DE102010024657A1 - tripod head - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tripod head (1) for arrangement between an at least indirectly connected camera or similar optical detection device and the end of a support device, in particular a multi-legged tripod facing the detection device, the tripod head (1) comprising at least a first, an adjusting device (2 ) Assignable adjusting means (3, 6), by means of which the position of the detection device with respect to the support device can be changed. In order to provide a tripod head (1), by means of which the camera, which is at least indirectly arranged on it, can be rotated parallel to the latter in a plane that can be pivoted as desired relative to the longitudinal axis of the support device, without the entrance pupil of the optical system moving away from the axis of rotation and the camera in of the plane in question can be rotated by reproducible, in particular uniform, angular amounts, on the tripod head (1) according to the invention by means of the at least one first adjusting means (3) of the adjusting device (2) the optical detection device is simultaneously rotated about a first and a second pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting device pivotable without rotation and / or the actuating device (2) has a further or another first actuating means (6), by which the detection device rotates about a longitudinal axis of the actuating device which is essentially arbitrarily pivoted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support device ne plurality of predeterminable angles of different amounts can be rotated and releasably held in any position corresponding to an angle of rotation amount against a holding force.

Description

The invention relates to a tripod head for the arrangement between a camera indirectly connected to this or the like optical detection device and the detection device facing the end of a support device, in particular a multi-legged tripod, wherein the tripod head has at least a first, a setting device assignable adjusting means, by means of which the position the detection device with respect to the support device is changeable.

It is well known to support optical detection devices such as cameras in certain shooting situations, for example in unfavorable light conditions or long focal lengths with correspondingly small apertures, but also generally with long observation times, by means of a tripod. To be limited in the support of the camera not on the longitudinal axis of the tripod and its height adjustment as a possible variation, established over time joint body in the manner of a ball head as a tripod head, the camera attached to them a variety different inclined against the tripod longitudinal axis and at the same time inevitable also allowed to take twisted positions. Such ball joint arrangements are for example from the EP 1 473 510 A1 , of the FR 2 799 807 A1 or the WO 2009/056249 A1 known.

With the advent of digital photography, panoramic images have become increasingly popular, particularly in advertising, since a plurality of individual images generated by a camera rotated in a particular horizontal plane were composed with the aid of so-called stitching software, allowing errors or inaccuracies to be calculated out immediately. Extended panoramas are possible by recording in relation to a first middle up or down pivoted planes with the same rotation angle amounts.

However, with the conventional ball-and-socket joints, the camera in question is difficult to pivot horizontally, which makes it even more difficult to tilt the camera due to the lack of reference points. In addition, a correct composition of a panorama of individual images succeeds only if it is ensured that the center of the entrance pupil lies on the axis of rotation, which if necessary, but not necessarily coincide with the tripod longitudinal axis.

It is therefore an object to provide a tripod head available, by means of which the at least indirectly arranged camera in an arbitrarily opposite the tripod axis pivotable. Level is parallel to this rotatable without the entrance pupil of the optical system moves away from the axis of rotation and the camera in the plane in question by reproducible, in particular uniform angular amounts can be rotated.

This object is achieved by a tripod head of the type mentioned, in which by means of at least one first actuating means of the adjusting device, the optical detection device at the same time about a first and a second perpendicular to the Stelleinrichtungslängsachse pivot axis is pivotable and / or the adjusting device another or another first adjusting means, by which the detection device is rotatable about a relative to the support device longitudinal axis substantially arbitrarily pivoted Stelleinrichtungslängsachse by a plurality of predeterminable angles of different magnitude and in each position corresponding to a rotational angle position against a force releasably held.

The invention thus decouples the movements of the detection device on the adjusting device by means of an actuating means which is assigned to the two pivot axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation and optionally by means of another or other first actuating means which ensures a rotational movement about just this axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation of the longitudinal axis of Actuator corresponds, which coincidentally coincide with the tripod longitudinal axis together. On the one hand solves such a tripod arrangement, the aforementioned object, in which the first adjusting means allows the pivoting movements, without simultaneously a rotational movement is performed, as a result, the detection device can be held in different levels, in which case the rotational movement approximately by movement of whole arrangement could be executed. On the other hand, the other first actuating means is able to rotate the detection device by an arbitrarily pivoted actuator longitudinal axis and lets the detection means assume predeterminable angular positions in which it is held. In this case, the detection device can also be guided completely around the axis of rotation in a number of rotational angle steps. If the adjusting device of the tripod head has both actuating means, it can be ensured by the common longitudinal axis of the two actuating means that the camera, which is at least indirectly connected to the further actuating means, can move exclusively in the plane defined by the position of the first actuating means and at the same time the user manipulates on the further adjusting means can specify an angle by which the camera can be actively transferred from its previous in at least one next position of use in the relevant plane, since the further actuating means in the mentioned positions yes against the mentioned force is releasably held. In order not to generate unnecessary imbalances with respect to this holding, it is particularly expedient for the further adjusting means to be completely rotationally symmetrical, for example as a substantially cylindrical body. Moreover, the further adjusting means can be provided with a setting in which it can be rotated freely and without angle input about the longitudinal axis common to the first actuating means in order not to fix the operator to the smallest angle specification.

In order to carry out in a simple manner the pivoting movement about the pivot axis perpendicular to the actuator longitudinal axis in one embodiment of the tripod head, the first actuating means comprises a housing which is pivotally mounted relative to a condyle incorporated in its central recess, which in turn with the support device is firmly connected.

Good training in this case is a development in which of the condyle an actuator substantially radially projecting an approximately slit-like opening of the housing passes through, which opening is arranged approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating device or the first actuating means. In this way, a pivot axis extends along the actuator, about which the housing is pivotable, while the other pivot axis is transverse to the first and pivoting about this is achieved by the leadership of the actuator in the slot-like opening or the housing with respect to the actuator. At the same time the inclusion of a portion of the actuator in the respective opening prevents movement of the housing about the Stelleinrichtungslängsachse, ie a rotational movement.

A uniform pivotal movement of the housing about the received condyle and thus the detection device on the support device is achieved by an embodiment of the tripod head, in which the inner recess of the housing has a wall with convex, in particular uniformly convex curvature, and which curvature describes in particular a spherical zone, whose spherical layer contains the center of the inscribed sphere. This means that the recess has the cross-section of a circle cut by two parallel chords, which on opposite sides are approximately equidistant from one of its diameters.

In order to produce a stable, resilient connection of the tripod head with the support means, it may be provided in an expedient development of the tripod head according to the invention, the condyle is connected at its free, not recorded end with a bottom part and this particular on the support means is so fixed in that the joint head longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the support means. For this purpose, the bottom part can be provided, for example, with a fixing means, for example a central threaded bore, into which a threaded pin arranged on the support device can engage.

The housing of the first actuating means can be playfully and thus move smoothly relative to the condyle and then set in a desired position when in one embodiment of the tripod head on the wall of the inner recess of the housing facing outer contour of the condyle at least one sliding element and a locking means are provided, which, depending on whether moving or fixed state, act between condyle and housing.

Preferably, an embodiment of the tripod head can consist in that the sliding element is formed as at least one sliding ring encircling the condyle and forms an edge portion thereof, the at least one outwardly facing surface of which is in movement of the condyle relative to the housing or vice versa in contact with the wall of the inner recess stands. The wall in question then slides on movement on the sliding ring of the condyle, wherein the sliding ring preferably, a preferred, but not necessarily axial portion of the condyle engages around.

Advantageously, the movement of the housing of the first actuating means in another embodiment of the tripod head can be prevented if the locking means has at least one clamping ring encircling the swivel head with an opening which can be expanded by a clamping wedge and inhibits movement of the housing relative to the swivel head in the expanded state ,

Here, a preferred development consists in that the clamping ring spreads a him at least partially enclosing collet during pressing and presses against the wall of the inner recess. In another preferred embodiment, however, the clamping ring can be accommodated in an open-edged recess of the sliding ring and press itself against the inner recess during spreading.

An advantageous arrangement of the actuator on the housing of the first actuating means or the condyle shows an embodiment in which the actuator engages the end portion of its fixed end in a threaded opening of the condyle and has at a portion of its longitudinal extent the clamping wedge of the locking means. By arranged at its free end, for example, rotatable handle, the position of the actuator relative to the condyle can be changed so that the rotational movement can engage the fixed end as a pin with an external thread more or less deeply into the threaded opening of the condyle. Due to the displacement caused thereby, the depth of engagement of a arranged on the longitudinal extent of the actuator conical clamping wedge in a complementary recess of the clamping ring and thus the degree of its spreading is determined.

A preferred embodiment of the tripod head provides for the adjusting device on the housing of the first actuating means ( 3 ) on the side facing away from the bottom part of a fastening device for arranging a further adjusting means, in particular a flange and a receptacle before.

The plane defined by a first adjusting means or otherwise defined or fixed, preferably horizontal plane can, as already seen, be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axes at a further or other first actuating means. In this case, an advantageous embodiment of the tripod head in the further or other first actuating means, the predetermined angular amounts are integer divisors of the quarter, half and / or full circle and / or larger predeterminable angle amounts are provided as integer multiple of the smallest predeterminable angle amount, so that circular sector can be described by a next larger sector of the full circle and this in turn gets by integer division essentially without overlapping.

In order to be able to quickly and safely transfer the detection device from one position to the next and to hold it in a position assumed, it is provided in another embodiment of the tripod head that the further or other first actuating means has at least one latching means, which between locking positions of a surface of the other or other first actuating means and a surface of the actuating device latched, relative to which the former is arranged rotatably movable. The actuating device thus fixes the surface against which the further or other first actuating means is moved and can also be formed at least partially by the first actuating means, whereby the relevant surface can also be located on the first actuating means, but this is not necessarily the case got to.

In order to use the mutually rotatable surfaces of the other first actuating means and the adjusting device for setting the desired angle of rotation, in one embodiment of the tripod head, the locking positions of the actuating means advantageously lie on a radial straight line and specify the amount of rotation angle, so that the amount of rotation angle is the radial distance of the respective detent position of the locking means on the actuating means surface. If the angle of rotation is not changed, the latching means can remain with the once taken detent position on the actuating means surface.

In an expedient development of the locking positions on the other surface of the adjusting device can then be radius dependent distributed with the respective angular amount on a quarter- half or full circle, so that a rotational movement of one surface relative to the other leads to the locking means on the Adjusting device associated surface performs a (partial) circular motion and is performed after rotation about the locking position corresponding rotation angle at the Stelleinrichtungsfläche in the next detent position.

A change between different amounts of rotational angle, which can be greater, for example, in the desired recording to the edge of a 180 ° panorama, is facilitated by an embodiment of the tripod head, in which at each provided with a detent angular position on the surface of the actuator all locking positions of angular amounts are arranged with integer divider this angular position and / or increase the angular amounts of the locking positions with decreasing distance from the longitudinal axis. Thus, for example, in addition to the detent positions 15 °, 30 ° and 45 ° could be arranged at a 90 ° -Winkelposition, and at a 60 ° -Raststellung only the positions 15 ° and 30 °, wherein the 30 ° position has a greater distance to the Stelleinrichtungslängsachse than the 90 ° position and so on. The largest angle of rotation amount thus forming are located furthest inside lying on the Stelleinrichtungsfläche.

In a latching and holding the actuator in the relevant detent position equally coping design is in the tripod head, the locking means by a between the surface of the other or other first actuating means and the adjacent thereto, the parallel surface of the actuator acting spring-ball assembly formed, engage the balls in located on the surfaces depressions in particular circular cross section at least with a part of its cross section and lock.

In a preferred embodiment, in this case the two surfaces have a surface normal parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting device.

Well manageable and largely insensitive to external influences in an advantageous embodiment of the tripod head, the further or other first actuating means comprises a housing having an inner recess on which a parallel to the housing end face surface forms the surface of the actuating means, which on and with the housing against a Actuator having surface, received in the inner recess annular flange is movable.

An advantageous development of the tripod head is in this case provided with a latching means which is formed by two guided on a radial actuator balls, which in a detent position by acting between them in the axial direction of the spring force each with a dome-shaped area in the opposite recesses of the corresponding Intervene surfaces so that the force acting between the balls spring force represents the holding force of the actuating means in the locked position.

In order to be able to quickly turn the further or other first adjusting means, if desired, by any angle with respect to the adjusting device, in one embodiment of the tripod head the locking means can be brought into a radial position in which there is no angular position with the surface of the full circle Locking device locked and / or freely rotatable.

In a preferred embodiment of the tripod head, the actuating element can have a pin which is arranged so as to be radially displaceable by means of a rotatable handle arranged at its one end, at the other end of which the latching means is arranged.

The particular visual control of the predetermined angle of rotation amount is made easier for an operator in that on one embodiment of the inventive tripod head at least a portion of the actuating element is provided with a display means, in particular an optical display means for the set angle.

Advantageously, the display means may be formed by an area of the pin with an enlarged cross-section, the radial position of which is readable on a scale of the actuating element, so that a displacement of the pin and the associated change in position of the two balls of the locking means to another detent position with a corresponding change in the radial position of the enlarged cross-section is associated with the scale.

In the sense of an additional safeguard, which is not necessary for the fate of the other or other first actuating means in its rotated position not even with horizontal pivoting plane, but also with pivoted axis of rotation is in another embodiment of the tripod head to the other or other first actuating means a Locking means arranged, the actuation of the actuating means prevents the rotational movement, wherein the locking means may be formed in particular by a movable with the adjusting means about its longitudinal axis, expandable clamping ring.

In a preferred embodiment of the tripod head, the clamping ring can be supported on a shoulder formed by a radial change in cross section of the annular flange and spread in spreading by a engaging in a conical opening of the ring clamping wedge so that it presses against an axial wall portion of the annular flange, through which frictional engagement prevents further rotational movement of the actuating means.

Thus, the clamping wedge can spread the clamping ring despite its support on the shoulder of the ring flange, without the need for the same time the arrangement of a passage through the flange would be necessary, the clamping ring is provided in the region of its conical opening with an axially elongated elbow, which the housing of the axially overlaps another or other first actuating means facing edge of the flange. Thus, the clamping wedge at the end of a radially guided clamping wedge above the flange of the annular flange can be arranged on the Stellmittelgehäuse and on the one hand take the clamping ring when moving and on the other hand when operating a located at the other end of the pin handle the clamping ring in each rotational position of the actuating means housing ,

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the tripod head, the adjusting device is provided with two adjusting means, wherein the adjusting means provided for pivoting forms the support means facing portion of the adjusting device, so that the further adjusting means facing the detection device, which is at least indirectly arranged thereon.

In an expedient development of the tripod head the further adjusting means is arranged on the fastening means of the first actuating means, in particular the further actuating means forms a kind of crown with respect to the housing of the first actuating means and is rotatable relative thereto.

Good to each other and together again between detection device and support means can be arranged an embodiment of the tripod head, in which the two adjusting means have a substantially cylindrical outer contour, the Diameter is provided in the housing of the first actuating means greater than in further adjusting means, and an end face of the housing of the first actuating means with a projecting in the direction of the further actuating means wall portion with tapering in the outer contour of a lower cylindrical portion of the further actuating means enclosing receptacle forms. As a result, the two adjusting means form a substantially uniform cylinder body, which is provided with two mutually rotatable sections easy to handle and otherwise stowable. Particularly preferably, the crown can in this case be mounted against the web of the annular flange with an annular ball bearing whose annular bordering angle slides with an angle leg on a bearing arranged between it and the end face of the joint body. The wall portion of the joint body with tapering in the direction of the crown outer contour can be advantageously circumferentially provided with a graduation, so that by means of a mark on the crown at any time at least one offset relative to a zero position angular amount of the crown on the tripod head is read.

In order to accommodate to the adjusting means connected to the support device condyle and the annular flange so that they are not subject to harmful external influences, it is provided in a further embodiment of the tripod head, that the housing of the first actuating means and the further actuating means each have a have axial, rotationally symmetrical inner recess which change its diameter at least once in a leap or at least in a section continuously. In this way, in the corresponding recesses on the one hand, the ball zone edge of the condyle against the inner wall of the recess of the first actuating means, on the other hand, the surface of the annular flange against the surface of the further actuating means are moved in the desired manner. Overall, the respective inner recess engages through the crown and joint body in the longitudinal direction completely.

Conveniently, in order to keep the entrance pupil of the optical system in the axis of rotation, in a further embodiment of the tripod head an adapter in the form of one or more rails can be easily arranged if at least one fastening means is provided on the tripod head for this, for example in the form one or more located on the annular end face of the crown threaded blind holes. If, moreover, all parts of the tripod head are provided with a central recess, a dragonfly arranged in the longitudinal axis of the stand can optionally be observed and checked through the recesses with a correspondingly eccentric arrangement of an adapter device and coincidence of the common longitudinal axis of the crown and joint body with the stand longitudinal axis.

The invention is explained below with reference to embodiments in the drawing. In partially schematic form here show the

1 a sectional plan view of another adjusting means of a control device of a tripod head along the section lines AA in the 2 and 4 ;

2 a sectional, planar side view of a first embodiment of a tripod head with an adjusting device with a first and a further actuating means;

3 a plan view from above of a sectional view of the first actuating means of the adjusting device of the tripod head of the 2 along the section line BB;

4 a sectional, planar side view of another embodiment of a tripod head with an adjusting device with a first and a further adjusting means;

5 a plan view from above of a sectional view of the first actuating means of the adjusting device of the tripod head of the 4 along the section line BB.

In the 1 is the other actuating means 6 an adjusting device 2 one with the whole 1 Identify designated tripod head, the view of the 1 a sectional view taken along section line AA of 2 and 4 represents, where the section line in the plane of the flange 9 of the annular flange 8th the adjusting device 2 lies at the first actuating means 3 is arranged. The longitudinal axis of the adjusting device is through the longitudinal axis of the respective actuating means 3 . 6 or the common longitudinal axis of the adjoining adjusting means 3 . 6 for example in the form of a joint body 4 with crown 7 educated. In all drawing figures, neither the detection device nor the support device, between which the tripod head 1 is shown, shown.

In the embodiments of the drawing figures, the first actuating means 3 the adjusting device 2 as a condyle 5 pivotable box-like joint body 4 and the further adjusting agent 6 the adjusting device 2 as against the ring flange 8th rotatable, also box-like crown 7 to recognize why in the consequence these names partly synonymous for the adjusting means 3 . 6 Find use. The crown 7 the further actuating means 6 takes in her interior recess 10 the ring flange 8th with flange surface 9 on the that area of the actuator 2 forms, opposite to the actuating means 6 is rotatable.

The flange surface 9 shows in the representation of 1 a regular pattern of circular depressions 11 as locking positions of the locking means 12 , one of which, the flange surface 9 facing ball 13 engages in the relevant detent position, while the other ball 13 in the opposite depression 11 ' at the to the face of the crown 7 parallel surface 38 intervenes. This is also in the 2 and 4 clearly visible.

The adjusting device 2 associated balls 13 are here in the 1 . 2 and 4 in the radial position corresponding to an angle of rotation of 30 °. In an axial recording 14 are the balls 13 with the spring 15 received and by a radial actuator 16 that has a movable hollow pin 17 has, movable, which in turn with a handle 18 connected is. By a rotary movement of the handle 18 becomes the control element 16 in a thread 19 one radially out of the crown 7 protruding pipe section 20 guided.

The pipe piece 20 has a scale 39 with a slot 39a with respect to the portion of the outer wall of the hollow pin tapering towards the outside 17 upon actuation of the handle 18 moved radially and thus indicates the change of the set angle amount. The section on the scale shows here 39 the correct angle of 30 °.

In the 2 and 4 is the adjusting device in the upper part of the tripod head 2 with the further actuating means 6 as a crown 7 to recognize. At the flange surface 9 of the annular flange 8th are the four of the actuator due to the sectional view 2 of the tripod head 1 associated circular depressions 11 to recognize the four selectable locking positions for different rotational angle amounts of the locking means 12 in the present 90 ° position or opposite to the 270 ° position correspond. The outermost of the depressions 11 corresponds to an angle of 15 ° and accordingly repeats this amount on its circle (see. 1 ), the next inner one of magnitude 30 °, then follows the depression corresponding to the 45 ° angle 11 and to the innermost is the quarter circle corresponding 90 ° position to find, this fact is in the 1 to recognize more clearly.

On the pipe piece 20 opposite side of the actuating means 6 is to be recognized in the 1 . 2 and 4 , a the actuator housing 7 penetrating locking agent 21 arranged, wherein upon actuation of a handle 22 a substantially cylindrical threaded pin 23 with a conical clamping wedge 27 forming end portion in the opening 24 one of the crown 7 associated clamping ring 25 grips to spread this. The one with the crown 7 movable clamping ring 25 sits here on a in the annular flange 8th provided, circumferential paragraph 29 on and is at spreading against the inner wall of the annular flange 8th braced. So the pen 23 at all radially through the opening 24 of the clamping ring 25 this is in the area of its opening 24 with an axially extended elbow 26 Mistake. It can be seen further that the inner recess 10 the further actuating means 6 at the axial web 30 of the annular flange 8th a slightly smaller inner diameter than that through the clamping ring 25 formed inner diameter, so that the clamping ring sits fully in the relaxed state with its face fully on the shoulder.

Only in the 2 and 4 is at the crown 7 frontally the condyle 5 turned away a fastener 28 to recognize in the form of two blind threaded holes on which adapter devices between tripod head 1 and unillustrated detection device can be arranged.

The 2 and 4 show the tripod head with both adjusting means 3 . 6 the adjusting device 2 , Here, the joint body 5 of the first actuating means 3 at substantially cylindrical outer contour one opposite the crown 7 the further actuating means 6 enlarged diameter, and also the crown 7 facing an annular end face 31 with one in the direction of the crown 7 this face 31 towering wall section 32 a lower portion of the crown for the viewer 7 comprehensive recording 33 forms. Centrally located in this recording 33 is that of the actuator 2 and there the joint body 4 of the first actuating means 3 assigned ring flange 8th with axial web 30 and flange surface 9 , That's the bridge 30 of the annular flange 8th encompassing annular ball bearings 34 is from an annular elbow 35 held on a plain bearing 36 at the frontal area 31 of the joint body 4 in the recording 33 is arranged. The elbow 35 in turn is through in for the viewer in the direction of upward inwardly beveled front edge surface of the crown 7 inserted screws 33 at the crown 7 held, leaving a chamfer of the elbow 35 on the inclined surface of the countersunk heads of the screws 37 supported.

The tripod head of the 2 is at the bottom of the illustration with a bottom part 40 provided, which is a circular base plate 41 which has a central opening 42 is provided. In the opening 42 is the lower end of the shaft for the viewer 43 of the bottom part 40 taken, the shaft 43 a cylindrical passage 44 with internal thread 45 having. At the viewer's upper end of the shaft 43 is the one in the inner recess 50 of the joint body 4 of the first actuating means 3 recorded carriers 46 of the condyle 5 arranged, which is a headboard 55 receives. Between an inclined surface of the headboard 55 and an inclined surface of the carrier 46 is at an axial section 56 of the headboard 55 a U-shaped slip ring 47 arranged, whose leg end faces the same radius of curvature as the inner wall 51 the inner recess 50 of the joint body 4 and on this wall 51 glide along. Between the legs of the U-shaped slip ring 47 is a clamping ring 48 taken up by moving a his recess 49 sweeping actuator 52 with clamping wedge 53 is spreadable.

By the at the head part 55 of the condyle 5 radially arranged left-hand thread, in which a threaded portion of the actuator 52 is received, performs a rotational movement of the handle 54 of the actuator 52 clockwise to unscrew the actuator 52 and thus a spreading of the clamping ring 48 through the outwardly tapered clamping wedge 53 , By clamping the clamping ring 48 against the inner wall 51 the inner recess 50 of the joint body 4 of the first actuating means 3 becomes a pivotal movement of the joint body 4 against the condyle 5 or the bottom part 40 prevented. The joint body 4 is on the one hand to one along the longitudinal axis of the actuator 52 extending axis pivotally, on the other hand to a perpendicular to this arranged, the joint body 4 also laterally sweeping axis. The pivoting movement associated with this axis is defined by a longitudinal slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of the articulated body on the wall of the articulated body 60 Forced, because the actuator 52 even only along the slot 60 is pivotable, whereby a rotational component of the pivoting movements is avoided. These relationships are also the sectional view of the 3 refer to.

The joint body 4 the embodiment of the 4 with the sectional view of 5 leads as well as the one of 2 and 3 in unclamped condition of the clamping rings 48 . 48 ' one through the longitudinal slot 60 positively guided pivoting movement relative to the condyle 5 with bottom part 40 the adjusting device 2 by.

Also the condyle 4 of the 4 and 5 is at its the further adjusting means 6 opposite side with the bottom plate 41 a bottom part 40 connected, although an opening 42 has, but in this no shaft of a carrier receives. Rather, it is at the bottom part 40 an upwardly open cylindrical receptacle 57 formed, in the first the tail of the shaft 58 of the headboard 55 over a thread 62 is screwed. On a threadless, a little more of the inner recess 50 facing portion of the shaft, this is over part of its longitudinal extent from the cylindrical mouthpiece 59 a dome-shaped, upwardly open merschenkligen collet 61 with pliers legs 64 edged.

On a cylindrical, ie axial section 56 of the headboard 55 is a clamping ring 48 ' rectangular section, which is the headboard 55 rotates and from the end of the collet 61 about half its axial extent is bordered. The front edge surface of the collet chuck 61 wears a slip ring 47 whose outer surface in turn the curvature of the inner wall 51 the inner recess 50 mimics. In addition, the seal ring 47 supported on an inclined surface of the head part against which he in spreading the clamping ring 48 ' by operation of the handle 54 is moved. This is the collet at the same time 61 pushed out more strongly, leaving the clamping ring 48 ' against the inner wall 51 is strained. The clamping ring 48 ' is with a lower outer corner area at one area 63 the collet 61 or from their thighs 64 , on which its or its inner wall curves more strongly inwardly, supported.

When relaxing the clamping ring 48 ' pushes the collet 61 stronger inward, leaving the slip ring 47 in contact with the wall 51 stands and the joint body 4 against the condyle 5 can be moved. Due to the opening with right-hand thread for receiving the actuator leads opposite to the 2 and 3 reverse wedge shape of the clamping wedge 53 again a movement of the handle 54 clockwise to tighten the clamping ring 48 ' , These circumstances also show the 5 ,

In the case of a tripod head 1 in which the adjusting device 2 with both adjusting means 3 . 6 like in the 4 and 5 is provided, the setting of the detection device can be described something like this: The collet 61 presses on the face side of the sliding ring 47 and allows a backlash-free adjustment between the floor and joint housing 4 , The sliding ring can play without any play 47 be adjusted by the bottom plate 41 rotated and thereby axially relative to the head part 55 in the thread 62 is moved, causing the slip ring 47 on the slope of the headboard 55 moved outwards and on the inner wall 51 the inner recess 50 of the joint body is lightly pressed. With this setting, the camera is initially aligned horizontally to allow a panoramic image. Subsequently, the clamping ring 48 ' by means of the clamping wedge 53 extended and the collet 61 with high pressure on the inner wall 51 of the joint housing 4 pressed, whereby the camera is determined immovable. Now, the desired number of images within 360 ° by selecting the ball position on the flange 9 of the annular flange 8th . for example 12 Shooting at a distance of 30 ° rotation angle amount.

Accordingly, the invention thus relates to a tripod head 1 for the arrangement between a camera, which is at least indirectly connected thereto, or the like optical detection device and the end of a support device facing the detection device, in particular a multi-legged tripod, wherein the tripod head 1 at least a first, an adjusting device 2 assignable actuating means 3 . 6 has, by means of which the position of the detection device with respect to the support device is variable. To a tripod head 1 to make available, by means of which the at least indirectly arranged camera in an arbitrarily opposite the support device longitudinal axis pivotable plane parallel to this is rotatable without the entrance pupil of the optical system away from the axis of rotation and the camera in the plane in question to reproducible, in particular uniform angular amounts can be rotated, is on the tripod head according to the invention 1 by means of the at least one first actuating means 3 the adjusting device 2 the optical detection device at the same time pivotable about a first and a second in each case perpendicular to the Stelleinrichtungslängsachse pivot axis and / or the adjusting device 2 has another or another first actuating means 6 on, by means of which the detection device is rotatable about a relative to the support device longitudinal axis substantially arbitrarily pivoted Stelleinrichtungslängsachse by a plurality of predeterminable angles of different magnitude and releasably held in each position corresponding to a rotational angle against a holding force.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1473510 A1 [0002]
• FR 2799807 A1 [0002]
• WO 2009/056249 A1 [0002]

Claims (34)

Tripod head for the arrangement between a camera or similar optical detection device and the detection device facing end of a support device, in particular a multi-legged tripod, wherein the tripod head at least a first, an actuator assignable actuating means, by means of which the position of the detection device with respect Supporting device is variable, characterized in that by means of the at least one first actuating means ( 3 ) the actuator ( 2 ) the optical detection device is simultaneously pivotable about a first and a second pivot axis perpendicular to the actuator longitudinal axis and / or the actuating device ( 2 ) another or another first actuating means ( 6 ), by which the detection device is rotatable about a relative to the support device longitudinal axis substantially arbitrarily pivoted Stelleinrichtungslängsachse by a plurality of predetermined angles of different magnitude and in each corresponding to a rotational angle position position against a holding force releasably. Tripod head according to claim 1, characterized in that the first actuating means ( 3 ) a housing ( 4 ), which opposite one in its central inner recess ( 50 ) received condyle ( 5 ) is mounted pivotably. Tripod head according to claim 2, characterized in that from the condyle ( 5 ) an actuator ( 52 ) substantially radially projecting an approximately slot-like opening ( 60 ) of the housing ( 4 ) passes through, which is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting device ( 2 ) or the first actuating means ( 3 ) is arranged. Tripod head according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the inner recess ( 50 ) of the housing ( 4 ) a wall ( 51 ) having a convex curvature, in particular forms a spherical zone whose spherical layer contains the center of the inscribed ball. Tripod head according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the condyle ( 5 ) at its free, not received end with a bottom part ( 40 ) is connected and on this to the support means in particular fixed such that the joint head longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the support means. Tripod head according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that on the wall ( 51 ) of the inner recess ( 50 ) of the housing ( 4 ) facing outer contour of the condyle ( 5 ) at least one sliding element ( 47 ) and a detection means ( 48 . 48 ' ) are provided. Tripod head according to claim 6, characterized in that the sliding element as at least one of the condyle ( 5 ) circumferential sliding ring ( 47 ) is formed and forms an edge portion thereof, the at least one outwardly facing surface upon movement of the condyle ( 5 ) opposite the housing ( 4 ) or vice versa in contact with the wall ( 51 ) of the inner recess ( 50 ) stands. Tripod head according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the locking means at least one of the condyle rotating clamping ring ( 48 . 48 ' ) with an opening ( 49 ), which by a clamping wedge ( 53 ) is spreadable and in the spread state, a movement of the housing ( 4 ) opposite the condyle ( 5 ) inhibits. Tripod head according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping ring ( 48 ' ) when spreading a at least partially enclosing collet ( 61 ) and against the wall ( 51 ) of the inner recess ( 50 ) presses. Tripod head according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping ring ( 48 ) in an open-edged recess of the sliding ring ( 47 ) and when spreading itself against the wall ( 51 ) of the inner recess ( 50 ) presses. Tripod head according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the actuator ( 52 ) with the end portion of its fixed end in a threaded opening of the condyle ( 5 ) and at a portion of its longitudinal extent the Spannkeil ( 53 ) of the detection means ( 48 . 48 ' ) having. Tripod head according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the adjusting device ( 2 ) on the housing ( 4 ) of the first actuating means ( 3 ) at the bottom part ( 40 ) facing away from a fastening device for the arrangement of a further actuating means ( 6 ), in particular a flange part ( 8th ) and a recording ( 33 ), having. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) the predetermined angular amounts are integer divisors of the quarter, half and / or full circle and / or larger predefinable angle amounts are provided as integer multiple of the smallest predeterminable angle amount. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) at least one latching means ( 12 ), which between Rest positions of a surface ( 38 ) of the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) and another surface ( 9 ) the actuator ( 2 ) locked against which the former is arranged rotatably movable. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking positions of the surface ( 38 ) of the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) lie on a radial straight line and specify the amount of the rotation angle. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking positions on the further surface ( 9 ) the actuator ( 2 ) are radius-dependent distributed with the respective associated angular amount on a quarter-half or full circle. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at each provided with a detent angular position on the surface ( 9 ) the actuator ( 2 ) all locking positions of angular amounts are arranged with integer divisor of this angular position and / or the angular amounts of the locking positions with decreasing distance from the longitudinal axis of the adjusting device ( 2 ) increase. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching means ( 12 ) by one between the surface ( 38 ) of the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) and the adjacent thereto parallel surface ( 9 ) the actuator ( 2 ) acting spring-ball assembly is formed, the balls ( 13 ) in depressions located on the surfaces ( 11 . 11 ' ) engage in particular circular cross section at least with a part of its cross section and lock. Tripod head according to claim 18, characterized in that the two surfaces ( 9 . 38 ) one to the longitudinal axis of the adjusting device ( 2 ) have parallel surface normals. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) a housing ( 7 ) with an inner recess ( 10 ), on which a surface parallel to the housing face surface ( 38 ) of the actuating agent ( 6 ), which on and with the housing ( 7 ) to one of the actuator surface ( 9 ), in the inner recess ( 10 ) received annular flange ( 8th ) is movable. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching means ( 12 ) by two at a radial actuator ( 16 ) guided balls ( 13 ) is formed, which in a detent position by the spring force acting between them in the axial direction in each case with a dome-shaped region in the opposite recesses ( 11 ) intervene. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching means ( 12 ) can be brought into a radial position, in which it over the full circle in no angular position with the surface ( 9 ) the actuator ( 2 ) is locked and / or freely rotatable. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element ( 16 ) a means of a arranged at one end, rotatable handle ( 18 ) radially displaceably guided pin ( 17 ), at the other end of the latching means ( 12 ) is arranged. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the actuating element ( 16 ) is provided with a display means, in particular an optical display means for the set angle. A tripod head according to claim 24, characterized in that the indicator means is defined by a portion of the pen ( 17 ) is formed with extended cross-section whose radial position on a scale ( 39 ) of the actuating element ( 16 ) is readable. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) a detection means ( 21 ) is arranged, the actuation of the actuating means ( 6 ) prevents the rotational movement, wherein the locking means ( 21 ) in particular by a with the actuating means ( 6 ) movable about its longitudinal axis, expandable clamping ring ( 25 ) is formed. Tripod head according to claim 26, characterized in that the clamping ring ( 25 ) on a by a radial change in cross section of the annular flange ( 8th ) paragraph ( 29 ) is supported. Tripod head according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the clamping ring ( 25 ) in the region of its opening ( 24 ) with an axially extended elbow ( 26 ), which corresponds to the housing ( 7 ) of the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) facing edge of the flange ( 29 ) overlaps axially. Tripod head according to claim 28, characterized in that the locking means ( 21 ) a clamping wedge ( 27 ), which is between the surfaces ( 38 . 9 ) of the further or other first actuating means ( 6 ) and the adjusting device ( 2 ) on a pen ( 23 ) radially guided with a conical end in the opening ( 24 ) of the clamping ring ( 25 ) intervenes. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device ( 2 ) with both adjusting means ( 3 . 6 ) is provided, wherein the provided for pivoting adjusting means ( 3 ) the support means facing portion of the actuating device ( 2 ). Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further actuating means ( 6 ) on the fastening device of the first actuating means ( 3 ), in particular that the further adjusting means ( 6 ) a kind of crown ( 7 ) with respect to the housing ( 4 ) of the first actuating means ( 3 ). Tripod head according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the two actuating means ( 3 . 6 ) have a substantially cylindrical outer contour whose diameter at the housing ( 4 ) of the first actuating means ( 3 ) larger than the crown ( 7 ) is provided, and an end face ( 31 ) of the housing ( 4 ) of the first actuating means ( 3 ) with one of these in the direction of the crown ( 7 ) projecting wall section ( 32 ) with in the direction of the crown ( 7 ) tapering outer contour a a lower cylinder portion of the crown ( 7 ) comprehensive recording ( 33 ). Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 4 . 7 ) of the first and further actuating means ( 3 . 6 ) in each case an axial, rotationally symmetrical inner recess ( 50 . 10 ), which continuously changes its diameter at least once, or at least in one section. Tripod head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this on the crown ( 7 ) at least one fastening means ( 28 ) for arranging at least one rail or the like adapter device.

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