Tripod system and locking mechanism

Abstract

To make it easier to switch between the fixed and unlocked states of the leg section. [Solution] The tripod 10 has three legs 11, each including a first stage 111 and a second stage 112, and a first connecting part 13 that connects the three legs 11, and a locking mechanism 20 for switching between a released state in which the legs 11 can be extended and retracted by moving the second stage 112 relative to the first stage 111, and a fixed state in which the second stage 112 is fixed relative to the first stage 111, the locking mechanism 20 corresponds to each of the three legs 11 A tripod system 100 having three elongated connecting parts 21, a second connecting part 22 connecting the three connecting parts 21, and a gripping part 23 provided on the second connecting part 22, each of the three connecting parts 21 being connected to the second connecting part 22 and the leg part 11, being in a locked state when the angle formed by each connecting part 21 is within a first range, and being in a released state when the angle is within a second range, and the gripping part 23 being shaped to protrude from the surface of the second connecting part 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0006] , , , , , , , , ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a tripod system for holding an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Tripods used for holding an imaging device (such as a camera) have been proposed. Each leg of the tripod is often stretchable.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a tripod is disclosed in which each of the three legs is stretchable and can be switched between a state where the legs can freely stretch (hereinafter referred to as the "released state") and a state where the length of the legs is fixed (hereinafter referred to as the "fixed state").

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, by moving three braces connected to each of the three legs in the vertical direction, each leg can be switched between the released state and the fixed state. The operation of the three braces is performed by a single operation knob. Specifically, the operation knob is formed in an annular shape that penetrates a central column extending at the center of the tripod. Then, this annular operation knob is moved in the vertical direction while penetrating the central column. It can also be said that the central column is used to guide the movement of the operation knob.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 had a problem in that the operating knob was annular, making it difficult for the user to grasp the knob and operate the three braces. In other words, it was difficult to switch between the fixed state and the released state at the leg. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the present invention aims to make it easier to switch between the fixed state and the released state at the leg. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A tripod having three extendable legs, each including a first stage and a second stage, and a first connecting part connecting the three legs, and a locking mechanism for switching between a released state in which the legs can be extended or retracted by moving the second stage relative to the first stage, and a fixed state in which the second stage is fixed relative to the first stage, wherein one end of each of the three legs is connected to the first connecting part with respect to a central axis, and the angle it makes with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the first connecting part as a pivot point, the first stage is on the side of the first connecting part that is closer to the second stage when the legs are extended, and the locking mechanism comprises three elongated connections corresponding to each of the three legs A tripod system having a section, a second connecting section that connects the three connecting sections, and a gripping section provided on the second connecting section, wherein one end of each of the three connecting sections is connected to the second connecting section with respect to the central axis, and the other end is connected to a leg section corresponding to the connecting section, the angle made with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the second connecting section as a pivot point, the lock state is achieved by fixing the second section when the angle made by each connecting section with respect to the central axis is within a first range, the lock state is achieved by releasing the fixing of the second section when the angle is within a second range, and the release state is achieved by releasing the fixing of the second section, the gripping section having a shape that protrudes from the surface of the second connecting section on the side of the first connecting section.

[0008] [2] The gripping portion has a through hole through which the user's fingers can be inserted. [1]

[0009] [3] The gripping portion has three base portions corresponding to each of the three connecting portions, the base portions are formed such that a space is provided between them and the central axis from the second connecting portion toward the first connecting portion, and the ends of each of the three base portions opposite to the second connecting portion are connected to one another [1] or [2] tripod system.

[0010] [4] A tripod system having a base portion comprising a first gripping member and a second gripping member, wherein the first gripping member is a portion that extends away from the central axis when viewed from the first connecting portion side of the central axis, and the second gripping member is a portion of the first gripping member that extends toward the second connecting portion from the end opposite to the central axis [3].

[0011] [5] A tripod system [3] or [2] in which each of the three base parts is located at a position corresponding to the three second connecting parts when viewed from the first connecting part side on the central axis.

[0012] [6] A tripod having three extendable legs, each including a first stage and a second stage, and a first connecting part connecting the three legs, wherein a locking mechanism is for switching between a released state in which the legs can be extended or retracted by moving the second stage relative to the first stage, and a fixed state in which the second stage is fixed relative to the first stage, wherein one end of each of the three legs is connected to the first connecting part with respect to a central axis, and the angle it makes with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the first connecting part as a pivot point, and the first stage is located on the side of the first connecting part that is closer to the second stage when the legs are extended, and has three elongated connecting parts corresponding to each of the three legs, and The locking mechanism comprises a second connecting portion that connects the three connecting portions, and a gripping portion provided on the second connecting portion, wherein one end of each of the three connecting portions is connected to the second connecting portion with respect to the central axis, and the other end is connected to a leg portion corresponding to the connecting portion, and the angle made with respect to the central axis is changed by rotation with respect to the second connecting portion as a pivot point, and the locking state is achieved by fixing the second stage when the angle made by each connecting portion with respect to the central axis is within a first range, and the locking state is achieved by releasing the fixing of the second stage when the angle is within a second range, and the locking state is achieved by releasing the fixing of the second stage, the gripping portion having a shape that protrudes from the surface of the second connecting portion on the side of the first connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it becomes easier to switch between a fixed state and a released state at the leg portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the tripod system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the tripod system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the locking mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the locking mechanism switches between a locked state and an unlocked state according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]It is a top view of the gripping part according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the gripping part according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the gripping part according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the tripod system according to the modification. [Figure 9] It is a side view of the gripping part according to the modification. [Figure 10] It is a side view of the gripping part according to the modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a tripod system 100 according to the present embodiment. The tripod system 100 is a device for holding an imaging device (for example, a camera). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tripod 10 includes legs 11 and a locking mechanism 20.

[0016] The tripod 10 has three telescopic legs 11 and a connecting portion 13 (an example of a "first connecting portion") that connects the three legs 11. Note that various connection devices (for example, a pan-tilt head or an adapter) for installing an imaging device are installed in the connecting portion 13, and the imaging device is fixed to the tripod 10 via the connection device.

[0017] Generally, the tripod 10 can switch between a state in which the length of each leg 11 can be extended (hereinafter referred to as a "released state") and a state in which the length of each leg 11 is fixed (hereinafter referred to as a "fixed state"). FIG. 1 is a view of the state in which each leg 11 is extended to the maximum, and FIG. 2 is a view of the state in which each leg 11 is shortened to the maximum.

[0018] In the following description, since the three legs 11 have the same configuration, description will be made focusing on one leg 11. FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate the W direction in which the leg 11 extends. The leg 11 of the present embodiment includes, for example, a first stage 111 and a second stage 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the leg 11 is extended, the first stage 111 is on the side closer to the connecting portion 13 than the second stage 112.

[0019] The first stage 111 and the second stage 112 are elongated members along the W direction. The first stage 111 of the first embodiment has, for example, a shaft-shaped first member 51 and a second member 52 along the W direction. The first member 51 and the second member 52 are arranged at an interval. The shapes of the first member 51 and the second member 52 are not particularly limited, and may be cylindrical or polygonal.

[0020] The second stage 112 includes a third member 61. The third member 61 is a shaft-shaped member along the W direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the state where the leg portion 11 is shortened, the third member 61 is located between the first member 51 and the second member 52 and is movable along the W direction between the first member 51 and the second member 52. The shape of the third member 61 is not particularly limited, and may be cylindrical or polygonal.

[0021] The leg portion 11 can be expanded and contracted by moving the second stage 112 relative to the first stage 111. It can also be said that the leg portion 11 can be expanded and contracted by changing the overlapping range between the first stage 111 and the second stage 112. In the present embodiment, the overlapping range between the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 is changed by adjusting the length of the section where the third member 61 is located between the first member 51 and the second member 52. The state where the leg portion 11 is the longest is when the overlapping range between the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 is the shortest (that is, the section where the third member 61 is located between the first member 51 and the second member 52 is the shortest). On the other hand, the state where the leg portion 11 is the shortest is when the overlapping range between the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 is the longest (that is, the section where the third member 61 is located between the first member 51 and the second member 52 is the longest). Note that the overlapping range between the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 can also be said to be the range where the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 are in the same position in the W direction.

[0022] In this disclosure, the released state is a state in which the leg portion 11 can be extended or retracted by moving the second stage 112 relative to the first stage 111, and the second stage 112 is fixed relative to the first stage 111 (i.e., the second stage 112 cannot be moved). Switching between the released state and the fixed state can be done by the locking mechanism 20. Details of the locking mechanism 20 will be described later.

[0023] In the following description, the positive end in the W direction of the leg portion 11 will be referred to as "end E1," and the negative end in the W direction of the leg portion 11 will be referred to as "end E2." Also, one end of the first stage 111 will be referred to as "end E3," the other end of the first stage 111 will be referred to as "end E4," one end of the second stage 112 will be referred to as "end E5," and the other end of the second stage 112 will be referred to as "end E6." Ends E3 and E5 are the ends on the side of the connecting portion 13 (the positive side in the W direction), and ends E4 and E6 are the ends on the opposite side from the connecting portion 13 (the negative side in the W direction). In this embodiment, we illustrate the case where end E1 of the leg portion 11 is end E3 of the first stage 111, and end E2 of the leg portion 11 is end E6 of the second stage 112.

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the first stage 111 includes a support portion G at its end E4. The support portion G is an element that supports the second stage 112 so that it can move along the W direction between the first member 51 and the second member 52. For example, the first member 51 and the second member 52 are fixed to the support portion G, and the second stage 112 (third member 61) is supported so that it can move along the W direction while being inserted through an insertion hole provided in the support portion G.

[0025] The connecting section 13 rotatably connects the three legs 11. In other words, each leg 11 rotates with respect to the connecting section 13. Each of the three legs 11 is connected to the connecting section 13 at its end E1 (the positive end in the W direction) with respect to the central axis P. In this embodiment, the end E3 of the first stage 111 is connected to the connecting section 13. Each of the three legs 11 rotates around a pivot axis R that extends in different directions. By rotating each leg 11 with respect to the central axis P, the angle it makes with respect to the central axis P is changed.

[0026] The three legs 11 are connected to the connecting part 13 such that the three intersection points of the rotation axes R of each of the three legs 11 form a triangle (typically an equilateral triangle). In other words, the rotation axes R of two adjacent legs 11 intersect at an angle of 60° along the circumferential direction of the central axis P. The central axis P is an axis that passes through the center of the triangle formed by the rotation axes R of each leg 11 and is perpendicular to the triangle.

[0027] The shape of the connecting portion 13 is not particularly limited, as long as it can rotatably connect the three leg portions 11 and a connecting device for installing the imaging device can be provided on the surface opposite to the side where the end portion E2 of the leg portion 11 is located.

[0028] As the legs 11 rotate, the end E2 moves either away from or towards the central axis P. The central axis P can also be described as the axis passing through the center of an equilateral triangle with the end E2 as its vertex when the three legs 11 are spread apart (when their respective end E2s are at their furthest distances).

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view focusing on the locking mechanism 20. Figure 3 shows two perspective views ((I) and (II)) from different angles. As illustrated in Figure 3, the locking mechanism 20 has three elongated connecting parts 21, a connecting part 22 (an example of the "second connecting part") that connects the three connecting parts 21, and a gripping part 23 provided on the connecting part 22.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 1, one end T1 of each connecting portion 21 is connected to a connecting portion 22. The connecting portion 22 rotatably connects the three connecting portions 21. In other words, each connecting portion 21 rotates around the connecting portion 22 as its pivot point. Each of the three connecting portions 21 rotates around a pivot axis Q1 that extends in different directions. The lengths of the three connecting portions 21 are the same.

[0031] The three connecting parts 21 are connected to the connecting part 22 such that the three intersection points of the rotation axes Q1 of each of the three connecting parts 21 form a triangle (typically an equilateral triangle). In other words, the rotation axes Q1 of two adjacent connecting parts 21 intersect at an angle of 60° along the circumferential direction of the central axis P. The central axis P passes through the center of the triangle formed by the three rotation axes Q1. In other words, one end T1 of the connecting part 21 is connected to the connecting part 22 with the central axis P as the center.

[0032] The other end T2 of the connecting portion 21 is connected to the leg portion 11 corresponding to the connecting portion 21. In this embodiment, it is connected to the end E4 of the first stage 111 of the leg portion 11 (the end opposite to the connecting portion 13). In this embodiment, the end T2 of the connecting portion 21 is rotatably connected to the support portion G located on the end E4 side of the first stage 111. As described above, in this embodiment, the end T2 side of the connecting portion 21 is connected to the end E4 of the first stage 111 via the support portion G.

[0033] Each connecting part 21 rotates around the connecting part 22, thereby changing the angle it makes with respect to the central axis P. When the connecting part 21 rotates around the pivot axis Q2, the end T2 of the connecting part 21 moves either away from or towards the central axis P. In other words, the connecting part 21 is rotatable while connected to the connecting part 22 and the second stage 112. This can also be rephrased as the connecting part 21 being rotatable around both the pivot axis Q1 in the connecting part 22 and the pivot axis Q2 in the second stage 112. The pivot axes Q1 and Q2 are parallel. The central axis P passes through the center of an equilateral triangle with the end T2 as its vertex when the three connecting parts 21 are most spread apart (when their respective end T2s are at their furthest distances). Note that the X direction in Figure 1 is parallel to the central axis P.

[0034] However, in this disclosure, it is not essential that the end T2 side of the connecting portion 21 is connected to the end E4 of the first stage 111, or that it is connected to the support portion G of the first stage 111. As long as the end T2 of the connecting portion 21 is rotatably connected to the leg portion 11, and the locking mechanism 20 is capable of fixing and releasing the second stage 112, the location to which the end T2 of the connecting portion 21 is connected, and the method of connecting the leg portion 11 and the end T2 of the connecting portion 21, are not particularly limited. For example, a configuration in which the end T2 of the connecting portion 21 is connected to the second stage 112 (end E5 side) of the leg portion 11 can also be adopted.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 1, the gripping portion 23 is provided on the surface F of the connecting portion 22 on the connecting portion 13 side (the surface on the imaging device side). The gripping portion 23 is the part that the user grips when switching between the locked state and the unlocked state. By moving in the vertical direction (positive and negative sides in the X direction) while gripping the gripping portion 23, the angle that the connecting portion 21 makes with respect to the central axis P (hereinafter referred to as "rotation angle θ") can be changed.

[0036] The rotation angles θ of the three gripping parts 23 are basically the same. The three connecting parts 21 can be operated by a single common gripping part 23. The gripping part 23 is shaped to protrude from the surface F of the connecting part 22 on the side of the connecting part 13. The specific shape of the gripping part 23 will be described later. The shape of the connecting part 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can rotatably connect the three connecting parts 21 and the gripping part 23 can be provided on the surface F on the side of the connecting part 13 (the surface F on the side facing the connecting part 13). The three leg parts 11 also rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the three connecting parts 21.

[0037] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the locking mechanism 20 switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. In Figure 4, parts of the leg portion 11 and the connecting portion 21 are omitted as appropriate. Figure 4 shows four states ((a), (b), (c), (d)) in which the rotation angle θ of the gripping portion 23 is different. As described above, the locking mechanism 20 switches between a locked state and an unlocked state by changing the rotation angle θ of the connecting portion 21.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 4, (a) is when the rotation angle θ of the connecting portion 21 is smallest (closest to 0°), and (d) is when the rotation angle θ of the connecting portion 21 is largest (closest to 90°). In other words, the connecting portion 21 is rotatable within the range of the angle when it is in (a) (hereinafter referred to as "angle A") and the angle when it is in (d) (hereinafter referred to as "angle D").

[0039] When the rotation angle θ of the connector 21 is between (a) and (b), it is in the locked state; when the rotation angle θ of the connector 21 is between (b) and (c), it is in the unlocked state; and when the rotation angle θ of the connector 21 is between (c) and (d), it is in the locked state. The user can make the tripod system 100 usable by changing the leg portion 11 to any length (for example, to the state shown in Figure 1) when the connector 21 is between (b) and (c), and then setting the connector 21 to state (d).

[0040] When the range of rotation of the connecting part 21 (angles A to D) is divided into three sections (first section, second section, and third section) from angle A, the first section ((a) to (b)) and the third section ((c) to (d)) become locked, and the second section ((b) to (c)) becomes unlocked.

[0041] As can be understood from the above explanation, when the rotation angle θ of the connection part 21 is in the first section (example of "first range") and the third section (example of "first range"), the second stage 112 is fixed (i.e., its movement is inhibited), resulting in a locked state. On the other hand, when the rotation angle θ of the connection part 21 is in the second angle (example of "second range"), the fixing of the second stage 112 is released (i.e., the movement of the second stage 112 becomes free), resulting in a released state.

[0042] A specific configuration for switching between the unlocked state and the locking mechanism 20 by changing the rotation angle θ of the connecting portion 21 is illustrated. As illustrated in Figure 4, the end portion T2 of the connecting portion 21 has, for example, an eccentric mechanism 211. On the other hand, the end portion E4 (support portion G) of the first stage 111 includes a contact portion 90.

[0043] The eccentric mechanism 211 rotates around the pivot axis Q2. Figure 4 also shows a cross-sectional view of the eccentric mechanism 211. As illustrated in Figure 4, the eccentric mechanism 211 includes portions where the distance from the pivot axis Q2 to the outer edge (i.e., the radial length) differs in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, there are two portions (hereinafter referred to as "protrusions K") where the distance from the pivot axis Q2 to the outer edge is greater than that of other portions. When the connecting portion 21 rotates around the pivot axis Q2 and the contact portion 90 is pressed by the protrusions K (the roughly circular portions shown in white in Figure 4), the contact portion 90 moves to press against the outer surface of the second stage 112. The second stage 112 is then fixed by the contact portion 90. When the pressure from the protrusions K is released, the pressure from the contact portion 90 on the outer surface of the second stage 112 is also released, and the second stage 112 becomes movable. The contact portion 90 is installed on the end E4 side of the first stage 111 so as to be able to contact the outer circumferential surface of the second stage 112. The contact portion 90 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the second stage 112 located inside the support portion G, for example, through a through hole provided in the support portion G.

[0044] In Figure 4, (a) shows a state where one protrusion K is pressing against the contact portion 90. When the connecting portion 21 rotates to state (b), the pressure on one protrusion K is released. When it moves from state (b) to state (c), the other protrusion K is now pressing against the contact portion 90. Then, from state (c) to state (d), the other protrusion K continues to press against the contact portion 90.

[0045] However, the specific configuration of the eccentricity mechanism 211 is not particularly limited, as long as the first section ((a)~(b)) and the third section ((c)~(d)) can be locked and the second section ((b) to (c)) can be released. Also, any structure other than the eccentricity mechanism 211 may be used as long as the first section ((a)~(b)) and the third section ((c)~(d)) can be locked and the second section ((b) to (c)) can be released.

[0046] Furthermore, the eccentric mechanism 211 may be provided with an engaging portion J1 that engages with the leg portion 11 when the connecting portion 21 is in state (d). By providing the engaging portion J1 at the end T2 of the connecting portion 21, the tripod 10 can be stably fixed. The engaging portion J1 is a protruding part that, in rotation around the pivot axis Q2, does not engage with the leg portion 11 until, for example, the connecting portion 21 is in state (d), and engages with the leg portion 11 when it is in state (d). In other words, the engaging portion J1 is a member that prevents the rotation angle θ of the connecting portion 21 from becoming larger than state (d). The engaging portion J1 engages with, for example, a protruding portion J2 provided near the contact portion 90 at the end E4 (support portion G) of the first stage 111 of the leg portion 11.

[0047] The specific configuration of the gripping portion 23 will be described below. Figure 5 is a top view of the gripping portion 23 as seen from the positive side in the X direction, Figure 6 is a side view of the gripping portion 23 as seen from a direction perpendicular to the X direction, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the gripping portion 23.

[0048] As illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the gripping portion 23 of this embodiment has three base portions 231 corresponding to three connecting portions 21. As illustrated in Figure 5, in this embodiment, each of the three base portions 231 is located in a position corresponding to the three connecting portions 21 when viewed from the positive side in the X direction (the side of the connecting portion 13 on the central axis P). For example, when viewed from the positive side in the X direction, the base portion 231 is in a position that overlaps with the connecting portion 21.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, each base portion 231 in this embodiment is formed to protrude from the surface F of the connecting portion 22 toward the connecting portion 13 (the positive side in the X direction). Specifically, the base portion 231 is formed to curve toward the connecting portion 13 of the tripod 10 from the connecting portion 22 toward the opposite side of the central axis P (away from the central axis P). In other words, the base portion 231 is formed such that a space V is provided between the central axis P and the base portion 231. Note that if a space V is provided between the central axis P and the base portion 231, it is not necessary for the base portion 231 to be curved. For example, the space V may be formed by the base portion 231 including an angled portion or including a straight portion.

[0050] One end S1 of the base portion 231 is on the surface F side of the connecting portion 22, and the other end S2 of the base portion 231 is closer to the connecting portion 13 of the tripod 10 than the end S1 (on the positive side in the X direction). The three base portions 231 are connected to each other at the end S2 side (the end opposite to the connecting portion 22). As can be seen from Figure 5, the three base portions 231 are formed to be in different positions in the circumferential direction of the central axis P. Typically, the three base portions 231 are provided at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction of the central axis P. A conceivable space is formed inside the three base portions 231.

[0051] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the base portion 231 of this embodiment has a first gripping member 31a and a second gripping member 31b.

[0052] As illustrated in Figure 5, the first gripping member 31a is a portion that extends away from the central axis P when viewed from the positive side in the X direction (the side of the connecting portion 13 on the central axis P). The three first gripping members 31a are provided at different positions along the circumferential direction of the central axis P (at 120° intervals along the circumferential direction of the central axis P in Figure 5). As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the second gripping member 31b is a portion of the first gripping member 31a that extends toward the connecting portion 22 from the end opposite to the central axis P.

[0053] If we denote each of the three base parts 231 as the first base part, the second base part, and the third base part along the circumferential direction of the central axis P, then there is a separation between the first base part and the second base part, between the second base part and the third base part, and between the third base part and the first base part (in other words, a space is formed). The space that can be conceivable inside the three base parts 231 is the space centered on the central axis P. It is possible to insert a finger from between the first base part and the second base part, between the second base part and the third base part, and between the third base part and the first base part. It is also possible to insert a finger from between the second base part and the third base part, between the first base part and the second base part, and between the third base part and the first base part. Fingers can be inserted between the third base portion and the first base portion, between the second base portion and the third base portion, and between the first base portion and the second base portion. As can be understood from the above description, the gripping portion 23 of this embodiment can also be said to have a through hole through which the user's fingers can be inserted.

[0054] In this embodiment, the gripping portion 23 of the locking mechanism 20 protrudes from the surface F of the connecting portion 22 on the connecting portion 13 side, making it easy for the user to grip and move the locking mechanism 20 in the vertical direction (positive and negative sides of the X direction). In other words, it is easy to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state of the leg portion 11.

[0055] <Variation> The forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be merged as appropriate, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0056] (1) The tripod system 100 to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention is applicable to tripod systems 100 that hold various imaging devices, such as large imaging devices, small imaging devices, remotely controlled imaging devices (e.g., PTZ cameras), or terminal devices equipped with imaging devices (e.g., smartphones).

[0057] (2) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the leg portion 11 has a first stage 111 and a second stage 112 was illustrated, but as illustrated in Figure 8, the leg portion 11 may have a third stage 113 in addition to the first stage 111 and the second stage 112. The third stage 113 is located on the connecting portion 13 side of the first stage 111 when the leg portion 11 is extended, and the length of each leg portion 11 can be further adjusted by changing the range in which the second stage 112 and the third stage 113 overlap each other. For example, the third member 61 of the second stage 112 is a cylindrical member, and the third stage 113 has an axial fourth member 71 along the W direction, and the fourth member 71 can be housed inside the third member 61. The range in which the second stage 112 and the third stage 113 overlap is changed by adjusting the section in which the third member 61 is exposed from the fourth member 71. The longer the section from the second stage 112 to the third stage 113 is exposed, the longer the leg portion 11 becomes. The second stage 112 and the third stage 113 are fixed and released, for example, by a known locking mechanism 80 provided at the end E6 of the second stage 112.

[0058] Furthermore, there may be other steps further towards the connecting portion 13 than the first step 111. As can be understood from the above explanation, the leg portion 11 may be composed of three or more steps. In a configuration in which the leg portion 11 has three or more steps, at least two of the three or more steps (examples include "first step" and "second step") can be fixed and unlocked by the locking mechanism 20. However, the locking mechanism 20 may switch between the locked state and the unlocked state of all of the steps.

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration of the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 is not limited to the above-described form. For example, the first stage 111 may be composed of a single elongated member along a single W direction, or the second stage 112 may be composed of two or more axial members.

[0060] (3) In the above-described configuration, for example, a configuration in which the first stage 111 has a cylindrical member and a second stage 112 that can be housed inside the cylindrical member is also adopted. In this configuration, the overlapping range of the first stage 111 and the second stage 112 is changed by adjusting the section in which the second stage 112 is exposed from the cylindrical member of the first stage 111. The longer the section in which the second stage 112 is exposed from the first stage 111, the longer the leg portion 11 becomes.

[0061] (4) The shape of the gripping portion 23 is not limited to the above-described form, as long as it is a shape that protrudes from the surface F of the connecting portion 22 on the side of the connecting portion 13. For example, the gripping portion 23 may have a through hole O (i.e., a space through which a finger can be inserted) along the X direction, as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, the gripping portion 23 may have no through hole and have a convex portion formed from the surface F of the connecting portion 22 so that it can be gripped, as shown in Figure 10. However, the above-described form (Figure 6) and the form with a through hole (space) through which a finger can be inserted, as shown in Figure 9, have the advantage of being lighter and easier to grasp compared to the form shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the above-described form in which a space is formed by three gripping portions 23 is even easier to grasp compared to the form shown in Figure 9, for example.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the example was given in which each of the three base portions 231 is located in a position corresponding to each of the three connecting portions 22 when viewed from the positive side in the X direction. However, for example, the base portion 231 may be located in a position corresponding to the space between two connecting portions 21. However, the configuration in which each of the three base portions 231 is located in a position corresponding to each of the three connecting portions 22 has the advantage that the force exerted by the user when moving the gripping portion 23 is easily transmitted to each connecting portion 21, and the connecting portions 21 can be easily moved along the X direction.

[0063] (5) The shape of the three base portions 231 is arbitrary, as long as it is possible to form a space inside the three base portions 231 that is large enough to insert a finger. However, if each base portion 231 has a first gripping member 31a that extends in a direction away from the central axis P when viewed from the positive side in the X direction, and a second gripping member 31b that connects the first gripping member 31a and the connecting portion 22, there is an advantage that it is easy to hook a finger onto the first gripping member 31a. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10: Tripod 11: Legs 13:Connection part 20: Locking mechanism 21: Connection part 22:Connection part 23: Grip part 51: First member 52: Second member 61: Third member 31a: First gripping member 31b: Second gripping member 90: Contact part 100: Tripod System 111: 1st stage 112: 2nd stage 211: Eccentric mechanism 231: Base part J1: Engagement part J2:Protrusion P: Central axis

Claims

1. A tripod having three extendable legs, each containing a first and second stage, and a first connecting part that connects the three legs, The device is equipped with a locking mechanism for switching between a released state in which the leg portion can be extended and retracted by moving the second stage relative to the first stage, and a fixed state in which the second stage is fixed relative to the first stage. Each of the three legs is connected at one end to the first connecting portion with respect to the central axis, and the angle it makes with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the first connecting portion as the pivot point. The first stage is located on the side of the first connecting portion that is closer to the second stage when the leg portion is extended. The locking mechanism comprises three elongated connecting parts corresponding to each of the three legs, a second connecting part that connects the three connecting parts, and a gripping part provided on the second connecting part. Each of the three connecting parts has one end connected to the second connecting part with respect to the central axis, and the other end connected to the leg corresponding to the connecting part, and the angle it makes with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the second connecting part as the pivot point. When the angle that each of the connecting parts makes with respect to the central axis is within the first range, the second stage is fixed, resulting in the locked state, and when the angle is within the second range, the fixing of the second stage is released, resulting in the released state. The gripping portion has a shape that protrudes from the surface of the second connecting portion on the side of the first connecting portion. Tripod system.

2. The gripping portion has a through hole through which the user's finger can be inserted. The tripod system according to claim 1.

3. The gripping portion has three base portions corresponding to each of the three connecting portions, The base portion is formed such that a space is provided between it and the central axis, extending from the second connecting portion toward the first connecting portion. The ends of each of the three base portions opposite to the second connecting portion are connected to one another. The tripod system according to claim 1.

4. The base portion has a first gripping member and a second gripping member, The first gripping member is a portion that, when viewed from the side of the first connecting portion on the central axis, extends in a direction away from the central axis with respect to the central axis. The second gripping member is the portion of the first gripping member that extends from the end opposite to the central axis toward the second connecting portion. The tripod system according to claim 3.

5. Each of the three base portions is located at a position corresponding to the three second connecting portions when viewed from the first connecting portion side on the central axis. The tripod system according to claim 3.

6. A tripod having three extendable legs, each containing a first stage and a second stage, and a first connecting part connecting the three legs, wherein the locking mechanism switches between a released state in which the legs can be extended or retracted by moving the second stage relative to the first stage, and a fixed state in which the second stage is fixed relative to the first stage, Each of the three legs is connected at one end to the first connecting portion with respect to the central axis, and the angle it makes with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the first connecting portion as the pivot point. The first stage is located on the side of the first connecting portion that is closer to the second stage when the leg portion is extended. Three elongated connecting parts corresponding to each of the three legs, It comprises a second connecting portion that connects the three connecting portions, and a gripping portion provided on the second connecting portion. Each of the three connecting parts has one end connected to the second connecting part with respect to the central axis, and the other end connected to the leg corresponding to the connecting part, and the angle it makes with respect to the central axis is changed by rotating with respect to the second connecting part as the pivot point. When the angle that each of the connecting parts makes with respect to the central axis is within the first range, the second stage is fixed, resulting in the locked state, and when the angle is within the second range, the fixing of the second stage is released, resulting in the released state. The gripping portion has a shape that protrudes from the surface of the second connecting portion on the side of the first connecting portion. Locking mechanism.

Images