Mounting, especially microphone stand

Abstract

Mounting bracket with integrated cable, especially microphone stand, with: - a lower tube (3) and an upper tube (1) which is telescopically displaceable relative to the lower tube (3) between a maximally retracted and a maximally extended position; - an elastically expandable cable (11) with a number of electrically conductive strands (12) which is arranged inside the tubular holder; - an upper strain relief located inside the upper tube (1) through which the cable (11) is guided and fixed in the axial direction; - a lower strain relief located inside the lower tube (3) through which the cable (11) is guided and fixed in the axial direction; - wherein the cable (11) has such a length that it is slightly pre-tensioned when the upper tube (1) is in its maximum retracted position and is more strongly pre-tensioned when the upper tube (1) is in its maximum extended position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an extendable bracket with an integrated cable, with which audio, video or data signals can be transmitted from a device attached to the bracket, for example a microphone or a video camera.

[0002] In the field of audio, video, and data transmission technology, there is often a need to mount devices on a stand, such as a microphone stand. Examples of such devices include microphones for sound recording, video cameras intended to record above the audience's heads, or mobile sensors mounted on tripods to collect data at different heights.

[0003] These devices are electrically connected to a power supply, signal receiver, or data processing unit via a cable that runs independently of the mounting bracket. With a rigid bracket, these cables are attached to the outside of the bracket using clips to prevent people from being endangered by cable loops or from tampering with the cables.

[0004] There are also rigid brackets that guide the cables inside the conduits, which are then fitted with external connectors for connecting the devices to the power supply or signal processing unit. These are popular because they improve the visual appearance and allow devices to be easily unplugged and stored away, while the stands remain in place.

[0005] However, extendable brackets or stands are often used to easily adjust the height of the device to the specific requirements. These typically use cables with connectors on both ends, which are attached to the outside of the stand. The cable length is determined by the maximum extension of the bracket. At shorter extensions, the excess cable hangs down from the bracket in a loop.

[0006] With this arrangement, there is a risk that passers-by could be endangered by a cable loop lying on the ground, or that the electrical connections of the devices could be manipulated by strangers.

[0007] To prevent this, some manufacturers use a coiled cable located inside the tube of the bracket, which can be connected to both the device and the respective power supply, signal receiver or data processing device via connectors attached to the outside of the extendable bracket or tripod.

[0008] However, when using a coiled cable, a significantly larger inner diameter of the holder than mechanically required is necessary to provide sufficient space for the coiled cable when retracted.

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a bracket that has improved cable routing.

[0010] To solve this problem, a holder with an integrated cable is provided according to the invention, in particular a microphone stand, with a lower tube and an upper tube which is telescopically displaceable relative to the lower tube between a maximally retracted and a maximally extended position, an elastically stretchable cable with a number of electrically conductive strands which is arranged inside the tubular holder, an upper strain relief which is located inside the upper tube and through which the cable is guided and fixed in the axial direction, a lower strain relief which is located inside the lower tube and through which the cable is guided and fixed in the axial direction, wherein the cable has such a length that it is slightly pre-tensioned in the maximally retracted position of the upper tube and is more strongly pre-tensioned in the maximally extended position of the upper tube.

[0011] The elastically expandable cable offers significant advantages over spiral cables because it can be easily guided within the extendable holder and does not significantly change its outer diameter in either the retracted or extended state, and due to its small outer diameter, it does not require a special design with regard to the diameter or extension mechanism of the holder.

[0012] Another advantage of an elastically expandable cable is that it automatically returns the bracket to its collapsed rest position after the locking mechanism is released and holds it in this state, thus significantly speeding up the assembly and disassembly of these mostly mobile brackets.

[0013] The strain reliefs keep the alternating tensile forces away from the connectors attached to the bracket or the electrical contacts located there, thus ensuring a long service life.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the upper strain relief has a clamping jaw that firmly encloses the cable and is pressed by a conically shaped clamping element of the upper tube. This ensures secure fixation of the cable when screwing in a connector and allows for easy assembly.

[0015] The lower strain relief may be designed to include a clamping jaw and a compression fitting, with the clamping jaw encompassing the cable and being compressed by the compression fitting. This design allows for precise adjustment of the cable tension and reliable strain relief.

[0016] Alternatively, the lower strain relief is held in place in the lower tube by means of snap connections. This allows for simple and cost-effective installation of the strain relief, regardless of the connector used.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bracket has an impact damper which prevents the two telescoping tubes from colliding abruptly when pushed together. This protects the mechanical components from damage and reduces noise during retraction, since the elastically deformable cable increases the risk of the upper tube moving downwards very quickly when the locking mechanism is released.

[0018] In one embodiment, the impact damper is attached to the upper end of the upper tube. This positioning allows for effective damping of the impact when the tubes are pushed together.

[0019] Alternatively, the impact absorber can be installed inside the lower tube and made of an elastically deformable material that surrounds the cable. This arrangement provides unobtrusive damping while simultaneously protecting the cable from mechanical stress.

[0020] Alternatively, the bracket features electrical connectors at its ends, which are electrically connected to the cable strands. This allows for easy connection of devices and signal processing equipment without external cabling.

[0021] The electrical connector may be designed to have a ground contact that is electrically conductive and connected to the lower tube. This ensures a reliable electrical ground connection and improves signal quality.

[0022] Alternatively, the cable has multiple signal conductors and at least one ground conductor that is electrically connected to the upper tube. This configuration allows for effective shielding and reduces electromagnetic interference.

[0023] The cable may be designed to have an elastic core located within a braided sheath, into which several strands are woven. This construction ensures the necessary elastic elongation while maintaining electrical conductivity and mechanical stability.

[0024] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: - Fig. 1 a holder according to the invention in the form of a microphone stand with an integrated, elastically extendable cable in the extended state; - Fig. 2 the bracket of Fig. 1 in the retracted position; - Fig. 3 the upper end of the upper tube with a connector, a strain relief and an impact damper; - Fig. 4. The lower end of the lower tube with a connector and strain relief; - Fig. 5 the strain relief of Fig. 4 in a detailed view, with one screw connection omitted; - Fig. 6 the strain relief of Fig. 5 with screw connection; and - Fig. 7 the lower end of the lower tube with an alternative impact damper.

[0025] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a mount, which here is designed as a microphone stand. The mount comprises an upper extendable tube 1, which is guided telescopically within a lower tube 3 and can be fixed at the desired height by means of a rotating locking mechanism 2. The lower tube 3 is attached to a base 4, which forms a stable base.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the bracket in its fully extended position, in which the upper tube 1 is completely pulled out of the lower tube 3. Fig. Figure 2 shows the bracket in a maximally inserted state, in which the upper tube 1 is maximally inserted into the lower tube 3.

[0027] A connector 5 is attached to the upper end of the upper tube 1, through which electrical or electronic devices such as microphones or other audio, video, or data acquisition equipment can be connected. A connection housing 7 is located at the lower end of the tripod, providing another electrical connector for connecting to signal processing equipment or a power supply.

[0028] Inside the telescopic structure is an elastically expandable cable 11, which establishes the electrical connection between the upper connector 5 and the lower connection in the terminal housing 7. This cable 11 is dimensioned such that it is still slightly pre-tensioned when the upper tube 1 is in its fully retracted position and correspondingly more pre-tensioned when it is fully extended.

[0029] The elastically stretchable cable exerts a tensile force between the two tubes 1, 3, which ensures that the upper tube 1 reliably returns to its fully retracted position when the locking mechanism 2 is opened. The preload also ensures that the upper tube 1 is held in its fully retracted position when the locking mechanism 2 is opened, as long as no tensile forces greater than the tensile force of the elastically stretchable cable 11 are acting upon it.

[0030] The cable has a core made of rubber strands 30 or a similarly elastic, stretchable material. The core is surrounded by a plastic braid into which several strands 12 or conductors are woven. These extend spirally around the core. When the cable is stretched, the distance between the turns of the spiral formed by a given strand / conductor increases.

[0031] Since the electrical cable 11 is constantly under tensile stress, it is important that strain reliefs are provided to ensure that the tensile forces are not transferred to the connectors.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the strain relief at the upper end of the upper tube 1. It has a collet 17 which is mechanically connected to the connector 15. The collet has a free internal cross-section which can be narrowed by means of a clamping element 18. The clamping element can be screwed onto an external thread 16 of the strain relief. When the strain relief is installed, no tensile forces are transmitted to the strands above the strain relief, so that the electrical connection of the strands 12 to the connector 15 is not subjected to mechanical stress.

[0033] An impact damper 19 is also provided at the upper end of the upper tube 1. This serves to prevent a hard mechanical impact of the upper tube 1 when it moves from an extended position to its fully retracted position. This is particularly important due to the tensile force exerted by the elastically stretchable cable 11. If an operator releases the locking mechanism 2 without holding the upper tube 1, it will move very quickly into its fully retracted position under the combined effect of its own weight and the tensile force of the elastically stretchable cable 11.

[0034] The impact damper 19 is designed as a buffer made of rubber or a similarly elastic material and is dimensioned so that it can come into contact with the upper end of the lower tube 3.

[0035] This impact damper 19 absorbs the forces generated during retraction and protects the mechanical components from damage. At the same time, it reduces noise during the automatic retraction of the tripod through the restoring force of the elastically expandable cable 11.

[0036] The clamping element 18 is combined here with the impact damper 19. It can be designed as a separate component that is attached to the impact damper 19 or that is overmolded with the material of the impact damper 19.

[0037] The clamping jaw 17 firmly encloses the cable 11 and ensures secure fixation when the connector 15 is screwed in. This design allows for easy assembly, as the strain relief is automatically activated when the connector 15 is tightened. The conically shaped clamping element 18 ensures uniform compression of the clamping jaw 17 and thus reliable axial fixation of the cable 11.

[0038] The strain relief at the lower end of the lower pipe 3 is located in the Fig. Shown 4 to 6.

[0039] The cable 11 is guided through a clamping jaw 10, which firmly encloses the cable and ensures secure fixation. The clamping jaw 10 is located in a housing that is held in the lower tube 3 by means of snap connections 8. These snap connections 8 enable simple and cost-effective assembly of the strain relief, regardless of the connector used.

[0040] The housing has a 9 mm thread (see Fig. 5), which is designed to accommodate a compression fitting 13 (see Fig. 6) serves this purpose. When the clamping screw 13 is tightened securely, the cable 11 is reliably fixed in the axial direction. Tensile forces acting in the cable 11 are not transferred to the section of the cable 11 that exits on the underside of the clamping jaw 10.

[0041] The individual strands 12 emerge from cable 11 and are electrically connected to connector 14 (see also Fig. 4) This arrangement ensures that the tensile forces occurring on the cable 11 are transferred directly into the lower tube 3 via the clamping jaw 10 and the snap connections 8, thus protecting the electrical connections of the strands 12 from mechanical stress.

[0042] The wires 12 are connected to a connector 14, which enables the electrical connection to external devices.

[0043] The connector 14 is housed in a terminal housing 7, which provides protection for the connector 14 and enables a secure and tamper-proof electrical connection to signal processing devices or power supplies. The strain relief can be mounted independently of the connector 14 used, allowing for flexible adaptation to different application requirements and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0044] As an alternative to the upper impact absorber, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, an impact damper 20 can be installed inside the lower tube 3, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. Figure 7 shows this impact damper located above the collet and made of an elastically deformable material. It dampens the upper tube 1 during insertion and absorbs the resulting forces.

[0045] To ensure a reliable electrical ground connection, the cable has at least one ground wire in addition to several signal wires. This ground wire is electrically connected to the upper tube 1, while the lower tube 3 is grounded via a ground contact of the lower connector 14. This configuration provides effective shielding and reduces electromagnetic interference.

Claims

[1] Mounting bracket with integrated cable, especially microphone stand, with: - a lower tube (3) and an upper tube (1) which is telescopically displaceable relative to the lower tube (3) between a maximally retracted and a maximally extended position; - an elastically expandable cable (11) with a number of electrically conductive strands (12) which is arranged inside the tubular holder; - an upper strain relief located inside the upper tube (1) through which the cable (11) is guided and fixed in the axial direction; - a lower strain relief located inside the lower tube (3) through which the cable (11) is guided and fixed in the axial direction; - wherein the cable (11) has such a length that it is slightly pre-tensioned when the upper tube (1) is in its maximum retracted position and is more strongly pre-tensioned when the upper tube (1) is in its maximum extended position. [2] Mounting bracket according to claim 1, characterized by , that the upper strain relief has a clamping jaw (17) which firmly encloses the cable (11) and is pressed through a conically shaped clamping element (18) of the upper tube (1). [3] Mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the lower strain relief has a collet (10) and a clamping screw (13), wherein the collet (10) encompasses the cable (11) and is crimped by the clamping screw (13). [4] Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the lower strain relief is held in the lower tube (3) by means of snap connections (8). [5] Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that it has an impact damper (19, 20) which prevents the two telescopically nested tubes (1, 3) from colliding suddenly when pushed together. [6] Mounting bracket according to claim 5, characterized by , that the impact damper (19) is attached to the upper end of the upper tube (1). [7] Mounting bracket according to claim 5, characterized by , that the impact damper (20) is located inside the lower tube (3) and is made of an elastically deformable material which surrounds the cable (11). [8] Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that it has electrical connectors (5, 14, 15) at the ends of the holder which are electrically connected to the strands (12) of the cable (11). [9] Mounting bracket according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrical connector (14) has a ground contact which is electrically conductively connected to the lower tube (3). [10] Mounting bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable (11) has several signal conductors and several ground conductors, with at least one ground conductor being electrically connected to the upper tube (1). [11] Mounting bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable (11) has an elastic core (30) which is located inside a sheath made of a braid, with several strands (12) braided into the sheath.

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