CA1092871A - Modular switch assembly for sequencing a camera operation - Google Patents
Modular switch assembly for sequencing a camera operationInfo
- Publication number
- CA1092871A CA1092871A CA288,343A CA288343A CA1092871A CA 1092871 A CA1092871 A CA 1092871A CA 288343 A CA288343 A CA 288343A CA 1092871 A CA1092871 A CA 1092871A
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- switch
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- film
- actuator
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Photographic apparatus including an electro-mechanical system which upon initiation automatically operates the apparatus through a photographic cycle including exposing and subsequently processing and advancing photographic material from the apparatus. The system includes a modular assembly having a single switch block employed to both initiate apparatus operation additionally, in cooperation with other apparatus elements, to continue to operate the apparatus through a complete cycle. A manually displaceable actuator is employed to initiate the switch actuation and hence, camera operation; and an a ? atic actuator, responsive to initial camera operation thereafter maintains switch actuation throughout the camera cycle.
Photographic apparatus including an electro-mechanical system which upon initiation automatically operates the apparatus through a photographic cycle including exposing and subsequently processing and advancing photographic material from the apparatus. The system includes a modular assembly having a single switch block employed to both initiate apparatus operation additionally, in cooperation with other apparatus elements, to continue to operate the apparatus through a complete cycle. A manually displaceable actuator is employed to initiate the switch actuation and hence, camera operation; and an a ? atic actuator, responsive to initial camera operation thereafter maintains switch actuation throughout the camera cycle.
Description
10~?2871 BACKGROUND OF THE IN~ENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of photography and, more particularly, to photographic apparatus for exposing and processing photographic film material.
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of photography and, more particularly, to photographic apparatus for exposing and processing photographic film material.
2. Description of the Prior Art Recent advances in so-called "self-developing" photographic systems provide substantially automatic camera apparatus which expose a cassette contained film unit, advance the film unit from the cassette to a processing station where a fluid composition is distributed within the film unit so as to initiate film development and, thereafter, at least partially eject the film unit from the camera mechanism. Examples of automatic camera apparatus designed for such operation are found in U.S.
Patent No. 3,760,701 entitled "Photographic Apparatus With Delayed Inter-lock Switch" issued to Richard Paglia on August 9, 1972. The above-noted camera includes arrangements which, upon camera actuation, automatically sequence the camera apparatus to expose, process and eject the film material.
In addition to providing the sequencing functions noted above, such hand-held cameras require light-weight, compact construction of competitive cost. Hence, all of these constraints have a major influence upon the camera , . .
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construction. Furthermore, due to the inherent electro-mechanical nature of such automatic cameras, the inter-relationship of the mechanical and electrical devices are important considerations from both a functional and cost point of view. Hence, it is important to provide simplified, dependable electric control arrangements. Finally, it is also important to provide cooperation between such electric control arrangements and the camera film loading arrangements so as to properly charge such cameras with a fresh film cassette. Consequently, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a compact, economical photographic apparatus for exposing and automatically advancing photographic film units.
It is another object of the invention to provide a photographic camera arrangements which includes a electro-mechanical system for automatically sequencing the camera to expose film material, subsequently advance the latter through a processing station so as to process the film material and to thereafter reset the camera for a further e~posure.
A further object of the invention is to provide a compact camera having a modular switch assembly designed to control the automatic operation of the camera.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a modular camera drive system which includes all camera switching arrangements.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a fully automatic sequencing system which,upon completion of film cassette loading operations, sequences the camera to eject the cassette darkslide and, upon manual lO~Z871 actuation, ~unctions to expose and process the cassette contained film units.
SUMMARY OF THE IN~ENTION
In its illustrated embodiment, the present invention briefly com-prises photographic camera apparatus incorporating a simplified sequencing system for operating the camera through a complete cycle including exposing, processing and ejecting of a film unit. The camera includes shutter and film advance mechanisms which are intercoupled so as to automatically pro-vide for film advancement from its exposure position at the completion of exposure operations. This arrangement is in part provided by a modular switch assembly having a first switch element designed for initial actuation of the camera and other switch elements which are controlled at different times by both the shutter and the film advance mechanism. These other switch elements being controlled by the shutter mechanism during initial stages of the camera operation and subsequently controlled by the film advance mechanism in later stages of the operation in accordance with camerasequenc-ing.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular assembly for use in a camera, said camera including means for mounting film material in a first position for exposure, an exposure mechanism, means when driven for advancing said film material from its said first position to a second position, and an electronic circuit energizeable by an electrical power source for controlling said exposure mechanism to expose said film material and for subsequently activating said modular assembly to drive said advancing means, said modular assembly comprising:
a motor having its input coupled to said circuit and an output drive oper-able in accordance with energization of said motor; a switch assembly oper-able between conductive and non-conductive states and effective in its said conductive state for ener~izing said circuit, said switch assembly including at least a pair of switch arrangements independently operable between con-ductive and non-conductive states; means for coupling said motor output drive to said film advancing means; means for operating said switch assembly :
~092~371 to its said non-conducting state, said switch operating means including a pair of independently operable switch actuating members; and means for mounting said motor, said switch assembly, said coupling means and said switch operating means in an operative relation as a self-supporting module with said coupling means in operative association with said motor output drive, and said switch operating means in operative association with said switch assembly.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with refer-ence to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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1~92871 Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a camera incorporating features of the instant invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the camera illustrated in Figure 1 with portions cut away to reveal a slider actuator, the film cassette and the film advancing mechanism of the camera;
Figure 2a is an enlarged plan view of a second switch actuator of Figure 2 showing its open switch position;
Figure 2b is a partial side view of the camera of Figure 1 illustrating the timing gear and film counter arrangement with the camera film loading door in its open position;
Figure 3 is an exploded view illustrating the modular assembly of the camera which incorporates the drive mechanism and sequencing gear of the camera as well as the switching arrangement thereof;
Figure ~ is a perspective view of the switch block and a portion of the assembled module of Figure 3 as viewed from within the camera;
Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are plan views of the sequencing gear and Portions of the slider actuator of Figures 2 and 3, illustrating the three positions of the slider actuator;
Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, appearing on the same sheet as Figure ~, are views in elevation of one of the switches and the slider actuator of Figure 3 illustrating the three switch positions associated with the different slider positions of Figures 5a, 5b and 5c;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the shutter blade mechanism employed in the camera of Figure 1 and illustrates a normally latched position of the blades;
Figures 8 and 9 are views of the blade mechanism of Figure 7 illustrating the unlatched position of the shutter blades;
~()9Z871 Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electronic components of the camera system;
Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the sequential camera events during photographic operations; and Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating camera loading operations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figs. l and 2 illustrate a camera 10 constructed in accordance with the invention and comprising a housing 12 having an elongated box-like base 14 which forms a chamber 15 designed to enclose a film cassette 16. A film loading door 18 which forms the forward portion of the base 14 is hingedly mounted thereon as later explained with regard to Fig. 11 to permit loading of the film cassette 16 within the camera 12. Included within the door 18 is a film exit slot 20 through which the film material is advanced following its exposure and initial processing. A slide mechanism 32 mounted on the base 14 controls operation of the door 18.
A mirror 17 is mounted within the camera 10 in a parallel relation to an inclined rear wall 24 of the camera housing 12 so as to redirect image-carrying light rays transmitted by a variable focus lens assembl~ 26 to the foremost film unit 28 of the film cassette 16. An upright forward wall portion 30 of the camera unit 10 carries the lens assembly 26 along with a camera actuator button 34 and with a secondary lens assembly 36 which is configured to transmit scene light to a photocell (not shown) and a light-integrating network as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 10.
Extending from the rear of the camera 10 to a lO9Z871 J
viewing window 40 in the upright wall 30 is a viewfinder system 42 which is utilized for viewing and scene framing.
To complete the external structural arrangement of the camera, it should be noted that a flash socket 44 is mounted 5 on an uppermost surface 46 of the camera and is configured for receiving and providing connection to a flash unit (not shown) such as a flashbar arrangement which contains multiple flash elements.
Prior to continuing with the description of the camera, the film cassette 16 will be briefly described. As seen in Fig. 2, the cassette 16 includes a film container 48 which retains a stack of film units 50, each of which include a sandwich of photosensitive and image-receiving layers with processing fluid contained within a rupturable leading edge of the film unit so that film processing may be provided by advancing the film unit through an exposure station such as designated at 52 during which a compressive force is applied to portions of the film unit by means of rollers 54 and 56.
Exemplary of such film units are those descrihed in U. S.
Patent No. 3,~15,644 issued to Edwin H. Land on December 10, 1968 and U. S. Patent No. 3,594,165 issued to Howard G. Rogers on July 20, 1971.
For exposure purposes, the film cassette 16 includes an opening or aperture 57 in its upper surface 58 through which light is transmitted from the lens assembly 26 so as to provide film exposure. HenceJ it should be noted that the cassette structure in cooperation with the camera locates the uppermost film unit 28 at a proper focal plane for exposure.
Additionally, the cassette container 48 includes an exit aperture designated at 60 which permits advancement of the uppermost film unit to the processing station 52.
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As later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 3, the motor driven elements of the camera as well as the switch element~ thereof are mounted in a modular assembly or single module 96 which enhances camera packaging and assembly. Prior to describing the modular construction, however, those drive elements thereof which are shown in Fig. 2 will be described. As shown therein, a motor 64 is located within the housing 12 beneath lens assembly 26 in driving connection with the rollers 54 and 56 by means of a gear train designated at 66. Also coupled to the gear train 66 is a sequencing gear 68 so as to be rotated upon motor operation. The sequencing gear 68 carries three cam elements designated at 70, 72 and 74. Mounted behind and above the sequencing gear 68 as shown in Fig. 2 is a switch actuator 110 which will be later explalned in detail with regard to Figs. 3 and 7.
As shown in Fig. 2b, a film counter or counter wheel 76 is mounted above the sequencing gear 68 and alongside the actuator 110 when the camera 10 is viewed from the front.
The perimeter 78 of the film counter 76 carries indicia thereon (See Fig. 3) which can be selectively viewed through an opening (not shown) of the camera housing 12 to thereby visually display the number of completed camera cycles.
Extending from one side 86 of the counter 76 is a gear surface 84 which cooperates with the cam member 70 of the sequencing gear 68 to index the film counter through an appropriate angular rotation responsive to one rotation of the sequencing gear. A spring 90, shown in Fig. 3, biases the counter 76 in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 2b whereas, as later explained in detail, the sequencing ~, ~0~2871 gear 68 indexes the counter in a counterclockwise direction.
A curved rack portion 88 carried within the hub of the gear surface 84 cooperates with a cassette pawl 92 to prevent clockwise rotation of the counter 76. The pawl 92 being pivotally mounted on a post 94 and extended to the top surface 58 of the film cassette 16 such that the pawl remains in operative engagement with the film counter 76 so long as the cassette is retained within the camera 10.
In Fig. 2b, the camera door 18 is shown in its open position with a latch member 95 released from its catch 97.
A door pawl 196, which is coaxially mounted with the cassette pawl 92 J iS adapted to be engaged and rotated counterclockwise by the catch end 99 of the latch member 95 when the door is in its open position as shown. A spring 91 shown in Fig. 3, is commonly mounted to both pawls 92 and 196 so as to bias the cassette pawl 92 clockwise towards the film cassette and the door pawl 196 counterclockwise toward the camera switch as later explained in detail with regard to Figs. 3 and 4. This pawl 196 as later explained with regard to Fig. 6, cooperates with the camera actuating switch to hold the latter open, and camera power off, when the door 18 is open.
Except for the shutter blade mechanism which is later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 7, all elements of the camera system are driven by an electrical motor 64 which along with other elements of the drive mechanism are located in the module 96 as illustrated in exploded fashion in Fig. 3. As shown in that figure, the module 96 includes a pair of spaced side mounting plates 100 and 102 for mounting component part of the drlve assembly, which component parts include the motor 64, the gear train 66, the sequencing gear 87~
68, the film counter 76 along with its spring 90, the pawl 92, a film pick 180, a modular switch block 106, and a pair of switch actuators designated at 108 and 110, respectively.
In the preferred embodiment, mounting plates 100 and 102 as well as many of the other elements of the module 96 are preferably formed of molded plastic, and the module is intended to be manufactured as a self-contained modular unit which may be assembled and tested before being installed in camera 10. The modular concept is enhanced by the molded construction of mounting plates 100 and 102, each of which includes, as explained below, integrally molded or attachable structure for mounting the movable component parts of the module and snap-together tabs as shown at 112 and 114 which provides locking of the side plates to each other so as to trap all of the assembled components except for the motor in place within the module.
The motor 62 is mounted on the right side of module 96 as viewed in FigS. 3 and 4. For this reason, the side plate 102 includes an outwardly extending portion designated at.116 which partially con~orms to the motor housing and supports the latter in a horizontal position with the motor shaft 118 and its drive gear 120 extended through the side plate 102 into engagement with the gear train 66. To adequately support the motor 64, a bearing 119 extends around the motor shaft 118 into engagement with the side plate 102.
Drive power for the motor 64 and other portions of the system as later explained in detail is provided by an electrical battery (not shown) which is preferably mounted in the bottom of the film container 48. The motor 64 is _g_ 10~2871 coupled to the battery by means of the modular switch block 106.
Prior to eompleting the description of the module 96, the switch bloek 106 will now be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. The switeh bloek 106 ineludes an elongated sheet or base member 122 whieh supports four switch arrangements or assemblies designated from lef~ to right in Fig. 4 as S4, S1, S2 and S3, respectively. The base member 122 is preferably an integral strueture made of plastic insulative material which has a switch mounting and terminal section designated at 124 and a switeh support and aligning seetion 126 joined by side members 128 and 130 so as to provide an opening 132 between such seetions. Extending upwardly from the seetions 124 and 126 are a plurality of separator elements designated at 134 whieh in cooperation with the side members 128 and 130 effectively align and separate the switch elements over a major portion of the base member 122.
As shown ill Fig. 3, eaeh of the switch arrangements Sl, S2, S3 and S4 eomprise a pair of leaf members or switch arms constructed of resilient conductive material such as a berrylium copper alloy. I'he upper switch arms 136 of the switch assembly 106 are formed by stamping or the like from a single sheet of metal having four switch arms designated at 138J 140, 142 and 144 extending from a terminal portion 146 which connects these upper switch arms in eommon to the positive side of the battery by means of a conductive lead shown at 148. Mounting of the upper switeh arms 136 to the terminal support seetion 124 is provided by insertion of the terminal portion 146 at the rear edge of the separator elements 134 with the switch leaves 138, 140, 142 and 144 extending between the separators 134 and beyond the end of the base men~er 122. Like the upper switch arms 138, 140, 142 and 144, corresponding lower switch arms designated at 139, 141, 143 and 145 extend from the switch mounting section forward of the base block, however, each of the latter are for functional reasons as later explained in detail, shorter than the corresponding upper arm member of each switch arrangement.
Further, it can be seen that while the lower switch arms 139 and 145 are spearate elements having terminal portions 150 and 154J the arms 141 and 143 comprise finger portions of a single conductive sheet 147 terminating in portion 152 which connects both these arms in common so as to functionally make switches Sl and S2 identical. However, while the switches Sl and S2 are identical, they may be operated at different times during the camera cycle as later explained in regard to camera operation.
Advantageously, the terminal portions of each of the lower switch arms is brought to the upper side 125 of the terminal support section 124 so that all electrical connections to the switch assemblies can be made in th.is area. In this regard, the terminal portions 150, 152 and 154 extend from the surface 125 around the rear edge 127 and along the bottom surface (not shown) of the section 124 in clamping engagement with this latter section. From the bottom surface of the mounting section 124, the arms 139, 141, 143 and 145 extend upwardly through the opening 132 and over the switch aligning section 126 beneath the upper arms 138, 140, 142 and 144.
Completing the description of the switch block 106, it should be noted that as shown in Fig. 3, the upper switch lO~Z871 arm 138 of switch S4 has a downwardly offset or step portion 157 at its freely extended end while its underlying, lower - switch arm 137 has its extended end 155 canted downward at a slight angle. Both the upper and lower arms 140 and 141 include downward step portions designated at 158 and 160 respectively. Finally, upper arm members 142 and 144 of switches S2 and S3 end in upwardly offset or step portions 159 and 161, the lower arms 143 and 145 remaining essentially flat. All the switch arms are biased toward their respective mating arm to provide normally closed switches. Further, at least one arm member of each of the switch arrangements carries a dimple portion designated at 156 in Fig 4 which provides a contact point for the particular switch and in conjunction with the formation of the switch arms insure that contact is only made at that point.
Returning now to the overall description of the drive module illustrated in Fig. 3, it can be seen that the side wall 102 carries a pocket-like arrangement as at 151 which is configured for retaining the switch block 106 with its switches Sl, S2, S3 and S4 e~ctending into operative association with the actuators 108 and 110. Turning now to the actuator 108, it should be noted that it includes an elongated body portion 162 having its forward end 163 configured for connection to the camera actuator button 34.
Within the body 162 is an elongated opening 166 configured for slideable mounting of the actuator 108 on the counter wh,oel shaft 77 so that the slider actuator 108 is in effect retained for slideable movement between the side walls 100 and 102. Biasing the slider toward its forwardmost location is a spring member 166 which has one end 167 configured for 10~2871 engagement with an extended post (not shown) of the slider and its other end 169 connected to the wall member 102.
As later explained with regard to Fig. 5, the slider actuator 108 carries a cam follower 172 which cooperates with the counter wheel 76. Additionally, the leading end 163 of the slider 108 carries a switch actuator portion 174 which, as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 6, cooperates with the switch block 106 to control the operation of the Sl and S4 switch arrangements. For this operation, the switch actuator portion 174 includes a pair of laterally extending arms 176 and 178 which control actuation of these switches.
Also included within the module 96 is the door pawl member 196 which is configured to cooperate with the Sl switch arrangement as later explained in detail to hold the latter switch in an open condition when the loading door is open.
Drive module 96 also includes a film advancing member or pick 180 mounted alongside the slider 108 and configured for reciprocating movement within the module 96.
The pick member 180 is preferably stamped from a thin sheet of metal such as stainless steel and includes a first arm ]82 extending forwardly and a second arm 184 extending rearwardly.
A depending portion 186 includes a hook end 188 for engaging a t^ailing end of the foremost film unit 28.
Access to the film cassette 16 for the film engaging hook 188 is provided in the cassette by an elongated slot (not shown) at the upper trailing end corner of the film container 48. A spring member 183 biases the pick 180 rearwardly such that its hook end 188 is normally rearward of the trailing end of the uppermost film unit 28. Forward movement of the pick 180, resulting in advancement o~ the 1~;)92871 film unit 28 into the bite of the rollers 54 and 56, is accomplished by driving engagement of the sequencing gear cam 72 with the forward pick arm 182 during rotation of the sequencing gear 68.
Included within the drive module is the actuator 110.
The latter includes a body portion 190, also shown in Fig. 2, which is mounted for pivotal motion around the post 77 and which includes a laterally extending tab 192 designed to engage the cam 74 of the sequencing gear 68 during rotation of the latter. A spring 197 biases the actuator 110 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2. carried on the actuator body 190 is an upper arm 194~ which is configured to cooperate with a latch member 230 later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 7, and a depending lower arm 196 which terminates in a switch actuating surface 198. The latter surface 198 serves to engage the switch arms 142 and 144 to control the operation of the S2 and S3 switches.
Completing the description of the drive module, it should be noted that the side wall 102 carries a plurality of pivot posts designed to rotationally support the gear 68 and the gears of the gear train 66 as well as a plurality of laterally extending members one of which is shown at 199 which properly space the side plate 100 from the side plate 102 when they are coupled together in their assembled condition.
The various pOSitiOIlS of the slider actuator 108 will now be explained with regard to Fig. 5. It should be first noted that the slider actuator 108 is designed to occupy at different times three different positions; the forwardmost of these positions as measured with respect to the front of the camera housing 12 is employed for controlling film loading .
~9Z871 operations and particularly darkslide ejection, while the intermediate position is the normal position of the actuator when the camera is inactive, and the third position being the photographic actuating positionO
Movement of the actuator 108 between its three positions is limited by the counter wheel 76 which includes a cam surface 212 against which the actuator cam follower 172 is biased by virtue of the previously noted actuator spring 166. The cam surface 212 includes a main portion designated at 212 which follows a substantially uniform radius until it terminates in an outwardly extending cam portion designated at 214. The latter cam portion 214 extends outwardly of the main cam radius and is utilized to drive the slider actuator 108 to its forwardmost position. In this regard, it should be noted that the slider actuator 108 is biased forwardly by its spring 166 so that its cam follower 172 is normally held in engagement with the cam surface 212.
In reloading the camera 10, the operator moves the slide mechanism 32 (shown in Fig. 1) which releases the door to its open position (shown in Fig. 2b) and removes the film cassette 16. Opening of the door releases the door pawl 196 as shown in Fig. 2b to engage and open the Sl switch as shown in Fig. 6a, and removal of the film cassette 16 releases the pawl 92 from engagement with the rack portion 88 of the counter wheel 76 thereby allowing the latter to rotate in a clockwis~
direction under the influence of its spring 90 from -the position shown in Fig. 5c to its start position shown in Fig. 5a so that the camera is now ready for film loading and darkslide ejection.
Hence, Fig. 5a shows the counter wheel 76 in its 10~2871 film loading position experienced once the film cassette has been removed from the camera 10. In this position of the wheel 76, the cam follower 172 is located within the cam portion 214 and the actuator 108 is held in its most forward position. As later explained with regard to Fig. 6, upon insertion of a cassette and closing of the door 18, this position of the actuator 108 actuates the drive mechanism to eject the cassette darkslide.
During the darkslide ejection operation, the sequencing gear 68 is driven through a single revolution which engages the gear cam 70 with the counter wheel 76 and indexes the latter counterclockwise to its next index position, shown in Fig. 5b, which is the first film exposure position of the counter. The counter 76 is held in this index position by the film cassette pawl 92, see FigO 2b, since a cassette now is within the camera. This movement of the counter 76 to its first exposure position brings the cam follower 172 into engagement with the main cam surface portion 212 which drives or carries the actuator 108 rearwardly to its intermediate position. In ~this position of the counter wheel 76, as shown in Fig. 5b, the actuator 108 may be moved rearwardly by pressure on the camera button 34. As later explained with regard to Fig. 6, such rearward displacement of the slider actuator 108 powers the camera through its normal photographic cycle to expose, process and eject a film unit.
As later explained with regard to operation of the camera, as each subsequent picture is processed, the sequencing gear 68 indexes the counter wheel 76 through each index position until all film units are expended, at whicn time the counter wheel 76 is located in its final position shown in ~092871 Fig. 5c. In this position, the cam follower 172 of the slider actuator 108 has reached the end of the cam surface portion 212. As the counter 76 indexes into this final position, an outer cam sur~ace shown at 216 engages a surface portion 218 of the slider actuator 108 so as to drive and hold the actua-tor in its intermediate position thereby preventing further rearward movement of the slider. Hence, the cam surface 216 operates to preclude further photographic actuation of the camera and also forcibly moves the slider actuator back to its intermediate position thereby providing an indication to the operator that the film pack has been expended.
As previously noted, the slider actuator 108 controls the operation of the switches Sl and S4 by means of the slider switch portion 174 which as shown in Fig. 6 is located along~
side these switch elements with the actuator arms 176 and 178 extended laterally beneath these switches. Looking to Fig. 6a where the slider actuator 108 is shown in its forward posltion, responsive to removal of the film cassette 16 and hence resetting of the counter, both actuator arms 176 and 178 are displaced out of engagement with the Sl and S4 switches thereby allowing the upper switch arm 157 of switch S4 and 158 of Switch Sl to drop down toward engagement with their corres-ponding lower members 155 and 160. This tends to close both switches Sl and S4, however, at this time the door is open, and hence the door pawl196 prevents downward movement of t~e switch arm 140 and closing of the Sl switch.
Once a cassette is inserted (thereby providing a battery) and the door is closed, the Sl switch closes (upper arm 140 is released by the door pawl) so that the camera operates through a dark slide eject cycle as later explained.
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This cycle indexes the counter one position as depicted in Fig. 5b which moves the slider rearwardly ~to the right in Fig. 6) to its intermediate position as shown in Fig. 6b wherein the rearward actuator arm 178 is in engagement with the downwardly offset portions 157 and 158 of the upper switch arms 138 and 140 thereby holding these switch arms in an upward position so that the switches Sl and S4 remain open.
When the slider actuator 108 is then manually moved still further rearwardly (to the right as viewed in Fig. 6) by the camera operator to the position shown .in Fig. 6c, the forward actuator arm 176 engages and raises the depending offs.et 160 of the lower switch arm 141 into contact with the upper arm 140 so as to close the switch Sl thereby initiating camera operation as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 11. Since switch arm 134 has no offset portion, the latter rearward movement of the slider has no effect on S4 which remains open.
Hence, the Sl switch includes a pair of offsets 158 and 160 spaced apart a given distance along the longitudinal axis of.this swi.tch while the S4 switch only has a single offset 157. The slider actuator 108 carries actuator arms 176 and 178 spaced apart approximately the same distance as the above so that as the slider is moved parallel to the switch axis, the Sl switch is conductive when both arms are disengaged from, or both arms are in engagement with, the offsets and the Sl switch is non-conductive only when the actuator arm 178 is in engagement with the offset 158 of the upper switch member 140 tlifting the upper switch member 140 out of switch contact) and the other actuator arm 176 is still 10~2871 not in engagement with the offset 160 of the lower switch member 141.
In the forward position of the slider shown in Fig.
6a, both actuator arms 176 and 178 are displaced from the offsets 158 and 160 so that the Sl switch is closed (when the camera door is closed); the S2 switch being also closed since its offset 157 is not engaged at this time. When the slider 108 is moved rearwardly (by the counter) to the position shown in Fig. 6b, the actuator arm 178 engages and lifts both the offset 157 of switch S4 and the offset 158 of switch Sl, rendering both switches open. Then under manual pressure, as the slider is moved still further rearwardly to the position shown in Fig. 6c, the actuator arm 176 engages and lifts the offset 160 of the lower switch member thereby again rendering the Sl switch closed (the S4 switch remaining open since its lower arm has no offset).
Turning now to Fig. 7, operation of the actuator 110 will now be explained with regard to the camera shutter operation. As shown in this figure, the shutter system includes a blade mechanism 219 having a pair of blade members 220 and 221 displaceably mounted in the camera for reciprocal movement with respect to each other. Each of the blade members 220 and 221 respectively includes a main opening designated at 222 and 223 which when brought into coincidence with each other over the optical axis 224 of the camera 10, unblock the optical axis and define an aperture value for film exposure.
Additionally, each blade member 220 and 221 carries a secondary aperture, only one of which is shown at 231 for providing tracking aperture values behind the photocell lens 36. Synchronous control over both blade members 220 and 221 is provided by connection of the blades to a walking beam 225 which is mounted in the camera body 12 for pivotal motion around a pivot axis designated at 226.
Pivotal motion of the walking beam and subsequent relative displacement of the blade members 220 and 221 with respect to each other is provided by a solenoid 227 having a plunger 228 coupled to the walking beam 225 at a point above its pivot axis 226 so that upon energization of the solenoid 227 and retraction of its plunger 228, the walking beam is rotated in a counterclockwise direction thereby displacing the blade openings 222 and 223 away from each other and slightly beyond the position shown in Fig. 7 A spring member 229, located around the solenoid plunger 22~3, opexates against the walking beam thereby tending to displace the latter in a counterclockwise direction. The latter will move the blades 220 and 221 into an open, exposure taking position with their openings 222 and 223 in an over-lapping arrangement when the solenoid 227 is not energized.
In the preferred arrangement, the walking beam 225 includes an extension designated at 232 which cooperates with a latch 230 to hold the blade mechanism 219 in a closed light-blocking condition when the camera is not in use.
For this purpose, the walking beam extension 232 partially overlies the latch 230 as explained below and includes a lug portion 234 which extends into the latch.
Turning now to the latch 230, it can be seen to include an elongated body 236 which is mounted on the camera 10 for pivotal movement around an axis designated at 238 and carries at one end an offset portion 240 which is designed 1~0~2871 to engage the upper arm 194 of the actuator 110 so as to hold the latter in its open switch position (as subsequently explained) when the latch is in its blade latching position shown in Fi~. 7. The other end of the body 236 carries a S c-shaped portion 244 which is configured to capture the walking beam lug 234 under appropriate circumstances as explained below~
The C-shaped end 244 of the latch 230 is formed by a first member 246 which extends upwardly from the body portion 236 into overlying relation with blade members 220 and 221. From the upright member 246, the latch member 230 is turned back on itself and ends in a hook 248; the latter hook being configured to engage the beam lug 234 when the shutter blades 220 and 221 are in their blocking position and the solenoid 227 is de-energized as depicted in Fig. 7.
A spring 250 lightly biases the latch member 230 in a clock-wise direction so that the offset portion 240 is continually held in a follower arrangement with the upper arm 194 of actuator 110. The actuator spring 197 (see Figs. 2a and 3) provides a greaterJ counterclockwise, force on the latch 230, however, the latter, in its latched position of Fig. 7 is captured by the lug 234 of the shutter assembly.
The operation of the exposure mechanism 219 and its cooperation with the latch 230 and the actuator 110 will now be explained with regard to Figs~ 7 J 8 J 9 and 10.
InitiallyJ as shown in Fig. 7, the shutter blade mechanism 219 is in its closedJ latched position with tha beam lug 234 located within the hook portion 248 o~ the latch 230. In effectJ the solenoid spring 229 urges the beam 225 in a clockwise direction so as to force the lug 234 continually into the hook portion 248 of the latch. This latched position of the blades 220 and 221 also holds the latch 230 in its horizontal position whichJ in turn, resists the downward bias of the actuator 110 so that the latter, by means of its lower arm 196, holds switches S2 and S3 in an open condition.
Upon actu~tion of the solenoid 227 by operator depression of the camera button 34Jas later explained in detail, the plunger 228 is drawn into the solenoid as shown in Fig. 8 thereby rotating the beam 225 slightly counter-clockwise which displaces its lug 234 from the hoo~ portion 248 of the latch 230 thereby allowing the C-shaped end 244 of the latch to spring upwardly as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
The latter movement of the latch completely releases the blade mechanism 219 and also permits downward movement of the upper arm 194 of the actuator 110 with synchronous downward movement of its lower arm 196 (see Fig. 2b) which releases the ends 159 and 161 of the upper leaves 142 and 144 of switch arrangements S2 and S3 into contact with the lower leaves 143 and 145 (see Fig. 4) thereof so as to render these switches conductive.
As later explained in detail with regard to the circuit shown in Fig. 10, closing of the switches S2 and S3 latches camera power on and triggers the electronic control of the camera to open and close the blade mechanism 219 (to provide film exposure) and to subsequently energize the motor 64. Operation of the motor 64 advances the exposed film through the processing station 52 and from the camera 10 while it rotates sequencing gear 68 through ona revolution which, as shown in Fig. 2a, drives the cam member 74 into contact with the lateral arm 192 of the actuator 110 thereby rotating the latter counterclockwise. This counterclockwise movement of the actuator 110 raises the switch leaves 142 and 144 to open switches S2 and S3 and turn off the camera 10.
As the actuator 110 is pivoted by the sequencing gear 68, the latch 230 rotates in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8, under the urging of its spring 250 thereby returning the latch to its blade latching position for beam engagement. It should be noted that such rotation of the latch 230 from its unlatch to its latch position will be ~o subsequent to the e~posure and solenoid 227 is still under a power condition holding the blades closed and with the lug member 234 in the position shown in Fig. 8 Consequently, when the latch member 230 is pivoted clockwise as previously described which cuts power to the solenoid 227 (opens switches S2 and S3),the beam 225 is allowed to rotate slightly clockwise under the urging of the spring 229 so that the lug 234 is displaced to within the hook-shaped portion 248 of the latch as shown in Fig. 7.
As noted above, the switches S2 and S3 are opened as the cam 74 engages the actuator 110 and rotates it counter-clockwise. This removes power from the camera system which includes the motor 64. As the latter coasts to a stop, the sequencing gear 68 is driven slightly further in its clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2a so as to release its cam 74 from engagement with the actuator 110. This releases the actuator to bear on the latch offset 240. The latter, however, resists downward movement of the actuator by virtue of engagement of the latch 230 with the beam lug 234. Conse~uently, the latch-actuator cycle is completed and both are returned to their starting positions shown in Fig. 7.
lV9~871 Turning now to Fig. 10, wherein the camera control system is shown in block diagram formJ it should be noted that the switch block 106 is shown schematically to include switches Sl, S2, S3 and S4. In this arrangement, both switches Sl and S2 are arranged to couple the battery terminal designated at 270 to a main power line 272 for powering up the camera. Hence, upon closing of either switch Sl or S2, battery power is supplied through a reset network 274 and a flash sense inhibit network 276 to power up the camera circuit and particularly the shutter solenoid 227. The latter is accomplished by means of a solenoid control network 278 such as J for example, a flip-flop network which is configured to energize the solenoid 227 in accordance with a signal on line 280 and de-energize the solenoid in accordance with a signal on line 282.
As indicated, system power is transmitted through a reset network 274. The latter is provided to preclude recycling of the camera 10 under circumstances in which the operator inadvertently holds the camera button 34 in its depressed condition following a complete camera cycle. To accomplish the latter function, the reset network is normally arranged to transmit battery voltage from line 272 but will preclude such transmission subsequent to the opening of the S3 switch until power has been removed from and then reapplied to line 272.
From the reset network 274, the battery voltage is passed to the flash sense and inhibit network 276. Prior to briefly describing the latter network, it should be noted that the camera 10 is preferably designed for both ambient and flash operetion. ~owever, since flash operation is no_ -2~-~0~2~371 necessary to understanding of the present invention, it will only be briefly described here for the sake of completeness.
Preferably, the camera is designed for hybrid flash operation as J for example, is described in U. S. Patent No.
Patent No. 3,760,701 entitled "Photographic Apparatus With Delayed Inter-lock Switch" issued to Richard Paglia on August 9, 1972. The above-noted camera includes arrangements which, upon camera actuation, automatically sequence the camera apparatus to expose, process and eject the film material.
In addition to providing the sequencing functions noted above, such hand-held cameras require light-weight, compact construction of competitive cost. Hence, all of these constraints have a major influence upon the camera , . .
~09~87~
construction. Furthermore, due to the inherent electro-mechanical nature of such automatic cameras, the inter-relationship of the mechanical and electrical devices are important considerations from both a functional and cost point of view. Hence, it is important to provide simplified, dependable electric control arrangements. Finally, it is also important to provide cooperation between such electric control arrangements and the camera film loading arrangements so as to properly charge such cameras with a fresh film cassette. Consequently, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a compact, economical photographic apparatus for exposing and automatically advancing photographic film units.
It is another object of the invention to provide a photographic camera arrangements which includes a electro-mechanical system for automatically sequencing the camera to expose film material, subsequently advance the latter through a processing station so as to process the film material and to thereafter reset the camera for a further e~posure.
A further object of the invention is to provide a compact camera having a modular switch assembly designed to control the automatic operation of the camera.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a modular camera drive system which includes all camera switching arrangements.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a fully automatic sequencing system which,upon completion of film cassette loading operations, sequences the camera to eject the cassette darkslide and, upon manual lO~Z871 actuation, ~unctions to expose and process the cassette contained film units.
SUMMARY OF THE IN~ENTION
In its illustrated embodiment, the present invention briefly com-prises photographic camera apparatus incorporating a simplified sequencing system for operating the camera through a complete cycle including exposing, processing and ejecting of a film unit. The camera includes shutter and film advance mechanisms which are intercoupled so as to automatically pro-vide for film advancement from its exposure position at the completion of exposure operations. This arrangement is in part provided by a modular switch assembly having a first switch element designed for initial actuation of the camera and other switch elements which are controlled at different times by both the shutter and the film advance mechanism. These other switch elements being controlled by the shutter mechanism during initial stages of the camera operation and subsequently controlled by the film advance mechanism in later stages of the operation in accordance with camerasequenc-ing.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular assembly for use in a camera, said camera including means for mounting film material in a first position for exposure, an exposure mechanism, means when driven for advancing said film material from its said first position to a second position, and an electronic circuit energizeable by an electrical power source for controlling said exposure mechanism to expose said film material and for subsequently activating said modular assembly to drive said advancing means, said modular assembly comprising:
a motor having its input coupled to said circuit and an output drive oper-able in accordance with energization of said motor; a switch assembly oper-able between conductive and non-conductive states and effective in its said conductive state for ener~izing said circuit, said switch assembly including at least a pair of switch arrangements independently operable between con-ductive and non-conductive states; means for coupling said motor output drive to said film advancing means; means for operating said switch assembly :
~092~371 to its said non-conducting state, said switch operating means including a pair of independently operable switch actuating members; and means for mounting said motor, said switch assembly, said coupling means and said switch operating means in an operative relation as a self-supporting module with said coupling means in operative association with said motor output drive, and said switch operating means in operative association with said switch assembly.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with refer-ence to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-3a-~tf~
1~92871 Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a camera incorporating features of the instant invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the camera illustrated in Figure 1 with portions cut away to reveal a slider actuator, the film cassette and the film advancing mechanism of the camera;
Figure 2a is an enlarged plan view of a second switch actuator of Figure 2 showing its open switch position;
Figure 2b is a partial side view of the camera of Figure 1 illustrating the timing gear and film counter arrangement with the camera film loading door in its open position;
Figure 3 is an exploded view illustrating the modular assembly of the camera which incorporates the drive mechanism and sequencing gear of the camera as well as the switching arrangement thereof;
Figure ~ is a perspective view of the switch block and a portion of the assembled module of Figure 3 as viewed from within the camera;
Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are plan views of the sequencing gear and Portions of the slider actuator of Figures 2 and 3, illustrating the three positions of the slider actuator;
Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, appearing on the same sheet as Figure ~, are views in elevation of one of the switches and the slider actuator of Figure 3 illustrating the three switch positions associated with the different slider positions of Figures 5a, 5b and 5c;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the shutter blade mechanism employed in the camera of Figure 1 and illustrates a normally latched position of the blades;
Figures 8 and 9 are views of the blade mechanism of Figure 7 illustrating the unlatched position of the shutter blades;
~()9Z871 Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electronic components of the camera system;
Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the sequential camera events during photographic operations; and Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating camera loading operations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figs. l and 2 illustrate a camera 10 constructed in accordance with the invention and comprising a housing 12 having an elongated box-like base 14 which forms a chamber 15 designed to enclose a film cassette 16. A film loading door 18 which forms the forward portion of the base 14 is hingedly mounted thereon as later explained with regard to Fig. 11 to permit loading of the film cassette 16 within the camera 12. Included within the door 18 is a film exit slot 20 through which the film material is advanced following its exposure and initial processing. A slide mechanism 32 mounted on the base 14 controls operation of the door 18.
A mirror 17 is mounted within the camera 10 in a parallel relation to an inclined rear wall 24 of the camera housing 12 so as to redirect image-carrying light rays transmitted by a variable focus lens assembl~ 26 to the foremost film unit 28 of the film cassette 16. An upright forward wall portion 30 of the camera unit 10 carries the lens assembly 26 along with a camera actuator button 34 and with a secondary lens assembly 36 which is configured to transmit scene light to a photocell (not shown) and a light-integrating network as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 10.
Extending from the rear of the camera 10 to a lO9Z871 J
viewing window 40 in the upright wall 30 is a viewfinder system 42 which is utilized for viewing and scene framing.
To complete the external structural arrangement of the camera, it should be noted that a flash socket 44 is mounted 5 on an uppermost surface 46 of the camera and is configured for receiving and providing connection to a flash unit (not shown) such as a flashbar arrangement which contains multiple flash elements.
Prior to continuing with the description of the camera, the film cassette 16 will be briefly described. As seen in Fig. 2, the cassette 16 includes a film container 48 which retains a stack of film units 50, each of which include a sandwich of photosensitive and image-receiving layers with processing fluid contained within a rupturable leading edge of the film unit so that film processing may be provided by advancing the film unit through an exposure station such as designated at 52 during which a compressive force is applied to portions of the film unit by means of rollers 54 and 56.
Exemplary of such film units are those descrihed in U. S.
Patent No. 3,~15,644 issued to Edwin H. Land on December 10, 1968 and U. S. Patent No. 3,594,165 issued to Howard G. Rogers on July 20, 1971.
For exposure purposes, the film cassette 16 includes an opening or aperture 57 in its upper surface 58 through which light is transmitted from the lens assembly 26 so as to provide film exposure. HenceJ it should be noted that the cassette structure in cooperation with the camera locates the uppermost film unit 28 at a proper focal plane for exposure.
Additionally, the cassette container 48 includes an exit aperture designated at 60 which permits advancement of the uppermost film unit to the processing station 52.
109Z87~
As later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 3, the motor driven elements of the camera as well as the switch element~ thereof are mounted in a modular assembly or single module 96 which enhances camera packaging and assembly. Prior to describing the modular construction, however, those drive elements thereof which are shown in Fig. 2 will be described. As shown therein, a motor 64 is located within the housing 12 beneath lens assembly 26 in driving connection with the rollers 54 and 56 by means of a gear train designated at 66. Also coupled to the gear train 66 is a sequencing gear 68 so as to be rotated upon motor operation. The sequencing gear 68 carries three cam elements designated at 70, 72 and 74. Mounted behind and above the sequencing gear 68 as shown in Fig. 2 is a switch actuator 110 which will be later explalned in detail with regard to Figs. 3 and 7.
As shown in Fig. 2b, a film counter or counter wheel 76 is mounted above the sequencing gear 68 and alongside the actuator 110 when the camera 10 is viewed from the front.
The perimeter 78 of the film counter 76 carries indicia thereon (See Fig. 3) which can be selectively viewed through an opening (not shown) of the camera housing 12 to thereby visually display the number of completed camera cycles.
Extending from one side 86 of the counter 76 is a gear surface 84 which cooperates with the cam member 70 of the sequencing gear 68 to index the film counter through an appropriate angular rotation responsive to one rotation of the sequencing gear. A spring 90, shown in Fig. 3, biases the counter 76 in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 2b whereas, as later explained in detail, the sequencing ~, ~0~2871 gear 68 indexes the counter in a counterclockwise direction.
A curved rack portion 88 carried within the hub of the gear surface 84 cooperates with a cassette pawl 92 to prevent clockwise rotation of the counter 76. The pawl 92 being pivotally mounted on a post 94 and extended to the top surface 58 of the film cassette 16 such that the pawl remains in operative engagement with the film counter 76 so long as the cassette is retained within the camera 10.
In Fig. 2b, the camera door 18 is shown in its open position with a latch member 95 released from its catch 97.
A door pawl 196, which is coaxially mounted with the cassette pawl 92 J iS adapted to be engaged and rotated counterclockwise by the catch end 99 of the latch member 95 when the door is in its open position as shown. A spring 91 shown in Fig. 3, is commonly mounted to both pawls 92 and 196 so as to bias the cassette pawl 92 clockwise towards the film cassette and the door pawl 196 counterclockwise toward the camera switch as later explained in detail with regard to Figs. 3 and 4. This pawl 196 as later explained with regard to Fig. 6, cooperates with the camera actuating switch to hold the latter open, and camera power off, when the door 18 is open.
Except for the shutter blade mechanism which is later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 7, all elements of the camera system are driven by an electrical motor 64 which along with other elements of the drive mechanism are located in the module 96 as illustrated in exploded fashion in Fig. 3. As shown in that figure, the module 96 includes a pair of spaced side mounting plates 100 and 102 for mounting component part of the drlve assembly, which component parts include the motor 64, the gear train 66, the sequencing gear 87~
68, the film counter 76 along with its spring 90, the pawl 92, a film pick 180, a modular switch block 106, and a pair of switch actuators designated at 108 and 110, respectively.
In the preferred embodiment, mounting plates 100 and 102 as well as many of the other elements of the module 96 are preferably formed of molded plastic, and the module is intended to be manufactured as a self-contained modular unit which may be assembled and tested before being installed in camera 10. The modular concept is enhanced by the molded construction of mounting plates 100 and 102, each of which includes, as explained below, integrally molded or attachable structure for mounting the movable component parts of the module and snap-together tabs as shown at 112 and 114 which provides locking of the side plates to each other so as to trap all of the assembled components except for the motor in place within the module.
The motor 62 is mounted on the right side of module 96 as viewed in FigS. 3 and 4. For this reason, the side plate 102 includes an outwardly extending portion designated at.116 which partially con~orms to the motor housing and supports the latter in a horizontal position with the motor shaft 118 and its drive gear 120 extended through the side plate 102 into engagement with the gear train 66. To adequately support the motor 64, a bearing 119 extends around the motor shaft 118 into engagement with the side plate 102.
Drive power for the motor 64 and other portions of the system as later explained in detail is provided by an electrical battery (not shown) which is preferably mounted in the bottom of the film container 48. The motor 64 is _g_ 10~2871 coupled to the battery by means of the modular switch block 106.
Prior to eompleting the description of the module 96, the switch bloek 106 will now be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. The switeh bloek 106 ineludes an elongated sheet or base member 122 whieh supports four switch arrangements or assemblies designated from lef~ to right in Fig. 4 as S4, S1, S2 and S3, respectively. The base member 122 is preferably an integral strueture made of plastic insulative material which has a switch mounting and terminal section designated at 124 and a switeh support and aligning seetion 126 joined by side members 128 and 130 so as to provide an opening 132 between such seetions. Extending upwardly from the seetions 124 and 126 are a plurality of separator elements designated at 134 whieh in cooperation with the side members 128 and 130 effectively align and separate the switch elements over a major portion of the base member 122.
As shown ill Fig. 3, eaeh of the switch arrangements Sl, S2, S3 and S4 eomprise a pair of leaf members or switch arms constructed of resilient conductive material such as a berrylium copper alloy. I'he upper switch arms 136 of the switch assembly 106 are formed by stamping or the like from a single sheet of metal having four switch arms designated at 138J 140, 142 and 144 extending from a terminal portion 146 which connects these upper switch arms in eommon to the positive side of the battery by means of a conductive lead shown at 148. Mounting of the upper switeh arms 136 to the terminal support seetion 124 is provided by insertion of the terminal portion 146 at the rear edge of the separator elements 134 with the switch leaves 138, 140, 142 and 144 extending between the separators 134 and beyond the end of the base men~er 122. Like the upper switch arms 138, 140, 142 and 144, corresponding lower switch arms designated at 139, 141, 143 and 145 extend from the switch mounting section forward of the base block, however, each of the latter are for functional reasons as later explained in detail, shorter than the corresponding upper arm member of each switch arrangement.
Further, it can be seen that while the lower switch arms 139 and 145 are spearate elements having terminal portions 150 and 154J the arms 141 and 143 comprise finger portions of a single conductive sheet 147 terminating in portion 152 which connects both these arms in common so as to functionally make switches Sl and S2 identical. However, while the switches Sl and S2 are identical, they may be operated at different times during the camera cycle as later explained in regard to camera operation.
Advantageously, the terminal portions of each of the lower switch arms is brought to the upper side 125 of the terminal support section 124 so that all electrical connections to the switch assemblies can be made in th.is area. In this regard, the terminal portions 150, 152 and 154 extend from the surface 125 around the rear edge 127 and along the bottom surface (not shown) of the section 124 in clamping engagement with this latter section. From the bottom surface of the mounting section 124, the arms 139, 141, 143 and 145 extend upwardly through the opening 132 and over the switch aligning section 126 beneath the upper arms 138, 140, 142 and 144.
Completing the description of the switch block 106, it should be noted that as shown in Fig. 3, the upper switch lO~Z871 arm 138 of switch S4 has a downwardly offset or step portion 157 at its freely extended end while its underlying, lower - switch arm 137 has its extended end 155 canted downward at a slight angle. Both the upper and lower arms 140 and 141 include downward step portions designated at 158 and 160 respectively. Finally, upper arm members 142 and 144 of switches S2 and S3 end in upwardly offset or step portions 159 and 161, the lower arms 143 and 145 remaining essentially flat. All the switch arms are biased toward their respective mating arm to provide normally closed switches. Further, at least one arm member of each of the switch arrangements carries a dimple portion designated at 156 in Fig 4 which provides a contact point for the particular switch and in conjunction with the formation of the switch arms insure that contact is only made at that point.
Returning now to the overall description of the drive module illustrated in Fig. 3, it can be seen that the side wall 102 carries a pocket-like arrangement as at 151 which is configured for retaining the switch block 106 with its switches Sl, S2, S3 and S4 e~ctending into operative association with the actuators 108 and 110. Turning now to the actuator 108, it should be noted that it includes an elongated body portion 162 having its forward end 163 configured for connection to the camera actuator button 34.
Within the body 162 is an elongated opening 166 configured for slideable mounting of the actuator 108 on the counter wh,oel shaft 77 so that the slider actuator 108 is in effect retained for slideable movement between the side walls 100 and 102. Biasing the slider toward its forwardmost location is a spring member 166 which has one end 167 configured for 10~2871 engagement with an extended post (not shown) of the slider and its other end 169 connected to the wall member 102.
As later explained with regard to Fig. 5, the slider actuator 108 carries a cam follower 172 which cooperates with the counter wheel 76. Additionally, the leading end 163 of the slider 108 carries a switch actuator portion 174 which, as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 6, cooperates with the switch block 106 to control the operation of the Sl and S4 switch arrangements. For this operation, the switch actuator portion 174 includes a pair of laterally extending arms 176 and 178 which control actuation of these switches.
Also included within the module 96 is the door pawl member 196 which is configured to cooperate with the Sl switch arrangement as later explained in detail to hold the latter switch in an open condition when the loading door is open.
Drive module 96 also includes a film advancing member or pick 180 mounted alongside the slider 108 and configured for reciprocating movement within the module 96.
The pick member 180 is preferably stamped from a thin sheet of metal such as stainless steel and includes a first arm ]82 extending forwardly and a second arm 184 extending rearwardly.
A depending portion 186 includes a hook end 188 for engaging a t^ailing end of the foremost film unit 28.
Access to the film cassette 16 for the film engaging hook 188 is provided in the cassette by an elongated slot (not shown) at the upper trailing end corner of the film container 48. A spring member 183 biases the pick 180 rearwardly such that its hook end 188 is normally rearward of the trailing end of the uppermost film unit 28. Forward movement of the pick 180, resulting in advancement o~ the 1~;)92871 film unit 28 into the bite of the rollers 54 and 56, is accomplished by driving engagement of the sequencing gear cam 72 with the forward pick arm 182 during rotation of the sequencing gear 68.
Included within the drive module is the actuator 110.
The latter includes a body portion 190, also shown in Fig. 2, which is mounted for pivotal motion around the post 77 and which includes a laterally extending tab 192 designed to engage the cam 74 of the sequencing gear 68 during rotation of the latter. A spring 197 biases the actuator 110 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2. carried on the actuator body 190 is an upper arm 194~ which is configured to cooperate with a latch member 230 later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 7, and a depending lower arm 196 which terminates in a switch actuating surface 198. The latter surface 198 serves to engage the switch arms 142 and 144 to control the operation of the S2 and S3 switches.
Completing the description of the drive module, it should be noted that the side wall 102 carries a plurality of pivot posts designed to rotationally support the gear 68 and the gears of the gear train 66 as well as a plurality of laterally extending members one of which is shown at 199 which properly space the side plate 100 from the side plate 102 when they are coupled together in their assembled condition.
The various pOSitiOIlS of the slider actuator 108 will now be explained with regard to Fig. 5. It should be first noted that the slider actuator 108 is designed to occupy at different times three different positions; the forwardmost of these positions as measured with respect to the front of the camera housing 12 is employed for controlling film loading .
~9Z871 operations and particularly darkslide ejection, while the intermediate position is the normal position of the actuator when the camera is inactive, and the third position being the photographic actuating positionO
Movement of the actuator 108 between its three positions is limited by the counter wheel 76 which includes a cam surface 212 against which the actuator cam follower 172 is biased by virtue of the previously noted actuator spring 166. The cam surface 212 includes a main portion designated at 212 which follows a substantially uniform radius until it terminates in an outwardly extending cam portion designated at 214. The latter cam portion 214 extends outwardly of the main cam radius and is utilized to drive the slider actuator 108 to its forwardmost position. In this regard, it should be noted that the slider actuator 108 is biased forwardly by its spring 166 so that its cam follower 172 is normally held in engagement with the cam surface 212.
In reloading the camera 10, the operator moves the slide mechanism 32 (shown in Fig. 1) which releases the door to its open position (shown in Fig. 2b) and removes the film cassette 16. Opening of the door releases the door pawl 196 as shown in Fig. 2b to engage and open the Sl switch as shown in Fig. 6a, and removal of the film cassette 16 releases the pawl 92 from engagement with the rack portion 88 of the counter wheel 76 thereby allowing the latter to rotate in a clockwis~
direction under the influence of its spring 90 from -the position shown in Fig. 5c to its start position shown in Fig. 5a so that the camera is now ready for film loading and darkslide ejection.
Hence, Fig. 5a shows the counter wheel 76 in its 10~2871 film loading position experienced once the film cassette has been removed from the camera 10. In this position of the wheel 76, the cam follower 172 is located within the cam portion 214 and the actuator 108 is held in its most forward position. As later explained with regard to Fig. 6, upon insertion of a cassette and closing of the door 18, this position of the actuator 108 actuates the drive mechanism to eject the cassette darkslide.
During the darkslide ejection operation, the sequencing gear 68 is driven through a single revolution which engages the gear cam 70 with the counter wheel 76 and indexes the latter counterclockwise to its next index position, shown in Fig. 5b, which is the first film exposure position of the counter. The counter 76 is held in this index position by the film cassette pawl 92, see FigO 2b, since a cassette now is within the camera. This movement of the counter 76 to its first exposure position brings the cam follower 172 into engagement with the main cam surface portion 212 which drives or carries the actuator 108 rearwardly to its intermediate position. In ~this position of the counter wheel 76, as shown in Fig. 5b, the actuator 108 may be moved rearwardly by pressure on the camera button 34. As later explained with regard to Fig. 6, such rearward displacement of the slider actuator 108 powers the camera through its normal photographic cycle to expose, process and eject a film unit.
As later explained with regard to operation of the camera, as each subsequent picture is processed, the sequencing gear 68 indexes the counter wheel 76 through each index position until all film units are expended, at whicn time the counter wheel 76 is located in its final position shown in ~092871 Fig. 5c. In this position, the cam follower 172 of the slider actuator 108 has reached the end of the cam surface portion 212. As the counter 76 indexes into this final position, an outer cam sur~ace shown at 216 engages a surface portion 218 of the slider actuator 108 so as to drive and hold the actua-tor in its intermediate position thereby preventing further rearward movement of the slider. Hence, the cam surface 216 operates to preclude further photographic actuation of the camera and also forcibly moves the slider actuator back to its intermediate position thereby providing an indication to the operator that the film pack has been expended.
As previously noted, the slider actuator 108 controls the operation of the switches Sl and S4 by means of the slider switch portion 174 which as shown in Fig. 6 is located along~
side these switch elements with the actuator arms 176 and 178 extended laterally beneath these switches. Looking to Fig. 6a where the slider actuator 108 is shown in its forward posltion, responsive to removal of the film cassette 16 and hence resetting of the counter, both actuator arms 176 and 178 are displaced out of engagement with the Sl and S4 switches thereby allowing the upper switch arm 157 of switch S4 and 158 of Switch Sl to drop down toward engagement with their corres-ponding lower members 155 and 160. This tends to close both switches Sl and S4, however, at this time the door is open, and hence the door pawl196 prevents downward movement of t~e switch arm 140 and closing of the Sl switch.
Once a cassette is inserted (thereby providing a battery) and the door is closed, the Sl switch closes (upper arm 140 is released by the door pawl) so that the camera operates through a dark slide eject cycle as later explained.
10!~287~
This cycle indexes the counter one position as depicted in Fig. 5b which moves the slider rearwardly ~to the right in Fig. 6) to its intermediate position as shown in Fig. 6b wherein the rearward actuator arm 178 is in engagement with the downwardly offset portions 157 and 158 of the upper switch arms 138 and 140 thereby holding these switch arms in an upward position so that the switches Sl and S4 remain open.
When the slider actuator 108 is then manually moved still further rearwardly (to the right as viewed in Fig. 6) by the camera operator to the position shown .in Fig. 6c, the forward actuator arm 176 engages and raises the depending offs.et 160 of the lower switch arm 141 into contact with the upper arm 140 so as to close the switch Sl thereby initiating camera operation as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 11. Since switch arm 134 has no offset portion, the latter rearward movement of the slider has no effect on S4 which remains open.
Hence, the Sl switch includes a pair of offsets 158 and 160 spaced apart a given distance along the longitudinal axis of.this swi.tch while the S4 switch only has a single offset 157. The slider actuator 108 carries actuator arms 176 and 178 spaced apart approximately the same distance as the above so that as the slider is moved parallel to the switch axis, the Sl switch is conductive when both arms are disengaged from, or both arms are in engagement with, the offsets and the Sl switch is non-conductive only when the actuator arm 178 is in engagement with the offset 158 of the upper switch member 140 tlifting the upper switch member 140 out of switch contact) and the other actuator arm 176 is still 10~2871 not in engagement with the offset 160 of the lower switch member 141.
In the forward position of the slider shown in Fig.
6a, both actuator arms 176 and 178 are displaced from the offsets 158 and 160 so that the Sl switch is closed (when the camera door is closed); the S2 switch being also closed since its offset 157 is not engaged at this time. When the slider 108 is moved rearwardly (by the counter) to the position shown in Fig. 6b, the actuator arm 178 engages and lifts both the offset 157 of switch S4 and the offset 158 of switch Sl, rendering both switches open. Then under manual pressure, as the slider is moved still further rearwardly to the position shown in Fig. 6c, the actuator arm 176 engages and lifts the offset 160 of the lower switch member thereby again rendering the Sl switch closed (the S4 switch remaining open since its lower arm has no offset).
Turning now to Fig. 7, operation of the actuator 110 will now be explained with regard to the camera shutter operation. As shown in this figure, the shutter system includes a blade mechanism 219 having a pair of blade members 220 and 221 displaceably mounted in the camera for reciprocal movement with respect to each other. Each of the blade members 220 and 221 respectively includes a main opening designated at 222 and 223 which when brought into coincidence with each other over the optical axis 224 of the camera 10, unblock the optical axis and define an aperture value for film exposure.
Additionally, each blade member 220 and 221 carries a secondary aperture, only one of which is shown at 231 for providing tracking aperture values behind the photocell lens 36. Synchronous control over both blade members 220 and 221 is provided by connection of the blades to a walking beam 225 which is mounted in the camera body 12 for pivotal motion around a pivot axis designated at 226.
Pivotal motion of the walking beam and subsequent relative displacement of the blade members 220 and 221 with respect to each other is provided by a solenoid 227 having a plunger 228 coupled to the walking beam 225 at a point above its pivot axis 226 so that upon energization of the solenoid 227 and retraction of its plunger 228, the walking beam is rotated in a counterclockwise direction thereby displacing the blade openings 222 and 223 away from each other and slightly beyond the position shown in Fig. 7 A spring member 229, located around the solenoid plunger 22~3, opexates against the walking beam thereby tending to displace the latter in a counterclockwise direction. The latter will move the blades 220 and 221 into an open, exposure taking position with their openings 222 and 223 in an over-lapping arrangement when the solenoid 227 is not energized.
In the preferred arrangement, the walking beam 225 includes an extension designated at 232 which cooperates with a latch 230 to hold the blade mechanism 219 in a closed light-blocking condition when the camera is not in use.
For this purpose, the walking beam extension 232 partially overlies the latch 230 as explained below and includes a lug portion 234 which extends into the latch.
Turning now to the latch 230, it can be seen to include an elongated body 236 which is mounted on the camera 10 for pivotal movement around an axis designated at 238 and carries at one end an offset portion 240 which is designed 1~0~2871 to engage the upper arm 194 of the actuator 110 so as to hold the latter in its open switch position (as subsequently explained) when the latch is in its blade latching position shown in Fi~. 7. The other end of the body 236 carries a S c-shaped portion 244 which is configured to capture the walking beam lug 234 under appropriate circumstances as explained below~
The C-shaped end 244 of the latch 230 is formed by a first member 246 which extends upwardly from the body portion 236 into overlying relation with blade members 220 and 221. From the upright member 246, the latch member 230 is turned back on itself and ends in a hook 248; the latter hook being configured to engage the beam lug 234 when the shutter blades 220 and 221 are in their blocking position and the solenoid 227 is de-energized as depicted in Fig. 7.
A spring 250 lightly biases the latch member 230 in a clock-wise direction so that the offset portion 240 is continually held in a follower arrangement with the upper arm 194 of actuator 110. The actuator spring 197 (see Figs. 2a and 3) provides a greaterJ counterclockwise, force on the latch 230, however, the latter, in its latched position of Fig. 7 is captured by the lug 234 of the shutter assembly.
The operation of the exposure mechanism 219 and its cooperation with the latch 230 and the actuator 110 will now be explained with regard to Figs~ 7 J 8 J 9 and 10.
InitiallyJ as shown in Fig. 7, the shutter blade mechanism 219 is in its closedJ latched position with tha beam lug 234 located within the hook portion 248 o~ the latch 230. In effectJ the solenoid spring 229 urges the beam 225 in a clockwise direction so as to force the lug 234 continually into the hook portion 248 of the latch. This latched position of the blades 220 and 221 also holds the latch 230 in its horizontal position whichJ in turn, resists the downward bias of the actuator 110 so that the latter, by means of its lower arm 196, holds switches S2 and S3 in an open condition.
Upon actu~tion of the solenoid 227 by operator depression of the camera button 34Jas later explained in detail, the plunger 228 is drawn into the solenoid as shown in Fig. 8 thereby rotating the beam 225 slightly counter-clockwise which displaces its lug 234 from the hoo~ portion 248 of the latch 230 thereby allowing the C-shaped end 244 of the latch to spring upwardly as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
The latter movement of the latch completely releases the blade mechanism 219 and also permits downward movement of the upper arm 194 of the actuator 110 with synchronous downward movement of its lower arm 196 (see Fig. 2b) which releases the ends 159 and 161 of the upper leaves 142 and 144 of switch arrangements S2 and S3 into contact with the lower leaves 143 and 145 (see Fig. 4) thereof so as to render these switches conductive.
As later explained in detail with regard to the circuit shown in Fig. 10, closing of the switches S2 and S3 latches camera power on and triggers the electronic control of the camera to open and close the blade mechanism 219 (to provide film exposure) and to subsequently energize the motor 64. Operation of the motor 64 advances the exposed film through the processing station 52 and from the camera 10 while it rotates sequencing gear 68 through ona revolution which, as shown in Fig. 2a, drives the cam member 74 into contact with the lateral arm 192 of the actuator 110 thereby rotating the latter counterclockwise. This counterclockwise movement of the actuator 110 raises the switch leaves 142 and 144 to open switches S2 and S3 and turn off the camera 10.
As the actuator 110 is pivoted by the sequencing gear 68, the latch 230 rotates in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8, under the urging of its spring 250 thereby returning the latch to its blade latching position for beam engagement. It should be noted that such rotation of the latch 230 from its unlatch to its latch position will be ~o subsequent to the e~posure and solenoid 227 is still under a power condition holding the blades closed and with the lug member 234 in the position shown in Fig. 8 Consequently, when the latch member 230 is pivoted clockwise as previously described which cuts power to the solenoid 227 (opens switches S2 and S3),the beam 225 is allowed to rotate slightly clockwise under the urging of the spring 229 so that the lug 234 is displaced to within the hook-shaped portion 248 of the latch as shown in Fig. 7.
As noted above, the switches S2 and S3 are opened as the cam 74 engages the actuator 110 and rotates it counter-clockwise. This removes power from the camera system which includes the motor 64. As the latter coasts to a stop, the sequencing gear 68 is driven slightly further in its clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2a so as to release its cam 74 from engagement with the actuator 110. This releases the actuator to bear on the latch offset 240. The latter, however, resists downward movement of the actuator by virtue of engagement of the latch 230 with the beam lug 234. Conse~uently, the latch-actuator cycle is completed and both are returned to their starting positions shown in Fig. 7.
lV9~871 Turning now to Fig. 10, wherein the camera control system is shown in block diagram formJ it should be noted that the switch block 106 is shown schematically to include switches Sl, S2, S3 and S4. In this arrangement, both switches Sl and S2 are arranged to couple the battery terminal designated at 270 to a main power line 272 for powering up the camera. Hence, upon closing of either switch Sl or S2, battery power is supplied through a reset network 274 and a flash sense inhibit network 276 to power up the camera circuit and particularly the shutter solenoid 227. The latter is accomplished by means of a solenoid control network 278 such as J for example, a flip-flop network which is configured to energize the solenoid 227 in accordance with a signal on line 280 and de-energize the solenoid in accordance with a signal on line 282.
As indicated, system power is transmitted through a reset network 274. The latter is provided to preclude recycling of the camera 10 under circumstances in which the operator inadvertently holds the camera button 34 in its depressed condition following a complete camera cycle. To accomplish the latter function, the reset network is normally arranged to transmit battery voltage from line 272 but will preclude such transmission subsequent to the opening of the S3 switch until power has been removed from and then reapplied to line 272.
From the reset network 274, the battery voltage is passed to the flash sense and inhibit network 276. Prior to briefly describing the latter network, it should be noted that the camera 10 is preferably designed for both ambient and flash operetion. ~owever, since flash operation is no_ -2~-~0~2~371 necessary to understanding of the present invention, it will only be briefly described here for the sake of completeness.
Preferably, the camera is designed for hybrid flash operation as J for example, is described in U. S. Patent No.
3,896,458 such that the camera operates essentially under the influence of a light integrator network 290 during ambient, and both the light integrating network 290 and a follow-focus arrangement (not shown herein) during flash operations. In this regard, insertion of a flash array within the flash socket 44 of Figure 1, couples the lens assembly 26 of the camera to a follow-focus interceptor (not shown) which engages and stops the blades 220 and 221 at a given point along their path of travel (during blade opening) so as to select a particular maximum aperture value in accordance with focus distance during exposure operations.
Initial control over camera operation, when the operator has selected the artificial flash mode of operation, by plugging in a Elash unit~ is provided by the flash sense and inhibit network 276. This network 276 is coupled to the flash socket 44 so as to be rendered operable only when a flash unit (not shown) is coupled thereto and, hence, without a flash unit in place, the network 276 is conductive or, that is, in effect not operable such that power is transmitted through it to the solenoid 280 upon closing of the switch Sl.
However, when a flash unit is coupled to the system but no operable flash devices are available, the accompanying open condition or, that is, high impedance of the flash unit is sensed by the network 276 and the latter is automatically rendered non-conductive. This prevents energization of the solenoid 227 such that the camera is rendered inoperative J~)9Z87~L
until either the flash unit is disengaged from the camera 10 or the flash unit is replaced by an operable device.
Assuming the camera is to be used in the ambient mode, or a suitable flash bulb is available, when the Sl switch arrangement is closed so as to power up the camera, including rendering the solenoid contxol network 278 in a solenoid energizing condition, the shutter solenoid 227 pulls in to activate the shutter mechanism 219 thereby releasing the latch 230. Release of the latch 230 permits the latter to spring to its open position under the driving force of the actuator 110. As previously described with regard to Figs.
8 and 9, this movement of the actuator 110, in turn, closes switches S2 and S3 which respectively latches power to the network and initiates operation of a signal generator shown at 286.
The signal generator 286 which may, for example, take the form of a clock and decoder network, provides appropriately timed pulses for controlling the film exposure as explained below and for timing the energization of the motor 94 for film advancement. Since the signal generator 286 is a timing arrangement which could receive spurious signals if power is provided the system subsequent to rather than before the trigger signal is provided by S3, the S2 and S3 switch arrangements are constructed so that S2 leads S3 and 2S thereby closes prior to S3.
When the S3 switch closes, the signal generator 286 receives a trigger signal along a conductive path desi~nated at 288 which initiates the logic operation of the generator and a first signal designated at "a" in Fig. 11 is thereby generated along line 282 so as to remove power from the shutter solenoid 227. The latter, in turn, releases the walking beam 225 and allows the blades 220 and 221 to move in an opening direction under the urging of the shutter spring 229. This initiates an exposure interval during which scene light is transmitted to the camera focal plane.
Substantially simultaneously with,or just subsequent to, the signal "a", a signal "b" is delivered to the light integrator 290 which begins to evaluate scene lighting.
When sufficient scene lighting has been summed by the light integrator 290, the latter emits an exposure terminating~
command signal to line 280 which again powers up the solenoid 227 thereby closing the blades 220 and 221 to terminate the exposure.
During the exposure interval, prior to the light integrator network 290 initiating its command signal, the signal generator 286 is arranged when network 276 is active (in the flash mode) to provide a third signal designated at ~c" for firing of a flash. Hence, as shown in Fig. 12, the signal "c" is transmitted from the signal generator 286 to a flash firing network 292 which, in turn, initiates flash operation. Additionally, to accommodate low scene brightness conditions where the light integrator 290 does not receive sufficient scene light to produce a closing signal within an appropriate period of time, the signal generator 286 produces an additional signal designated "d" which is also transmitted to line 280 so as to energize the solenoid 227 and close the shutter mechanism 219. In e~fect, the latter provides a fail-safe signal for returning the shutter mechanism to its start position. Finally~ the signal generator 286 provides a signal ~e" w~lich energizes the motor 64 to effect operation 10~2871 of the film advance and processing arrangements. ~s explained below) the ~e" signal is generated at a fixed interval following either the integrator close command signal or the fail-safe "e" signal. The fixed delay is employed to provide sufficient time for closing of the blade mechanism 219.
As previously noted, energization of the motor drives the timing gear 68 and the processing rollers 54 and 56. Revolution of the timing gear 68, in turn, indexes the counter 76 and the pick 180, the latter thereby advancing the just exposed film unit into the bite of the rollers 54 and 56 which spread processing ~luid within the film unit and advances the latter from the camera 10. Subsequent to film ejection, as the timing gear 68 is continued to be driven by the motor 64, the switch actuator 110 is pivoted (ccw) allow-ing the latch 230 to return to its latch position and opening the switches S2 and S3 as shown in Fig. 2a thereby terminating power to the camera system.
The opening of switches S2 and S3 causes de-energization o~ both the solenoid 227 and the motor 64. Since de-energizatidn of the shutter solenoid allows the beam 225 to be captured by the latch member 230, the actuator 110 is arranged to position the latch member 230 in its latching position simultaneous with or just prior to opening of the switches S2 and S3. Additionally, while the motor 64 is also de-energized at this time, it continues to coast slightly so as to drive the timing gear beyond its switch opening position~
thereby releasing the actuator 110 to control of the latch 230.
As previously indicated~ the latter is now precluded from displacement from its latched (open switch~ position by virtue of its engagement with the blade mechanism 219.
.
lO9Z871 As the S2 switch opens, the control voltage is removed from the reset network which then precludes further transmission of power until Sl is again rendered conductive.
This arrangement insures that the camera will not automatically recycle if the operator has inadvertently continued to hold the camera button 34 in its depressed condition. Once the operator releases the camera button 34 and the slider 108 is permitted to return to its neutral position so as to open Sl, the reset network 274 resets to its normally conductive arrangement in anticipation of a further actuation of the camera button 34.
The overall p~otographic operation of the camera system will now be explained with regard to Fig. 11 wherein it can be seen, as designated in block 300J that camera actuation is initiated by depressing of the camera button 34 thereby closing Sl to power up the camera as depicted in block 302. The latter, in turn/ energizes the solenoid as depicted in block 304 which moves t~e shutter to its fully close position thereby releasing the shutter latch as depicted in block 308. ~ Release of the shutter latch closes both S2 and S3. The closing of S3 latches power to the system as noted in block 314, while the closing of S3 de-energizes the solenoid to open the shutter and begin exposure as depicted in blocks 316J 318 and 320 and also initiates the light integrating operation depicted in block 322. After a suitable time interval in accordance with scene brightness, the integrator, in effect, closes the shutter to terminate the exposure as depicted in block 326. Simultaneously with the shutter close command, the integrator activates a delay circuit designated at 328 which, in turn, energizes the motor as noted in block ~O~Z87~
340; the delay 328 allowing sufficient time for the blade mechanism to close before the motor is energized.
Actuation of the motor operates both the rollers and the sequencing gear as noted in blocks 342 and 344. The operation of the sequencing gear, in turn, raciprocates the pick, indexes the film counter, and operates the switch actu-ator 110 as depicted in blocks 346, 348 and 350 respectively.
Operation o~ the pick in conjunction with the roller operation advances and processes the exposed film unit as depicted at block 362. Reset of the actuator 110 operates to return the latch to the blade path and opens the S2 and S3 switches. The latter, in turn, de-energizes both the motor and the solenoid as noted in blocks 356 and 358, respectively.
Finally, de-ener~ization of the solenoid releases the shutter blades to control of the latch which holds them in their closed position as depicted in block 360.
To complete the description of the camera, the film loading operation will now be described with regard to Fig. 12.
Since many of the camera functions are identical to those described in regard to Fig. 11, the same numerical identifica-tion of such identical functions will be employed in Fig. 12 where possible. As noted in Fig. ~2, upon exposing and processing the final picture, the film counter is moved to its final position as depicted in block 372 where further depression of the camera pushbutton is inhibited. Subsequent opening of the camera door noted in block 376 permits rotation of the door pawl to hold the Sl switch in its open condition as noted in block 378. Subsequent removal of the film pack releases the counter pawl which permits reset of the film counter to its initial position as noted in block 382. The latter advances the camera pushbutton and slider actuator to its forward position as noted in block 384 of this figure which closes S4 as depicted in block 386.
Subse~uent insertion of a new film pack resets the counter pawl into counter engagement. Then, upon closing of the door as depicted at block 390, the door pawl is pivoted out of switch engagement and the Sl switch closes as at 392.
Closing of the Sl switch, in turn, activates the camera to energize the solenoid as shown in block 304. Then, as in the photographic operations previously described, the energization of the solenoid moves the shutter blade mechanism from its latch position to its fully closed position as noted in block 306 which releases the latch and actuator 110 so as to close the S2 and S3 switches as depicted in block 400. The latter switch operation latches power to the system and triggers the logic circuit into operation.
It should be explained that the S4 switch provides a darkslide eject signal to the signal generator 286 of Fig.
10 so as to essentially bypass normal exposure operations.
That is, the S4 switch signals the generator 286 to bypass its "b" and "c" signals and produce its ~d" and "e" signals just subsequent to energization of the generator. Hence, when the system releases the latch as noted at 308 in Fig. 12 to close S2 and S3~ the signal generator 286 (due to the S4 signal) immediately thereafter provides signals "e" and "d" which continue to energize the solenoid and initiates energization of the motor 64 as depicted at block 340 in Fig. 13. There-a~ter~ with the e~ception of the counter wheel control of the slider actuator as explained below, the camera operates in accordance with the remainder of the cycle described with l~!9Z871 regard to Fig. 11 so as to operate the pick and rollers to advance the uppermost film unit, which in this case would be a darkslide, to index the film counter and to subsequently reset the camera to its start position.
As previously noted with regard to Fig. 5, when the film counter is indexed from its start position depicted in block 402 o~ Fig. 12, it displaces the slider actuator inwardly to its intermediate position as noted in block 404 which opens Sl and S4. Subse~uent -to the return of the slider to its intermediate position, which opens Sl and S4, the actuator 110 i~ returned to its initial position which resets the shutter latch and opens S2 and S3. Opening of the latter cuts battery power to the system and releases the shutter blades to their latched position as noted in block 360.
It should be understood that this invention may be practiced or embodied in still other ways without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. Hence, the illustrated embodiment herein is illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and all variations which come within the meaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Initial control over camera operation, when the operator has selected the artificial flash mode of operation, by plugging in a Elash unit~ is provided by the flash sense and inhibit network 276. This network 276 is coupled to the flash socket 44 so as to be rendered operable only when a flash unit (not shown) is coupled thereto and, hence, without a flash unit in place, the network 276 is conductive or, that is, in effect not operable such that power is transmitted through it to the solenoid 280 upon closing of the switch Sl.
However, when a flash unit is coupled to the system but no operable flash devices are available, the accompanying open condition or, that is, high impedance of the flash unit is sensed by the network 276 and the latter is automatically rendered non-conductive. This prevents energization of the solenoid 227 such that the camera is rendered inoperative J~)9Z87~L
until either the flash unit is disengaged from the camera 10 or the flash unit is replaced by an operable device.
Assuming the camera is to be used in the ambient mode, or a suitable flash bulb is available, when the Sl switch arrangement is closed so as to power up the camera, including rendering the solenoid contxol network 278 in a solenoid energizing condition, the shutter solenoid 227 pulls in to activate the shutter mechanism 219 thereby releasing the latch 230. Release of the latch 230 permits the latter to spring to its open position under the driving force of the actuator 110. As previously described with regard to Figs.
8 and 9, this movement of the actuator 110, in turn, closes switches S2 and S3 which respectively latches power to the network and initiates operation of a signal generator shown at 286.
The signal generator 286 which may, for example, take the form of a clock and decoder network, provides appropriately timed pulses for controlling the film exposure as explained below and for timing the energization of the motor 94 for film advancement. Since the signal generator 286 is a timing arrangement which could receive spurious signals if power is provided the system subsequent to rather than before the trigger signal is provided by S3, the S2 and S3 switch arrangements are constructed so that S2 leads S3 and 2S thereby closes prior to S3.
When the S3 switch closes, the signal generator 286 receives a trigger signal along a conductive path desi~nated at 288 which initiates the logic operation of the generator and a first signal designated at "a" in Fig. 11 is thereby generated along line 282 so as to remove power from the shutter solenoid 227. The latter, in turn, releases the walking beam 225 and allows the blades 220 and 221 to move in an opening direction under the urging of the shutter spring 229. This initiates an exposure interval during which scene light is transmitted to the camera focal plane.
Substantially simultaneously with,or just subsequent to, the signal "a", a signal "b" is delivered to the light integrator 290 which begins to evaluate scene lighting.
When sufficient scene lighting has been summed by the light integrator 290, the latter emits an exposure terminating~
command signal to line 280 which again powers up the solenoid 227 thereby closing the blades 220 and 221 to terminate the exposure.
During the exposure interval, prior to the light integrator network 290 initiating its command signal, the signal generator 286 is arranged when network 276 is active (in the flash mode) to provide a third signal designated at ~c" for firing of a flash. Hence, as shown in Fig. 12, the signal "c" is transmitted from the signal generator 286 to a flash firing network 292 which, in turn, initiates flash operation. Additionally, to accommodate low scene brightness conditions where the light integrator 290 does not receive sufficient scene light to produce a closing signal within an appropriate period of time, the signal generator 286 produces an additional signal designated "d" which is also transmitted to line 280 so as to energize the solenoid 227 and close the shutter mechanism 219. In e~fect, the latter provides a fail-safe signal for returning the shutter mechanism to its start position. Finally~ the signal generator 286 provides a signal ~e" w~lich energizes the motor 64 to effect operation 10~2871 of the film advance and processing arrangements. ~s explained below) the ~e" signal is generated at a fixed interval following either the integrator close command signal or the fail-safe "e" signal. The fixed delay is employed to provide sufficient time for closing of the blade mechanism 219.
As previously noted, energization of the motor drives the timing gear 68 and the processing rollers 54 and 56. Revolution of the timing gear 68, in turn, indexes the counter 76 and the pick 180, the latter thereby advancing the just exposed film unit into the bite of the rollers 54 and 56 which spread processing ~luid within the film unit and advances the latter from the camera 10. Subsequent to film ejection, as the timing gear 68 is continued to be driven by the motor 64, the switch actuator 110 is pivoted (ccw) allow-ing the latch 230 to return to its latch position and opening the switches S2 and S3 as shown in Fig. 2a thereby terminating power to the camera system.
The opening of switches S2 and S3 causes de-energization o~ both the solenoid 227 and the motor 64. Since de-energizatidn of the shutter solenoid allows the beam 225 to be captured by the latch member 230, the actuator 110 is arranged to position the latch member 230 in its latching position simultaneous with or just prior to opening of the switches S2 and S3. Additionally, while the motor 64 is also de-energized at this time, it continues to coast slightly so as to drive the timing gear beyond its switch opening position~
thereby releasing the actuator 110 to control of the latch 230.
As previously indicated~ the latter is now precluded from displacement from its latched (open switch~ position by virtue of its engagement with the blade mechanism 219.
.
lO9Z871 As the S2 switch opens, the control voltage is removed from the reset network which then precludes further transmission of power until Sl is again rendered conductive.
This arrangement insures that the camera will not automatically recycle if the operator has inadvertently continued to hold the camera button 34 in its depressed condition. Once the operator releases the camera button 34 and the slider 108 is permitted to return to its neutral position so as to open Sl, the reset network 274 resets to its normally conductive arrangement in anticipation of a further actuation of the camera button 34.
The overall p~otographic operation of the camera system will now be explained with regard to Fig. 11 wherein it can be seen, as designated in block 300J that camera actuation is initiated by depressing of the camera button 34 thereby closing Sl to power up the camera as depicted in block 302. The latter, in turn/ energizes the solenoid as depicted in block 304 which moves t~e shutter to its fully close position thereby releasing the shutter latch as depicted in block 308. ~ Release of the shutter latch closes both S2 and S3. The closing of S3 latches power to the system as noted in block 314, while the closing of S3 de-energizes the solenoid to open the shutter and begin exposure as depicted in blocks 316J 318 and 320 and also initiates the light integrating operation depicted in block 322. After a suitable time interval in accordance with scene brightness, the integrator, in effect, closes the shutter to terminate the exposure as depicted in block 326. Simultaneously with the shutter close command, the integrator activates a delay circuit designated at 328 which, in turn, energizes the motor as noted in block ~O~Z87~
340; the delay 328 allowing sufficient time for the blade mechanism to close before the motor is energized.
Actuation of the motor operates both the rollers and the sequencing gear as noted in blocks 342 and 344. The operation of the sequencing gear, in turn, raciprocates the pick, indexes the film counter, and operates the switch actu-ator 110 as depicted in blocks 346, 348 and 350 respectively.
Operation o~ the pick in conjunction with the roller operation advances and processes the exposed film unit as depicted at block 362. Reset of the actuator 110 operates to return the latch to the blade path and opens the S2 and S3 switches. The latter, in turn, de-energizes both the motor and the solenoid as noted in blocks 356 and 358, respectively.
Finally, de-ener~ization of the solenoid releases the shutter blades to control of the latch which holds them in their closed position as depicted in block 360.
To complete the description of the camera, the film loading operation will now be described with regard to Fig. 12.
Since many of the camera functions are identical to those described in regard to Fig. 11, the same numerical identifica-tion of such identical functions will be employed in Fig. 12 where possible. As noted in Fig. ~2, upon exposing and processing the final picture, the film counter is moved to its final position as depicted in block 372 where further depression of the camera pushbutton is inhibited. Subsequent opening of the camera door noted in block 376 permits rotation of the door pawl to hold the Sl switch in its open condition as noted in block 378. Subsequent removal of the film pack releases the counter pawl which permits reset of the film counter to its initial position as noted in block 382. The latter advances the camera pushbutton and slider actuator to its forward position as noted in block 384 of this figure which closes S4 as depicted in block 386.
Subse~uent insertion of a new film pack resets the counter pawl into counter engagement. Then, upon closing of the door as depicted at block 390, the door pawl is pivoted out of switch engagement and the Sl switch closes as at 392.
Closing of the Sl switch, in turn, activates the camera to energize the solenoid as shown in block 304. Then, as in the photographic operations previously described, the energization of the solenoid moves the shutter blade mechanism from its latch position to its fully closed position as noted in block 306 which releases the latch and actuator 110 so as to close the S2 and S3 switches as depicted in block 400. The latter switch operation latches power to the system and triggers the logic circuit into operation.
It should be explained that the S4 switch provides a darkslide eject signal to the signal generator 286 of Fig.
10 so as to essentially bypass normal exposure operations.
That is, the S4 switch signals the generator 286 to bypass its "b" and "c" signals and produce its ~d" and "e" signals just subsequent to energization of the generator. Hence, when the system releases the latch as noted at 308 in Fig. 12 to close S2 and S3~ the signal generator 286 (due to the S4 signal) immediately thereafter provides signals "e" and "d" which continue to energize the solenoid and initiates energization of the motor 64 as depicted at block 340 in Fig. 13. There-a~ter~ with the e~ception of the counter wheel control of the slider actuator as explained below, the camera operates in accordance with the remainder of the cycle described with l~!9Z871 regard to Fig. 11 so as to operate the pick and rollers to advance the uppermost film unit, which in this case would be a darkslide, to index the film counter and to subsequently reset the camera to its start position.
As previously noted with regard to Fig. 5, when the film counter is indexed from its start position depicted in block 402 o~ Fig. 12, it displaces the slider actuator inwardly to its intermediate position as noted in block 404 which opens Sl and S4. Subse~uent -to the return of the slider to its intermediate position, which opens Sl and S4, the actuator 110 i~ returned to its initial position which resets the shutter latch and opens S2 and S3. Opening of the latter cuts battery power to the system and releases the shutter blades to their latched position as noted in block 360.
It should be understood that this invention may be practiced or embodied in still other ways without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. Hence, the illustrated embodiment herein is illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and all variations which come within the meaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (7)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A modular assembly for use in a camera, said camera including means for mounting film material in a first position for exposure, an exposure mechanism, means when driven for advancing said film material from its said first position to a second position, and an electronic circuit energizeable by an electrical power source for controlling said exposure mechanism to expose said film material and for subsequently activating said modular assembly to drive said advancing means, said modular assembly com-prising: a motor having its input coupled to said circuit and an output drive operable in accordance with energization of said motor; a switch assembly operable between conductive and non-conductive states and effective in its said conductive state for energizing said circuit, said switch assembly including at least a pair of switch arrangements independently operable between conductive and non-conductive states; means for coupling said motor output drive to said film advancing means; means for operating said switch assembly to its said non-conducting state, said switch operating means including a pair of independently operable switch actuating members;
and means for mounting said motor, said switch assembly, said coupling means and said switch operating means in an operative relation as a self-support-ing module with said coupling means in operative association with said motor output drive, and said switch operating means in operative association with said switch assembly.
and means for mounting said motor, said switch assembly, said coupling means and said switch operating means in an operative relation as a self-support-ing module with said coupling means in operative association with said motor output drive, and said switch operating means in operative association with said switch assembly.
2. The modular assembly of claim 1 wherein one of said actuating members is manually operable during at least some of said camera operations and the other of said actuating members is operable responsive to both operation of said exposure mechanism and said motor.
3. The modular assembly of claim 1 wherein the switch comprises: a sheet of insulative material including at least a terminal support portion having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces which terminate in at least a pair of opposing edges; at least one upper switch leaf affixed to said upper surface in adjoining relation to one of said edges, said upper leaf extending from said upper surface across said one edge and outwardly of said support portion; and at least one lower switch leaf mounted in clamping engagement with the other of said edges, said lower switch leaf having a terminal section located on said top surface adjacent said other edge, and said lower switch leaf extending from its said section around said other edge, across said lower surface and said other edge, and outwardly from said support portion in underlying relation to said upper switch leaf.
4. The modular assembly of claim 3 wherein said sheet of insulative material is an elongated member having said terminal support member located at one end and a leaf support member located at the other of its said ends, said sheet including an opening located between said sections such that an edge of said opening forms said one edge of said terminal support member, said lower leaf member extends from said lower surface of said terminal support portion across said one edge thereof through said opening and over the upper surface of said leaf support member, and said upper leaf member extends from said terminal support section in overlying relation to said lower leaf.
5. The modular assembly of claim 4 wherein at least said leaf support section includes upright insulative portions forming a channel through which said upper and lower leaves extend.
6. The modular assembly of claim 4 wherein at least one of said upper and lower leaves extends from the other end of said elongated member.
7. The modular assembly of claim 4 including a plurality of lower switch leaves extended from said terminal support section, a plurality of upper switch leaves extending from said terminal support section in overly-ing arrangement to said lower leaves respectively, and at least one of said plurality of switch leaves being coupled together in common on said terminal support section.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA288,343A CA1092871A (en) | 1977-10-07 | 1977-10-07 | Modular switch assembly for sequencing a camera operation |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA288,343A CA1092871A (en) | 1977-10-07 | 1977-10-07 | Modular switch assembly for sequencing a camera operation |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1092871A true CA1092871A (en) | 1981-01-06 |
Family
ID=4109718
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA288,343A Expired CA1092871A (en) | 1977-10-07 | 1977-10-07 | Modular switch assembly for sequencing a camera operation |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1092871A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-10-07 CA CA288,343A patent/CA1092871A/en not_active Expired
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