JP2002318405A - Barrier mechanism for optical system and image pickup device equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a barrier mechanism for an optical member effectively realizing miniaturization and thinning while guaranteeing a proper function, and an image pickup device equipped with the barrier mechanism. SOLUTION: This barrier mechanism for protecting an optical system has shape with which at least a part of the exposed surface of the optical member is covered in order to protect the optical system 2, and is equipped with a barrier member 4 having an adhesive surface which can be stuck again and peeled and a detection means 5 for detecting that the member 4 is stuck to the vicinity of the optical member. It is also good to provide a 2nd detection means for detecting that the member 4 is stuck to an area other than a range where it covers over the optical member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a barrier mechanism for protecting an optical member in an imaging device such as a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a structure of a barrier member for protecting an optical member, as shown in FIG. 14, a slide lid 12 is attached to the front of an optical member (a photographic lens system of a camera), and when not in use, the slide lid 12 is used. Reference numeral 12 covers the optical member. When used, the slide lid 12 is slid so that the optical member is exposed.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, a thin plate-shaped lens protection plate 13 is provided on the front surface of the optical member, and when not in use, the lens protection plate 12 is closed. In some cases, the lens protection plate 13 is opened when used. Furthermore, when not having such a complicated mechanism as described above, a cap-shaped member is fitted on the front surface of the optical member to protect the optical member.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, a complicated mechanism is required, and in particular, a structure for supporting a slide lid or the like is required. In addition, a space for driving or storing the lens protection plate is required, and these spaces increase the size of the camera and increase the cost. Further, the method of simply capping requires a structure for holding the cap and also requires the thickness of the cap, so that there are many problems in trying to reduce the thickness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a barrier mechanism of an optical member which effectively realizes a small size and a low thickness while guaranteeing an appropriate function, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus having the same.

[0006]

The barrier mechanism of the optical system of the present invention is a barrier mechanism for protecting the optical system,
A barrier member having a shape capable of covering at least a part of the exposed surface of the optical member to protect the optical system, and a barrier member having a re-adhesive / peelable adhesive surface, wherein the barrier member is attached in the vicinity of the optical member. And detecting means for detecting that

Further, in the barrier mechanism of the optical system according to the present invention, it is preferable that a second detecting means for detecting that the barrier member is stuck to an area other than a range covering the optical member is provided. Features.

Further, in the barrier mechanism of the optical system according to the present invention, a conductive region having conductivity exists on the adhesive surface side of the barrier member, and the detecting means is configured as an electrical contact which is electrically connected to the conductive region. It is characterized by.

Further, in the barrier mechanism of the optical system according to the present invention, a warning display is provided when the detection means detects that the barrier member is stuck.

Further, in the barrier mechanism of the optical system according to the present invention, when the detection means detects that the barrier member is stuck, the operation is prohibited.

Further, in the barrier mechanism of the optical system according to the present invention, when the detecting means detects that the barrier member is stuck, the operation is inhibited, and
When the detection means detects that the barrier member is stuck, the operation is permitted.

[0012] Further, the photographing apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus having at least a photographing optical system and obtaining an image by capturing an image formed on an image pickup device through the photographing optical system, The image pickup optical system has one of the barrier mechanisms described above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a barrier member having a shape capable of covering at least a part of the exposed surface of the optical member for protecting the optical system, and having a re-adhesive / peelable adhesive surface. Accordingly, the optical system can be effectively protected without requiring a complicated mechanism and without substantially changing the thickness of an imaging device such as a camera.

According to the invention, in particular, by providing a detecting means for detecting that the barrier member is attached near the optical member, it is possible to check that the barrier member is attached to the imaging optical system. Can be detected.

[0015] Further, first detecting means for detecting that the barrier member is attached is provided in the vicinity of the optical member protected by attaching the barrier member,
By providing the second detection means for detecting that the barrier member is attached to a region other than the range where the barrier member covers the optical member, the barrier member is attached to the optical system, or It can be detected whether or not it is attached to a part other than the optical system.

In addition, the presence or absence of a barrier member can be detected with a simple configuration by using an electric contact as a detection means by providing a conductive region having conductivity on the adhesive surface side of the barrier member. Then, if it is attached to the optical system, a warning is displayed or the operation of the camera is prohibited. This allows the user to easily recognize that the barrier member is attached, and thus eliminates the need to continue shooting with the barrier member attached.

Further, when the first detecting means detects that the barrier member is stuck, the operation of the camera is prohibited (power OFF), and the lens barrier is stuck by the second detecting means. Is detected, the operation of the camera is permitted (power ON). With such a configuration, the power switch and the barrier member can be used together, so that space can be saved.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a camera, 2 is a photographing optical system for photographing a subject, 3 is a finder optical system for observing the subject, 4 is a seal-shaped lens barrier, 5
Is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the lens barrier 4 is stuck.

A photographing optical system 2 for photographing a subject and a finder optical system 3 for observing the subject are arranged at predetermined positions of the camera 1. FIG. 3 shows a simple schematic diagram of the photographing optical system 2. In this drawing, an object is located above in the figure, and an image is obtained by capturing an image formed on the image sensor 8 through the cover glass 6 for protecting the lens and the imaging lens group 7. In the case of the photographing optical system 2, the upper surface of the cover glass 6 is a portion exposed from the camera 1. If this part becomes dirty or damaged, the photographed image deteriorates. Therefore, it is desirable that the part is not exposed as much as possible when not photographing.

FIG. 4 is a simple schematic diagram of the finder optical system 3. The finder optical system 3 has an eyepiece for the photographer to look through, and a finder window which is an opening on the subject side through the inside of the camera from the eyepiece. Both the eyepiece 9 of the eyepiece and the finder window glass 11 have exposed surfaces. Therefore, in order to obtain a good image when observing the subject, it is better to prevent the surfaces of these members from being damaged or stained.

Therefore, when no image is taken, these optical systems are covered with the lens barrier 4. Shooting optical system 2
In the case of (1), the lens barrier 4 is stuck on the cover glass 6, and the lens barrier 4 is peeled off when photographing.

Here, as shown in FIG.
Has a surface as a non-adhesive surface and a back surface as an adhesive surface. That is, for example, the base layer of paper or resin film or the like has a structure in which a sticky adhesive material that can be stuck and peeled is applied a plurality of times. It can be used until it becomes.

When the lens barrier 4 is attached only to the photographing optical system 2 as shown in FIG. 1, the subject can be seen from the finder but cannot be photographed. Then, it is necessary to avoid releasing the shutter as it is. Therefore, the detection unit 5 is arranged at a position on the camera 1 side where the lens barrier 4 is simultaneously covered when the lens barrier 4 is attached to the photographing optical system 2.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the detecting means 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the detecting means 5 comprises a push button 5a, a spring 5b, and a detecting contact 5c. The push button 5a is urged upward in the figure by a spring 5b. When the lens barrier 4 is attached to the photographing optical system 2, the detection contact 5c is in a non-contact state by pressing the lens barrier 4 as shown in FIG. When the lens barrier 4 is peeled off as shown in FIG.
The push button 5a is pushed up by the spring 5b, and the detection contact 5c is brought into a contact state. This makes it possible to detect whether or not the lens barrier 4 is attached to the photographing optical system 2.

Next, a method of notifying the user of the information detected by the detecting means 5 will be described. 7 and 8 show a flowchart of the notification operation. In addition,
Those having the same number perform the same function. After starting in step S1, turning on the power in step S2
Then, in step S3, the detection means 5 indicating the state of the lens barrier 4 is checked. If it is determined that the lens barrier 4 does not exist, a photographing permission signal is output in step S4 to enable photographing.

If it is determined in step S3 that the lens barrier 4 is present, the flow advances to step S6 to display a warning. In the case of FIG. 8, the release is locked in step S61 so as to disable photographing.

In addition to performing the warning or the release lock, a method of using the detection means 5 as a power switch is also conceivable. For example, if the lens barrier 4 is attached, the power is turned off and the power is turned on.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example in which an electric contact is used as the detecting means 5. FIG. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, a conductive portion is provided on the adhesive surface side of the lens barrier 4, and two electrical contacts are arranged on the detecting means 5 of the camera 1. When the lens barrier 4 is attached, the contact is in a conductive state, and when the contact is removed, the contact is in a disconnected state. Thus, the presence or absence of the lens barrier 4 can be determined.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals for the same members as those in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, 1 is located near the imaging optical system 2.
Although only one detecting means 5 for the lens barrier 4 is provided, in the present embodiment, the first detecting means 5 and the second detecting means 51 are provided. The first detecting means 5 is similarly arranged near the photographing optical system 2, and is provided on the photographing optical system 2.
It detects that is attached. The second detecting means 51 is arranged at a position away from the imaging optical system 2 so as not to cover the imaging optical system 2 when the lens barrier 4 is attached.

Normally, when the lens barrier 4 is attached to the photographing optical system 2, it can be detected by the first detecting means 5. However, the lens barrier 4 is attached to an inappropriate position as shown in FIG. 12, for example. This means that the imaging optical system 2 is slightly covered but not attached by the detection means 5. Therefore, the first detecting means 5 is used to detect that the lens barrier 4 is stuck on the imaging optical system 2, and the second detecting means 51 peels off the lens barrier 4 from the photographing optical system 2. It is provided in a place where it is stored, and is used to detect that it is not securely applied to the photographing optical system 2.

When the first detecting means 5 detects that there is no lens barrier 4 and the second detecting means 51 detects that there is a lens barrier 4, the lens barrier 4 moves to the photographing optical system 2.
It is determined that it has not been pasted. First detecting means 5
However, when it is detected that neither is the second detection means 51,
In some cases, it is possible that the image pickup optical system 2 is covered, so that it is determined that the image pickup optical system 2 is attached, and a warning is issued or image pickup is prohibited.

Next, a method of notifying a user of information detected by the first detecting means 5 and the second detecting means 51 will be described. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of this notification operation. After the power is turned on in step S2 after the start in step S1, the first detecting means 5 is checked in step S3. If it is determined that the lens barrier 4 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S31. If it is determined that the lens barrier 4 exists, the process proceeds to step S6 to display a warning.

In step S31, the second detecting means 5
1 is confirmed, and if it is determined that the lens barrier 4 is present, a signal for permitting the photographing is issued to enable photographing. If it is determined that there is no warning, the process proceeds to step S6, and a warning is displayed.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing a barrier member which can be used a plurality of times with respect to the optical system in this type of imaging apparatus, the apparatus can be implemented without requiring a complicated mechanism. The optical member can be effectively protected without substantially changing the thickness. In this case, by providing the barrier member detecting means, it is possible to detect that the barrier member is stuck to the imaging optical system, and to eliminate an erroneous operation or the like.

Further, by providing the second detecting means, it is possible to detect whether the barrier member is attached to the optical system or to a portion other than the optical system. The effect can be effectively guaranteed. Furthermore, a warning is displayed when the camera is stuck on the optical system, and by prohibiting the operation of the camera, the user can easily recognize the state of the barrier member. And excellent in usability, usability, etc.

Further, when the barrier member is detected by the first detecting means or when the barrier member is detected by the second detecting means, the power is turned off / on so that the power switch and the barrier member are connected. Since they can be used for both purposes, it is useful for saving space and control of camera operation can be ensured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the barrier member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simple configuration of an imaging optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simple configuration of a finder optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the lens barrier according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a camera.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the lens barrier according to the first embodiment of the present invention is peeled off from the camera.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lens barrier according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a bonding position of a lens barrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 camera 2 photographing optical system 3 finder optical system 4 lens barrier 5 (first) detecting means 5a push button 5b spring 5c detecting contact 51 second detecting means 6 cover glass 7 imaging lens group 8 image sensor 9 eyepiece lens 10 Reduction lens group 11 Finder window glass

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A barrier mechanism for protecting an optical system, wherein the barrier mechanism has a shape capable of covering at least a part of an exposed surface of an optical member for protecting the optical system, and includes a re-adhesive / peelable adhesive surface. A barrier mechanism for an optical system, comprising: a barrier member having: a detection unit configured to detect that the barrier member is attached near the optical member. 2. The barrier mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a second detection unit configured to detect that the barrier member is attached to a region other than a range covering the optical member. Characteristic optical system barrier mechanism. 3. The barrier mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a conductive region having conductivity exists on the adhesive surface side of the barrier member, and the detection unit is configured as an electrical contact that is conductive with the conductive region. A barrier mechanism of an optical system. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning is displayed when the detection unit detects that the barrier member is stuck. A barrier mechanism of the optical system described. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation is prohibited when the detection unit detects that the barrier member is stuck. A barrier mechanism of the optical system described. 6. An operation is prohibited when the detecting means detects that the barrier member is attached, and the operation is performed when the second detecting means detects that the barrier member is attached. The barrier mechanism of the optical system according to claim 2, wherein the barrier mechanism is configured to permit the following. 7. An image pickup apparatus having at least a photographing optical system and obtaining an image by taking in an image formed on an image pickup device through the photographing optical system. An imaging apparatus comprising the barrier mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6.