Leg fixing structure and holding device
The leg structure in tripods uses a retractable design with a rotating lever and eccentric shafts to simplify operation and reduce components, enhancing stability and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEIWA SEIKI IND CO LTD 987 1 NISHIBUKURO YASHIO CITY SAITAMA JAPAN
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing tripods have complex mechanisms with numerous components, making them costly and difficult to operate due to the need for multiple levers and tension rods to adjust leg length, affecting stability and manufacturing costs.
A leg structure with a retractable design featuring a lever that rotates to control eccentric shafts, allowing for stable switching between fixed and released states, reducing the number of components by using a single rod for each section adjustment.
The leg structure provides stable and efficient length adjustment with fewer components, lowering manufacturing costs and improving operational simplicity.
Smart Images

Figure 2026083687000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing structure and a holding device for legs.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a holding device (typically a tripod) for holding an imaging device (e.g., a camera) has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tripod having three legs, and the height can be changed by extending each leg. Specifically, the leg has an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section is movable relative to the upper section, and the lower section is movable relative to the middle section. In the tripod of Patent Document 1, for changing the length of the leg, there are a lock mechanism for fixing the middle section to the upper section and a lock mechanism for fixing the lower section to the middle section. And there are two levers for operating the two lock mechanisms respectively. Therefore, in order to adjust the length of the leg, the user needs to operate the two levers respectively. As described above, the tripod of Patent Document 1 is troublesome in the operation for changing the length of the leg.
[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 2 discloses a tripod provided with legs of three movable stages (first stage, second stage, third stage) that are movable relative to each other, and a tension rod is operated by a lever provided on each leg, interacts with the block / release means between the second stage and the third stage, and acts through friction by the block / release means (wedge-shaped bracket) between the first stage and the second stage.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
[0005] However, in the case of the tripod described in Patent Document 2, in order to ensure the operation of the block / release mechanism between the first and second stages and the stability of the first stage's hold, the lever and the block / release mechanism between the first and second stages are connected by two tension rods positioned on the left and right. Furthermore, in the case of the tripod described in Patent Document 2, the lever and the block / release mechanism between the second and third stages are connected by a single tension rod located in the center between the two pipes on the left and right of the second stage. This tension rod is housed in a long cylindrical member. Therefore, in the case of the tripod structure described in Patent Document 2, the number of components is large, making it difficult to reduce manufacturing costs.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a leg that can stably switch between a fixed state and a released state and can also reduce the number of components, and a holding device equipped with this leg. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To solve the above problems, the following legs and holding device are provided. [1] A retractable leg, The upper section and, A middle section is connected to the upper section and is movable relative to the upper section, A lower section is connected to the aforementioned middle section and is movable relative to the aforementioned middle section, A lever is provided on the outer surface of the upper end of the aforementioned middle section, and is rotatable in the vertical direction. A first control unit that acts on the upper part in response to the rotation of the lever, A second control unit that acts on the lower section in response to the rotation of the lever, Equipped with, The upper section, the middle section, and the lower section extend in the direction of extension and retraction of the leg section. The length of the leg can be extended or retracted in accordance with the rotation of the lever, and the length of the leg can be switched between a released state and a fixed state in which the length of the leg is fixed. In the released state, the middle section is movable relative to the upper section, and the lower section is movable relative to the middle section. In the aforementioned fixed state, the middle section is fixed to the upper section, and the lower section is fixed to the middle section. The aforementioned lever is The gripping part, A support portion connected to the base end of the gripping portion, Equipped with, The support portion is connected to the middle section so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis parallel to the width direction of the leg portion and perpendicular to the extension and retraction direction of the leg portion. Inside the support portion, a first eccentric shaft member located in the axial center and a second eccentric shaft member located between the first eccentric shaft member and one end of the support portion in the axial direction are disposed. The first eccentric shaft member is provided at a first position where its axial direction is parallel to the pivot axis of the support portion, and its axis center is offset from the pivot axis of the support portion. The second eccentric shaft member is provided at a second position different from the first position, where its axial direction is parallel to the pivot axis of the support portion, and its axis center is offset from the pivot axis of the support portion. The support portion surrounding the second eccentric shaft member is provided with a notch cut out in the circumferential direction of the pivot axis, The first control unit includes one first rod, The second control unit includes a second rod extending from the upper end to the lower end of the middle section, The first eccentric shaft member and the first rod are connected, The second eccentric shaft member and the second rod are connected through the notch, By moving the first rod due to the rotation of the lever, it is possible to switch between the released state and the fixed state of the middle section with respect to the upper section, and by moving the second rod due to the rotation of the lever, it is possible to switch between the released state and the fixed state of the lower section with respect to the middle section. Leg portion. [2] The upper section includes two upper pipes arranged apart in the width direction of the leg portion. The middle section is arranged inside the two upper pipes and includes two middle pipes arranged apart in the width direction of the leg portion. The second rod extends to the lower end side through the inside of one of the middle pipes. The leg portion of [1]. [3] Comprising the leg portion of [1] or [2]. Holding device.
Advantages of the Invention
[0008] The leg portion and the holding device of the present invention can stably switch between the fixed state and the released state of the leg portion, and can also suppress the number of components.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a holding device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a leg portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view near the lever of a leg portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal sectional view from the front exemplifying one form of the support portion of the lever. [Figure 5] It is an internal perspective view of the lever with the illustration of the second connecting portion omitted for convenience with respect to the leg portion shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is an internal perspective view of the lever exemplifying the state where the lever of the leg portion illustrated in FIG. 5 is rotated upward. [Figure 7] It is an internal perspective view of the lever exemplifying the state where the lever of the leg portion illustrated in FIG. 5 is rotated upward. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure for switching between a fixed state and a released state of a lower part with respect to a middle part by the movement of a second rod. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure for switching between a fixed state and a released state of a lower part with respect to a middle part by the movement of a second rod.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the fixing structure and the holding device of the leg part of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holding device 100 according to the present embodiment. The holding device 100 is a device for holding an imaging device (for example, a camera). In the present embodiment, a so-called tripod is exemplified as the holding device 100.
[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the holding device 100 includes three telescopic leg parts 10, three levers 20 provided on each of the three leg parts 10, and a connecting part 30 that connects the three leg parts 10. In addition, various connection devices (for example, a pan-tilt head and an adapter) for installing an imaging device are installed on the connecting part 30, and the imaging device is fixed to the holding device 100 via the connection device.
[0013] In FIG. 1, the X direction in which the leg part 10 extends, the end part T1 on the positive side in the X direction of the leg part 10, and the end part T2 on the negative side in the X direction of the leg part 10 are illustrated. The three leg parts 10 are connected by the connecting part 30 on the end part T1 side. Typically, the three leg parts 10 are connected to the connecting part 30 so that each of the end parts T2 of the three leg parts 10 rotates in a direction approaching and a direction moving away.
[0014] Each leg part 10 can be switched between a state where the length can be changed (hereinafter referred to as the "released state") and a state where the length of each leg part 10 is fixed (hereinafter referred to as the "fixed state"). FIG. 1 is a view of a state in which each leg part 10 is extended to a certain extent.
[0015] In the following description, since the three leg portions 10 have the same configuration, we will focus on one leg portion 10. Figure 2 is a perspective view focusing on one leg portion 10. The leg portion 10 in this embodiment includes, for example, an upper portion 11, a middle portion 12, and a lower portion 13 that extend along the X direction. As illustrated in Figure 1, when the leg portion 10 is extended to a certain extent, the upper portion 11, the middle portion 12, and the lower portion 13 are positioned in this order from the connecting portion 30 side.
[0016] In the following description, one end of the upper section 11 will be referred to as "end E1", the other end of the upper section 11 as "end E2", one end of the middle section 12 as "end E3", the other end of the middle section 12 as "end E4", one end of the lower section 13 as "end E5", and the other end of the lower section 13 as "end E6". Ends E1, E3, and E5 are the ends on the side of the connecting section 30 (the positive side in the X direction). Ends E2, E4, and E6 are the ends on the opposite side of the connecting section 30 (the negative side in the X direction). End T1 with respect to the leg section 1 is end E1 of the upper section 11, and end T2 with respect to the leg section 1 is end E6 of the lower section 13.
[0017] In the released state, the middle section 12 can move relative to the upper section 11, and the lower section 13 can move relative to the middle section 12. In other words, in the released state, both the middle section 12 and the lower section 13 can move. On the other hand, in the fixed state, the middle section 12 is fixed relative to the upper section 11, and the lower section 13 is fixed relative to the middle section 12. In other words, in the fixed state, movement between the middle section 12 and the lower section 13 is hindered.
[0018] The upper section 11 of this embodiment includes, for example, two upper pipes 111 and 112 extending along the X direction, and a first connecting section 113. The two upper pipes 111 and 112 are spaced apart in the width direction of the leg section 10, which is perpendicular to the X direction. The shape of the upper pipes 111 and 112 is not particularly limited and may be cylindrical or polygonal. The first connecting section 113 is an element that connects the upper pipes 111 and 112 to each other and is located on the end E2 side of the upper section 11. Specifically, the first connecting section 113 connects the two upper pipes 111 and 112 at their negative ends in the X direction.
[0019] The middle section 12 includes middle pipes 121 and 122, a second connecting section 123, and a third connecting section 124. The middle pipes 121 and 122 extend along the X direction. As illustrated in Figure 2, the middle pipes 121 and 122 are movable along the X direction between the upper pipes 111 and 112. The shape of the middle pipes 121 and 122 is not particularly limited and may be cylindrical or polygonal.
[0020] The second connecting section 123 and the third connecting section 124 are elements that connect the middle pipes 121 and 122 to each other. The second connecting section 123 connects the middle pipes 121 and 122 at the end E3 side of the middle section 12. Furthermore, the second connecting section 123 is connected to the upper pipes 111 and 112 of the upper section 11 so that it can move along the X direction. In other words, the middle section 12 and the upper section 11 are connected so that the middle section 12 can move relative to the upper section 11. The third connecting section 124 connects the middle pipes 121 and 122 to each other at the end E4 side of the middle section 12.
[0021] The lower section 13 includes an axial member 131 oriented in the X direction. The axial member 131 is connected to the middle pipes 121 and 122 in the third connecting section 124 so as to be movable along the X direction. That is, the lower section 13 is connected to the middle section 12 so as to be movable relative to the middle section 12.
[0022] In the released state, the leg portion 10 can be extended or retracted by changing the overlapping range of the upper portion 11 and the middle portion 12, and by changing the overlapping range of the middle portion 12 and the lower portion 13. The overlapping range of the upper portion 11 and the middle portion 12 is the range in which the upper portion 11 and the middle portion 12 are in the same position in the X direction, and the overlapping range of the middle portion 12 and the lower portion 13 is the range in which the middle portion 12 and the lower portion 13 are in the same position in the X direction.
[0023] Switching between the unlocked state and the locked state can be done using the lever 20. That is, the common lever 20 can be used to lock the middle section 12 and the lower section 13, and also to release the lock on the middle section 12 and the lower section 13.
[0024] Lever 20 is an operating device operated by the user to switch between a released state and a fixed state. Lever 20 is provided on the leg portion 10. In this embodiment, lever 20 is provided on the end E3 (upper end) side of the middle section 12. Specifically, lever 20 is provided on the second connecting portion 123 located on the end E3 side of the middle section 12. Lever 20 is rotatable in the vertical direction (X direction).
[0025] As described above, the leg portion 10 of this embodiment comprises an upper portion 11, a middle portion 12, and a lower portion 13 extending in the extension direction, and a lever 20. The middle portion 12 is connected to the upper portion 11 and is movable relative to the upper portion 11. The lower portion 13 is connected to the middle portion 12 and is movable relative to the middle portion 12. The lever 20 is disposed on the outer surface of the upper end side of the middle portion 12 and is rotatable in the vertical direction. Depending on the rotation of the lever 20, it is possible to switch between a released state in which the length of the leg portion 10 can be extended or retracted, and a fixed state in which the length of the leg portion 10 is fixed. In the released state, the middle portion 12 is movable relative to the upper portion 11, and the lower portion 13 is movable relative to the middle portion 12. In the fixed state, the middle portion 12 is fixed relative to the upper portion 11, and the lower portion 13 is fixed relative to the middle portion 12.
[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the area around the lever 20 on the leg 10, illustrating the position of the lever 20 when the leg 10 is in a fixed position.
[0027] The lever 20 comprises a gripping portion 21 and a support portion 22. The gripping portion 21 is a plate-shaped part that the user grips. The support portion 22 is rotatably connected to the middle portion 12 (second connecting portion 123) around the pivot axis P. The gripping portion 21 is connected to the support portion 22. Therefore, by gripping and operating the gripping portion 21, the entire lever 20 rotates around the pivot axis P.
[0028] When the gripping portion 21 is in a fixed position, it is positioned opposite the middle section 12. The surface of the gripping portion 21 that faces the leg portion 10 when it is fixed is denoted as the first surface F1 (an example of an "opposing surface"), and the surface opposite to the first surface F1 (the surface on the opposite side of the opposing surface from the middle section 12) is denoted as the second surface F2. In this embodiment, since the lever 20 is provided on the middle section 12, the first surface F1 becomes the surface that faces the middle section 12.
[0029] Figure 3 illustrates the positive peripheral edge R1 in the Y direction of the gripping portion 21 (an example of "one peripheral edge in a direction parallel to the central axis"), the negative peripheral edge R2 in the Y direction of the gripping portion 21 (an example of "the other peripheral edge in a direction parallel to the central axis"), and the negative peripheral edge R3 in the X direction of the gripping portion 21 (an example of "the peripheral edge opposite to the support portion 22").
[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the lever 20, which is located opposite the middle section 12 and is in a fixed position, is rotated (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) so that the position of the peripheral edge R3 of the gripping section 21 moves from the negative side to a predetermined position on the positive side in the X direction, which then releases the grip. The user gripping the gripping section 21 can switch between the released and fixed states depending on the angle at which they rotate the lever 20. The grip is in a fixed state when the peripheral edge R3 of the gripping section 21 is located furthest to the negative side in the X direction, and it is released when the lever 20 is rotated from the fixed position and the position of the peripheral edge R3 moves to the positive side in the X direction.
[0031] The gripping portion 21 includes a first recess G1 and a second recess G2. The first recess G1 is provided on the peripheral edge R1 side, and the second recess G2 is provided on the peripheral edge R2 side. The first recess G1 and the second recess G2 are the parts into which fingers are inserted and hooked when gripping the gripping portion 21.
[0032] The first recess G1 and the second recess G2 are provided symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the gripping portion 21 in the Y direction. That is, in this embodiment, the shape of the first recess G1 when viewed from the positive side in the Y direction and the shape of the second recess G2 when viewed from the negative side in the Y direction are typically the same. However, it is not essential that the first recess G1 and the second recess G2 have symmetrical shapes.
[0033] The first recess G1 is a recess on the first surface F1 that is recessed in a direction away from the middle section 12. When viewed from the positive side in the Y direction, the first recess G1 is formed, for example, from a position corresponding to the negative end in the X direction of the second connecting section 123 of the peripheral edge R1 to the negative end in the X direction of the peripheral edge R1. In this embodiment, in a side view, the portion of the peripheral edge R1 corresponding to the first recess G1 is formed to be recessed in a direction away from the leg section 10 (middle section 12). In this embodiment, the negative end in the X direction of the peripheral edge R1 is located closer to the surface of the middle section 12 (middle pipe 121) than the most recessed portion of the peripheral edge R1 where the first recess G1 is formed. Therefore, it is easier for the user to grip this portion with their fingers.
[0034] The second recess G2 is a recess on the first surface F1 that is recessed in a direction away from the middle section 12. When viewed from the negative side in the Y direction, the second recess G2 is formed, for example, from a position corresponding to the negative end in the X direction of the second connecting section 123 of the peripheral edge R2 to the end D2b on the negative side in the X direction of the peripheral edge R2. In this embodiment, in a side view, the portion of the peripheral edge R2 corresponding to the second recess G2 is formed to be recessed in a direction away from the leg section 10 (middle section 12). In this embodiment, the negative end in the X direction of the peripheral edge R2 is located closer to the surface of the middle section 12 (middle pipe 122) than the most recessed portion of the peripheral edge R2 where the second recess G2 is formed. Therefore, it is easier for the user to grip this portion with their fingers.
[0035] The first surface F1 further includes a third recess G3 provided in the peripheral edge R3. The third recess G3 is also a portion into which fingers are inserted and hooked when gripping the gripping portion 21. The third recess G3 is a recess on the first surface F1 that is recessed in a direction away from the middle section 12 (second connecting portion 123). When viewed from the negative side in the X direction, the portion of the peripheral edge R3 corresponding to the third recess G3 is formed to be recessed on the opposite side from the second connecting portion 123. The portion of the peripheral edge R3 corresponding to the third recess G3 is formed to form a curve.
[0036] When a user wants to release the lever from the fixed state shown in Figure 3, they can rotate the lever 20 by placing their finger on at least one of the first recess G1, the second recess G2, and the third recess G3.
[0037] Figure 4 is a front longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating one form of the support portion 22 of the lever 20. Figure 5 is an internal perspective view of the lever, with the leg portion 10 shown in Figure 3, in which the second connecting portion is omitted for convenience.
[0038] The support portion 22 is connected to the base end of the gripping portion 21. The support portion 22 is rotatably connected to the middle section 12 around a pivot axis P that is parallel to the width direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the extension / retraction direction (X direction) of the leg portion 10.
[0039] The support portion 22 is elongated in the width direction (Y direction) of the leg portion 10, which is perpendicular to the extension and retraction direction of the leg portion 10, and has a circumferential surface portion 22a that is equal in distance from the pivot axis P. In other words, the support portion 22 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape on all surfaces except the portion connected to the gripping portion 21.
[0040] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a first housing portion 221, which is a roughly cylindrical space that is long along the axial direction (Y direction), is formed inside the support portion 22 at the center in the axial direction (Y direction). Between the first housing portion 221 and one end of the support portion 22 in the axial direction (the negative end in the Y direction), an introduction portion 222, which is a roughly cylindrical space with a diameter slightly larger than that of the first housing portion 221, is formed. At the negative end of the support portion 22 in the Y direction, the introduction portion 222 is exposed, and the introduction portion 222 and the first housing portion 221 are in communication with each other. Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5, a notch 221a (first notch 221a) is formed on the circumferential surface portion 22a of the support portion 22 located on the longitudinal side of the first housing portion 221, which is cut out in an arc shape in the circumferential direction from the positive side in the X direction to the positive side in the Z direction of the support portion 22.
[0041] Furthermore, a second housing portion 223, which is a roughly cylindrical space that is long along the axial direction (Y direction), is formed between the first housing portion 221 and the other axial end of the support portion 22 (the positive end in the Y direction). In the state shown in Figure 4, the second housing portion 223 is exposed at the positive end in the Y direction of the support portion 22. In the configurations shown in Figures 4 and 5, a notch 223a (second notch 223a) is formed on the circumferential surface portion 22a of the support portion 22 located on the longitudinal side of the second housing portion 223, cutting out in a semi-circular arc in the circumferential direction from the positive side in the X direction of the support portion 22 to the positive side in the Z direction and the negative side in the X direction. The second notch 223a may be formed by cutting out in an arc shape over a range of about 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the circumferential direction of the support portion 22, for example.
[0042] As shown in Figure 5, a substantially cylindrical first eccentric shaft member 41 is inserted into the first housing portion 221 of the support portion 22. The first eccentric shaft member 41 can be introduced into the interior of the support portion 22 from the introduction portion 222 and positioned in the first housing portion 221. A substantially cylindrical second eccentric shaft member 42 is inserted into the second housing portion 223 of the support portion 22. That is, the interior of the support portion 22 is arranged with the first eccentric shaft member 41 located in the axial center and the second eccentric shaft member 42 located between the first eccentric shaft member 41 and the axial end portion 22b. The axis Q of the first eccentric shaft member 41 is parallel to the rotation center axis P of the support portion 22 in its axial direction, and is located at a first position where the axis center is offset from the rotation center axis P of the support portion 22. The axis S of the second eccentric axis member 42 is located at a second position different from the first position (a position different from axis Q when viewed from the X direction), where the axial direction is parallel to the rotation center axis P of the support portion 22, and the axis center is offset from the rotation center axis P of the support portion 22.
[0043] Furthermore, the leg portion 10 of this embodiment includes a first control unit 5 that acts on the upper portion 11 in response to the rotation of the lever 20, and a second control unit 6 that acts on the lower portion 13 in response to the rotation of the lever 20. Here, in one aspect of "acting on the upper portion" or "acting on the lower portion," in response to the rotation of the lever 20, some or all elements included in the first control unit 5 or the second control unit 6 directly or indirectly move to contact (including pressing, etc.) a part of the elements of the upper portion 11 or the lower portion 13 (typically, upper pipes 111, 112 or axial member 131, etc.).
[0044] The first control unit 5 includes a first rod 51 and a pressing member 52. The pressing member 52 has contact portions 52a on the positive and negative sides in the Y direction that can press two upper pipes 111 and 112 toward the support portion 22 (negative side in the Z direction). The first eccentric shaft member 41 is connected to the first rod 51 at its longitudinal center. The first rod 51 extends toward the opposite side (positive side in the Z direction) from the gripping portion 21 of the lever 20, with the middle portion 12 in between, and is connected to the vicinity of the center in the Y direction of the pressing member 52 through the first notch 221a.
[0045] The second control unit 6 includes a second rod 61. The second eccentric shaft member 42 is connected to the second rod 61 at its longitudinal center. The second rod 61 is inserted into one of the intermediate pipes 121 through the second notch 223a and extends from the upper end side (positive side in the X direction) to the lower end side (negative side in the X direction) of the intermediate section 12.
[0046] In the state shown in Figure 5, the axis Q of the first eccentric shaft member 41 is located on the negative side in the Z direction relative to the rotation center axis P of the support part 22. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 5, the first rod 51 connected to the first eccentric shaft member 41 is pulled to the negative side in the Z direction, and the contact portion 52a of the pressing member 52 contacts the upper pipes 111 and 112 and is pressed to the negative side in the Z direction, so the middle section 12 is fixed to the upper section 11. Also, in the state shown in Figure 5, the axis S of the second eccentric shaft member 42 is located on the positive side in the X direction relative to the rotation center axis P of the support part 22. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 5, the second rod 61 is pulled up to the positive side in the X direction, so the lower section 13 is fixed to the middle section 12 by the operation of other elements of the second control unit 6 (see Figures 8 and 9).
[0047] In this embodiment of the leg portion 10, the first eccentric shaft member 41 is located in the axial center of the support portion 22 inside the support portion 22. Therefore, the pressing member 52 can be stably operated with a single first rod 51 connected to the first eccentric shaft member 41, and the middle portion 12 can be stably fixed to the upper portion 11. Furthermore, compared to the configuration described in Patent Document 2, which uses two rods on the left and right to fix the middle portion to the upper portion, the number of components can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and weight of the leg portion 10 and the holding device 100.
[0048] Furthermore, in the leg portion 10 of this embodiment, the second eccentric shaft member 42 is located between the first eccentric shaft member 41 and one axial end 22b. The second rod 61, which connects to the second eccentric shaft member 42, is inserted into the interior of one of the middle pipes 121 through the second notch 223a and extends from the upper end side (positive side in the X direction) to the lower end side (negative side in the X direction) of the middle portion 12. Therefore, since the second rod 61, which connects to the second eccentric shaft member 42, extends from a position close to the center side in the X direction of the support portion 22 (first eccentric shaft member 41) to the lower end side of the middle portion 12, the lower portion 13 can be stably fixed to the middle portion 12. Furthermore, compared to the configuration shown in Patent Document 2, where a single rod (a tension rod housed in a cylindrical member) is provided in the center between two left and right middle pipes to fix the lower section to the middle section, the number of components can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost and weight of the leg section 10 and the holding device 100, as well as providing superior design.
[0049] Figures 6 and 7 are internal perspective views illustrating the lever of the leg portion 10, as exemplified in Figure 5, in an upward rotation position.
[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the gripping portion 21 of the lever 20 is grasped and lifted upward (towards the positive X direction), the lever 20 rotates away from the intermediate pipes 121 and 122 around the pivot axis P of the support portion 22. At this time, the axis Q of the first eccentric shaft member 41 is positioned such that its axial direction is parallel to the pivot axis P of the support portion 22, and its axis is offset from the pivot axis P of the support portion 22. Therefore, as the support portion 22 rotates, the position of the first eccentric shaft member 41 as viewed from the X direction changes. That is, in this embodiment, when the lever 20 is lifted upward (towards the positive X direction) from the state shown in Figure 5 to the state shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first eccentric shaft member 41 moves towards the positive Z direction along the circumferential direction of the support portion 22. As a result, the pressing member 52 moves to the positive side in the Z direction via the first rod 51 connected to the first eccentric shaft member 41, so that the contact portion 52a of the pressing member 52 separates from the upper pipes 111 and 112, and the fixing of the middle section 12 to the upper section 11 is released.
[0051] The axis S of the second eccentric shaft member 42 is positioned such that its axial direction is parallel to the rotational axis P of the support portion 22, and its axis is offset from the rotational axis P of the support portion 22, thus being in a second position different from the first position (a position different from axis Q when viewed from the X direction). Therefore, as the support portion 22 rotates, the position of the second eccentric shaft member 42 when viewed from the X direction changes. That is, in this embodiment, when the lever 20 is lifted upward (to the positive side in the X direction) from the state shown in Figure 5, and the gripping portion 21 is moved away from the intermediate pipes 121 and 122 (the state in Figures 6 and 7), the second eccentric shaft member 42 moves to the negative side in the X direction along the circumferential direction of the support portion 22. As a result, the second rod 61, which is connected to the second eccentric shaft member 42, moves to the negative side in the X direction, and the operation of other elements of the second control unit 6 (see Figures 8 and 9) releases the lower section 13 from being fixed to the middle section 12.
[0052] Similarly, in this embodiment, when the lever 20 is lowered downward (negative side in the X direction) from the released state shown in Figure 7, and the gripping portion 21 is moved in the direction approaching the middle pipes 121 and 122 (states in Figures 6 and 5), the first eccentric shaft member 41 moves along the circumferential direction of the support portion 22 to the negative side in the Z direction. As a result, the pressing member 52 moves to the negative side in the Z direction via the first rod 51 connected to the first eccentric shaft member 41. Therefore, the contact portion 52a of the pressing member 52 comes into contact with the upper pipes 111 and 112 and presses toward the negative side in the Z direction, thus fixing the middle portion 12 to the upper portion 11.
[0053] In this embodiment, when the lever 20 is lowered downward (negative side in the X direction) from the released state shown in Figure 7, and the gripping portion 21 is moved in a direction approaching the middle pipes 121 and 122 (states in Figures 6 and 5), the second eccentric shaft member 42 moves along the circumferential direction of the support portion 22 towards the positive side in the X direction. As a result, the second rod 61 connected to the second eccentric shaft member 42 is pulled up towards the positive side in the X direction, and the lower portion 13 is fixed to the middle portion 12 by the operation of other elements of the second control unit 6 (see Figures 8 and 9). An example of a structure that switches between the fixed state and the released state of the lower portion 13 relative to the middle portion 12 by the movement of the second rod 61 will be described later.
[0054] The structure for switching between the fixed and released states of the lower section 13 relative to the middle section 12 by moving the second rod 61 is not particularly limited, and a known structure can be adopted. Specifically, for example, the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 can be preferred, but the leg portion 10 of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.
[0055] In the configurations shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second control unit 6 includes a second rod 61, a first push block member 62, and a second push block member 63. The first push block member 62 and the second push block member 63 are arranged inside the third connecting portion 124. The first push block member 62 has a first inclined surface 63a whose width increases from the upper end to the lower end. The second push block member 63 has a second inclined surface 62b whose width decreases from the upper end to the lower end. The first push block member 62 and the second push block member 63 are adjacent to each other, and the second push block member 63 is adjacent to the axial member 131 of the lower portion 13. Furthermore, the first inclined surface 63a and the second inclined surface 62a are formed to be in surface contact with each other.
[0056] A second rod 61 extending from the second eccentric shaft member 42 to the lower end of the middle section 12 is inserted inside the middle pipe 122. The lower end of the second rod 61 extends into the third connecting section 124 and is connected to the first push block member 62.
[0057] As shown in Figure 9(A), when the lever 20 is fixed, the gripping portion 21 of the lever 20 is in a position close to the second connecting portion 123 of the middle section 12. Also, when the lever is fixed, the axis center of the axis S of the second eccentric shaft member 42 is located above the pivot axis P of the support portion 22. When the lever is fixed, the second rod 61 is pulled up towards the upper section, so the first push block member 62 is also pulled up towards the upper section 11. As a result, the first inclined surface 62a of the first push block member 62 and the second inclined surface 63a of the second push block member 63 are in surface contact, and the first push block member 62 is positioned relatively above the second push block member 63. Therefore, the first inclined surface 62a of the first push block member 62 pushes the second push block member 63 toward the shaft-shaped member 131 of the lower section 13, and the second push block member 63 comes into contact with the shaft-shaped member 131 and presses from the side, thereby fixing the lower section 13 to the middle section 12.
[0058] As shown in Figure 9(B), in the released state, the gripping portion 21 of the lever is located away from the second connecting portion 123 of the middle section 12. Also, in the released state, the axis center of the axis S of the second eccentric shaft member 42 is moved lower than in the fixed state. In the released state, the second rod 61 is pulled down toward the lower section 13, and therefore the second push block member 63 is also pulled down toward the lower section 13. As a result, the first inclined surface of the first push block member 62 and the second inclined surface 63a of the second push block member 63 are in surface contact, and the first push block member 62 is positioned relatively lower than the second push block member 63. Therefore, a gap D is created between the second push block member 63 and the shaft-shaped member 131 of the lower section 13, and the fixing of the lower section 13 to the middle section 12 is released.
[0059] The leg portion and holding device of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0060] 1: Legs 10: Legs 11: Upper section 12: Middle section 13: Lower section 20: Lever 21: Grip part 22: Support part 223a: Notch (Second notch) 41: First eccentric shaft member 42: Second eccentric shaft member 5: First control unit 51: 1st Rod 6: Second Control Unit 61: Second Rod 100: Holding device 111: Upper pipe 112: Upper pipe 121: Middle pipe 122: Middle pipe P: Rotational axis Q: The axis of the first eccentric shaft member S: Axis of the second eccentric shaft member
Claims
1. Extendable legs, The upper section, A middle section is connected to the upper section and is movable relative to the upper section, A lower section is connected to the aforementioned middle section and is movable relative to the aforementioned middle section, A lever is provided on the outer surface of the upper end of the aforementioned middle section, and is rotatable in the vertical direction. A first control unit that acts on the upper part in response to the rotation of the lever, A second control unit that acts on the lower section in response to the rotation of the lever, Equipped with, The upper section, the middle section, and the lower section extend in the direction of extension and retraction of the leg section. The length of the leg can be extended or retracted in accordance with the rotation of the lever, and the length of the leg can be switched between a released state and a fixed state in which the length of the leg is fixed. In the released state, the middle section is movable relative to the upper section, and the lower section is movable relative to the middle section. In the aforementioned fixed state, the middle section is fixed to the upper section, and the lower section is fixed to the middle section. The aforementioned lever is The gripping part, A support portion connected to the base end of the gripping portion, Equipped with, The support portion is connected to the middle section so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis parallel to the width direction of the leg portion and perpendicular to the extension and retraction direction of the leg portion. Inside the support portion, a first eccentric shaft member located in the axial center and a second eccentric shaft member located between the first eccentric shaft member and one end of the support portion in the axial direction are provided. The first eccentric shaft member is provided at a first position where its axial direction is parallel to the pivot axis of the support portion, and its axis is offset from the pivot axis of the support portion. The second eccentric shaft member is provided at a second position different from the first position, where its axial direction is parallel to the pivot axis of the support portion, and its axis center is offset from the pivot axis of the support portion. The support portion surrounding the second eccentric shaft member is provided with a notch cut out in the circumferential direction of the pivot axis, The first control unit includes one first rod, The second control unit includes a second rod extending from the upper end to the lower end of the middle section, The first eccentric shaft member and the first rod are connected, The second eccentric shaft member and the second rod are connected through the notch, The rotation of the lever moves the first rod, which allows switching between the released state and the fixed state of the middle section relative to the upper section, and the rotation of the lever moves the second rod, which allows switching between the released state and the fixed state of the lower section relative to the middle section. leg.
2. The aforementioned upper section comprises two upper pipes that are spaced apart in the width direction of the leg section, The aforementioned middle section comprises two middle pipes positioned inside the two upper pipes and spaced apart in the width direction of the leg section. The second rod extends through the interior of one of the middle pipes to the lower end. The leg portion according to claim 1.
3. A leg comprising the leg portion of claim 1 or 2, holding device.