Operating device

Abstract

The present invention provides an operating device that can be connected to and fixed to an operating rod in accordance with the position of the operating rod, even when multiple operating rods are provided on the tripod head, without interfering with the user's operation. [Solution] The operating device 30 includes a connecting rod 32 and a tightening member 34. The connecting rod 32 has a connecting portion 31 provided with an insertion opening 31a for the operating rod 20 extending from the tripod head 18. The tightening member 34 tightens the connecting portion 31. The connecting portion 31 is provided with a first fixing portion 32a for fixing the tightening member 34 to a first position, and a second fixing portion 32b for fixing the tightening member 34 to a second position spaced apart from the first position in the circumferential direction of the connecting rod 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device used for zooming or focusing operations of a television camera.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that when a television camera is installed on a pan-tilt unit, an operating device such as a zoom demand or a focus demand is connected to an operating rod extending from the pan-tilt unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can be connected and fixed to an operating rod according to the position of the operating rod without interfering with the operation of a user even when a plurality of operating rods are provided on a pan-tilt unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is an operating device that is connected to an operating rod of a pan-tilt unit and operates a lens device or an imaging device placed on the pan-tilt unit, and includes a connecting rod having a connecting portion provided with an insertion port of the operating rod, and a tightening member for tightening the connecting portion. The connecting portion is provided with a first fixing portion for fixing the tightening member at a first position, and a second fixing portion for fixing the tightening member at a second position spaced apart from the first position in the circumferential direction of the connecting rod.

[0006] It is preferable that the fastening member has a click mechanism that provides a click sensation when the fastening member is rotated in the circumferential direction. It is preferable that the connecting portion is provided with a first retaining portion that prevents the fastening member from coming off the connecting portion. It is preferable that the first retaining portion is a protrusion provided at the end of the connecting portion.

[0007] The fastening member preferably has a gap of at least the fastening width, and a ring portion that fastens the connecting portion by reducing the gap, and two projections that protrude radially from both ends of the ring portion and are arranged facing each other. The connecting portion has a plurality of grooves formed in the direction in which the operating rod is inserted, and the width of the grooves preferably is greater than or equal to the first average fastening width obtained by dividing the fastening width by the number of grooves, and less than or equal to the fastening width.

[0008] Preferably, the connecting portion has a restricting member provided between the two protrusions that restricts the reduction of the gap in the tightening width to a degree greater than or equal to the allowable tightening width. Preferably, the connecting portion has multiple grooves formed in the direction in which the operating rod is inserted, and the width of the grooves is greater than or equal to the second average tightening width obtained by dividing the allowable tightening width by the number of grooves, and less than or equal to the aforementioned tightening width.

[0009] Preferably, the insertion opening portion of the connecting part is provided with a second retaining part to prevent the connecting rod from falling out of the operating rod. Preferably, the second retaining part is a biasing member that biases the operating rod, or an elastic member that provides elastic force to the operating rod.

[0010] The connecting rod is provided with a holding portion for holding an operating rod inserted through an insertion opening, and it is preferable that the holding portion has a first structure capable of holding operating rods of different thicknesses. The connecting rod is provided with a holding portion for holding an operating rod inserted through an insertion opening, and it is preferable that the holding portion has a second structure that reduces resistance when inserting the operating rod. The connecting rod is provided with a holding portion for holding an operating rod inserted through an insertion opening, and it is preferable that the holding portion has a first structure capable of holding operating rods of different thicknesses, and a second structure that reduces resistance when inserting the operating rod.

[0011] The first structure preferably has a shape in which the inner diameter decreases in the direction of insertion of the operating rod, or a stepped shape in which the inner diameter changes in stages in the insertion direction. The second structure preferably has a recess formed in the direction of insertion of the operating rod, or a protruding portion provided in the insertion direction. The first position and the second position are preferably arranged opposite each other with respect to the center of the connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, even when multiple operating rods are provided on the tripod head, the operating rods can be connected to and fixed to the operating rods in accordance with their positions without interfering with the user's operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view from a television camera. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the control device. [Figure 3] (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of the fastening member and connecting part when the screw insertion hole and the first fixing part overlap, and (B) is a partial cross-sectional view of the fastening member and connecting part when the screw insertion hole and the second fixing part overlap. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the click mechanism using a cross-sectional view of the fastening member. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a connecting rod including a click hole. [Figure 6] This is a partial perspective view of a connecting rod, including the protruding portion. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of a fastening member having a gap CL. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the allowable tightening width. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the biasing member using a cross-sectional view of the clamping member. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the elastic member using a partial cross-sectional view of the connecting section. [Figure 11]It is a partial cross-sectional view of a connecting rod including a holding portion having a tapered shape. [Figure 12] It is a partial cross-sectional view of a connecting rod including a holding portion having a stepped shape. [Figure 13] (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of a connecting rod including a holding portion having a recess, and (B) is a partial plan view of a tightening member including a connecting portion having a recess. [Figure 14] It is a plan view of a connecting rod having a protruding strip portion.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the television camera 10 includes a lens device 12 and an imaging device 14, and is movably supported in the pan direction and the tilt direction on a pan / tilt head 18 placed on the upper part of a pedestal dolly 16. On the pan / tilt head 18, two operating rods 20, 22 (such as pan rods) that are operated by a cameraman with both hands extend rearward. An operating device 30 for operating the lens device 12 is connected to at least one of the ends of the operating rods 20, 22. The operating device 30 is connected to the lens device 12 by wire or wirelessly. The operating device 30 has, for example, a zoom demand for performing a zooming operation on the zoom lens of the lens device 12, or a focus demand for performing a focusing operation on the focus lens of the lens device 12.

[0015] Note that the operating device 30 may be connected to the imaging device 14 by wire or wirelessly, and the lens device 12 may be operated via the imaging device 14. In the following, the case where the operating device 30 is connected to the operating rod 20 will be described. Also, in the present embodiment, the "rod" includes those having a length in the length direction longer than the width direction and that can be substantially interpreted as a rod.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(A) and (B), the operating device 30 includes a connecting rod 32 having a connecting portion 31 with an insertion opening 31a for the operating rod 20, and a tightening member 34 for tightening the connecting portion 31. The connecting portion 31 is provided with a first fixing portion 32a for fixing the tightening member 34 to a first position, and a second fixing portion 32b for fixing the tightening member 34 to a second position spaced apart from the first position in the circumferential direction R of the connecting rod 32. The tightening member 34 is equipped with a handle 35 used for tightening the connecting portion 31, and the tightening member 34 has a screw insertion hole 34a for inserting a screw (not shown) from the outer circumferential surface side. On the side of the connecting rod 32 opposite to the connecting portion 31, there is an operating portion (not shown) for the cameraman to perform zooming or focusing operations.

[0017] When the operating rod 20 is inserted into the connecting portion 31 of the connecting rod 32 via the insertion opening 31a, the operating rod 20 and the connecting portion 31 are tightened by the tightening member 34. The specific manner of tightening by the tightening member 34 will be described later. When tightening the operating rod 20 and the connecting portion 31, the screw insertion hole 34a is aligned with either the first fixing portion 32a or the second fixing portion 32b before tightening. Figure 3(A) shows the case where the screw insertion hole 34a and the first fixing portion 32a overlap, and Figure 3(B) shows the case where the screw insertion hole 34a and the second fixing portion 32b overlap. Preferably, the first fixing portion 32a and the second fixing portion 32b are screw holes. Since the operating device 30 is connected to either the left or right operating rod 20 or 22, the position of the handle 35 when connected to the operating rod 20 or 22 is taken into consideration, and the tightening member 34 is tightened at either the first fixing part 32a or the second fixing part 32b so that the tightening member 34 does not interfere with the cameraman's operation. Therefore, it is preferable that the first position of the first fixing part 32a and the second position of the second fixing part 32b are positioned opposite each other with respect to the center C of the connecting part 31. For example, it is preferable that the first position and the second position be spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction R. Here, it is preferable that the center includes the vicinity of the center.

[0018] After tightening with the fastening member 34, the fastening member 34 is fixed to the first fixing part 32a or the second fixing part 32b by inserting a screw through the screw insertion hole 34a and screwing it in with the first fixing part 32a or the second fixing part 32b. Although the fastening member 34 is provided with two fixing parts, the first fixing part 32a and the second fixing part 32b, it is preferable to have at least two fixing parts.

[0019] The operating device 30 is equipped with a click mechanism 38, as shown in Figure 4, to facilitate alignment between the screw insertion hole 34a and the first fixing part 32a or the second fixing part 32b. The click mechanism 38 provides a click sensation to the tightening member 34 when the tightening member 34 is rotated in the circumferential direction R. The click mechanism 38 is provided at a predetermined position on the inner circumferential surface of the tightening member and has a click ball 38a and a spring 38b. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, click holes 31b are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R around the connecting part 31. The click ball 38a, biased by the spring 38b, enters the click holes 31b as the tightening member 34 rotates, thereby providing a click sensation to the tightening member 34.

[0020] The operating device 30 preferably has a first retaining portion to prevent the tightening member 34 from coming off the connecting portion 31. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first retaining portion is preferably a protrusion 40 provided at the end of the connecting portion 31. When the operating device 30 is connected to the operating rod 20, the operating device 30 is located below the operating rod 20, and the operating device 30's own weight acts as a force to pull it out. However, the protrusion 40 catches on the side of the tightening member, preventing the connecting portion 31 of the operating device 30 from falling off the tightening member 34. It is preferable that the protrusion 40 includes not only a portion that rises in a stepped manner outward from the end of the connecting portion 31 toward the outer circumference, but also a portion that rises gently.

[0021] The specific manner in which the tightening member 34 is performed will be described below. As shown in Figure 7, the tightening member 34 has a ring portion 42 and two projections 43 and 44. The ring portion 42 has a gap CL equal to at least the tightening width A, and the connecting portion 31 is tightened by reducing the gap CL. The two projections 43 and 44 are provided protruding radially D from both ends of the ring portion 42 and are arranged facing each other. In addition, the connecting portion 31 has four grooves 31c formed as multiple grooves in the insertion direction IN of the operating rod 20 (see Figure 5, etc.). Note that the shape of the ring portion 42 is not limited to an arc, but also includes a ring shape (such as a rectangle) that matches the shape of the connecting portion 31.

[0022] During tightening, rotating the handle 35 brings the two protrusions 43 and 44 closer together, gradually reducing the gap CL from the tightening width A. As the gap CL decreases, the width B of the groove 31c also decreases. This reduces the inner diameter of the connecting portion 31, causing the operating rod 20 to be tightened by the connecting portion 31.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the width B of the groove portion 31c is greater than or equal to the first average tightening width A / n, which is obtained by dividing the tightening width A by the number of groove portions 31c n (4 in this embodiment), and less than or equal to the tightening width A (A≧B≧A / n). This means that even when the two protrusions 43 and 44 come into contact with each other and the gap CL disappears, the width B of the groove portion 31c remains. By defining the width B in this way, it is possible to prevent the width B of the groove portion 31c in the connecting portion 31 from returning to its original state when the tightening by the tightening member 34 is loosened and the connecting portion 31 is removed from the operating rod 20.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the operating device 30 preferably has a regulating member 46 provided between two protrusions 43 and 44, which restricts the reduction of the gap CL within the tightening width A to a value greater than or equal to the allowable tightening width Ax. The regulating member 46 is preferably a washer, for example. The allowable tightening width Ax is the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the regulating member from the tightening width A (AT). The allowable tightening width Ax is preferably a value such that the connecting portion 31 of the connecting rod 32 deforms within the elastic region and does not undergo plastic deformation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width B of the groove portion 31c is preferably greater than or equal to the second average tightening width Ax / n, obtained by dividing the allowable tightening width Ax by the number of groove portions 31c n, and less than or equal to the tightening width A (A≧B≧A / n).

[0025] In the operating device 30, it is preferable to provide a second retaining portion in the insertion opening 31a of the connecting portion 31 to prevent the connecting rod 32 from falling out of the operating rod 20. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the second retaining portion is preferably a biasing member 48 that biases the operating rod 20. The biasing member 48 has a ball 48a that is inserted into a retaining hole 34b formed on the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 31, and a spring 48b that is inserted into a retaining hole 34b formed in the tightening member 34. The biasing force of the spring 48b is applied to the operating rod 20 inserted into the connecting portion 31 via the ball 48a. This prevents the operating rod 20 from falling out of the connecting rod 32. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, it is preferable that the second retaining portion is an elastic member 49 that provides elastic force to the operating rod 20. The elastic member 49 is made of rubber or the like, and is provided on part or all of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 31 along the circumferential direction R. The elastic force applied directly to the operating rod 20 by the elastic member 49 prevents the operating rod 20 from falling off the connecting rod 32.

[0026] The connecting rod 32 is provided with a holding portion for holding the operating rod 20 inserted through the insertion opening 31a. Preferably, the holding portion has a first structure that can hold operating rods 20 of different thicknesses. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the first structure of the holding portion 50 is preferably a tapered shape in which the inner diameter DI deforms smaller toward the insertion direction IN of the operating rod 20. This allows the holding portion 50 to hold either a thick operating rod 20a or a thin operating rod 20b with its first structure. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the first structure of the holding portion 51 is preferably a stepped shape in which the inner diameter DI changes in steps toward the insertion direction IN. The thick operating rod 20a is held by the step closer to the insertion opening 31a, and the thin operating rod 20b is held by the step further away from the insertion opening 31a. Even in this case, either a thick operating rod 20a or a thin operating rod 20b can be held by the first structure. Furthermore, regarding the first structure of the holding part 50, it is acceptable for there to be some areas where there is no change or where the change is reversed, as long as it can hold either the thick operating rod 20a or the thin operating rod 20b.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable that the retaining portion has a second structure that reduces resistance when inserting the operating rod 20. Specifically, as shown in Figures 13(A) and (B), it is preferable that the second structure of the retaining portion 54 is a recess 54a formed in the insertion direction IN of the operating rod 20. At least one recess 54a is provided between adjacent grooves 31c in the circumferential direction R (two in this embodiment). When inserting the operating rod 20, the air inside the retaining portion 54 is released through the recess 54a, thereby reducing resistance when inserting the operating rod 20. The recess 54a includes not only a portion that rises up in a step-like manner from the inner surface of the retaining portion 54, but also a portion that rises gently.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the second structure of the retaining portion 55 is preferably a protruding portion 55a provided in the insertion direction IN. There are four protruding portions 55a, each provided between adjacent grooves 31c in the circumferential direction R. When inserting the operating rod 20, the air inside the retaining portion 54 escapes from the recess 54a through the gap formed between the operating rod 20 and the retaining portion 55 by the height of the protruding portion 55a, thereby reducing the resistance when inserting the operating rod 20. Note that the retaining portion may be provided with both the first and second structures. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] 10 TV cameras 12 Lens device 14 Imaging device 16 Pedelstadley 18 Pan head 20, 22 Operation rod 20a Thick operating rod 20b Thin operating rod 30 Operating device 31 Connecting part 31b Click hole 31c Groove 32 Connecting rod 32a 1st fixed part 32b 2nd fixed part 34. Fastening member 34a Screw insertion hole 34b Retaining hole 35 Handle 38 click mechanism 38a Click ball 38b Spring 40 Convex part 42 Ring section 43, 44 Protrusion 46 Regulating members 48. Biasing member 48a Ball 48b Spring 49 Elastic members 50, 51, 54, 55 Holding part 54a Recess 55a Projection

Claims

1. An operating device connected to the operating rod of a tripod head, and for operating a lens device or imaging device mounted on the tripod head, A connecting rod having a connecting portion provided with an insertion opening for the aforementioned operating rod, It has a tightening member for tightening the aforementioned connecting portion, The connecting portion is provided with a first fixing portion for fixing the fastening member to a first position, and a second fixing portion for fixing the fastening member to a second position spaced apart from the first position in the circumferential direction of the connecting rod.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising a click mechanism that provides a click sensation to the tightening member when the tightening member is rotated in the circumferential direction.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is provided with a first retaining portion for preventing the tightening member from coming off the connecting portion.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the first retaining portion is a protrusion provided at the end of the connecting portion.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the tightening member has a gap of at least the tightening width, and the tightening member has a ring portion that tightens the connecting portion by reducing the gap, and two projections that protrude radially from both ends of the ring portion and are arranged facing each other.

6. The connecting portion has multiple grooves formed in the direction in which the operating rod is inserted. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein the width of the groove is greater than or equal to a first average tightening width obtained by dividing the tightening width by the number of grooves, and less than or equal to the tightening width.

7. The operating device according to claim 5, further comprising a restricting member provided between the two protrusions, which restricts the reduction of the gap by a value greater than or equal to the allowable tightening width within the tightening width.

8. The connecting portion has multiple grooves formed in the direction in which the operating rod is inserted. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein the width of the groove is greater than or equal to the second average tightening width obtained by dividing the allowable tightening width by the number of grooves, and less than or equal to the tightening width.

9. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion opening portion of the connecting portion is provided with a second retaining portion to prevent the connecting rod from falling out of the operating rod.

10. The operating device according to claim 9, wherein the second retaining portion is a biasing member that biases the operating rod, or an elastic member that provides elastic force to the operating rod.

11. The connecting rod is provided with a holding portion for holding the operating rod inserted through the insertion opening. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion has a first structure capable of holding the operating rods of different thicknesses.

12. The connecting rod is provided with a holding portion for holding the operating rod inserted through the insertion opening. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion has a second structure that reduces resistance when inserting the operating rod.

13. The connecting rod is provided with a holding portion for holding the operating rod inserted through the insertion opening. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion has a first structure capable of holding the operating rods of different thicknesses, and a second structure that reduces resistance when inserting the operating rods.

14. The operating device according to claim 11 or 13, wherein the first structure has a shape in which the inner diameter decreases in the direction of insertion of the operating rod, or a stepped shape in which the inner diameter changes in steps in the direction of insertion.

15. The operating device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second structure has a recess formed in the insertion direction of the operating rod, or a protruding portion provided in the insertion direction.

16. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first position and the second position are arranged opposite each other with respect to the center of the connecting portion.

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