JP4125102B2 - Pan head device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pan / tilt head device with a drive mechanism suitable for mounting an input device such as a camera unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The camera device with a pan head is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The camera device with a pan head disclosed in these documents is used as a monitoring camera by attaching a pan head to a wall surface, for example.
[Patent Document 1]
No. 2-4319
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-40553 A
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In general, since a camera device with a pan head is intended to be used in a stationary state, it cannot be said that its shape is suitable for carrying. For example, in order to rotate the camera in the pan direction, there is a structure in which a member standing upright on a base that is a fixed portion is provided and the camera is mounted on the member. When trying to carry the camera device with a pan head in such a form, the member on which the camera is mounted becomes a shape provided upright on the pan head.
[0004]
On the other hand, due to the recent miniaturization of CCD image pickup devices, there is a camera device with a pan head that can be used on a desktop and can be easily carried and used at a desired location. It is desired.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. For example, when a camera device with a pan head is configured, an object of the present invention is to provide a pan head device that can provide a device that can be easily carried. .
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a pan head apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A head unit to which a camera can be attached;
A base unit having a fixed portion, a rotating mechanism, and a rotating portion that rotates with respect to the fixed portion by the rotating mechanism;
Guiding a joining member for electrically connecting the head unit and the base unit; A connecting member that rotatably connects the head unit and the rotating portion of the base unit;
Depending on the connecting member The head unit with respect to the base unit The head unit and the base unit are arranged in a substantially flat shape. And the head unit and the fixed part of the base unit physically interfere with each other, and the base unit cannot be rotated by the rotating part. State and the head unit is raised with respect to the base unit When Can be presented.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0008]
1 to 5 are views for explaining the external appearance of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment. The outline of the camera device with a pan head according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to these drawings.
[0009]
A camera device with a pan head 100 of the present embodiment includes a base unit 101, a head unit 102, and a camera unit 103. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the units 101 to 103 are unfolded flat, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a state where the head unit 102 is raised from the state 1, and FIG. 3 shows a state where the camera unit 103 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 2.
[0010]
The base unit 101 includes a rotating unit 111 and a fixed unit 112, and the rotating unit 111 can rotate with respect to the fixed unit 112 by a drive mechanism built in the unit (see FIGS. 4 and 5). reference). However, in the state of FIG. 1, the rotation of the rotating unit 111 is prohibited because the head unit 102 and the camera unit 103 physically interfere with each other, and the head unit 102 is rotated only when the head unit 102 is raised as shown in FIGS. The part 111 can be rotated. Such control is realized by providing a sensor (described later) that detects whether the head unit 102 is awake. Reference numeral 113 denotes a cap, which is fixed to a rotation center axis extending from the fixing portion 112. Accordingly, the cap 113 does not rotate even when the rotating unit 111 rotates. Reference numeral 114 denotes a power switch, and reference numeral 115 denotes a mark for indicating a scale 116 provided on the rotating unit 111.
[0011]
The head unit 102 is connected to the base unit 101 via a hinge unit (not shown in FIG. 6) in FIG. 1, and the state shown in FIG. 1 (the state where the base unit 101 and the head unit 102 are arranged in a flat state). 2 (the state in which the head unit 102 is raised from the base unit 101) can be realized. The head unit can be mounted with the camera unit 103 and can be mounted with an SD memory card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, etc., and can store images taken by the camera unit 103.
[0012]
The camera unit 103 includes a lens barrel part 131 and a camera body part 132, and the camera body part 132 is attached to the head unit 102 (see FIG. 6). The lens barrel 131 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the camera main body 132, and can be manually rotated as shown in FIGS.
[0013]
FIG. 2 shows a state where the head unit 102 is raised with respect to the base unit 101. In this state, there is no physical interference with the rotation operation of the rotation unit 111, and the rotation operation of the rotation unit 111 becomes possible. In terms of control, the state where the head unit 102 is raised as shown in FIG. 2 is detected, and the rotation operation is permitted. The angle of the head unit 102 with respect to the base unit 101 is about 90 degrees. When the camera device 100 with a pan head is placed in a state as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, it is necessary not to fall down. For this purpose, the center of gravity of the device needs to be close to the center position of the base unit 101. . Therefore, the angle of the head unit 102 with respect to the base unit 101 is desirably 90 degrees or less.
[0014]
FIG. 3 shows a state in which the camera unit 103 is rotated from the state of FIG. In such a state, the camera device with a pan head can be placed on a table or the like to perform a photographing operation. Note that the direction of the camera unit 103 does not need to be parallel to the fixed portion, and can be a desired tilt angle. In addition, the camera unit 103 can be rotated in a direction opposite to the illustrated direction. As described above, the rotating unit 111 is configured to rotate with respect to the fixed unit 112, and the head unit 102 is fixed to the rotating unit 111, and therefore moves according to the rotating operation of the rotating unit 111 (see FIG. 4, FIG. 5). In other words, the camera is driven in the pan direction by the rotation mechanism incorporated in the base unit 101.
[0015]
4 shows a state in which the rotating unit 111 is rotated in the direction of arrow A from the state of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows a state in which the rotating unit 111 is rotated in the direction of arrow B from the state of FIG. As is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5, the cap 113 is fixed with respect to the rotation of the rotating portion 111. As a result, the position of the mark 115 with respect to the fixed portion 112 is unchanged, and the scale 116 moves with respect to the mark 115 when the rotating portion 111 rotates. Therefore, it can be easily grasped from the mark 115 and the scale 116 how much the rotating part 111 is rotating. Further, since the power switch 114 does not move even when the rotating unit 111 is rotated, the operability is improved.
[0016]
Although only the power switch 114 is arranged on the cap unit 113, for example, a rotation key is arranged, and the driving unit in the base unit 101 is operated according to the operation of the rotation key, so that the rotation unit 111 rotates. You may make it do. Since the cap unit 113 does not rotate, the rotating operation of the rotating unit 111 hardly affects the operability of the operation switch provided on the cap 113. Therefore, it is possible to arrange a rotation key for instructing the rotation operation as described above. Alternatively, since the cap 113 does not move, a display device such as an LCD may be disposed on the cap 13.
[0017]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the mechanical and electrical connection of each unit. As described above, the head unit 102 is connected to the base unit 101 via the hinge unit 104. Electrical connection between the base unit 101 and the head unit 102 is made via a flexible cable 124. The flex cable 124 is guided into the base unit 101 through a cable passage hole 141 provided in the hinge unit 104.
[0018]
The head unit 102 is provided with a connector part 121 for connection with the connector 133 of the camera unit 103, an SD memory slot 122 into which an SD memory card can be attached, and a CF card slot 123 into which a CF card can be attached. An image signal obtained by photographing with the camera unit 103 is transferred to the head unit 102 via the connector 133 and the connector unit 121, and after necessary processing, is stored in a CF card or an SD memory. Alternatively, by installing a PHS module in the CF card slot 123, it is possible to send a photographed image to another PHS, a mobile phone or the like. Furthermore, remote control is possible by sending a command from another PHS or a mobile phone to instruct the rotation operation (camera pan operation) of the rotation unit 111 and the start and end of photographing. In addition, since the camera unit 103 is detachable, it can be exchanged for different types of camera units (for example, wide angle and telephoto) depending on the usage situation.
[0019]
7A is a front view of the camera device with a pan head in the state shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the camera device. As shown in FIG. 7A, the head unit 102 is provided with a microphone 201 and an Ir light receiving unit 202 for infrared communication. The microphone 201 changes ambient sound into an electrical signal. For example, when the camera device 100 with a pan head is used as a monitoring camera, control is performed so that shooting starts in response to sound picked up from the microphone 201. Is possible. It can also be used as a microphone for voice communication via the PHS module, and can also be used as a telephone with a speaker 406 (FIG. 14) described later. The Ir light receiving unit 202 receives an imaging start instruction, a rotation instruction of the rotating unit 111, and the like from a remote controller (not shown) by infrared communication.
[0020]
The camera eject button 203 and the tally lamp 204 are provided on the camera main body 132 of the camera unit 103. The camera unit 103 can be detached from the head unit 102 by operating the camera eject button 203. The tally lamp 204 is turned on or blinks at the time of photographing with the camera, and makes the photographed person or a person around them recognize that it is in the photographing state.
[0021]
Reference numeral 205 denotes a speaker opening, which is provided to face a speaker (not shown) built in the base unit 101.
[0022]
8A is a view of the camera device 100 with a pan head in the state shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the back side, and FIG. 8B is a view as viewed from the side (on the side opposite to FIG. 7B). Side) is shown. In FIG. 8A, reference numeral 211 denotes a liquid crystal display which performs display for informing the remaining battery level and various operating states. An Ir receiver 212 is the same as the Ir receiver 202. Reference numeral 213 denotes a shutter button, which is used for photographing using the camera unit 103. That is, the user can directly press the shutter button 213 and perform shooting using the camera unit 103.
[0023]
Reference numeral 214 denotes a battery lid that can be opened and closed for battery replacement. A sensor connector 215 connects an external sensor. As an external sensor, for example, a sound sensor (when the sound is heard, the sensor reacts and is used to open the shutter of the camera device), a door sensor (used to open the shutter when the intercom is pressed), a human sensor (human Used to release the shutter when approaching). Reference numeral 216 denotes a serial communication connector that enables serial communication with an external device. Reference numeral 217 denotes a USB connector that enables USB communication with an external device. Reference numeral 218 denotes a DC plug, which receives DC supply from a DC adapter. Note that the battery may be charged via the DC plug 218. A line-out terminal 219 outputs an audio signal to the outside.
[0024]
As described above, since the connector connected via the cable is provided in the fixing portion 112, the cable does not interfere with the rotation operation of the rotating portion 111.
[0025]
FIG. 9 is a view of the camera device with a pan head 100 in the state shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the bottom surface, and shows the bottom surface of the fixing portion 112. A main power switch 221 turns on / off the power supply from the built-in battery to the apparatus. Reference numeral 222 denotes a tripod screw hole. As described above, the rotation center axis is fixed to the fixed portion 112 and does not move with respect to the rotation of the rotating portion 111. Therefore, it is possible to provide the screw hole 222 in the central axis portion. Reference numerals 223 and 224 denote rubber feet for preventing vibration caused by rotation and preventing slipping.
[0026]
10 to 12 are views showing an internal structure of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX shown in FIG. 8B. FIG. 11 shows a state where the upper cover (111 ′ in FIG. 10) and the cap 113 are removed, and FIG. 11 shows a state in which the rotating plate 301 shown in FIG. 11 and 12 also show the position XX.
[0027]
In FIG. 10, the rotating plate 301 is coupled to a gear 311, and a rotational driving force of a pulse motor (not shown) is transmitted to the gear 311. Therefore, the rotating plate 301 rotates around the central shaft member 302 together with the gear 311. The upper cover 111 ′ and the hinge unit 104 are coupled to the rotating plate 301, and rotate and move with the rotating operation of the rotating plate 302. The cap 113 is fixed to the rotating shaft member 302 with the screw 303, does not rotate as described above, and does not move with respect to the rotating operation of the rotating plate 301 and the upper cover 111 ′.
[0028]
In FIG. 12, reference numeral 319 denotes a pulse motor, and a gear 318 is mounted on the rotation shaft thereof, and the rotation of the gear 318 is transmitted to the gear 317. A gear 316 is mounted on the rotation shaft of the gear 317, and a timing belt 315 connects the gear 316 and the gear 314. As a result, the rotational force transmitted to the gear 317 is transmitted to the gear 314 via the timing belt 315. Further, a gear 313 is mounted on the rotation shaft of the gear 314, and the gear 313 is engaged with the gear 311. Accordingly, the rotational force transmitted to the gear 314 is transmitted to the gear 311 via the gear 313 and rotates the rotating plate 301.
[0029]
Returning again to FIG. 10, reference numeral 304 denotes a torque limiter, which is provided in the rotational force transmission path between the gear 313 and the gear 312. If the rotation of the gear 311 is disturbed while the pulse motor 319 is being driven, the gear 313 can be idled with respect to the gear 312 by the torque limiter 304, thereby preventing the pulse motor 319 from being overloaded. In addition, the torque limiter 304 can manually rotate the rotating unit 111. That is, when the user rotates the upper cover 111 ′ by hand, a rotational force is transmitted from the gear 311 to the gear 312, but the torque limiter 304 is activated to cause the gear 312 to rotate idly with respect to the gear 313.
[0030]
Reference numerals 305 and 306 constitute stoppers that physically limit the rotation of the rotating unit 111 (FIGS. 10 and 12). The protrusion 305 protruding from the gear 311 hits the protrusion 306 fixed to the fixing part 112, so that the rotation operation is limited. A bearing 307 ensures that the gear 311 rotates smoothly with respect to the rotating shaft member 302.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 11, the rotating plate 301 is provided with openings 321 and 322, and the sensor 323 (FIG. 12) functions as a rotation limit detection sensor of the rotating unit 111 by detecting these openings. In this example, the sensor 323 is a reflective sensor, and the openings 321 and 322 have a triangular shape. Since this triangle is provided in the direction as shown in the figure, the amount of light detected by the sensor 323 gradually increases toward the rotation end. Therefore, by detecting the amount of light and controlling the driving of the motor, an appropriate deceleration operation toward the rotation end can be performed. In addition, it is preferable to control the rotation of the pulse motor by the sensor 323 to stop immediately before the stopper mechanism by the protrusions 305 and 306 described above functions. Reference numeral 330 denotes a guide roller provided on the rotating plate 301 and has a function of aligning a plurality of flexible kales 124. This point will be described later.
[0032]
In FIGS. 10 and 12, reference numeral 331 denotes a fixed portion intermediate plate, which has an inner peripheral wall 332 that functions as a cable guide. Reference numeral 333 denotes a cable passage hole provided in the fixed portion middle plate 331, and the flexible cable 124 passes through this hole. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 308 denotes a battery, which supplies necessary power to each part of the camera device 100 with a head.
[0033]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the standing detection sensor 350. 2 is turned on when the head unit 102 is raised (FIG. 13A), and is turned off when the head unit 102 is laid down as shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 13B). . In the camera device with a pan head of the present embodiment, the distance from the rotation axis center position of the hinge unit 104 connecting the head unit 102 and the base unit 101 to the fixed portion middle plate 331 is determined from the rotation axis center position to the rotation portion 111 ′. It is shorter than the distance. Due to this distance difference, the protruding portion of the standing detection sensor 350 is pushed by the fixing portion intermediate plate 331 with the head unit 102 raised (FIG. 13A), but when the head unit 102 is laid down, it protrudes. (FIG. 13B).
[0034]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electrical configuration in the camera device with a pan head of the present embodiment described above. A CPU 401 that controls the entire camera device 100 with a pan head is disposed in the head unit 102. The above-described SD memory slot 122, CF card slot 123, Ir receiving units 202 and 212, shutter button 213, microphone 201, LCD 211, and connector unit 121 are connected to the CPU 401. The camera unit 103 is connected via the connector unit 121, and the CPU 401 controls the CCD driver 402 to acquire an image signal from the CCD 403.
[0035]
Signal lines for exchanging various signals between the components in the base unit 101 and the CPU 401 are performed via a plurality of flat cables 124. The flat cable 124 enters the base unit 101 through the hinge unit 104 (cable passage hole 141). Further, the hinge unit 104 has a standing detection sensor 303. As described with reference to FIG. 13, the standing-up detection sensor 350 detects the state where the head unit 102 is raised, and provides the detection signal to the CPU 301. The CPU 301 prohibits / permits the rotation operation of the rotation unit 111 based on this detection signal.
[0036]
In the base unit 101, the motor driver 404 converts the drive instruction from the CPU 401 into a pulse output for driving the pulse motor 319. The above-described limit sensor 323, serial communication 216, USB 217, and power switch 114 are all connected to the CPU 401 for processing. For example, when the limit sensor 323 detects the openings 321 and 322, it reaches the limit position with respect to the current rotational movement direction, so the pulse motor 319 is immediately stopped and only rotational movement in the direction opposite to the rotational movement direction is performed. The command is accepted. The CPU 401 controls communication control of the serial communication 216 and the USB 217. Further, the buzzer 405 and the speaker 406 are driven and controlled by the CPU 401.
[0037]
A battery 308 is disposed in the base unit 101, and power is supplied to each unit by turning on the main power switch 221. Reference numeral 106 denotes a remote controller that can operate the camera 100 with a pan head by infrared communication. From the remote controller 106, for example, a rotation instruction for the rotation unit 111, a photographing instruction, and the like can be performed.
[0038]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the camera device with a pan head of this embodiment. When the main power switch 221 is turned on, the apparatus starts up in a standby state (step S11). In the standby state, power supply or the like is restricted so that power consumption is minimized. In this state, when the power switch 114 provided on the cap 113 is turned on, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13 and enters a normal operation state (a state waiting for an operation instruction input).
[0039]
In order to realize the above two states of the standby state and the normal operation state, for example, the CPU 401 is divided into a main CPU board and a sub CPU board, and power is supplied only to the sub CPU board in the standby state. In the normal operation state, power may be supplied to the sub CPU board and the main CPU board. In the case of this example, in the standby state, only the rotation of the rotating unit 111 is prohibited, and operations such as photographing can be performed.
[0040]
In the normal operation state, the processes in steps S14 to S19 are repeated. First, when an operation input is received in a state where the standing-up detection sensor 350 is ON (a state where the head unit 102 is raised), the process proceeds to step S16 through steps S14 and S15. In step S16, an operation process of the camera with a pan head is executed according to the operation input. On the other hand, when an operation input is received in the state where the standing detection sensor 350 is OFF (the head unit 102 is in the sleeping state), the process proceeds to step S18 through steps S14 and S17. In step S18, operation processing other than the rotation operation of the rotation unit 111 is performed. For example, a shooting operation by operating the shutter button 213 is performed.
[0041]
When there is no operation input, it progresses to step S19 through step S15 or step S17. In step S19, it is determined whether the power switch 114 is turned off. If the power switch 114 is not turned off by the power switch 114, the process returns to step S13 to repeat the above processing. If it is determined that the power switch 114 has been turned OFF, the process returns to step S11, and the camera device with pan head 100 is set in a standby state.
[0042]
The camera device with a pan head 100 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration can be used as a surveillance camera by being placed and used as shown in FIGS. If a PHS communication module is attached to the CF card slot 123 of the head unit 102, an image taken by the camera unit 103 can be transmitted to a mobile phone or the like. It is also possible to remotely control the mobile phone by instructing rotation, shooting, etc.
[0043]
Further, since the camera device 100 with a head is flat as shown in FIG. 1, it can be easily carried in a bag or the like. Further, in either state of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, a photographing operation by the shutter button 213 can be performed, and the photographed image can be used as a digital camera for storing in an SD memory.
[0044]
Furthermore, if a PHS module is attached as described above, the microphone 201 and the speaker 406 can be used as a telephone. Furthermore, it can also be used as a music player that stores music data in the SD memory in the MP3 format or the like and places the music data on the SD memory and plays it back through the speaker 406.
[0045]
As described above, the pan head apparatus that can constitute the camera apparatus with a pan head of the present embodiment includes the head unit (102) to which the camera unit (103) can be attached, the fixing unit (112), and the rotation mechanism. A base unit (101) having a rotating part (111) that rotates relative to the fixed part by the rotating mechanism, and a connecting member (104) that rotatably connects the head unit and the rotating part of the base unit. The head unit and the base unit are arranged in a substantially flat state by the rotation of the head unit and the base unit by the connecting member (FIG. 1), and the head unit is raised with respect to the base unit (FIGS. 2 and 3) can be presented. Since the pan head device can be made flat, it can be carried in a bag and is excellent in portability.
[0046]
Further, the above-described pan head apparatus further includes a camera unit (103) rotatably mounted on the head unit, and the base unit, the head unit, and the camera unit are arranged in a substantially flat state (FIG. 1). Is possible. According to this configuration, since the camera device with a pan head can be made flat, it can be carried in a bag and is excellent in portability. In addition, the camera unit 103 can be rotated in a state where the base unit 101 and the head unit 102 are arranged in a substantially flat shape as shown in FIG. 1, and photographing is performed from the operation load of the shutter button 213 shown in FIG. Can be handled like a so-called digital camera.
[0047]
In the base unit, a part of the fixed portion (112) constitutes the rotation center shaft portion (302) of the rotation portion (111). Thus, even if the rotation part rotates, the rotation center part does not rotate, so that, for example, the tripod attachment part (222) can be formed on the rotation center shaft part. Since a tripod can be attached to the rotation center shaft portion, the balance of the center of gravity does not greatly collapse even if the rotation unit 111 is operated.
[0048]
Further, a disk-shaped cap member (113) fixed to the rotation center shaft portion and exposed on the upper surface of the base unit is provided, and an operation switch is arranged on the cap member. Since the rotation center shaft portion does not rotate even when the rotation portion 111 rotates, the operability when the operation switch is arranged on such a cap member is good. Although the power switch 114 is arranged in FIG. 1, for example, a switch for rotating the rotating unit may be arranged.
[0049]
The rotating part (111) forms the upper surface of the base unit (101), and the disc-shaped cap member (113) is fixed to the rotating center shaft part (302) so as to cover a part of the rotating part. The scale is exposed on the upper surface of the base unit, and a scale for indicating the amount of rotation is provided on one of the cap member and the rotating part, and a mark indicating the scale is provided on the other. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a mark (115) is provided on the cap member and a scale (116) is provided on the rotating part. It is convenient because the amount of rotation of the rotating part can be easily grasped.
[0050]
The head unit (102) is provided with a shutter button (213). The arrangement position of the shutter button 213 is set on the surface of the head unit coming to the bottom surface side of the base unit in a state where the head unit is tilted.
[0051]
In addition, an upright detection sensor (350) for detecting whether or not the head unit is in a standing state with respect to the base unit is provided, and when it is detected that the head unit is standing up by this sensor, The rotating operation of the rotating part of the base unit is permitted. For example, the rotating unit 111 cannot be rotated in the state shown in FIG. However, it is desirable that the power can be turned on and various settings can be made and photography can be performed even in such a state. In the present embodiment, as described above, the standing detection sensor is provided to control the rotation permission of the rotating unit 111. Therefore, even if an instruction to rotate the rotating unit 111 in the state of FIG. do not do.
[0052]
Note that the standing detection sensor 350 is not limited to the mechanical sensor as shown in FIG. 13, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible.
[0053]
Nevertheless, if the upright detection sensor erroneously detects, the rotation mechanism is driven to rotate the rotation unit 111 in the state shown in FIG. Therefore, in the camera device with a pan head of the present embodiment, the motor (319) that is mounted on the fixed portion (112) and generates the rotational force, and the transmission mechanism (311 to 311) for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the rotating portion. 318), a torque limiter (304) is provided in the rotational force transmission path of the transmission mechanism. Thereby, even if the motor is driven in a state where it cannot be physically rotated due to a malfunction of the standing detection sensor, it is possible to prevent gear missing and overload of the motor. The torque limiter also operates when the rotating unit 111 is manually rotated.
[0054]
As described above, the camera device with a pan head 100 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the rotating unit 111 is rotated without rotating the rotation center. Hereinafter, a flexible cable housing structure suitable for the camera device with a pan head 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
[0055]
16 to 18 are views for explaining a cable housing method of the camera device 100 with a pan head according to the present embodiment. 16 corresponds to the state of FIG. 3, FIG. 17 corresponds to the state of FIG. 4, and FIG. 18 corresponds to the state of FIG. The inner peripheral wall 332 stands up from the fixed portion middle plate 331 and forms a space 502 for accommodating the cable between the inner peripheral wall 332 and the outer peripheral wall 505 provided on the upper cover 111 ′ of the rotating portion 111. The inner peripheral wall 332 and the wall surface of the envelope 111 ′ function as a cable guide. In the present embodiment, the upper and lower sides of the space 502 are defined by the rotating plate 301 and the fixed portion middle plate 331.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 16, the flexible cable 124 from the head unit 102 enters the space 502 through the cable passage hole 141, and is arranged along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 505 of the upper cover 111 ′ through the guide 503. The Then, it is folded back in a U-shape, is arranged along the wall surface of the inner wall 332, passes between the guide 504 and the inner wall 332, and reaches the cable passage hole 333. The guide 504 is provided to ensure that the flexible cable runs along the inner peripheral wall 332. The flexible cable 124 is substantially fixed at the positions of the cable passage holes 141 and 333.
[0057]
The U-shaped portion of the flexible cable 124 moves with the rotation of the rotating part 111 in the direction of the arrow A (the rotational speed of the U-shaped part is 1/2 of the rotational speed of the rotating part 111). A portion along the inner peripheral wall 332 of the cable 124 decreases, and a portion along the outer peripheral wall 505 increases. FIG. 17 shows a state where the rotating unit 111 is rotated to the end position in the direction of arrow A. In this state, the portion of the flexible cable 124 along the inner peripheral wall 332 is the smallest, and conversely, the portion along the outer peripheral wall 505 is the largest.
[0058]
On the other hand, when the rotating portion 111 rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 16, the U-shaped portion of the flexible cable 124 moves along with this rotation, and the portion along the outer peripheral wall 505 of the flexible cable 124 decreases, and the inner peripheral wall The portion along 332 increases. When the rotation in the direction B proceeds to some extent, the guide roller 330 comes into contact with the flexible cable 124. Then, when the rotating unit 111 is rotated to the end position in the direction of the arrow B, the guide roller 330 applies an appropriate tension to the flexible cable as shown in FIG. The laminated state of the plurality of flexible cables 124 is aligned by this appropriate tension.
[0059]
The inner peripheral wall 332 is provided with a changing portion 501, and the width defined by the inner peripheral wall 332 and the outer peripheral wall 505 in the space 502 that accommodates the cable is changed before and after this. The second width on the opposite side (referred to as the end side) is narrower than the first width on the cable passage hole 333 side with respect to the changing portion 501. In the present embodiment, the curvature of the inner peripheral wall 332 is changed at the changing portion 501, and the portions other than the changing portion 501 are formed with the same curvature.
[0060]
In the camera device 100 with a pan head of this embodiment having such a cable housing structure, in order to effectively use the cable alignment function by the guide roller 330, after turning to the limit in the A direction when the power is turned on, B Rotate to the limit in the direction. By this operation, the bundle of flexible cables can be aligned each time the power is turned on.
[0061]
Such a rotation operation can be used in combination with a rotation operation necessary for positioning the pulse motor (centering during rotation of the rotating unit 111). However, since the base unit 101 and the head unit 102 interfere with each other in the state as shown in FIG. 1, when both the detection of the state as shown in FIG. Rotate in the direction and B direction to get the midpoint of rotation.
[0062]
According to the cable housing structure as described above, the fixed portion (112) having the upright inner peripheral wall (332) and the upright outer peripheral wall (505) are opposed to the fixed portion and rotated relative thereto. A rotating part (111) operatively mounted, and a flexible cable (124) having one end fixed on the fixing part 112 side and the other end fixed on the rotating part 111 side. The width of at least an excess portion of the cable having the length necessary for the rotational operation is defined by the inner peripheral wall 332 and the outer peripheral wall 505, and the fixed portion intermediate plate (331) and the rotating plate (301 ) And the surplus portions are arranged along the inner peripheral wall 332 and the outer peripheral wall 505 respectively before and after the U-shaped folded portion. The U-shaped folded portion is accommodated in the space.
[0063]
According to the above configuration, it is possible to store an excess portion of the signal cable necessary for the rotating operation in a small space. Further, even if the rotating operation is repeated, the U-shaped folded portion moves, so that the cable is not bent at one point, and there is little risk of disconnection of the cable. Furthermore, when the U-shaped folded portion moves, the side end surface of the cable may come into contact with the middle plate or the rotating plate of the fixed portion. There is no.
[0064]
Moreover, in the said structure, it is preferable that the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall stand upright with respect to the fixing | fixed part middle plate and the rotating plate, respectively. Moreover, according to the said structure, the guide (503) for guiding the surplus part of a cable along an outer peripheral wall, and the guide (504) which guides the surplus part of a cable along an inner peripheral wall are provided, The cable is more surely along the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall.
[0065]
Moreover, the cable housing structure of the said embodiment has the structure more suitable to accommodate the cable bundle which bundled the several flat cable in the thickness direction. One problem with bundled cables is that they break apart. For example, the flexible cable 124 is scattered in the space while the camera device 100 with the pan head is being transported, and if the rotation operation is repeated in that state, the edge of the flexible cable is damaged and disconnected or pulled in a kinked state. A force may be applied and the flexible cable itself may break. Also, when the flexible cable edge moves while abutting against the fixed part middle plate or rotating plate (when shooting while panning the camera), a sliding noise will be generated if each flexible cable is scattered. There is a possibility that the microphone 201 picks up the sound. Also, in such a state, the flexible cable vibrates while sliding, resulting in torque fluctuations and uneven rotation. On the other hand, when a plurality of flexible cables are bundled with tape or the like so as not to be separated, the U-shaped folded portion cannot absorb the difference in the moving speed of the cable existing on the inside and outside, resulting in deflection, which is the same as above. It will cause evil.
[0066]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, the space changes in width at a predetermined position in the movement range of the U-shaped folded portion, so that the first region having the first width and the first space are changed. And a second region having a second width narrower than the width, and the first and second regions are arranged along a direction in which the cable is wound around the inner peripheral wall. The first and second regions are formed by, for example, changing the curvature of the inner peripheral wall at a predetermined location (501) in the movement range.
[0067]
In the above space, when the U-shaped folded portion is moved in the direction in which the cable winds around the inner peripheral wall (that is, when the U-shaped folded portion is rotated by the outer peripheral wall to rotate), the width of the space is If all are the same, it will be difficult to push out the cable, and in the worst case the cable will not advance further. Further, when the curvature is changed for a while and the width is gradually narrowed, the rotational torque at the terminal end increases, and at the worst, it stops before the terminal. In addition, the bundled cables are broken, and a failure such as disconnection is likely to occur. In contrast, the present inventor has found that the above-described problems can be solved by providing two regions having different widths as in the above-described embodiment.
[0068]
In addition, Preferably, the said predetermined location is effective in the center part of the movement range of a U-shaped folding | turning part. Alternatively, it is effective that the predetermined portion is in the vicinity of the U-shaped folded portion in a state (for example, the state shown in FIG. 16) in the center position of the rotation operation.
[0069]
In addition, a cylindrical member (330) that is fixed to the rotating plate and protrudes into the space is provided, and this cylindrical member is in contact with the cable at the terminal end of the rotation in the direction in which the cable is wound around the inner peripheral wall. Is provided.
[0070]
As in the above configuration, the bundled cables can be aligned by the guide roller abutting on the cable at the end portion. For example, the flexible cable 124 is scattered in the space while the camera device 100 with a pan head is being transported, and if the rotation operation is repeated in this state, the edge of the flexible cable is damaged and disconnected or pulled in a kinked state. Although a force may be applied and the flexible cable itself may be broken, these are prevented by aligning the cables as described above. For this reason, when the power is turned on, the cables are preferably aligned once by rotating between the rotation ends.
[0071]
Furthermore, over-rotation is reliably prevented by the limit sensor and the stopper mechanism. For this reason, even if a user rotates the rotation part 111 by hand, it does not rotate beyond the terminal position, and the guide roller 330 does not pull the flexible cable too much.
[0072]
Note that a device other than the camera unit may be attached to the pan / tilt head device having the base unit 101 and the head unit 102 described above. Examples of devices that can be attached include lights and stereo microphones. For example, when a light is attached, the light can be turned on / off according to the response of the sensor and used as a security device. Alternatively, a stereo microphone can be attached and control can be performed so that the microphone is always directed in the direction in which sound is emitted.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, for example, when a camera device with a pan head is configured, a device that can be easily carried can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of a camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which each unit is flattened.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is raised from the state of FIG.
3 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which the camera unit 103 is rotated from the state of FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which a rotating unit 111 is rotated in the direction of an arrow A from the state of FIG. 3;
5 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which a rotating unit 111 is rotated in the direction of an arrow B from the state of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating mechanical and electrical connection of each unit.
7A is a front view of the camera device with a pan head in the state shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the camera device.
8A is a view of the camera device with a pan head 100 in the state shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the back, and FIG. 8B is a view as viewed from the side.
9 is a view of the camera device with a pan head 100 in the state shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the bottom.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in FIG.
11 is a view showing a state where an upper cover (111 ′ in FIG. 10) and a cap 113 are removed.
12 is a view showing a state in which a rotating plate 301 shown in FIG. 11 is removed. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a standing detection sensor 350;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation of the camera device with a pan head according to the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a cable housing method of the camera device with a pan head 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a cable housing method of the camera device with a pan head according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a cable housing method of the camera device with a pan head 100 according to the present embodiment.

Claims (9)

A head unit to which a camera can be attached;
A base unit having a fixed portion, a rotating mechanism, and a rotating portion that rotates with respect to the fixed portion by the rotating mechanism;
A connecting member that guides a joining member for electrically connecting the head unit and the base unit, and rotatably connects the head unit and the rotating portion of the base unit;
By rotation of the head unit relative to the base unit by the connecting member, parallel beauty to the said head unit and said base unit is substantially flat, that the fixed portion of the head unit and the base unit is physically interfere The pan head apparatus can present a state in which the base unit cannot be rotated by the rotating unit and a state in which the head unit is raised with respect to the base unit.   The cloud according to claim 1, further comprising a camera unit rotatably mounted on the head unit, wherein the base unit, the head unit, and the camera unit can be presented in a substantially flat state. Stand device.   2. The pan / tilt head device according to claim 1, wherein in the base unit, a part of the fixed portion constitutes a rotation center shaft portion of the rotating portion.   The tripod attachment part is formed in the said rotation center axis | shaft part, The pan head apparatus of Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A disc-shaped cap member fixed to the rotation center shaft portion and exposed on an upper surface of the base unit;
The pan / tilt head device according to claim 3, wherein an operation switch is arranged on the cap member. The rotating part forms an upper surface of the base unit;
A disk-shaped cap member fixed to the rotation center shaft portion and exposed on the upper surface of the base unit so as to cover a part of the rotation portion;
4. The pan / tilt head device according to claim 3, wherein a scale for indicating the amount of rotation is provided on one of the cap member and the rotating unit, and a mark indicating the scale is provided on the other. 5.   The pan head apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head unit is provided with a shutter button. A detection unit for detecting whether the head unit is upright with respect to the base unit by the rotation of the connecting unit;
2. The pan / tilt head device according to claim 1, wherein when the head unit is detected to be upright by the detection unit, a rotation operation of the rotation unit in the rotation mechanism is permitted.   The rotating mechanism is provided in a motor mounted on the fixed portion and generating a rotational force, a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the rotating portion, and a rotational force transmission path in the transmission mechanism. The pan / tilt head device according to claim 1, further comprising a torque limiter.

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