WO1994010603A1

WO1994010603A1 - Camera housing

Info

Publication number: WO1994010603A1
Application number: PCT/FR1993/001083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard François BOZON
Original assignee: Bozon Bernard Francois
Priority date: 1992-11-04
Filing date: 1993-11-02
Publication date: 1994-05-11
Also published as: FR2697644B1; FR2697644A1

Abstract

A camera housing for use with rolls of standard or non-standard light-sensitive film in order to take a series of pictures in different formats while changing formats between exposures and without wasting any light-sensitive material, said formats being selected by the user to suit the view to be photographed. The housing comprises an assembly for initially receiving the take-up (18) and feed (19) spools on the same side of the exposure chamber, then moving them to opposite sides thereof over all or part of the maximum chamber length, depending on the selected format. A control is used for setting and winding forward the blank film, rewinding the exposed film, and ensuring operational safety. This camera housing enables pictures of below-standard format up to panoramic format to be taken, and centring and focusing may be performed either on a groud glass disk (11d) on the image focal plane, or by telemetric viewfinding (11a).

Description

CAMERA HOUSING

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of cameras.

More specifically, it relates to a camera housing allowing, from light-sensitive film reels, in particular of the standard type, to take successive views of different formats, adjustable from one view to another without loss of sensitive surface. , the formats being chosen by the user according to the subject. It also relates to a housing for a photographic camera, thus making it possible in particular to take panoramic views.

PRIOR ART

Camera bodies are already known which make it possible, from reels of sensitive film, to take pictures of different formats from one view to another, without loss of sensitive surface and adjustable according to the subject. US Patent No. 1,031,023 describes, for example, such a housing.

But although this device has been widely used, especially for professional applications, it nevertheless has some drawbacks and limitations.

Indeed, when taking a picture, the user must actuate two similar control rods, in rotation and in translation, over a height which can reach the length of the exposure chamber, which clearly constitutes a delicate maneuver and not very practical.

Furthermore, it is specified in this patent that this camera is designed to take photos of a usual given format and that it is furthermore equipped to exhibit, if desired, a shorter length of film. The user can therefore only reduce the area of the camera's normal field of view in order to impress only a reduced area of film in corresponding proportions. The user therefore in fact only has a limited choice. It is further noted that in the apparatus described, the sensitive film is simply stretched between the receiving and supplying coils and that, in this zone, the film is devoid of support or guiding means. However, it has been observed that, under such conditions, the film may become slightly cloudy under the effect, in particular, of internal and / or external tensions. However, if in the past we could accept to impress a sensitive film, not perfectly flat, because we could be content to operate in conditions where the depth of field in the focal plane allowed a certain tolerance, we are currently more demanding and it has become necessary to ensure excellent flatness of the sensitive film throughout the exposure area, which is not easy to achieve when the latter has a variable surface.

A first object of the present invention is therefore to propose a camera housing making it possible to successively take photos of different formats according to the nature of the subjects and without loss of film, which is at the same time simple, safe and practical for user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera housing for taking photos of a given usual format, further equipped to exhibit, depending on the subject, not only, if necessary, a shorter film length to that corresponding to the standard format, but also a greater length of film and thus making it possible to take up to so-called panoramic type views.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera body allowing the user to obtain, with a fixed focal lens, an effect of effective enlargement or shrinking of the subject, to be compared and / or combine with the apparent approach or distance effect of the subject which can be obtained with a zoom lens with variable focal length.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera body allowing the user to obtain, with a standard lens, devoid of a shift frame, a particular and original shift effect of the film portion. exposed in the exposure window in relation to the optical axis of the lens, the aim of which is, among other things, to control the perspective. Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera housing offering the user a means indicating, at any time, the format of blank film engaged for the photo to be taken.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera housing making it possible to keep the entire surface of a sensitive film included in the adjustable zone capable of being exposed to light substantially flat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera housing that can be permanently equipped with a frosted glass screen located in the focal image plane of the lens which allows the aiming, framing and focusing from subject.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found, and this constitutes the present invention, a camera housing comprising at least one objective, means for aiming and framing the subject and focusing the image obtained, a shutter and means triggering the movement of said shutter, said housing delimiting an exposure chamber with, at its bottom, an exposure window of rectangular section and comprising, in addition, means supporting the reel receiving a film sensitive to light and means supporting the reel supplying said film, said means supporting said take-up reel and supplying film being movable in translation along at least one longitudinal slide secured to said housing, by the action of control means, said means supporting said receiving and discharging coils being further located, in the rest position, laterally with respect to said exposure chamber and of the same c tee thereof, characterized in that said means for controlling the relative positions of said means supporting said film take-up and reels, comprise a single control device capable, by its movement, of driving in translation both said means supporting a first of said coils, up to the predetermined lateral limit closest to said exposure window, as well as said means supporting the second of said coils to any determined position chosen by the user as a function of the adjustable format suitable for each subject in question, thereby defining for each subject the opposite lateral limit and beyond said exposure window in the plane of the film extending between said coils.

The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the attached drawings, in the annex, which illustrate, by way of nonlimiting examples, schematically and without a determined scale, various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an overall view of an apparatus according to the invention, seen from the back and from above, in perspective.

Fig. 2 is a back view and from below in perspective showing a particular embodiment of slides along which slide spool carriages.

Fig. 3 is an overall view from the back and from above in perspective of a particular embodiment of the drive device in translation by a single control, common to the two carriages, take-up reel holder and supply reel holder, certain elements with the rear and lower parts of the housing removed for clarity.

Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the drive shaft of the first coil (here receiving) and of a torque limiting device mounted on this shaft, both of which are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3. Fig. 5 is a back view and from above, in perspective, illustrating means allowing the user to know at any time the length of the blank film engaged and the format chosen for each shot.

Fig. 6 is a back view and from below in perspective of different means for supporting and guiding the film between the supply and take-up reels. Fig. 7 is a partial view from behind and from below in perspective, showing another embodiment of a reel drive device debtor and receiver.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a simplified alternative embodiment of the drive device for a second coil (supply).

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

In fig. 1, the camera housing 10 is advantageously provided with a device 11a for aiming and framing the subject, as well as a device for focusing by telemetry the image obtained, of a type known per se (not shown).

This device comprises, in particular, an eyepiece 11b making it possible to observe the subject through a linked rectangular screen frame.

The housing 10 can receive a lens 12 of any known type, comprising a set of lenses arranged along an optical axis 13. The housing 10 is further equipped, for example at its upper part, with a button 14 capable of triggering the movement a shutter of known type, as well as a device 15 capable of controlling the movements of the film. This unique device 15 can comprise, for example, a knurled wheel which will make it possible to obtain manually and according to its direction of rotation, first of all the arming of the apparatus and the advancement of the virgin film, when it is driven according to arrow A, then the rewinding of the impressed film, when it is driven according to arrow R.

The back of the housing advantageously includes a removable flap 16, for example sliding and whose opening, controlled by the operation of the tab 17, allows the release of a frosted glass screen lld permanently fixed in the housing and located just behind the movable flap, in the focal plane of the objective 12 image. This screen also allows the aiming and focusing of the subject's image, as well as its framing, before arming the camera. The screens making it possible to operate by telemetry and / or on frosted glass are advantageously rectangular. The ratio of their length "a" to their width "b" is preferably equal to or greater than 2, thus making it possible to take shots of the so-called panoramic type, for which it is accepted that: ° ^. ≥2

The housing of the camera according to the invention can receive inside, in the area which includes the exposure chamber, a blank film delivery reel and a reel for receiving the film which has been impressed, these two reels being of any type known per se, advantageously of a standard type. In dashed lines in FIG. 1 are shown the respective positions at rest of a first reel 18, for example chosen here with a receiving function and of a second reel 19, then having a delivery function, the film 20 taking place from the supply reel 19 to the take-up reel 18.

At rest, the first and second coils, thus designated by their respective positions in the housing relative to the exposure chamber, regardless of their functions with respect to the film 20, are automatically placed on the same side relative to the exposure chamber, in particular with respect to the optical axis 13. However, it is not necessary that they release the exposure chamber entirely at rest. The second coil 19, (chosen here for example delivery), can reach the extreme position 19b, on the opposite side of the exposure chamber and the optical axis 13, when the user needs the maximum format of the device , for example a panoramic type format.

Position 19a represents an intermediate position of the second coil 19, which the user can choose, after aiming, framing and focusing, according to the subject in question and before triggering the shutter. In this intermediate position of the second reel 19, the user can therefore print a strip of film in a rectangular format intermediate between the maximum format, advantageously of the panoramic type, that is to say such that:

b

and any lower format chosen arbitrarily as a minimum. This format intermediate may thus be less, equal or greater than the format considered as standard for the film used.

Whatever the format chosen by the user, before the shutter is released, we will see later that the control 15 can automatically bring the first coil 18 to the edge closest to the exposure chamber and that the latter can then be delimited precisely by the respective positions of the first and second coils 18 and 19 which frame it. Subsequently, the exposure window will be called the surface of the film extending between the two coils and included in the exposure chamber of the device. With particular reference to Figure 2 _. let us examine the means which make it possible to receive and support the receiving and discharging coils and how these means function. The user first hooks around the axis of the reel 18 the end of the film from the supply reel 19 contained in its case. It slides part of the film into the case of the take-up reel 18 and then places the two reels 18 and 19 in their respective cases on each of the reel-carrying carriages 21 and 22, arranged side by side in the rest position. The cases of each reel are integral with the respective reel-carrying carriages 21 and 22 in their movements.

The frame 21 carrying the first reel 18, in this example assumed to have a receiving function, may comprise two parallel plates 23 and 24 connected by tie rods such as 25, 26. It is possible, if desired, to have a sliding reel-holder plate 27 and provided with guide tubes such as 28 which each slide around a tie rod such as 25. The same reel support can thus receive different models or different sizes of reels. A spring 29 tends to bring the plate 27 closer to the upper plate 23. Advantageously, the shapes of the upper plate 23 and of the sliding plate are studied to facilitate centering of the coil and keeping it in position. The spring tends to keep the coil 18 pressed against the plate 23. Likewise, the coil 19 can be kept pressed against the upper plate 30 of the chassis of the carriage 22 by a spring not shown, similar to the spring 29 acting on the sliding plate 31 The film 20, in phantom, then extends between the coils 18 and 19.

Each of the spool carriers, 21 and 22, can slide longitudinally in at least one rectilinear slide, respectively 32 and 33. For this purpose, the plates such as 23, 24 or 30 can be integral with slides such as 34, 35 which are engaged in the corresponding slides. Each carriage can thus move in translation between stops such as 36, 37, 38 and 39, fixed on the housing 10. Advantageously, the position of these stops can be adjustable.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 3, let us examine in more detail the structure, then the operation of the drive mechanisms of the reel-carrying carriages 21 and 22, as well as the reels 18 and 19 on their respective carriages.

The control 15 can rotate a coaxial crenellated wheel 40 whose axis can pivot in two housings, one towards one end of the upper part of the housing 10 and the other on the support plate 41 fixed on this same housing . The crenellated wheel 40 can cause the displacement without slipping of an endless toothed belt 42, shown partially for clarity. This may be stretched between, on the one hand, the wheel 40 and a pair of rollers 43, 44 and, on the other hand, towards the opposite end of the housing 10, around rollers 45, 46 whose axes can each rotate between two bearings, one on the opposite end of the upper part of the housing 10 and the other on the support plate 47 integral with this housing. One function of the rollers 43 and 44 is to increase the envelopment of the castellated wheel 40 by the belt 42 and thus to ensure better driving conditions without slipping of the toothed belt 42.

The carriage 21 carrying the first reel 18 (receiver) can be connected to the toothed belt 42 by means of a notched wheel 49 framed by two rollers 50 and 51. One function of the rollers 50 and 51 is to increase the envelopment of the crenellated wheel 49 by the toothed belt 42 and thus ensuring better driving conditions in opposite directions of the wheel 49 by the belt 42. A plate (not shown), integral with the carriage 21, can support the axes of the wheel 49 and of the rollers 50 and 51. The castellated wheel 49 is coaxial and integral with a toothed wheel 52 which meshes with a toothed pinion 54 mounted idly on the shaft 53 arranged in the extension of the axis of the first coil 18 (take-up). This tree has advantageously a flat 53a, over all or part of its height (cf. FIG. 4).

The lower end of the shaft 53 is extended beyond the bearing 48 rotating in the plate 23 by a plate 55 which engages inside the axial channel of the case of the coil 18, so that the coil 18 is integral with shaft 53 during its rotation or during the blocking of its rotation. Can be mounted on the shaft 53, successively from bottom to top and above the bearing 48, a pinion 56 secured to the shaft (keyed or pinned, hard-fitted, etc.). In contact with the pinion 56, a first device 57, torque limiter, comprising a stack of discs tight against each other, mounted freely or not around the shaft 53, as specified below, a sleeve 58, integral of the shaft 53 (pinned, etc.), surmounted by a second device 64 for limiting the torque, driven in particular by the pinion 54 which is not secured to the rotating shaft.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the first torque limiting device 57 can successively comprise from bottom to top, in addition to the pinion 56:

- a support washer 65,

an elastic washer 66 slightly deformable in an axial direction,

- a washer 67c with a low coefficient of friction, for example made of polytetrafluoroethylene or (P.T.F.E.),

a metal washer 67a, integral with the shaft 53 by a flat 67b which cooperates with the flat 53a of the shaft 53,

- a washer 67 in P.T.F.E.,

a metal washer 68 held integral with the carriage 21 by a tongue 68a and a fixing rod 69,

- a washer in P.T.F.E. 70a,

a metal washer 70b secured to the shaft 53 by a flat 70c which cooperates with the flat 53a of the shaft 53,

- a washer 70 in P.T.F.E., - a disc 71 perforated with two curved buttonholes 71a and

71b arranged on either side of the bearing surface of the disc 71 around the sleeve 58 keyed onto the shaft 53. It can thus be seen that the torque limiting device 57 as described in FIG. 4 advantageously consists of two subassemblies 57a and 57b essentially symmetrical with respect to the fixed element 68 integral with the carriage 21. The elements 55, 56, 67a, 70b and 58 are integral in rotation with the shaft 53 and the elements 65, 66, 67c, 67, 70a, 70 and 71 can rotate freely around the shaft 53.

The pinion 54 is provided with two fingers 72a and 72b, parallel to the axis of the pinion, directed downward, capable of turning around the sleeve 58 and of engaging each in one of the curved buttonholes 71a and 71b and of move inside these, until it comes into abutment against each of their opposite ends.

The second torque limiting device 64 may comprise (cf. fig. 3), driven by the pinion 54, the washer 59 made of PTFE, the cam 60 constituted by a disc provided with a profile forming a stop 60a, advantageously included in a plane axial and a peripheral notch 60b. A lateral bar 73, integral with the carriage 21, is engaged in the notch 60b and thus limits the amplitude of the rotation of the cam 60. Above the cam, one can also have an elastic washer 61, d variable thickness, a support washer 62 and a pin 63 passing through the end of the shaft 53.

A lateral lever 74 can pivot at one of its ends around an axis 75 fixed on the plate 23 of the support 21. It has a serrated lateral profile 76 allowing it either to engage with the teeth of the pinion 56 and thus block its rotation, either to disengage from the pinion 56 and to release it. For this, it is provided at the opposite end, on the one hand, with a pusher 77, the position of which can be advantageously adjusted, for example by screwing and locking by lock nut in the retained position, capable of cooperating with the stop 60a of the cam 60. It is provided, on the other hand, with a return spring 78 attached, at one end, to a bar 79 fixed to the plate 23 and, at the other end, to an arm 80 secured to the lever 74. This spring tends to bring the lever 74 against the pinion 56 and thus block its rotation. Advantageously, the drive mechanism of the reel-carrying carriage 22 and of the second reel 19 (delivery), can be similar to the mechanism described above. It can however differ from it, essentially by means driving the shaft 90 in rotation in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the shaft 53. Thus, the carriage 22, shown diagrammatically by the plate 30, can be connected to the belt notched 42 by means of a notched wheel 81 driving on the shaft 90, in the same direction of rotation, a pinion 82 by means of a notched belt 83.

Two rollers 84, 85 surround the wheel 81 and increase the wrapping of the wheel 81 by the belt 42 in order to ensure better driving conditions without sliding of the carriage by the belt 42.

All the other mechanical elements of the carriage 22 can be identical to their counterparts of the carriage 21, described above and, moreover, have identical relative arrangements. Thus, the lever 86 (shown in dashed lines), homologous to the lever 74, is it disposed relative to the shaft 90, on the same side as the lever 74 relative to the shaft 53 and it can pivot around an axis 87 crossing the plate 30 at a homologous location identical to that of the axis 75 in the plate 23.

The device, shown in Figures 1 to 4, operates as follows. The film 20 supplied by the supply reel 19 is first put in place by the user as indicated above between the supply reel 19 and the take-up reel 18, the reels 19 and 18 being mounted on their respective carriages 22 and

21, pushed to the left of the appliance in the rest position (see Fig. 1). The user then targets his subject and can proceed to the direct focusing of the image on the frosted glass lld, after having removed the movable flap 16 using the tab 17. After having closed the flap 16, he may proceed with the positioning of the coils 18, 19 and continue the aiming and focusing operations by indirect telemetry and framing with the aiming device 11a. If desired, he can also be content to use only the indirect aiming and telemetry device. He can choose a shooting format which will be indicated to him by the position of a marker such as 97 opposite the corresponding graduation (cf. Fig. 5).

The user first arises the device to be ready to shoot. This operation consists of bringing the necessary quantity of sensitive film into the exposure window, that is to say of suitably moving said first and second reels on either side of this window. This operation can take place in four successive phases (see Fig. 3).

For the first phase, called start-up, the user begins to turn the control button 15 in the direction of the arrow A, for "Arming", for example in the anticlockwise direction. The crenellated wheel 40 then causes, without slipping, the movement towards the right of the notched belt 42 guided in particular by the rollers 43, 44, 45 and 46. The belt 42 tends, moreover, to simultaneously drive the crenellated wheels 49 and 81 which, by means of the means 52 and 83 and with the help of the rollers 50, 51, 84 and 85, will drive in rotation in opposite directions the pinions 54 and 82 disposed respectively on the shafts 53 and 90 s' engaging, one in the take-up reel 18 carried by the carriage 21 (plate 23) and the other in the film-carrying reel 19 carried by the carriage 22 (plate 30). On the shaft 53, integral with the take-up reel 18, the pinion 54 tends to drive the cam 60 clockwise, by means of the washer P.T.F.E. 59. The cam 60 rotates until the end of the notch 60b is stopped by the bar 73 secured to the plate 23. The stop 60a is then released from the pusher 77 and, under the action of the spring 78, the lever 74 pivots around the axis 75 to engage the pinion 56 secured to the shaft 53 and block its rotation.

Therefore, from the start of arming, the take-up reel 18 stops rotating. Since on the shaft 90, the cam is driven in the opposite direction, all other things being equal, the supply coil 19 is, conversely, immediately released in rotation, thanks to the fact that the force of the return spring, homologous to the spring 78, is less than the force exerted by the user on the carriage 22 via the belt 42.

The second phase then occurs with the simultaneous transport of the carriages 21 and 22. The user maintains his action on the control 15, the pinions 54 and 82 then continue their rotations in opposite directions. Let us examine in more detail the action of the pinion 54 on the carriage 21. The fingers 72a, 72b of the pinion 54 rotate around the sleeve 58 in the respective buttonholes 71a and 71b of the disc 71 until they come into abutment at the opposite ends of these buttonholes and they tend to drive the disc 71 clockwise (in the opposite direction for its counterpart of the carriage 22). The disc 71 is clamped on the PTFE washer 70 and on the metal washer 70b secured to the shaft 53 by the cooperation of the flats 70c and 53a, therefore devoid of rotational movement. The resistive torque of the first torque limiting device 57 is adjusted to be greater than the inertial force of the carriage 21 on its slides 32 and 33. The disc 71 thus immobilized, is supported by the ends of the buttonholes 71a and 71b on the fingers 72a and 72b drive integral with the pinion 54. The latter is then likewise immobilized, as well as the pinion 52 and the wheel 49. The toothed belt 42 then bears on this wheel 49 immobilized to move the entire carriage 21 in its own direction of movement, to the right. Likewise, the belt 42 moves the whole of the carriage 22 in its own direction of movement to the right and at the same speed as the carriage 21.

The third phase corresponds to stopping the movement of the carriage 21 carrying said first coil 18, this carriage coming against the stop 37, while the carriage 22, carrying said second coil 19, continues its movement. As long as the user maintains the rotary movement A of the button 15, the belt 42 exerts a tensile force on the carriages 21 and 22. When the movement of the carriage 21 stops against the stop 37, the tensile force suddenly exceeds the resistant torque of the first torque limiter 57 which starts to slide, the belt 42 causing the elements 49, 52, 54 and 71 to rotate. The tensile force, then exerted indirectly by the user on the disc 70 driven in rotation , exceeds the friction forces exerted by the PTFE washers 70, 70a, 67, 67c on the discs 70b and 67a secured to the shaft 53, locked in rotation, on the one hand, and on the disc 68 secured to the carriage 21 by through elements 68a and 69, on the other hand. The belt 42 continuing its movement, continues to drive in translation the carriage 22 carrying the second coil 19. The distance separating the two coils then begins to increase. However, as since the first phase, the take-up reel 18 is locked in rotation while the supply reel 19 is released, it follows that the blank film 20 leaves the supply reel as the increasing spacing of the two reels.

The film 20 is kept taut thanks to the resistant torque exerted on the carriage 22 by the two subassemblies of the torque limiter 57 constituted in particular by the stacks of parts 65, 66, 67c, 67a and 67, on the one hand, and 70 ,

70b, 70a, on the other hand, stacks adjacent to the disc 68 held integral with the carriage 21 by the tongue 68a and the fixing rod 69.

The fourth phase corresponds to stopping the movement of the carriage 22 carrying said second coil 19. This stop can be obtained, either voluntarily by the user who chooses to interrupt the rotation of the button 15 when he considers that the quantity of film blank unwound between the coils 18 and 19 corresponds to the format best suited to the subject in question, that is by contact of the carriage 22 with the stop 39 which automatically limits its travel.

Thus, the carriages 21, 22, supporting the first and second coils 18, 19, are they caused by the user to carry out, preferably during the arming time, a constant movement in their respective positions adapted to the format adjustable according to of each subject. By constant displacement means a displacement carried out constantly in the same direction, in a continuous or discontinuous manner. After having, in a second step, taken the shot in a conventional manner, the user proceeds, in a third step, to rewind the exposed film. This last operation can also take place in four successive phases.

For the first phase, called start-up, the user begins to turn the control button 15 in the direction of the arrow R for "rewinding", for example in the direction of clockwise. The crenellated wheel 40 then causes the toothed belt 42 to move to the left without sliding. The latter tends to simultaneously rotate the castellated wheels 49 and 81 which, by means 52 and 83 and with the aid rollers 50, 51, 84 and 85, will drive in rotation in opposite directions the pinions 54 and 82, disposed respectively on the shafts 53 and 90. On the shaft 53, integral with the take-up reel 18, the pinion 54 tends to drive the cam 60 counterclockwise. The cam 60 rotates until the other end of the notch 60b is stopped by the bar 73. Simultaneously the stop 60a pushes the plunger 77, exerting a force greater than the return force of the spring 78, which releases the lever 74 out of the teeth of the pinion 56 and unlocks the pinion 56. Therefore, as soon as the rewinding starts, the take-up reel 18 is released in rotation. Since on the shaft 90, the cam is driven in the opposite direction, all other things being equal, the supply coil 19 is, conversely, immediately locked in rotation, under the action of the return spring acting on the lever 86 The second phase then begins with the simultaneous return of the carriages

21 and 22. The user maintains his action on the control 15, the pinions 54 and 82 continue their rotations in opposite directions. The fingers 72a, 72b of the pinion 54 rotate around the sleeve 58 in the respective buttonholes 71a and 71b of the disc 71, until they come into abutment at the ends of these buttonholes and they tend to drive the disc 71 in the opposite direction to the needles. a watch. (In the opposite direction, that is to say in the clockwise direction for its counterpart of the carriage 22). The resistive torque of the first torque limiting device 57 being adjusted to be greater than the inertial force of the carriage 21, it follows that the disc 71 is locked in rotation, immediately blocking the rotation of the pinion 54 and the wheels 52 and 49 , and that the belt 42 then bears indirectly on the fingers 72a, 72b in abutment to move the assembly of the carriage 21 in its own direction of movement, to the left.

Likewise, the belt 42 moves the whole of the carriage 22 in its own direction of movement to the left and at the same speed. The third phase begins with the cessation of the movement of the carriage 21 against the stop 36 and the rotational drive of the first coil 18 carried by this carriage, while the carriage 22 carrying the second coil 19 continues its return movement, the coil 19 remaining blocked in rotation. As long as the user maintains the rotational movement in the direction R of the button 15, the belt 42 exerts a traction force on the carriages 21 and 22. When the movement of the carriage 21 stops against the stop 36, the traction force suddenly exceeds the resistance of the first torque limiter 57 which starts to slide, the belt 42 causing the elements 49, 52, 54 and 71 to rotate. The tensile force then exerted by the user on the disc 70 driven in rotation exceeds the forces friction exerted by the PTFE washers 70, 70a, 67, 67c on the discs 70b and 67a secured to the shaft 53 free to rotate and particularly on the disc 68 secured to the carriage 21 via the elements 68a and 69. The belt 42, continuing constant movement, continues to drive in translation the carriage 22 carrying the coil 19 whose rotation is blocked.

The distance between the two coils then begins to decrease. However, since the first phase of the rewinding operation, the shaft 53, integral with the take-up reel 18, is released in rotation. So from the start of the third phase the shaft 53, free to turn on itself, is effectively driven in rotation via the pinion 54 and the elements 52 and 49 by continuing movement to the left of the belt 42. This results that the impressed film 20 begins to rewind on the take-up reel 18. For the pinion 54 and the toothed wheel 52, a ratio of the respective diameters generally between 0.2 and 1 and preferably between 0.5 and 1 is chosen. As a result, the film 20 is rewound at a peripheral speed greater than the linear speed of approximation of the carriage 22 relative to the carriage 21, which keeps the impressed part of film stretched between the take-up 18 and take-up reel 19, whatever the diameters of winding of the film around the reels 18 and 19. Furthermore, the resistive torque of the torque limiter 57 is adjusted to exert considerable tension on the impressed film 20 ent less than the tensile breaking limit of the film 20. The exposed part of the film 20 is thus automatically wound on the take-up reel 18.

The fourth phase corresponds to the stopping of the movement of the carriage 22 carrying the second coil 19 (debtor), the latter coming into abutment, either against a specific abutment 38, or against the carriage 21 already immobilized in the rest position against the abutment 36, which causes the wheel 15 controlled by the user to stop. The two carriages 21, 22 are then in the so-called rest position, ready for a new cycle of operations, until the film is exhausted. Advantageously, the relative positions of the carriages 21, 22 are adjusted at rest so that the length of film 20 between the two reels, which corresponds to the unused film gap between two consecutive views, is as small as possible. This interval is generally between 0.5 and 8 millimeters and preferably between 1 and 5 millimeters, this whatever the formats of the successive views. It is thus observed that, thanks to the apparatus according to the invention, there is no more loss of film between two successive views than with an apparatus of known type limited to the use of a standard film for format unique. Referring more particularly to FIG. 5, let us examine means which advantageously allow the user to know the format chosen for each shot. We have seen that the control 15 can drive the receiving 18 and supplying 19 coils, on either side of the exposure window, thus determining the format chosen, this movement being obtained by driving the toothed belt 42 using of the crenellated wheel 40 mounted on the shaft 91. It has now been found that it is advantageous to mount on the shaft 91 a suitable cylindrical sleeve 92 causing without sliding, preferably positively, an endless flexible strip 95 stretched longitudinally around a roller 93 rotating around an axis 94 fixed to the housing 10. The strip 95 may include one or more indexes such as 96 or 97 each moving in front of a graduated scale, 98 or 99 respectively.

FIG. 5 shows a scale 98 with direct reading and a scale 99 with reverse reading, as seen through the eyepiece 11b of the aiming device 11a. Also, the indexes 96 and 97 moving in front of each of these scales are fixed on the opposite strands of the strip 95, strands moving in opposite directions, on either side of the sleeves 92 and roller 93.

The scale 98 can be fixed on the top of the housing 10 and the scale 99 can be engraved on the sighting device. The ratio of the diameter of the sleeve 92 to that of the wheel 40 can be chosen to be equal to the ratio between the length of the sighting device linked to the maximum length of film capable of being impressed during a shooting by the camera. The position of each index in look of the corresponding scale is thus proportional at all times to the length of the blank film present in the exposure window and provides the user with a precise indication of the format actually chosen. The manufacturer of the apparatus can choose for the graduations the scale or scales which will appear to him the most appropriate, for example multiples and submultiples of the standard format or a millimeter scale, in inches, etc.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the film 20 extends between the lips of the receiving and distributing orifices of the coils 18 and 19 carried respectively by the carriages 21 and 22. At the time of shooting, it It is important that this film occupies a position as rigorously defined and as perfectly flat as possible to guarantee the sharpness of the photo. However, since this device allows variable formats, the spacing between the coils 18 and 19 is essentially variable from one shot to the next, so it is generally not possible to use the guiding or support devices. of conventional cameras, the problem is particularly delicate for panoramic type views where the exposed film surface is relatively large.

A first solution may consist in passing the film over two cylindrical rollers 109, 110, free to rotate around axes fixed between the plates 23, 24 and 30, 30a of the respective reel supports 21, 22. These rollers 109, 110 are arranged against and along the lips of the receiving and distributing orifices of the reels 18, 19. The film 20 is both guided and supported by these rollers at the two ends of the exposure window. These rollers 109, 110 replace the lips of the reels to better support the film. The characteristics of these rollers are chosen by the technician to reconcile a minimum deflection, in the direction of the width of the film, and a minimum bulk, in the direction of the length of the film, to maintain the loss of film between two consecutive photos also. reduced as possible.

Another solution may consist in supporting at least one of the longitudinal edges of the film 20 by a flexible strip 100 held between the coils 18, 19 around the rollers 109, 110, regardless of the spacing thereof. For example, in FIG. 6 is shown an endless strip, made of very thin steel, of length constant, maintained in particular between the support and return rollers such as 101, 102, 103, 104, fixed by supports 105, 106 on the housing 10, and mobile rollers 107, 108 respectively secured to the carriages 21, 22. The length of the strip 100 remains constant whatever the relative positions of the carriages 21, 22. It is also possible, if desired, to support the longitudinal edges of the film 20 between the two reels by a flexible strip 100a which, preferably, is guided by rollers 107, 108 and is wound around rollers 109, 110 (like the strip 100 of the preceding solution), but is fixed at its two ends to the housing 10 by suitable clamp devices 105a, 106a. One can also replace the rollers 109, 110, independent rollers, similar to the rollers 107 and 108, each rotating around an axis fixed on one of the plates 23, 24, 30, 30a.

Yet another solution may consist in improving the guiding and the support of the film 20 in the exposure window by allowing at least one of its two longitudinal edges to slide between on the one hand a flexible strip of magnetic material, for example steel as 100 or 100 described above and on the other hand, a magnetic bar 111, 112, fixed on or near the bottom of the case in the focal image plane of the lens in the zone delimiting the exposure window between the extreme positions of the take-up and take-up coils. The attraction of the magnetic bar is exerted on the flexible steel strip through the film 20 and maintains it precisely, whatever its movements or its extent.

We can still improve the previous solution (s), which can be used individually or in various combinations, by placing the magnetic bars 111, 112 on either side of the frosted glass lld fixed on the back of the case 10, the faces of the frosted glass and magnetic bars facing the interior of the device being in the same plane. Thus the film 20 receives an integral and continuous support against the back of the device and in particular against the frosted glass lld ensuring the additional function of retaining the film behind in the image focal plane, whatever its movements or its extent. , which is practically opposed to any deformation, taking into account the fact that it remains slightly taut between the two coils. The film reel drive mechanism, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments within the technician's reach. Thus, for example, the single control 15 can be either manual, in the form of a tilting lever, a sliding button, a rotating wheel with or without gear reduction, or motorized using any means known per se. The connecting means 42, flexible and inextensible, may advantageously be constituted for example by a chain, a rack, a cable system, a belt or a honeycomb film, or by any other mechanical equivalent of the toothed belt. This connecting means 42 may in fact comprise either preferably means capable of carrying out a positive drive, that is to say based on the interpenetration of the surfaces in contact, such as for example a toothed belt cooperating with wheels. crenellated, or means capable of carrying out a drive by simple rubbing of the contacting surfaces, such as for example a belt with a trapezoidal section cooperating with grooved pulleys.

The carriages 21, 22 can be, if desired, considerably simplified and include for example only a fixed plate 23, 30, each coil being held against this fixed plate by a counter plate such as 27 retained by springs such as 29 The stroke of the carriages 21, 22 can be directly limited by specific stops such as 36 to 39, or non-specific (for example: the wall of the housing 10, the other carriage, etc.). It can be indirectly limited by stops placed on any other part of the drive device, for example by stops limiting the stroke of the single control 15.

One of the carriages, 22 for example, can, if desired, slide alone on a fixed slide, while the two carriages 21, 22, can be integral with mobile slides sliding against each other, preferably s' interpenetrating, thus allowing the carriage 21 to be guided. Advantageously, these movable slides can also press the film 20, preferably on each of its two longitudinal edges, to improve the precision of the guiding of the film between the reels. This film guide means can naturally be combined by the technician with the various film guide means described above.

An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention has been described with reference to FIG. 3, as comprising a first coil 18 which only moves up to the predetermined lateral limit closest to the exposure window and a second coil 19 which moves beyond this exposure window. In this exemplary embodiment, the first coil 18 has the function of take-up coil and the second coil 19, the function of supply coil.

However, according to the present invention, it is also possible, although not preferred, to reverse the functions of said first and second coils. Thus, in FIG. 7, the carriage 21 carries the first reel 18 which here has the function of supplying reel and the carriage 22 carries the second reel 19 which here has the function of take-up reel.

We can move from the device shown in FIG. 3 to that of FIG. 7 by replacing the mechanical drive or blocking members of said coils with similar members symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane defined by the axes of the shafts driving the coils. 18 and 19. Thus, in particular the cam 60, the lever 74, its axis 75, the pusher 77, the return spring 78 and its fasteners 79, 80, shown in FIG. 3, do they take, as indicated in FIG. 7 , symmetrical positions with respect to the axial longitudinal plane, the other elements being able to be kept identical (cf. the homologous elements 160, 174, 175, 177, 178, 179, 180). It is possible to add between the ends 115 and 116 of the housing 10 a fixed, but flexible rack 117, on which can roll without slipping the castellated wheel 81 of the take-up reel 19. The function of this rack is to control the rewinding of the exposed film around the reel 19, by rotation of this reel when it returns to the rest position. The operation of the device shown in Figure 7 is similar to that shown in Figure 3, except that when the axes are locked in rotation in Figure 3, they are released in Figure 7, and vice versa. FIG. 3 describes a particular embodiment of a drive mechanism for a take-up reel 18 by a toothed belt 42. This drive mechanism can be the subject of numerous alternative embodiments within the reach of the technician. Thus, the latter can for example reverse, on the drive shafts of the coils, the direct transmissions by belt (or with additional pinion) and the reverse transmissions, by pinions in engagement. He may also modify the number, nature and / or order of the pieces stacked along these trees.

A simplified embodiment of a device for driving a second coil (delivery) 19 by a belt 42 is thus represented in FIG. 8 by way of nonlimiting example. The supply reel 19 is carried by the carriage 22 represented by the plate 30. The toothed belt 42 is tightened by a clamp 201 at the end of the lever 202 rocking around an axis 203 passing through an orifice 204 in the plate 30. This axis 203 laterally carries an arm 205 provided with a toothing 206 capable of engaging or disengaging from the toothing of the pinion 256 secured to the shaft 253 by means of a pinned sleeve 258, until it comes against a stop 270 fixed on the plate 30 of the carriage 22. The shaft 253 rotates in a bearing 248 housed in the orifice 257 of the plate 30. It carries at the end two drive fingers 255 capable of securing the rotating shaft with the coil 19. It is guided by a fixed plate 268 made integral with the plate 30 by at least one tie rod 207 screwed at both ends through the orifices 208, 209. It only has one torque limiter constituted in particular by the stack of discs madly mounted on the tree 253, a dis than in P.T.F.E. 269, a disc of elastically deformable thickness 266, a steel washer 265, a support washer 264 held by a pin 263. The steel washer 267 has a flat 267a which cooperates with a corresponding flat 253a on the shaft 253 and makes the washer 267 integral in rotation with the shaft 253.

When the operator acts on the single control 15 in direction A (for arming), he exerts a traction on the toothed belt 42 which tends to pivot the arm 205 to the right and to release the teeth 206 from those of the pinion 256 The supply reel 19 is free to rotate. In addition, the arm 205, coming into abutment on the element 270, drives the plate 30 and thus the carriage 22 to the right.

Conversely, the supply reel 19 is locked in rotation during rewinding, the belt 42 being biased to the left, the teeth 206 meshing with those of the pinion 256 and locking its position. Furthermore, any traction exerted in one direction or the other on the belt 42 thus drives the entire carriage 22 in translation as far as the stop, in the direction imposed by the belt 42. The apparatus according to the invention provides a decisive advantage, going to beyond the simple possibility of choosing between two formats, for example between a standard format and a panoramic type format. It allows the user to choose its format ideally according to the subject, without limitation or discontinuity. The length of the exposed film can be as desired, less than the width of the film (substandard format), equal or greater, generally up to a multiple of this width. The format chosen can, if desired, be made up of any multiple or submultiple of a standard format considered as basic format. If necessary, we can use films graduated accordingly by elementary fractions of a basic format to know at any time the quantity of blank film available. The manufacturer of the device can choose to go beyond the traditional panoramic format, it will be limited more probably for economic reasons than technical.

This device is, moreover, extremely easy to handle for the user, since it may comprise only a single film movement control, manual or motorized. This single command can ensure itself, not only the positioning of the film to be exposed in the exposure window according to the format chosen by the user, but also the return to the rest position. It can, moreover, ensure the alternating locking of the rotation of the film in the film supply and take-up reels, which allows the film to be fed and rewound in good safety conditions, the exposed film being saved in the receiver case view after view. This single command can also be associated by the technician with conventional devices allowing him to obtain in particular the prohibition of untimely shots, involuntary double exposure and / or non-exposure of sensitive surface. It also allows the user to effectively know the format chosen. This device therefore offers the possibility, on the same film, of juxtaposing views of different formats, without loss of film.

Despite the variable positions and spacings of the supply and take-up reels, the film placed in the exposure window of the camera can be held in place with great precision, thus allowing particularly clear shots.

This camera allows, with fixed focal lenses, to obtain effects effective enlargement or narrowing of the subject, depending on the format chosen, which are to be compared with the effects of apparent approximation of the subject, which can be obtained with a variable focal length lens, of the "zoom" type. Naturally, it is possible to combine these two effects by equipping the camera according to the invention with a variable focal length lens, which opens up new technical and aesthetic possibilities for the user.

The possibilities of decentering the exposure window, constituting the case with respect to the optical axis of the lens, provide the user with perspective control. Indeed, as a result of the mode of supply, in film, of the box, according to the invention, one of the reels remaining fixed at the edge of the exposure window, the other reel determining by its position any size of window d exposure allowed by the maximum geometrical characteristics of the case, the value of the offset of the exposure window relative to the optical axis will be variable and complementary to half the length of film between the two reels compared to the value half the maximum size of the exposure window. The shift decreases while the exposed film format increases.

We thus obtain a perspective check, in the direction of the unfolding of the film by a progressive "refocusing" as the exposed film format increases, originality of this box.

On the other hand, a perspective check in the transverse direction of the film is obtained by judiciously placing the optical axis of the objective, by construction, relative to the upper and lower edges of the film, so that the ratio of the distances between the optical axis, and the upper and lower edges of the film, for example in the ratio 1.618 (gold standard).

On the other hand, the inverse ratio 1 / 1.618 is obtained by turning the housing 180 ° in the focal plane.

The user has a possibility of perspective control by continuous refocusing in the direction of film unwinding and two shift values in the cross direction of the film.

It should be noted that the perspective control in the direction of unfolding of the film is combined with the operation of the rewind feed button 15 and does not require any particular manipulation. In the cross direction, just turn the box to go from one report to another.

Perspective control is naturally carried out on the rear frosted surface, the two coils being in position 18 and 19.

APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus according to the invention can satisfy both the amateur and professional photographer:

- the amateur photographer, by its simplicity and its safety of use, as well as by its widened range of possibilities, consequence of the variable format, usable with reels of standard film.

- the professional photographer, for these same reasons, but also for the quality of guidance and support of the film ensuring improved clarity, by its ability to receive reels of medium and large formats and by its image adjustment systems both by telemetry and on rear frosted glass.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 - Camera body (10) comprising at least one objective (12), means (lia, 11b, lie) and / or (lld) for aiming and framing the subject and focusing the image obtained, a shutter and means (14) for triggering the movement of said shutter, said housing delimiting an exposure chamber with at its bottom an exposure window of rectangular section and comprising, in addition, means (21) supporting the take-up reel (18) of a light-sensitive film (20) and means (22) supporting the supply reel (19) of said film, said means (21, 22) supporting said take-up reel and supply of film being movable by translation along at least one longitudinal slide (32, 33), integral with said housing (10), by the action of control means (15, 40, 42, 49, 81), said means (21, 22 ) supporting said receiving and supplying coils being further located, in the rest position, laterally with respect to to said exposure window and on the same side thereof, characterized in that said means for controlling the relative positions of said means (21, 22), supporting said film take-up (18) and take-up reels (19) , comprise a single control device (15) capable by its movement of driving in translation both said means (21), supporting a first of said coils (18), up to the predetermined lateral limit closest to said exposure window, as well as said means (22) supporting the second of said coils (19) up to any determined position, chosen by the user as a function of the adjustable format suitable for each targeted subject, thus defining for each subject the opposite lateral limit of said exposure window in the plane of the film extending between said reels. 2 - Camera housing according to claim 1, characterized in that said single control device (15) is capable, alternately, of bringing said means (21, 22) supporting said first and second coils (18, 19) by a constant displacement in their respective positions adapted to the adjustable format, according to each targeted subject, then to bring them back after shooting, by reversing its direction of displacement and by a constant displacement, to their respective initial rest positions. 3 - Camera housing according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said single control device (15) is capable of driving virtually without sliding each of said means (21, 22) supporting said first and second coils (18, 19) by means of at least one flexible, inextensible and endless connecting means (42), connected by mechanical movement transmission means, on the one hand, (40), to said device single control (15) and, on the other hand, (49, 52, 54, 81, 82, 83), to said means (21, 22) supporting said coils.

4 - Camera housing according to claim 3, characterized in that said connecting means (42) is a toothed belt.

5 - Housing according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said means (21, 22), supporting said first and second coils are capable of moving along at least one of said slides (32, 33 ) between at least two stops (36 to 39), capable of limiting each of their respective movements of forward and return translation.

6 - Box according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of said means (21, 22) supporting said first and second coils, there is associated mechanical means for locking or driving in rotation of said coils, these means mechanical comprising at least one shaft (53, 253) capable of being made integral at one end of a coaxial coil (18, 19), said shaft being also coaxially secured to a pinion (56, 256) guided by a bearing (48, 248), in said support (21, 22) and equipped with at least a first torque limiter (57), said pinion (56, 256) meshing or not with a lateral lever (74, 205 ) rocking about an axis (75, 203) fixed on said support (21, 22), the engagement or disengagement of said lever (74, 205) with said pinion (56, 256), being determined by the direction of displacement of said connecting means (42).

7 - Housing according to claim 6, characterized in that said shaft (53) further receives, idly mounted and coaxially, a drive pinion (54) in engagement with said mechanical movement transmission means (49, 52) and a disc-shaped cam (60) provided with a profile forming a stop (60a) and also making it possible to limit the amplitude of its rotation against a lateral element (73) integral of said support means (21), said stop (60a) controlling, by rotation of said cam (60) in a given direction, the engagement of said lever (74) with said pinion (56) and thus the rotation blocking of said coil (18), its release being obtained by disengaging said lever (74) from said pinion (56), during the rotation of said cam (60) in the opposite direction, by the action of a return spring ( 78) connecting one end of said lever (74) to said support means (21), the tensile force of said spring (78) being chosen to be less than the resistance to advancement of said support means (21).

8 - Housing according to claim 7, characterized in that said shaft (53), further receives, mounted coaxially, a sleeve (58) integral with said shaft and, mounted idly, a disc (71) provided with at least one buttonhole curvilinear (71a, 71b), the first torque limiting device (57) being controlled by said drive pinion (54), which is provided with at least one drive finger (72a, 72b) capable of rotating around said sleeve (58) and penetrate inside said curvilinear buttonhole, until it abuts against one or the other of its ends, the resistance of said first torque limiter being chosen to be greater than the inertia of each of said coil support means (21, 22) equipped with a coil, each of them is thus capable of being driven in translation, together or separately, in one direction or in opposite direction, by said single control device (15 ).

9 - Box according to claim 8, characterized in that, at least on said means (21) supporting said first coil (18), the resistance of said first torque limiting device (57) is chosen to be less than the tensile force of said device of connection (42) and greater than the inertia of said means (21) on its slides, thus allowing, when said means (21), supporting the first (18) of said coils, comes into abutment after displacement in one direction or in in the opposite direction, to said connecting device (42) to continue driving said means (22) supporting said second coil (19), until the stop or until reaching any determined position, chosen by the user according to the topic. 10 - Housing according to claim 9, characterized in that the ratio of the diameter of said drive pinion (54), mounted on the shaft (53) of said first reel (18) of film, with the diameter of the corresponding toothed wheel (52), included in said mechanical movement transmission means (49, 52), is less than 1.

11 - Box according to claim 10, characterized in that said first of said reels (18), movable to the predetermined lateral limit closest to said exposure window, is the film receiving reel and said second of said reels ( 19), movable beyond said exposure window on its opposite lateral limit, is the film supply reel.

12 - Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said single control device (15) also causes the displacement of at least one index (96, 97) in front of at least one graduated scale (98, 99 ), indicating to the user at any time the length of blank film engaged and the format chosen.

13 - Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guiding of the film (20) between said supplying (19) and receiving (18) coils is improved by the action of at least one roller (109, 110), free to rotate and disposed transversely against the lips of at least one of the film distributor and receiver orifices of said reels, for transversely supporting said film outside of said reels, whatever their spacing. 14 - Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guiding of the film (20) is improved laterally between said supplying (19) and receiving (18) coils by the pressure exerted on at least one longitudinal edge of said film by at least one flexible strip, of constant length (100, 100a), held between said coils and whatever their spacing by said rollers (109, 110) or by independent rollers mounted around the same axes.

15 - Box according to claim 13, characterized in that the guiding of the film (20) between said supplying (19) and receiving (18) coils is improved laterally by the use of at least one flexible strip (100) of material magnetic, laterally pressing said film (20) against at least one magnetic bar (111, 112), fixed on or near the bottom of the housing (10), regardless of the spacing of said coils. 16 - Box according to any one of claims 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that the guiding of the film (20) between said supplying (19) and receiving (18) coils is improved by the pressure exerted by at least l '' one of said rollers (109, 110) and / or at least one of said flexible strips (100, 100a) on said film (20) against said frosted glass (lld) permanently fixed in the housing regardless of spacing of said coils receiver (18) and debtor (19).

17 - Housing according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the guiding of the film (20) between said supplying (19) and receiving (18) coils is improved by the pressure exerted on at least one longitudinal edge of said film by a set of movable slides, each secured to one of the carriages (21, 22) and sliding between them.

18 - Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum useful length of said exposure chamber between said supplying (19) and receiving (18) coils is at least twice its useful width, allowing thus taking pictures of the so-called panoramic type.

19 - Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for direct sighting, framing and focusing consists of a frosted glass (lld) placed permanently in the image focal plane of the device inside said housing (10) and is provided with a removable outer flap (16).

20 - Photographic camera characterized in that it comprises a housing according to any one of claims 1 to 19.