Universal head

Abstract

To simplify a mechanism for adjusting rotational friction of a rotating body for rotating an imaging device.SOLUTION: A universal head includes: an imaging connection section to which an imaging device is connected; a rotating body which is rotatable around a rotation axis and to which the imaging connection section is connected; a locking mechanism which switches between a fixed state in which the rotating body does not rotate and a released state in which the rotating body rotates; a friction mechanism which applies rotational resistance to the rotating body in the released state; and a control member on which the locking mechanism and the friction mechanism act commonly. Either one of the locking mechanism, the friction mechanism and the control member rotates around the rotation axis together with the rotating body, and the other does not rotate around the rotation axis. The locking mechanism abuts against the control member so as not to relatively move with respect to the control member in the fixed state, and can relatively move with respect to the control member by releasing the abutment in the released state. The friction mechanism variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating body in accordance with the frictional resistance between the rotating body and the control member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pan head technology for holding an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] A camera platform is traditionally used to adjust the orientation and tilt of an imaging device (for example). The platform allows the camera to be panned (rotated around a vertical axis) and tilted (rotated around a horizontal axis) while supporting the camera.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera platform equipped with a pan rotating body that pans an imaging device and a pan rotating body fixing means that fixes and unlocks the pan rotating body. Generally, the pan rotating body fixing means includes a brake body that includes a C-shaped main body that is disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the pan rotating body. The pan rotating body is fixed when the brake body presses against the pan rotating body.

[0004] Here, there is also a demand for adjusting the rotational friction of the pan rotating body when rotating the pan rotating body. For example, when shooting while panning slowly, a large rotational friction of the pan rotating body improves operability, whereas when shooting while panning quickly, a small rotational friction of the pan rotating body improves operability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-114370 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not anticipate adjusting the rotational friction of the pan rotating body. If a mechanism for adjusting the rotational friction were to be provided, it would be desirable to avoid complicating the configuration of the pan head. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a pan head that can simplify the mechanism for adjusting the rotational friction of a rotating body for rotating an imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A pan head comprising: an imaging connection section to which an imaging device is connected; a rotating body rotatable around a rotation axis and to which the imaging connection section is connected; a locking mechanism that switches between a fixed state in which the rotating body does not rotate and a released state in which the rotating body rotates; a friction mechanism that applies rotational resistance to the rotating body in the released state; and a control member on which the locking mechanism and the friction mechanism act together, wherein one of the locking mechanism, the friction mechanism, or the control member rotates around the rotation axis together with the rotating body, and the other does not rotate around the rotation axis; the locking mechanism abuts against the control member in the fixed state so as not to move relative to the control member; and in the released state, the locking mechanism is capable of moving relative to the control member by releasing the abutment; and the friction mechanism variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating body in accordance with the frictional resistance between the control member and the locking mechanism.

[0008] [2] The locking mechanism includes a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion, and in the fixed state, the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion clamp the control member from opposite sides, and in the released state, the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion release the clamping of the control member. [1]

[0009] [3] The control member is arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, and at least a portion of the control member is positioned between the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion when the rotating body is at any rotation angle at which it can rotate.

[0010] [4] The locking mechanism includes a first abutment portion, and in the fixed state, the first abutment portion presses against the surface of the control member, and in the released state, the first abutment portion releases the pressure on the control member. [1]

[0011] [5] A pan head according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein at least a portion of the control member is shaped to face the first contact portion when the rotating body is at any of the rotation angles at which it can rotate.

[0012] [6] The friction mechanism includes a third contact portion that contacts the control member and generates the frictional resistance between the control member and the third contact portion, an axial member that is movable in a first direction toward the third contact member and a second direction away from the third contact member, and an elastic member that urges the third contact portion toward the control member, and by moving the axial member in the first direction, the frictional resistance between the control member and the third contact portion is increased, and by moving the axial member in the second direction, the frictional resistance between the control member and the third contact portion is decreased.

[0013] [7] The axial member includes an installation hole on the surface facing the control member, the elastic member is supported inside the installation hole, and the end of the third abutment portion opposite the control member is inserted into the installation portion. [6]

[0014] [8] At least a portion of the control member is shaped to face the third contact portion when the rotor is at any rotation angle. [6] or [7] tripod head. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The pan head according to the present invention provides a pan head that can simplify the mechanism for adjusting the rotational friction of the rotating body for rotating the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera platform according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera platform according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera platform according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the camera platform according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view focusing on the tilt lock mechanism, tilt friction mechanism, and first control member according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the tilt lock mechanism according to the embodiment from the released state to the locked state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera platform according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a pan lock mechanism, a pan friction mechanism, and a second control member according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a tilt lock mechanism, a tilt friction mechanism, and a first control member according to a modified example. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a tilt lock mechanism according to a modified example from a released state to a locked state. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a pan lock mechanism, a pan friction mechanism, and a second control member according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a pan lock mechanism, a pan friction mechanism, and a second control member according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a pan lock mechanism, a pan friction mechanism, and a second control member according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a pan lock mechanism, a pan friction mechanism, and a second control member according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pan head according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view focusing on a pan lock mechanism, a pan friction mechanism, and a second control member according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pan head 100 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line AA) of the pan head 100 of FIG. 1. The pan head 100 of this embodiment is capable of panning and tilting an imaging device (e.g., a camera). Pan rotation is rotation about a vertical axis, and tilt rotation is rotation about a horizontal axis. In FIG. 2, rotation about rotation axis P1 is tilt rotation, and rotation about rotation axis P2 is pan rotation.

[0018] In the following description, the axis parallel to the rotation axis P1 is referred to as the X axis, the axis parallel to the rotation axis P2 is referred to as the Y axis, and the direction perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis is referred to as the Z axis.

[0019] The camera head 100 according to this embodiment includes an imaging connection section 10, leg connection sections 20, a base section 30, a tilt lock mechanism 40, a tilt friction mechanism 50, a pan lock mechanism 60, and a pan friction mechanism .

[0020] 2, in order to make it easier to understand the configuration of the camera platform 100, the tilt lock mechanism 40, tilt friction mechanism 50, pan lock mechanism 60, and pan friction mechanism 70 are shown positioned on the cross section of line AA for convenience. Therefore, the positions of the tilt lock mechanism 40, tilt friction mechanism 50, pan lock mechanism 60, and pan friction mechanism 70 in FIG. 2 are different from those in FIG. 1.

[0021] The imaging connection unit 10 is a part (adapter) that connects an imaging device (not shown) and the base unit 30. The imaging connection unit 10 is located at the end of the base unit 30 in the positive direction of the Y axis. The imaging connection unit 10 is detachably connected to the base unit 30 using, for example, an operator (knob) T. However, it is not essential that the imaging connection unit 10 be detachably connected to the base unit 30.

[0022] The leg connection part 20 is a part for connecting a tripod or a monopod. The leg connection part 20 is located at the end of the base part 30 in the negative direction of the Y axis. Note that the leg connection part 20 may be omitted in some cases.

[0023] The base unit 30 has a support unit 31, a rotating unit 32 (32a, 32b), a fixed shaft 34, and a connecting unit 35. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pan head 100 of Figure 1. Note that in Figure 3, in order to make the invention easier to understand, some elements of the pan head 100 (such as the rotating unit 32a and the connecting unit 35) are not shown.

[0024] The fixed shaft 34 is an elongated member extending along the Y direction, and supports the support part 31 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis P2. The leg connection part 20 is fixed to the fixed shaft 34 on the negative side of the Y axis. The fixed shaft 34 will be described in detail later.

[0025] The support portion 31 of this embodiment includes a first section 311 and a second section 312 along the Y axis. The first section 311 is located in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the second section 312 is located in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0026] [Tilt Rotation] The mechanism for tilting and rotating the imaging device will be described below.

[0027] The rotating unit 32 is a part for tilt rotation. The rotating units 32 (32a, 32b) are supported on a first section 311 of the support unit 31. In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the rotating units 32 are located on opposite sides of the support unit 31. Specifically, the rotating unit 32a is located on the positive side of the X-axis of the first section 311 of the support unit 31, and the rotating unit 32b is located on the negative side of the X-axis. Each rotating unit 32 is supported on the support unit 31 (first section 311) so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis P1.

[0028] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the rotating portion 32a and the rotating portion 32b, they will simply be referred to as "rotating portion 32."

[0029] 1, the rotating portion 32 of this embodiment includes a first portion 322 and a second portion 324. The first portion 322 is a portion that is pivotally supported by the support portion 31. The second portion 324 is a portion that protrudes from the first portion 322, and is connected to the imaging connection portion 10.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first section 311 of the support part 31 includes a shaft Q protruding in the positive direction of the X-axis and a shaft Q protruding on the positive side. The rotating part 32a is rotatably supported by the shaft Q protruding in the positive direction of the X-axis, and the rotating part 32b is rotatably supported by the shaft Q protruding in the negative direction of the X-axis. In other words, the center line of the shaft Q is the rotation axis P1. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a state in which the rotating part 32 is not rotated in the tilt direction. The rotating part 32a is an example of a "rotating body."

[0031] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view focusing on the portion where the first portion 322 of the rotating portion 32a in Fig. 1 is provided. The following explanation focuses on the rotating portion 32a, but since the rotating portion 32b is also supported rotatably around the shaft Q in the same way, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] 1, the first portion 322 of the rotating part 32a includes, for example, a bottom surface part 221 and a side wall part 223 that protrudes from the periphery of the bottom surface part 221 toward the support part 31. The bottom surface part 221 is, for example, circular.

[0033] 4, the first portion 322 of the rotating portion 32a has a fitting portion 241 at the center thereof. The fitting portion 241 has a hole H that fits with the shaft Q provided in the support portion 31. The fitting portion 241 protrudes in the negative direction of the X-axis from the surface of the bottom surface portion 221 that faces the negative side of the X-axis (i.e., protrudes toward the support portion 31). The hole H is provided in the surface of the fitting portion 241 that faces the negative side of the X-axis.

[0034] Hole H of rotating part 32a is rotatably fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of shaft Q. In FIG. 4, a through hole through which bolt B passes is provided in rotating part 32, and a hole into which bolt B is fitted is provided in shaft Q. Thread grooves that fit into each other are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hole in shaft Q and the outer peripheral surface of bolt B. Bolt B is fixed to shaft Q, but rotating part 32a can rotate around shaft Q (and further bolt B). However, as long as rotating part 32a can rotate around rotation axis P1, any method can be used to support rotating part 32a on support part 31.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, an elastic member S (e.g., a spring) is provided around the shaft Q. The elastic member S is a mechanism for counteracting the moment that tends to cause the rotating unit 32 to tilt further forward (or backward) when tilted forward (or backward). The repulsive force of the elastic member S is used to push back the rotating unit 32 in the direction opposite to the tilt direction. For example, a torsion coil spring is used as the elastic member S, with one arm connected to the first section 311 of the support unit 31 and the other arm connected to the bottom surface 221 of the first part 322.

[0036] The second portion 324 is a portion that connects the imaging connection unit 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotating unit 32a and the rotating unit 32b are connected via a connecting portion 35 that connects the second portion 324 of the rotating unit 32a and the second portion 324 of the rotating unit 32b. That is, when viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis, the connecting portion 35 is provided across the rotating unit 32a, the support portion 31, and the rotating unit 32b. For example, by operating an operating lever (not shown) connected to the rotating unit 32b, the rotating unit 32a and the rotating unit 32b rotate (tilt rotate) around the rotation axis P1. Consequently, the imaging connection unit 10 (and thus the imaging device) connected to the rotating unit 32a and the rotating unit 32b via the connecting portion 35 also tilt rotates.

[0037] However, the shape of the rotating part 32 is not limited to the above example, as long as it is rotatable around the rotation axis P1 and the imaging connection part 10 can be connected.

[0038] 2 to 4, the camera head 100 also includes a first control member 80 (an example of a "control member"). The first control member 80 is a part that the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 commonly act on (contact).

[0039] The first control member 80 has, for example, a flat plate shape. The first control member 80 is disposed parallel to a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the rotation axis P1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first control member 80 of this embodiment is an annular member when viewed from a plane in the positive direction of the X axis. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first control member 80 is supported by the first section 311 of the support portion 31. The first control member 80 is supported by the first section 311 so that the rotation axis P1 passes through the center of the first control member 80. In other words, the first control member 80 is disposed along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis P1. In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the first control member 80 (i.e., the annular first control member 80) is disposed around the entire circumferential direction of the rotation axis P1.

[0040] The first control member 80 is provided on the side where the rotating part 32a is located. However, the first control member 80 is not connected to the rotating part 32a. In other words, the first control member 80 does not rotate (tilt rotate) around the rotation axis P1.

[0041] 4, specifically, in the first section 311 of the support part 31, the fitting part 241 of the first part 322 of the rotating part 32a is supported by the support part 31 so as to be positioned on the inner diameter side of the first control member 80. In other words, the first control member 80 is positioned around the entire circumference of the fitting part 241 (so as to surround the fitting part 241). As described above, the support part 31 does not tilt, and therefore the first control member 80 supported by the support part 31 does not tilt either.

[0042] It should be noted that the method of connecting the first control member 80 to the support portion 31 is not limited to the above example, as long as the first control member 80 does not rotate around the rotation axis P1.

[0043] While the first control member 80 does not rotate around the rotation axis P1, the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 rotate together with the rotating portion 32 around the rotation axis P1.

[0044] The tilt lock mechanism 40 is a mechanism that switches between a fixed state in which the rotating part 32 does not rotate (hereinafter referred to as the "tilt locked state") and a released state in which the rotating part 32 rotates (hereinafter referred to as the "tilt released state"). In the tilt locked state, tilt rotation is inhibited, and in the tilt released state, tilt rotation is possible.

[0045] The pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 are provided on the first portion 322 of the rotating portion 32a. That is, the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 rotate together with the rotating portion 32a around the rotation axis P1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 are supported at a position on the first portion 322 where the fitting portion 241 is not provided. In other words, the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 are provided at a position corresponding to the first control member 80.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view focusing on the tilt lock mechanism 40, tilt friction mechanism 50, and first control member 80. Fig. 5 illustrates the tilt locked state. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the tilt lock mechanism 40 when it switches from the tilt released state to the tilt locked state.

[0047] In the tilt locked state, the tilt lock mechanism 40 abuts against the first control member 80 so as not to move relative to the first control member 80. On the other hand, in the tilt released state, the tilt lock mechanism 40 is released from the abutment against the first control member 80, and is thereby able to move relative to the first control member 80.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tilt lock mechanism 40 of this embodiment includes an operator 41, a shaft member 42, a contact portion 43 (an example of a “first contact portion”), and a caliper portion 44.

[0049] The caliper portion 44 includes an abutment portion (an example of a "second abutment portion") 441 and a holding portion 442. The caliper portion 44 is supported by the first portion 322 of the rotating portion 32a.

[0050] The contact portion 441 and the holding portion 442 are located in the negative and positive directions of the X-axis, respectively, and are positioned opposite each other across the first control member 80. The holding portion 442 is a portion that includes a through hole through which the shaft member 42 is inserted.

[0051] The shaft member 42 is a shaft-shaped member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first control member 80 (in this embodiment, a direction parallel to the rotation axis P1). The shaft member 42 is located on the opposite side of the first control member 80 from the abutment portion 441 of the caliper portion 44 (i.e., on the same side as the holding portion 442).

[0052] The end of the shaft member 42 on the first control member 80 side (the end on the negative side of the X-axis) is inserted into the through-hole of the holding portion 442. A thread groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 42 and the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole of the holding portion 442 so that they can fit together. An abutment portion 43 is provided on the end of the shaft member 42 on the first control member 80 side. The abutment portion 43 is provided so as to face the first control member 80. The abutment portion 43 is located between the holding portion 442 of the caliper portion 44 and the first control member 80. The abutment portion 43 may be separate from the shaft member 42 or may be integral with it.

[0053] As can be understood from the above description, the first control member 80 is located between the abutment portion 43 and the abutment portion 441 of the caliper portion 44. In this embodiment, in the tilt fixed state, the abutment portion 43 and the abutment portion 441 sandwich the first control member 80 from opposite sides, and in the tilt released state, the abutment portion 43 and the abutment portion 441 release the sandwiched first control member 80. Note that in the tilt released state of FIG. 6, there is a gap between the first control member 80 and the abutment portion 43 (i.e., the first control member 80 and the abutment portion 43 are separated), and there is also a gap between the first control member 80 and the abutment portion 441 (i.e., the first control member 80 and the abutment portion 441 are separated).

[0054] On the other hand, an operator 41 is provided on the end of the shaft member 42 opposite to the first control member 80 (the end in the positive direction of the X-axis). As illustrated in Fig. 1, the operator 41 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the rotating part 32a. The shaft member 42 is supported by the first part 322 of the rotating part 32a so as to penetrate the bottom surface part 221 of the first part 322.

[0055] By operating the operating element 41 to rotate the shaft member 42, the shaft member 42 can move in a direction toward (an example of a "first direction") and a direction away (an example of a "second direction") from the first control member 80. The first direction is the negative direction of the X-axis, and the second direction is the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0056] Using FIG. 6, the operation of the tilt lock mechanism 40 when changing from the tilt released state to the tilt locked state will be described. First, when the shaft member 42 is rotated (for example, rotated clockwise) by the operating element 41 from the tilt released state, the abutment portion 43 moves together with the shaft member 42 in a direction approaching the first control member 80. After the abutment portion 43 abuts against the first control member 80, the first control member 80 further moves until it abuts against the abutment portion 441 of the caliper portion 44. Then, when the abutment portion 43 moves to a position where the first control member 80 is sandwiched between the abutment portions 43 and 441 and the first control member 80 can no longer tilt, the tilt locked state is achieved. That is, in the tilt locked state, the first control member 80 is fixed. In the tilt locked state, the first control member 80 is fixed in a bent state. When the shaft member 42 is rotated (for example, rotated left) by the operator 41 in the tilt-locked state, the abutment portion 43 moves in a direction away from the first control member 80, and the tilt is released.

[0057] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the tilt fixed state, the abutment portion 43 and the abutment portion 441 of the caliper portion 44 clamp the first control member 80 from opposite sides, and in the tilt released state, the abutment portion 43 and the abutment portion 441 of the caliper portion 44 release the clamping of the first control member 80.

[0058] The tilt friction mechanism 50 is a mechanism that applies rotational resistance to the rotating part 32a when the tilt is released. Specifically, the tilt friction mechanism 50 variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating part 32a according to the frictional resistance between the tilt friction mechanism 50 and the first control member 80. In other words, the tilt friction mechanism 50 can control the degree of difficulty in rotating the rotating part 32a.

[0059] The tilt friction mechanism 50 of this embodiment includes an operator 51, a shaft member 52, a contact portion 53 (an example of the “third contact portion”), a holding portion 54, and an elastic member 55.

[0060] The holding portion 54 is a portion including a through hole through which the shaft member 52 is inserted. The holding portion 54 is supported by, for example, the first portion 322 of the rotating portion 32a. The holding portion 54 is provided so as to penetrate the bottom surface portion 221 of the first portion 322.

[0061] The shaft member 52 is a shaft-shaped member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first control member 80 (in this embodiment, a direction parallel to the rotation axis P1). The shaft member 52 is located in the positive direction of the X-axis when viewed from the first control member 80.

[0062] The end of shaft member 52 opposite first control member 80 (the end in the negative direction of the X-axis) is inserted into the through-hole of retaining portion 54. The outer circumferential surface of shaft member 52 and the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole of retaining portion 54 are provided with thread grooves for fitting together.

[0063] An abutment portion 53 is provided on the end of the shaft member 52 opposite the first control member 80. The abutment portion 53 is provided so as to face the first control member 80. Specifically, the abutment portion 53 is a portion that abuts against the first control member 80 and generates frictional resistance between the abutment portion 53 and the first control member 80. In the tilt release state, the rotating portion 32a is rotatable with the abutment portion 53 abutting against the first control member 80.

[0064] It is preferable that the support portion 31 (first section 311) includes a portion V that abuts against the first control member 80 on the opposite side of the abutment portion 53 as viewed from the first control member 80. The abutment portion 53 may be separate from or integral with the shaft member 52.

[0065] In this embodiment, the contact portion 53 is biased toward the first control member 80 by an elastic member 55 (for example, a compression spring).

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the shaft member 52 includes an installation hole D1 on the surface facing the first control member 80 (the surface facing the negative direction of the X-axis), and an elastic member 55 is supported inside the installation hole D1. An end M1 of the abutting portion 53 opposite the first control member 80 is inserted into the installation hole D1. In other words, the first control member 80 and the elastic member 55 are located on opposite sides of the abutting portion 53. The elastic member 55 is installed between the end M1 of the abutting portion 53 and the bottom surface F1 of the installation hole D1. The elastic member 55 inside the installation hole D1 biases the abutting portion 53 toward the first control member 80.

[0067] On the other hand, an operator 51 is provided on the end of the shaft member 52 opposite to the first control member 80 (the end in the negative direction of the X-axis). As illustrated in Fig. 1, the operator 51 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the rotating part 32a. The shaft member 52 is supported by the first part 322 of the rotating part 32a via a holder 54 so as to penetrate, for example, the bottom surface part 221 of the first part 322.

[0068] When the operating element 51 is operated, the shaft member 52 rotates, and the shaft member 42 can move toward and away from the first control member 80.

[0069] In the tilt-released state, when the shaft member 52 is rotated (e.g., rotated clockwise) by the operating element 51, the shaft member 52 moves in a direction approaching the first control member 80. When the shaft member 52 moves in a direction approaching the first control member 80, the distance between the end M1 of the abutment portion 53 and the bottom surface F1 of the installation hole D1 becomes shorter. As a result, the elastic member 55 provided in the installation hole D1 of the shaft member 52 is compressed by the end M1 of the abutment portion 53 and the bottom surface F1 of the installation hole D1 and enters a shortened state. In other words, the restoring force increases. Therefore, the abutment portion 53 presses the first control member 80 with a stronger pressure. Consequently, the rotational resistance of the rotating portion 32a increases.

[0070] On the other hand, when the shaft member 52 is rotated (e.g., rotated left) by the operator 51, the shaft member 52 moves in a direction away from the first control member 80. When the shaft member 52 moves in a direction away from the first control member 80, the distance between the end M1 of the abutment portion 53 and the bottom surface F1 of the installation hole D1 increases. As a result, the elastic member 55 provided in the installation hole D1 of the shaft member 52 stretches. In other words, the restoring force weakens. Therefore, the pressure with which the abutment portion 53 presses the first control member 80 weakens. Consequently, the rotational resistance of the rotating portion 32a decreases.

[0071] As can be understood from the above explanation, the tilt friction mechanism 50 of this embodiment increases the frictional resistance between the shaft member 52 and the first control member 80 by moving the shaft member 52 in a direction toward the first control member 80, and decreases the frictional resistance between the shaft member 52 and the first control member 80 by moving the shaft member 52 in a direction away from the first control member 80. In other words, the tilt friction mechanism 50 variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating body 32a by adjusting the frictional resistance between the shaft member 52 and the first control member 80.

[0072] In the tilt release state, when the rotating parts 32a and 32b are rotated around the rotation axis P1 by the operating lever, the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 supported by the rotating part 32a also rotate around the rotation axis P1.

[0073] Here, in order to enable the rotating unit 32 to be fixed at any position, the first control member 80 is shaped so that at least a portion thereof is located between the abutment portions 43 and 441 of the tilt lock mechanism 40 when the rotating unit 32 is at all of its possible rotation angles. Similarly, in order to apply rotational resistance to the rotating unit 32a when the rotating unit 32a is at all of its possible rotation angles, the first control member 80 is shaped so that at least a portion thereof is located opposite the abutment portion 53 of the tilt friction mechanism 50. In light of the above, in this embodiment, the first control member 80 is annular and centered on the rotation axis P1.

[0074] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the contact portion 43 and the contact portion 441 are positioned on opposite sides of the outer circumferential edge of the first control member 80. For example, the rotation angle of the imaging device is set to 0° when the imaging device is in an initial position where no tilt rotation occurs, and the rotation portion 32 is capable of rotating 360°. In this case, regardless of the rotation angle of the rotation portion 32 within the 360° range, a part of the first control member 80 (the outer circumferential edge in this embodiment) is positioned between the contact portion 43 and the contact portion 441. The contact portion 43 and the contact portion 441 rotate around the rotation axis P1 along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential edge of the first control member 80 as the rotation portion 32a rotates. Similarly, regardless of the rotation angle of the rotation portion 32 within the 360° range, a part of the first control member 80 (the outer circumferential edge in this embodiment) is positioned opposite the contact portion 53.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first control member 80 is annular, but the shape of the first control member 80 is arbitrary as long as at least a portion thereof is located between the abutment portions 43 and 441 of the tilt lock mechanism 40 and is positioned opposite the abutment portion 53 of the tilt friction mechanism 50 when the rotating portion 32 is at all rotation angles through which the rotating portion 32 can rotate. For example, the first control member 80 may be circular, and depending on the rotation angles through which the rotating portion 32 can rotate, it is not essential that the first control member 80 be provided over the entire circumferential direction of the rotation axis P1 (for example, a portion may be cut out).

[0076] Furthermore, the configuration of the tilt lock mechanism 40 is not limited to the above example, as long as it is possible to sandwich the first control member 80 between two abutment portions (abutment portions 43, 441 in this embodiment) located on opposite sides of each other. Furthermore, it is not limited to a configuration in which the first control member 80 is sandwiched between two abutment portions 43, 441, as long as it is possible to prevent the first control member 80 from rotating around the rotation axis P1. Note that a configuration in which the first control member 80 is sandwiched between two abutment portions 43, 441 has the advantage of being able to firmly fix the first control member 80.

[0077] Similarly, the configuration of the tilt friction mechanism 50 is not limited to the above example, as long as the rotating part 32a can rotate with the first control member 80 pressed by the abutment part 53. For example, the position of the elastic member 55 is arbitrary as long as the elastic member 55 can bias the abutment part 53 toward the first control member 80. For example, the elastic member 55 may be installed on the outer peripheral surface side of the shaft member 52. However, a configuration in which the elastic member 55 is installed in the installation hole D1 of the shaft member 52 has the advantage of enabling miniaturization.

[0078] A configuration may also be employed in which the frictional resistance between the first control member 80 and the contact portion 53 is adjusted without using the elastic member 55. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a plurality of contact portions that can come into contact with the first control member 80 are provided, and the frictional resistance is adjusted in accordance with the number of contact portions that come into contact with the first control member 80. However, a configuration in which the elastic member 55 is used to adjust the frictional resistance between the first control member 80 and the contact portion 53 has the advantage of simplifying the configuration for adjusting the frictional resistance.

[0079] As can be understood from the above explanation, in this embodiment, the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 act on a common first control member 80, which has the advantage of simplifying and miniaturizing the mechanism for adjusting the rotational friction of the rotating part 32 compared to a configuration that requires separate members on which the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 act, for example.

[0080] [Pan Rotation] The mechanism for panning the imaging device will be described below.

[0081] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, by rotating the base unit 30 around the fixed shaft 34, the imaging connection unit 10 (and thus the imaging device) connected to the base unit 30 rotates (pans) around the rotation axis P2. In this embodiment, the central axis of the fixed shaft 34, which is parallel to the Y axis, coincides with the rotation axis P2. In the pan rotation, the base unit 30 is an example of a "rotating body."

[0082] Specifically, the fixed shaft 34 is an elongated member along the Y-axis. The base portion 30 (support portion 31) is supported by the fixed shaft 34 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis P2. The fixed shaft 34 does not rotate about the rotation axis P2. Specifically, the fixed shaft 34 is located between the rotating portion 32a and the rotating portion 32b of the support portion 31. The fixed shaft 34 extends across the first section 311 and the second section 312 of the support portion 31.

[0083] When the operating lever connected to the base part (rotating part 32b) is moved, the imaging connection part 10 (and thus the imaging device) connected to the base part 30 rotates (pans) around the rotation axis P2.

[0084] 2, the fixed shaft 34 of this embodiment includes a shaft portion 341 and a second control member 342. The shaft portion 341 is located in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the second control member 342 is located in the negative direction of the Y axis. The shaft portion 341 is located in the first section 311 of the support portion 31, and the second control member 342 is located in the second section 312 of the support portion 31.

[0085] The shaft portion 341 is a shaft-shaped portion along the Y-axis. The second control member 342 is a portion on which the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 commonly act (contact).

[0086] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pan head 100 of Figure 1. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, some elements of the pan head 100 (such as the leg connectors 20 and the support parts 31) are not shown in Figure 7.

[0087] 2 and 7, the second control member 342 is a cylindrical portion. In a cross-sectional view, the wall portion (i.e., the wall portion provided in an annular shape) that forms the second control member 342 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis P2.

[0088] The pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 commonly act on (contact) the outer peripheral surface J of the second control member 342. The central axis of the second control member 342, which is parallel to the Y axis, coincides with the rotation axis P2. In other words, the second control member 342 is provided along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis P2. In this embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the second control member 342 (i.e., a cylindrical second control member 342) is provided around the entire circumferential direction of the rotation axis P2. In this embodiment, a cylindrical second control member 342 whose outer diameter is constant along the height direction is exemplified. Note that the second section 312 of the support portion 31 is provided so as to cover the second control member 342 around the entire circumferential direction of the second control member 342.

[0089] The second control member 342 may have any configuration as long as it does not rotate about the rotation axis P2. For example, the shaft portion 341 and the second control member 342 may be separate bodies.

[0090] While the fixed shaft 34 (and therefore the second control member 342) does not rotate about the rotation axis P2, the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 rotate together with the base portion 30 about the rotation axis P2.

[0091] The pan lock mechanism 60 is a mechanism that switches between a fixed state in which the rotating unit 32 does not rotate (hereinafter referred to as the "pan fixed state") and a pan released state in which the rotating unit 32 rotates (hereinafter referred to as the "pan released state"). In the pan fixed state, pan rotation is inhibited, and in the pan released state, pan rotation is possible.

[0092] A pan lock mechanism 60 and a pan friction mechanism 70 are provided in the second section 312 of the support part 31. That is, the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 rotate around the rotation axis P2 together with the base part 30 (support part 31). In other words, the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 are provided at positions corresponding to the second control member 342.

[0093] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view focusing on the pan lock mechanism 60, the pan friction mechanism 70, and the second control member 342. Fig. 8 illustrates the case where the pan is in a fixed state.

[0094] In the pan fixed state, the pan lock mechanism 60 abuts against the second control member 342 so as not to move relative to the second control member 342. On the other hand, in the pan released state, the pan lock mechanism 60 is released from abutment against the second control member 342, and is thereby able to move relative to the second control member 342.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the pan lock mechanism 60 of this embodiment includes an operator 61, a shaft member 62, a contact portion 63 (an example of a “first contact portion”), and a holding portion 64.

[0096] The holding portion 64 is a portion including a through-hole through which the shaft member 62 is inserted. The holding portion 64 is provided so as to penetrate the second section 312 of the support portion 31, for example.

[0097] The shaft member 62 is a member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface J of the second control member 342. The shaft member 62 is located outside the second control member 342 when viewed from the rotation axis P2.

[0098] The end of the shaft member 62 facing the second control member 342 (the end facing the positive direction of the X-axis) is inserted into the through-hole of the holder 64. A thread groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 62 and the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole of the holder 64 so that they can fit together. An abutment portion 63 is provided on the end of the shaft member 62 facing the second control member 342. The abutment portion 63 is provided so as to face the outer circumferential surface J of the second control member 342. The abutment portion 63 is located between the holder 64 and the second control member 342. The abutment portion 63 may be separate from the shaft member 62 or may be integral with it.

[0099] On the other hand, an operator 61 is provided at the end of the shaft member 62 opposite to the second control member 342 (the end in the negative direction of the X-axis). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the operator 61 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the second section 312 of the support part 31.

[0100] When the operating element 61 is operated, the shaft member 62 rotates, and the shaft member 62 can move toward and away from the second control member 342.

[0101] When the shaft member 62 is rotated (for example, rotated clockwise) by the operator 61 from the pan released state, the abutment portion 63 moves together with the shaft member 62 in a direction approaching the second control member 342. Then, when the abutment portion 46 moves to a position where it strongly abuts (presses) the second control member 342 and the second control member 342 can no longer rotate in pan, the pan locked state is entered. In other words, in the pan locked state, the second control member 342 is fixed. When the shaft member 62 is rotated (for example, rotated counterclockwise) by the operator 61 from the pan locked state, the abutment portion 63 moves in a direction away from the second control member 342 and the pan locked state is entered.

[0102] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the pan fixed state, the contact portion 63 presses against the surface of the second control member 342, and in the pan released state, the contact portion 63 releases the pressure on the second control member 342.

[0103] The pan friction mechanism 70 is a mechanism that applies rotational resistance to the base unit 30 in the pan released state. Specifically, the pan friction mechanism 70 variably sets the rotational resistance in the base unit 30 according to the frictional resistance between it and the second control member 342. In other words, the pan friction mechanism 70 can control the degree of difficulty in rotating the base unit 30.

[0104] The pan friction mechanism 70 of this embodiment includes an operator 71, a shaft member 72, a contact portion 73 (an example of the “third contact portion”), a holding portion 74, and an elastic member 75.

[0105] The holding portion 74 is a portion including a through hole through which the shaft member 72 is inserted. The holding portion 74 is provided so as to penetrate the second section 312 of the support portion 31, for example.

[0106] The shaft member 72 is a shaft-shaped member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface J of the second control member 342. The shaft member 72 is located outside the second control member 342 when seen from the rotation axis P2.

[0107] The end of the shaft member 72 on the second control member 342 side (the end in the negative direction of the X-axis) is inserted into the through-hole of the holder 54. A thread groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 72 and the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole of the holder 74 so that they can fit together. The shaft member 72 is supported by the second section 312 of the support part 31 via the holder 74, for example, so as to pass through the second section 312.

[0108] An abutment portion 73 is provided on the end of the shaft member 72 on the second control member 342 side. The abutment portion 73 is provided so as to face the outer peripheral surface J of the second control member 342. Specifically, the abutment portion 73 is a portion that abuts against the second control member 342 and generates frictional resistance between the abutment portion 73 and the second control member 342. In the pan-released state, the base unit 30 is rotatable with the abutment portion 73 abutting against the second control member 342. The abutment portion 73 may be separate from or integral with the shaft member 52.

[0109] In this embodiment, the contact portion 73 is biased toward the second control member 342 by an elastic member 75 (for example, a compression spring).

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the shaft member 72 includes an installation hole D2 on the surface facing the second control member 342 (the surface facing the negative direction of the X-axis), and an elastic member 75 is supported inside the installation hole D2. An end M2 of the abutting portion 73 opposite the second control member 342 is inserted into the installation hole D2. In other words, the second control member 342 and the elastic member 75 are located on opposite sides of the abutting portion 73. The elastic member 75 is installed between the end M2 of the abutting portion 73 and the bottom surface F2 of the installation hole D2. The elastic member 75 inside the installation hole D2 biases the abutting portion 73 toward the second control member 342.

[0111] On the other hand, an operator 71 is provided at the end of the shaft member 72 on the second control member 342 side (the end in the positive direction of the X-axis). As illustrated in Fig. 1, the operator 71 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the second section 312 of the support part 31. The shaft member 72 is supported by the second section 312 via a holder 74 so as to penetrate through the second section 312 of the support part 31, for example.

[0112] When the operating element 71 is operated, the shaft member 72 rotates, and the shaft member 72 can move toward and away from the second control member 342.

[0113] In the pan release state, when the shaft member 72 is rotated (for example, rotated clockwise) by the operator 71, the shaft member 72 moves in a direction approaching the second control member 342. When the shaft member 72 moves in a direction approaching the second control member 342, the distance between the end M2 of the abutment portion 73 and the bottom surface F2 of the installation hole D2 becomes shorter. As a result, the elastic member provided in the installation hole D of the shaft member 72 is compressed by the end M2 of the abutment portion 73 and the bottom surface F2 of the installation hole D2 and enters a shortened state. In other words, the restoring force becomes larger. Therefore, the abutment portion 73 presses the second control member 342 with stronger pressure. Consequently, the rotational resistance in the base unit 30 becomes larger.

[0114] On the other hand, when the shaft member 72 is rotated (e.g., rotated left) by the operator 71, the shaft member 72 moves in a direction away from the second control member 342. When the shaft member 72 moves in a direction away from the second control member 342, the distance between the end M2 of the abutment portion 73 and the bottom surface F2 of the installation hole D2 increases. As a result, the elastic member 75 provided in the installation hole D2 of the shaft member 72 stretches. In other words, the restoring force weakens. Therefore, the pressure with which the abutment portion 73 presses the second control member 342 weakens. Consequently, the rotational resistance in the base portion 30 decreases.

[0115] As can be understood from the above explanation, the pan friction mechanism 70 of this embodiment increases the frictional resistance between the shaft member 72 and the second control member 342 by moving the shaft member 72 in a direction toward the second control member 342, and decreases the frictional resistance between the shaft member 72 and the second control member 342 by moving the shaft member 72 in a direction away from the second control member 342. In other words, the pan friction mechanism 70 variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating body by adjusting the frictional resistance between the pan friction mechanism 70 and the second control member 342.

[0116] In the pan release state, when the base unit 30 is rotated around the rotation axis P2 using the operating lever, the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 supported on the base unit 30 (the second section 312 of the support unit 31) rotate together with the support unit 31 around the rotation axis P2.

[0117] Here, in order to enable the base unit 30 to be fixed at any position, the second control member 342 is shaped so that at least a portion (in this embodiment, a portion of the outer circumferential surface J) is positioned opposite the contact portion 63 of the pan lock mechanism 60 when the base unit 30 is at all rotation angles that the base unit 30 can rotate. Similarly, in order to enable rotation resistance to be applied to the base unit 30 when the base unit 30 is at all rotation angles that the base unit 30 can rotate, the second control member 342 is shaped so that at least a portion is positioned opposite the contact portion 73 of the pan friction mechanism 70. In light of the above circumstances, in this embodiment, the second control member 342 is cylindrical with the rotation axis P2 as its central axis.

[0118] In this embodiment, the second control member 342 is cylindrical, but the shape of the second control member 342 is arbitrary as long as at least a portion of it can be positioned opposite the abutment portion 63 of the pan lock mechanism 60 and the abutment portion 73 of the pan friction mechanism 70 when the base portion 30 is at all rotation angles through which it can rotate.

[0119] The configuration of the pan lock mechanism 60 is not limited to the above example, as long as it is possible to press the second control member 342 with the abutment portion 63. Furthermore, as long as it is possible to prevent the second control member 342 from rotating about the rotation axis P2, it is not limited to a configuration in which the abutment portion 63 presses the second control member 342. For example, a configuration in which the second control member 342 is fixed by being sandwiched between two abutment portions may also be employed. However, a configuration in which the second control member 342 is pressed by the abutment portion 63 has the advantage of simplifying the configuration for fixing the second control member 342.

[0120] Similarly, the configuration of the pan friction mechanism 70 is not limited to the above example, as long as the base unit 30 can rotate with the second control member 342 pressed by the abutment portion 73. For example, the position of the elastic member 75 is arbitrary, as long as the elastic member 75 can bias the abutment portion 73 toward the second control member 342. For example, the elastic member 75 may be installed on the outer peripheral surface side of the shaft member 72. However, a configuration in which the elastic member 75 is installed in the installation hole D2 of the shaft member 72 has the advantage of allowing for miniaturization.

[0121] A configuration may also be employed in which the frictional resistance between the second control member 342 and the contact portion 73 is adjusted without using the elastic member 75. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a plurality of contact portions that can come into contact with the second control member 342 are provided, and the frictional resistance is adjusted in accordance with the number of contact portions that come into contact with the second control member 342. However, a configuration in which the elastic member 75 is used to adjust the frictional resistance between the second control member 342 and the contact portion 73 has the advantage of simplifying the configuration for adjusting the frictional resistance.

[0122] As can be understood from the above explanation, in this embodiment, the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 act on a common second control member 342, which has the advantage that the mechanism for adjusting the rotational friction of the base portion 30 (support portion 31) can be simplified and made smaller, compared to a configuration in which separate members are required on which the pan lock mechanism and the pan friction mechanism act, for example.

[0123] <Modification> The above-described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples can also be combined as appropriate.

[0124] (1) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first control member 80 and tilt lock mechanism 40 according to a modified example. The thickness of the first control member 80 in FIG. 9 is greater than the thickness of the first control member 80 in FIG. 5. The first control member 80 in FIG. 5 is, for example, 0.5 to 1 mm, whereas the thickness of the first control member 80 in FIG. 9 is, for example, 2 to 4 mm. Note that the thickness of the first control member 80 in FIG. 9 is not so small that it will bend. The configuration in FIG. 5 has the advantage that the first control member 80 can be bent and clamped, so the required level of dimensional accuracy, etc. is low. On the other hand, the configuration in FIG. 9 has the advantage that a sufficient thickness can be ensured for the first control member 80, thereby increasing the strength of the first control member 80 (and therefore the locking strength).

[0125] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the movement of the tilt lock mechanism 40 according to a modified example from the released state to the locked state. In the first embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which the caliper portion 44 (contact portion 441) does not move toward the first control member 80. However, in this modified example, a configuration is exemplified in which the caliper portion 44 (contact portion 441) also moves toward the first control member 80. That is, both the contact portion 43 and the contact portion 441 may move toward the first control member 80, sandwiching the first control member 80 and locking it in place. As exemplified in FIG. 10, in the released state, as in the first embodiment, there is a gap between the first control member 80 and the contact portion 43, and there is also a gap between the first control member 80 and the contact portion 43.

[0126] The tilt lock mechanism 40 according to this modification further includes an anti-rotation member 45 in addition to the operating element 41, the shaft member 42, the contact portion 43, and the caliper portion 44. The anti-rotation member 45 is an element for preventing rotation of the caliper portion 44. However, it does not prevent the caliper portion 44 from moving in a direction parallel to the rotation axis P1.

[0127] First, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , when the shaft member 42 is rotated (e.g., rotated clockwise) by the operator 41 from the tilt release state, the abutment portion 43 moves together with the shaft member 42 until it abuts against the first control member 80. When the shaft member 42 is further rotated (e.g., rotated clockwise), the caliper portion 44 moves toward the operator 41 (in the negative direction of the X axis). That is, the abutment portion 441 of the caliper portion 44 moves until it abuts against the first control member 80. Note that in this modified example, after abutting against the first control member 80, the abutment portion 43 does not move in the positive direction of the X axis. Instead, the caliper portion 44 moves in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0128] Then, when first control member 80 is sandwiched between abutment portion 43 and abutment portion 441 and abutment portion 43 moves to a position where first control member 80 can no longer tilt, the tilt is locked. Furthermore, when shaft member 42 is rotated (for example, counterclockwise) by operator 41 from the tilt locked state, abutment portion 43 moves in the positive direction of the X axis away from first control member 80, and then caliper portion 44 moves in the negative direction of the X axis, thereby locking the tilt.

[0129] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the tilt fixed state, the specific configuration is arbitrary as long as it is possible to fix the first control member 80 with the two abutment portions (43, 334) located on opposite sides of the first control member 80.

[0130] (2) The present invention can also be applied to cases where rotation is performed in directions other than pan and tilt. That is, the present invention can be conceived as a camera platform that includes a locking mechanism for switching between a fixed state in which a rotating body rotates around an arbitrary rotation axis and a released state in which the rotating body rotates, a friction mechanism for applying rotational resistance to the rotating body, and a control member that is commonly acted upon by the locking mechanism and the friction mechanism.

[0131] In the first embodiment, the elements for performing tilt rotation may be used as the elements for performing pan rotation. For example, a second control member having a similar shape to the first control member 80 may be used, and a configuration similar to that of the tilt lock mechanism 40 may be used for the pan lock mechanism 60. Similarly, in the first embodiment, the elements for performing pan rotation may be used as the elements for performing tilt rotation. For example, a first control member 80 having a similar shape to the second control member 342 may be used, and a configuration similar to that of the pan lock mechanism 60 may be used for the tilt lock mechanism 40.

[0132] (3) Figures 11 to 14 show cross-sectional views of a modified pan lock mechanism 60, pan friction mechanism 70, and second control member 342. For convenience, Figures 11 to 14 illustrate pan rotation, but as described above, the same configurations as those shown in Figures 11 to 14 can also be used for tilt rotation and other rotations.

[0133] Figure 11 illustrates an example in which the configuration of the pan lock mechanism 60 in Figure 8 is different. The pan lock mechanism 60 in Figure 11 employs the same configuration as that employed in the tilt lock mechanism 40 in Figure 9. Specifically, the pan lock mechanism 60 includes an operator 61, a shaft member 62, a contact portion 63, a caliper portion 65, and a rotation prevention member 66. The operator 61, the shaft member 62, and the contact portion 63 have the same configurations as in the first embodiment.

[0134] The caliper portion 65 includes an abutment portion 651 and a retaining portion 652. The abutment portion 651 and the retaining portion 652 are positioned facing each other on opposite sides of the second control member 342. The caliper portion 65 (abutment portion 651, retaining portion 652) and the anti-rotation member 66 are similar to the caliper portion 44 (abutment portion 441, retaining portion 442) and the anti-rotation member 45 in FIG. 9. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the pan lock mechanism 60 clamps the edge of the second control member 342 between the abutment portion 651 and the retaining portion 652 to lock the pan.

[0135] Figure 12 illustrates an example in which the shape of the second control member 342 in Figure 11 is different. As illustrated in Figure 12, a cylindrical second control member 342 whose outer diameter is not constant along the height direction may also be used. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the wall portion (i.e., the wall portion provided in an annular shape) forming the second control member 342 is provided in a direction inclined with respect to the rotation axis P2.

[0136] The second control member 342 in Figures 13 and 14 illustrates a case where the shape of the second control member 342 in Figure 8 is different. As illustrated in Figure 13, the second control member 342 may be flat. One surface of the second control member 342 is pressed by the abutment portion 63 of the pan lock mechanism 60 and the abutment portion 73 of the pan friction mechanism 70.

[0137] 14, the surface on which the abutment portion 63 of the pan lock mechanism 60 and the abutment portion 73 of the pan friction mechanism 70 commonly abut may be an inclined surface. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the outer peripheral surface of the second control member 342 is provided in a direction inclined with respect to the rotation axis P2.

[0138] In the second control member 342, it is preferable that the surfaces where the contact portions 63, 73 face each other are rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis P2 so that the contact portions 63, 73 can come into contact with each other at any rotation angle. Similarly, in the first control member 80, it is preferable that the surfaces where the contact portions 43, 53 face each other are rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis P1 so that the contact portions 43, 53 can come into contact with each other at any rotation angle.

[0139] The positions and configurations of the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the second control member 342. Similarly, the positions and configurations of the tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the first control member 80.

[0140] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the locking mechanisms 40, 60 and the friction mechanisms 50, 70 rotate around the rotation axes P1, P2. However, a configuration in which the locking mechanisms 40, 60 and the friction mechanisms 50, 70 rotate around the rotation axes P1, P2 may also be employed. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the camera platform 100 in which the locking mechanisms 40, 60 and the friction mechanisms 50, 70 rotate around the rotation axes P1, P2. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view focusing on the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70. Other components are omitted from FIG. 16 as appropriate.

[0141] Tilt rotation and pan rotation will be explained below, but parts that employ the same configuration as the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0142] The camera platform 100 in Fig. 15 includes a connection portion 91, a first support portion 92, a second support portion 93, an axis member R1, an axis member R2, a first control member 81, and a second control member 82. The first support portion 92 supports the axis member R1 (an example of a "rotating body") so that the axis member R1 can rotate about a rotation axis P1. The axis member R1 is connected to the imaging connection portion 10 via the connection portion 91. Therefore, the axis member R1 and the imaging connection portion 10 (and thus the imaging device) rotate (tilt rotate) in unison. On the other hand, the first support portion 92 does not rotate about the rotation axis P1.

[0143] A first control member 81 is provided on the shaft member R1. That is, the first control member 81 rotates together with the shaft member R1 around the rotation axis P1. The tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 are also supported on the first support portion 92. The first support portion 92, the tilt lock mechanism 40, and the tilt friction mechanism 50 are not connected to the shaft member R1 and do not rotate together with the shaft member R1. The tilt lock mechanism 40 and the tilt friction mechanism 50 are provided at positions corresponding to the first control member 81. Note that the tilt lock mechanism 40, the tilt friction mechanism 50, and the first control member 81 may have the same configurations as the various tilt lock mechanisms 40, tilt friction mechanisms 50, and first control member 80 described above, as appropriate.

[0144] A second support part 93 is located on the opposite side of the connection part 91 from the imaging connection part 10. A shaft member R2 (an example of a "rotating body") is supported by the second support part 93 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis P2. A second control member 82 is provided on the shaft member R2. That is, the second control member 82 rotates together with the shaft member R2 around the rotation axis P2.

[0145] The second support portion 93 supports the pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70. The second support portion 93, the pan lock mechanism 60, and the pan friction mechanism 70 do not rotate together with the shaft member R2. The pan lock mechanism 60 and the pan friction mechanism 70 are provided at a position corresponding to the second control member 82. Note that the pan lock mechanism 60, the pan friction mechanism 70, and the second control member 82 may have the same configurations as the various pan lock mechanisms 60, pan friction mechanisms 70, and second control member 342 described above. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 16, the second control member 82 is disk-shaped, and therefore the shaft member 62 of the pan lock mechanism 60 and the shaft member 62 of the pan friction mechanism are provided parallel to the rotation axis P2. For example, when the shaft member R2 rotates, the shaft member R2 and the first support portion 92 are connected so that the first support portion 92 can also rotate about the rotation axis P1, thereby causing pan rotation.

[0146] As can be understood from the above explanation, the pan head of the present invention comprises an imaging connection section to which an imaging device is connected, a rotating body that is rotatable around a rotation axis and to which the imaging connection section is connected, a locking mechanism that switches between a fixed state in which the rotating body does not rotate and a released state in which the rotating body rotates, a friction mechanism that applies rotational resistance to the rotating body in the released state, and a control member on which the locking mechanism and the friction mechanism act together, wherein one of the locking mechanism, the friction mechanism, or the control member rotates around the rotation axis together with the rotating body, and the other does not rotate around the rotation axis P, the locking mechanism abuts against the control member in the fixed state so that it does not move relative to the control member, and in the released state, the locking mechanism is released from the abutment so that it can move relative to the control member, and the friction mechanism variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating body according to the frictional resistance between it and the control member.

[0147] 1 to 14 show examples of a configuration in which the locking mechanism (40, 60) and the friction mechanism (50, 70) rotate together with the rotating body around the rotation axis (P1, P2), and the control member (80, 342) does not rotate around the rotation axis P. FIGS. 15 and 16 show examples of a configuration in which the control member (81, 82) rotates together with the rotating body (R1, R2) around the rotation axis (P1, P2), and the locking mechanism (40, 60) and the friction mechanism (50, 70) do not rotate around the rotation axis (P1, P2). Note that the rotating body is not limited to the above examples as long as it is a member that can rotate around the rotation axis. The rotating body may be made up of multiple members.

[0148] (5) The configuration of the friction mechanism (50, 70) is not limited to the above examples as long as it is capable of applying frictional resistance to the control member. For example, the frictional resistance between the control member and the friction mechanism may be changed by changing the force that clamps the control member.

[0149] (6) The present invention can also be conceived as a pan head that includes a friction mechanism including a third contact portion that contacts the control member and generates frictional resistance between it and the control member, an axis member that is movable in a first direction toward the third contact member and a second direction away from the third contact member, and an elastic member that biases the third contact portion toward the control member, and that increases the frictional resistance between it and the control member by moving the axis member in the first direction, and decreases the frictional resistance between it and the control member by moving the axis member in the second direction. The objective of this pan head is to simplify the configuration for adjusting the frictional resistance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10: Imaging connection part 20: Leg connection part 30: Base part 31: Support part 32: Rotating part 34: Fixed axis 35:Connection part 40: Tilt lock mechanism 41: Operator 42: Shaft member 43: Contact part 44: Caliper part 45: Anti-rotation member 46: Contact part 50: Tilt friction mechanism 51: Operator 52: Shaft member 53: Contact part 54: Holding part 55: Elastic member 60: Pan lock mechanism 61: Operator 62: Shaft member 63: Contact part 64: Holding part 65: Caliper part 66: Anti-rotation member 70: Pan friction mechanism 71: Operator 72: Shaft member 73: Contact part 74: Holding part 75: Elastic member 80: First control member 81: First control member 82: Second control member 91: Connection part 92: 1st support part 93:Second support part 100: Pan head 221: Bottom part 223: Side wall 241: Fitting part 311: First Section 312: Second Section 322 :1st part 324 :Second part 341: Shaft 342: Second control member 441: Contact part 442: Holding part 651: Contact part 652: Holding part P1: Rotation axis P2: Rotation axis Q: Shaft R1: Shaft member R2: Shaft member S: Elastic material

Claims

1. an imaging connection section to which an imaging device is connected; a rotating body that is rotatable around a rotation axis and to which the imaging connection portion is connected; a locking mechanism that switches between a fixed state in which the rotating body does not rotate and a released state in which the rotating body rotates; a friction mechanism that applies rotational resistance to the rotating body in the released state; a control member on which the lock mechanism and the friction mechanism act in common, one of the lock mechanism and the friction mechanism, and the control member, rotates around the rotation axis together with the rotating body, and the other does not rotate around the rotation axis; The locking mechanism is In the fixed state, the control member abuts against the control member so as not to move relative to the control member, In the released state, the contact is released, allowing the valve to move relative to the control member, The friction mechanism variably sets the rotational resistance of the rotating body in accordance with the frictional resistance between the rotating body and the control member. Panhead.

2. the locking mechanism includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion, In the fixed state, the first contact portion and the second contact portion sandwich the control member from opposite sides, In the released state, the first contact portion and the second contact portion release the pinching of the control member. The camera platform of claim 1.

3. the control member is provided along the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft, At least a part of the control member is located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion when the rotor is at any rotation angle at which the rotor can rotate. The camera platform of claim 1.

4. the locking mechanism includes a first abutment portion, In the fixed state, the first contact portion presses against the surface of the control member, In the released state, the first contact portion releases the pressure on the control member. The camera platform of claim 1.

5. The control member has a shape such that at least a portion of the control member faces the first contact portion when the rotor is at any rotation angle at which the rotor can rotate. The camera platform of claim 1.

6. The friction mechanism includes: a third contact portion that contacts the control member and generates the frictional resistance between the control member and the third contact portion; a shaft member movable in a first direction toward the third contact member and in a second direction away from the third contact member; an elastic member that biases the third contact portion toward the control member, By moving the shaft member in the first direction, frictional resistance between the shaft member and the control member is increased, By moving the shaft member in the second direction, frictional resistance between the shaft member and the control member is reduced. The camera platform of claim 1.

7. the shaft member includes an installation hole on a surface facing the control member; The elastic member is supported inside the installation hole, An end of the third contact portion opposite to the control member is inserted into the installation portion. The camera head of claim 6.

8. The control member has a shape such that at least a portion of the control member faces the third contact portion when the rotor is at any rotation angle at which the rotor can rotate. The camera head of claim 6.

Images