and the third surface of the first rotating module 20 opposite to the first surface is connected to the mounting bracket 50 through the first connector 22.

[0053] The implementation principle of a modular equatorial mount in this application embodiment is as follows: the first rotating module 20, the second rotating module 30, and the base 10, etc., can be flexibly assembled into a single-axis equatorial mount or a dual-axis equatorial mount according to the user's actual needs. Compared with the integrated single-axis or dual-axis equatorial mount, it has a wider range of applications and higher practical value.

[0054] This application also discloses an astronomical telescope having the modular equatorial mount.

[0055] The implementation principle of an astronomical telescope according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: The modular equatorial mount is applied to the astronomical telescope, allowing the telescope to flexibly select between single-axis and dual-axis observation modes as needed. For amateur astronauts observing celestial bodies, the single-axis observation mode is more convenient and allows for faster assembly and setup. When precise observation of celestial bodies is required, or when long-exposure astrophotography is needed, the dual-axis observation mode provides more accurate results and better observation effects.

[0056] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A modular equatorial mount, characterized in that, include: Base (10); The rotating module includes a first rotating module (20) and a second rotating module (30); the modular equatorial mount has a single-axis mode and a dual-axis mode. In the single-axis mode, the first rotating module (20) is connected to the base (10) to form a single-axis equatorial mount. In the dual-axis mode, the second rotating module (30) is connected to the first rotating module (20) so that the first rotating module (20), the second rotating module (30) and the base (10) form a dual-axis equatorial mount.

2. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a counterweight rod (40), a mounting bracket (50), and a tripod (60). One end of the counterweight rod (40) is provided with a counterweight (41). The counterweight rod (40) and the counterweight (41) are used to balance the modular equatorial mount. The mounting bracket (50) is used to connect with the observation equipment, and the tripod (60) is used to support the modular equatorial mount. In the single-axis mode, the first surface of the first rotating module (20) is connected to the base (10), and the base (10) is connected to the tripod (60). The third surface of the first rotating module (20) opposite to the first surface is... The first surface of the first rotating module (20) is connected to the card holder (50); in the dual-axis mode, the first surface of the first rotating module (20) is connected to the base (10), the base (10) is connected to the tripod (60), the first surface of the second rotating module (30) is connected to the card holder (50), the second surface of the second rotating module (30) adjacent to the first surface is connected to the third surface of the first rotating module (20) opposite to the first surface, and the third surface of the second rotating module (30) opposite to the first surface is connected to the end of the counterweight rod (40) away from the counterweight (41).

3. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first rotating module (20) includes a first housing (21), a first motor (24) is provided inside the first housing (21), a first reducer (25) is provided on the first surface of the first housing (21), and the output shaft of the first motor (24) is connected to the input end of the first reducer (25); the second rotating module (30) includes a second housing (31), a second motor (34) is provided inside the second housing (31), a second reducer (35) is provided on the first surface of the second housing (31), and the output shaft of the second motor (34) is connected to the input end of the second reducer (35); wherein, in the single-axis mode, the output end of the first reducer (25) is connected to the base (10), and in the dual-axis mode, the output end of the first reducer (25) is connected to the base (10), and the output end of the second reducer (35) is connected to the card holder (50).

4. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rotating module (20) further includes a first connector (22), and the second rotating module (30) further includes a second connector (32); wherein, in the single-axis mode, the card holder (50) is connected to the third surface of the first housing (21) opposite to the first surface through the first connector (22), and in the dual-axis mode, the second surface of the second housing (31) adjacent to the first surface is connected to the third surface of the first housing (21) opposite to the first surface through the first connector (22), and the end of the counterweight rod (40) away from the counterweight (41) is connected to the third surface of the second housing (31) opposite to the first surface through the second connector (32).

5. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first housing (21) has a first power supply pin and a first signal pin on the second surface adjacent to the first surface, and a first power connection hole and a first signal connection hole on the third surface opposite to the first surface; the second housing (31) has a second power supply pin and a second signal pin on the second surface adjacent to the first surface, and a second power connection hole and a second signal connection hole on the third surface opposite to the first surface; wherein, in the dual-axis mode, the first power connection hole is connected to the second power supply pin for transmitting electrical energy between the first rotating module (20) and the second rotating module (30); the first signal connection hole is connected to the second signal pin for transmitting signals between the first rotating module (20) and the second rotating module (30).

6. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first housing (21) has a first power interface (21a) and a first signal interface (21b) on a fourth surface adjacent to the first surface, the second surface and the third surface. The second housing (31) has a second power interface (31a) and a second signal interface (31b) on a fourth surface adjacent to the first surface, the second surface and the third surface. The first power interface (21a) and the second power interface (31a) are both used to connect to an external power source. The first signal interface (21b) and the second signal interface (31b) are both used to connect to an external device to receive signals.

7. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first housing (21) is provided with a first circuit board (23), which is electrically connected to the first power pin, the first signal pin, the first power port, the first signal port, the first power interface (21a) and the first signal interface (21b) for transmitting power and transmitting signals; the second housing (31) is provided with a second circuit board (33), which is electrically connected to the second power pin, the second signal pin, the second power port, the second signal port, the second power interface (31a) and the second signal interface (31b) for transmitting power and transmitting signals.

8. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first circuit board (23) and the second circuit board (33) are equipped with processors, which are used to control the modular equatorial mount according to a preset program; both the first circuit board (23) and the second circuit board (33) are equipped with motor drivers, which are used to control the opening and closing and the rotation speed of the first motor (24) and the second motor respectively; both the first circuit board (23) and the second circuit board (33) are equipped with triaxial accelerometers and non-contact limit sensors, the triaxial accelerometers are used to measure the pitch angle of the rotating module, and one axis of the triaxial accelerometers coincides with the rotation axis of the rotating module; the non-contact limit sensors are used to prevent the rotating module from rotating excessively.

9. The modular equatorial mount according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first housing (21) has a first display screen (21c) on the fifth surface opposite to the second surface, which is connected to the first circuit board (23). The first display screen (21c) is used to display the pitch angle of the first rotating module (20). The second housing (31) has a second display screen (31c) on the fifth surface opposite to the second surface, which is connected to the second circuit board (33). The second display screen (31c) is used to display the pitch angle of the second rotating module (30).

10. An astronomical telescope, characterized in that, It has a modular equatorial mount as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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