Support tube, selfie stick and photo tripod for photo equipment

Abstract

Support tube for photographic equipment, characterized in that it comprises a tube body (1) wherein the tube body (1) comprises a metal inner tube (11) embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube (12) attached in one piece to the periphery of the metal inner tube (11).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of photographic equipment, in particular support tubes, selfie sticks and photo tripods for photographic equipment. Background technology

[0002] The existing photographic equipment on the market, such as selfie sticks and tripod tubes, typically uses standardized carbon fiber or metal tubes for their bodies. Carbon fiber tubes have low structural strength and insufficient bending strength; while pure metal tubes possess high structural strength, they are heavy and therefore impractical for transport. This creates a need to design a support tube for photographic equipment that offers high structural strength while remaining lightweight.

[0003] Carbon fiber-clad metal tubes solve the problems of poor structural performance and low flexural strength inherent in carbon fiber tubes, while pure metal tubes are expensive and heavy. The outer layer of carbon fiber also possesses self-lubricating properties, enabling smooth drawing of the top and bottom layers of the carbon fiber-clad metal tubes. The flexural strength of carbon fiber-clad metal tubes can reach 2.2 times that of carbon fiber tubes of the same size, and they are lighter than pure metal tubes. Content of the utility model

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is that existing tube bodies for photographic equipment do not have both high structural strength and low weight, and thus to provide support tubes, selfie sticks and photo tripods for photographic equipment.

[0005] The technical solution to the aforementioned technical problems is as follows: Support tube for photographic equipment, comprising a tube body, wherein the tube body includes a metal inner tube embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube attached in one piece to the periphery of the metal inner tube.

[0006] Furthermore, the thickness of the carbon fiber outer tube is 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0007] Furthermore, the thickness of the carbon fiber outer tube is 0.5 mm.

[0008] Furthermore, the contact surface of the metal inner tube and the carbon fiber outer tube has a rough surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the carbon fiber outer tube is bonded to the periphery of the metal inner tube.

[0010] Furthermore, the tube body is equipped with several layers in succession from the inside out, wherein adjacent layers of the tube body are arranged to be axially telescopic; wherein each layer of the tube body comprises a metal inner tube embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube attached in one piece to the periphery of the metal inner tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the support tube also includes an elastic friction sleeve, which is arranged between two adjacent layers of the tube body and is moved synchronously with the outer tube body.

[0012] Furthermore, the support tube also has an elastic damping structure arranged between two adjacent layers of the tube body, the adjacent tube bodies being configured as an inner tube and an outer tube, respectively; the elastic damping structure comprising a damping element and an elastic element, the damping element being arranged between the end of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube, the elastic element bearing against the damping element at one end and against the inner wall of the inner tube at the other end, the elastic force of the elastic element pressing the inner tube, the damping element, and the outer tube firmly against each other, such that the damping element provides frictional damping with the inner wall of the outer tube, the inner tube sliding along the inner wall of the outer tube through the damping element and being held in the relative position after sliding by the damping element.

[0013] Selfie stick, wherein the selfie stick comprises a support tube for photographic equipment as mentioned above and a connector mechanism attached to the support tube and used for mounting the photographic equipment.

[0014] Photo tripod, wherein the monopod photo tripod includes the support tube for photographic equipment as mentioned above, as well as a gimbal mechanism attached to the support tube and used for mounting the photographic equipment.

[0015] The technical solution of this utility model offers the following advantages: The tube body used for photographic equipment in the application consists of a carbon fiber outer tube encasing a metal inner tube. Compared to a pure carbon fiber tube of the same size, it offers higher structural strength and better flexural strength. Compared to a pure metal tube of the same size, the overall weight is lighter, which facilitates transport. Furthermore, the outer carbon fiber tube has a self-lubricating property. When the inner and outer layers of the tube body slide relative to each other, the carbon fiber outer tube on the outside of the inner tube body and the metal inner tube on the inside of the outer tube body form a friction pair with a low coefficient of friction, resulting in smoother extension between the two tube bodies. It can be widely used as a support tube for selfie sticks, tripods, and other photographic accessories. Figures

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings that must be used in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art are briefly presented below. Naturally, the drawings in the following description represent some embodiments of the present utility model. Other drawings can be obtained by the person skilled in the art based on these drawings without any creative effort. Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tube body of the support tube in the embodiment of the present utility model; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the three-dimensional structure of the selfie stick in the embodiment of the present utility model; Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the selfie stick in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Illustration of the symbols in the attached drawings: 1. Tube body; 11. Metal inner tube; 12. Carbon fiber outer tube; 1a. First tube body layer; 1b. Second tube body layer; 1c. Third tube body layer; 1d. Fourth tube body layer; 1e. Fifth tube body layer; 2a. First friction sleeve; 2b. Second friction sleeve; 2c. Third friction sleeve; 2d. Fourth friction sleeve; 31. Damping element; 32. Elastic element; 4. Screw connector; 5. Upper connector; 6. Lower connector; 7. Handle sleeve. Specific embodiments

[0018] The technical solutions of this utility model are clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are, of course, part of the embodiments of this utility model and not all embodiments. Starting from the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could achieve without inventive work fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0019] When describing the utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inside," "outside," etc., refer to orientations or positions shown in the accompanying drawings or to the orientations or positions in which the subject matter of the application is typically arranged in use. These terms serve only to facilitate and simplify the description of the application and are not intended to indicate or imply that the arrangement or component referred to has a specific orientation or must be constructed and operated in a particular manner. Therefore, they are not to be understood as limiting the utility model. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be interpreted as indicating or implying any relative meaning.

[0020] When describing the utility model, it should be noted that, unless expressly stated and defined otherwise, the terms "installation," "connection," and "connection" are to be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a permanent connection, a detachable connection, or a bonded connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; and they may refer to communication between two components. For a person skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the aforementioned terms in the context of the utility model is readily apparent in each individual case.

[0021] As in Fig. In the exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, a support tube for photographic equipment is provided, comprising a tube body 1, wherein the tube body 1 includes a metal inner tube 11 embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube 12 integrally attached to the periphery of the metal inner tube 11. The metal inner tube 11 can be made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or another metallic material, and the contact surface between the metal inner tube 11 and the carbon fiber outer tube 12 is rough. The carbon fiber outer tube 12 is adhesively bonded to the periphery of the metal inner tube 11, the thickness of the carbon fiber outer tube 12 being 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the carbon fiber outer tube 12 is 0.5 mm.

[0022] During the manufacture of this tube body used for photographic equipment, it must be ensured that the adhesive strength between the metal inner tube 11 and the carbon fiber outer tube 12 is sufficiently high. First, the outer surface of the metal inner tube 11 must be roughened by mechanical processes such as sandblasting or grinding to create a microscopically rough anchoring surface and increase the bonding area. If the metal inner tube 11 is made of aluminum alloy, anodizing can be used to form a rough, porous oxide layer on the surface of the metal inner tube 11 to improve the mechanical interlocking and chemical bond with the adhesive.A special coupling or primer layer is then applied to the treated surface of the metal inner tube 11. Functional groups of the coupling or primer layer bond to the metal surface at one end, while functional groups at the other end react with the subsequent epoxy resin matrix to significantly enhance the chemical bond at the interface and the environmental resistance. A carbon fiber bundle previously impregnated with epoxy resin is then wound around the periphery of the metal inner tube 11. After winding, the carbon fiber bundle is cured by heating, causing the epoxy resin to chemically react and harden. The carbon fiber bundle encloses the metal inner tube 11, forming the carbon fiber outer tube 12. The carbon fiber outer tube 12 and the metal inner tube 11 thus form a single-piece tube body 1.

[0023] This tube body, used for photographic equipment, consists of a carbon fiber outer tube 12 encasing a metal inner tube 11. Compared to a pure carbon fiber tube of the same size, it offers higher structural strength and better flexural strength. Compared to a pure metal tube of the same size, the overall weight is lighter, which facilitates transport.

[0024] The embodiment of the present utility model also provides a selfie stick as described in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the selfie stick, which includes the support tube for photographic equipment as described above. The support tube is equipped from the inside out with several axially telescoping layers of tube bodies 1, each layer comprising a metal inner tube 11 embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube 12 integrally attached to the periphery of the metal inner tube 11. The outer carbon fiber outer tube 12 also possesses self-lubricating properties. During relative sliding of the inner and outer layers of the tube body 1, the carbon fiber outer tube 12 on the outside of the inner tube body 1 and the metal inner tube 11 on the inside of the outer tube body 1 form a friction pair with a low coefficient of friction, thus facilitating smoother extension between the two tube bodies 1. It can be widely used as a support tube for selfie sticks, tripods, and other photographic accessories.

[0025] The support tube also includes an elastic friction sleeve, which is positioned between two adjacent layers of the tube body 1 and moves synchronously with the outer tube body 1. The friction sleeve is typically made of an elastic, non-metallic material. Its main function is to enable the locking and positioning of the adjacent layers of the tube body 1 by generating controllable frictional forces. Under pressure, the friction sleeve deforms and conforms tightly to the inner wall of the outer tube body 1 and the outer wall of the inner tube body 1, thereby generating sufficient frictional force to fix the inner tube body 1 in place and prevent it from slipping out of position.At the same time, the friction sleeve between the metal inner tube 11 of the outer tube body 1 and the carbon fiber outer tube 12 of the inner tube body 1 can reduce the hard friction and protect the surface of the tube body 1.

[0026] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 In some embodiments, the support tube is equipped, from the inside out, with axially telescoping first tube body layer 1a, second tube body layer 1b, third tube body layer 1c, fourth tube body layer 1d, and fifth tube body layer 1e, successively. The friction sleeve comprises a first friction sleeve 2a elastically arranged between the first tube body layer 1a and the second tube body layer 1b, a second friction sleeve 2b elastically arranged between the second tube body layer 1b and the third tube body layer 1c, a third friction sleeve 2c elastically arranged between the third tube body layer 1c and the fourth tube body layer 1d, and a fourth friction sleeve 2d elastically arranged between the fourth tube body layer 1d and the fifth tube body layer 1e. Furthermore, there are unavoidable small tolerances between the inner diameter of the outer tube body 1 and the periphery of the inner tube body 1 during the manufacturing process.The elasticity of the friction sleeve can compensate for these dimensional tolerances and thus ensure the stability of the relative movement between the outer and inner tube body 1 as well as the reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0027] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. In some embodiments, the support tube 3 also includes an elastic damping structure arranged between any two adjacent tube bodies 1. The elastic damping structure consists of a damping element 31 and an elastic element 32. Using the example of the elastic damping structure between the first tube body layer 1a and the second tube body layer 1b, the damping element 31 is arranged between the end of the first tube body layer 1a and the inner wall of the second tube body layer 1b. One end of the elastic element 32 rests against the damping element 31, and the other end against the inner wall of the first tube body layer 1a. The elastic force of the elastic element 32 presses the first tube body layer 1a, the damping element 31, and the second tube body layer 1b tightly together, so that frictional damping occurs between the damping element 31 and the inner wall of the second tube body layer 1b.The first pipe body layer 1a slides over the damping element 31 along the inner wall of the second pipe body layer 1b and remains in the relative position assumed after sliding due to the damping element 31. The elastic damping structure between any other two layers of the pipe body 1 is identical to the elastic damping structure between the first pipe body layer 1a and the second pipe body layer 1b.

[0028] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In some embodiments, the selfie stick also includes a connector mechanism attached to the support tube for mounting photographic equipment. The inner wall of the upper end of the first tube body layer 1a is provided with an internal thread. The connector mechanism comprises a screw connector 4, which is screwed at one end to the internal thread of the inner wall of the upper end of the first tube body layer 1a, and an upper connector 5 nested on the first tube body layer 1a and the screw connector 4. The upwardly projecting threaded end of the screw connector 4 serves to attach cameras or other photographic equipment.In other alternative embodiments, the connector mechanism for attaching the photographic equipment is not limited to the above-mentioned structures of the screw connector 4 and the upper connector 5, but may also include quick-release plate mechanisms, clamping mechanisms, suction cup mechanisms, gimbal locking mechanisms or other structural forms, as long as they allow the attachment of the photographic equipment.

[0029] As in Fig. 2 and Fig.3 In some embodiments, an internal thread structure is provided on the inner wall of the lower end of the fifth tube body layer 1e. The selfie stick also includes a connector 6, the connector 6 being screwed to the inner wall of the lower end of the fifth tube body layer 1e via the internal thread. The connector 6 serves to attach the lower end of the support tube to a base or other lower support element. A non-slip grip sleeve 7 is also provided around the periphery of the fifth tube body layer 1e.

[0030] The embodiment of the present utility model also provides a camera tripod, wherein the monopod camera tripod comprises the support tube for photographic equipment as mentioned above, as well as a gimbal mechanism attached to the support tube and used for mounting the photographic equipment. The main difference between a camera tripod and a selfie stick is that the selfie stick is a handheld aid for taking photographs, while the camera tripod is a ground-supported, non-handheld aid for taking photographs. The camera tripod can be a monopod or a three-legged camera tripod.

[0031] In summary, the present utility model provides a support tube, selfie stick, and photo tripod for photographic equipment, wherein this tube body 1 consists of a carbon fiber outer tube 12 encasing a metal inner tube 11. Compared to a pure carbon fiber tube of the same size, it offers higher structural strength and better flexural strength. Compared to a pure metal tube of the same size, the overall weight is lighter, which facilitates transport. Furthermore, the outer carbon fiber tube 12 has a self-lubricating property. During the relative sliding of the inner and outer layers of the tube body 1, the carbon fiber outer tube 12 on the outside of the inner tube body 1 and the metal inner tube 11 on the inside of the outer tube body 1 form a friction pair with a low coefficient of friction, thus enabling smoother extension between the two tube bodies 1.It can be widely used as a support tube for selfie sticks, photo tripods and other photographic aids.

[0032] It is clear that the foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the possible embodiments. The person skilled in the art could easily imagine other variations or modifications in various forms based on the above description. There is neither the need nor the possibility to exhaust all embodiments here. The obvious modifications or variations thus derived remain within the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

[1] Support tube for photographic equipment, characterized by , that it comprises a tube body (1) wherein the tube body (1) comprises a metal inner tube (11) embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube (12) attached in one piece to the periphery of the metal inner tube (11). [2] Support tube for photographic equipment according to claim 1, characterized by , that the thickness of the carbon fiber outer tube (12) is 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. [3] Support tube for photographic equipment according to claim 1, characterized by , that the contact surface of the metal inner tube (11) and the carbon fiber outer tube (12) has a rough surface. [4] Support tube for photographic equipment according to claim 1, characterized by , that the carbon fiber outer tube (12) is bonded to the periphery of the metal inner tube (11). [5] Support tube for photographic equipment according to claim 1, characterized by, that the tube body (1) is equipped with several layers successively from the inside out, wherein adjacent layers of the tube body (1) are arranged axially telescopically; wherein each layer of the tube body (1) comprises a metal inner tube (11) embedded in the inner layer and a carbon fiber outer tube (12) attached in one piece to the periphery of the metal inner tube (11). [6] Support tube for photographic equipment according to claim 5, characterized by , that the support tube also includes an elastic friction sleeve which is arranged between two adjacent layers of the tube body (1) and is moved synchronously with the outer tube body (1). [7] Support tube for photographic equipment according to claim 6, characterized by, that the support tube further comprises an elastic damping structure arranged between two adjacent layers of the tube body (1), wherein the adjacent tube bodies (1) are each designed as an inner tube and an outer tube;wherein the elastic damping structure comprises a damping element (31) and an elastic element (32), wherein the damping element (31) is arranged between the end of the inner tube and the inner wall of the outer tube, wherein the elastic element (32) bears against the damping element (31) at one end and against the inner wall of the inner tube at the other end, wherein the elastic force of the elastic element (32) presses the inner tube, the damping element (31) and the outer tube firmly against each other, such that the damping element (31) forms frictional damping with the inner wall of the outer tube, wherein the inner tube slides along the inner wall of the outer tube through the damping element (31) and is held in the relative position after sliding by the damping element (31). [8] Selfie stick, characterized by, that the selfie stick comprises a support tube for photographic equipment according to one of claims 1-7 and a connector mechanism attached to the support tube and serving to mount the photographic equipment. [9] Camera tripod, characterized by , that the monopod photo tripod comprises the support tube for photographic equipment described in one of claims 1-7 and a gimbal mechanism attached to the support tube and used for mounting the photographic equipment.

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