JP4696290B2 - Camera support - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera support that supports an imaging apparatus such as a still camera or a video camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera support such as a monopod or a tripod that supports an imaging device is used when the imaging device performs cell timer imaging or imaging using a remote controller. Such a camera support generally includes a camera fixing member that fixes the camera and a support leg that supports the camera fixing member.

  An example of such a camera support is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a camera tripod that can be expanded and contracted and used for photographing a still camera, a video camera, or the like. The support leg of the camera tripod described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a small-diameter second-stage pipe, a third-stage pipe, and a fourth-stage pipe are sequentially accommodated in a first-stage pipe, respectively. ing. And the lock nut is provided in the lower-end outer periphery of the 1st-3rd stage pipe except a 4th stage pipe, respectively, The pipe accommodated inside can be fixed now by arbitrary protrusion lengths. .

JP-A-8-285178

  However, in the camera tripod described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to perform the following work when extending the support leg. First, turn the lock nut to one side to loosen the clamp on the pipe stored inside. And after changing the protrusion length of the pipe accommodated inside, the lock nut is turned to the other to tighten and fix the pipe. Therefore, the camera tripod described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it takes time and labor to extend the support leg.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a camera support that can easily perform the work of extending a support leg in consideration of the above-described problems.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object of the present invention, a camera support of the present invention has a camera fixing member to which an imaging device is fixed and a plurality of pipe members connected in a nested manner. a support leg attached to the pipe member camera fixing member Hajimedan to be fixed to the telescopic pipe member except the pipe member Hajimedan, first between one inner surface of the outer pipe member of the telescopic pipe member moving a first gap forming surface, and a stator second second gap forming surface that form a gap portion is provided to form a gap portion, the first gap portion and a second gap portion, respectively When the leading end of the pipe member at the final stage is directed downward, the pipe member moves in the pulling-out direction of the nested pipe member , and the first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface cause one outer pipe member A plurality of contacts pressed against the inner surface of the And a mover that is movably housed inside the final-stage pipe member and moves in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction by the action of gravity when the tip of the final-stage pipe member faces upward. The movable element, the two contacts that engage the first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface of the stator fixed to the pipe member of the final stage, by pressing in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction It has a pressing part to move.

According to the camera support of the present invention, the stator is provided with the first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface, so that the stator and the pipe member on the outer side of the nested pipe member to which the stator is fixed are provided. A first gap and a second gap are formed between the inner surface. A contact is interposed in each of the first gap and the second gap.

When each contactor moves in the extending direction of the support leg by gravity, it is pressed against the inner surface of the outer pipe member by the first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface. Thereby, a frictional resistance is generated between each contact and the stator, and a frictional resistance is generated between each contact and the inner surface of the outer pipe member. As a result, telescopic pipe member is fixed to one outer side of the pipe member.

  According to the camera support of the present invention, the pipe member is automatically pulled out simply by turning the support leg in the contracted state downward, and the pipe member is fixed only by stopping the pulling-out operation of the pipe member. Can do. As a result, the work of extending the support legs can be performed very easily.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following mode.

1. First Embodiment [Overall Configuration Example]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a camera support according to the present invention in a state in which a tripod support leg is most extended, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view in a state in which the support leg is also contracted.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a tripod 1 showing an embodiment of the camera support of the present invention supports a camera fixing member 2 to which an imaging device (not shown) is fixed, and the camera fixing member 2. It consists of three supporting legs 3 and the like.

  The camera fixing member 2 includes a camera fixing base 12, a first shaft portion 13 that supports the camera fixing base 12 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction Y (tilt direction), and the first shaft portion 13 in the horizontal direction X ( A second shaft portion 14 and the like that are rotatably supported in the pan direction) are provided.

  The camera fixing base 12 includes a fixing portion 16 to which an imaging device is attached and a bearing portion 17 that protrudes downward continuously from one side of the fixing portion 16. The fixing portion 16 of the camera fixing base 12 is provided with a fixing screw 18 that is screwed into a tripod screw hole (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the imaging apparatus. A handle 19 for rotating the camera fixing base 12 is attached to the bearing portion 17.

  The 1st axial part 13 is formed in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A fitting shaft (not shown) that protrudes substantially vertically is provided on one side surface of the first shaft portion 13, and the bearing portion 17 of the camera fixing base 12 can turn on the fitting shaft. It is mated. That is, the first shaft portion 13 supports the camera fixing base 12 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction Y by the fitting shaft. Further, a bearing hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the first shaft portion 13 so as to be rotatably fitted to a fitting shaft 22 described later of the second shaft portion 14.

  The second shaft portion 14 includes a shaft base 21 and a fitting shaft 22 that protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the upper surface of the shaft base 21. As described above, the bearing shaft (not shown) of the first shaft portion 13 is rotatably fitted to the fitting shaft 22 of the second shaft portion 14. That is, the second shaft portion 14 supports the first shaft portion 13 by the fitting shaft 22 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction X. Accordingly, the camera fixing base 12 can be rotated in the horizontal direction X via the first shaft portion 13.

  Three support legs 3 having the same configuration are attached to the bottom of the shaft base 21. The support leg 3 includes a first pipe member 31 made of a cylindrical body, a second pipe member 32 made of a cylindrical body having a smaller diameter than the first pipe member 31, and a diameter larger than that of the second pipe member 32. A third pipe member 33 made of a small cylindrical body is provided.

  The first pipe member 31 is a first-stage pipe member that is the outermost part, and is rotatably attached to the shaft base 21 of the second shaft portion 14. A second pipe member 32 can be stored in the first pipe member 31 in a nested manner. In the second pipe member 32, a third pipe member 33 can be stored in a nested manner. The third pipe member 33 is a final-stage pipe member that is the innermost.

A cap 35 that is in contact with the placement surface is attached to the tip of the third pipe member 33. The cap 35 includes a fitting portion 35a that is fitted to the third pipe member 33, and a mounting portion 35b that projects from the third pipe member 33 continuously to the fitting portion 35a (FIG. 3 ) . See) . An engaging groove 36 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer surface of the mounting portion 35b. A locking portion 24b of a locking member 24 described later is engaged with the engagement groove 36.

  A locking member 24 is attached to the shaft base 21. The locking member 24 locks the movement in the pull-out direction of the third pipe member 33 that is the final-stage pipe member in a state where the support leg 3 is contracted.

  The locking member 24 includes a rod-shaped mounting portion 24a attached to the shaft base 21 and a disk-shaped locking portion 24b provided at the tip of the mounting portion 24a. The attachment portion 24 a is disposed at the center of the three support legs 3 and is set to have substantially the same length as the first pipe member 31. In the present embodiment, the mounting portion 24a is formed in a rod shape, but the mounting portion according to the present invention may be formed in a pipe shape, for example. In a state where the support leg 3 is contracted, the locking portion 24 b is engaged with the engagement groove 36 of each cap 35 attached to the three third pipe members 33.

  Next, the 1st-3rd pipe members 31-33 of the support leg 3 are demonstrated with reference to FIG.3 and FIG.4. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an extended state in which the support leg 3 is extended most, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a contracted state of the support leg 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first pipe member 31 of the support leg 3 is provided with a restriction receiving portion 31 a that restricts the drawing of the second pipe member 32. The restriction receiving portion 31a is formed by setting the tip of the first pipe member 31 on the opposite side to the camera fixing member 2 (hereinafter referred to as “lower side”) to have a smaller diameter than the other cylindrical portion. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3, in the extended state of the support leg 3, a later-described locking projection 32 b of the second pipe member 32 is engaged with the restriction receiving portion 31 a of the first pipe member 31.

  The second pipe member 32 includes a restriction receiving portion 32a for restricting the pulling out of the third pipe member 33, a locking projection 32b engaged with the restriction receiving portion 31a of the first pipe member 31, and an auxiliary A protrusion 32c is provided. The restriction receiving part 32a is formed by making the lower end of the second pipe member 32 smaller in diameter than the other cylindrical part, like the restriction receiving part 31a of the first pipe member 31. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3, in the extended state of the support leg 3, a locking projection 33 b, which will be described later, of the third pipe member 33 is engaged with the restriction receiving portion 32 a of the second pipe member 32.

  The locking projection 32b and the auxiliary projection 32c are provided at the end of the second pipe member 32 on the camera fixing member 2 side (hereinafter referred to as “upper side”). The locking protrusions 32b and the auxiliary protrusions 32c are formed in the same shape as the protrusions that are continuous in the circumferential direction of the second pipe member 32 and protrude outward in the radial direction. The auxiliary projection 32c is arranged at the upper end of the second pipe member 32, and the locking projection 32b is arranged at an appropriate interval in the axial direction from the auxiliary projection 32c. By providing the auxiliary protrusion 32c, the play of the second pipe member 32 with respect to the first pipe member 31 can be prevented or reduced.

  At the upper end of the third pipe member 33, a locking projection 33b and an auxiliary projection 33c that are engaged with the restriction receiving portion 32a of the second pipe member 32 are provided. These locking projections 33b and auxiliary projections 33c are respectively continuous with the circumferential direction of the third pipe member 33 in the radial direction, like the locking projections 32b and auxiliary projections 32c of the second pipe member 32. It is formed in the same shape as the protrusion protruding outside. By providing the auxiliary protrusion 33c, the play of the third pipe member 33 with respect to the second pipe member 32 can be prevented or reduced.

  The support leg 3 includes a first fixing mechanism 41 for fixing the second pipe member 32 to the first pipe member 31, and a third pipe member 33 to the second pipe member 32. A second fixing mechanism 42 for fixing is provided.

  The first fixing mechanism 41 is engaged with a first stator 44 fitted into the upper cylindrical hole of the second pipe member 32 and an intermediate gap forming surface 44b (to be described later) of the first stator 44. The first contact 45 is formed. The second fixing mechanism 42 includes a second stator 47 fitted into the upper cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33, and a final-stage gap forming surface 47b described later of the second stator 47, It is comprised from the 2nd contactors 48A and 48B engaged with 47c. In other words, the first and second stators 44 and 47 are cylindrical holes on the upper side of the second and third pipe members 32 and 33 that are pipe members excluding the first pipe member 31 (first-stage pipe member). Respectively.

  Next, the first fixing mechanism 41 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state where the first fixing mechanism 41 is removed from the second pipe member 32.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first stator 44 of the first fixing mechanism 41 is formed of a cylindrical body that matches the cylindrical hole of the second pipe member 32. The first stator 44 has a middle gap 51 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) between a columnar protrusion 44 a protruding from the center of the lower surface and the inner surface of the first pipe member 31. And a pore 44c communicating with the middle gap 51 is provided.

  The first stator 44 is fitted in a state of being disposed inside the second pipe member 32, and is fixed by a fixing method such as an adhesive, a fixing screw, and caulking. Therefore, the second pipe member 32 is provided with a window portion 32 d that exposes the intermediate gap forming surface 44 b of the first stator 44 in order to form the intermediate gap portion 51.

  The intermediate gap forming surface 44 b of the first stator 44 is formed by providing an arc-shaped groove in the first stator 44. The intermediate gap forming surface 44b extends from the axial intermediate portion to the tip of the protruding portion 44a, and is inclined so as to become narrower as the intermediate gap portion 51 reaches the lower side. And the lower side of the intermediate | middle stage gap | interval part 51 is connected by the inside of the 2nd pipe member 32 (refer FIG.3 and FIG.4).

  The air hole 44c penetrates the flange portion 44d formed in the upper portion of the first stator 44 by providing the intermediate gap forming surface 44b. The air holes 44c are air holes for keeping the air pressure in the pipe members 31 to 33 constant together with air holes 47g, which will be described later, provided in the second stator 47.

  The first contact 45 of the first fixing mechanism 41 is formed of a sphere having a radius substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the intermediate gap forming surface 44 b provided in the first stator 44. It is movably interposed. When the first contact 45 moves downward due to gravity, the first contact 45 moves along the intermediate gap forming surface 44b of the first stator 44, and the intermediate pipe forming surface 44b causes the first pipe member 31 to move. Pressed against the inner surface.

  When the first contact 45 is pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31, a frictional resistance is generated between the first contact 45 and the intermediate gap forming surface 44b, and the first contact 45 and the first contact 45 A frictional resistance is generated between the inner surface of one pipe member 31 (see FIG. 3). Further, a frictional resistance is generated between the locking protrusion 32 b and the auxiliary protrusion 32 c of the second pipe member 32 and the inner surface of the first pipe member 31. As a result, the second pipe member 32 is fixed to the first pipe member 31.

[Second fixing mechanism]
Next, the second fixing mechanism 42 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third pipe member 33 with the second fixing mechanism 42 removed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second stator 47 of the second fixing mechanism 42 is formed of a cylindrical body corresponding to the cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33. The second stator 47 includes a protrusion 47a, a first final-stage gap forming surface 47b, a second final-stage gap forming surface 47c (see FIG. 4), a first recess 47d, A second recess 47e (see FIG. 4), a stator side pressing portion 47f, and a pore 47g (see FIG. 4) are provided.

  The protruding portion 47 a is formed in a columnar shape protruding from the central portion of the lower surface of the second stator 47, similarly to the protruding portion 44 a of the first stator 44. The first final-stage gap forming surface 47b and the second final-stage gap forming surface 47c are formed by providing arc-shaped grooves in the second stator 47, respectively, and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 The first final stage gap 52A and the second final stage gap 52B are formed between the first and second gaps 52a and 52b.

  The 2nd stator 47 is fitted in the state arrange | positioned inside the 3rd pipe member 33, and is fixed by fixing methods, such as an adhesive agent, a fixing screw, and caulking fixation. Therefore, the third pipe member 33 has window portions 33d and 33e that expose the two final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c of the second stator 47 in order to form the two final-stage gap portions 52A and 52B. Is provided.

  The two final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c extend from the axial intermediate portion of the second stator 47 to the tip of the projecting portion 47a, and become narrower as the final-stage gap portions 52A and 52B reach the lower side. Is so inclined. The lower sides of the final-stage gap portions 52A and 52B communicate with the inside of the third pipe member 33 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  Further, the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47 b and 47 c face each other with the axis of the second stator 47 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the final-stage gap portions 52A and 52B formed by the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 are the center of the second stator 47 (third pipe member 33). Opposite the border.

  The first concave portion 47 d of the second stator 47 is continuous with the first final-stage gap forming surface 47 b and forms the first accommodating portion 53 </ b> A between the inner surface of the third pipe member 33. . (See FIGS. 3 and 4). The second recess 47 e is continuous with the second final-stage gap forming surface 47 c, and forms a second accommodating portion 53 B between the inner surface of the third pipe member 33. In these accommodating portions 53A and 53B, second contacts 48A and 48B pressed by a movable element 49 described later are accommodated, respectively.

  The stator-side pressing portion 47 f is formed as a ring-shaped protruding portion that protrudes from the upper surface of the second stator 47. When the third pipe member 33 is housed in the second pipe member 32, the protruding portion 44a of the first stator 44 is inserted into the circular recess 47h that forms the inner surface of the stator side pressing portion 47f. At that time, the stator side pressing portion 47f presses the first contact 45 pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31 by the intermediate gap forming surface 44b of the first stator 44 upward (FIG. 4). See). As a result, the first contact 45 moves upward and the fixation of the second pipe member 32 to the first pipe member 31 is released.

  In the present embodiment, since the stator side pressing portion 47f is formed in a ring shape, even if the third pipe member 33 rotates around the axis with respect to the second pipe member 32, the stator side pressing portion 47f The first contact 45 can be surely pressed.

  The air holes 47g are provided on the bottom surface of the circular recess 47h, and the circular recess 47h communicates with the first recess 47d (see FIG. 4). The pores 47g and the pores 44c of the first stator 44 are set to such a size that the air pressure in the pipe members 31 to 33 becomes a constant value. In this example, the first stator 44 and the second stator 47 are provided with the air holes 44c and the air holes 47g. However, in order to make the air pressure of the plurality of pipe members constant, Some stators may not be provided with pores.

  By setting the atmospheric pressure in each of the pipe members 31 to 33 to a constant value, the second pipe member 32 and the third pipe member 33 are simultaneously pulled out from the outer pipe member only by turning the support leg 3 downward. , The same length can be drawn. And the 2nd and 3rd pipe members 32 and 33 will be in the state which can be locked, and the support leg 3 can be fixed reliably by arbitrary length.

  The second contacts 48A and 48B of the second fixing mechanism 42 are formed of spheres set to have substantially the same radius of curvature as the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c, and are respectively formed in the final-stage gap portions 52A and 52B. It is movably interposed. When the second contacts 48A and 48B move downward due to gravity, they move along the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c, respectively, and the second pipe members are formed by the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c. It is pressed against the inner surface of 32.

  When the second contact 48A is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, a frictional resistance is generated between the second contact 48A and the first final gap forming surface 47b, and the second contact A frictional resistance is generated between the child 48A and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 (see FIG. 3). Further, when the second contact 48B is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, a frictional resistance is generated between the second contact 48B and the second final gap forming surface 47c, and the second contact A frictional resistance is generated between the contact 48 </ b> B and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. As a result, the third pipe member 33 is fixed to the second pipe member 32.

[Description of mover]
A movable element 49 is accommodated inside the third pipe member 33 which is the final stage pipe member (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The mover 49 is formed of a cylindrical body having a diameter corresponding to the cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33, and is movable in the axial direction of the third pipe member 33. The cylinder hole of the mover 49 is set to a size that allows the protrusion 47a of the second stator 47 to be inserted. And the upper end (side facing the second stator 47) of the mover 49 is a mover side pressing portion 49a.

  If the support leg 3 is turned upward in a state where the support leg 3 is extended, the movable element 49 falls due to gravity, and the protruding portion 47 a of the second stator 47 is inserted into the cylindrical hole of the movable element 49. . Then, the mover-side pressing portion 49a presses the second contact 48A pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the first final gap forming surface 47b of the second stator 47 upward. (See FIG. 4). At the same time, the mover side pressing portion 49a presses the second contact 48B pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the second final gap forming surface 47c upward. As a result, the second contacts 48A and 48B move upward, and the fixation of the third pipe member 33 to the second pipe member 32 is released.

  In the present embodiment, since the mover side pressing portion 49a is formed in a ring shape (cylindrical shape), even if the mover 49 rotates around the axis inside the third pipe member 33, the mover side pressing portion 49a. Thus, the second contacts 48A and 48B can always be pressed.

[Explanation of support leg extension]
Next, the extending | stretching operation | movement of the support leg 3 is demonstrated with reference to FIG.4 and FIG.7 A-FIG.7C. FIG. 7A is an explanatory view showing a state where the second and third pipe members 32, 33 of the support leg 3 are being pulled out from the first pipe member 31. Further, FIG. 7B is fixed explanatory view of a state of fixing the third pipe member 33 to the second pipe member 32, the pipe member 33 of FIG. 7C is 3 in the second pipe member 32, the second pipe member It is explanatory drawing of the state which fixed 32 to the 1st pipe member 31. FIG.

  In order to extend the length of the support leg 3, first, the three support legs 3 in a contracted state are directed upward. At this time, since the first contact 45 is pressed upward by the stator-side pressing portion 47f of the second stator 47, the fixing of the second pipe member 32 to the first pipe member 31 is released. ing. The second contacts 48A and 48B are pressed upward by the mover-side pressing portion 49a of the mover 49 and are accommodated in the accommodating portions 53A and 53B, respectively. The fixing of the pipe member 33 is released.

  Next, the three support legs 3 are rotated so as to open. As a result, the engagement between the three third pipe members 33 and the locking member 24 is released. Next, the support leg 3 is directed downward. As a result, the second pipe member 32 and the third pipe member 33 are simultaneously pulled out from the outer pipe member by gravity.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the second pipe member 32 is pulled out from the first pipe member 31, the first contactor 45 includes a first stator 44 fixed to the second pipe member 32 and Move together. Therefore, the first contact 45 is not pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31, and the second pipe member 32 is smoothly pulled out from the first pipe member 31.

  Further, when the third pipe member 33 is pulled out from the second pipe member 32, the second contacts 48 </ b> A and 48 </ b> B move together with the second stator 47 fixed to the third pipe member 33. To do. Therefore, the second contactors 48 </ b> A and 48 </ b> B are not pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, and the third pipe member 33 is smoothly pulled out from the second pipe member 32.

  The pulling-out operation of the third pipe member 33 is stopped when the cap 35 comes into contact with the placement surface and when the locking projection 33b is engaged with the restriction receiving portion 32a of the second pipe member 32. (See FIG. 4). FIG. 7B shows a state in which the cap 35 is in contact with the placement surface and the drawing operation of the third pipe member 33 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the pulling-out operation of the third pipe member 33 is stopped, the second contacts 48A and 48B are dropped by gravity, and the second stage gaps 52A and 52B are moved through the second contact portions 48A and 52B. The stator 47 moves along the final gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c. That is, the second contacts 48A and 48B move in the pull-out direction of the second and third pipe members 32 and 33 by gravity. The second contacts 48A and 48B are pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c. As a result, frictional resistance is generated between the second contacts 48A, 48B and the second stator 47, and friction is generated between the second contacts 48A, 48B and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. Resistance occurs. As a result, the third pipe member 33 is fixed to the second pipe member 32.

  When the drawing operation of the third pipe member 33 is stopped, the drawing operation of the second pipe member 32 is also stopped. When the pulling-out operation of the second pipe member 32 is stopped, the first contactor 45 falls due to gravity, and moves in the middle gap portion 51 along the middle gap forming surface 44b of the first stator 44. To do. That is, the first contact 45 moves in the pulling direction of the second and third pipe members 32 and 33 by gravity.

  Then, the first contact 45 is pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31 by the intermediate gap forming surface 44b. Thereby, a frictional resistance is generated between the first contact 45 and the first stator 44, and a frictional resistance is generated between the first contact 45 and the inner surface of the first pipe member 31. Further, a frictional resistance is generated between the locking protrusion 32 b and the auxiliary protrusion 32 c of the second pipe member 32 and the inner surface of the first pipe member 31. As a result, the second pipe member 32 is fixed to the first pipe member 31, and the extension operation of the support leg 3 is completed. Thereby, the support leg 3 of the tripod 1 can be extended to arbitrary length.

  As described above, when the support leg 3 is directed downward, the second pipe member 32 and the third pipe member 33 are simultaneously pulled out from the outer pipe member by gravity. Therefore, when the support leg 3 is directed downward, the pressure on the first contact 45 by the stator-side pressing portion 47f of the second stator 47 is released. As a result, the first contact 45 is lowered, and the first contact 45 can be reliably pressed into the first pipe member 31 (the second pipe member 32 can be locked). Can be. As a result, the second pipe member 32 can be fixed simultaneously with the support leg 3 facing downward, and the extension of the support leg 3 can be adjusted to an arbitrary length.

  For example, in the extension operation of the support leg 3, the third pipe member 33 is moved to the second position before the engaging projection 33 b of the third pipe member 33 is engaged with the restriction receiving portion 32 a of the second pipe member 32. It is assumed that the pipe member 32 is fixed. In this case, when the tripod 1 is installed on the installation surface, the imaging device (not shown) attached to the fixing portion 16 (see FIG. 1) and the gravity of the tripod 1 itself are added to the support leg 3.

  Therefore, the second pipe member 32 is expanded in the diameter direction by the second contacts 48 </ b> A and 48 </ b> B, and the third pipe member 33 slightly enters the second pipe member 32. As a result, the frictional resistance between the second contacts 48A, 48B and the inner surfaces of the second pipe member 32 and the final gap forming surfaces 47b, 47c increases, and the third pipe member 33 becomes the second pipe member 32. It is securely fixed to.

  Next, another example of the extending operation of the support leg 3 will be described. In another example of the extension operation of the support leg 3, the second leg member 32 and the third pipe member 33 are manually moved with the support leg 3 in a contracted state (see FIG. 4) substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. Pull out to any length.

  At this time, the first contact 45 moves together with the first stator 44, and the second contacts 48 </ b> A and 48 </ b> B move together with the second stator 47. Therefore, the first contact 45 is not pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31, and the second contacts 48 </ b> A and 48 </ b> B are not pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. Therefore, the 2nd and 3rd pipe members 32 and 33 can be pulled out smoothly.

  Next, the third pipe member 33 is gripped, and the tripod 1 is rotated approximately 90 degrees so that the third pipe member 33 is positioned below. When the tripod 1 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees, the first contact 45 and the second contacts 48A and 48B fall by gravity and move in the intermediate gap 51 and the final gaps 52A and 52B, respectively. As a result, the first contact 45 is pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31 by the intermediate gap forming surface 44b, and the second contacts 48A, 48B are second by the final gap forming surfaces 47b, 47c. The pipe member 32 is pressed against the inner surface. As a result, the second pipe member 32 is fixed to the first pipe member 31 and the third pipe member 33 is fixed to the second pipe member 32. As a result, the support leg 3 can be extended to an arbitrary length.

[Explanation of contraction movement of support legs]
Next, the contraction operation of the support leg 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the second contactors 48A and 48B are pressed by the mover side pressing portion 49a of the mover 49. FIG. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in the middle of the third pipe member 33 being housed in the second pipe member 32. FIG. 8C is an explanatory view showing a state where the first contact 45 is pressed by the stator-side pressing portion 47 f of the second stator 47.

  In order to change the supporting leg 3 from the extended state to the contracted state, the third pipe member 33 of the supporting leg 3 is directed upward. Thereby, the needle | mover 49 accommodated in the inside of the 3rd pipe member 33 falls by gravity.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the mover 49 falls, the second contacts 48A and 48B pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the final gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c of the second stator 47. Is pressed by the mover side pressing portion 49a. As a result, the second contacts 48A and 48B move in the direction approaching the camera fixing member 2, and the fixing of the third pipe member 33 to the second pipe member 32 is released.

  By orienting the third pipe member 33 of the support leg 3 upward, the gravity of the imaging device (not shown) attached to the fixing portion 16 (see FIG. 1) and the tripod 1 itself is not added to the support leg 3. . Therefore, the inner diameter of the second pipe member 32 that has been expanded in the diametrical direction by the second contacts 48A and 48B returns to the original length, and the third pipe member 33 approaches the camera fixing member 2. Move slightly in the opposite direction.

  By moving the third pipe member 33 slightly in the direction opposite to the direction in which the camera fixing member 2 is approached, the second contacts 48A, 48B and the inner surfaces of the second pipe member 32 and the final gap forming surface 47b, The contact position with 47c is slightly displaced in the direction approaching the camera fixing member 2. Therefore, the frictional resistance between the second contacts 48A and 48B and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 and the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c is reduced.

  Therefore, the second contacts 48A and 48B can be easily moved by the movable element 49 that falls. Further, the weight of the movable element 49 can be reduced while ensuring a pressing force enough to move the second contact elements 48A and 48B. Furthermore, even if the moving amount of the mover 49 is shortened, a pressing force sufficient to move the second contactors 48A and 48B can be secured, so that the third pipe member 33 can be shortened. .

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the fixation of the third pipe member 33 is released, the third pipe member 33 moves in the second pipe member 32 by gravity. At this time, since the second contacts 48A and 48B moved to the camera fixing member 2 side are respectively accommodated in the accommodating portions 53A and 53B, the second contacts 48A and 48B are disposed on the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. There is no contact. As a result, the third pipe member 33 can move smoothly in the second pipe member 32.

  When the third pipe member 33 moves in the second pipe member 32, as shown in FIG. 8C, the first contactor 45 pressed against the inner surface of the first pipe member 31 by the intermediate gap forming surface 44b is moved. The second stator 47 is pressed by the stator side pressing portion 47f. As a result, the first contact 45 moves to the camera fixing member 2 side, and the fixing of the second pipe member 32 to the first pipe member 31 is released.

  At this time, the pressing force applied to the first contact 45 is the weight of the third pipe member 33, the weight of the movable element 49, and the weight of the second stator 47 and the second contacts 48A and 48B. It is proportional to the value that added. Therefore, it is possible to apply a pressing force enough to release the frictional resistance generated at three locations on the inner surface of the first pipe member 31 to the first contactor 45, and the second pipe member 32 against the first pipe member 31. Can be reliably released.

  When the fixation of the second pipe member 32 is released, the second pipe member 32 that houses the third pipe member 33 moves in the first pipe member 31 by gravity, and the first pipe member 31. Thereby, the support leg 3 will be in a contracted state. That is, according to the tripod 1 of the present embodiment, the support leg 3 can be easily contracted simply by turning the third pipe member 33 of the support leg 3 upward.

[Description of contact pressure]
Here, the contact pressure of the third pipe member 33 applied to the second pipe member 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line MM shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9A, when the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c face each other across the axis Q of the third pipe member 33 (the axis of the second stator 47), the second contact 48A , 48B are arranged at positions shifted by 180 ° around the axis Q of the third pipe member 33 (θ ₁ = 180 °). In this case, the third pipe member 33 is pressed against the second pipe member 32 via the second stator 47 and the second contacts 48A and 48B. Therefore, the contact pressure generated between the second pipe member 32 and the third pipe member 33 becomes 0, and the fixation of the third pipe member 33 is easily released.

  FIG. 9B shows that the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c are added to the second pipe member 32 when they are not opposed to each other with the axis Q of the third pipe member 33 (the axis of the second stator 47) interposed therebetween. It is sectional drawing explaining the contact pressure of the 3rd pipe member.

As shown in FIG. 9B, when the final-stage gap forming surfaces 47 b and 47 c do not oppose each other with the axis Q of the third pipe member 33 interposed therebetween, the second contacts 48 A and 48 B It is arranged at a position shifted from the axis Q by an angle θ2 (θ ₂ < 180 °). In this case, a contact pressure P is generated between the second pipe member 32 and the third pipe member 33. That is, the third pipe member 33 is pressed against the contact portion T of the second pipe member 32 where the line that bisects the angle θ2 intersects with the contact pressure P.

Decreasing the angle theta _2, the contact pressure P applied to the contact portion T increases, the fixation of the third pipe member 33 becomes stronger with respect to the second pipe member 32. Therefore, by changing the angle theta _2, it can be adjusted and fixed in the intensity of the third pipe member 33, the unlocking ease of the third pipe member 33.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the two final-stage gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c are provided and the second contacts 48A and 48B are used. However, the final-stage gap-forming surface and the second contactor according to the present invention are used. The number may be three or more. In that case, when the plurality of final-stage gap forming surfaces are arranged so as to be displaced by an equal angle with the axial center of the third pipe member 33 as the center, the contact pressure of the third pipe member 33 with respect to the second pipe member 32 becomes zero. can do. As a result, it is possible to easily release the fixing of the second pipe member 32 even if the number of the final gap forming surfaces and the number of second contactors is three or more.

  In the present embodiment, the support leg is constituted by the three pipe members 31 to 33. However, the support leg according to the present invention may be constituted by two pipe members, or four or more pipes. You may comprise by a member. When the supporting leg is constituted by two pipe members and the first pipe member is the first pipe member, the mover is arranged inside the second pipe member which is the final pipe member. And the 2nd stator 47 which deleted the stator side press part 47f is fitted by the upper side of a 2nd pipe member. By comprising in this way, a support leg can be made into a contracted state only by orienting the 2nd pipe member upward.

  For example, when the supporting leg is constituted by four pipe members and the first pipe member is the first pipe member, the first stator 44 is fitted to the second pipe member, and the fourth The second stator 47 is fitted to the pipe member. Then, the second stator 47 may be fitted to the third pipe member, and the first stator 44 provided with a stator side pressing portion such as the stator side pressing portion 47f is fitted. You may let them.

  In other words, the stator having the fixed-side pressing portion is fixed to the pipe members excluding the second pipe member which is a pipe member inside one of the first-stage pipe members. In that case, the fixing of the pipe member can be easily released by fitting the second stator 47 to at least the final stage pipe member.

  In the present embodiment, the first to third pipe members 31 to 33 are cylindrical bodies. However, the pipe member according to the present invention may be a rectangular tubular body. In this case, since the second and third pipe members 32 and 33 do not rotate around the axis, the stator-side pressing portion 47 f provided on the second stator 47 is not connected to the first stator 44. What is necessary is just to provide in the position corresponding to the intermediate | middle stage gap formation surface 44b.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second stators 44 and 47 are disposed inside the second and third pipe members 32 and 33, respectively. The upper portion may protrude from the cylindrical hole of the pipe member. In that case, the pipe member to which the stator is fixed is provided with a notch corresponding to the gap forming surface provided in the stator.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the intermediate gap forming surface 44b of the first stator 44 and the final gap forming surfaces 47b and 47c of the second stator 47 are formed in an arc shape, but the gap forming according to the present invention is performed. As a surface, you may form on a plane. In addition, the contact according to the present invention is not limited to a sphere, and may have a barrel shape or an elliptical cross section.

  In the present embodiment, the storage portions 53A and 53B for storing the second contacts 48A and 48B are formed between the second stator 47 and the inner surface of the third pipe member 33, respectively. However, it is good also as a structure which connects accommodating part 53A, 53B. In addition, as the camera support according to the present invention, the accommodating portions 53A and 53B may not be provided. In that case, the windows 33d and 33e are enlarged, and only the final gap portions 52A and 52B are provided.

2. Second embodiment [configuration example]
Next, a second embodiment of the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second stator and a mover according to the second embodiment of the camera support of the present invention.

  The second embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, except for the second stator 61 and the mover 62. Therefore, here, the second stator 61 and the movable element 62 will be described, and portions common to the tripod 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  The second stator 61 has the same configuration as that of the second stator 47 of the tripod 1, and is different in that it has a bottom plate portion and a protruding portion (a protruding portion 47a of the second stator 47). ) Is not provided. That is, the second stator 61 includes a bottom plate portion 61a, a first final-stage gap forming surface 61b, a second final-stage gap forming surface 61c, a first recess 61d, and a second recess 61e. A stator-side pressing portion 61f and a pore 61g are provided.

  The two final-stage gap forming surfaces 61b and 61c, the two concave portions 61d and 61e, the stator-side pressing portion 61f, and the air holes 61g are the two final-stage gap-forming surfaces 47b and 47c and the two concave portions in the first embodiment. 47d, 47e, the stator side pressing part 47f, and the pore 47g. Therefore, these descriptions are omitted.

  The bottom plate portion 61 a is formed by providing two final-stage gap forming surfaces 61 b and 61 c in the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second stator 61. The bottom plate portion 61 a functions as a partition portion that partitions the lower side of the final-stage gap portions 52 </ b> A and 52 </ b> B and the inside of the third pipe member 33. The bottom plate portion 61a is provided with through holes 63a and 63b through which pressing members 65 and 66 described later of the mover 62 pass.

  The mover 62 includes a mover main body 64 housed inside the third pipe member 33 and pressing members 65 and 66 penetrating through through holes 63 a and 63 b provided in the bottom plate portion 61 a of the second stator 61. It has become. The mover main body 64 is formed of a cylindrical body having a diameter corresponding to the cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33, and is movable in the axial direction of the third pipe member 33.

  The pressing members 65 and 66 show a specific example of the mover side pressing portion, and are configured separately from the mover main body 64. The pressing member 65 includes a shaft 65a that slidably passes through the through hole 63a of the bottom plate portion 61a, and a pressing piece 65b that is provided at one end of the shaft 65a and is positioned in the final-stage gap portion 52A. The pressing member 66 includes a shaft 66a that slidably passes through the through hole 63b of the bottom plate portion 61a, and a pressing piece 66b that is provided at one end of the shaft 66a and is positioned in the final stage gap portion 52B.

  The pressing pieces 65b and 66b are formed larger than the diameters of the through holes 63a and 63b so that the pressing members 65 and 66 do not fall out of the through holes 63a and 63b. The shafts 65a and 66a are set to such a length that the pressing members 65 and 66 do not come out of the through holes 63a and 63b even when the pressing members 65 and 66 move most toward the final gap portions 52A and 52B.

[Description of mover operation]
Next, the operation of the mover 62 will be described.
When the third pipe member 33 of the support leg 3 is directed upward, the mover main body 64 housed in the third pipe member 33 falls due to gravity and presses the shafts 65a and 66a of the pressing members 65 and 66. To do. As a result, the pressing members 65 and 66 move along the through holes 63a and 63b toward the final-stage gap portions 52A and 52B.

  When the pressing member 65 moves toward the final gap portion 52A, the second contactor 48A pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the first final gap formation surface 61b of the second stator 61 is moved. It is pressed by the pressing piece 65b. Further, when the pressing member 66 moves to the final stage gap 52B side, the second contactor pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the second final stage gap forming surface 61c of the second stator 61. 48B is pressed by the pressing piece 66b.

  As a result, the second contact 48A moves to the first accommodating portion 53A side, and the second contact 48B moves to the second accommodating portion 53B side. Thereby, fixation of the 3rd pipe member 33 with respect to the 2nd pipe member 32 is cancelled | released. The third pipe member 33 of the support leg 3 is directed upward. Similarly to the first embodiment, the second contacts 48A and 48B, the inner surfaces of the second pipe member 32, and the final-stage gap forming surface 47b. , 47c, the frictional resistance is reduced. Therefore, the second contactors 48A and 48B can be easily moved by the falling pressing pieces 65b and 66b.

  When the protrusion 47a is provided on the second stator 47 as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), the protrusion 47a is mostly formed by forming the final-stage gap forming surfaces 61b and 61c. Is cut out. This is because the diameter of the stator to be fitted becomes smaller as the diameter decreases from the first pipe member to the final pipe member. And when most of the protrusion parts 47a are notched, there exists a possibility that the intensity | strength of the 2nd stator 47 may become weak.

  On the other hand, when the mover 62 according to the second embodiment is applied, it is necessary to provide the second stator 61 with a protrusion corresponding to the protrusion 47a provided on the second stator 47 of the first embodiment. There is no. Therefore, there is no fear that the strength of the second stator 61 is weakened, and the impact resistance of the second stator 61 can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, the two final-stage gap forming surfaces 61b and 61c and the two contactors 48A and 48B are provided. However, the final-stage gap forming surface and the contactor according to the present invention have three configurations. There can be more than one. In that case, the fixing of the third pipe member 33 to the second pipe member 32 can be easily released by providing the same number of pressing members of the mover as the final gap forming surface and the contact.

3. Third embodiment [configuration example]
Next, a third embodiment of the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a second fixing mechanism according to the third embodiment of the camera support of the present invention.

  The third embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, and the only difference is the second fixing mechanism 71. Therefore, here, the second fixing mechanism 71 will be described, and portions common to the tripod 1 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

  The second fixing mechanism 71 includes a second stator 72 that is fitted into the upper cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33, and a final-stage gap forming surface that will be described later provided on the second stator 72. 72b and the second-stage contact portions 73A and 73B engaged with the final-stage gap recess 72c, respectively.

  The second stator 72 is formed of a cylindrical body that matches the cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33. The second stator 72 is provided with a protrusion 72a, a final-stage gap forming surface 72b, a final-stage gap recess 72c, a stator-side pressing part 72d, and pores 72e. The protruding portion 72 a is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the center portion of the lower surface of the second stator 72.

  The final-stage gap forming surface 72 b is formed by providing the second stator 72 with a groove whose cross section in the direction (lateral direction) orthogonal to the axial direction of the second stator 72 is an arc. A first final-stage gap portion 80A is formed between the final-stage gap forming surface 72b and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. The final-stage gap forming surface 72b extends from the axially intermediate portion of the second stator 72 to the tip of the projecting portion 72a, and is inclined so as to become narrower as the first final-stage gap portion 80A reaches the lower side. Has been. The lower side of the first final stage gap 80 </ b> A communicates with the inside of the third pipe member 33.

  The final-stage gap recess 72 c is formed by providing a groove extending in the axial direction at the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second stator 72. The final gap recess 72c has a circular cross section in a direction (lateral direction) orthogonal to the axial direction of the second stator 72. By providing the final gap recess 72 c, a second final gap 80 </ b> B is formed between the second stator 72 and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32.

  In the present embodiment, the second stator 72 is fitted in a state of being arranged inside the third pipe member 33 and is fixed by a fixing method such as an adhesive, a fixing screw, and caulking. Therefore, the third pipe member 33 is provided with windows 33f and 33g for exposing the final-stage gap forming surface 72b and the final-stage gap recess 72c in order to form the two final-stage gap parts 80A and 80B. Yes.

  The final-stage gap forming surface 72b and the final-stage gap recess 72c are opposed to each other across the axis of the third pipe member 33 (the axis of the second stator 72). Therefore, the final-stage gap portions 80A and 80B are opposed to each other with the axis of the third pipe member 33 interposed therebetween.

  Since the stator side pressing portion 72d and the air holes 72e have the same configuration as the stator side pressing portion 47f and the air holes 47g (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The second contactor 73A is formed of a sphere having a radius substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the final-stage gap forming surface 72b, and is movably interposed in the final-stage gap portion 80A. When the second contactor 73A moves downward due to gravity, the second contactor 73A moves along the final-stage gap forming surface 72b and is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 by the final-stage gap forming surface 72b.

  The second contact 73B is formed of a sphere having a radius substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the final gap recess 72c, and is movably interposed in the second final gap 80B. When the second contactor 73A is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, the second contactor 73B is pressed against the inner surface of the opposing second pipe member 32.

  When the second contactor 73A is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, a frictional resistance is generated between the second contactor 73A and the final gap forming surface 72b, and the second contactor 73A A frictional resistance is generated between the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. Further, when the second contact 73B is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, a frictional resistance is generated between the second contact 73B and the inner surface of the final gap recess 72c. A frictional resistance is generated between the contact 73 </ b> B and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. As a result, the third pipe member 33 is fixed to the second pipe member 32.

  According to the second fixing mechanism 71 having the above-described configuration, the third pipe member 33 is pressed against the second pipe member 32 via the second stator 72 and the second contacts 73A and 73B. . And since the 2nd contactors 73A and 73B oppose on both sides of the axis of the 2nd stator 72 (3rd pipe member 33), the pressure of the 3rd pipe member 33 with respect to the 2nd pipe member 32 Becomes 0, and the fixation of the second pipe member 32 can be easily released.

  In the third embodiment, one final gap forming surface 72b and one final gap recess 72c are provided. However, two or more final gap forming surfaces 72b and two final gap recesses are provided. It is good.

  In that case, the second contact 73A is interposed in each final-stage gap 80A, and the second contact 73B is interposed in each final-stage gap 80B. Then, the final-stage gap forming surface 72b and the final-stage gap recess 72c are opposed to each other across the axis of the second stator 72 (third pipe member 33). Thereby, even if two or more final-stage gap forming surfaces 72b and two final-stage gap recesses are provided, the contact pressure of the third pipe member 33 with respect to the second pipe member 32 can be reduced to zero, The fixing of the pipe member 32 can be easily released.

4. Fourth Embodiment [Configuration Example]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing a second fixing mechanism according to the fourth embodiment of the camera support of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line NN shown in FIG. 12A of the support leg of the fourth embodiment of the camera support.

  The fourth embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, and the only difference is the second fixing mechanism 81. Therefore, here, the second fixing mechanism 81 will be described, and portions common to the tripod 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The second fixing mechanism 81 includes a second stator 82 that is fitted into the upper cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33, and a final-stage gap forming surface that will be described later provided on the second stator 82. It is comprised from the 2nd contactors 83 and 84 engaged with 82b and 82c, respectively.

  The second stator 82 is formed of a cylindrical body that matches the cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33. The second stator 82 is provided with a protruding portion 82a, final-stage gap forming surfaces 82b and 82c, a stator-side pressing portion 82d, and pores 82e. The protruding portion 82 a is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the central portion of the lower surface of the second stator 82.

  The final-stage gap forming surfaces 82b and 82c are respectively provided in the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second stator 82, and face each other with the axial center of the second stator 82 interposed therebetween. The final-stage gap forming surfaces 82 b and 82 c are formed such that the axial cross section (vertical direction) of the second stator 82 is formed in a substantially arc shape, and the second gap 82 is formed between the inner surfaces of the second pipe members 32. One final stage gap 90A and a second final stage gap 90B are formed. The lower sides of the final-stage gap portions 90A and 90B formed by the final-stage gap forming surfaces 82b and 82c are communicated with the inside of the third pipe member 33.

  In the present embodiment, the second stator 82 is fitted in a state of being arranged inside the third pipe member 33 and is fixed by a fixing method such as an adhesive, a fixing screw, and caulking. Therefore, the third pipe member 33 is provided with windows 33f and 33g for exposing the final-stage gap forming surfaces 82b and 82c in order to form the two final-stage gap parts 90A and 90B.

  Since the stator side pressing portion 82d and the air holes 82e have the same configuration as the stator side pressing portion 47f and the air holes 47g (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The second contactor 83 is formed of a substantially triangular prism member, and is engaged with the first engagement surface 83 a that engages with the final gap forming surface 82 b of the second stator 82 and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. A second engaging surface 83b is provided. The first engagement surface 83a is formed by making one of the three corners of the second contactor 83 into an arc shape. The second engagement surface 83b is formed by making the surface facing the first engagement surface 83a into an arcuate surface.

  The second contactor 83 is rotatably disposed in the final stage gap 90A. That is, the second contactor 83 rotates along the final-stage gap forming surface 82b of the second stator 82 by gravity. When the second contactor 83 is rotated so as to be displaced downward, the second engagement surface 83 b is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32.

  The second contact 84 is formed in the same shape as the second contact 83, and the first engagement surface 84 a that engages with the final-stage gap formation surface 82 c and the second pipe member 32. It has the 2nd engagement surface 84b engaged with an inner surface. The second contactor 84 is rotatably interposed in the final stage gap 90B. That is, the second contactor 84 rotates along the final gap forming surface 82c of the second stator 82 by gravity. When the second contactor 84 is rotated so as to be displaced downward, the second engagement surface 84 b is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. In addition, since the second contactors 83 and 84 are engaged with the protruding portion 82 a of the second stator 82, the second contactors 83 and 84 fall into the third pipe member 33. There is no.

  When the second contacts 83 and 84 are pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, frictional resistance is generated between the second contacts 83 and 84 and the second stator 82, and the second contact A frictional resistance is generated between the contacts 83 and 84 and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. As a result, the third pipe member 33 is fixed to the second pipe member 32.

  According to the second fixing mechanism 81 having the above-described configuration, the third pipe member 33 is pressed against the second pipe member 32 via the second stator 82 and the second contacts 83 and 84. . And since the 2nd contactors 83 and 84 oppose on both sides of the shaft center of the 2nd stator 82 (3rd pipe member 33), the pressure of the 3rd pipe member 33 with respect to the 2nd pipe member 32 Becomes 0, and the fixation of the second pipe member 32 can be easily released.

5. Fifth Embodiment [Configuration Example]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13: is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd fixing mechanism based on 5th Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention.

The fifth embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, except for the second fixing mechanism 91. Therefore, here, the second fixing mechanism 91 will be described, and portions common to the tripod 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The second fixing mechanism 91 includes a second stator 92 that is fitted into the upper cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33, and a final-stage gap forming surface that will be described later provided on the second stator 92. The second contactors 93 and 94 are respectively engaged with the 92b and the final-stage gap recess 92c.

  The second stator 92 is formed of a cylindrical body that matches the cylindrical hole of the third pipe member 33. The second stator 92 is provided with a protruding portion 92a, a final-stage gap forming surface 92b, a final-stage gap recess 92c, a stator-side pressing portion 92d, and pores 92e. The protruding portion 92 a is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the central portion of the lower surface of the second stator 92.

  The final-stage gap forming surface 92 b is provided in the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second stator 92. The final gap forming surface 92 b is formed so that the axial direction (vertical direction) cross section of the second stator 92 is formed in a substantially arc shape, and the first final gap forming surface 92 b is between the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. A step gap 100A is formed. The lower side of the first final stage gap portion 100 </ b> A formed by the final stage gap forming surface 92 b communicates with the inside of the third pipe member 33.

  The final-stage gap recess 92c is formed by providing a groove extending in the axial direction in the intermediate portion of the second stator 92 in the axial direction. Similar to the final-stage gap recess 72c according to the third embodiment, the final-stage gap recess 92c has a circular cross section in a direction (lateral direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the second stator 92. It has become. By providing the final gap recess 92c, a second final gap 100B is formed between the second stator 92 and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. The final-stage gap forming surface 92b and the final-stage gap recess 92c face each other across the axis of the third pipe member 33 (the axis of the second stator 72). Therefore, the final-stage gap portions 100 </ b> A and 100 </ b> B face each other with the axis of the third pipe member 33 interposed therebetween.

  In the present embodiment, the second stator 92 is fitted in a state of being arranged inside the third pipe member 33 and is fixed by a fixing method such as an adhesive, a fixing screw, and caulking. Therefore, the third pipe member 33 is provided with windows 33f and 33g for exposing the final-stage gap forming surface 92b and the final-stage gap recess 92c in order to form the two final-stage gap parts 100A and 100B. Yes.

  The stator-side pressing portion 92d and the air holes 92e have the same configuration as the stator-side pressing portion 47f and the air holes 47g (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The second contactor 93 is the same as the second contactor 83 (see FIG. 12) according to the fourth embodiment, and is related to the final-stage gap forming surface 92b of the second stator 92. The first engaging surface 93a to be combined and the second engaging surface 93b to be engaged with the inner surface of the second pipe member 32 are provided. The second contactor 93 is interposed in the final-stage gap portion 100A, and rotates along the final-stage gap forming surface 92b of the second stator 92 by gravity. When the second contactor 93 is rotated so as to be displaced downward, the second engagement surface 93 b is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. The second contactor 93 is engaged with the protruding portion 92 a of the second stator 92, so that the second contactor 93 does not fall into the third pipe member 33.

  The second contact 94 is formed of the same sphere as the second contact 73B (see FIG. 11) according to the third embodiment, and is movable to the second final gap 100B. Intervened. When the second contactor 93 is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, the second contactor 94 is pressed against the inner surface of the opposing second pipe member 32.

  When the second contactor 93 is rotated so as to be displaced downward, the second engagement surface 93 b is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. Thereby, a frictional resistance is generated between the second contactor 93 and the final-stage gap forming surface 92b, and a frictional resistance is generated between the second contactor 93 and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. When the second contactor 94 is pressed against the inner surface of the second pipe member 32, a frictional resistance is generated between the second contactor 94 and the inner surface of the final gap recess 92c, and the second contactor 94 A frictional resistance is generated between the contact 94 and the inner surface of the second pipe member 32. As a result, the third pipe member 33 is fixed to the second pipe member 32.

  According to the second fixing mechanism 91 having the above-described configuration, the third pipe member 33 is pressed against the second pipe member 32 via the second stator 92 and the second contacts 93 and 94. . Since the second contacts 93 and 94 are opposed to each other with the axis of the second stator 92 (third pipe member 33) interposed therebetween, the pressure of the third pipe member 33 against the second pipe member 32 Becomes 0, and the fixation of the second pipe member 32 can be easily released.

6. Sixth Embodiment [Configuration Example]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the camera support of the present invention.

  The sixth embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, and the difference is that an urging member is attached to the first stator. . Therefore, here, the first stator 101 and the urging member 102 will be described, and portions common to the tripod 1 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

  The first stator 101 according to the sixth embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the first stator 44 according to the first embodiment, and the second pipe member 32. It consists of a cylinder that matches the tube hole. The first stator 101 has a middle-stage gap forming surface 101b that forms a middle-stage gap 51 between the columnar protrusion 101a that protrudes from the center of the lower surface and the inner surface of the first pipe member 31. Is provided.

  An attachment recess 103 for attaching the urging member 102 is formed in the center of the protrusion 101a. The urging member 102 is a compression coil spring and urges the second stator 47 downward. Therefore, when the support leg 3 is directed downward, the third pipe member 33 is reliably pulled out from the second pipe member 32, and the first contactor 45 by the stator side pressing portion 47 f of the second stator 47. The pressure on is released.

  As a result, the first contact 45 is lowered, and the first contact 45 can be reliably pressed into the first pipe member 31 (the second pipe member 32 can be locked). Can be. Accordingly, the second pipe member 32 can be fixed simultaneously with the support leg 3 facing downward, and the extension of the support leg 3 can be adjusted to an arbitrary length.

  In the present embodiment, the compression coil spring is applied as the urging member. However, as the urging member according to the present invention, other springs such as a leaf spring may be applied, and other members such as rubber and sponge may be applied. The elastic member may be applied.

  Further, when the supporting leg is constituted by three or more pipe members, the urging member is provided on a stator fixed to a pipe member other than the final stage pipe member. With this configuration, when the support legs are directed downward, each pipe member other than the first pipe member is simultaneously pulled out from the outer pipe member, and the contact by the stator-side pressing portion of each stator. The pressure on is released. As a result, the pipe members other than the first pipe member can be fixed simultaneously with the support legs facing downward, and the support legs can be adjusted to an arbitrary length.

7. Seventh Embodiment [Configuration Example]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the camera support of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a seventh embodiment of the camera support of the present invention.

  The seventh embodiment of the camera support has the same configuration as the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, except for the first pipe member 111. Therefore, here, the first pipe member 111 will be described, and portions common to the tripod 1 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

The first pipe member 111 according to the seventh embodiment of the camera support is provided with a restriction receiving portion 111a, an engaging projection 111b, and an opening window 111c. The restriction receiving part 111a is formed by making a part of the first pipe member 111 smaller in diameter than the other cylindrical part, and restricts the drawing of the second pipe member 32. That is, the engaging protrusion 32b (see FIG. 3) of the second pipe member 32 is engaged with the restriction receiving portion 111a.

  The engagement protrusion 111 b protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe member 111 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first pipe member 111. The engagement protrusion 111 b is engaged with an engagement groove 36 of the cap 35 fixed to one of the remaining two first pipe members 111.

  The opening window 111 c exposes a part of the engagement groove 36 of the cap 35. That is, the engagement protrusion 111b passes through the opening window 111c provided in one of the remaining two first pipe members 111 and engages with the engagement groove 36 of the cap 35. Is done.

  For example, the three first pipe members 111 are a first pipe member 111A, a first pipe member 111B, and a first pipe member 111C (not shown). In that case, the engaging protrusion 111b of the first pipe member 111A passes through the opening window 111c of the first pipe member 111B and engages with the engaging groove 36 of the cap 35 fixed to the first pipe member 111B. Is done.

  On the other hand, the engagement protrusion 111b (not shown) of the first pipe member 111B penetrates the opening window 111c of the first pipe member 111C, and the engagement groove of the cap 35 fixed to the first pipe member 111C. 36 is engaged. The engagement protrusion 111b of the first pipe member 111C penetrates the opening window 111c (not shown) of the first pipe member 111A, and the engagement groove of the cap 35 fixed to the first pipe member 111A. 36 is engaged.

  In this way, by engaging the engagement protrusions 111b of the three first pipe members 111 with the engagement grooves 36 of the cap 35, respectively, the second and third pipe members 32, 33 in the pull-out direction. Movement is locked. Therefore, unlike the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, the locking member 24 that locks the movement of the second and third pipe members 32 and 33 in the pull-out direction becomes unnecessary. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the tripod 1 of the first embodiment, and the movement of the second and third pipe members 32 and 33 in the pull-out direction can be stopped with a simple structure. .

  As described above, the camera support of the present invention presses the contact, which has moved in the extending direction of the support leg due to gravity, against the inner surface of the pipe member facing the gap forming surface by the gap forming surface of the stator. Thus, between the gap forming surface and the contact, between the inner surface of the pipe member outside the pipe member to which the stator is attached and the contact, and the outer surface of the pipe member to which the stator is attached. A frictional resistance is generated between the inner surface of the outer pipe member. As a result, the pipe member to which the stator is attached can be fixed to the outer pipe member. Therefore, the pipe member can be fixed by simply pulling out the pipe member with the support leg in the contracted state downward, and stopping the pull-out operation of the pipe member. It can be done very easily.

  Further, the camera support of the present invention is configured such that the movable element provided with the movable element side pressing portion is movably accommodated in the final stage pipe member. Therefore, when the mover moves upward in the final-stage pipe member, the mover-side pressing portion of the mover is 1 of the final-stage pipe member by the gap forming surface of the stator fixed to the final-stage pipe member. The contact pressed against the inner surface of the outer pipe member is pressed upward. Thereby, the contactor pressed by the mover side pressing portion moves upward, and the fixing of the pipe member at the final stage is released. Therefore, when the support leg is constituted by two pipe members, the support leg can be easily contracted simply by turning the pipe member at the final stage upward.

  Furthermore, the camera support of the present invention is configured such that the stator side pressing portion is provided on the stator excluding the stator fixed to the pipe member inside one of the first stage pipe members. For example, it is assumed that the final pipe member is accommodated in one outer pipe member. In this case, the stator-side pressing portion of the stator fixed to the final-stage pipe member has a gap forming surface of the stator fixed to the pipe member on the outer side of the final-stage pipe member. The contact pressed against the inner surface of the outer pipe member is pressed upward. Thereby, the contact member pressed by the stator side pressing portion moves upward, and the fixing of the pipe member on the outer side of one of the final-stage pipe members is released. Therefore, even when the supporting leg is constituted by three or more pipe members, the fixing of the pipe members excluding the first stage pipe member can be released sequentially by simply turning the final stage pipe member upward. The support leg can be easily contracted.

  According to the camera support of the present invention, the two gap forming surfaces of the second stator fixed to the final-stage pipe member press the contacts against the inner surfaces of the opposing pipe members. When the pipe member at the final stage is directed upward, the gravity of the image pickup apparatus supported by the camera support and the camera support itself is not added to the support leg, so that the pipe member at the final stage approaches the camera fixing member. Move slightly in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the frictional resistance between the two contactors and the two gap forming surfaces of the second stator and the inner surface of the opposing pipe member is reduced, and the contactor can be easily moved by the mover.

  In addition, since the two gap forming surfaces of the second stator are arranged so as to face each other with the axis of the final-stage pipe member interposed therebetween, a gap between the final-stage pipe member and the one outer pipe member is provided. The contact pressure can be reduced to 0, and the final stage pipe member can be easily released from being fixed. Therefore, the weight of the movable element 49 and the shortening of the final stage pipe member can be achieved.

  In addition, according to the camera support of the present invention, by providing the two concave portions of the second stator, two accommodating portions are formed between the second stator and the inner surface of the final stage pipe member. The configuration. Two contactors pressed in the direction opposite to the pulling-out direction of the pipe member are accommodated in the two accommodating portions, respectively. As a result, when the final-stage pipe member is housed in one outer pipe member, the two contactors do not come into contact with the inner surface of the first outer pipe member, and the final-stage pipe member is smooth. Can be moved.

  In addition, according to the camera support of the present invention, each stator is disposed at the end of the camera fixing member side (upper side) inside the pipe member excluding the first stage pipe member. The length that can be pulled out with respect to the total length of each pipe member except for can be increased.

  Further, the camera support of the present invention is configured to attach the locking member to the camera fixing member. The locking member locks the movement of the pipe member at the final stage in a state where the support leg is contracted. Therefore, the tripod can be carried with the pipe member at the final stage of the support leg directed downward.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the above-described embodiment, a tripod has been described as an example of the camera support. However, the camera support of the present invention may be, for example, a monopod having one extendable support leg, or two or four. It is good also as another camera support provided with the support leg more than this.

  In the embodiment described above, the second stator having two gap forming surfaces is fixed to the final stage pipe member. However, the camera support of the present invention may have a configuration in which the second stator is fixed to the pipe members excluding the first-stage pipe member.

  Moreover, the pipe member which fixes a 2nd stator can also be selected arbitrarily. In that case, as in the above-described embodiment, the second stator is fixed to at least the final-stage pipe member. The fixing of the final stage pipe member is released by a mover housed movably inside the final stage pipe member. Therefore, the pressing force for releasing the fixation of the pipe member at the final stage is smaller than the pressing force for releasing the fixation of the other pipe members. Therefore, the second stage stator is fixed using a second stator that is easily released.

It is the perspective view of the state which extended the support leg of the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention most. It is a perspective view of the state which contracted the support leg of the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the state which extended the support leg of the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention most. It is sectional drawing of the state which contracted the support leg of the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the 1st fixing mechanism which concerns on the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the 2nd fixing mechanism which concerns on the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining extension operation | movement of the support leg of the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the contraction operation | movement of the support leg of the tripod which shows 1st Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the support leg according to the first embodiment of the camera support of the present invention taken along line MM shown in FIG. 3, and the contact pressure according to the tripod showing an embodiment of the camera support of the present invention. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows 2nd Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 3rd Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the camera support of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is a cross-section of the support leg according to the fourth embodiment of the camera support cut along the line NN shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows 5th Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 6th Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows 7th Embodiment of the camera support tool of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tripod (camera support tool), 2 ... Camera fixing member, 3 ... Support leg, 24 ... Locking member, 31 ... 1st pipe member (first stage pipe member), 32 ... 2nd pipe member, 33 ... 3rd pipe member (final stage pipe member), 35 ... Cap, 41 ... 1st fixing mechanism, 42 ... 2nd fixing mechanism, 44 ... 1st stator, 44a, 47a ... Projection part, 44b ... intermediate stage gap forming surface, 44c, 47g ... pores, 45 ... first contactor, 47 ... second stator, 47b ... first final stage gap forming surface, 47c ... second final stage gap forming surface, 47d: 1st recessed part, 47e ... 2nd recessed part, 47f ... Stator side pressing part, 48A, 48B ... 2nd contactor, 49 ... Movable element, 49a ... Movable element side pressing part, 51 ... Middle stage gap part 52A: First final stage gap 52B: Between the second final stage Gap part, 53A ... 1st accommodating part, 53B ... 2nd accommodating part

Claims (7)

A camera fixing member to which the imaging device is fixed;
A plurality of pipe members connected in a nested manner, and a support leg on which a first-stage pipe member that is the outermost part is attached to the camera fixing member;
A first gap forming surface and a second gap forming surface that are fixed to a nested pipe member excluding the first stage pipe member and that form a first gap portion with an inner surface of a pipe member that is one outer side of the nested pipe member . a stator second gap forming surface that form a gap portion is provided,
It said first gap portion and is interposed movably to each of the second gap portions, Turning the tip of the pipe member at the final stage downward, go to the drawing direction of the nested pipe members, the first A plurality of contacts pressed against the inner surface of the outer pipe member by the gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface;
Wherein is movably housed in the final stage of the pipe member, Turning the tip of the pipe member of the final stage upwardly, and a movable element that moves in the opposite direction as the pull-out direction under the action of gravity,
The mover has two contacts for engaging the first gap forming surface and said second gap forming surface of the stator fixed to the pipe member of the final stage, the opposite direction of the pull-out direction A camera support having a pressing portion that is pressed and moved. 2. The camera support according to claim 1, wherein the first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface of the stator are opposed to each other with an axis of the nested pipe member interposed therebetween. The stator has a first recess continuous to the first gap forming surface and a second recess continuous to the second gap forming surface,
The first recess and the second recess form an accommodating portion for accommodating the two contacts pressed in the direction opposite to the pulling direction between the inner surface of the nested pipe member. The camera support according to claim 1, wherein: The first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface are inclined surfaces that reduce the first gap portion and the second gap portion in the drawing direction ,
The camera support according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contacts are spheres that move on the first gap forming surface or the second gap forming surface by gravity. The first gap forming surface and the second gap forming surface are formed such that a cross section in the pull-out direction is an arc shape ,
The camera support according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contacts rotate along the first gap forming surface or the second gap forming surface by gravity. A camera fixing member to which the imaging device is fixed;
A support leg having three or more pipe members connected in a nested manner, and an outermost pipe member attached to the camera fixing member;
An intermediate- stage gap forming surface is provided that is fixed to the intermediate pipe member excluding the first-stage pipe member and the final-stage pipe member, and forms an intermediate- stage gap between the inner surface of the pipe member that is one outer side of the intermediate pipe member. A first stator formed;
A first final-stage gap forming surface fixed to the final-stage pipe member and forming a first final-stage gap between the inner surface of the intermediate pipe member and one outer side of the final-stage pipe member; A second stator provided with a second final-stage gap forming surface that forms a second final-stage gap,
When the leading end of the final stage pipe member is directed downward, the intermediate stage gap forming surface and the intermediate stage gap forming surface and A plurality of contacts pressed against the inner surface of the one outer pipe member and the inner surface of the intermediate pipe member one outer of the final stage pipe member by each final stage gap forming surface;
Wherein is movably housed in the final stage of the pipe member, Turning the tip of the pipe member of the final stage upwardly, and a movable element that moves in the opposite direction as the pull-out direction under the action of gravity,
The mover presses the two contacts engaged with the first final gap forming surface and the second final gap forming surface of the second stator in a direction opposite to the pulling direction. And a pressing part that moves the camera support. A camera fixing member to which the imaging device is fixed;
A plurality of pipe members connected in a nested manner, and a support leg on which a first-stage pipe member that is the outermost part is attached to the camera fixing member;
It is fixed to the telescopic pipe member except the pipe member of the Hajimedan, the gap forming surface to form a first gap between one inner surface of the outer pipe member of the telescopic pipe member, the telescopic pipe member a extend in the withdrawal direction between an inner surface of said one outer pipe member and a recess which forms a second gap portion, the concave portion and the gap forming surface across the axis of the telescopic pipe member An opposing stator,
When the distal end of the pipe member at the final stage is directed downward, it moves in the pull-out direction and is moved outwardly by the gap forming surface of the stator . A first gap contact that is pressed against the inner surface of the pipe member ;
When the first gap contactor is pressed against the inner surface of the outer pipe member by the gap forming surface of the stator movably interposed in the second gap portion , A second gap contact that is pressed against the inner surface of the outer pipe member ;
Wherein is movably housed in the final stage of the pipe member, Turning the tip of the pipe member of the final stage upwardly, and a movable element that moves in the opposite direction as the pull-out direction under the action of gravity,
The mover is pressed to move the said first contactor for gaps to be engaged with the gap forming surface of the stator fixed to the pipe member of the final stage, by pressing in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction A camera support characterized by having a portion .

Images