FR2938351A1 - Universal submarine photographic/cinematographic shooting box, has controls for producing information by using electronic coding interface, where information is transmitted inside box by sealed electric connections in connector support - Google Patents

Abstract

The box has a rigid sealed box divided into 2 parts (1, 2) receiving an apparatus i.e. digital photographic/cinematographic camera, with terrestrial usage. The apparatus is equipped with electromechanical actuators (43). Optomechanical adjustment controls i.e. non-sealed optical switches, are accessed by an autonomous plunger, and operated outside the box in an ambient aquatic environment. Information is produced by the controls using an electronic coding interface (20), and transmitted inside the box by sealed electric connections in a connector support (5).

Description

-1- ^ The assembly relates to the production of a universal waterproof housing receiving a photographic or cinematographic shooting equipment of variable size and mark, used by a diver. The main feature of this embodiment is to use a submerged optoelectronic technology, subjected to hydrostatic pressure, to generate and transmit, inside the waterproof housing, numerical codes intended to produce electromechanical actions on the camera views.

The current achievements, intended to perform underwater shooting using devices for "terrestrial" use, are arranged around a specific waterproof case of the model to be operated. The controls necessary for the adjustment of the camera are made through the wall of the box by mechanical devices for transmitting rotational and / or translational movements. These organs, relatively fragile, must ensure a perfect seal and require regular maintenance and meticulous. Accordingly, the main drawbacks of these embodiments are: a significant long-term risk of a leakage resulting certainly, especially in sea water, the loss of the camera; the obsolescence of the box, sometimes more expensive than the apparatus, following a non-repairable failure thereof or the evolution of equipment; ^ a pressure sensitivity on the flexibility of the controls: - hardness of the rotations with the depth (tightening of the O-rings); - hardness of the translations close to the surface in order to avoid an inadvertent action at the limited depth of use (sufficient force of the return springs); 25 a difficulty of accessibility of some push-type commands mechanically very close together on the terrestrial model; • a possible limitation of the number of commands accessible on the device for the sake of simplicity or robustness of the mechanisms that equip the box.

The embodiment according to the invention makes it possible to remedy these drawbacks. It has three parts: ^ The rigid waterproof case. The latter has no mechanical control passage but communicates with the outside from a connector by sealed electrical connections. It consists of two cylindrical parts (rear and front parts) aligned and sealed by a seal ring (1 tangential seal + 1 stop gasket).

Access to the interior of the housing through this central joint plane to introduce the camera. The two half-housings are secured by the seal ring with three latches "toggle". Each end of the housing is closed by a window sealed by two O-rings (1 tangential seal + 1 stop gasket). ^ External "optomechanical" type commands. They are accessible to the diver to control the features of the camera. They are made by non-waterproof optical switches, immersed in the ambient aquatic environment. Each switch consists of: a push button positioned on a support ring, outside the sealed housing; - an optical fiber cut into two parts whose junction is underlying the button. Part of the fiber is coupled to a light emitter (light-emitting diode) while the other part is coupled to a light receiver (phototransistor). In the absence of action on the button, the two parts of the fiber are not butted (open switch). When the plunger presses the button, the two parts are abutted and the luminous flux is transmitted to the photoreceptor (closed switch). The electric action produced by the phototransistor is exploited to deliver a binary code associated with the key pressed. In order to minimize the number of electrical links, the optical switches are stamped and interfaced to exploit the characteristics of a keyboard encoder (existing dedicated integrated circuit). In additional features, it is convenient to copy on the crown the functional topography commonly encountered on the apparatus for certain commands (the 4 menu movements, the zoom, the choice of the operating mode) and to distinguish the control of view associated with the focus preset. Furthermore, the fixing of the button and its return mechanism is achieved by a removable flange marked with an acronym or a logo reminding the functionality of this button. Thus, for a given camera, a specific set of flanges or snap-on marking pads is mounted on the buttons. • The support plate. Fixed inside the case, it is specific to the camera and ensures the mechanical support of it, supports the electromechanical actuators adapted to each control of the "terrestrial" device (pushbuttons, buttons 35 rotary, setting rings), supports the programmable electronics (by processor) interface between the codes issued by the "external control" and the actuators. According to a first characteristic, a code validated during the pressing time on a crown button is recognized by the software which produces the electrical activation adapted to the corresponding actuator during the same period of time. time. According to a second characteristic, a mechanical pulse on a push button of the camera is obtained by closing the gap of an electromagnet. The wiring of all the electromagnets at the row / column intersections of a power supply matrix makes it possible to minimize the number of electrical connections with the control processor. For rotational movements, the plate is equipped with standard servo ("servo") used in model making. Their rotational positioning is determined by the duration of periodic pulses applied on their control line. Thus, the application of a pulse train of constant duration fixes the final angular position of the "servo". The torque is applied as long as the signal exists and the actual angle has not reached the final angle.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention according to particular embodiments of a prototype. For the sake of readability: - all the visible or hidden features of a view are not represented; - elements that help understanding, located behind or in front of a cutting plane, are represented in fine lines. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the assembled assembly, seen according to three orthogonal cutting planes. In general, the case design is made from standard PVC sleeves and tubes, assembled by gluing. Special arrangements such as seal rings (6) (10) (11), sealing surface (36), nut rings (32), fiber guiding support (16), filling spacer (35) , connector support (5), are made by turning or milling PVC plate. The button crown (15) is thermoformed on a cylindrical template before mounting on a divider plate and machining on a milling machine. Removable assemblies are made by screws (stainless steel). The cylindrical structure of the housing, reinforced by rolled sheet steel shields (3) and (4), offers good pressure resistance and allows the electromechanical equipment of the support plate (37) to be housed in the free spaces. The transparent rear walls (8) and front (9) of the housing are made of "Plexiglas" with a thickness of 15 mm and integrate the tangential sealing joints.

The rear half-housing (1) contains the connector of the electrical connections mounted on its base (5), the fixing device (38) with positioning adjustment of the support plate (37) by slide rails mounted on the shielding (3). Said half-case is secured to the base (29) equipped with 2 holding handles. It supports the button ring (15) and optical fibers (17) of the "external control" as well as its optoelectronic interface (20) sealed by resin molding. The "plastic" optical fibers (17) having a diameter of 1 mm and 22 in number constitute a web positioned by the guide support (16) inlaid with 22 triangular grooves of 0.5 mm deep at a pitch of 1, 1 mm and glued on the periphery of the housing (1). In each groove, the fiber is cut in line with a push button (12). The 22 buttons are arranged according to the distribution given in Figure 4 which shows the development of the ring (15). Here are visible the grouping of the buttons of movement in the menus (25), of zoom (26), of choice of function (27) and of focus / release (28). This ring is fixed by screws on the nut-rings (32) which are attached by gluing on the housing; The nuts are embedded in the thickness of the rings. Each button, provided with a return spring (13), is held on the ring by an attached flange (14) marked with the specific logo of the command. According to Figure 5, under a push button (12), a half-fiber is pressed on the flanks of the groove while the other is raised by thermoforming 20 to rest on the base of the button in the "released" position . A space of about 2 mm, made by the thickness of the nut-rings (32), between the periphery of the fiber and the base of the button, ensures the interruption of the luminous flux between the light-emitting diode (18) and the phototransistor (19) (Fig.1). By pressing the button, a stroke greater than 1 mm establishes the connection by elastic deformation of the fiber. The retention of the fibers on the guide (16) is achieved by a splice (39) (0.2 mm thick stainless steel plate) glued across the ply a few millimeters from each cut to obtain the support each half-fiber on the flanks of its groove. The fishplates are applied on the edges of the support (16) by two frets (40).

Sometimes, on the camera, some settings require two simultaneous actions that can not be handled by the keyboard encoder. Thus, the 22 available fibers are distributed over two encoders (with a maximum capacity of 16 switches each) in two groups of 11 commands. The implementation of the encoders and their optoelectronic interface is in accordance with the structural scheme of application given in FIG. 6 and implanted on the printed circuit (20). The multiplexing technique used in the encoder imposes the simultaneity of light emission in the fibers of the same column of the matrix. A compromise between size, simplicity of optical coupling, mechanical strength and ease of assembly of the fibers leads to the use of three light-emitting diodes 3 mm in diameter, mounted in series in the columns. This imposes the use of a sufficient supply of 7.2V for example. The fibers of the same rank in the columns lead to the photoreceptors mounted in parallel on the same line of the matrix. Each fiber is inserted into a 1.1 mm diameter, ground-flat well drilled at the top of the dome of each diode and phototransistor without damaging the internal connections to the components. The assembly, the mechanical strength and the optical coupling in the well bottoms are ensured by the elasticity of the fibers. The left handle (30) (Fig. 1 and 2), terminated by the external flash connection sealing cap (21), contains the accumulator (22) of the system's electrical energy source. The right handle (31) contains the control electronics (23): recording / stop / playback control; battery monitoring; water inlet monitoring. The power up is determined by the position of the record / stop / read control ring (24) integral with a magnet which acts through the wall 20 of the handle on flexible reed switches (23). As an indication, the equipment electronics of the handles is presented by the structural diagram Figure 7. A mechanical reinforcement of the handles glued in the base (29) (Fig.1) is achieved by the removable struts (33) and (34). The electrical connections (not shown) between the different parts are inserted and sealed by resin in a groove (41) of the base (29) and in the base (5) of the connector (seals in Fig.1 and 3). On the support plate (37) (FIG. 3) which holds the camera, are fixed: the control electronics (42); the "electromagnet" type actuators (43) opposite or deported from the push buttons by mechanical adaptations (return levers); actuators of the "servo" type (44). As an indication, the specific control electronics of a device corresponds to the partial structural diagram given in FIG. 8. An electromagnet control is characterized by the arrangement given in FIG. 9. The displacement is produced by the tilting of the mild steel disk. 2938351 -6- (45) closing the gap located between this disk and the poles of the battlesthat magnetic circuit (46) which contains the excitation coil (47). The movable piece (45) is guided by the aluminum cap (48) of inner diameter slightly greater than that of the disc. This cap, sealed on the electromagnet, supports the fixed stop (49) which positions a peripheral point of the disc bearing on the edge of the outer magnetic pole of (46). Diametrically opposed, the adjustable stop (50), locked by locknut, determines the width of the initial air gap at rest (unpowered coil) which is kept open by the support of the needle (51) of the stem. action on the push button of the camera. The needle, guided by the hole (59) in the wafer (61) supporting the connections, passes through the electromagnet in the slot (60) made in a generatrix of its shield and transmits the displacement of the point of greatest amplitude of the disc (45). In Figure 10, at the other end of the needle (51), the action rod made in two parts, is a piston assembly (52) integral with the needle-cylinder (53) 15 which. catches the mechanical clearances and distance uncertainties for each push button thanks to the compressive force of the spring (54) resting on the stop (62) integral with the needle and which tends to spread the two parts; . ensures the transmission of the mechanical pulse during the closure of the air gap 20 (coil fed) by the viscosity forces developed to the displacement of a volume of filling grease (55) of the cylinder, in the peripheral clearance between (52) ) and (53). The constant volume cylinder is sealed by the two O-rings (56). A vent (57) across the clearance hole of the needle in the cylinder (with sufficient clearance) allows for air exchange during slow relative movements between the two parts. The cylinder (53), supported on a push button of the camera through the adhesive protective pad (58), is guided by the hole (63) formed in the support plate (37). The shoulder (64) limits the stroke of the barrel to prevent the exit of the needle 30 from the sealing zone when the camera is removed. The piston (52) is then in abutment limit against the right O-ring. During maximum compression of the spring (54), the piston (52) coming into abutment against the left O-ring, the needle must not press the pad (58). The device thus covers a position uncertainty of the order of 2.5 mm between the support plate 35 (37) and the camera. The chemically inert grease (type "silicone") on the materials involved must be of a viscosity in relation to the clearance between the piston and the cylinder to transmit the mechanical pulse for the entire operating temperature range of the box. The washer (65), slotted to be mounted on the needle, closes the cylinder cavity by holding the right sealing o-ring and provides the spring seat (54). Thus all the elements internal to the cylinder can be introduced easily on the same side. The assembly is locked by the screw (66). Mounting method: The pad (58) is not glued; the needle (51) is out of the electromagnet and the cylinder (53); the spring (54) and the right O-ring (56) are mounted in their places by elastic deformation above the stop (62); the washer (65) is mounted in place on (51); between the O-ring and the needle, introduce a thin nylon thread (0.1 mm) that will be left to the right of (65). The spring (54) is free. This holds (52) in abutment against the right O-ring.

The left O-ring (56) is mounted at the bottom of (53). The cylinder (53) and the needle (51) thus prepared are immersed in the grease so that there are no air bubbles trapped in the cavities. In the grease, (51) is introduced into (53) up to the right O-ring contact with the edge of its housing.

Remove all the grease by maintaining the pressure between the two parts (spring compression). Apply pressure between (65) and (53) using a flange until the O-ring is completely recessed (removing excess grease around the nylon thread).

Remove the nylon wire and lock the assembly by securing (65) with the screw (66) and remove the clamp. Wipe and clean the exterior of the assembly with a solvent, glue the pad (58) and insert the needle into its housing on the electromagnet. The wafer (67) (FIG. 9), attached tangentially to the electromagnet by gluing (68), enables the screw assembly (69) to be fastened to the bracket (70) integral with the support plate (37). by welding.

^ The front half-casing (2) (Fig.2 and 3) is applied against the part (1) by the three "latch" latches (7) fixed on the crown (15). The locking of the locks is in the circular groove located at the front of the seal ring (6). The characteristic of this half-housing is to have a front window (9) circular eccentric with respect to this groove. Thus for a given apparatus, by combining the height of its attachment on the support plate (37) and the relative angular position of the half-housings, it is possible to align the axis of the front window on the axis of the lens. This is essential when using a wide-angle hemispherical front window.

In a non-illustrated industrial embodiment, the elements (1) (10) (16) (36) can be made in one piece by molding; the same goes for the elements (2) (6) (11) (35). In these molded parts, the integration of the tangential joints of the windows must make it possible to use glass panes or glass domes of simple realization (without groove). The development of specific optoelectronic products must make it possible to easily couple several naked plastic fibers of 1 mm in diameter to a discrete phototransistor (by an optical adder) or of CMS technology (with extended junctions) replacing the "parallel" groupings of each line. of the matrix; A single discrete light-emitting diode (associated with a luminous flux divider) or of CMS technology (with emitting zone of rectangular shape or distributed over several points in line) instead of the "series" groups in each column. The simpler interface electronics (FIG. 6a) can then be powered at lower voltage (for example 5V), compatible with the power supply of the standard "servos".

This prototype with a cylindrical capacity of 160 mm x 160 mm can be declined in two or three dimensions to receive different categories of apparatus. This concept and this technology according to the invention are particularly suitable for the use of digital apparatuses.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS1- Universal underwater photographic or cinematographic camera housing, operated by an autonomous diver, characterized in that it consists of a rigid sealed housing in 2 parts (1) and (2) receiving a device for use "terrestrial" mounted on a support plate (37) specific to the model in order to make it operational and equipped with electromechanical actuators (43), that the controls of the settings (12) accessible to the plunger are of the "optomechanical" type which operate outside the housing, in the ambient aquatic environment, and that the information produced by these commands by means of an electronic coding interface (20) is transmitted inside the housing by sealed electrical connections. in the connector holder (5). 2- housing according to claim 1 characterized in that the front half-housing (2) has a circular lens window (9) eccentric with respect to the circular groove of attachment on (6) latches latches (7) , secured to the rear half-housing (1), and that the locking can be performed in any angular position about the axis of a half-housing relative to the other. 3- housing according to claim 1 characterized in that the controls of the "optomechanical" type are unsuitable optical switches distributed on a ring gear (15) at the periphery of the rear half-housing (1) and consist of: a button pusher (12) provided with a return spring (13) and a fastening flange (14) which can receive a logo of the specific command concerned; - A plastic optical fiber (17) guided in a groove of the support (16) and cut in two parts whose junction is underlying the button. Half a fiber is coupled to a light emitter (18) while the other is coupled to a light receiver (19). The curved end of a half fiber is resting on the base of the push button so that the luminous flux between (18) and (19) is: - interrupted in the "relaxed" position; - Established in "pressed" position, abutting the half-fibers by elastic deformation of the curved portion. 4. Housing according to claims 1 and 3 characterized in that the electronic interface (20), sealed by resin molding, adapts the pairs of light-emitting diodes (18) - phototransistors (19) to 2 integrated keyboard encoders according to the diagram 6 given to give an identification code of each button operated by the plunger. 5. Housing according to claim 1 characterized in that the electromechanical actuator (43), on a button-type "push" of the camera 2938351 -10- is constructed from a bipolar electromagnet battleship (46) non-remanent cylindrical shape which is completed: a magnetic disk (45) non-remanent whose plane is inclined relative to the gap plane of the electromagnet at rest (unpowered coil); A non-magnetic cylindrical cap (48) of inner diameter slightly greater than that of the disc which it traps; secured to the electromagnet, it is provided with a fixed pin (49) for supporting a peripheral point of the disk on the edge of the outer pole of (46) and, diametrically opposite, a stop (50) of setting the initial air gap against which the disc is applied; 10 of a needle (51), element of an action rod, which supports the disc in line with the adjustable stop; this needle passing through the electromagnet in the slot (60) formed on the outer pole, is guided by the hole (59) in the insulating support connections (61). 6. Housing according to claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the actuator (43) 15 comprises an action rod in two parts which constitute a piston assembly (52) integral with the needle (51), cylinder (53). ) of constant volume. Said cylinder, guided in a hole (63) made in the sheet metal of the support plate (37) is supported at one end on a push button of the camera. The other end receives a compression spring (54) which, in abutment between the stop (62) secured to the needle and therefore the piston and the shouldered portion (64) of the cylinder, tends to spread the 2 parts. 7- box according to claim 6 characterized in that the cylinder of constant volume of the actuator rod is sealed on the sliding needle (51) supporting the piston (52) by 2 O-rings (56) and that the position of the shoulder (64) relative to the support (37) prevents the exit of the needle from the sealing zone when the camera is removed. . 8- box according to claims 6 and 7 characterized in that piston (52) and cylinder (53) of the actuator of the actuating rod have a clearance sufficient to bring into communication the 2 parts of the cylinder defined by the position of the piston and that the total volume of the cylinder is filled with a grease (55) of viscosity capable of transmitting the mechanical pulse necessary to depress the push button of the camera.