Patent Description:
When video shooting with a camcorder, it requires to mount to a stable support, tripod or other devices. A camcorder is often fixed by a connection apparatus, for example a connection plate or a quick connection coupler with double calipers. However, there are troublesome problems in mounting and detaching the camcorder fixed by the above connection apparatus, which thereby causing a delay in the mounting and detaching, and even miss the opportunity to capture the crucial moment of a photo or a video. A releasable coupling disclosed by <CIT> comprises a socket member for mounting in a machine tool drive spindle and a spigot received in the socket member which has a driving engagement with the spigot. A collar movable between locking and release positions about the socket member has internal cam formation acting on retaining balls which engage an annular groove about the spigot to retain it in the socket. Release movement of the collar enables the balls to radially retract for withdrawal of the spigot. The collar is spring loaded towards the locking position and a spring loaded ball is arranged to engage a flange of the socket member to hold the collar in the release position, which ball is disengaged by a flange of the spigot on full insertion of the latter in to the socket in order to obtain automatic spring loaded turning of the collar to the locking position where it is retained by spring loaded pawl mechanism releasable by an externally operable plunger.

The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide a detachable quick connection apparatus which overcomes the above shortcomings and a photographic equipment assembly having the detachable quick connection apparatus.

The present disclosure provides a detachable quick connection apparatus for photographic equipment, comprising a locking means comprising a fixed seat of which a sidewall is provided with at least one through hole, and a driving means sleeved around the fixed seat and rotatable relative to the fixed seat between a locking position and a releasing position, at least one latching member being provided between the fixed seat and the driving means; and a connection assembly detachably mounted in the locking means, of which a periphery is provided with an engagement slot which is engaged by the latching member at the locking position through the through hole; the locking means further comprises a locking member provided in the driving means and a locking spring arranged between the fixed seat and the driving means, the locking member comprises a pushing member, a locating member and a first elastic member which abut against each other and are mounted in the driving means, when the driving means is at the releasing position, the locating member is at least partially engaged between the fixed seat and the driving means so that the driving means is stopped at the releasing position.

In some embodiments, a stepped hole is defined in the fixed seat, the stepped hole comprises a first receiving hole and a second receiving hole arranged axially, the pushing member is movably arranged in the first receiving hole of the stepped hole, when the driving means is at the releasing position, the locating member is at least partially engaged into the second receiving hole of the stepped hole and abuts against the pushing member, an end of the pushing member protrudes from the stepped hole.

In some embodiments, a length of the locating member of the locking member in an axial direction of the stepped hole is more than a length of the second receiving hole of the stepped hole in the axial direction.

In some embodiments, an inner surface of the driving means comprises an acting portion which is spaced apart from an outer surface of the fixed seat with a gap formed there between, and the gap has a width which is wider in a first circumferential side of the acting portion and narrower in an opposite second circumferential side of the acting portion, each of the at least one latching member locates in a respective gap, when the driving means rotates relative to the fixed seat, the acting portion rotates along its circumferential direction, the first circumferential side of the acting portion is aligned with the through hole at the releasing position, the second circumferential side of the acting portion is aligned with the through hole at the locking position.

In some embodiments, a first locating hole is defined on the acting portion for receiving the locating member and the first elastic member of the locking member.

In some embodiments, at least one protrusion is provided on an flange of the fixed seat adjacent to the connection assembly, the connection assembly is provided with a locating slot matching with the protrusion.

According to the invention, the locking means comprises a driving member, the driving means comprises a second locating hole, the driving member is provided in the second locating hole.

Further according to the invention, a releasing means facing the fixed seat is mounted in the connection assembly is, the releasing means is arranged corresponding to a position of the second locating hole.

Also according to the invention, the releasing means comprises a fixing member and a releasing member movable relative to the fixing member, a driving block of the driving member protrudes into the releasing member at the locking member, when the connection assembly is released, the driving means is rotated from the locking position to the releasing position, the driving block drives the releasing member to rotate, the pushing member of the locking member protrudes into the releasing member at the releasing position.

The present disclosure also provides a photographic equipment assembly comprising a camera stand, the photographic equipment assembly further comprises the above detachable quick connection apparatus for photographic equipment, the detachable quick connection apparatus is mounted on the camera stand.

The detachable quick connection apparatus provided by the present disclosure is simple in the structure, compact, easy to carry and convenient to assemble and disassemble. The apparatus can achieve locking automatically, has a reliable locking effect and improves the security of the connection.

The further features of the present disclosure will be apparent from the descriptions of the preferred embodiments which are only provided by means of examples in conjunction with accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The present disclosure will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments so that the objective and the advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent.

As shown in <FIG>, a photographic equipment assembly <NUM> according to the present disclosure includes a camera stand <NUM> and a detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM>. The detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM> is mounted onto the camera stand <NUM>. In the embodiment, the camera stand <NUM> is a tripod, and the detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM> is connected with the camera stand <NUM> by means of for example threaded connection. The camera stand <NUM> can be the same as or similar to those known in the prior art, so it will not be discussed in detail here.

Referring to <FIG>, a detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a connection assembly <NUM> and a locking means <NUM>. The connection assembly <NUM> is detachably connected to and fixed in the locking means <NUM>. The connection assembly <NUM> includes a connection plate <NUM> and a connection seat <NUM> mounted thereon. The connection plate <NUM> includes two axial ends opposite to each other, wherein the upper end is configured to install a camera or a platform, and the lower end is configured to be connected with the connection seat <NUM>. The connection seat <NUM> is substantially in a cylinder shape, of which a periphery is provided with an engagement slot <NUM>. In this embodiment, the connection plate <NUM> substantially has a disc shape. It can be appreciated that the connection plate <NUM> can also be designed as other available configurations. In this embodiment, the engagement slot <NUM> is an annular slot. Preferably, the engagement slot <NUM> is recessed along the peripheral sidewall of the connection seat <NUM>. In this embodiment, the upper end of the connection plate <NUM> is provided with a plurality of screws for connection with a camera. Preferably, the connection plate <NUM> is connected onto the connection plate <NUM> by a plurality of screws. It is also preferred that the connection seat <NUM> can be also connected onto the connection plate <NUM> in other known manners.

Referring to <FIG>, the locking means <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a fixed seat <NUM> mounted on the base <NUM> and a driving means <NUM>. The driving means <NUM> is mounted around the fixed seat <NUM> and is arranged between an upper end of the fixed seat <NUM> and the base <NUM>. A latching member <NUM> is provided between the driving means <NUM> and the fixed seat <NUM>. In this embodiment, the base <NUM> is connected to the bottom of the fixed seat <NUM> by a first fastening member <NUM>. The fixed seat <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and hollow, having a receiving space <NUM> in which the connection assembly <NUM> is locked. A flange <NUM> extends radially outward from an end of the fixed seat <NUM> adjacent to the connection assembly <NUM>. At least one protrusion <NUM> is perpendicularly provided on the flange <NUM>. A lower surface of the connection assembly <NUM> is provided with at least one locating slot <NUM> matching with the protrusion <NUM>. When the connection assembly <NUM> is connected onto the locking means <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> is engaged into the locating slot <NUM> to prevent a rotation of the connection assembly <NUM> relative to the fixed seat <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is preferably configured to have a wider upper portion and a narrower lower portion, and in this embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> is in an isosceles trapezoid shape with above configuration. Accordingly, the configuration of the locating slot <NUM> is matched with the protrusion <NUM> so that the protrusion <NUM> can be fittingly engaged with the locating slot <NUM> without gaps. Preferably, the height of the protrusion <NUM> is greater than the depth of the locating slot <NUM> so that a fittingly engagement is still ensured by the effect of a slope of the protrusion even though the locating slot <NUM> becomes larger because of wear after the apparatus having been used for a long time. At least one through hole <NUM> is defined in a sidewall of the fixed seat <NUM>. In this embodiment, a plurality of radial through holes <NUM> are provided, with each through hole <NUM> is provided with a latching member <NUM> which is movably arranged thereat. The latching member <NUM> can move inwards along a radial direction of the fixed seat <NUM> under an action of a radially inward force to at least partially pass through the through hole <NUM> to be engaged into the engagement slot <NUM>, and can move outwards along the radial direction of the fixed seat <NUM> under an action of a radially outward force to be disengaged from the engagement slot <NUM>. In this embodiment, the latching member <NUM> is a ball. The diameter of the latching member <NUM> is larger than the diameter of the through hole <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the latching member <NUM> only partially exposes from the through hole <NUM> to engage into the engagement slot <NUM> of the connection seat <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM>, preventing from being separated from the through hole <NUM> and dropping into the engagement slot <NUM>. It can be appreciated that the latching member <NUM> can also be designed as other configurations which can be engaged into the engagement slot <NUM>. Moreover, the protrusion <NUM> can be omitted when the engagement slot <NUM> is configured as a plurality of recessed grooves provided at intervals.

The driving means <NUM> includes a driving body <NUM> and at least one handle <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the driving body <NUM>. The driving means <NUM> is mounted around the fixed seat <NUM> and can rotate relative there to. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an inner surface of the driving body <NUM> includes an acting portion <NUM>, which is spaced apart from an outer surface of the fixed seat <NUM> with a gap <NUM> formed there between, and the gap <NUM> has a width which is wider in a first circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> and narrower in an opposite second circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM>. Each latching member <NUM> locates in a respective gap <NUM> and is corresponding to a through hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>, as such, when the driving means <NUM> rotates relative to the fixed seat <NUM>, the acting portion <NUM> rotates accordingly along the circumferential direction so that to vary the width of the gap <NUM> at the position between the inner surface of the driving body <NUM> and the position of the through hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>. When the first circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion is aligned with the through hole <NUM>, the latching member <NUM> can be entirely received into the gap <NUM> without protruding from the through hole <NUM> into the fixed seat <NUM>. When the second circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> is aligned with the through hole <NUM>, the latching member <NUM> is pressed by the inner surface of the acting portion <NUM> due to a reduction of width of the gap <NUM> to pass through the through hole <NUM> and partially protrude into the fixed seat <NUM>, thereby locking the connection seat <NUM>. Therefore, in this context, a position of the first circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> aligned with the through hole <NUM> is defined as a releasing position, and a position of the second circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> aligned with the through hole <NUM> is defined as a locking position.

The locking means <NUM> includes a locking member <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> includes a pushing member <NUM>, a locating member <NUM> and a first elastic member <NUM>. The locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> are mounted in the driving means <NUM>. The locating member <NUM> abuts against a top end of the first elastic member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the locking member <NUM> further includes an auxiliary member <NUM> abutting against a lower end of the first elastic member <NUM>. Preferably, the auxiliary member <NUM> is ball shaped in order to smoothly rotate and avoiding damaging the base <NUM>. A stepped hole <NUM> is provided in the flange <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>. The pushing member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is movably arranged in the stepped hole <NUM>. As shown in cross-section E of <FIG>, the stepped hole <NUM> includes a first receiving hole <NUM> and a second receiving hole <NUM> arranged axially. The pushing member <NUM> is movably arranged in the first receiving hole <NUM> and a bottom end of the pushing member <NUM> is stopped at a bottom end of the first receiving hole <NUM>. The locating member <NUM> is dimensioned to be able to partially protrude into the second receiving hole <NUM> of the stepped hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>. In this embodiment, the locating member <NUM> is ball shaped. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the driving means <NUM> is at the locking position, the locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> are offset from the limit hole <NUM> and thus offset from the pushing member <NUM> in the limit hole <NUM>, and the first elastic member <NUM> is in a compressed condition. In the meanwhile, the pushing member <NUM> is located in the stepped hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>. When the driving means <NUM> is rotated from the locking position to the releasing position, the locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> rotate in a direction A with the driving means <NUM> until the locating member <NUM> moves to the position of the second receiving hole <NUM> of the stepped hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>, the locating member <NUM> partially moves into the second receiving hole <NUM> of the stepped hole <NUM> under an action of the first elastic member <NUM> and meanwhile jack up the pushing member <NUM> in a movement direction B. Since the locating member <NUM> which is circumferentially stationary with respect to the driving means <NUM> is snapped into the second receiving hole <NUM> of the stepped hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>, the driving means <NUM> retains at the releasing position under an action of the first locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first elastic member <NUM> is a longitudinally disposed spring.

Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, an end of the fixed seat <NUM> away from the flange <NUM> is provided with a groove <NUM>, an end of the groove <NUM> is provided with a first stopping portion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the driving means <NUM> is provided with a limiting notch <NUM> at a position corresponding to the groove <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>. An end of the limiting notch <NUM> away from the first stopping portion <NUM> of the groove <NUM> is provided with a second stopping portion <NUM>. The groove <NUM> and the limiting notch <NUM> form a receiving space to receive a locking spring <NUM> arranged circumferentially. Two ends of the locking spring <NUM> are respectively abutting against the first stopping portion <NUM> and the second stopping portion <NUM>. When the driving means <NUM> is at the releasing position, the locking spring <NUM> is in a compressed condition.

Referring to <FIG>, the acting portion <NUM> of the driving means <NUM> forms the first circumferential side <NUM> and the second circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> by protruding radially inwardly with different dimensions. The distance between a surface of the acting portion <NUM> and the periphery of the driving body <NUM> varies, a distance corresponding to the first circumferential side <NUM> at the releasing position is greater than a distance corresponding to the second circumferential side <NUM> at the locking position. In this embodiment, a couple pair of first circumferential side <NUM> and second circumferential side <NUM> adjacent to each other are provided in the circumferential direction of the acting portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first circumferential side <NUM> is designed as a hole recessed radially outwardly, which is preferably semicircular. Preferably, the second circumferential side <NUM> is a curved surface. For a better operation of the driving means <NUM>, a transitional surface <NUM> is further provided between the first circumferential side <NUM> and the second circumferential side <NUM>. A distance of the transitional surface <NUM> spaced apart from the periphery of the driving body <NUM> is between the distance of the first circumferential side <NUM> away from the periphery of the driving body <NUM> and the distance of the second circumferential side <NUM> spaced away from the periphery of the driving body <NUM>. Preferably, the transitional surface <NUM> is provided as a inclined surface. In order to make the latching member <NUM> of the detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM> smoothly move on the acting portion <NUM>, each surfaces of the acting portion <NUM> has a rounded transition. Based on this, the gap <NUM> is defined among the first circumferential side <NUM>, the second circumferential side <NUM> and the transitional surface <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> and the outer surface of the fixed seat <NUM>. Different positions of the acting portion <NUM> can face the latching member <NUM> with the rotation of the driving means <NUM> relative to the fixed seat <NUM> and thus change the size of the gap <NUM> so that the latching member <NUM> moves in the gap <NUM> to realize a movement of the latching gap <NUM> between the releasing position and the locking position. A first locating hole <NUM> is defined on the acting portion <NUM>, for receiving the locating member <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM> and the auxiliary member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. The locating member <NUM> can be engaged between the stepped hole <NUM> and the first locating hole <NUM> of the driving means <NUM>, that is, a part of the locating member <NUM> is engaged in the second receiving hole <NUM> of the stepped hole <NUM>, and the other part of the locating member <NUM> is engaged in the first locating hole <NUM>, so that the driving means <NUM> is held at the releasing position under an action of the locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM>. In this embodiment, a length of the locating member <NUM> in an axial direction of the stepped hole is larger than a length of the second receiving hole <NUM> in the axial direction.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the driving body <NUM> of the driving means <NUM> defines a second locating hole <NUM>. The second locating hole <NUM> is provided with a driving member <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> includes a driving block <NUM> and a second elastic member <NUM>, and the driving block <NUM> abuts against an upper end of the second elastic member <NUM>. Preferably, the second elastic member <NUM> is a longitudinally disposed spring. An upper end of the driving block <NUM> protrudes from the second locating hole <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second locating hole <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the first locating hole <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower surface of the connection plate <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM> of the detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM> is provided with a releasing means <NUM>. The releasing means <NUM> is arranged corresponding to positions of the first locating hole <NUM> and the second locating hole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lower surface of the connection plate <NUM> is provided with at least one first limiting slot <NUM>, a second limiting slot <NUM> and a recess <NUM> at a position for mounting the releasing means <NUM>. In this embodiment, the connection assembly <NUM> is provided with two limiting slots <NUM>. The limiting slots <NUM> are arranged adjacent to an edge of the lower surface of the connection plate <NUM>. The second limiting slot <NUM> is arranged adjacent to an inner side of the first limiting slot <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is arranged at an end of the second limiting slot <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the releasing means <NUM> includes a fixing member <NUM>, a releasing member <NUM> and a restoring spring <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> is fixed on the connection assembly <NUM>, the releasing member <NUM> is clamped between the fixing member <NUM> and the connection assembly <NUM>. In this embodiment, each of two ends of the fixing member <NUM> is provided with a fixing hole <NUM>, by means of which a second fastening member <NUM> connects the fixing member <NUM> to the connection assembly <NUM> so that the fixing member <NUM> can clamp the releasing member <NUM> between the fixing member <NUM> and the connection assembly <NUM>. Preferably, the fixing member <NUM> has an annular sector profile. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the releasing member <NUM> includes a releasing body <NUM>. A radial side of the releasing body <NUM> is provided with a clamping portion <NUM> which is clamped between the fixing member <NUM> and the connection assembly <NUM> and can move relative to the fixing member <NUM> and the connection assembly <NUM>. The clamping portion <NUM> can be a radially extending portion. In this embodiment, the clamping portion <NUM> is a projection and is arranged beyond the releasing body <NUM>. A surface of the clamping portion <NUM> away from the connection assembly <NUM> overlaps the fixing member <NUM>, the releasing body <NUM> is located outside of the fixing member <NUM>. The clamping portion <NUM> is movably arranged in a second limiting slot <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM>. Preferably, an end of the releasing body <NUM> is provided with a limiting portion <NUM> facing the connection assembly <NUM>, the limiting portion <NUM> is movably arranged in one of the first limiting slots <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM>. The restoring spring <NUM> is connected between the connection assembly <NUM> and the releasing member <NUM>.

The releasing member <NUM> can move around a center of the connection assembly <NUM> relative to the fixing member <NUM>. The clamping portion <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> is provided with a first releasing hole <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> is provided with a second releasing hole <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second releasing hole <NUM> is arranged in a circumferential central portion of the fixing member <NUM>. The releasing body <NUM> defines a driving hole <NUM>. When the driving means <NUM> is located at the locking position, the second releasing hole <NUM> of the fixing member <NUM> is offset from the first releasing hole <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM>. When the driving means <NUM> is located at the releasing position, the second releasing hole <NUM> is aligned with the first releasing hole <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when the driving means <NUM> is located at the locking position, the driving block <NUM> of the driving member <NUM> located in the second locating hole <NUM> of the driving means <NUM> is partially inserted into the driving hole <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when the driving means <NUM> is rotated, the driving block <NUM> drives the releasing member <NUM> to rotate. When the driving means <NUM> is rotated to the releasing position, the first releasing hole <NUM> of the clamping portion <NUM> and the second releasing hole <NUM> of the fixing member <NUM> are aligned so that the pushing member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> passes through the second releasing hole <NUM> under an action of the locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> to partially enter into the first releasing hole <NUM>. In such a way, the driving means <NUM> is retained at the releasing position and thus kept at a releasing state.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, when the connection assembly <NUM> is needed to be locked in the fixed seat <NUM>, it only requires to press the connection assembly <NUM> into the fixed seat <NUM>. During the pressing, an end of the connection assembly <NUM> or the releasing member <NUM> presses downwards the locking member <NUM>, the pushing member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> moves downwardly in a movement direction C so that the locating member <NUM> and an upper end of the first elastic member <NUM> move downwardly, and the locating member <NUM> separates from the stepped hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM> so that the engagement of the driving means <NUM> and the fixed seat <NUM> is released. As a result, the compressed locking spring <NUM> is restored and extended and push the driving means <NUM> which is retained at the releasing position to rotate to the locking position, and then the latching member <NUM> engages into the engagement slot <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM> under an action of the acting portion <NUM> of the driving means <NUM>. Meanwhile, the rotation of the driving means <NUM> drives the locking member <NUM> in a rotation direction D and drives the driving block <NUM> to rotate to the driving hole <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> of the releasing means <NUM>, and therefore the driving block <NUM> partially enters into the driving hole <NUM> under an action of the second elastic member <NUM>. When the driving means <NUM> is rotated from the locking position to the releasing position, the driving block <NUM> is rotated with the driving means <NUM> to drive the releasing member <NUM> to move with respect to the fixing member <NUM> so that the first releasing hole <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> is aligned with the second releasing hole <NUM> of the fixing member <NUM> to provide a movement space for the pushing member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>, and the locating member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> is located in the stepped hole <NUM> and the first locating hole <NUM> so that the driving means <NUM> is kept at the releasing state without any external force, which makes the connection assembly <NUM> be separated easier. Especially when a camera is mounted on the connection assembly <NUM>, since the weight of the camera is applied on the connection assembly <NUM>, the above configuration makes the releasing of the connection assembly <NUM> easier.

In order to describe the releasing process of the detachable quick connection apparatus, referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> again, when the driving means <NUM> rotates from the locking position to the releasing position, the driving means <NUM> is rotated relative to the fixed seat <NUM>, and the driving block <NUM> of the driving member <NUM> moves with the rotation of the driving means <NUM> and drives the releasing member <NUM> to move with respect to the fixing member <NUM> by the driving hole <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> of the releasing means <NUM>, which results in change of position of the acting portion <NUM> of the driving means <NUM> correspond to the through hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>, and the locating member <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> moving in a rotation direction A with the driving means <NUM>. When the driving means <NUM> is at the releasing position, the first releasing hole <NUM> of the releasing member <NUM> is aligned with the second releasing hole <NUM> of the fixing member <NUM>, and the locating member <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> moves to the position of the stepped hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM>, the locating member <NUM> partially enters into the stepped hole <NUM> under an action of the first elastic member <NUM> to upwardly jack up the pushing member <NUM> in the movement direction B to make the pushing member <NUM> enter into the movement space which is formed when the first releasing hole <NUM> is aligned with the second releasing hole <NUM>, and the locating member <NUM> is engaged in the stepped hole <NUM> under an action of the first elastic member <NUM>, so that the driving means <NUM> is locked at the releasing position. Meanwhile, the first circumferential side <NUM> of the acting portion <NUM> is corresponding to the through hole <NUM> of the fixed seat <NUM> to provide a releasable gap for the latching member <NUM> so that the latching member <NUM> can be removed from the engagement slot <NUM> of the connection seat <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM>, and thus the locking of the connection assembly <NUM> in its axial direction is removed to release the connection assembly <NUM> from the locking means <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides the detachable quick connection apparatus <NUM> which is simple in the structure, compact, easy to carry and convenient to assemble and disassemble. The apparatus can lock automatically, has a reliable locking effect and improves the security of the connection.

Claim 1:
A detachable quick connection apparatus (<NUM>) for photographic equipment, comprising:
a locking means (<NUM>) comprising a fixed seat (<NUM>) of which a sidewall is provided with at least one through hole (<NUM>), and a driving means (<NUM>) mounted around the fixed seat (<NUM>) and rotatable relative to the fixed seat (<NUM>) between a locking position and a releasing position, at least one latching member (<NUM>) being provided between the fixed seat (<NUM>) and the driving means (<NUM>); and
a connection assembly (<NUM>) detachably mounted in the locking means (<NUM>), of which a periphery is provided with an engagement slot (<NUM>) which is engaged by the latching member (<NUM>) at the locking position through the through hole (<NUM>);
the locking means (<NUM>) further comprises a locking member (<NUM>) provided in the driving means (<NUM>) and a locking spring (<NUM>) arranged between the fixed seat (<NUM>) and the driving means (<NUM>), the locking member (<NUM>) comprises a pushing member (<NUM>), a locating member (<NUM>) and a first elastic member (<NUM>) which abut against each other and are mounted in the driving means (<NUM>), when the driving means (<NUM>) is at the releasing position, the locating member (<NUM>) is at least partially engaged between the fixed seat (<NUM>) and the driving means (<NUM>) so that the driving means (<NUM>) is stopped at the releasing position,
wherein the locking means (<NUM>) comprises a driving member (<NUM>), the driving means (<NUM>) comprises a second locating hole (<NUM>), the driving member (<NUM>) is provided in the second locating hole (<NUM>),
wherein a releasing means (<NUM>) facing the fixed seat (<NUM>) is mounted in the connection assembly (<NUM>), the releasing means (<NUM>) is arranged corresponding to a position of the second locating hole (<NUM>),
characterized in that the releasing means (<NUM>) comprises a fixing member (<NUM>) and a releasing member (<NUM>) movable relative to the fixing member (<NUM>), a driving block (<NUM>) of the driving member (<NUM>) protrudes into the releasing member (<NUM>) at the locking member (<NUM>), when the connection assembly (<NUM>) is released, the driving means (<NUM>) is rotated from the locking position to the releasing position, the driving block (<NUM>) drives the releasing member (<NUM>) to rotate, the pushing member (<NUM>) of the locking member (<NUM>) protrudes into the releasing member (<NUM>) at the releasing position.