Angle adjustment device

Abstract

The present invention provides an angle adjustment device that allows the rotation angle between the first member and the second member to be visually confirmed. [Solution] The angle adjustment device 10 comprises a first member 21 and a second member 22. The first member 21 is provided with a first opening 30 and a first angle display unit 32 on the edge of the first opening 30. The second member 22 is provided with a second opening 40 whose center is on a vertical axis 33 passing through the center of the first opening 30 and a second angle display unit 42 on the edge of the second opening 40, and is rotatably connected to the first member 21 about the vertical axis 33. The rotation angle of the first member 21 and the second member 22 is displayed by the positional relationship between the first angle display unit 32 and the second angle display unit 42.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an angle adjustment device that enables visual recognition of the rotation angle between a first member and a second member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, an angle adjustment device for attaching an object to be installed on an installation part in an angle-adjustable manner is known. In this angle adjustment device, a first member installed on the installation part and a second member supporting the object to be installed are rotatably connected, and an angle display part is provided to enable visual recognition of the rotation angle by a scale provided on the side surface of the first member and a pointer provided on the side surface of the second member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such an angle adjustment device, the rotation angle can be visually recognized by the angle display part provided on the side surfaces of the first member and the second member. However, it may be necessary to enable visual recognition of the rotation angle by another display method according to the posture of the angle adjustment device or the like.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an angle adjustment device that enables visual recognition of the rotation angle between a first member and a second member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The angle adjustment device of the present invention comprises a first member having a first opening and a first angle display unit provided on the edge of the first opening, and a second member having a second opening having its center on an axis passing through the center of the first opening and a second angle display unit provided on the edge of the second opening, and being rotatably connected to the first member about the axis, and the rotation angle of the first member and the second member is displayed by the positional relationship between the first angle display unit and the second angle display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an angle adjustment device that allows the rotation angle between the first member and the second member to be visually confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a mounting base for a camera using an angle adjustment device that represents one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the angle adjustment device and camera shown above. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the same angle adjustment device. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the same angle adjustment device. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the same angle adjustment device. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the first and second openings and the first and second angle indicators of the angle adjustment device shown above. [Figure 7] The following shows other examples of the first and second angle display units of the same angle adjustment device, with (a) being a perspective view showing a second example of the first and second angle display units, and (b) being a perspective view showing a third example of the first and second angle display units. [Figure 8] Figures (a) to (f) are explanatory diagrams showing the angle display in the third example of the first and second angle display sections of the same angle adjustment device. [Figure 9] Further examples of the first and second angle display units of the same angle adjustment device are shown, with (a) being a perspective view showing a fourth example of the first and second angle display units, and (b) being a perspective view showing a fifth example of the first and second angle display units. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of installing electrical equipment 11 on a stand 12 using an angle adjustment device 10. The electrical equipment 11 is, for example, a camera 13, which is used to recognize the position and orientation of a recognition object by photographing it in the camera field of view 14 with the shooting direction set downwards. Depending on the relationship with the transport device that transports the recognition object and other devices, the stand 12 may be installed at an angle (for example, 20° tilt) with respect to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recognition object. The angle adjustment device 10 adjusts the angle of the camera 13 on the stand 12 so that it is tilted in the opposite direction to the tilt of the stand 12 (for example, -20° tilt) so that the camera 13 installed on the tilted stand 12 can recognize the recognition object in a predetermined orientation. The stand 12 has a pair of vertical frames 15 installed on both sides of the transport device and a horizontal frame 16 installed between the upper ends of these vertical frames 15, and the angle adjustment device 10 is installed on the installation part 17 near the center of the horizontal frame 16.

[0011] Figures 2 to 6 show the angle adjustment device 10. The angle adjustment device 10 includes a first member 21 installed on the mounting section 17, a second member 22 connected to the first member 21 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction, a third member 23 connected to the second member 22 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction and to which the camera 13 is attached, a rotatable connection mechanism 24 that rotatably connects the first member 21 and the second member 22, and a sliding connection mechanism 25 that slidably connects the second member 22 and the third member 23.

[0012] The first member 21 has a flat first base portion 28 and a first mounting portion 29 which is bent upward from one of the opposing sides of the first base portion 28 and attached to the installation portion 17. A first opening 30 is provided in the center of the surface of the first base portion 28, and a plurality of slits 31 of the rotational connection mechanism 24 are provided around the first opening 30, and a first angle indicator portion 32 is provided on the inner wall which is the edge of the first opening 30.

[0013] The first opening 30 is circular in shape with an inner diameter that allows wiring and the like to be inserted, and is centered around a virtual axis, the vertical axis (central axis of the rotating connection mechanism 24) 33, which passes through the center of the first opening 30. The vertical axis 33 extends in a direction intersecting the surface of the first base portion 28 where the first opening 30 is formed, and the extension direction becomes vertical when the surface of the first base portion 28 is facing horizontally.

[0014] The slits 31 are arranged in an arc shape concentric with the first opening 30, centered on the vertical axis 33. Multiple slits 31 are provided, divided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and connecting portions 34 are provided between adjacent slits 31, connecting the outer side opposite the center of the slit 31. The number of slits 31 is, for example, six, but it is sufficient to have at least two so that at least two connecting portions 34 are ensured.

[0015] The first angle indicator section 32 has a first projection 35 that protrudes from the inner wall of the edge of the first opening 30 toward the center of the first opening 30. Multiple first projections 35 are provided in the circumferential direction. For example, two projections 35 have a width dimension of 10° in the circumferential direction and are provided with a 10° gap between them, so that two first projections 35 are provided at a 20° pitch.

[0016] Further, the second member 22 has a flat plate-shaped second base portion 38 and a second attachment portion 39 that is bent downward from one of the opposing sides of the second base portion 38 and to which the third member 23 is attached. A second opening 40 is provided at the center of the second base portion 38, and a plurality of insertion holes 41 of the rotation connection mechanism 24 are provided around the second opening 40. A second angle display portion 42 is provided on the inner wall that is the edge portion of the second opening 40.

[0017] The second opening 40 is circular in shape with the same inner diameter as the first opening 30 and is capable of inserting wiring etc., and is provided centered on the vertical axis (central axis of the rotation connection mechanism 24) 33, which is a virtual axis passing through the center of the first opening 30. The vertical axis 33 extends in a direction intersecting the surface of the second base portion 38 where the second opening 40 is formed, and when the surface of the second base portion 38 faces the horizontal direction, the extending direction becomes the vertical direction. Also, the surfaces of the first base portion 38 and the second base portion 38 are in a facing state.

[0018] The insertion holes 41 are circular holes for inserting fasteners, are arranged concentrically with the second opening 40 centered on the vertical axis 33, and are arranged on the same circumference as the slit 31 of the first member 21, having the same number as the slit 31 and the same pitch in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The second angle display portion 42 has a second protrusion portion 43 that protrudes from the inner wall of the edge portion of the second opening 40 toward the center of the second opening 40. The second protrusion portion 43 is one, and for example, has a width dimension of 10° in the circumferential direction.

[0020] In the first angle display portion 32 and the second angle display portion 42, at the position where the second protrusion portion 43 overlaps vertically with one side (the right side in FIGS. 4 and 6 etc.) of the first protrusion portion 35, it becomes the reference position (0° position) where the second member 22 rotates by a predetermined angle with respect to the first member 21. The predetermined angle of the second member 22 with respect to the first member 21 is, for example, 20°, and is, for example, the angle at which the camera 13 can recognize the recognized object at the correct angle with respect to the mount 12 that is inclined by 20°.

[0021] Furthermore, the rotatable connection mechanism 24 is provided around the first opening 30 and the second opening 40, and rotatably connects the first member 21 and the second member 22 about a vertical axis 33. The rotatable connection mechanism 24 includes a plurality of slits 31 in the first member 21, a plurality of insertion holes 41 in the second member 22, a plurality of fasteners 46 for fastening the first member 21 and the second member 22, and a fastening member 47 that cooperates with the fasteners 46 to fasten the first member 21 and the second member 22.

[0022] The fastener 46 is, for example, a bolt, which is inserted from below the second member 22 through the insertion hole 41 and the slit 31 of the first member 21, and screwed into a fastening member 47 positioned on the first base portion 28 of the first member 21. When the fastener 46 is loosened, it is movable along the longitudinal direction of the slit 31 of the first member 21, thereby allowing the second member 22 to rotate relative to the first member 21 about the vertical axis 33. When the fastener 46 is tightened, the first member 21 and the second member 22 are clamped between the bolt head and the fastening member 47, thereby fastening them together. At least three, preferably four or more, fasteners 46 are used to allow the second member 22 to rotate relative to the first member 21 about the vertical axis 33.

[0023] The fastening member 47 is positioned on the first base portion 28 of the first member 21. The fastening member 47 is disc-shaped, with a fastening member opening 48 in the center, and a plurality of mounting holes 49 around this fastening member opening 48. The fastening member opening 48 is circular in shape with approximately the same inner diameter as the first opening 30, and is positioned around a vertical axis (central axis of the rotating connection mechanism 24) 33 that passes through the center of the first opening 30. The mounting holes 49 are, for example, screw holes, and are concentric with the fastening member opening 48 centered on the vertical axis 33, and are positioned to correspond to each slit 31 of the first member 21 and each insertion hole 41 of the second member 22. Then, a fastener 46 inserted through the insertion hole 41 of the second member 22 and the slit 31 of the first member 21 is screwed into the mounting holes 49 of the fastening member 47.

[0024] The rotatable connection mechanism 24 may also be provided with an insertion hole 41 in the first member 21 and a slit 31 in the second member 22 to rotatably connect the first member 21 and the second member 22.

[0025] Furthermore, the third member 23 includes a support portion 52 provided along the vertical direction, a third mounting portion 53 bent from both sides of the upper end of the support portion 52 and positioned inside the second mounting portion 39 of the second member 22, and an electrical equipment mounting portion 54 bent from both sides of the lower end of the support portion 52 toward opposite sides for mounting the camera 13. The third mounting portion 53 is provided with a plurality of linear slits 55 along the horizontal direction. When the third member 23 is attached to the second member 22, the lower side of the second base portion 38 of the second member 22 is open, allowing the fastener 46 to be operated.

[0026] Furthermore, the slide connection mechanism 25 connects the third member 23 to the second member 22 so that it can slide horizontally. The slide connection mechanism 25 includes a fastener 58 for fastening the second member 22 and the third member 23, and a fastening member 59 that cooperates with the fastener 58 to fasten the second member 22 and the third member 23. The fastener 58 is, for example, a bolt, which is inserted through a through hole provided in the second mounting portion 39 of the second member 22 and a slit 55 in the third member 23 and screwed into the fastening member 59. When the fastener 58 is loosened, the slit 55 of the third member 23 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the slit 55 relative to the fastener 58, thereby allowing the third member 23 to slide horizontally relative to the second member 22. When the fastener 58 is tightened, the second member 22 and the third member 23 are sandwiched between the bolt head and the fastening member 59 and fastened together.

[0027] Furthermore, if the third member 23 does not require horizontal sliding movement relative to the second member 22, the sliding connection mechanism 25 may not be used, and the third member 23 may be fixed to the second member 22, or it may be integrally provided with the second member 22.

[0028] Furthermore, the camera 13, which is mounted on the frame 12 by the angle adjustment device 10, is electrically connected to wiring 62 (shown in Figure 2) for power supply and communication such as outputting captured video. The wiring 62 is routed from the outside along the vertical frame 15 and horizontal frame 16 of the frame 12, and is drawn into the angle adjustment device 10 from the underside of the horizontal frame 16, and connected to the camera 13 through the fastening member opening 48 of the fastening member 47, the first opening 30 of the first member 21, and the second opening 40 of the second member 22.

[0029] Next, we will describe the installation of the camera 13 using the angle adjustment device 10.

[0030] The first member 21 of the angle adjustment device 10 is installed on the frame 12, the second member 22 is attached to the first member 21, and the third member 23 is attached to the second member 22. Alternatively, the first member 21 may be installed on the frame 12 with the first member 21, second member 22, and third member 23 of the angle adjustment device 10 temporarily assembled.

[0031] After the angle adjustment device 10 is installed on the frame 12, the fastener 46 of the rotational connection mechanism 24 is loosened, allowing the angle of the second member 22 relative to the first member 21 to be adjusted.

[0032] When adjusting the angle, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first angle indicator 32 and the second angle indicator 42 on the edges of the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 can be seen from below the second member 22, making it possible to determine the rotation angle of the second member 22 relative to the first member 21 from the positional relationship between the first angle indicator 32 and the second angle indicator 42.

[0033] When one of the second projections 43 of the second angle display unit 42 is positioned to overlap vertically with one of the two first projections 35 of the first angle display unit 32 (the right side in Figures 4 and 6), the second member 22 is assumed to be at a reference position (hereinafter referred to as the 0° position) where it is at a predetermined rotation angle relative to the first member 21.

[0034] When the second member 22 is rotated clockwise in the direction shown in Figures 4 and 6, and one second projection 43 is positioned between the two first projections 35, it is indicated that the second member 22 has rotated, for example, 10° from the 0° position relative to the first member 21.

[0035] When the second member 22 is rotated clockwise in Figures 4 and 6, and one second projection 43 is positioned to overlap vertically with the other of the two first projections 35 (the left one in Figures 4 and 6), it is indicated that the second member 22 has been rotated, for example, 20° from the 0° position relative to the first member 21.

[0036] In this way, the positional relationship between the first angle display unit 32 and the second angle display unit 42 displays the rotation angle of the second member 22 relative to the first member 21, and the angle can be easily adjusted by visually checking it.

[0037] After adjusting the angle of the second member 22, the fastener 46 is tightened to fix the first member 21 and the second member 22 together.

[0038] Furthermore, the sliding connection mechanism 25 slides the third member 23 in a horizontal direction parallel to the second mounting portion 39 of the second member 22 to adjust its position, and the fastener 58 is tightened to fix the second member 22 and the third member 23 together.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the camera 13 is attached to the electrical equipment mounting portion 54 of the third member 23, and the wiring 62 arranged along the frame 12 is passed from above through the fastening member opening 48, the first opening 30, and the second opening 40 and connected to the camera 13.

[0040] As described above, the angle adjustment device 10 can display and make visible the rotation angle between the first member 21 and the second member 22 based on the positional relationship between the first angle display unit 32 provided on the edge of the first opening 30 of the first member 21 and the second angle display unit 42 provided on the edge of the second opening 40 of the second member 22.

[0041] Furthermore, since the first member 21 and the second member 22 have a first opening 30 and a second opening 40, the wiring 62 connected to the camera 13 can be passed through the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 and placed inside the angle adjustment device 10. If the wiring 62 were to pass outside the angle adjustment device 10, the wiring 62 would be exposed and its appearance would be compromised, and there would be a risk of something coming into contact with the wiring 62 and putting a load on it. However, by passing the wiring 62 through the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 and placing it inside the angle adjustment device 10, the appearance is improved and the wiring 62 is protected.

[0042] Because the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 are located at the pivot centers of the first member 21 and the second member 22, it is not possible to place a shaft member such as a bolt at the pivot center. However, by providing a pivot connection mechanism 24 around the first opening 30 and the second opening 40, the first member 21 and the second member 22 can be rotatably connected around a vertical axis 33 perpendicular to the centers of the first opening 30 and the second opening 40.

[0043] The first angle display section 32 and the second angle display section 42 have a three-dimensional structure in which the first projection 35 and the second projection 43 protrude from the inner wall of the edge of the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 toward the center. Therefore, they have higher visibility compared to flat scales, and this high visibility makes it possible to easily check the rotation angle and adjust the angle even when the wiring 62 passes through the first opening 30 and the second opening 40.

[0044] Next, other examples of the first angle indicator section 32 and the second angle indicator section 42 provided on the edges of the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 will be described.

[0045] In Figure 6, the first angle display unit 32 is provided with two first protrusions 35, and the second angle display unit 42 is provided with one second protrusion 43. However, the relationship between the first protrusions 35 and the second protrusions 43 may be reversed. That is, the first angle display unit 32 may be provided with one first protrusion 35, and the second angle display unit 42 may be provided with two second protrusions 43. In this case as well, the rotation angle of the second member 22 is displayed based on the positional relationship between the one first protrusion 35 of the first angle display unit 32 and the two second protrusions 43 of the second angle display unit 42.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7(a) (a second example of the first and second angle indicators 32 and 42), three first protrusions 35 may be provided on the inner wall of the edge of the first opening 30 as the first angle indicator 32 at, for example, a 40° pitch, and three second protrusions 43 may be provided on the inner wall of the edge of the second opening 40 as the second angle indicator 42 at a 50° pitch. If the position where the left first projection 35 and the left second projection 43 in Figure 7(a) overlap vertically is considered the 0° position, which is the reference position when the second member 22 has rotated a predetermined angle relative to the first member 21, then the second member 22 rotates clockwise in Figure 7(a), and it is indicated that it has rotated 10° from the 0° position when the central first projection 35 and the central second projection 43 overlap vertically. Furthermore, the second member 22 rotates clockwise in Figure 7(a), and it is indicated that it has rotated 20° from the 0° position when the right first projection 35 and the right second projection 43 overlap vertically.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7(b) (a third example of the first and second angle display sections 32 and 42), the first angle display section 32 is provided on the inner wall of the edge of the first opening 30, with a first recess 65 which is the main display section and a first protrusion 66 which is the sub-display section (a first protrusion provided between two recesses, since two recesses are provided). The second angle display section 42 is provided on the inner wall of the edge of the second opening 40, with a plurality of second recesses 67 and a plurality of second protrusions 68 arranged in an uneven manner along the circumferential direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8(a), the first recess 65 and the first protrusion 66 are offset by, for example, 100°, and the pitch of the second recess 67 and the second protrusion 68 (and the first recess 65 and first protrusion 66, which have the same shape) is set at, for example, 10°. The position where the first recess 65 and the second recess 67 overlap in the vertical direction, and the position where the first protrusion 66 and the second recess 67 overlap in the vertical direction, is defined as the 0° position, which is the reference position when the second member 22 is rotated by a predetermined angle relative to the first member 21. Note that in Figure 8, for explanatory purposes, the first recess 65 and the first protrusion 66 are shown on the outside of the second opening 40.

[0049] As shown in Figures 8(b) and (c), when the second member 22 is rotated 10° from the 0° position, the second member 22 is rotated clockwise in Figure 8, and the second recess 67 to the right of the second recess 67 that was vertically overlapping the first recess 65 at the 0° position now vertically overlaps the first recess 65, indicating that it has been rotated 10°.

[0050] As shown in Figures 8(d) to 8(f), when the second member 22 is rotated 25° from the 0° position, the second member 22 is rotated clockwise in Figure 8, and the second recess 67 two positions to the right of the second recess 67 that was overlapping the first recess 65 vertically at the 0° position now overlaps the first recess 65 vertically, indicating a 20° rotation (Figure 8(e)). At this 20° rotation position, the first protrusion 66 and the second recess 67 overlap vertically. From the 20° rotation position, the second member 22 is further rotated clockwise in Figure 8, and the second protrusion 68 adjacent to the second recess 67 that was overlapping the first protrusion 66 at the 20° rotation position now overlaps the first protrusion 66 vertically, resulting in a 5° rotation, and it is indicated that the second member 22 has rotated a total of 25° from the 0° position (Figure 8(f)).

[0051] As shown in Figure 9(a) (a fourth example of the first and second angle display units 32 and 42), the first opening 30 has a smaller opening dimension (inner diameter) than the second opening 40, and the first angle display unit 32 is provided on the surface of the first base portion 28 of the first member 21 that is exposed to the second opening 40 side at the periphery of the edge of the first opening 30. The first angle display unit 32 consists of a scale 71 provided along the first opening 30. The scale 71 may be displayed by printing or other means, or it may be processed into a concave or convex shape to create a concave or convex surface. A pointer portion 72 that points to the scale 71 is provided in a concave (or convex) shape on the inner wall of the edge of the second opening 40. The rotation angle of the second member 22 is then displayed by the positional relationship between the scale 71 and the pointer portion 72. In this case, the positional relationship between the scale 71 and the pointer portion 72 can be easily seen even when viewed from directly below the second member 22.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9(b) (the fifth example of the first and second angle display units 32 and 42), the opening dimensions (inner diameter) of the first opening 30 and the second opening 40 are the same, a pointer 75 is provided in a concave (or convex) shape on the inner wall of the edge of the first opening 30, and a scale 76 is provided on the inner wall of the edge of the second opening 40. The scale 76 may be displayed by printing or other means, or it may be provided in a concave or convex shape by processing. The rotation angle of the second member 22 is then displayed by the positional relationship between the pointer 75 and the scale 76.

[0053] As shown above, examples of the first angle display unit 32 and the second angle display unit 42 have been presented, but the system is not limited to these; various display configurations can be used by utilizing the edges of the first opening 30 and the second opening 40.

[0054] Furthermore, the electrical equipment 11 attached to the angle adjustment device 10 is not limited to the camera 13; it can also be used to install sensors such as flame detectors and motion sensors, or spotlights, or other directional devices. In addition, the angle adjustment device 10 is not limited to being used for installing electrical equipment 11; it can also be used for installing objects whose orientation needs to be adjusted.

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention and their variations have been described above, but various combinations of configurations, as well as partial omissions, substitutions, and modifications, are also possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 10 Angle adjustment device 11 Electrical equipment 17 Installation part 21 First Member 22 Second Member 24 Rotary connection mechanism 30 First opening 31 slits 32 1st angle display section 33. The vertical axis 40. Second opening 42 Second angle display section 46 Fasteners 62 Wiring

Claims

1. A first member having a first opening and a first angle indicator provided on the edge of the first opening, A second opening is provided, having its center on an axis passing through the center of the first opening, and a second angle indicator is provided on the edge of the second opening, and the second member is rotatably connected to the first member about the axis, Equipped with, The rotation angle between the first member and the second member is displayed based on the positional relationship between the first angle display unit and the second angle display unit. An angle adjustment device characterized by the following features.

2. The system includes a rotatable connection mechanism provided around the first and second openings, which rotatably connects the first member and the second member about the axis. The angle adjustment device according to feature 1.

3. The rotational connection mechanism includes a plurality of slits arranged in an arc shape around the axis around either the first opening or the second opening, and a plurality of fasteners disposed around the other of the first opening or the second opening, which are movably inserted along the slit and capable of fastening the first member and the second member together. The angle adjustment device according to feature 2.

4. The first angle display unit and the second angle display unit protrude toward the center from the inner walls of the edges of the first opening and the second opening. The angle adjustment device according to feature 1.

5. The first angle display unit and the second angle display unit are provided in an uneven manner on the inner walls of the edges of the first opening and the second opening. The angle adjustment device according to feature 1.

6. The first opening has a smaller opening dimension than the second opening. The first angle display unit is provided on the surface of the first member that is exposed to the second opening at the periphery of the edge of the first opening. The angle adjustment device according to feature 1.

7. The first member is installed in the installation section, The second member supports the electrical equipment, Wiring connected to the electrical equipment from the installation side is inserted through the first opening and the second opening. An angle adjustment device according to any one of 1 to 6, characterized by the features described above.

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