EP2614557A1

EP2614557A1 - Coupler, camera control device comprising this coupler, and use of this coupler

Info

Publication number: EP2614557A1
Application number: EP11773546.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yves Perles; Yves Pupulin
Original assignee: Binocle
Current assignee: Binocle
Priority date: 2010-09-10
Filing date: 2011-09-09
Publication date: 2013-07-17
Also published as: WO2012032496A1; FR2964801B1; FR2964801A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupler comprising a hollow body (10'), characterized in that the body (10') comprises, at least at one of the ends thereof, an electrically conducting means (12') for transmitting an electrical signal to a corresponding coupler, said electrically conducting means comprising at least one electrically conducting track (12'a, 12'b) arranged so that the electrical signal can be transmitted to the corresponding coupler according to various relative positions of this corresponding coupler with respect to said coupler.

Description

CONNECTING ELEMENT, CAMERA CONTROL DEVICE COMPRISING THIS ELEMENT AND USE OF THE CONNECTING MEMBER.

The invention relates to a connecting element, a camera control device comprising this element and the use of this connecting element.

The invention finds application in the audiovisual field, in particular for real cameras, but also virtual, controlled near or remotely.

There are many types of cameras that are designed differently, depending on the intended application.

Some cameras are portable or transportable by an operator. These are for example cameras to be installed on the shoulder of an operator or steadicam-type camera ("steadycam" according to the English terminology).

These cameras can be used to report or film a sports event.

With portable cameras, the operator must manage his own movement, while ensuring the framing of the image and, generally, the controls of the camera functions, such as zoom, focus and framing.

In the case of a camera intended to be installed directly on the shoulder of an operator, the means for adjusting the functions of the camera can be integrated therewith. In this case, the operator can adjust the zoom at the optics with one hand, while setting other parameters whose controls are arranged on the body of the camera.

The management of camera function commands, however, can not always be done directly on the camera. This is for example the case for stereoscopic shots (in three dimensions or "3D") that are currently developing, particularly for cinema. Indeed, to take stereoscopic shots, it is necessary to put implement two cameras and manage additional functions, such as the distance between cameras or vergence.

The operator can thus be led to manage an even greater number of camera functions, which makes his task more difficult. The manufacturer must therefore make a choice on the controls of the functions of the camera he must install, without the operator can make his own choice.

This task is all the more difficult as the question of ergonomics is complicated by the necessary presence of additional commands dedicated to the control of the camera functions that are linked to stereoscopic shooting.

An object of the invention is to overcome at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

In particular, an object of the invention is to propose a connecting element for the audiovisual field making it possible to facilitate the management of the controls of the functions of a camera by an operator, in particular but not exclusively, for stereoscopic shots.

To achieve at least one of these objectives, the invention proposes a coupling element comprising a hollow body, characterized in that the body comprises at least one of its ends an electrically conductive means for transmitting a electrical signal to a corresponding connecting element, said electrically conductive means comprising at least one electrically conductive track arranged so that the signa! electrical can be transmitted to the corresponding connector member in different relative positions of the corresponding connector member with respect to said coupling member.

The coupling element may also have at least one of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

there is provided a means for supporting the electrically conductive means, said support means being disposed on an end face of the body;

the support means has a serrated profile face;

the electrically conductive means has a planar face on which said at least one electrically conductive track is disposed, the conductive track of the electricity being for example in the form of a ring;

said at least one electrically conductive track is mounted on a spring blade;

The electrically conductive means comprises a plurality of electrically conductive paths arranged concentrically;

the conductor means of electricity is in the form of a cylinder on the periphery of which is disposed said at least one electrically conductive track, for example in the form of a peripheral ring;

the electrically conductive means comprises several electrically conductive tracks of the same diameter;

the electrically conductive means has a frustoconical shape formed in several parts of different diameters, an electrically conducting track being arranged on each of these parts, for example in the form of a peripheral ring;

the electrically conductive means has a spherical shape, a conductive track being arranged on the sphere, for example in the form of a spherical cap portion;

locking means are provided with the corresponding coupling element;

i! at least one means for controlling a function of the camera, for example provided with a wheel, a toggle, or a rotary knob;

the control means comprises a toggle button and variable stops for said button, controlled by an electrical element.

The invention also proposes a control device for a camera intended to be carried by the shoulder of an operator, characterized in that it comprises:

- A shoulder stock for supporting the camera, said butt comprising at least one connecting element according to the invention; at least one connecting element according to the invention comprising means for controlling at least one function of the camera; and

at least one other coupling element according to the invention, both mounted on the shoulder stick and on said at least one connecting element comprising the means for controlling a function of the camera.

The invention also proposes uses of a coupling element according to the invention. In particular, at least one connecting element according to the invention can be used on at least one camera handle, for example a television camera used on a television set.

The invention will be better understood and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows and which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 (a) shows a connecting element according to the invention and comprising two connectable ends, in a perspective view;

- Figure 1 (b) shows another connecting element according to the invention, and also comprising two ends connectable in an exploded perspective view, connectable to the connecting element of Figure 1 (a);

FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) respectively show, in a view from above and in a view from below, an electrically conductive means belonging to a connecting element according to the invention and intended to be integrated with the connectable ends, this means being capable of transmitting an electrical signal to another electrically conductive means of another connecting element according to the invention;

FIG. 3 represents, in a perspective view, a device comprising a shoulder stick for a 2D or 3D camera and means for controlling the functions of this camera fixed on a shoulder stick by means of elements of FIG. connector according to the invention;

FIG. 4 represents, in perspective views, and by way of example, four connecting elements used in the device shown in FIG. 3, said connecting elements ensuring in this case a role of extension and electrical transfer but not integrating orders;

FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b) and 5 (c) show, in perspective and by way of example, various connection elements according to the invention, on which are mounted different types of controls for ie control of the functions of a camera, these commands being respectively a rotary knob (Fig. 5 (a)), a toggle switch (Fig. 5 (b)) and a knob (Fig. 5 (c));

FIG. 6 represents, in a perspective view, a radiofrequency control device for an assistant operator, this device comprising several distinct elements in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 represents, in a perspective view, the arms of a camera, for example intended for television shooting, these arms being provided with connecting elements according to the invention, some of which incorporate controls of the type those shown in Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b);

- Figure 8 shows, in an exploded perspective view, another embodiment of a coupling element according to the invention;

- Figure 9 shows, again in an exploded perspective view, another embodiment of a coupling member according to the invention;

- Figure 10 shows, again in an exploded perspective view, another embodiment of a coupling element according to the invention.

The aim of the invention is to propose a coupling element forming a

"Elemental brick" which can be arranged as desired with other corresponding connecting elements. This elementary brick can be adapted specifically, for example to form a management control of the functions of a camera, as shown, as examples of embodiments, in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c). This elemental brick can also play the role of a mechanical part allowing the various controls of the camera to be positioned according to the choices and needs of the operator, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Possible applications for this elementary brick will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. Other embodiments of a coupling element according to the invention will then be described with the aid of FIGS. 8 to 10.

We will first describe in detail a coupling element according to the invention, forming this elementary brick and comprising two connectable ends.

An example of connecting element 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 (a). An example of another connecting element V, connectable with the connecting element 1 of FIG. 1 (a), is shown in FIG. 1 (b), the latter being identical to the element of FIG. fitting 1.

The connecting element 1 of FIG. 1 (a) comprises a hollow cylindrical body 10 having an axis of symmetry A. It also comprises two connectable ends.

The invention is however not limited to a coupling element comprising a cylindrical body, but may concern bodies of different shapes, for example of hexagonal or square shape.

This body 10 (or 10 ') can be made of a metallic or composite material, its wall having the thickness required to withstand the mechanical forces consistent with the uses of the cameras.

It thus allows the various coupling elements according to the invention to be arranged to form a modular but rigid structure, capable, in particular, of supporting the weight of the cameras, shoulder grip and stereoscopic supports.

(or "rig" according to the English terminology) when they are worn by an operator alone, or suspended on elastic supports when their weight becomes too important.

The body 10 comprises an end face 24 (24 ') having a ring shape due to the hollow shape of the body 10, on which is disposed a support means 1 for a means 12 conductor of electricity .

The support means 11 for the electrically conductive means 12 can be more specifically described in support of FIG. 1 (b).

This support means is referenced 1 1 'in Figure 1 (b). The ring-shaped support means 11 'comprises, internally, a support face 19' for the electrically conductive means 12 '. Advantageously, the support face 19 'extends over the entire inner circumference of the support means 11'. The electrically conductive means 12 ', of the same shape as the support face 19' of the support means 11 'therefore has a diameter D (FIG. (2a)) slightly smaller than the support face 9', so that to be fixed there.

Moreover, it is understood that the means 12 ', forming a plate, comprises a first planar face 15' (respectively 15) or 15 "at the other end of the element 1 ') to bear against the face of support 19 ', as well as a second flat face 150' (or 150), parallel to the first face 15 ', which can bear against a plate 12 forming an electrically conductive means of a connecting element 1 corresponding.

The electrically conductive means 12, 12 'is arranged in such a way that the propagating electrical signal can be transmitted from the connecting element 1 to the corresponding connecting element 1', (or vice versa). connecting element V to the connecting element 1), according to several relative positions of these connecting elements 1, 1 '.

If the body 10, 10 'is. cylindrical, the means 12, 12 'is a circular plate. In this case, it is conceivable to transmit the electrical signal from one connecting element to another regardless of the relative position of said connecting elements 1, 1 '.

On the other hand, if the body 10, 10 'has an n-sided polygonal shape, the means 12, 12' can be indifferently an n-sided or circular polygonal plate. In this case, it is conceivable to transmit the electrical signal from one connecting element to another according to n positions, for which the two plates 12, 12 'of the connecting elements 1, 1' are superimposed.

The possibilities offered by the connecting element according to the invention then allow an operator to have two connecting elements in the desired position, with little or almost no stress constraints if the plate 12, 12 'means Electricity conductor is circular. The interest of these characteristics will be detailed later with the support of Figures 3 to 7. However, it is understood that an operator can have two connecting elements each having a specific adjustment function of the camera, for example setting zooming the camera for one and adjusting the camera's iris for the other, as desired. In this example, the iris adjustment (Fig. 5 (c)) can be placed on the opposite side of the operator so that it operates with the index finger and the zoom adjustment (Fig. 5 (b)). side facing him so that he acts with the thumb.

The electrically conductive means which can be used in connection elements 1, 1 'of FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) is shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), respectively in view from above and in view from below.

The means 12, 12 'conducting electricity here has the shape of a circular plate comprising a plurality of conductive tracks 12a, 12'a, 12b, 12'b of annular forms.

The conductive tracks 12a, 12'a, 12b, 12'b may, for example be arranged on a dielectric material such as those used for printed circuits. This arrangement can be made concentrically to the axis of symmetry of the circular plate 12, 12 'forming a means of conducting electricity. The axis of symmetry of the plate 12, 12 'then merges with the axis of symmetry of the body 10, 10'. The conductive tracks 12a, 12'a, 12b, 12'b may be made of a metallic material, for example gold-plated, in order to avoid oxidation problems and to improve the electrical conductivity.

The conductive tracks are electrically isolated 13a, 13b (respectively 13'a, 13'b) from each other in order to convey a particular signal per track.

Given the presence of the support means 1 1, 1 1 ', the thickness e (FIG 1 b) of each means 12, 12' can be adapted to ensure the face-to-face contact of these means 12, 12 'belonging to connecting elements that seeks to connect. By approaching the connecting elements 1, 1 ', it is not necessary, in fact, that the support means 11, 11' interfere with the electrical contact.

In order that the conduction of the currents is perfectly ensured permanently, the means 12, 12 'can provide that the conductive tracks are connected to electrical contacts. These contacts may be constituted by spring blades, or at least integrate spring diodes 14, 14 '(FIG 2a, 2b) fixed on the annular conductive tracks. It ensures a little more than the electric current can flow between the various seamless connection elements, whatever the operating conditions.

For the same purpose, each conductive track of a connecting element 1 has two diameters (inside and outside) determining a track width identical to another conducting track of the corresponding connecting element 1 '.

Once the relative position between the connecting elements 1, 1 'has been chosen, this position can thus be maintained with locking means 20, 21, 22, 23, (20', 21 ', 22', 23 'respectively). Advantageously, these locking means have the same diameter as the outside diameter of the body 10, 10 '.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the locking means of the connecting element 1, 1 'comprise two tongues 20, 21, 20', 21 'diametrically opposite, and two protuberances 22, 23, 22 ', 23' diametrically opposed. The protuberances 22, 23, 22 ', 23' are moreover arranged at a right angle with respect to the tongues 20, 21, 20 ', 21'. Each tongue 20, 21, 20 ', 21' is provided with a circumferential groove 201, 210, 201 ', 210' of complementary shape to the projections provided on the connecting element 1, 1 'corresponding.

The lock presented here, for example, operates by clipping and the holding of the connecting elements 1, 1 'between them is ensured by the circumferential grooves, which have a width evolving along the length of each groove, which allow the interlocking with the corresponding growths.

The locking means of each coupling element are advantageously identical at each end of said element to allow electrical connection between said coupling elements.

The corresponding coupling elements may be arranged in any position relative to each other, for example by the locking means described above, of the ring types. For this purpose, ring 27, 27 'can rotate freely relative to the body 10, 10' when the corresponding connecting elements 1, 1 'are not locked. The operator can therefore choose a position between the coupling elements without being disturbed by the means of locking. Once the connecting elements 1, Y corresponding locked, the rings 27, 27 'are blocked.

The locking means arranged at a connectable end of a coupling element according to the invention preferably form the same part. This is the case for the connecting elements 1, 1 'shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). For example, the locking means 20, 21, 22, 23 all belong to the same piece 27. This piece 27 has the general shape of a ring on which are located the locking means 20, 21, 22, 23. This piece 27 is disposed between the body 10 of the connecting element and the support means January 1 covering the outside thereof. The peripheral wall 270 (or 270 ') of this part 27 (respectively 27') can then assist in guiding a corresponding coupling element when an operator seeks to lock two coupling elements 1, 1 'together.

If the relative position of the coupling elements 1, 1 'is not suitable for the operator, he can then unlock the locking means to choose another relative position between these connecting elements 1, 1', and then lock them in the new position. Before locking, the locking means do not interfere with the operator and, after clipping, the two connecting elements 1, 1 'are locked in the position chosen by the operator.

Advantageously, the support means January 1 can participate in guiding the corresponding connecting element 1 'during the locking operation. For this, and as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the ring-shaped support means 11 has an upper face with a serrated profile. More precisely, this serrated profile comprises a succession of teeth 25 (respectively 25 ') separated by gaps 26 (respectively 26'). This serrated profile allows meshing with the serrated profile of a guide means 1 'corresponding to the corresponding connecting element 1'.

The additional guidance function provided by the serrated profile is not imperative. In fact, it would be possible to provide no jagged shape facilitating the guiding and holding of the connecting element Y corresponding, but instead a means 1 1 having a smooth upper face.

The existence of the support means 1 1, 1 1 'for the electricity conducting means 12, 12' is especially of interest if the connecting element provides this additional guiding function. Indeed, if this additional guidance function is not implemented, it could be provided to remove the part 1 1, 1 1 and to arrange the circular plate 12, 12 'forming means of conducting electricity directly on the face end 24, 24 'of the body 10, 10', with a suitable diameter.

Advantageously, the ring 1 1, 1 1 ', of serrated shape, having a guiding function between the connecting elements 1, 1', has an odd number of teeth. This allows in the event of a vertical reversal of an element, to perfectly align the various control devices, if the operator wishes, through a 180 ° rotation of the ring January 1.

Two connecting elements 1, 1 'of the same diameter can thus be connected to one another in many positions around the same axis, or even in the absence of teeth 25, 25' in any relative position.

A coupling element according to the invention may comprise only means 12, 12 'conductive electricity, and therefore only one end connectable. This is particularly the case when the coupling element constitutes a tip of a mechanical and electrical connection chain.

However, these means can be provided at both ends of the connecting element 1 ', as shown in Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b). At the lower end of the connecting member 1 ', the electrically conductive means is referenced 12 ", and the support means 11" is also referenced. The means 1 1 ", 12" repeat the characteristics described above for the guide means 1 1, 1 1 'and the electrically conductive means 12, 12' respectively.

In this case, the internal electrical connection between the electrically conductive means 12 'disposed at a first end of the body 10' and the corresponding means 12 ', disposed at a second end of the body 10', can be done by one or more cables 16 '. In particular, several cables 16 'can be provided if it is desired to transmit a signal by conductive track.

It will be noted that when the coupling element V provides means 12 ', 12 "at each of its ends, it forms a reversible element that can be connected to a corresponding coupling element in any direction.

It should also be noted that a heat shield 17, 17 'may be arranged around the body 10, 10' to prevent an operator from feeling the heat generated by the connecting element 1, 1 '(Joule effect), or conversely, that the body of the various coupling elements is thermally insulated from the extreme temperatures of a medium in which these connecting elements are likely to be located.

The coupling element according to the invention has a simple structure, which can be mounted on a corresponding coupling element, without any difficulty and in a safe manner.

It also makes it possible to transmit an electrical signal with a corresponding coupling element, while allowing different positions of this corresponding connector element with respect to the coupling element.

This external signal transmission from one connecting element to the other is thus done without cable.

The connecting element is otherwise sufficiently strong to form a carrier element.

With these advantages, a connecting element according to the invention constitutes an elementary brick making it possible to form all types of control devices for the audiovisual sector.

It is therefore possible to develop modular devices whose ergonomics can be adapted to the wishes of an operator.

Insofar as the connecting element according to the invention forms a carrier element, it can be used in all camera configurations. We present below in support of Figures 3 to 7 some possible applications, provided by way of non-limiting examples, for the coupling element according to the invention.

Figure 3 represents a first possible application. The device shown in this figure is a control device for shoulder camera.

This device 30 comprises a shoulder stock 31, intended to support the camera (not shown). The shoulder stock 31 comprises for this purpose a substantially flat support 33, on which the camera can be mounted. The support 33 is itself attached to an inverted U-shaped piece 32, intended to be installed on the shoulder of the operator.

The device 30 also comprises a plurality of connection elements 34, 36 (or 35, 37) according to the invention, connected to each other with connectable ends 1 10 as described above.

Two of these mechanical connecting elements, namely the parts 34, 35, are connected, at one end, to the shoulder butt 31, which comprises for this purpose two connectable ends 1 10 ', 11', identical to the ends connecting elements according to the invention.

In particular, the connecting element 35 is shown in FIG. 4 with three other variants 35 ', 35 ", 36 given by way of example, as can be seen in FIG. may have an elbow shape, the end of which is the conductive means of electricity 120, 102 is however cylindrical.The electrically conductive means 120, 102 has the characteristics already described in support of FIGS. (a), 1 (b), 2 (a) and 2 (b).

The connecting element 35 can be easily exchanged by a similar element but of different length or ending with a straight or multi-connection, ergonomically more suitable for the operator.

The connecting elements 36, 37 are also mounted on other connecting elements 38, 39 according to the invention, the latter comprising control means 40, 41 for managing the functions of the camera. The connecting elements 38, 39 are finally mounted on container elements 50, 51 which may each comprise a battery and constitute its operator handle by the addition of any different elements in an order chosen by the operator.

The electrical connection between these control means 40,

41 and the camera is made through connecting elements according to the invention regardless of the relative position of the different parts forming the device 30.

Fitting elements having control means for managing the functions of a camera are shown in Figs. 5 (a) through 5 (c). These connecting elements are respectively referenced 39, 38 and 42. The respective control means are a rotary knob 41 generally used for a point control, a toggle button 40 generally used for a zoom control and a wheel 43 generally used for a diaphragm control. In particular, the connecting members 39, 38 implemented on the device 30 of FIG. 3 are those of FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), respectively.

A coupling element according to the invention can therefore be used to form different assemblies.

In addition, the operator can easily change a part of the device 30 by another piece that he deems more suited to his needs, especially for ergonomic issues. For example, the operator can choose which types of control means (wheel, toggle button, etc.) he prefers to implement. According to another example, it may also choose to implement optionally connecting elements 35, 35 ', 35 "or 36, of length adapted to his needs.

It should also be noted that a device such as that shown in Figure 3 is particularly interesting for stereoscopic shooting.

Indeed, the stereoscopic shots require to implement two cameras. The control of the functions of these cameras, separately or directly on them is then impossible in the first case and complicated in the second. The device 30 can then allow, with the same control means 40, 41 to set functions of the two cameras simultaneously.

In addition, the device 30 may be equipped with new connection elements comprising new control means for the additional functions. For example, at the end of the connecting elements 38, 39, the distance and distance commands between the two cameras can be connected, using other parts 38 and 39, or dedicated commands (not shown). .

In order to further improve modularity and ergonomics, it is possible to modify the nature of the command (zoom, point, etc.) managed by a button type, in order to satisfy the operator who wishes to use an element for a particular other function than that which is first defined.

For example, the rotary knob 41 shown in FIG. 5 (a), generally used for stitch control, can be used as a vergence control. For this purpose, the mechanical stops 44, 45 may be omitted by replacing them with variable stops controlled by an electric element. This type of stop makes it possible to make several turns with the button in order to improve the precision of the setting, a great precision being often necessary for the vergence in the stereoscopic shots.

In another example, the rocker button 40 shown in Fig. 5 (b), generally used for camera zoom control, can be used as a center-to-center control between the two stereoscopic cameras.

Another possible application is a radio frequency control device 60, for a helper operator, as shown in FIG. 6.

This control 60 comprises a handle consisting of battery support elements 50 and diaphragm adjustment 42, supporting a zoom control 38 and a plate 55 that can support six connecting elements according to the invention. Each of the coupling elements thus comprises one or more connectable ends each comprising a means of guiding, an electrically conductive means as well as locking means, as described above.

The rotary knob comprises a point control means 41, above which is mounted a radiofrequency 52 capable of communicating remotely and a control screen attached to a connecting element 53 according to the invention.

Another possible application of the coupling elements is a plateau type camera control, for example for television, as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the two arms 83, 84 of the camera are equipped with battery container connection elements 50 on each of which the connecting elements 38, 39, according to the invention, are mounted.

The locking means given by way of example, are here composed of rings 27, 27 'held, therefore captive. Other types of locking could be considered. For example, a locking means could be attached externally to the connecting element, it could be a notched clamping system that would bring together the two identical parts, provided that it does not increase the diameter of the various elements to facilitate their continuity and therefore their behavior.

Furthermore, the connecting element 1, 1 'described above implements an electrically conductive means having a flat face and at least one electrically conductive track, disposed on this face. Thus, the conductive tracks of two coupling elements can be face-to-face for transmitting an electrical signal.

Other systems may however be employed.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows, in an exploded perspective view, two connecting elements 1, 1 '. Each of these connecting elements 1, 1 'comprises a support means 11, 11' for an electrically conductive means 12, 12 'whose shape is no longer flat, but frustoconical.

For example, the support means 11 has a frustoconical shape formed in several parts 11 - [, 112, 113, located in separate planes of different diameters Di, D ₂ and D ₃ such that D ₁ > D ₂ > D ₃ . The electrically conductive means 12 also has a frustoconical shape complementary to the shape of the support means 11. Thus, the electrically conductive means 12 comprises several portions 12 _r 12 ₂ , 12 ₃ having diameters slightly smaller than the diameters Di, D ₂ and D ₃ , respectively. Each part comprises a conductive track of the electricity being for example in the form of a peripheral ring.

A similar description could be made for the support means 11 '.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows, in an exploded perspective view, two connecting elements 1, 1 '. This variant is close to that shown in FIG.

However, the support means 11, 11 'for the electrically conductive means 12, 12' is in the form of a cylinder having internal grooves 1 -n, 1112, 13, 114.

The electrically conductive means 12 has a shape complementary to its support means. Thus, the electrically conductive means 12 has a cylindrical shape, the conductive tracks 12n, 12-12, 2-13, 12 ₄ forming, for example, peripheral rings projecting with respect to this cylinder, which can be inserted into the internal grooves of the support means 11. A similar description could be made for the support means 11 '.

Finally, a third variant shown in FIG. 10 has a spherical contact always operating on the same principles.

The support means 1 1 for the electrically conductive means 12, 12 'thus has the shape of a sphere having internal grooves 11, 11222, 1333, 1 144 ₄ · In view of the spherical shape of the support means 11, these internal grooves are in the form of portions of caps.

The electrically conductive means 12 has a shape complementary to its support means. Thus, the driver means of electricity 12 has a spherical shape, the conductor tracks 12m, 12 ₂ 22 12 333 2 ₄ 4 ₄ example forming portions projecting caps by relative to this cylinder, which can be inserted into the internal grooves of the support means 11.

Of course, each of the conductive tracks shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 is separated from the other conductive tracks by an electrical insulator and these tracks can, if necessary, be connected to one another by electrical connectors (not shown). .

Again, the embodiments shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10 allow to rotate the connecting elements relative to each other, without the locking means prevents them.

Claims

1. Connecting element (1, 1 ') characterized in that it comprises a hollow body (10, 10') capable of receiving one or more electrical connection cables and, at each of its ends, a same means (12, 12 ', 12', 102, 120) for transmitting an electrical signal to a corresponding coupling member (1 ', 1), each electrically conductive means comprising at least one track (12a, 12b, 12) 'a, 12'b, 12 ·, 12 _2, 12 _3, 12 _4t 12 _{11 E} 12 _12, 12 _13, 12 _14, 12m, 12 _222, 12 ₃ 33 ₄ 12 ₄₎ arranged electrically conductive so that the electrical signal can be transmitted to the corresponding connector element (1 \ 1) in different relative positions of this corresponding connector element (V, 1) with respect to said coupling element.

Connecting element according to Claim 1, in which there is provided means (1, 1 1 ') for supporting the electrically conductive means (12, 12'), said support means (1 1, 1 1 ') being disposed on one end face (24, 24') of the body (10, 10 ').

3. Fitting element according to the preceding claim, wherein the support means (1 1, 1 1 ') has a serrated profile face.

Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive means has a plane face (150, 150 ') on which said at least one electrically conductive track (12a, 12b, 12 a, 12'b) is arranged, the electrically conductive track being for example in the form of a ring.

5. Fitting element according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one electrically conductive track is mounted on a spring blade (14, 14 ').

The coupling element according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the electrically conductive means (12, 12 ') comprises a plurality of electrically conductive tracks (12a, 12b, 12'a, 12'b). ) arranged concentrically.

Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means (12, 12 ') conducting electricity has the shape of a cylinder on the periphery of which is disposed said at least one conductive track of the electricity (12n, 12 ₁₂ , 12-i ₃ , 12 ₄ ), for example in the form of a peripheral ring.

8. Fitting element according to the preceding claim, wherein the means (12, 12 ') electrically conducting comprises several electrically conductive tracks (2-n, 12 ₁₂ , 12i ₃ , 1 ₄ ) of the same diameter .

Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrically conducting means (12, 12 ') has a frustoconical shape formed in several parts of different diameters, a conductive track (12, 12 _2). , 12 ₃ ) electricity being arranged on each of these parts, for example in the form of a peripheral ring.

Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrically conductive means (12, 12 ') has a spherical shape, a conductive track (12m, 12 ₂₂₂ , ₂₃ 33, 12 ₄₄₄ ) being arranged on the sphere, for example in the form of a spherical cap portion.

Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, in which locking means (20, 21, 22, 23, 20 ', 21', 22 ', 23') are provided with the connecting element. corresponding (1 ', 1).

12. Fitting element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided at least one control means (38, 39, 42) of a function of the camera, for example provided with a wheel, a rocker button, or a turning knob.

13. Fitting element according to the preceding claim, wherein the control means (39) comprises a toggle button (41) and variable stops for said button, controlled by an electrical element.

14. Control device (30) for a camera intended to be carried by the shoulder of an operator, characterized in that it comprises:

- A shoulder stock (31) for supporting the camera, said butt comprising at least one connecting member (110 ', 111') according to one of the preceding claims;

- At least one connecting element (38, 39) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a control means (40, 41) of at least one function of the camera;

at least one other connecting element (34, 35) according to one of the preceding claims, both mounted on the shoulder butt (31) and on said at least one connecting element (38, 39) comprising the control means (40, 41) of a function of the camera.

15. Use of at least one connecting element (38, 39) according to one of claims 1 to 13 on at least one camera handle (83, 84), for example a television camera used on a television set. .