APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING OF A CAMERA OR OTHER COMPONENTS

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting of a camera or other components, preferably a mounting for affixation of the camera or other components to moving objects, can be fastened onto the moving objects using vacuum suction cups three-dimensionally, in simple and secure manner, and allows very good recording quality even at high speeds and in the off-road sector. The mounting includes multiple arms, wherein each arm is mounted with double articulation, and all the arms are connected with one another by way of a tilt axle and a two-part holder. A vacuum suction cup is attached at each end of an arm, in each instance, of which at least one vacuum suction cup is mounted so that it can be tilted or rotated, and all the vacuum suction cups are connected with a control device and a vacuum pump by way of at least one line, in each instance.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mounting of a camera or another component to a moving object comprising: (a) first, second, and third arms comprising first, second, and third arm ends, respectively, wherein each of the first, second, and third arms is mounted with double articulation; (b) a tilt axle; (c) a two-part holder; (d) first, second, and third vacuum cups attached to the first, second, and third arm ends, respectively; (e) a control device; and (f) a vacuum pump; wherein the tilt axle and the two-part holder connects the first, second, and third arms with each other; wherein at least one of the first, second, and third vacuum suction cups is mounted for tilting or rotation; and wherein each of the first, second, and third vacuum cups is connected with the vacuum pump by way of at least one line.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection piece for connecting with a further mounting.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an arm-locking lever affixed to the tilt axle for locking the first, second, and third arms in place in a first movement direction.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least the third arm comprises a further tilt axle and a vacuum-suction-cup-locking lever fastened to the further tilt axle for locking the vacuum suction cup in place in a second movement direction.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first and second arms have first and second rotation axles, respectively, lockable in place in a third movement direction.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control device monitors applied suction forces of each of the first, second, and third vacuum suction cups.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the suction forces are variable or can be firmly set in different modes.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device has a display for constant monitoring of suction forces currently applied.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device has a function for automatic generation of a selectable suction force at each of the first, second, and third vacuum suction cups.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device has a function for manual generation of a selectable suction force at each of the first, second, and third vacuum suction cups.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device has a function for reset of suction force applied by the first, second, and third vacuum suction cups.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device is connected with a rechargeable battery or with a power supply of a vehicle.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, and third arms has threaded bores for affixation of screw connection parts for the camera or the component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0054] In the drawings,

[0055] FIG. 1 is a 3-dimensional view of the entire mounting;

[0056] FIG. 2 is a top view of the mounting;

[0057] FIG. 3 is a side view of the mounting (fastened on horizontally);

[0058] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mounting (fastened on vertically);

[0059] FIG. 5 shows the mounting fastened on in space-saving, fan-like manner;

[0060] FIG. 6 shows the mounting fastened on in three different planes; and

[0061] FIG. 7 shows the mounting fastened on in angled manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] The mounting 1 shown in FIG. 1 preferably has the three arms 2, 3, 4, which are connected with one another by way of the tilt axle 5 of the two-part mounting 6. Each arm 2, 3, 4 has an associated vacuum suction cup 7, 8, 9. By way of the lever 10, the tilt axle 5 and the two-part mounting 6 with the arms 2, 3, 4 can be firmly locked in place in a movement direction. The second movement direction can be locked in place by way of locking elements (Allen screws) in the rotation axles 12 of the arms 2 and 4 after alignment on the vehicle.

[0063] The third movement direction can be locked in place by way of the lever 11 on the tilt axle 14 between arm 3 and vacuum suction cup 9.

[0064] Different threaded bores 13 are introduced on each arm 2, 3, 4 into which bores screw-connection elements of the camera or of the other components are screwed.

[0065] On the underside of each arm 2, 3, 4, guides, not shown, for the connection lines to the control device, also not shown, are arranged, which device is coupled with a vacuum pump.

[0066] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.