INTERFACE FOR CONNECTING A MOBILE CARRIER TO AN OPTICAL DEVICE, ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of interfaces for connecting a mobile support to an optical device. Such interfaces are used for all types of applications and, preferably but not exclusively, in connection with a mobile support in the form of a military personnel helmet, also known as a "land protection helmet," "maritime protection helmet," or "aeronautical protection helmet," and more particularly, to provide a mounting function for an optical device, so that a user of such a helmet can operate said optical device in the field upon request. Such equipment must be held with the greatest possible stability so as not to hinder the user.As a non-limiting example, such equipment in the form of Night Vision Binoculars (also known by the abbreviation "NVG", or by the Anglo-Saxon terminology "Night Vision Google - NVG"), fixed on a protective helmet of any type, possibly by means of an optical support device of the type "shroud" according to Anglo-Saxon terminology, must imperatively remain established and stable in front of the user's eyes even if the user moves or orients his head in different directions.

[0002] US documents 2015 / 253563 A1, US2011145981A1 and US6811348B1 disclose interfaces for linking a mobile medium and an optical device.

[0003] The invention is not limited to this single embodiment and can be adapted to any mobile support in the form of headgear, such as, but not limited to, a military helmet (ballistic or otherwise), a riot helmet, an intervention helmet, and / or a civilian helmet, a head harness, a face mask, or any other mobile support designed to enclose a part of a subject's body, whether that subject is human or animal. Thus, for the purposes of the invention and throughout this document, "mobile support" means any support or object designed to enclose a part of a subject's body, whether that subject is human or animal, provided that said support does not interfere with any displacement or movement of said subject. Furthermore, the invention can be adapted to any optical device whose position relative to the support must be maintained stable over time.

[0004] In the remainder of this document, the invention will be described preferably but not limited to Terrestrial Helmet Interfaces (also known by the abbreviation "ICT" and the Anglo-Saxon terminologies "Helmet Mount" and "NVG Mount"), allowing Night Vision Binoculars to be attached to a terrestrial helmet, also referred to as a "protective helmet", equipped with an optical support device of the "shroud" type or equivalent, also called a "footprint element".

[0005] A Terrestrial Helmet Interface consists of a micro-mechanical assembly enabling the carrying of any type of optical device, such as for example Night Vision Binoculars, said optical device cooperating or generally comprising said interface, such interface cooperating with a terrestrial helmet possibly by means of an optical support device of type "shroud" or equivalent, also called "footprint element".

[0006] An example of a known terrestrial helmet system equipped with such an ICT interface and an optical device is described in particular in connection with the Figures 1A and 1BThe system is illustrated respectively in its operational position ("Flip down" according to Anglo-Saxon terminology) or active mode, meaning that the optical device is usable by a user, for example, in night vision, and conversely in its standby position ("Flip up" according to Anglo-Saxon terminology) or passive mode, in which the optical device is retracted, folded away so as not to interact with the user's gaze. Such a ground-based helmet system allows the optical device to be positioned and maintained in a suitable and predetermined position, that is, facing the eyes of the system's user, while allowing the user to keep their hands free, potentially to hold another accessory or piece of equipment, such as, for example, a weapon. The user can thus simultaneously use the optical device and any other accessory or piece of equipment they may need.

[0007] A system 1 advantageously comprises a helmet 2, adapted or arranged to be worn, more particularly on the head, by a user. For this purpose, said helmet 2 has an inner surface 2i adapted to be in contact with the user's head and an outer surface 2s. The invention is not, however, limited to this single embodiment. Alternatively, the invention provides that any other support 2 whose function is to carry an optical device while maintaining a determined position and which is arranged to be worn by a user, could be used instead. A system 1 also comprises an optical device in the form of night vision goggles 5, said night vision goggles 5 cooperating with the outer surface 2s of the helmet 2, equipped with an optical shroud 3, by means of a suitable ICT interface 4, also commonly referred to as a "NVG mount".

[0008] According to an example of an implementation of a known helmet system described in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B To ensure reversible or temporary attachment between the ICT interface 4 and the ground headset 2 and guarantee optimal stabilization of the optical device, a known system 1 further comprises a shroud element 3, also known by the Anglo-Saxon term "shroud," arranged to cooperate in a rigid and reversible manner with the ICT interface 4. Such cooperation between an ICT interface 4 and a shroud element 3 can be achieved by a mechanical connection of the fixed type, preferably reversible. Such a fixed connection can be achieved by any suitable fastening means, the said ICT interface 4 and shroud element 3 being mutually arranged, by their structures and shapes in particular, to ensure their assembly. In accordance with the system described in connection with Figures 1A and 1B, such a recessed element 3 cooperates securely and also with the outer surface 2s of said ground helmet, by means of a fixed connection. This fixed connection can also be achieved by any suitable fastening means, said helmet 2 and recessed element 3 being mutually arranged to ensure their assembly. Alternatively, not shown in the Figures 2A and 2B For the purpose of simplification, in particular to facilitate the assembly of said system and limit manufacturing costs, the footprint element 3 can be directly integrated into the outer surface 2s of said ground helmet and form, with said ground helmet, a single physical entity.

[0009] THE Figures 2A and 2BThese two non-limiting examples of known impression elements are schematically illustrated. An impression element 3, by virtue of its structure, shape, and dimensions, is advantageously arranged to accommodate an ICT interface 4 and maintain the latter in a predetermined stable position. To this end, an impression element 3 advantageously comprises a body 31, said body 31 being able to be made of any material arranged to be capable of maintaining an interface 4 within it. Such a material may, for example, consist of aluminum, a plastic, or any other suitable polymer. However, the invention is not limited to the material(s) constituting the impression element 3.The body 31 of the impression element 3 advantageously has a cradle-frame shape, or even a ring shape, to accommodate and maintain the ICT 4 interface in a determined stable position, the body then having a recess or cavity 31o, the dimensions and shape of which are mutually arranged to those of the base of the ICT 4 interface. According to the . Figures 2A and 2BSuch a body 31 comprises two vertical stops 32 and two lateral stops 32 arranged or adapted to constrain and / or contain the movements of the ICT interface 4 and to define said frame. To guarantee the reduction, or even the elimination, of any movement of the interface 4 relative to the base in the cavity receiving the impression element, when said interface 4 is positioned within the impression element 3, the body 31 of the impression element 3 comprises a lower groove 33 and an upper groove (not shown in the figures), respectively formed within the vertical stops 32, said lower and upper grooves 33 being arranged to receive two parts of the interface 4 respectively and to ensure the retention of said interface by interlocking. According Figures 2A and 2BThe imprinted elements can have different shapes adapted according to the application conditions or the morphology of the mobile support, more specifically the terrestrial helmet 2, to which the imprinted element must be fixed. According to a first embodiment described in connection with the figure 2A The body 31 of such a molded element 3 may advantageously include mounting surfaces arranged to comprise one or more through holes or orifices 34, such holes being arranged to accommodate means for fastening (not shown in the figures for the sake of simplification) of the molded element 3 to the ground helmet 2, for example in the form of screws or hooks. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment described in connection with the figure 2B, in order to simplify the manufacture of such a footprint element 3, the latter may advantageously have a shape substantially equivalent to a frame, said footprint element 3 then being able to be directly fixed on the terrestrial helmet 2, or even integrated into said terrestrial helmet 2.

[0010] As already mentioned, in accordance with the example of the implementation of a known system described in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B The attachment of an optical device, such as night vision binoculars, to a mobile support like a terrestrial helmet 2, is achieved using an ICT interface 4. figures 3 to 5 They present, for their part, different views of a non-limiting example implementation of a known ICT interface arranged to cooperate with a previously described footprint element 3. An ICT interface 4, also known by the Anglo-Saxon names "Helmet Mount" and "NVG Mount", comprises different sub-assemblies.

[0011] First, the interface 4 comprises a rear sub-assembly consisting primarily of a mechanical base 41. This base 41 is designed, by its structure and dimensions, to be inserted and positioned within the footprint element 3, thereby maintaining the ICT interface 4, and consequently the optical device 5, in a fixed and / or stable position, despite any movements of the user wearing the ground-based headset 2, or more generally, the movements or trajectories of the mobile support. To achieve this, the base 41 and the footprint element 3 are mutually arranged so that all or part of the base 41 can be integrated within the cavity formed in the footprint element 3.Furthermore, the base 41 of the ICT 4 interface includes a tenon 411, said tenon being arranged, by its structure and dimensions, to be inserted, generally first during assembly, more particularly during the embedding phase, of the ICT 4 interface, into an upper groove (not shown in the figures) formed in the upper part, more particularly the upper vertical stop 32 of the impression element 3, and to ensure its retention by interlocking. Said base 41 also includes locking means for the ICT 4 interface, comprising, according to the... figure 5, a movablely mounted actuator in the form of a latch 418. Said latch is advantageously arranged, by its structure and dimensions, to be inserted within the lower groove 33 of the impression element 3. The combined insertion of the tenon 411 and the latch 418 ensures that the interface ICT 4 is held in a determined position within the impression element 3. The locking means for the interface ICT 4 further include a movablely mounted locking and / or unlocking button, the projecting portions of which 413' and 413'' appear in figure 5, which when actuated in a first direction D1, causes the latch 418 to be permanently actuation, i.e. the rise. To lock the position of the ICT 4 interface within the footprint element 3 again, the locking and / or unlocking button must be actuated in a second direction D2, so that it then causes the latch 418 to be actuation in the opposite direction, i.e. the descent, and the concomitant extension of the protruding part 413' of the locking / unlocking button.

[0012] Next, said interface 4 includes a second central sub-assembly 42 comprising, in particular, a pivot axis 421 enabling rotation and / or tilting of the optical device, in the form, for example, of night vision binoculars, 5 from a horizontal service position, previously referred to as "active mode", to a raised standby position, previously referred to as "passive mode". The second central sub-assembly 42 further includes a first actuator button 423, which, by pressing or actuating said first button 423, enables the binoculars to be placed in the standby position (also known as "Flip up") or passive mode, or to be lowered into the service position or active mode (also known as "Flip down").Such a second subassembly 42 includes second actuator buttons 424, the simultaneous pressing of the second buttons 424 causing the displacement of said second subassembly 42 and allowing the height of the optical axis of the interface assembly 4 – optical device to be adjusted to the eye level of a system user. Said second subassembly 42 also includes a lever 422, the actuation of which causes a rotation of the second subassembly 42 and consequently allows the tilt of the optical device, more specifically the night vision binoculars 5, to be adjusted.

[0013] Finally, the ICT 4 interface includes a third front subassembly 43, consisting of a rail 430, a carriage 431 cooperating with said rail 430 via a sliding mechanical linkage, and a lever 433 cooperating rigidly with said carriage 431. This third subassembly 43 of the ICT 4 interface is arranged to allow automatic locking and / or unlocking of the night vision binoculars 5 by actuating the lever 433. A third subassembly 43 further includes two actuator buttons 432 arranged to adjust the eye relief, also referred to as "ring relief," that is, the distance between the exit pupil and the lens nearest to one of a user's eyes, by simultaneously actuating the two actuator buttons 432.

[0014] Currently, many manufacturers design and produce their own embedded components and, where appropriate, adapted ICT interfaces to be housed and maintained within these embedded components. Consequently, in some cases, ICT interfaces are only compatible with certain embedded components, and vice versa. Furthermore, such embedded components are generally produced at lower cost and in large quantities. Consequently, significant mechanical variations, also known as mechanical clearances, often exist between the different embedded components and the interface sockets during assembly and once the interface sockets are fixed to the embedded components. Some of these differences or mechanical variations can reach up to one millimeter in height and / or width.For the purposes of this invention and throughout this document, "mechanical clearance" refers to a defined gap between an imprint element and a base of the ICT interface when they are assembled. Such mechanical clearances are present from the moment new systems are assembled, particularly those comprising a ground headset cooperating with an interface to link the ground headset and an optical device using an imprint element. These mechanical clearances generally arise from the shapes and various manufacturing processes of the imprint elements by numerous different manufacturers. Significant mechanical clearances then exist between the ICT interface and the imprint element, preventing sufficient retention of the ICT interface in a substantially stable and defined position.In some cases, this mechanical play can cause night vision goggles, or more generally any optical device, to become dislodged and lost during personnel operations. Furthermore, this mechanical play can also generate friction or unwanted impacts between different parts of the system, particularly between the ICT interface and the component at the mechanical linkage, resulting in premature wear of these components and ultimately exacerbating the mechanical play. Currently, no ICT interface or component, by design, can overcome this major drawback.To combat mechanical play caused by manufacturing disparities, or wear and tear on the ICT interface and / or the footprint element, each user generally employs "home-made" techniques, commonly called "makeshift systems", at the risk of endangering a mission or damaging expensive equipment.

[0015] As previously stated, the locking mechanism of the ICT 4 interface further includes a movable, translationally mounted locking and / or unlocking button with projecting portions 413' and 413''. Successive actuations of these projecting portions 413' and 413'' in directions D1 and D2, respectively, result in the locking and / or unlocking of the ICT interface with respect to the footprint element. In some cases, the projecting portion 413'' of the locking and / or unlocking button may be unintentionally actuated in direction D2, for example, if the locking button is struck laterally by a branch, a temporary obstacle, or, more generally, by a simple unintentional press by the user. Such an action then unlocks the ICT interface, causing it and the night vision goggles to fall.Sometimes, such equipment is irretrievably lost or destroyed. Such an unintentional unlocking can sometimes have serious consequences for a mission, even leading to its abandonment if the optical devices are lost.

[0016] The invention makes it possible to address all or part of the drawbacks raised by known solutions.

[0017] Among the many advantages provided by a linking interface between an optical device and a mobile support, also referred to as an interface for linking an optical device and a mobile support, according to the invention, we can mention the following: offers an interface to compensate for or support various mechanical play between an ICT interface and a footprint element, the latter possibly being mounted on or directly integrated into a ground-based helmet, such an interface becoming adaptable to any type of footprint element, regardless of the tolerances related to the dimensioning of the cavity intended to house the base of the interface or the manufacturing process of said footprint element; proposes a system comprising a mobile support and an optical device whose maintenance remains ensured in a determined stable position, even if a user is particularly mobile during a mission, thanks to improved locking and / or unlocking means.

[0018] Conversely, the invention provides an impression element adapted to link a mobile support and an optical device, such an impression element cooperating securely with the base of an interface and being able to cooperate with interface bases of irregular shapes and / or dimensions.

[0019] To this end, a connection interface is provided for an optical device and a movable support that cooperates securely with an impression element. This interface comprises a base arranged to be inserted within the impression element, the base being a hollow body. In order to compensate for one or more mechanical clearances occurring between an interface and an impression element, possibly mounted on or directly integrated into a movable support, such an interface being adaptable to any type of impression element, the base of an interface according to the invention comprises mechanical clearance compensating means housed and movable within the hollow body so as to protrude and arranged to bear against a wall of the impression element.

[0020] According to an embodiment of an interface according to the invention, in order to optimize the compensation of mechanical play, the compensating means bear against a wall of the imprinted element in two determined directions.

[0021] Alternatively or in addition, the compensating means can also bear against a wall of the imprinted element in three determined directions.

[0022] Preferably, but not exclusively, compensating means may include vertical, lateral and / or depth compensating means, respectively actuated by adjustment means.

[0023] As an alternative or in addition, in order to avoid any unintentional unlocking of said interface and to reduce the risks of dropping or losing it, or even the optical device, such an interface may include locking and / or unlocking means arranged to require two distinct and simultaneous actions to ensure their triggering.

[0024] According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of an interface according to the invention, the locking and / or unlocking means may include a cam oscillation system, two actuator buttons cooperating with said cam oscillation system.

[0025] According to a second object, the invention relates to a connecting element for an optical device and a movable support that cooperates rigidly with an interface comprising a base. The connecting element comprises a body including a frame defining a cavity arranged to accommodate the base of the interface. In order to compensate for one or more mechanical clearances occurring between an interface and a connecting element, optionally mounted on or directly integrated into a movable support, such a connecting element being adaptable to any type of interface, the frame includes compensating means for mechanical clearance(s) housed and movable within the frame so as to protrude and are arranged to bear against a wall of the base (41) of the interface.

[0026] Preferably, but not exclusively, the compensating means of an impression element according to the invention may bear against a wall of the base of the interface in a first determined direction.

[0027] According to an advantageous but non-limiting embodiment, in order to optimize the compensation of mechanical play, the compensating means of an impression element according to the invention can bear against a wall of the base of the interface in two determined directions.

[0028] Alternatively or in addition, the compensating means of an impression element according to the invention can bear against a wall of the base of the interface in three determined directions.

[0029] Preferably, but not exclusively, the compensating means of an impression element according to the invention may include vertical, lateral and / or depth compensating means.

[0030] According to a third object, the invention relates to a system comprising a movable support, an impression element cooperating rigidly with said movable support, an interface cooperating rigidly and reversibly with said impression element, and an optical device cooperating rigidly and reversibly with said interface. Preferably, but not exclusively, the interface of such a system conforms to the first object of the invention.

[0031] Other features and advantages will become clearer upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures, including: THE Figures 1A and 1B The previously described examples illustrate an implementation of a known terrestrial headset system equipped with an ICT interface and an optical device, respectively in active and passive modes; Figures 2A and 2BThe previously described examples illustrate, respectively, the first and second examples of the realization of known imprint elements intended to be fixed onto a mobile support, in this case a ground-based helmet; figure 3 The previously described component presents a set of ICT footprint-interface elements from a known system, including a mobile device in the form of a terrestrial headset; figure 4 The previously described example illustrates an implementation of an interface within a known system that includes, in particular, a mobile device in the form of a terrestrial headset; figure 5 The previously described diagram illustrates a schematic rear view of the means of attaching an interface within a known system, including a mobile support in the form of a ground-based headset; figures 6A to 6Dpresent different schematic views of a non-limiting example embodiment of a base for a linking interface of an optical device and a mobile support according to the invention; the figure 7 illustrates a view of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a molded element adapted to cooperate with an interface according to the invention; the figures 8A to 8D present different schematic views of a non-limiting embodiment of an impression element according to the invention; the figures 9A to 9D present various schematic views of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a base for a linking interface of an optical device and a mobile support according to the invention, highlighting the operation of the locking and / or unlocking means of said interface; the Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of a base of a non-limiting embodiment of an interface for an optical device according to the invention.

[0032] There Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of a base of a non-limiting embodiment of an interface for an optical device according to the invention. figures 6A to 6D The illustrations present various schematic views of a preferred embodiment of the base of an interface for linking an optical device and a mobile support according to the invention. This optical device could, for example, consist of night-vision binoculars, and the mobile support could, for example, consist of a ground-based helmet. However, the invention is not limited to this single embodiment. Alternatively, the invention could be adapted to any other type of optical device, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a mobile camera or a thermal imaging camera, and / or any other type of mobile support designed to enclose a part of a subject's body, whether that subject is human or animal.

[0033] An interface 4 is suitable for integration within a system, such as the one described in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B , and consequently, ensure the assembly or cooperation in a determined position of night vision binoculars 5 with a ground helmet 2. In order to guarantee such an assembly, similar to the system previously described in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B The said ground helmet 2 can cooperate in a fixed manner, that is to say, according to a type of interlocking connection, with a footprint element 3. The figure 7presents a non-limiting example of a footprint element adapted to cooperate with an interface 4 according to the invention. Such cooperation between a ground-based helmet 2 and a footprint element 3 can be achieved by any suitable fastening means to materialize said connection. Alternatively, such a footprint element 3 can be directly integrated within the ground-based helmet 2 and form a single physical entity with such a helmet. Similar to known interfaces, particularly the one described in connection with the figures 3 to 5An interface 4 according to the invention comprises a base 41 arranged to be inserted within the impression element 3. For the purposes of the invention and throughout this document, "base" means any object or base on which the subassemblies of the interface 4 rest. Advantageously, the base 41 and the impression element 3, more particularly their respective structures and dimensions, are advantageously and mutually arranged so that all or part of the base 41 can be inserted, i.e., placed, within the opening or cavity 31 formed or described by the impression element 3. According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, described in particular in connection with the figures 6A to 6DTo simplify the manufacture of an interface 4 according to the invention, the base 41 of the latter may have a shape substantially equivalent to a rectangular parallelepiped. Correspondingly, the cavity 31o formed within the impression element may then have a similar shape, such as, for example, a shape substantially equivalent to a rectangular parallelepiped, the dimensions of said cavity being adapted to properly accommodate said base 41. Said base 41 may be made of any material or set of materials suitable for meeting mechanical or chemical constraints in terms of environmental resistance, such as, for example, one or more plastic materials. Also, to accommodate and enclose various parts necessary during the micromechanical assembly of an interface 4 according to the invention, such as, for example, fastening means, the base 41 consists of a hollow body. According to the figures 6A to 6DAdvantageously, to simplify the manufacture of an interface 4 according to the invention, the hollow body of the base 41 may consist of two parts 41i and 41e sealed together to form a single physical entity. However, the invention is not limited by the number of parts composing the base 41, the material constituting the base 41, or, more broadly, the interface 4.

[0034] As previously stated, one of the aims of the invention is to compensate for any mechanical play due to manufacturing variations, present between the base 41 of the interface 4 and the impression element 3 when they are assembled, even if reversibly. Ultimately, the invention significantly increases the interoperability of the interface with a large number of impression elements from different manufacturers, thus achieving a near-universal character. To this end, the base 41 of an interface 4 according to the invention comprises and houses, within its hollow body, compensating means 414, 415, 416 for mechanical play. Such compensating means for mechanical play are generally independent of the locking and / or latching means of the base onto the impression element.As already mentioned, for the purposes of this invention and throughout this document, "mechanical clearance" refers to the space defined between a molded element and a base of an interface, when assembled, in a given spatial direction. Such mechanical clearance is generally necessary for positioning the base 41 in the cavity 31 defined by the molded element 3. However, when the mechanical clearance(s) between the base 41 and the molded element 3 become significant, maintaining the base, and more generally the interface and the optical device, in a stable and determined position is no longer guaranteed. This can, in some cases, lead to the disengagement and loss of the optical device, such as night-vision goggles, or even, in other cases, premature wear of the molded element 3 and interface 4.

[0035] To compensate for the mechanical play or play present between an interface 4 according to the invention and an impression element 3, the compensating means 414, 415, 416 of the base 41 of said interface 4 are mounted movable so as to protrude from the hollow body and / or, when the interface 4 is not used, so as to be able to be retracted or withdrawn within the hollow body.With the aim of compensating for any mechanical play present between an interface 4 conforming to the invention and the impression element 3, said compensating means 414, 415, 416 are arranged to bear, when actuated or active, against one of the walls of the body 31 of the impression element 3 defining the cavity 31o, so that said compensating means 414, 415, 416 maintain the base 41 in a stable position determined within the cavity 31o formed in the impression element 3, thus correcting any discrepancy between the geometries of the elements and therefore any relative movements or displacements of said elements. By way of non-limiting example, as described in connection with the... figure 7 , said compensating means 414,415,416 of the base 41 of an interface 4 according to the invention can bear against one of the lateral stops 32', vertical stops 32 or even the upper surface 31s of the body 31 of the impression element 3.

[0036] The invention provides that the compensating means 414, 415, 416 of the base 41 of an interface 4 according to the invention can compensate for the mechanical play(s) present, simultaneously or independently, along different determined directions, more precisely three, with respect to a three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame (Ax, Ay, Az), as described in particular in connection with the Figures 2A Or 8A , two of the three dimensions defining a plane (Ax,Ay) substantially parallel to the plane described overall by the essentially planar structure of the imprinted element. In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the base of an interface according to the invention described in connection with the figures 6A to 6DThe compensating means 414, 415, 416 of said base 41 may include vertical compensating means 414, horizontal compensating means 415, and / or deep compensating means 416. Thus, advantageously but not limitingly, the compensating means 414 of the base 41 of said interface 4 may bear against a wall of the impression element 3 in a first determined direction, advantageously referred to as vertical, along a first vertical axis Ay. Thus, as described in connection with the figure 7The said compensating means 414 are arranged to bear 314z against a portion of one of the vertical stops 32 of the impression element 3, thus preventing any relative displacement of the base 41 within the cavity 31o of the impression element along the first vertical axis Ay and maintaining the position of the interface. Alternatively or in addition, the compensating means 415 of the base 41 may each bear against a wall of the impression element 3 in a second determined direction, advantageously referred to as lateral, along a second lateral axis Ax. Thus, as described in connection with the figure 7The said compensating means 415 are arranged to bear against a portion of one of the lateral stops 32' of the impression element 3 and thus prevent any relative displacement of the base 41 within the cavity 31o of the impression element along the second lateral axis Ax and maintain the position of the interface. Alternatively or in addition, the compensating means 416 of the base 41 can bear against a wall of the impression element 3 in a third determined direction, advantageously referred to as the depth direction, along a third axis Az. Thus, as described in connection with the figure 7, said compensating means 416 are arranged to bear 316z against a part of the upper surface 31s of the body 31 of the impression element 3 and thus prevent any relative displacement of the base 41 in the cavity 31o of the impression element along the third axis Az and maintain the position of the interface, the tenon 411 of the base 41 being clamped or pressed against the groove 32.

[0037] Let us now describe a preferred but non-limiting structural embodiment of the compensating means 414, 415, 416 of an interface 4 for linking an optical device and a movable support 2, said interface conforming to the invention presented in connection with the figures 6A to 6D As previously stated, the compensating means 414, 415, 416 of said base 41 of an interface 4 according to the invention may include vertical compensating means 414, horizontal 415 and / or depth 416.

[0038] According to the figures 6A to 6DSuch vertical compensating means 414 comprise one or more wedges 414w, advantageously two, housed within the hollow body. These wedges 414w are mounted independently of each other within the hollow body of the base 41, so that each wedge 414w, whose overhang distance or stroke dy is advantageously and independently adjustable, can independently protrude and bear against one of the portions of one of the vertical stops 32 of the impression element 3. To this end, the vertical compensating means 414 also comprise adjustment means 414f cooperating with said wedges 414w via a suitable mechanical linkage, so that the movement(s) or, more generally, an actuation of said adjustment means 414f result in one or more translational movements of said wedges 414w. According to the figures 6A to 6DSuch adjustment means 414f consist of adjusting screws, each shim 414w being independently associated with its own adjusting screw. Each shim 414w and each adjusting screw 414f cooperate, for example, via a helical mechanical linkage, such that a rotational movement of an adjusting screw 414f results in a translational movement of the shim 414w. The threaded portion of the adjusting screw 414f is of sufficient length to allow adjustment of the overhang distance dy according to the mechanical clearance to be compensated between the interface 4 and the impression element 3.

[0039] Similarly, according to the figures 6A to 6DThe horizontal compensating means 415 comprise one or more shims 415w, advantageously two, housed within the hollow body. Such shims 415w are mounted jointly and movably within the hollow body of the base 41, so that said shims 415w, whose overhang or stroke dx is advantageously adjustable, can protrude and bear against one of the parts of one of the lateral stops 32' of the impression element 3. To this end, the horizontal compensating means 415 also comprise adjustment means 415f cooperating with said shims 415w via a suitable mechanical linkage, so that the movement or, more generally, the actuation of said adjustment means 415f causes simultaneous or joint translational movements of said shims 415w. According to the figures 6A to 6DSuch adjustment means 415f consist of an adjusting screw, with the shims 415w being jointly associated with the same adjusting screw 415f. The shims 415w and the adjusting screw 415f cooperate respectively via helical mechanical links, such that a rotational movement of the adjusting screw 415f causes the respective and joint translational movements of the shim 415w. The threaded portion of the adjusting screw 415f is of sufficient length to allow adjustment of the overtravel distance or stroke dx according to the mechanical clearance to be compensated between the interface 4 and the impression element 3.

[0040] According to the figures 6A to 6DThe depth compensating means 416 comprise one or more screws 416, advantageously two, housed within the hollow body, such screws 416 being mounted independently of each other within the hollow body of the base 41, so that each screw 416, whose protrusion distance or stroke dz is advantageously and independently adjustable, can independently protrude and bear against a part of the upper surface 31s of the body 31 of the impression element 3. The threaded portion of the screws 416 is of sufficient length to allow adjustment of the protrusion distance dz according to the mechanical play to be compensated between the interface 4 and the impression element 3.

[0041] Similar to an interface according to the invention described above, the invention provides an impression element adapted for linking a mobile support and an optical device. This impression element cooperates in a fixed manner with the base of an interface and is capable of cooperating with interface bases of irregular shapes and / or dimensions. Ultimately, the invention allows for a tenfold increase in the interoperability of the impression element with a large number of interfaces from different manufacturers, thus achieving a near-universal character. figures 8A to 8D present different schematic views of a preferred example embodiment of a connecting imprint element of an optical device and a mobile support according to the invention, said optical device being for example to consist of night vision binoculars and said mobile support being for example to consist of a terrestrial helmet.

[0042] According to the figure 8AThe body 31, more particularly the frame of a molded element 3 according to the invention, advantageously has hollow parts. These hollow parts of the body 31 comprise and house compensating means 314, 315, 316 for mechanical play.

[0043] To compensate for the mechanical play(s) present between an interface 4 according to the invention and a molded element 3, the compensating means 314, 315, 316 of the body 31 of the molded element 3 are mounted to protrude from the body 31, and when the interface 4 is not in use, to be retracted or withdrawn within the body 31. Also with the aim of compensating for the mechanical play(s) present between an interface 4 according to the invention and the molded element 3, said compensating means 314, 315, 316 are arranged to bear, when actuated or active, against one of the walls of the base of the interface 4, so that said compensating means 314, 315, 316 maintain the base 41 in a stable position determined within the cavity 31o formed in the molded element 3. thus correcting any discrepancy between the geometries of the elements and therefore any relative movements or displacements of said elements.

[0044] The invention provides that the compensating means 314, 315, 16 of the body 31 of a molded element according to the invention can compensate for the mechanical play(s) present, simultaneously or independently, along different determined directions, more precisely three, with respect to a three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame (Ax, Ay, Az), as described in particular in connection with the Figures 8A two of the three dimensions defining a plane (Ax, Ay) substantially parallel to the plane described globally by the essentially planar structure of the interface. In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of an impression element according to the invention described in connection with the figures 8A to 8D The compensating means 314, 315, 316 of said body 31 may include vertical compensating means 314, horizontal compensating means 315 and / or depth compensating means 316. Thus, advantageously but not limitingly, according to the figure 8BThe compensating means 314 of the body 31 of said impression element may bear against a wall of the interface 4 in a first determined direction, advantageously described as vertical, along a first vertical axis Ay. Also, alternatively or in addition, depending on the figure 8C The compensating means 315 of the body 31 of said impression element can each bear against a wall of the interface 4 in a second determined direction, advantageously described as lateral, along a second lateral axis Ax. Finally, alternatively or in addition, depending on the figure 8D , the compensating means 316 of the body 31 of said impression element 3 can bear against a wall of the interface 4 in a third determined direction, advantageously qualified as depth, along a third axis Az.

[0045] Let us now describe a preferred but non-limiting structural embodiment of the compensating means 314, 315, 316 of a molded element for linking an optical device and a movable support 2, said molded element being in accordance with the invention presented in connection with the figures 8A to 8D As previously stated, the compensating means 314, 315, 316 of the body 31 of a molded element 3 according to the invention may include vertical compensating means 314, horizontal 315 and / or depth 316.

[0046] According to the Figures 8A And 8B, such vertical compensating means 314 comprise one or more shims 314, advantageously two, housed within the body 31, more particularly within one of the advantageously hollow vertical stops 32, such shims 314 being mounted movable independently of each other within said vertical stop 32, so that each shim 314, whose overhang distance dy or stroke is advantageously and independently adjustable according to the mechanical play to be compensated between the interface 4 and the impression element 3, can independently protrude and bear against one of the faces of the base 41 of the interface 4.

[0047] Similarly, according to the Figures 8A And 8C, the horizontal compensating means 315 comprise one or more shims 315, advantageously two, housed within the body 31, more particularly and respectively within the advantageously hollow lateral stops 32' of the body 31, such shims 315 being mounted movably independently of each other within the lateral stops 32' of the body 31, so that each shim 315, whose overhang distance dx or stroke is advantageously and independently adjustable according to the mechanical play to be compensated between the interface 4 and the impression element 3, can independently protrude and bear against one of the faces of the base 41 of the interface 4.

[0048] Similarly, according to the Figures 8A And 8D, the depth compensating means 316 comprise one or more shims 316, advantageously two, housed within the body 31, more particularly and respectively at the level of the cavity 31o made within said body 31, such shims 316 being mounted movably independently of each other within said body 31, so that each shim 316, whose overhang distance dz or stroke is advantageously and independently adjustable according to the mechanical play to be compensated between the interface 4 and the impression element 3, can independently protrude and bear against one of the faces of the base 41 of the interface 4.

[0049] As already mentioned, another objective of the invention is to prevent any unintentional unlocking of said interface and to reduce the risk of dropping or losing it, or even the optical device itself. To this end, a connecting interface 4 between an optical device 5 and a mobile support 2, via a footprint element 3, may include locking and / or unlocking means arranged to require two distinct and simultaneous actions or operations by a user of the mobile support 2 to activate them. Obviously, the use of such locking and / or unlocking means requiring two joint operations could, alternatively, be applied to any known type of interface.The use of two-operation locking and / or unlocking means to trigger the disengagement of the interface from the fingerprint element proves particularly ingenious, since a lateral impact or unintentional pressure cannot actuate said locking and / or unlocking means, as such an impact or unintentional pressure is generally unlikely to reproduce two distinct and simultaneous actions. In this way, a hybrid control element can be constituted, requiring two simultaneous or joint actions by a user of a system connected to which an interface 4 linking an optical device 5 and a mobile support 2 according to the invention is used, to trigger the unlocking and / or locking of the interface on the fingerprint element.

[0050] THE figures 9A to 9DThese illustrations present various schematic views of a non-limiting embodiment of the base 41 of an interface 4 for connecting an optical device 5 and a movable support 2 according to the invention, highlighting the operation of a non-limiting embodiment of locking and / or unlocking means 413, 418, 4131, 4132 for the base of said interface. Such locking and / or unlocking means for the base 41 of said interface 4 may advantageously, but not exclusively, include a cam-operated oscillation system.

[0051] According to the figures 9A to 9DSimilar to known interfaces, the locking and / or unlocking means include a latch 418. This latch 418 is advantageously arranged, by its structure and dimensions, to be inserted, when protruding, into the groove 32 formed in a molded element 3, thereby ensuring the engagement of the interface 4's base 41 within said molded element 3. Furthermore, said locking and / or unlocking means advantageously include two actuator buttons 413 housed within the hollow body of the base 41, mounted to protrude and arranged to actuate a cam 4131, itself mounted to protrude. This cam 4131 cooperates with said latch 418 via a pivot-type mechanical linkage about an axis perpendicular to the axis of travel of the latch 418, since it is rotatably mounted on said latch, and causes finally the engagement or disengagement of the latch 418 within the lower groove 33.To achieve this, the locking and / or unlocking means comprise a cam 4131 cooperating with said latch 418. For the purposes of the invention, "cam" means any part or mechanical component that controls the movement of the latch 418. The locking and / or unlocking means thus comprise a helical spring 4132, which cooperates directly with the latch 418, arranged to exert a compressive force and ultimately cause a translational movement of the latch when said spring 4132 is compressed under the action and transmission of the force exerted by the cam 4131. The cam 4131 also cooperates with the actuating buttons 413, the actuation of said button(s) consisting of a translational movement subsequently transmitted to the cam 4131.

[0052] There figure 9Apresents a view of the base 41 of the interface 4, which includes locking and / or active locking means, i.e., when the latch 418 is disengaged from the lower groove 33 of the recessed element 3. Indeed, simultaneous pressing of the two actuator buttons 413 (a situation symbolized by the two black arrows in figure 9A ) causes a vertical translational movement of the cam 4131, transmitting a force to the helical spring 4132 which is compressed (situation symbolized by a black arrow in figure 9A ) and finally allows a translational movement, more specifically the upward movement, of the latch 418. The upward movement of the latch 418 causes it to disengage from the groove and finally the disengagement of the base from the interface of the impression element 3.

[0053] There figure 9Bschematically illustrates a view of the base 41 of the interface 4 comprising locking means and / or locking in inactive mode, that is to say when the latch 418 is engaged within the lower groove 33 of the impression element 3. Indeed, the absence of pressure on the two actuator buttons 413 does not cause any movement of the cam 4131: the latch 418 thus remains in a stable position, advantageously held engaged in the lower groove 33.

[0054] THE figures 9C and 9D schematically illustrate views of the base 41 of the interface 4 comprising locking means and / or locking mechanisms including two actuator buttons 413, only one of the actuator buttons 413 being pressed by a user, respectively on the left or right, and consequently the latch 418 being held engaged within the lower groove 33 of the impression element 3. In accordance with the figures 9C and 9D, a single press on one of the two actuator buttons 413 causes a rotational movement of the cam 4131 against a shoulder 41p of the base 41, blocking any upward vertical translational movement of the cam and acting as a lock for the stroke of the latch 418.

[0055] Finally, one of the aims of the invention is the use of an interface according to the invention described above, arranged to link an optical device in the form of night-vision binoculars and a mobile support in the form of a helmet for military personnel operating on the ground, referred to as a ground helmet. To this end, the invention further relates to a system 1. As described above, such a system 1 comprises a mobile support 2, a molded element 3 cooperating rigidly with said mobile support 2, an interface 4 cooperating rigidly and reversibly with said molded element 3, and an optical device 5 cooperating rigidly and reversibly with said interface 4. Advantageously, but not limitingly, the interface 4 conforms to the invention.

[0056] The invention has been described in its application to a mobile support in the form of a helmet for military personnel operating in a land, sea, or air environment, referred to respectively as a "land protection helmet," "maritime protection helmet," or "aeronautical protection helmet," and more specifically, for providing a mounting function for an optical device, in the form of night-vision binoculars attached to such a land helmet, so that a user of such a helmet can operate said optical device in the field upon request. Such equipment must be held with a high degree of stability to avoid destabilizing its use.It can also be implemented for any mobile support in the form of headgear, such as, but not limited to, a military helmet (ballistic or otherwise), a law enforcement helmet, an intervention helmet, and / or a civilian helmet, a head harness, a face mask, or any other mobile support designed to enclose a part of a subject's body, whether that subject is human or animal. Furthermore, the invention can also be implemented for any optical device whose position relative to the support must be maintained stable over time. The invention is not limited to the application in which the system 1 according to the invention is used.

[0057] Furthermore, a system according to the invention may include other accessories, including, but not limited to, ensuring communication with the outside world or protecting the user of said system. Such accessories may, by way of non-limiting example, be selected from one or more means of transmitting and / or receiving communication, such as a microphone or audiophone.

Claims

1. Interface (4) for connecting an optical device (5) and a movable support (2) cooperating interdependently with an imprinted element (3), said interface (4) comprising a base (41) arranged to be inserted in the imprinted element (3, 31o), said base (41) consisting of a hollow body, said interface (4) being characterized in that said base (41) comprises means (414, 415, 416) for compensating for mechanical play which are housed and movably mounted within the hollow body so as to protrude and are arranged to bear against a wall (314z, 315z, 316z) of the imprinted element (3) in a first and a second predetermined direction (Ax, Ay, Az).

2. Interface (4) according to claim 1, wherein the compensating means (414, 415, 416) also bear against a wall of the imprinted element (3) in a third predetermined direction (Ax, Ay, Az).

3. Interface (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compensating means (414, 415, 416) comprise vertical (414), lateral (415) and / or depth (416) compensating means, respectively actuated by adjustment means (414f, 415f, 416f).

4. Interface (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising locking and / or unlocking means (413, 418, 4131, 4132) arranged to require two distinct and simultaneous actions to ensure the activation thereof.

5. Interface (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking and / or unlocking means comprise a cam oscillation system (4131, 4132) and two actuator buttons (413) cooperating with said cam oscillation system (4131, 4132).

6. Imprinted element (3) for connecting an optical device (5) and a movable support (2) cooperating interdependently with an interface (4) comprising a base (41), said imprinted element (3) comprising a body (31) comprising a frame (31s, 32, 32') defining a cavity (31o) arranged to receive the base (41) of said interface (4), said imprinted element (3) being characterized in that said frame (31s, 32, 32') comprises means (314, 315, 316) for compensating for mechanical play which are housed and movably mounted within said frame so as to protrude and are arranged to bear against a wall of the base (41) of the interface (4) in a first and a second predetermined direction (Ax, Ay, Az).

7. Imprinted element (3) according to claim 6, wherein the compensating means (314, 315, 316) bear against a wall of the base (41) of the interface (4) in a third predetermined direction (Ax, Ay, Az).

8. Imprinted element (3) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the compensating means (314, 315, 316) comprise vertical (314), lateral (315) and / or depth (316) compensating means.

9. System (1), comprising a movable support (2), an imprinted element (3) cooperating interdependently with said movable support (2), an interface (4) cooperating interdependently and reversibly with said imprinted element (3), an optical device (5) cooperating interdependently and reversibly with said interface (4), said system being characterized in that the interface (4) is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. System (1), comprising a movable support (2), an imprinted element (3) cooperating interdependently with said movable support (2), an interface (4) cooperating interdependently and reversibly with said imprinted element (3), an optical device (5) cooperating interdependently and reversibly with said interface (4), said system being characterized in that the imprinted element (3) is in accordance with any one of claims 6 to 8.