JP7765341B2 - Laser level - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates generally to laser markers, and more particularly to laser markers with legs.

Conventionally, laser marking devices (laser marking devices) that emit a line of light as a reference line to be drawn on a wall or ceiling surface during housing construction or electrical work have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The laser marking device described in Patent Document 1 has a light source that emits a light beam (laser light) for marking, a light projecting lens that converts the light beam into parallel light, and a cylindrical lens that converts the parallel light into a fan-shaped line light, all held on a frame.

JP 2010-025631 A

With a laser marker such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to improve the stability of the laser marker when it is installed on an installation surface.

This disclosure has been made in light of the above reasons, and aims to provide a laser marker that has improved stability when installed on an installation surface.

A laser level according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a light source, a main body, and a leg. The light source emits laser light. The main body holds the light source. The leg is placed on an installation surface and supports the main body. The leg has three or more legs configured to be rotatable between a closed position and an open position. One of the three or more legs, a main leg, has a storage section. The storage section stores a battery that causes the light source to emit the laser light. The storage section has a contact surface that comes into contact with the installation surface.

The laser marker according to the above aspect of the present disclosure can improve stability when installed on an installation surface.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser marking device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the laser marking device. FIG. 3 is a side view of the laser marking device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main leg of the laser marker. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the main landing gear. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a storage section of the main landing gear. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sub-leg of the laser marker. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that common elements in the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of common elements may be omitted. The following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiment may be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the objective of the present disclosure is achieved.

The figures described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Below, the top, bottom, left, right, front, back (top, bottom, left, right, front, back in Figure 1) are basically described as top, bottom, left, right, front, back when the laser level 1 is installed on a horizontal installation surface. The top, bottom, left, right, and front, back directions are all orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the installation orientation of the laser level 1 is not limited to the orientations described above. Note that the arrows indicating each direction in the figures are merely examples and are not intended to dictate the direction in which the laser level 1 should be used. Furthermore, the arrows indicating each direction in the figures are merely for explanatory purposes and do not represent a physical entity.

In this disclosure, "orthogonal (perpendicular)" does not only refer to a state in which the angle between two things is exactly 90 degrees, but also refers to a state in which two things are perpendicular to each other within a certain margin of error. In other words, the angle between two orthogonal things is within a certain range of error (for example, 10 degrees or less) from 90 degrees. In other words, "orthogonal" in this disclosure includes cases in which the angle between two things is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. Similarly, "parallel" in this disclosure includes not only a state in which two things do not strictly intersect, but also a state in which two things are parallel within a certain margin of error. For example, "parallel" in this disclosure includes cases in which one thing is inclined at an angle of 10 degrees or less relative to the other. In other words, "parallel" in this disclosure includes cases in which the angle between one thing and the other is between -10 degrees and 10 degrees.

(1) Overview First, an overview of a laser marking device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The laser level 1 is used at work sites where house construction, electrical work, etc. are being carried out. The laser level 1 is installed on a mounting surface such as the floor of the work site. When installed on the mounting surface, the laser level 1 emits point light L1, which is a point-shaped laser beam, horizontal line light L3, which is a horizontally linear laser beam, and vertical line light L2, which is a vertically linear laser beam. The point light L1 is emitted upward, the horizontal line light L3 is emitted forward, and the vertical line light is emitted forward and upward. These point light L1, horizontal line light L3, and vertical line light L2 are used as reference points and reference lines to be marked on wall or ceiling surfaces when house construction, electrical work, etc. are being carried out. In the following description, the point light L1, horizontal line light L3, and vertical line light L2 may be collectively referred to as laser light.

In this embodiment, the direction in which the main body 2 and the leg 3 are aligned is defined as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the direction from the leg 3 toward the main body 2 is defined as the upward direction (upward), and the direction from the main body 2 toward the leg 3 is defined as the downward direction (downward).

The laser marking device 1 of this embodiment comprises a light source 10, a main body 2, and a leg 3.

Light source 10 is a light source that emits laser light.

The main body 2 holds the light source 10.

The legs 3 are placed on the installation surface and support the main body 2.

The leg unit 3 has three or more legs 31 that are configured to be rotatable between a closed position and an open position. In this embodiment, the leg unit 3 has three legs 31.

The main leg 5, which is one of the three or more legs 31, has a storage compartment 8 that houses a battery that enables the light source 10 to emit laser light.

The storage section 8 has a contact surface 886 that comes into contact with the installation surface.

With the laser marker 1 of this embodiment, the contact surface 886 of the storage section 8 comes into contact with the installation surface, thereby improving the stability of the laser marker 1 when installed on the installation surface.

(2) Details The detailed configuration of the laser marking device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.

As shown in Figure 1, the laser marking device 1 of this embodiment includes a main body 2, a leg 3, an operating unit 7 (see Figure 2), and a light source 10.

(2.1) Main Body As shown in FIG. 1 , the main body 2 has a cylindrical outer shape. At least a portion of the exterior of the main body 2 in this embodiment is covered with multiple buffer members (elastic members) 21. The multiple buffer members 21 are made of a material that absorbs shock, such as urethane. By covering at least a portion of the exterior of the main body 2 with the multiple buffer members 21, the multiple buffer members 21 absorb the shock, protecting the laser marker 1 from shock, for example, if the laser marker 1 tumbles or is dropped. Note that the laser marker 1 may be provided with only one buffer member 21.

The main body 2 houses (holds) the light source 10 and the optical system.

As described above, light source 10 is a light source that emits laser light. Light source 10 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser element. In this embodiment, light source 10 emits green laser light. However, the color of the laser light emitted by light source 10 is not limited to green, and may be red or blue.

The optical system of this embodiment has multiple optical components, such as a beam splitter, a reflecting member, and an output lens. The optical system divides the laser light emitted by the light source 10 into point light L1, horizontal line light L3, and vertical line light L2.

In addition, the main body 2 of this embodiment has a first exit window 22, a second exit window 23, and a third exit window 24.

The first exit window 22 is located near the center of the top surface of the main body 2. The shape of the first exit window 22 is elliptical when viewed from above (planar view). The first exit window 22 is an area for emitting the point light L1 to the outside of the main body 2. The first exit window 22 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or glass, and is transparent.

The second exit window 23 is provided in a recess formed across the top surface and side peripheral surface of the main body 2. When viewed from above, the second exit window 23 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the front-to-rear direction. The second exit window 23 slopes downward from near the center of the top surface of the main body 2 toward the end (side peripheral surface side). The second exit window 23 is an area for emitting the vertical line light L2 to the outside of the main body 2. The second exit window 23 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or glass, and is transparent.

The third exit window 24 is provided on the front side of the side surface of the main body 2. When viewed from the front (plan view), the third exit window 24 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the left-right direction. The third exit window 24 is an area for emitting the horizontal line light L3 to the outside of the main body 2. The third exit window 24 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or glass, and is transparent.

Multiple recesses 26 (one in the example shown in Figure 1) are formed at the bottom end of the main body 2. In this embodiment, three recesses 26 are formed in the main body 2. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the three recesses 26, each of the three recesses 26 may be simply referred to as a "recess 26."

The recess 26 is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the main body 2. The recess 26 is also recessed (inward) from the side periphery of the main body 2 toward the center of the main body 2. As shown in Figure 6, multiple protrusions 261 (four in the example of Figure 6) are formed on the upper surface 260 of the recess 26. The multiple protrusions 261 protrude downward.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recesses 26 are provided with a plurality of rotation shafts 25 (two in the example of FIG. 1) that correspond one-to-one with the recesses 26. In this embodiment, the three recesses 26 are provided with three rotation shafts 25 that correspond one-to-one with the three recesses 26.

The axis of each of the three rotation shafts 25 is located on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the three imaginary axes extending from the three rotation shafts 25 intersect at 60 degrees with each other. In other words, the three imaginary axes extending from the three rotation shafts 25 form an equilateral triangle. Three legs 31 are attached to the three rotation shafts 25 in one-to-one correspondence with the three rotation shafts 25. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the three rotation shafts 25, each of the three rotation shafts 25 may be simply referred to as the "rotation shaft 25."

(2.2) Legs As described above, the legs 3 are placed on the installation surface and support the main body 2. The legs 3 of this embodiment have three legs 31. The three legs 31 of this embodiment include one main leg 5. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the three legs 31, each of the three legs 31 may be simply referred to as a "leg 31." Furthermore, each of the two legs 31 that are not the main legs 5 of the three legs 31 may be referred to as a "sub-leg 4." The main leg 5 of this embodiment has the largest mass of the three legs 31 when no battery is stored in the storage section 8.

As mentioned above, each of the three legs 31 is attached to one of the three rotation shafts 25 provided at the bottom end of the main body 2.

The legs 31 are configured to be rotatable between a closed position and an open position around the rotation axis 25. Figure 1 shows the laser level 1 with the three legs 31 in the open position. Figures 2 and 3 show the laser level 1 with the three legs 31 in the closed position. In the following description, the direction in which the legs 31 move from the closed position to the open position may be referred to as "outward." Additionally, the direction in which the legs 31 move from the open position to the closed position may be referred to as "inward." As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shape of the legs 3 is rod-shaped when all three legs 31 are in the closed position.

(2.3) Main Landing Gear As shown in Fig. 4, the main landing gear 5 of this embodiment has a columnar outer diameter. The main landing gear 5 of this embodiment includes a first base portion 50, a storage portion 8, and a buffer member (elastic member) 6.

5, the first base 50 of this embodiment has a box-like shape with an open inner surface. The first base 50 of this embodiment is made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin.

The first base 50 has a first side plate 51, a pair of second side plates 52, a first bottom plate 53, a top plate 54, an inclined plate 55, a connecting portion 56, a second bottom plate 57, and a pair of third side plates 58.

The first side plate 51 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The first side plate 51 is also rounded on the outward (rearward) side. A round hole 511 is formed in the center of the first side plate 51. The hole 511 is a hole for exposing the operating unit 7 to the outside of the main leg 5.

The pair of second side plates 52 protrude inward (forward) from both ends of the first side plate 51 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The pair of second side plates 52 are formed in the shape of rectangular flat plates.

The first bottom plate 53 protrudes inward from the lower end of the first side plate 51. The first bottom plate 53 is formed so as to be continuous with the lower end of the first side plate 51 and the lower ends of the pair of second side plates 52. The first bottom plate 53 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the first bottom plate 53 is parallel to the up-down direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position.

The inclined plate 55 protrudes inward from the upper end of the first side plate 51. More specifically, when the main landing gear 5 is in the closed position, the inclined plate 55 protrudes inward and upward from the upper end of the first side plate 51. The inclined plate 55 is formed so as to be continuous with the upper end of the first side plate 51 and the upper ends of the pair of second side plates 52. The inclined plate 55 is formed in a flat plate shape.

Here, at least a portion of the first side plate 51, the pair of second side plates 52, and the inclined plate 55 of this embodiment function as a gripping portion 59 for holding the laser marking device 1. In this embodiment, the first side plate 51, the pair of second side plates 52, and the inclined plate 55 function as the gripping portion 59. In other words, the main leg 5 of this embodiment has a gripping portion 59.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when all three legs 31 are in the closed position, the pair of second side plates 52 and the inclined plate 55 protrude away from the center of the main body 2 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the main body 2 and the legs 3 are aligned (vertical direction). In other words, when all three legs 31 are in the closed position, the grip portion 59 of the main leg 5 protrudes away from the center of the main body 2 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the main body 2 and the legs 3 are aligned (vertical direction). The grip portion 59 protruding away from the center of the main body 2 allows the user of the laser level 1 to hold the laser level 1 by, for example, hooking their fingers on the grip portion 59. Therefore, the laser level 1 of this embodiment can improve stability when the user holds the laser level 1.

Furthermore, the grip portion 59 of this embodiment includes the portion that is farthest from the center of the main body 2 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction when all three legs 31 are in the closed position. Because the grip portion 59 includes the portion that is farthest from the center of the main body 2 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, it is easier for the user to grip the laser level 1.

In addition, the main leg 5, which has the largest mass of the three legs 31, has a grip 59, which further improves stability when the user holds the laser marking device 1.

As mentioned above, the main legs 5 of this embodiment have a storage section 8. Main legs 5 with a storage section 8 often have a greater mass than sub-legs 4. By having the grip section 59 on the main legs 5, which tend to have a greater mass, the stability of the laser level 1 can be improved when the user holds it.

The main leg 5 of this embodiment also has a buffer member 6 that covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 59. Details of the buffer member 6 will be described later, but the buffer member 6 is made of, for example, urethane. The portion of the buffer member 6 that covers the grip portion 59 functions as the grip portion 59. Covering at least a portion of the grip portion 59 with the buffer member 6 further improves stability when the user holds the laser marking device 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the top plate 54 protrudes inward from the upper end of the inclined plate 55. The top plate 54 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the top plate 54 is parallel to the up-down direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position. In other words, the top plate 54 is parallel to the first bottom plate 53.

The connecting portion 56 protrudes upward from the top plate 54 when the main landing gear 5 is in the closed position. The connecting portion 56 has a protrusion 561 and a hole 562.

The hole 562 penetrates the connecting part 56 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The rotating shaft 25 of the main body 2 passes through the hole 562. In other words, the hole 562 functions as a bearing for the rotating shaft 25.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the protrusion 561 protrudes upward and outward from the upper end of the connecting portion 56 when the main legs 5 are in the closed position. The protrusion 561 is configured to hook onto the multiple protrusions 261 on the main body 2. By hooking the protrusion 561 onto the multiple protrusions 261, the main legs 5 of this embodiment can rotate in stages between the closed position and the open position. In other words, by hooking the protrusion 561 onto the multiple protrusions 261, the main legs 5 can rest in at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. Because the main legs 5 are configured to rotate in stages between the closed position and the open position, the degree to which the main legs 5 are opened can be fine-tuned depending on the conditions of the installation surface, improving the stability of the laser level 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second bottom plate 57 protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first side plate 51. The second bottom plate 57 is formed as a flat plate parallel to the first bottom plate 53. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the second bottom plate 57 is positioned slightly above the first bottom plate 53. The second bottom plate 57 is formed so as to be continuous with the first side plate 51 and the pair of second side plates 52.

The pair of third side plates 58 protrude inward from the inner ends of the pair of second side plates 52. The pair of third side plates 58 also protrude farther away from each other as they approach the inside. The pair of third side plates 58 are formed in the shape of rectangular flat plates.

(2.5) Cushioning Member As shown in Fig. 5, the cushioning member 6 in this embodiment has a box-like shape with an open inner surface. The cushioning member 6 is made of a material that absorbs shock, such as urethane. The cushioning member 6 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the first base 50. For example, if the laser marking device 1 tips over or is dropped, the cushioning member 6 absorbs the shock, thereby protecting the main landing gear 5 from the shock.

The buffer member 6 has a first side plate 61, a pair of second side plates 62, a bottom plate 63, and an inclined plate 64.

The first side plate 61 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The first side plate 61 is also rounded outward. The first side plate 61 is positioned outside (rearward of) the first side plate 51 of the first base 50. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first side plate 61 is positioned outside the first side plate 51 of the first base 50, facing closely to the first side plate 51 of the first base 50.

A round hole 611 and a protrusion 612 are formed in the center of the first side plate 61. The hole 611 is a hole for exposing the operating unit 7 to the outside of the main leg 5. The protrusion 612 protrudes inward from the edge of the hole 611. The protrusion 612 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an inwardly recessed recess 613 is formed on the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the first side plate 61. The recess 613 is formed on the edge of the hole 611. The shape of the recess 613 is annular when viewed from behind.

The pair of second side plates 62 protrude inward from both ends of the first side plate 61 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pair of second side plates 62 are formed as rectangular flat plates. The pair of second side plates 62 are arranged to cover at least a portion of the pair of second side plates 52 of the first base 50 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, the pair of second side plates 62 are arranged to cover the pair of second side plates 52 of the first base 50 while facing the pair of second side plates 52 of the first base 50 in close contact with them.

The bottom plate 63 protrudes inward from the lower end of the first side plate 61. The bottom plate 63 is formed so as to be continuous with the lower end of the first side plate 61 and the lower ends of the pair of second side plates 62. The bottom plate 63 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the bottom plate 63 is parallel to the up-down direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position. The bottom plate 63 is disposed below the first bottom plate 53 of the first base 50. More specifically, the bottom plate 63 in this embodiment is disposed below the first bottom plate 53 of the first base 50, facing and in close contact with the first bottom plate 53 of the first base 50.

The inclined plate 64 protrudes inward from the upper end of the first side plate 61. More specifically, when the main landing gear 5 is in the closed position, the inclined plate 64 protrudes inward and upward from the upper end of the first side plate 61. The inclined plate 64 is formed so as to be continuous with the upper end of the first side plate 61 and the upper ends of the pair of second side plates 62. The inclined plate 64 is formed in a flat plate shape.

The inclined plate 64 is positioned above and outside (behind) the inclined plate 55 of the first base 50. More specifically, in this embodiment, the inclined plate 64 is positioned above and outside the inclined plate 55 of the first base 50, facing closely to the inclined plate 55 of the first base 50.

In this embodiment, the first side plate 61, the pair of second side plates 62, and the inclined plate 64 function as a grip portion 59.

(2.6) Storage Section As shown in Fig. 4, the storage section 8 is disposed inside (in front of) the first base section 50. More specifically, the storage section 8 of this embodiment is fixed to the inside of the first base section 50 with a plurality of screws. The storage section 8 of this embodiment is disposed between the top plate 54 of the first base section 50 and the second bottom plate 57 of the first base section 50 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the storage section 8 is disposed between the pair of third side plates 58 of the first base section 50 in the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (the extension direction of the rotation shaft 25 or the left-right direction).

The storage section 8 stores batteries that enable the light source 10 to emit laser light. More specifically, the storage section 8 in this embodiment is configured to store three batteries. By storing multiple batteries in the storage section 8 of the main leg 5, the laser marking device 1 can be made more compact.

Note that the storage section 8 of this embodiment stores a cylindrical battery having a central axis Ax1 (see Figure 8). More specifically, the storage section 8 of this embodiment stores three AA batteries. The batteries may be, for example, alkaline batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

As shown in Figure 7, the storage section 8 has a base 80 and a cover 86.

In this embodiment, the base 80 has a first storage section 81, a second storage section 82, and a third storage section 83.

The first storage section 81 has a first battery receiving section 811, a first bottom plate 812, and a first top plate 813 (see Figure 8).

The first battery receiving portion 811 is formed to fit the cylindrical battery. The first battery receiving portion 811 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The first battery receiving portion 811 is formed so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the vertical direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position. In addition, the surface of the first battery receiving portion 811 facing the battery is rounded to fit the side periphery of the cylindrical battery.

The first battery receiving portion 811 in this embodiment has a protrusion 814. The protrusion 814 protrudes from the surface of the first battery receiving portion 811 facing the battery toward the side periphery of the battery. Note that the protrusion amount of the protrusion 814 in this embodiment is, for example, approximately 1 mm to 3 mm. The presence of the protrusion 814 separates the battery from the first battery receiving portion 811, making it easier to remove the battery from the first storage portion 81.

In addition, the protrusion 814 in this embodiment is positioned on the negative terminal side of the battery. Because the protrusion 814 is positioned on the negative terminal side of the battery, the negative terminal side of the battery is separated from the first battery receiving portion 811. Therefore, the user can easily remove the battery by applying force to the battery in a direction against the elastic force of the spring-shaped negative terminal 84 and pulling the battery toward themselves.

The first bottom plate 812 is positioned below the battery. The first bottom plate 812 is continuous with the first battery receiving portion 811. The first bottom plate 812 is formed in a flat plate shape. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the normal to the main surface of the first bottom plate 812 is parallel to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, a spring-shaped negative terminal 84 is provided on the first bottom plate 812. The negative terminal 84 is a terminal that is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the first top plate 813 is positioned above the battery. The first top plate 813 is continuous with the first battery holder 811. The first top plate 813 is formed in a flat plate shape. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the normal to the main surface of the first top plate 813 is parallel to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, a positive terminal 85 is provided on the first top plate 813. The positive terminal 85 is a terminal that is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second storage section 82 has a second battery receiving section 821 (see FIG. 8), a second bottom plate 822, and a second top plate 823 (see FIG. 8).

The second battery receiving portion 821 is formed to fit the cylindrical battery. The second battery receiving portion 821 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The second battery receiving portion 821 is formed so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the vertical direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position. In addition, the surface of the second battery receiving portion 821 facing the battery is rounded to fit the side surface of the cylindrical battery.

The second bottom plate 822 is positioned below the battery. The second bottom plate 822 is continuous with the second battery receiving portion 821. The second bottom plate 822 is formed in a flat plate shape. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the normal to the main surface of the second bottom plate 822 is parallel to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, a positive terminal 85 is provided on the second bottom plate 822.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the second top plate 823 is positioned above the battery. The second top plate 823 is continuous with the second battery receiving portion 821. The second top plate 823 is formed in a flat plate shape. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the normal to the main surface of the second top plate 823 is parallel to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, a negative terminal 84 is provided on the second top plate 823.

As shown in Figure 7, the third storage section 83 has a third battery receiving section 831, a third bottom plate 832, and a third top plate 833 (see Figure 8).

The third battery receiving portion 831 is formed to fit the cylindrical battery. The third battery receiving portion 831 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The third battery receiving portion 831 is formed so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the vertical direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position. In addition, the surface of the third battery receiving portion 831 facing the battery is rounded to fit the side periphery of the cylindrical battery.

The third battery receiving portion 831, the first battery receiving portion 811 of the first storage portion 81, and the second battery receiving portion 821 of the second storage portion 82 are parallel. Therefore, the battery stored in the first storage portion 81, the battery stored in the second storage portion 82, and the battery stored in the third storage portion 83 are parallel. In other words, the storage portion 8 of this embodiment stores multiple batteries (three batteries) so that the central axes Ax1 of the multiple batteries are parallel. By storing multiple batteries in the storage portion 8 so that the central axes Ax1 of the multiple batteries are parallel, the laser level 1 can be further miniaturized.

The third bottom plate 832 is positioned below the battery. The third bottom plate 832 is continuous with the third battery receiving portion 831. The third bottom plate 832 is formed in a flat plate shape. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the normal to the main surface of the third bottom plate 832 is parallel to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, a positive terminal 85 is provided on the third bottom plate 832. The main surface of the third bottom plate 832, the main surface of the first bottom plate 812 of the first storage portion 81, and the main surface of the second bottom plate 822 of the second storage portion 82 are arranged on the same imaginary plane.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the third top plate 833 is positioned above the battery. The third top plate 833 is continuous with the third battery receiving portion 831. The third top plate 833 is formed in a flat plate shape. When the main legs 5 are in the closed position, the normal to the main surface of the third top plate 833 is parallel to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the third top plate 833 is provided with a negative terminal 84. The main surface of the third top plate 833, the main surface of the first top plate 813 of the first storage section 81, and the main surface of the second top plate 823 of the second storage section 82 are arranged on the same imaginary plane.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the first storage section 81, second storage section 82, and third storage section 83 of this embodiment are arranged so that the three central axes Ax1 of the three batteries are aligned at equal intervals along the circumference of the imaginary circle C1. In other words, the storage section 8 of this embodiment stores three batteries so that the three central axes Ax1 are aligned at equal intervals along the circumference of the imaginary circle C1. By storing three or more batteries in the storage section 8 so that multiple central axes Ax1 are aligned at equal intervals along the circumference of the imaginary circle C1, the laser level 1 can be further miniaturized.

Furthermore, in the laser marking device 1 of this embodiment, when the storage section 8 stores multiple (three) batteries and all three legs 31 are in the closed position, the center of gravity of the main body 2 and the center of gravity of the legs 3 overlap in a planar view from a direction along the multiple (three) central axes Ax1. Because the center of gravity of the main body 2 and the center of gravity of the legs 3 overlap in a planar view from a direction along the three central axes Ax1, the laser marking device 1 can be easily gripped when all three legs 31 are in the closed position.

As shown in Figure 7, the cover 86 is positioned inside (in front of) the base 80. The cover 86 is formed in a box shape with an open outer surface. The cover 86 is configured to cover the base 80 from the inside. The cover 86 has a first cover 87 (upper cover) and a second cover 88 (lower cover).

The first cover 87 is fixed to the top of the base 80. The first cover 87 constitutes at least a part of the storage section 8. The first cover 87 is formed in a box shape with openings on the outer surface and bottom surface.

The first cover 87 has a pair of protrusions 872 that protrude outward (rearward). The pair of protrusions 872 are configured to hook onto a pair of hooks 885 (described below) on the second cover 88.

The second cover 88 is positioned below the first cover 87 and attached to the bottom of the base 80. In this embodiment, the second cover 88 is detachable from the base 80 and the first cover 87. The second cover 88 forms at least a part of the storage section 8. The second cover 88 is formed in a box shape with openings on the outer surface and top surface.

The second cover 88 has a first side plate 881, a pair of second side plates 882, a bottom plate 883, an inclined plate 884, and a hook portion 885.

The first side plate 881 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The first side plate 881 is also rounded inward. The first side plate 881 is formed so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the vertical direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position.

The pair of second side plates 882 protrude outward from both ends of the first side plate 881 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The pair of second side plates 882 also protrude away from each other as they approach the outside. The pair of second side plates 882 are formed in the shape of rectangular flat plates.

The inclined plate 884 protrudes outward from the lower end of the first side plate 881. More specifically, when the main landing gear 5 is in the closed position, the inclined plate 884 protrudes outward and downward from the lower end of the first side plate 881. The inclined plate 884 is formed so as to be continuous with the upper end of the first side plate 881 and the upper ends of the pair of second side plates 882. The inclined plate 884 is formed in a flat plate shape.

The contact surface (lower surface) 886 of the inclined plate 884 comes into contact with the installation surface on which the laser level 1 (legs 3) is placed. More specifically, the contact surface 886 of the inclined plate 884 comes into contact with the installation surface when the main legs 5 are in the open position. The contact surface 886 of the inclined plate 884 of the storage section 8 comes into contact with the installation surface, thereby improving the stability of the laser level 1 when placed on the installation surface. Furthermore, because the contact surface 886 is formed on the second cover 88, the stability of the laser level 1 can be maintained by replacing the second cover 88, for example, if the contact surface 886 becomes damaged.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact surface 886 of the inclined plate 884 is configured to be parallel to the installation surface when the main leg 5 is in the open position. More specifically, when the leg section 3 is installed on the installation surface with all three legs 31, including the main leg 5, in the open position, the contact surface 886 of the inclined plate 884 is parallel to the installation surface. Because the contact surface 886 of the inclined plate 884 is parallel to the installation surface when the main leg 5 is in the open position, the stability of the laser level 1 can be further improved.

In addition, a contact surface 886 is formed in the storage section 8 of the main leg 5, which has the largest mass of the three legs 31, further improving the stability of the laser marking device 1.

The bottom plate 883 protrudes outward from the lower end of the inclined plate 884. The bottom plate 883 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the bottom plate 883 is parallel to the vertical direction when the main legs 5 are in the closed position.

A pair of hooks 885 are provided on the first side plate 881. The pair of hooks 885 protrude upward from the first side plate 881 and then protrude inward (forward). The pair of hooks 885 hook onto the pair of protrusions 872 on the first cover 87, thereby securing the second cover 88 to the first cover 87 and the base 80.

(2.7) Sub-leg As shown in FIG. 9 , the sub-leg 4 of this embodiment has a second base portion 40 and a buffer member (elastic member) 9 .

9, the second base 40 of this embodiment has a box-like shape with an open inner surface. The second base 40 of this embodiment is made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin.

The second base 40 has a side plate 41, a bottom plate 42, a top plate 43, and a connecting portion 44.

The side plate 41 is formed in a rectangular, flat plate shape. The side plate 41 is also rounded outward.

The bottom plate 42 protrudes inward from the lower end of the side plate 41. The bottom plate 42 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the bottom plate 42 is parallel to the vertical direction when the sub-legs 4 are in the closed position.

A pair of holes 421 are formed in the bottom plate 42, penetrating the bottom plate 42 in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The pair of holes 421 are formed in a circular shape. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the pair of holes 421, each of the pair of holes 421 may be simply referred to as "hole 421."

The top plate 43 protrudes inward from the upper end of the side plate 41. The top plate 43 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the top plate 43 is parallel to the vertical direction when the sub-legs 4 are in the closed position. In other words, the top plate 43 and the bottom plate 42 are parallel to each other.

The connecting portion 44 protrudes upward from the top plate 43 when the sub-leg 4 is in the closed position. The connecting portion 44 has a protrusion 441 and a hole 442.

The hole 442 penetrates the connecting part 44 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The rotation shaft 25 of the main body 2 passes through the hole 442. In other words, the hole 442 functions as a bearing for the rotation shaft 25.

When the sub-leg 4 is in the closed position, the protrusion 441 protrudes upward and outward from the upper end of the connecting portion 44. Like the protrusion 561 on the main leg 5, the protrusion 441 is configured to hook onto the multiple protrusions 261 on the main body 2. By hooking the protrusion 441 onto the multiple protrusions 261, the sub-leg 4 of this embodiment can rotate in stages between the closed position and the open position. In other words, by hooking the protrusion 441 onto the multiple protrusions 261, the sub-leg 4 can rest in at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. Because the sub-leg 4 is configured to rotate in stages between the closed position and the open position, the degree to which the sub-leg 4 is opened can be fine-tuned depending on the conditions of the installation surface, improving the stability of the laser level 1.

(2.9) Buffer Member As shown in Figure 9, the buffer member 9 of this embodiment is L-shaped when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (the direction along the rotation axis 25). The buffer member 9 is made of a material that absorbs shock, such as urethane. The buffer member 9 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the second base 40. The buffer member 9 comes into contact with the installation surface when the laser marker 1 is installed on the installation surface. The contact of the buffer member 9 with the installation surface can further improve the stability of the laser marker 1 when installed on the installation surface.

The buffer member 9 has a side plate 91, a bottom plate 92, a pair of protrusions 93, and a pair of stopper portions 94. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the pair of protrusions 93, each of the pair of protrusions 93 may be simply referred to as a "protrusion 93." Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the pair of stopper portions 94, each of the pair of stopper portions 94 may be simply referred to as a "stopper portion 94."

The side plate 91 is formed in a rectangular, flat plate shape. The side plate 91 is also rounded outward. The side plate 91 is positioned outside the side plate 41 of the second base 40. More specifically, the side plate 91 in this embodiment is positioned outside the side plate 41 of the second base 40, facing the side plate 41 of the second base 40 so as to be in close contact with it.

The bottom plate 92 protrudes inward from the lower end of the side plate 91. The bottom plate 92 is formed in a flat plate shape. The normal to the main surface of the bottom plate 92 is parallel to the vertical direction when the sub-legs 4 are in the closed position. The bottom plate 92 is positioned below the bottom plate 42 of the second base 40. More specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom plate 92 is positioned below the bottom plate 42 of the second base 40, facing the bottom plate 42 of the second base 40 so as to be in close contact with the bottom plate 42. The bottom plate 92 is the part that comes into contact with the installation surface when the sub-legs 4 are installed on the installation surface.

The pair of protrusions 93 protrude upward from the bottom plate 92 when the sub-legs 4 are in the closed position. The pair of protrusions 93 pass through a pair of holes 421 in the second base 40. In this embodiment, the protrusions 93 are cylindrical.

A pair of stopper portions 94 protrude outward from the upper ends of the pair of protrusions 93. The stopper portions 94 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a rounded upper side. The stopper portions 94 are disposed above the bottom plate 42 of the second base portion 40. More specifically, in this embodiment, the stopper portions 94 are disposed above the bottom plate 42 of the second base portion 40, facing closely to the bottom plate 42 of the second base portion 40. The outer ends of the stopper portions 94 are continuous with the side plate 91.

The stopper portion 94 in this embodiment functions as a stopper that fixes the main landing gear 5 in the closed position when the sub-landing gear 4 is in the closed position. In other words, the sub-landing gear 4 in this embodiment has a stopper portion 94 that fixes the main landing gear 5 in the closed position when the sub-landing gear 4 is in the closed position.

As shown in Figure 10, when the sub-legs 4 and main legs 5 are in the closed position, the stopper portion 94 of the sub-leg 4 comes into contact with the underside of the bottom plate 883 of the storage section 8 of the main leg 5. The stopper portion 94 comes into contact with the underside of the bottom plate 883 of the storage section 8, preventing the main leg 5 from opening when the sub-leg 4 is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the main legs 5 do not open when at least one of the two sub-legs 4 is in the closed position. Having the stopper portion 94 on the sub-leg 4 reduces the chance of the main legs 5 opening when the laser level 1 is being carried, etc.

2 and 3 accepts operations for switching the power supply state from the three batteries stored in the storage section 8 to the light source 10. The operation section 7 in this embodiment is provided in the main landing gear 5. More specifically, the operation section 7 in this embodiment is provided on a control board stored in the main landing gear 5.

For example, when the user presses the operation unit 7 for a long time, the control board switches the power supply (on/off) from the battery to the light source 10. Also, when the user presses the operation unit 7 for a short time, the control board changes (adjusts) the brightness of the laser light emitted by the light source 10.

The control board is located between the first base 50 of the main landing gear 5 and the storage compartment 8. More specifically, the control board is located in an outward recess formed by the first side plate 51 of the first base 50, the pair of second side plates 52, the top plate 54, and the second bottom plate 57.

The operating unit 7 of this embodiment protrudes outward from the outer surface of the control board. The operating unit 7 of this embodiment is cylindrical. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operating unit 7 of this embodiment is exposed to the outside through the hole 611 in the buffer member 6. As shown in Figure 3, the end of the operating unit 7 of this embodiment is recessed from the outer surface of the first side plate 61 of the buffer member 6 and the outer surface of the first side plate 51 of the first base 50. In other words, the operating unit 7 of this embodiment is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the main leg 5. In further words, the operating unit 7 of this embodiment is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 59.

The operating unit 7 is located on the main leg 5, which has a storage compartment 8 and is therefore likely to have a larger mass than the sub-leg 4, thereby improving the stability of the laser marker 1 when the operating unit 7 is operated. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating unit 7 is recessed from the outer surface of the main leg 5, reducing the possibility of incorrect operation when carrying the laser marker 1.

(3) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications explained below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

In the above embodiment, the leg portion 3 has three legs 31, but the leg portion 3 may have four or more legs 31.

In the above embodiment, the storage section 8 stores three batteries, but the number of batteries stored in the storage section 8 may be one or more.

The batteries stored in the storage section 8 are not limited to AA batteries, and may be batteries of other shapes and sizes, such as AAA batteries. For example, the batteries stored in the storage section 8 may be rectangular cylindrical batteries.

When the storage compartment 8 stores three or more batteries and all three or more legs 31 are in the closed position, the center of gravity of the laser mark 1 may be located on the imaginary axis Ax2 (see Figure 8). The imaginary axis Ax2 is an imaginary axis that is parallel to the multiple central axes Ax1 and passes through the center of the imaginary circle C1. By locating the center of gravity of the laser mark 1 on the imaginary axis Ax2 that is parallel to the multiple central axes Ax1 and passes through the center of the imaginary circle C1, the laser mark 1 can be easily gripped when all three or more legs 31 are in the closed position.

The main landing gear 5 does not have to be a single unit. For example, the landing gear section 3 may have a first main landing gear and a second main landing gear. For example, the first main landing gear may have the storage section 8, and the second main landing gear may have the grip section 59.

In the above embodiment, the main landing gear 5 has the largest mass of the three legs 31 when no batteries are stored in the storage compartment 8. However, the main landing gear 5 may have a smaller mass than the sub-leg 4 when no batteries are stored in the storage compartment 8. For example, the main landing gear 5 may be configured to have the largest mass of the three legs 31 when batteries are stored in the storage compartment 8.

(summary)
As described above, the laser level (1) according to the first aspect includes a light source (10), a main body (2), and a leg (3). The light source (10) emits laser light. The main body (2) holds the light source (10). The leg (3) is installed on an installation surface and supports the main body (2). The leg (3) has three or more legs (31) configured to be rotatable between a closed position and an open position. One of the three or more legs (31), the main leg (5), has a storage section (8). The storage section (8) stores a battery for causing the light source (10) to emit laser light. The storage section (8) has a contact surface (886) that comes into contact with the installation surface.

In this embodiment, the contact surface (886) of the storage section (8) comes into contact with the installation surface, thereby improving the stability of the laser marking device (1) when installed on the installation surface.

In the laser marker (1) according to the second aspect, the storage section (8) in the first aspect has a cover (second cover 88) that constitutes at least a portion of the storage section (8). The contact surface (886) is formed on the cover.

In this embodiment, the contact surface (886) is formed on the cover (second cover 88). Therefore, if the contact surface (886) becomes damaged, the cover can be replaced, thereby maintaining the stability of the laser marking device (1).

In the laser marker (1) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, one or more legs (sub-legs 4) of the two or more legs (31) excluding the main leg (5) from the three or more legs (31) have a cushioning member (9) that contacts the installation surface.

In this embodiment, one or more of the two or more legs (31) (excluding the main leg (5) from the three or more legs (31)) (sub-legs 4) have a buffer member (9), thereby further improving the stability of the laser marker (1).

In the laser marker (1) of the fourth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, the contact surface (886) is parallel to the installation surface when the main legs (5) are in the open position.

In this embodiment, when the main legs (5) are in the open position, the contact surface (886) and the installation surface are parallel, further improving the stability of the laser marking device (1).

In the laser marker (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the main leg (5) has the largest mass among the three or more legs (31).

In this embodiment, the contact surface (886) is formed on the main leg (5), which has the greatest mass, thereby further improving the stability of the laser marker (1).

The laser marking device (1) according to the sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an operating unit (7). The operating unit (7) accepts an operation to switch the power supply state from the battery to the light source (10). The operating unit (7) is provided on the main leg (5).

In this embodiment, the operating unit (7) is provided on the main leg (5), which has a storage section (8) and is therefore likely to have a larger mass than the other legs (sub-legs 4), thereby improving the stability of the laser marking device (1) when the operating unit (7) is operated.

In the laser marker (1) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the shape of the legs (3) is rod-shaped when all three or more legs (31) are in the closed position. The operating part (7) is provided at a position recessed from the outer surface of the main leg (5).

In this embodiment, the operating unit (7) is recessed from the outer surface of the main leg (5), reducing the possibility of operating it incorrectly when carrying the laser marking device (1).

In the laser marker (1) of the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, one or more of the three or more legs (31) are configured to be rotatable in stages between a closed position and an open position.

In this embodiment, one or more of the three or more legs (31) are configured to be rotatable in stages between a closed position and an open position, allowing the degree to which the legs (31) are open to be fine-tuned depending on the conditions of the installation surface, thereby improving the stability of the laser marking device (1).

In the laser marker (1) of the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the storage section (8) has a battery receiving section (first battery receiving section 811). The battery receiving section is formed to fit the cylindrical battery. The battery receiving section has a protrusion (814) that protrudes toward the side surface of the battery.

In this embodiment, the battery is separated from the battery receiving portion (first battery receiving portion 811), making it easier to remove the battery from the storage portion (8).

In the laser marker (1) of the tenth aspect, in any of the first to ninth aspects, one or more legs (sub-legs 4) of the two or more legs (31) excluding the main leg (5) from the three or more legs (31) have a stopper portion (94). The stopper portion (94) fixes the main leg (5) in the closed position when the one or more legs are in the closed position.

This configuration reduces the chance of the main legs (5) opening when carrying the laser marking device (1).

Configurations other than the first aspect are not essential to the laser marking device (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

1 Laser marking device 10 Light source 2 Main body 3 Leg 31 Leg 5 Main leg 6 Cushioning member 7 Operation unit 8 Storage unit 811 First battery receiving unit (battery receiving unit)
814 Protrusion 88 Second cover (cover)
886 contact surface 9 buffer member 94 stopper portion

Claims (10)

a light source that emits laser light;
a body that holds the light source;
a leg portion that is installed on an installation surface and supports the main body;
Equipped with
The leg portion has three or more legs configured to be rotatable between a closed position and an open position,
a main landing gear that is one of the three or more landing gears has a storage section that stores a battery for causing the light source to emit the laser light,
The storage section has a contact surface that contacts the installation surface.
Laser level. the storage section has a cover that forms at least a part of the storage section,
The contact surface is formed on the cover.
2. The laser marker according to claim 1. one or more of the two or more legs excluding the main leg from the three or more legs has a buffer member that contacts the installation surface;
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2. the contact surface is parallel to the installation surface when the main legs are in the open position;
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2. the main landing gear has the largest mass among the three or more landing gears;
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2. an operation unit that receives an operation for switching a power supply state from the battery to the light source;
The operating unit is provided on the main landing gear.
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2. the shape of the legs is rod-like when all of the three or more legs are in the closed position;
the operating unit is provided at a position recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the main landing gear,
7. The laser marker according to claim 6. One or more of the three or more legs are configured to be rotatable in stages between the closed position and the open position.
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2. the storage section has a battery receiving section formed to fit the cylindrical battery,
The battery receiving portion has a protrusion that protrudes toward a side peripheral surface of the battery.
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2. one or more of the two or more legs excluding the main landing gear from the three or more legs has a stopper portion that fixes the main landing gear in a closed position when the one or more legs are in a closed position;
3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2.