JP2000165714A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of any communication error due to the careless extraction of a communication card during communication, or the careless extraction of a modem card or a CF card or the like with respect to an electronic camera. SOLUTION: A card lock lever 10 is provided at the entrance of a card slot 9 so that each card can be prevented from being attached or detached at the lock position. Also, a rib-shaped protrusion 6a is provided inside a card cover 6 so that the card cover 6 is prevented from being completely closed when the card lock lever 10 is present at any position other than the lock position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly, to a removable storage medium or communication means, and while the electronic camera is accessing the storage medium or communication means, carelessly storing the storage medium or communication means. The present invention relates to an electronic camera for preventing the means from coming off.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic cameras have become widespread as image input devices for computers. At present, when transferring an image from an electronic camera to a computer, it is general to transfer the image by connecting a serial interface or a parallel interface between the electronic camera and the computer with a cable.

[0005] However, there is a problem that it takes time to transfer an image photographed by an electronic camera to a computer by the above method.

[0004] In addition, a notebook computer or PDA (Per
sonal Digital Assistants)
Many portable information devices such as PCs have a PC card slot. In order to exchange data with them, desktop and tower type personal computers are often used.
Card slot and CF (Compact Flash)
The number of users who add card slots such as card slots is increasing.

[0005] Therefore, an electronic camera is equipped with a card slot so that not only a built-in memory but also a PC card and a C
Some F-cards and the like can be used as a storage medium. Images can be transferred via a card slot of a computer after a captured image is stored in a PC card, CF card, or the like.

[0006] By doing so, an image taken by an electronic camera can be quickly taken into a computer.

[0007] Unlike a silver halide camera, an electronic camera can reproduce and confirm a captured image on the spot without developing a photographic film. Thus, in a construction site or the like, when a photographed image must be sent to a remote place in a hurry, it can be used to transmit it to a remote place using a telephone line or the like.

For this reason, some electronic cameras can be operated by inserting a communication card such as a modem card into a card slot.

In addition, electronic cameras are generally used outdoors, and if the card slot or the like is exposed, "dust" or "garbage" may enter and cause malfunction. . Therefore, in this type of electronic camera,
Generally, there is a card cover for protecting the card slot. In many cases, it is possible to detect that the card cover is closed and to access a recording medium or the like.

[0010]

In an electronic camera which can be inserted by inserting a communication card such as the modem card into a card slot, a communication error occurs if the communication card is accidentally removed during communication. It happened and I had to restart the communication from the beginning.

Therefore, in a notebook computer or the like,
Some PC cards have a mechanism for locking the card so that the PC card cannot be accidentally removed. However, there was nothing to detect the lock. None of the electronic cameras had a lock mechanism.

Also, in an electronic camera that can access a recording medium or the like by detecting that the card cover is closed, a communication card or the like that performs wired communication cannot be used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described aspects, and has as its object to provide an electronic camera for solving the above-described problems.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing an electronic camera described in any one of the following items (1) to (16). is there.

(1) An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage means for storing the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element Wherein the storage means is a removable storage medium, the communication means for performing communication with the outside is a removable communication means, and the electronic camera has a slot capable of incorporating a plurality of the storage medium or communication means. An electronic camera having a lock lever for inhibiting attachment and detachment of the built-in storage medium or communication means.

(2) The lock lever is perpendicular to a direction in which the storage medium or the communication means is inserted, between a lock position at which the card is inhibited from being detached and a non-lock position at which the card is detachable. The electronic camera according to the above (1), wherein the electronic camera rotates inside.

(3) The above item (1), wherein the lock lever has a lock lever detection switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position.
The electronic camera according to any one of (2).

(4) An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage unit that stores the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. A storage medium, wherein the storage means is a removable storage medium, a slot capable of incorporating at least one storage medium, a lock lever for inhibiting attachment / detachment of the embedded storage medium, and a card covering the slot An electronic camera having a cover, wherein the card cover does not close when the lock lever is at a position other than the lock position.

(5) The card cover has a protrusion inside the cover, and when the lock lever is in the lock position and the cover is not in the open position, the protrusion interferes with the lock lever. An electronic camera according to the above (4), which is characterized in that:

(6) The lock lever moves between a lock position where the card is prohibited to be attached / detached and a non-lock position where the card is attachable / detachable in a vertical plane with respect to the built-in direction of the storage medium. The electronic camera according to any one of (4) and (5), wherein the electronic camera is rotated.

(7) The electronic camera according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the lock lever has a lock lever detection switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position. .

(8) An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage means for storing the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. A storage medium, wherein the storage means is a removable storage medium, a slot capable of incorporating at least one storage medium, a lock lever for inhibiting attachment / detachment of the embedded storage medium, and a card covering the slot An electronic camera having a cover, wherein the lock lever moves to a lock position in conjunction with movement of the card cover in a closing direction.

(9) The lock lever moves between a lock position at which card removal is prohibited and a non-lock position at which the card is removable, in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the storage medium is built. The electronic camera according to (8), wherein the electronic camera rotates.

(10) The electronic camera according to any one of (8) and (9), wherein the lock lever has a lock lever detection switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position. .

(11) An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage means for storing the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage means is a removable storage medium, a slot capable of incorporating at least one storage medium, a lock lever for inhibiting attachment / detachment of the embedded storage medium, and a card covering the slot An electronic camera having a cover and a card cover detection switch for detecting that the card cover is closed.

(12) The lock lever moves between a lock position at which card removal is prohibited and a non-lock position at which card insertion / removal is possible with respect to the built-in direction of the storage medium.
The electronic camera according to the above (11), wherein the electronic camera rotates in a vertical plane.

(13) A lock lever detection switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position.
The electronic camera according to any one of (1) and (12).

(14) Whether the card lid is in the closed position,
Or, when it is detected that the lock lever has reached the lock position or at least one of the positions,
The electronic camera according to any one of the above items (11) to (13), wherein the electronic camera can access the storage medium.

(15) An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage means for storing the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element The storage means is a removable storage medium, the communication means for performing communication with the outside is a removable communication means, and the storage medium or the communication means is a slot capable of incorporating a plurality of the storage medium; An electronic camera having a card lid to cover, wherein the card lid has an opening.

(16) The opening of the card cover is provided with an openable / closable barrier, and the opening of the card cover is opened or closed.
Electronic camera as described.

[0031]

According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, the electronic camera is prevented from being accidentally disconnected from the communication means during communication.
The fear of causing a communication error is eliminated. In addition, the user can check the locked state of the lock lever, and can use a wired communication medium.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
The preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033]

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, means (1) to (7) for solving the above-mentioned problems of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the electronic camera according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the photographing lens side, and FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view as viewed from the opposite side of FIG. In both figures, 1 is the camera body,
2 is a photographing lens, 3 is a photoelectric viewfinder OVF
(Optical ViewFinder), 4 is a monitor, 5 is a release button, and 6 is a card cover.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the camera body 1 with the card cover 6 opened. Reference numeral 7 denotes a storage medium such as a CF card, and reference numeral 8 denotes communication means such as a modem card. 9
Denotes a card slot of the camera body 1, and a recording medium 7
Alternatively, at least one or more cards of the communication means 8 can be built in the camera body 1. Reference numeral 10 denotes a card lock lever which is rotatable between a locked position and a non-locked position.

Further, a lock lever detecting switch on the substrate is turned on / off by a lock lever connecting member (not shown).
When the card is turned off, each card of the recording medium 7 or the communication means 8 is inserted into the card slot 9, and when the lock lever detection switch is turned on, the camera and the card can be accessed.

The card cover 6 protects the card slot 9 and forms a part of a grip in a closed state, and has a rib-like convex portion 6a provided inside the card cover 6. When the card lock lever 10 is at a position other than the lock position, the above-mentioned projection 6a comes into contact with the card lock lever 10 so that the card cover 6 is not closed. Thereby, the user can understand that the card lock lever 10 is not in the lock position.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the camera when the card lock lever 10 of the first embodiment is in the locked position.

The card lock lever 10 can be moved by a stopper (not shown) from the state shown in FIG. At this time, the card lock lever 10 covers the recording medium 7 or a part of each card of the communication means 8 so that the card cannot be ejected (rejected).

(Embodiment 2) Next, the means (8) to (10) for solving the above problems of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the camera body 1 according to the second embodiment when the card cover 6 is opened and viewed. In the configuration of the figure,
The same components as those in the above-mentioned drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. That is, 7 is a storage medium such as an F card. Reference numeral 9 denotes a card slot of the camera body 1, and at least one or more cards of the storage medium 7 can be built in the camera body 1. Reference numeral 10 denotes a card lock lever which is rotatable between a locked position and a non-locked position.

Further, the lock lever detecting switch on the substrate is turned on / off by a lock lever connecting member (not shown).
When the card is turned off, each card of the recording medium 7 or the communication means 8 is inserted into the card slot 9 and the lock lever detection switch is turned on, the camera and the card can be accessed. The card cover 6 protects the card slot 9, forms a part of the grip in the closed state, and has a convex portion 6b inside the card cover 6, so that the card cover 6 moves in the closing direction. In conjunction with moving,
The card lock lever 10 comes into contact with the card lock lever 10 and is moved to a lock position by a cam portion 10a provided on the card lock lever 10. Thus, the user can lock the card lock lever 10 by closing the card cover.

(Embodiment 3) Next, the means (11) to (14) for solving the above-mentioned problems of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the camera body 1 according to the third embodiment when the card cover 6 is opened. In the configuration of the drawings, the same components as those in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. That is, 7 is a storage medium such as a CF card. Reference numeral 9 denotes a card slot of the camera body 1, and at least one or more cards of the storage medium 7 can be built in the camera body 1. Reference numeral 10 denotes a card lock lever which is rotatable between a locked position and a non-locked position.

The lock lever detecting switch on the substrate is turned on / off by a lock lever connecting member (not shown).
When the card is turned off, the card of the recording medium 7 or the communication means 8 is inserted into the card slot 9 and the lock lever detection switch is turned on, the camera 1 and each card can be accessed. The card cover 6 is for protecting the card slot 8 and forms a part of a grip in a closed state, and a convex portion 6c is provided inside the card cover 6 so that the card cover 6 When the switch is turned on by pressing a card cover detection switch (not shown) that detects that the card cover 6 is closed by moving in the closing direction, the camera 1 and the card can be accessed.

That is, when the card cover detection switch is turned on or the card detection switch is turned on,
The camera and the card are accessible. Thus, the user can operate the camera 1 by closing the card cover 6 even when the user does not set the card lock lever 10 in the lock position.

(Embodiment 4) Next, the means (15) and (16) for solving the above-mentioned problems of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the camera according to the fourth embodiment. In the configuration of the drawings, the same components as those in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference numeral 11 denotes an opening provided in the card cover 6 so that the cable 8a of the communication means 8 can pass therethrough. The opening 11 of the card cover 6 is provided with an openable and closable barrier (not shown).
Is configured to be able to open or close the opening 11.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The following effects can be obtained respectively: (1) an imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a subject output from the photoelectric conversion element. Storage means for storing an image, wherein the storage means is a removable storage medium, a communication means for communicating with the outside is a removable communication means, and a plurality of the storage medium or the communication means are incorporated. In an electronic camera having a slot capable of being provided, by having a lock lever for prohibiting attachment / detachment of the built-in storage medium or the communication means, the communication means does not come off accidentally during communication, and a communication error can be prevented. No waking up and no time wasted.

(2) In the present invention, the imaging lens
A photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal; and a storage unit that stores the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element, and the storage unit is removable. It is a storage medium, the communication means for communicating with the outside is removable communication means, and when the lock lever is at a position other than the lock position, the card cover is not closed so that the user can operate the lock lever. It can be seen that the lock position is securely reached.

(3) In the present invention, the imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element The storage means is a removable storage medium, and the lock lever moves to the lock position in conjunction with the movement of the card cover in the closing direction, so that the user can By simply closing the card cover, the lock lever can be reliably brought to the lock position.

(4) Further, according to the present invention, an image pickup lens,
A photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal; and a storage unit for storing the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element, and the storage unit is removable. By providing a card cover detection switch for detecting that the card cover is closed, the user can close the card cover without setting the card lock lever to the lock position, and the camera The storage medium may be accessible.

(5) Further, according to the present invention, an image pickup lens,
A photoelectric conversion element configured to convert a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal; and a storage unit configured to store the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage unit is removable. A communication medium for communicating with the outside is a removable communication means, a slot capable of incorporating a plurality of the storage medium or the communication means, and an electronic camera having a card cover covering the slot. By providing the card cover with an opening, a user can use a wired communication medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the card cover of the first embodiment in an open state.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the camera when the card lock lever according to the first embodiment is locked.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the camera according to the second embodiment with the card cover opened.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the camera according to the third embodiment with the card cover opened.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a camera according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera main body 2 Shooting lens 3 OVF (optical viewfinder) 4 Monitor 5 Release button 6 Card cover 6a, 6b, 6c Convex part 7 Storage medium (CF card) 8 Communication means (Modem card) 9 Card slot 10 Card lock lever 10a Cam part 11 Barrier

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element for converting a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage unit for storing the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage means is a removable storage medium, the communication means for performing communication with the outside is a removable communication means, and an electronic camera having a slot capable of incorporating a plurality of the storage medium or communication means, An electronic camera, comprising: a lock lever that prohibits attachment / detachment of the built-in storage medium or communication unit. 2. The lock lever according to claim 1, wherein the lock lever is positioned between a locked position where the card is prohibited to be attached and detached and a non-locked position where the card is attachable and detachable. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is rotated. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a lock lever detection switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position. 4. An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage unit that stores the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage means is a removable storage medium, a slot capable of containing at least one storage medium, a lock lever for inhibiting attachment / detachment of the built-in storage medium, and a card cover covering the slot. Wherein the card cover does not close when the lock lever is at a position other than the lock position. 5. The card cover according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion is provided inside the cover, and the protrusion interferes with the lock lever when the lock lever is not in the lock position and the cover is not in the open position. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein 6. The lock lever moves between a lock position at which card removal is prohibited and a non-lock position at which the card is removable, in a vertical plane with respect to the built-in direction of the storage medium. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the electronic camera rotates. 7. A lock lever detecting switch for detecting that the lock lever is in the locked position or the unlocked position.
Electronic camera according to any one of the above. 8. An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage unit that stores the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage means is a removable storage medium, a slot capable of containing at least one storage medium, a lock lever for inhibiting attachment / detachment of the built-in storage medium, and a card cover covering the slot. Wherein the lock lever is moved to a lock position in conjunction with the movement of the card cover in the closing direction. 9. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein the lock lever rotates between a locked position where the card is prohibited to be attached and detached and a non-locked position where the card is attachable / detachable in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the storage medium is embedded. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein the electronic camera moves. 10. The electronic camera according to claim 8, further comprising a lock lever detection switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position. 11. An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage unit that stores the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage means is a removable storage medium, a slot capable of incorporating at least one storage medium, a lock lever for inhibiting attachment / detachment of the embedded storage medium, and a card cover covering the slot. An electronic camera comprising: a card cover detection switch for detecting that the card cover is closed. 12. The lock lever pivots in a vertical plane with respect to a built-in direction of the storage medium between a locked position where card removal is prohibited and a non-locked position where card removal is possible. The electronic camera according to claim 11, wherein: 13. A lock lever detecting switch for detecting that the lock lever is at the lock position or the unlock position.
3. The electronic camera according to any one of 2. 14. The storage medium can be accessed when it is detected that the card cover is in a closed position or the lock lever is in a locked position. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: 15. An imaging lens, a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject light image formed through the imaging lens into an electric signal, and a storage unit that stores the subject image output from the photoelectric conversion element. The storage means is a removable storage medium; the communication means for communicating with the outside is a removable communication means; a slot capable of incorporating a plurality of the storage medium or the communication means; An electronic camera having a card cover, wherein the card cover has an opening. 16. The electronic camera according to claim 15, wherein an openable / closable barrier is provided at an opening of the card cover, and the opening of the card cover is opened or closed.