Device for attaching a camera, especially a film camera, to a camera mount such as a tripod

Abstract

Device (1-1b) for attaching a camera, in particular a film camera, to a camera mount such as a tripod, which has a lower part (2-2b) and an upper part (3-3b) pivotably connected to the lower part by a connecting means (4-4b), with which the camera can be detachably connected, characterized in that the upper part (3-3b) can be pivoted continuously from an initial position in which the camera is set up for recording in a first camera recording format to an end position in which the camera is set up for recording in a second camera recording format.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for attaching a camera, in particular a film camera, to a camera mount such as a tripod, which has a lower part and an upper part pivotably connected to the lower part by a connecting means, with which the camera can be detachably connected.

[0002] Swiveling camera mounts and tripod heads have long been known and are used in professional photography and videography. Solutions known from the prior art, such as those described in DE 29 02 625, DE 20 2005 001 542 U1, DE 20 2010 011 104 U1, DE 10 2010 007 910 A1, DE 20 2005 011 374 U1 and DE 20 2015 005 153 U1, do allow the camera to be swiveled, but they have significant disadvantages. With conventional camera mounts, switching between different shooting formats, especially between portrait and landscape format, is typically achieved by loosening and reattaching the camera or by means of locking mechanisms with predefined positions. These well-known systems require the camera to be realigned every time the format is changed, as the optical center of the camera-lens combination shifts.This leads to time-consuming readjustments and can cause unwanted interruptions in the workflow, especially in professional recordings.

[0003] A key challenge when panning cameras lies in maintaining the so-called nodal point. The nodal point is the optical axis of rotation of the camera-lens combination. More precisely, it is the point on the optical axis around which the camera must be rotated to prevent parallax shifts between the foreground and background. The points on the optical axis toward which light rays entering and exiting the system at the same angle to the optical axis appear to converge define the nodal points of an optical system. In practical applications, especially in panoramic photography, the correct positioning of the pivot point is crucial for image quality. Determining the nodal point is most often discussed in the context of panoramic photography.Changing the format format shifts the nodal point, resulting in a changed perspective and requiring a complete realignment of the camera. This applies not only to still photography but also to video recording.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional camera mounts are often equipped with complicated mechanisms. Many systems use detents that do not allow for stepless rotation. In addition, mechanical tolerances in these detents often lead to inaccuracies that can negatively impact image quality.

[0005] Another problem is that with many conventional systems, the top and bottom parts have to be separated during the panning process. This poses the risk of the camera falling or losing the optimal position once found. Furthermore, one-handed operation is practically impossible with such systems, which is a significant disadvantage, especially in dynamic shooting situations.

[0006] In professional film and video production, the ability to quickly and precisely switch between different recording formats is crucial. Time delays caused by cumbersome format changes can lead to significant additional costs and disrupt the creative flow. Especially in live productions or time-critical recordings, a fast and reliable switch between portrait and landscape formats is essential.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a fastening device of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables a simple and quick change of a recording format.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of creating a fastening device that ensures a secure connection between the upper and lower parts during the entire swiveling process and also enables one-handed operation.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved by making the upper part continuously pivotable from an initial position in which the camera is set up for recording in a first camera recording format to an end position in which the camera is set up for recording in a second camera recording format.

[0010] The stepless swivel mechanism according to the invention allows the camera to be moved continuously from its initial position to its final position without any detents. This stepless movement enables a smooth transition between the first and second camera recording formats, typically between portrait and landscape formats. The advantage of the inventive solution lies in the design of the connecting element that joins the upper and lower parts, ensuring movement while maintaining the camera's nodal point in both the initial and final positions. The camera reaches the desired position precisely in its final position without requiring any optical adjustments, resulting in significant time savings and improved work efficiency.Unlike systems with detents, which often lead to inaccuracies due to mechanical tolerances, stepless guidance ensures precise positioning in the predefined end position.

[0011] A mounting device according to the invention is characterized overall by its simple and robust construction, which enables precise and rapid switching between different camera recording formats without altering the critical nodal point of the camera-lens combination. The inventive solution therefore represents a significant advance over the prior art and meets the requirements of professional users in photography and videography.

[0012] The camera is preferably capable of being tilted 90 degrees from its initial position to its final position. The tilting motion can be a pure rotational movement or a combination of a guided linear movement and a tilting motion. In a combined movement, the motion components are guided and coordinated so that they occur in a defined plane. This ensures that the nodal point remains unchanged. The precise guidance prevents any uncontrolled and unwanted movement.

[0013] The pivoting upper part is preferably L-shaped in side view, with two inner surfaces of the L-shaped upper part designed to rest against a camera to be pivoted. This L-shaped design enables a secure and stable camera mount, as the camera can rest against two surfaces at right angles to each other. This prevents the camera from slipping and ensures a defined position of the camera relative to the upper part. The pivoting movement is guided by the connecting element between the upper and lower parts, while the L-shape of the pivoting upper part ensures a secure camera mount.

[0014] Advantageously, the upper and lower parts are connected in such a way that they are not separated from each other during the stepless movement from the starting position to the final position.

[0015] This ensures that the nodal point does not change, which would be unavoidable or at least likely if the upper and lower parts were to separate. The connector is designed in such a way that movement from the initial position to the final position is possible without separating the upper and lower parts. This not only increases handling safety but also allows for one-handed operation of the fastening device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other in such a way that, during stepless movement from the initial position to the final position, they cannot be moved in a direction parallel to an axis around which a pivoting movement takes place.

[0017] The movement from the initial position to the final position occurs in a single plane, which significantly reduces operator errors. This movement can be either a pure pivoting motion or a combination of pivoting and linear motion in the same plane.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting means by which the upper part can preferably be detachably connected to the lower part is designed in such a way that the connecting means acts as a guide means which is set up to guide a movement of the pivotable upper part from the initial position to the final position.

[0019] This dual function ensures a sufficiently stable connection throughout the entire guided movement from the initial to the final position. Degrees of freedom that would lead to a change in the nodal point are advantageously prevented by the design.

[0020] The connecting element can, for example, comprise pairs of guide rails, one part of which is attached to or embedded in the upper part, and the other part of which is attached to or embedded in the lower part. The rails can be pivotally connected to each other and / or, for example, be designed as side walls projecting from the upper part and / or the lower part.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connecting means comprises a rod-shaped connecting element and a guide groove, wherein the rod-shaped connecting element engages in the guide groove.

[0022] This design enables a simple yet extremely stable connection, in which a first element engages with a second element to form the connection.

[0023] The rod-shaped connecting element and the guide groove are arranged on different parts of the fastening device, preferably on the upper or lower part, which are detachably connectable to each other. During movement from the initial position to the final position, the rod-shaped connecting element moves within the guide groove, thereby ensuring precise guidance.

[0024] The rod-shaped connecting element can be inserted into the upper part and extend from one longitudinal side of the upper part to the opposite longitudinal side. Alternatively, the rod-shaped connecting element can be inserted into the lower part and extend from one longitudinal side of the lower part to the opposite longitudinal side. A rod-shaped connecting element inserted into the upper part need not be fixed in position during movement from the starting position to the end position, but can be designed to be linearly movable.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide groove is incorporated into the upper part or the lower part.

[0026] This allows for different designs for various applications. If there is a guide groove in the upper part, it is preferably incorporated into the upper part on opposite sides, meaning that two guide grooves are provided. Similarly, if there is a guide groove in the lower part, it can preferably be incorporated into the lower part on opposite sides.

[0027] Advantageously, a guide groove incorporated into the upper part is incorporated into an upper part side wall projecting from an L-leg of the upper part, preferably into two upper part side walls arranged on opposite sides of the upper part.

[0028] This allows for particularly precise guidance. The upper side wall, projecting from one of the L-shaped legs of the upper part, can act as a guide rail, which is especially advantageous when the movement from the initial to the final position includes a linear component in addition to the pivoting motion. The guide groove integrated into the upper part can be designed as an L-shaped guide groove extending through the upper side wall. The legs of the L are perpendicular to each other, so that two sections of the guide groove are also perpendicular to each other. This enables particularly simple and precise adjustment of the camera's aspect ratio, effectively preventing any change in the nodal point. Furthermore, one-handed operation is possible.

[0029] Advantageously, a guide groove incorporated into the lower part is located in a side wall of the lower part or in a central web of the lower part.

[0030] A guide groove in the lower side wall enables guidance of the pivoting movement and, optionally, the guidance of a linear movement that occurs in addition to the pivoting movement. Preferably, two opposing guide grooves are provided in opposite side walls.

[0031] A guide groove in a central web can be designed as a continuous guide channel, meaning it is open on both sides of the central web. The wider the central web, the better the guidance, as this ensures that the upper part does not tilt when moving from its initial to its final position.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, a pivot axis around which the upper part can be pivoted during movement from the initial position to the final position is coaxial to the rod-shaped connecting element.

[0033] The axis of the rod-shaped connecting element and the pivot axis are identical. The pivot axis always remains the same, even if the upper part is moved linearly in addition to the pivoting movement, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the lower part. This design ensures particularly precise and reproducible motion control.

[0034] Advantageously, an upper side wall projecting from an L-shaped leg of the upper part rests at least partially against a lower side wall of the lower part. This ensures that any linear movement, which occurs in conjunction with a pivoting movement, is guided in a single direction and is only possible in that direction. The outer surfaces of the upper side wall can rest against the inner surfaces of the lower side wall, or vice versa, depending on the appropriate adjustment of the connecting element.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings relating to these embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1a-1d a first embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention in several views, Fig. 2a, b a further embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention in several views, Fig. 3a, b a third embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention in several views.

[0036] A in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b Device 1 for attaching a device shown in a perspective exploded view Fig. 1 unseen film camera on a in Fig. 1. The tripod, which is not shown, comprises a lower part 2, an upper part 3, and a connecting element 4 connecting the lower part 2 and the upper part 3, the connecting element being designed such that it acts as a guide during stepless movement of the upper part 3 from a Fig. The initial position shown in 1b is via a Fig. 1c intermediate position shown in a Fig. The final position shown in 1d is effective.

[0037] The upper part 3 is L-shaped in side view, whereby the film camera can rest with one underside against a first L-leg 5 and with one side surface at least partially against a second L-leg 6.

[0038] It is understood that the film camera can be detachably connected to the upper part 3, while the lower part 2 can be detachably connected to the tripod.

[0039] The connecting element 4 comprises a rod-shaped connecting element 7 that extends between opposing lower part side walls 8. The rod-shaped connecting element 7 is centrally located in a longitudinal direction 9 of the lower part 2 and extends perpendicular to the lower part side walls 8, which prevent movement of the upper part 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 9.

[0040] Furthermore, the connecting element 4 comprises two receiving grooves designed to receive the rod-shaped connecting element 7, which also act as guide grooves 10. The guide grooves 10 are formed in opposite sides of the upper side walls 11 projecting from the L-legs 5, 6 and are L-shaped.

[0041] In the initial position according to Fig. 1b, for example, the film camera can record in portrait format, while in the final position according to Fig. 1d. A horizontal format recording is possible. An adjustment of the nodal point when switching from portrait to horizontal format is not necessary when using a mounting device 1 according to the invention.

[0042] With a Fig. The mounting device 1 shown in 1a to 1d allows for a combined swivel and linear movement of the camera. For this purpose, the upper part is moved linearly in the longitudinal direction 9 until the rod-shaped connecting element 7 abuts a transition 12 of the guide grooves 10. From the Fig. In the intermediate position shown in 1c, a pivoting movement of 90 degrees is performed into the Fig. 1d shows the final position.

[0043] During the entire movement from the initial position to the final position, the outer surfaces 13 of the upper side walls 11 are in contact, at least partially, with the inner surfaces 14 of the lower side walls 8. This results in a linear component of the movement from the initial position to the final position. Furthermore, it prevents the camera from tilting, which would cause a change in the nodal point.

[0044] It goes without saying that a movement from the end position to the starting position is possible.

[0045] It will now be on Fig. 2 Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Fig. 1 are designated and the letter a is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0046] One in Fig. The fastening device shown in 2a, b differs from the one in Fig. 1 shown by the fact that guide grooves 10a are provided in opposite lower part side walls 8a of a lower part 2a, and by the fact that a rod-shaped connecting element 7a of a connecting means 4a extends between upper part side walls 11a of an upper part 3a such that end sections 15 of the rod-shaped connecting element 7a project on both sides over outer sides 13a of upper part side walls 11a in the direction of the lower part side walls 8a and engage in the respective guide groove 10a.

[0047] It will now be on Fig. 3 Reference is made where identical or equivalent parts are used with the same reference number as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are designated and the letter b is appended to the relevant reference number.

[0048] One in Fig. The fastening device shown in 3a, b 1b differs from those in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown by the fact that a guide groove 10b is introduced into a central web 16 of a lower part 3b and is designed as a guide channel, and by the fact that a rod-shaped connecting element 7b of a connecting means 4b extends between upper part side walls 11b of an upper part 3b such that end sections 15b of the rod-shaped connecting element 7a are flush on both sides with outer sides 13b of upper part side walls 11b.

[0049] Through each of the in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 solves the problem of the invention. Reference symbol list: 1 - Fastening device 2 - Lower part 3 - Top 4 - Fasteners 5 - first L-leg 6 - second L-leg 7 - rod-shaped connecting element 8 - Lower side walls 9 - Longitudinal direction 10 - Guide grooves 11 - Upper side walls 12 - Transition of the guide groove 13 - Outer sides of the upper side walls 14 - Inner sides of the lower part side walls 15 - End sections of the rod-shaped connecting element 16 - Middle walkway QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 29 02 625

[0002] DE 20 2005 001 542 U1

[0002] DE 20 2010 011 104 U1

[0002] DE 10 2010 007 910 A1

[0002] DE 20 2005 011 374 U1

[0002] DE 20 2015 005 153 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1-1b) for attaching a camera, in particular a film camera, to a camera mount such as a tripod, comprising a lower part (2-2b) and an upper part (3-3b) pivotably connected to the lower part by a connecting means (4-4b), to which the camera can be detachably connected, characterized by , that the upper part (3-3b) can be continuously swivelled from an initial position in which the camera is set up to record in a first camera recording format to an end position in which the camera is set up to record in a second camera recording format. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the upper part (3-3b) and the lower part (2-2b) are connected in such a way that they are not separated from each other during the stepless movement from the starting position to the final position. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the upper part (3-3b) and the lower part (2-2b) are connected to each other in such a way that, during the stepless movement from the initial position to the final position, they cannot be moved in a direction parallel to an axis around which a pivoting movement takes place. [4] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the connecting means (4-4b), by which the upper part (3-3b) can preferably be detachably connected to the lower part (2-2b), is designed such that the connecting means (4-4b) acts as a guide means which is designed to guide a movement of the pivotable upper part (3-3b) from the initial position to the final position. [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the connecting means (4-4b) comprises a rod-shaped connecting element (7-7b) and a guide groove (10-10b), wherein the rod-shaped connecting element (7-7b) engages in the guide groove (10-10b). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the guide groove (10-10b) is incorporated into the upper part (3-3b) or into the lower part (2-2b). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by , that a guide groove (10) provided in the upper part (3) is provided in an upper part side wall (11) projecting from an L-leg (5,6) of the upper part (3), preferably in two upper part side walls (11) arranged on opposite sides of the upper part (3). [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that a guide groove introduced into the lower part (2a) is introduced into a lower part side wall (8a) of the lower part (2a) or into a central web (16) of the lower part (2b). [9] Device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by , that a pivot axis around which the upper part (3-3b) can pivot when moving from the initial position to the final position is coaxial to the rod-shaped connecting element (7-7b). [10] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that an upper side wall (11-11b) projecting from an L-leg (5-5b; 6-6b) of the upper part (3-3b) abuts at least partially a lower side wall (8-8b) of the lower part (2-2b).

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