GB2036350A

GB2036350A - Camera with Motorised Film Feed

Info

Publication number: GB2036350A
Application number: GB7939601A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Rollei Werke Franke und Heidecke GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Rollei Werke Franke und Heidecke GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1978-11-22
Filing date: 1979-09-15
Publication date: 1980-06-25
Also published as: DE2850708A1; DE2850708B2

Abstract

In a camera provided with a motorised film feed (19), an electronic unit (15) for operating the shutter (17) is controlled to prevent operation of the shutter until certain conditions are fulfilled. The conditions, which can be selected by a multi-programme switch (35), include completion of film feed and completion of flash capacitor charging. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Camera with Motorised Film Feed The invention relates to cameras with a motorised film feed.

In all cameras, exposure during feeding of the film must be avoided; the film feed itself therefore must, after every exposure, have priority over every other function of the camera. On the other hand, even upon completion of the film feed, the camera shutter cannot be immediately cleared for the next photograph. If the camera is for example in a dark room, then the flash gun must first be charged before the next photograph can be taken.

A further photograph immediately upon completion of the film feed may also be undesirable because with rapid film feed the next picture is taken after a very short interval of time and the film would be completely used up in a very short time.

The object of the invention is to provide a camera which prevents the taking of further undesired picture after one exposure has been made.

According to the invention, this problem is resolved by a switch and circuit arrangement which initiates clearance or release of the shutter as a function of various selectable groups of parameters.

The invention has the great advantage that it makes it possible to produce cameras which do not take undesired pictures.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the switch and circuit arrangement comprises a programme switch by the adjustment of which it is possible to select the desired group of parameters, and a relay downstream of the film feed, through a break contact of which the connecting line passes from the programme switch to the camera electronic unit.

This further development of the invention has the advantage that by simple adjustment of the programme switch, it is possible to ensure that the desired photograph is taken and in fact optionally by manual release or automatically.

Since in the case of flash operation the connecting lead from the programme switch to the camera electronic unit passes over the break contact of the motor and the make contact of the relay which is open during operation of the film feed motor, the shutter which is controlled by the electronic unit of the camera remains locked throughout the entire duration of the film winding process. When the programme switch is switched to normal, then immediately upon completion of the film feed, the shutter is ready to take the next photograph since immediately upon shut-down of the film winder motor, the break contact downstream of it restores the link between programme switch and camera electronic unit.

According to another further development of the invention, there is downstream of the break contact of the motor an interval switch, the output of which is connected to an interval contact of the programme switch. This further development of the invention affords the advantage that if the programme switch is set to its "interval" position, the next photograph can only be taken after a lapse of time pre-set at the interval switch or interval transmitter has elapsed.

Since the interval switch is supplied with battery voltage via the break contact of the motor, the total time interval between two photographs is equal to the sum of the time required by the film winder motor to feed the film and the time pre-set at the interval switch. This further development of the invention makes it possible, for example in the case of processes which vary slowly and which have to be picked up by the camera, automatically to trigger a photograph after in each case a sufficiently long interval of time.

According to another further development of the invention, a flash gun with a converter is connected to the battery via another break contact of the motor. The outlet of the flash gun is in turn connected to the programme switch.

This further development of the invention makes it possible by simple switching of the programme switch to its "flash" position to ensure that the camera does not take the next photograph until the film has been wound on and the flash gun has been charged. In this way, it is possible to prevent undesired photographs being taken, for example in dark rooms.

According to another further development of the invention, it is possible both for an outlet of the manual or remote control release as well as an outlet of the flash gun to be fed in each case to the two inputs of an AND gate, the output of which is connected to the programme switch. In this way, it is possible by setting the programme switch to its normal flash position to guarantee that even if the user of the camera keeps his finger constantly on the shutter release, the next photograph is not taken until the flash has been charged.

According to another further development of the invention, it is possible both for one output of the interval switch and also an output of the flash gun to be taken to in each case an input of an AND gate, the output of which is connected to the programme switch. By corresponding setting of the programme switch, it is possible according to this further development of the invention to guarantee that the next automatic photograph is not taken until the flash gun has been charged and also until the lapse of time to which the interval switch has been set has elapsed.

All these desired and also further groups of parameters or conditions can be adjusted by simple setting of the programme switch, for example by displacement of a contact thereon.

According to another preferred form of embodiment of the invention, the flash gun which contains a transformer, is connected to a relay, the make contact of which is connected to the programme switch.

This relay responds to the state of charge of the capacitor of the flash gun. As long as the capacitor is not fully charged, the transformer will charge it. During this time, the relay is in its state of rest in which its break contact is closed. The same applies if, after a period of time, the capacitor has lost its charge and is being supplied with a 'topping up' charge. During this time, triggering of the shutter is prevented.

If the capacitor, during re-charging or during the secondary charging process, attains a voltage which is sufficient to operate the flash gun, the transformer is switched off. At this moment, a signal is emitted which energises the relay. Thus, the programme switch is caused to respond via the make contact of this relay and the next photograph can be taken.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a switch for the flash gun is provided. This switch can switch off the flash gun and thus save power if it is desired to take a photograph without flash. This flash gun switch is expediently disposed between the battery set and the break contact which is designed to indicate stoppage of the film motor and downstream of which the flash gun is connected.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become evident from the Claims in conjunction with the description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 diagrammatically illustrates an electronic unit 15 for a camera which is supplied by a battery set 11 and which has on its downstream side both a shutter 17 and also a film feed motor 1 9. The electronic unit 1 5 of the camera actuates the shutter 1 7. When the shutter has closed again, the electronic unit 1 5 switches on a film feed motor 19, during or after actuation of which the frame counter 21 is advanced by one unit.

Associated with the film feed motor 19 is a break contact 26 which is closed when the film motor 1 9 is stopped. Downstream of this break contact 26 are a flash gun 31 which comprises a transformer, and also an interval switch 28 and camera release 29 as well as remote release 30.

The output of the interval switch 28 is connected to a programme switch 35 which is connected furthermore to a standard camera release 29 and a remote release 30.

Downstream of the flash gun 31 is a relay 60 which is controlled by the flash gun 31. The make contact 64 of this relay 60 leads to the programme switch 35 and the break contact 62 of this relay leads back to the flash gun 31.

Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows a switch 37 which is connected between the battery set 11 via the electronic unit 1 5 of the camera to the input of the break contact 26 associated with the film motor 19.

Firstly the functioning of the example of embodiment described is set out hereinafter, no description of the flash gun 31 being given.

The programme switch 35 has various switch positions in which it responds to the camera release 29, the remote shutter release 30 or the interval switch 28. If in one of the three positions of the associated shutter release, the programme switch 35 receives a release signal, then it emits a control signal to the electronic unit 1 5 of the camera which opens the shutter 1 7 and closes it again after the desired exposure time. After closure of the shutter 1 7, the electronic device 1 5 switches on the film feed motor 1 9 which winds on the film, whereby the break contact 26 is opened. In this position, the power supply to the interval release 28 is interrupted so reliably preventing exposure during winding of the film.

Only after the film winder motor 1 9 has come to a standstill does the break contact 26 close. Only then is the interval release again supplied with current and only after measurement of the pre-set interval can it trigger a fresh exposure.

The device according to the invention does however also operate in conjunction with the flash gun 31. As soon as the film feed motor 19 is stopped, the flash gun 31 is supplied with current by the battery set 11 via the connected switch 37 and the break contact 26. The transformer in the flash gun 31 charges the capacitor. Once this has reached the voltage necessary for the flash to operate, the flash gun 31 emits a signal which energises the relay 60. Via its make contact, this then operates the programme switch so that the next desired flash light photograph is triggered.

For this purpose, the programme switch 35 must be in its flash position.

So long as the capacitor is being charged by the transformer, the relay 60 is not energised, so that the programme switch 35 cannot be operated. During this charging time and also during secondary charging in the event of the capacitor charge having diminished, the relay is connected to the flash gun 31 via the break contact 62. Upon energising of the relay 60 when its make contact is closed, the transformer is simultaneously disconnected.

The purpose of the switch 37 is to shut down the supply of current to the flash gun if it is not intended to make any flash photographs for a relatively long period, in order to safeguard the batteries.

Since the electronic unit of the camera is connected to the battery 11 via a different conductor, it obtains the necessary supply voltage even when the switch 37 is disconnected.

The scope of protection of the invention also includes alternatives to the example of embodiment described. Thus, for example, also the make and break operation of the flash gun 31 with transformer and the downstream relay 60 can be interchanged in their mode of operation.

Furthermore, too, the connection between the break contact 26 of the motor which is shown in Fig. 1 to run from the left-hand side of the camera release 29 and the remote release 30, can run between the camera release 29 and programme switch 35 or between the remote release 30 and the programme switch 35 to the connecting leads between the camera release 29 and the programme switch 35 or between the remote release 30 and the programme switch 35. This guarantees that the shutter cannot be operated either by the camera release or by the remote control release 30 while the film feed motor is running.

Fig. 2 shows a battery 111 which supplies voltage to the electronic unit 11 5 of the camera, the film feed motor 119 and a relay 127, via a switch 120 and a lead 113.

The camera electronic unit 11 5 operates a shutter 11 7 which, upon completion of the exposure, sends a signal back to the camera electronic device 11 5.

Downstream of the camera electronic unit 11 5 is a film winder motor 11 9 which is switched on no later than upon completion of the exposure and winds on the film. Connected to the film winder motor is a frame counter 121.

Downstream of the film winder motor 119 is a relay 1 27 which is energised during operation of the film winder motor 119 and which moves into its working position. When the film winder motor 119 is disconnected, the relay 127 is in its position of rest. This relay 127 has three break contacts RK 1, RK 2 and RK 3.

Downstream of the break contact RK 2 is an interval switch 128, the output of which is connected to a programme switch 135. This interval switch 128 obtains its supply voltage from the battery via the break contact RK 2. It begins its measurement of time therefore upon completion of film feed.

Via the break contact RK 3, battery power is supplied to a flash gun 1 31 which contains a transformer. Thus, the flash gun cannot start the charging process until the film has been completely wound on. When the flash gun has acquired its full charge, the transformer in the flash gun 1 31 is automatically disconnected.

The flash gun is connected directly to the programme switch 135 via a lead 151.

The programme switch 135 has a switch button 1 53 which is capable of occupying six different positions. In the drawing, this switch button 1 53 is in its OFF position in which also the switch 120 is open so that neither the camera electronic device 11 5 nor the film feed motor 119 nor the relay 127 are supplied with current.

In every other position of the switch button 153, the switch 1 20 is closed and the battery can supply current to the camera electronic unit 11 5 and to the film feed motor 11 9.

If the switch button 1 53 is in the "normal" position which is designated by the letter N, then the connection from the manual release 1 29 and from the remote release 130 to the programme switch 135 and via this latter to the break contact RK 1 is established. If now the release 129 or the remote release 130 is operated, then a signal passes via the break contact RK 1 to the camera electronic unit 11 5. This operates the shutter 11 7 and upon completion of the exposure switches on the film winder motor 119, the relay 127 moving simultaneously into its working position and the frame counter being operated.While the film winder motor 119 is working, therefore, the connection between the release 129 and also the remote release 130 and the electronic camera device 11 5 is interrupted since the break contact RK 1 is open. During this time, therefore, no further phototgraphs can be taken. Only after completion of operation of the film winder motor 119, after the relay 127 has moved back into its state of rest, can the next photograph be taken.

By displacement of the switch button 1 53 into its fully rightwards position which is identified by I, the interval switch 1 28 is connected to the break contact RK 1. If the interval switch 128 emits an output signal, this passes via the break contact RK 1 to the camera electronic unit 11 5 and the next photograph can be taken. Only upon completion of the film feed does the relay 1 27 move back into its position of rest and then is connected to the battery via the interval switch 128 and in turn via the break contact RK 2.

Therefore, it is only now possible to measure a new interval of time. With expiry of the pre-set time signal, the interval switch 128 in turn emits a signal which triggers the next photograph.

In its fully leftwards position SB, the flash gun which only emits a signal when it is completely charged, is connected via a lead 1 51 to the break contact RK 1. Only when the flash gun emits the clear signal does a signal pass to the electronic unit of the camera, whereupon the next photograph is taken. During film feed, the relay 1 27 is again attracted so that the power supply of the flash gun 131 is interrupted by the now open break contact RK 3. Only after termination of film feed, when the relay 1 27 again moves into its position of rest, is the flash gun again supplied with battery voltage. Only then can the transformer convert the battery voltage and take over charging of the flash gun.

In the position NB of the switch button 1 53, there passes to the programme switch 135 via an AND gate 1 55 a signal but only when both the flash gun 131 and also the release 129 or the remote release 130 emit a signal. Only when both the flash gun 1 31 is charged and the user actuates the release 129 does a signal pass via the break contact RK 1 to the electronic unit 11 5 of the camera and cause a fresh photograph to be taken.

In this way, it is possible to ensure that the user cannot trigger the flash before the flash gun is charged.

Via an AND gate 157, the flash gun 131 and the interval switch 128 are connected to the programme switch 135. When the switch button 1 53 of the programme switch 135 is in its IB position, then via the break contact RK 1, the next photograph is automatically taken when both the interval switch 128 and also the flash gun 131 have emitted a corresponding signal.

There are conductors 161, 163 and 165 and a common connecting lead 1 67 to a switch 168. If the switch button 1 53 is in one of the three positions SB, NB or IB, then the switch is closed and the flash gun is supplied with the battery voltage via the break contact RK 3 while this latter is closed. On the other hand, when the switch button 1 53 is in one of the three positions N, I or OFF, then the switch 1 68 is open and the flash gun is also isolated from the battery 11 if the break contact RK 3 is closed. This prevents the flash being unnecessarily charged.

The programme switch 1 53 is furthermore connected via a conductor 1 70 to a switch 1 71 which lies between the break contact RK 2 and the interval switch 1 28. When the switch button 1 53 is in the position I or in the positon IB, the switch 171 is closed. In this case, the interval switch 128 is connected to the battery 111 when the break contact RK 2 is in its position of rest. In any other position of the switch button 153, on the other hand, the switch 1 71 is open so that the interval switch 128 cannot in any case be supplied with current and does not operate unnecessarily.

It goes without saying that the drawings show only one of the many possible forms of embodiment of the invention. For example, the flash gun 131 may be connected to the break contact RK 1 via a relay instead of via the AND gate 1 55 and can only allow release by the electronic device of the camera when this other relay is in its working position, a situation which in turn arises only when the flash gun is charged.

Also the prerequisite of expiry of the measured time interval may be communicated to the programme switch and actuation of the camera release prior to expiry of this interval may be prevented in some manner other than via the AND gate 157 illustrated. All these further forms of embodiment fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera provided with a motorised film feed, characterised by a switch and circuit arrangement which initiates the clearance or triggering of the shutter as a function of various selectable groups of parameters.

2. A camera according to Claim 1, characterised in that the switch and circuit arrangement includes a programme switch by the setting of which it is possible to select the desired groups of parameters.

3. A camera according to Claim 2, characterised by a flash gun provided with a transformer, and a relay downstream of the flash gun, the make contact of which relay is connected to the programme switch and the break contact of which relay is connected back to the flash gun.

4. A camera according to Claim 3, characterised in that upon attaining a voltage sufficient for firing a flash, the flash gun emits a signal which energises the relay to shut down the transformer.

5. A camera according to Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the programme switch has various switch positions in which the camera shutter can be triggered on energisation of the relay following charging of the flash gun, by a camera release, a remote release or an interval release.

6. A camera according to Claim 5, characterised in that the flash gun and film feed motor are fed by a single set of batteries.

7. A camera according to Claim 6, characterised in that the interval release, the camera release, the remote release and the flash gun are connected to the battery set via a break contact which is closed while the film feed motor is stationary.

8. A camera according to Claim 7, characterised in that a switch is provided between the battery set and the break contact associated with the film feed motor.

9. A camera according to any one of Claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the camera release and the remote release are connected directly to the programme switch.

10. A camera according to Claim 2, characterised by a relay having a break contact in a connection between the programme switch and an electronic unit in the power lead to the shutter and film feed motor of the camera.

11. A camera according to Claim 10, characterised in that the relay has a second break contact in the connection between the camera power source and an interval switch which is, in turn, connected to the programme switch.

12. A camera according to Claim 11, characterised in that a flash gun provided with a transformer is connected between a third break contact of the relay and the programme switch.

13. A camera according to Claim 12, characterised in that one output of the flash gun and one output of a release device are connected to the inputs of an AND gate, the output of which is connected to the programme switch.

14. A camera according to Claim 13, characterised in that a second output of the flash gun and one output of the interval switch are fed to the inputs of a second AND gate, the output of which is connected to the programme switch.

1 5. A camera according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the programme switch is connected by a conductor to a switch in the power supply lead to the flash gun.

16. A camera according to any one of Claims 11 to 15, characterised in that the programme switch is connected by a lead to a switch in the power supply lead to the interval switch between the latter and the second break contact.

17. A camera provided with a motorised film feed, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.