JP2003032533A - Digital electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized digital electronic still camera with excellent portability and handleability that a user can use at a free monitor section angle by simply opening a monitor section when in use. SOLUTION: An external memory card cover 2 for covering an external memory card mount section (not shown) removably containing an external memory card 8 is placed behind the camera, a terminal cover 3 for covering a connection section used to transfer data in the memory and an external power supply terminal 4 are placed to the left side face of the camera, and the external memory card and the terminal can be removed independently of the position of a slide grip cover 1. Further, a monitor section 10 with e.g. a liquid crystal display screen 83 for displaying the video image is provided, the monitor section 10 is pivotally supported by a bearing mechanism 11 by using one side in front of the camera for a fulcrum, and manually opening/closing the monitor section 10 allows the monitor section 10 to take an open state and a closed and contained state. The monitor section 10 can be opened up to about 140-degrees, and when the monitor section 10 is opened by about 90-degrees, the monitor section 10 is turned clockwise by 90-degrees or 180-degrees counter clockwise on a 2nd axis. When the turning on the 2nd axis is not restored to the original state, the monitor section 10 cannot be turned on a first axis.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital electronic still camera, and more particularly to a digital electronic still camera which protects an important part of the camera when it is carried, is compactly housed, and is convenient for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of PCs, in electronic cameras such as digital cameras as image input means,
Some cameras have an image display monitor such as a liquid crystal display provided on the back of the camera and can display a preview image before shooting and a shot image on the monitor. In addition, the forms of electronic cameras have been diversified, and electronic still cameras equipped with mobile phone functions (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-37129) and electronic cameras equipped with the function of an electronic notebook have been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7- No. 23259), these cameras are also provided with a liquid crystal monitor. However, since the camera was originally intended to be carried around, it was developed with an emphasis on its size and weight, and when it came to protecting each part of the camera, it was rather behind the scenes. Japanese Patent No. 2585803 discloses a digital electronic still camera capable of automatically protecting and exposing a connector in association with the operation of a lens barrier. According to this, a connector cover that opens and closes the connector in conjunction with the sliding operation of the lens barrier is provided, and the shooting mode position where the shooting lens is exposed and the connector cover is held in the closed position, and the connector cover that covers the shooting lens is closed. It is stated that it is possible to stop at three positions: an OFF position for holding the photographing lens and a reproduction / data transfer mode in which the connector is exposed by covering the taking lens. In addition, JP-A-11-298773
The publication discloses a camera with a monitor that is small when carried and capable of displaying a large screen monitor when used. According to this, a grip part that can be pulled out / stored is provided for the main body of an electronic camera having a large-screen monitor, and at the time of storage, a part or the whole of the monitor is covered with the grip part to reduce the volume of the entire electronic camera. It has a shape that is convenient for carrying, and when using it, pull out the grip to completely expose the monitor screen. Then, the main power of the camera is automatically turned on when the grip portion is pulled out. Furthermore, a monitor cover that automatically opens and closes in conjunction with the pulling out / storing operation of the grip portion is provided, and the grip portion also serves as a lens barrier.

[0003]

However, Patent Document 25
In the case of Japanese Patent No. 85803, the connector of the external device can be connected to the connector of the camera only in the reproduction and data transfer modes, and the lens barrier cannot be moved in the connected state, which results in When it is desired to set the shooting mode or the camera to the OFF position when carrying the camera, the connector has to be removed one by one, which is not convenient for the user. In addition, the lens barrier covers only the front of the camera, and the monitor placed on the rear of a normal digital electronic still camera is not covered, so the monitor screen becomes dirty or scratched when carrying it. There is a glitch. Further, in the case of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-298773, the main purpose is to protect the monitor screen and the taking lens when carrying, but after the grip part is pulled out and the power is turned on, the recording mode and the reproduction mode are switched. There is no description of how to perform the above, and the camera configuration is insufficient. There is no description of how to fix the blip part when the grip part is in the pull-out position and the storage position, and there is a drawback that the grip cover moves against the user's intention during carrying or shooting. Further, since the monitor is fixed to the camera body, the monitor cannot be oriented freely, which is not convenient for the user. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a user-friendly digital electronic still camera which is small in size, excellent in portability, and which can be used at any angle of the monitor unit by simply opening the monitor unit during use. To do.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a camera body having an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and converting the subject image into image data. A display unit for displaying a reproduction image read from an image or a storage medium acquired through the image capturing unit;
A monitor unit rotatably and rotatably supported by a bearing mechanism about one side of the display unit as a fulcrum; and a slide grip cover slidably provided on the camera body and having an openable and closable mechanism. When the slide grip cover is in the closed state, it is characterized in that it covers the photographing lens that collects light from the subject image and the viewfinder eyepiece that visually observes the subject. Digital electronic still cameras are roughly divided into a camera body, a monitor section, and a slide grip cover. In this structure, the most vulnerable place to damage from the outside is the monitor, the taking lens, and the viewfinder eyepiece. If the monitor is housed in the camera body by a bearing mechanism that can be opened and closed, it is relatively easy to protect it from external force. However, it is necessary to protect the lens portion from the fact that the fingerprint of the operator is left on the lens by the contact of the operator's finger in addition to the external force. Therefore, it is possible to conceal and protect these lenses when the slide grip cover is closed.
According to this invention, since the taking lens and the viewfinder eyepiece lens are covered with the slide grip cover, the lens can be reliably protected from fingerprint marks and external force. Also,
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the slide grip cover includes a first monitor lock member that locks an opening operation of the monitor section, and a first monitor lock member that locks an opening operation of the monitor section in association with a movement of the slide grip cover. When the slide grip cover is closed, the opening operation of the monitor unit is locked by the second monitor lock member, and the first monitor lock member is released in the locked state. Also, it is an effective means of the present invention that the monitor part is not opened by the second monitor lock member. The monitor unit is operated by the intention of the operator. That is, the photographing lens is aimed at the subject at the time of photographing, and the subject is confirmed by the monitor unit. Therefore, in the shooting state, the slide grip cover must be fully opened so that the shooting lens and the viewfinder eyepiece can be seen. Only in that state can the monitor be opened.
It makes sense. Conversely, at other times, it is necessary that the monitor section does not open. According to this technical means, the monitor unit is locked except when the slide grip cover is fully opened, so that the monitor unit can be protected without being opened when unnecessary.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the slide grip cover is completely closed with respect to the camera body, a first opened state in which the slide grip cover is slightly opened, and a second opened state in which the slide grip cover is completely opened. A state having the completely closed closed state and the first state
It is an effective means of the present invention that the photographing lens and the viewfinder eyepiece lens are covered in the open state, and the photographing lens and the viewfinder eyepiece lens appear in the second open state. The slide grip cover is provided to protect a portion exposed to the outside when the camera body is not originally used. It is a feature of the present invention that each of the three states has a role. According to this technical means, the same operational effect as that of the first aspect is achieved. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the camera body has first detection means for detecting opening / closing of the monitor portion, and the monitor is released by releasing the second monitor lock member in the first open state. When the open state of the monitor unit is detected by the first detecting means, the camera body is turned on to be in a reproducible state, and the camera body is A second detection means for detecting a second open state, wherein the monitor portion can be opened by releasing the second monitor lock member in the second open state; Two
When the open state of the slide grip cover is detected by the detection means, it is also an effective means of the present invention to set the camera body in a photographable state. When the operator indicates to the subject that he / she wants to shoot, or when the operator wants to reproduce an image that has already been shot, it is necessary to open the monitor unit. At this time, it is not necessary to fully open the slide grip cover if the image is simply reproduced. At that time, the power of the camera body may be turned on so that the camera can be reproduced. In addition, if the operator intends to shoot the subject, in order to make the camera body ready for shooting, in order to detect a series of operations of the slide grip cover,
Multiple detection means are required. According to this technical means, by providing the camera body with the detection means for detecting a series of operations of the slide grip cover, it is possible to automatically perform a necessary operation and prevent unnecessary power consumption.
Further, in the invention of claim 5, in the second open state, at the same time as the taking lens and the viewfinder eyepiece appear, a recording mode setting dial for selecting a mode at the time of photographing on the upper surface of the camera and a photographing mode of the camera are set. Recording mode setting button to be set and display LCD to display camera mode
The appearance of at least one of the above is also an effective means of the present invention. If the recording mode setting dial, the recording mode setting button, and the display LCD, which are not used in the reproduction mode but are used only in the shooting mode, can be operated and visually recognized only in the shooting mode, a camera that is easy to understand can be provided. According to such a technical means, only the necessary portion can be visually recognized by the operator according to the operation mode, so that a malfunction can be prevented and a camera with good operability can be provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first monitor lock member is biased in a certain direction by a spring, and a lock claw provided on the monitor portion abuts on the first monitor lock member. Then, it has a structure for moving the first monitor lock member in a direction opposite to the biased direction, and the second monitor lock member has the second monitor lock member.
When the slide grip cover is in the first and second open states, the monitor lock member and the lock portion are separated from each other, and the lock state of the monitor portion is released, and the slide grip cover is It is also an effective means of the present invention that the monitor part can be locked only in the closed state. The monitor section needs to be opened when the operator expresses his / her intention to photograph a subject or when the operator reproduces an image already photographed. The case of reproducing an image is when the slide grip cover is in the first open state. Therefore, when the slide grip cover is in the closed state, even if the operator accidentally unlocks the lock, the monitor is prevented from opening, and unlocking is effective only in the first open state and the second open state. A mechanism to According to such a technical means, when the slide grip cover is in the closed state, the monitor unit is locked even if the lock button is operated by an operator's erroneous operation, so that the monitor unit can be prevented from being damaged. Further, in the invention of claim 7, when the first monitor lock member is released when the slide grip cover is in an open state, the monitor portion pops up at a first opening angle,
Further, it is also an effective means of the present invention to provide a bearing mechanism for exerting a friction force at the second opening angle on the bearing portion of the monitor portion. When the operator releases the lock to open the monitor when the slide grip cover is in the open state, the monitor part must be removed from the lock claw.
The operator must operate both the lock button and the monitor. This is inconvenient in terms of operability. Further, it is preferable from the viewpoint of operability that the monitor part is opened and then operated at an arbitrary angle to some extent. According to such technical means, when the monitor lock member is released,
Since the monitor part pops up at the first opening angle, the operability is improved.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the bearing mechanism of the monitor section, there is provided a first circular member having a plurality of fan-shaped notches at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis, and a symmetrical position with respect to the central axis. It is also an effective means of the present invention that the second circular member having a plurality of protrusions on the second circular member, the plurality of spring plates acting in the compression direction, and at least one torsion spring are included. The bearing mechanism of the monitor unit needs to have a function of popping up at the first opening angle and a function of exerting friction force at the second opening angle. To this end, a mechanism that stops at the first opening angle and a second mechanism
It is necessary to have a structure in which a mechanism that stops at the opening angle is integrated. According to such a technical means, the bearing mechanism of the monitor unit can be configured as an integral type, so that the entire camera can be downsized. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the strap attaching member attached to the slide grip cover and having a slidable structure, when the slide grip cover is in the completely closed state, the strap attaching member has a predetermined position. It is also an effective means of the present invention to lock the slide grip cover on the camera body by sliding the slide grip cover onto the camera body. The open / closed state of the slide grip cover has a function of setting the camera body in various modes as described above. Therefore,
In the completely closed state, it is preferable not to open it carelessly. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a strap member that suspends the camera and lock the camera with the main body by the sliding position. According to such a technical means, the slide grip cover is locked to the main body by sliding the strap attaching member to a predetermined position, so that the slide grip cover is prevented from being opened carelessly and power consumption can be prevented. .

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, when the slide grip cover is closed while the strap mounting member is in the locked position, the strap mounting member can be slid to close the slide grip cover. Having the above structure is also an effective means of the present invention. The strap member is relatively easy to slide when the slide grip cover is in the open state. Therefore, it may be slid to the lock position in that state. If the slide grip cover is closed in that state, some parts may be damaged unless some measures are taken. According to this technical means, since the structure for escaping each other is provided on the main body side and the strap side, it is possible to prevent damage to the parts. According to the invention of claim 11, a cam portion provided on the lower surface of the slide grip cover and a slide grip cover removal lever provided on the camera body allow the slide grip cover to be completely closed, and It is also an effective means of the present invention to form a cam mechanism that determines the positions of the first open state and the second open state and also function as a mechanism for removing and locking the slide grip cover. The slide grip cover has a closed state and two open states. These states need to operate so that the operator can see them clearly. As one of the means, it is preferable to use a cam mechanism that reliably stops at a predetermined position.
In addition, since the slide grip cover may be completely removed for maintenance, it is necessary to provide the mechanism. According to such a technical means, since the structure is such that the cam mechanism clearly stops, operability and maintainability are improved.

In the invention of claim 12, a tripod screw for fixing a tripod is arranged at a position not covered by the slide grip cover, and the periphery of the tripod screw is higher than the surface of the slide grip cover. It is an effective means. The camera is always fixed on a tripod for shooting. Moreover, the tripod is not limited to a camera only, and the screw parts of the tripod are standardized. Further, since the slide grip cover may be moved with the tripod attached, it is necessary to design in consideration of this. According to such a technical means, since the tripod screw is arranged at a position not covered by the slide grip cover, the mode of the camera can be switched with the tripod attached. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a release button for deciding the timing of photographing the subject and a zoom button for zooming in or out the subject are provided on the slide grip cover side, and the release switch and the zoom switch are provided on the camera body side. And the slide grip cover is in the second opened state, the release button and the zoom button come to positions facing the release switch and the zoom switch, respectively, to enable them to operate.
In the open state, it is an effective means of the present invention that only the release button can use a switch having another function. As its name suggests, the slide grip cover is configured to slide with respect to the main body. Therefore, the position of the release button differs between the closed state and the shooting state. In order to transmit the signal of the release button that moves in this way to the main body, wiring that electrically connects the button and the main body is required, which is structurally difficult and causes a failure such as disconnection. Therefore, if the button and the switch are separately provided so that the button and the switch are aligned when the photographing state is set (when the slide grip cover is fully opened), wiring is not necessary. Further, since the first open state is set in the reproduction mode, it is possible to dispose a switch having another function at the position of the release button at that time. According to such a technical means, since the button and the switch are arranged so that they are aligned with each other when the camera is in a shooting state, wiring between the button and the switch is not required, and the camera is highly reliable and has excellent operability. Can be provided.

The invention of claim 14 is also an effective means of the present invention, in which a battery chamber for accommodating a battery is arranged on the grip side and a battery lid for covering the battery chamber is arranged in the slide grip cover. The important functions of the mobile camera are small size, light weight, and operability. Among them, the battery is heavy, and the operability is affected unless the weight distribution of the entire camera is taken into consideration. According to such technical means, by disposing the battery on the grip side, it is possible to provide a camera with good weight distribution. Further, the invention of claim 15 is also an effective means of the present invention, in which the connector portion for transferring the data in the memory and the external power supply terminal are arranged at a position not covered by the slide grip cover. Stay indoors, P
There is a case where a camera is connected to C or the like and operated by an external power supply. In such a case, if the connector portion is located at the position covered by the slide grip cover, the operability will be extremely deteriorated. According to this technical means, the connector portion is arranged at a position not covered by the slide grip cover, so that a camera with good operability can be provided.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the constituent elements, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely explanatory examples, not the gist of limiting the scope of the present invention thereto, unless specifically stated. .. Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same constituent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description will be omitted. 1 to 3 are perspective views of a digital electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state in the photographing mode, FIG. 2 shows a state in the reproduction mode, and FIG. 3 shows a state in a portable state. 1 to 3, the slide grip cover 1 for protecting the entire camera can be slid to the positions shown in the drawings in the shooting mode in the first open state, the reproduction mode in the second open state, and the portable mode in the closed state. is there. At the rear of the camera, there is an external memory card cover 2 that covers an external memory card mounting part (not shown) that detachably accommodates the external memory card 8, and on the left side of the camera is a connector part for transferring the data in the memory. A terminal cover 3 for covering the
There are external power supply terminals 4, which can be used to remove an external memory card or terminals regardless of the position of the slide grip cover 1. In addition, the monitor unit 1 that displays the image, for example, has a liquid crystal screen 83
0 is provided, and is rotatably supported by a bearing mechanism 11 as shown in FIG. 11, which will be described later, with one side on the front side of the camera as a fulcrum, and by manually opening and closing the monitor unit 10 as shown in FIGS. Can be in an open state or in a closed and stored state as shown in FIG. The monitor unit 10 can be further opened from the state shown in FIG. 1 and can be opened up to about 140 °, but when it is opened about 90 °, the monitor unit 10 is rotated clockwise.
The second axis can be rotated by 180 degrees counterclockwise by 180 degrees. In addition, the first axis cannot be rotated unless the rotation angle of the second axis is restored.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the bearing mechanism 11. The fan-shaped notches 12 and 1 of the target shape as shown in the figure.
Similar to the click plate A14 with 3, the target projection 1
The click plate B17 having 5, 16 is the bearing mechanism unit 11
When the monitor unit 10 is closed, the symmetrical projections 15 and 16 are in the positions shown in the figure. Click board A
The symmetrical projections 15 and 16 of the click plate B17 can freely rotate between the notches 12 and 13 of the object shape provided in 14, and the torsion spring 18 is attached to the other side so that the monitor 10 is opened. Since the force is applied to the monitor, when the monitor is unlocked, it pops up to the 90 ° open position as shown in FIGS. At that time, the protruding portion of the click plate B17 comes to the positions of 19 and 20. When the monitor unit 10 is opened to 90 ° or more, the symmetrical cutouts 12 and 13 provided on the click plate A14 are removed from the symmetrical protrusions of the click plate B17, so that the force of the spring plates 21 and 22 is applied. Friction works. When the monitor unit 10 is opened up to the maximum angle of about 140 °, the protrusions of the click board B17 come to positions 23 and 24. 25 and 26 are about 140 ° of the maximum opening angle of the 1st axis
Is an angle regulation plate that regulates the rotation angle of the second axis, and 28 is a click plate that generates the click position of the second axis. When the monitor unit 10 is opened, an in-mode setting button 29 for setting the shooting and reproduction states of the camera appears. Reference numeral 30 denotes a remote control light receiving unit that receives an infrared light signal from a remote control commander (not shown).
A switch 31 for detecting opening / closing of the monitor unit 10 is provided, and when the monitor unit 10 is opened in the reproduction mode of FIG. 2, the power of the camera is turned on to enter the reproduction mode. Second open state with slide grip cover 1 fully open Figure 1
Then, a viewfinder eyepiece lens 32, LED windows 33 and 34 for displaying the charging state of the strobe and the operating state of the AF appear, a mode dial 35 for selecting a mode at the time of photographing on the upper surface of the camera, a display LCD 3 for displaying a mode of the camera and the like.
6. Four non-mode setting buttons 37 for setting the photographing mode of the camera appear, and the photographing lens 38, the viewfinder objective lens 39 and the self LE are shown on the front of the camera as shown in FIG.
The D window 40 appears, and the projection 41 provided on the slide grip cover 1 activates the detection switch 42 provided on the main body to put the camera in the photographing mode. Also, 4
Reference numeral 3 is a flash light emitting unit.

FIG. 10 shows the niter portion 10 as shown in FIG.
It is sectional drawing which shows the locking mechanism when closing. The monitor portion 10 has two lock claws 44 and 45, and the lock portion 46a of the first monitor lock member 46 is normally engaged with one lock claw 44, and the force of the spring 47 acts to monitor the monitor claw 44. Although the unit 10 is locked, the user can unlock the monitor unit 10 by opening the monitor unit 10 by moving the monitor lock button 48 to the left in the drawing. Further, the second monitor lock member 49 having a two-body structure is engaged with the other lock claw 45, but when the slide grip cover is in the first open state or the second open state, the force of the spring 50 is increased. As a result, the monitor lock member 49 having a two-body structure is moved to the right and does not lock the monitor. However, when the slide grip cover 1 is closed, the monitor lock member 49 having a two-body structure is moved.
The protrusion 51 provided on one side is pushed leftward in the figure by the slide grip cover 1, and the lock portion 49a is moved leftward in the figure by the force of the spring 52 attached between the two. And acts as a lock. In addition, the two lock claws 44, 45 of the monitor unit 10
Also, the lock portion 46 a of the first monitor lock member 46
Also, the lock portion 49 of the monitor lock member 49 having a two-body structure
The slanted portion is also provided in a, and the spring 52 is provided, so that the lock portion 49a of the monitor lock member 49 having the two-body structure escapes, so that the monitor grip 10 is slid in the open state. The monitor unit 10 can be closed even after the cover 1 is closed, but after closing the monitor unit 10, even if the monitor lock button 48 is moved to the left in the drawing,
Since the second monitor lock member 49 is operating,
The monitor unit 10 cannot be opened. Further, the release button 53 provided on the slide grip cover 1 is
In the second open state photographing mode shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to come over the release switch 54 provided on the main body and push it, and it works as a button for activating the release, as shown in FIG. In the reproduction mode of the first open state, it comes to be able to come up on the erasure decision switch 55 also provided on the main body and press it, and it works as a button to decide erasure.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the above structure in the photographing mode. There is a release button 53 having a lever-shaped end 56 fixed to the slide grip cover 1, and a release switch 54 and a member 58 for pushing the release switch 54 are provided under the protrusion 57, and when the release button 57 is pressed, the release switch 54 is released. Is pressed. Similarly, at the position of the release button 53 when the slide grip cover 1 is in the first open state, an erase determination button 55 and a member 59 for pushing the same are arranged, and when the release button 53 is pressed, the erase determination switch is pressed. 55 is pressed. In this embodiment,
Although it is used as an erase decision button, it may be used for other purposes. The zoom button 60 also provided on the slide grip cover 1 comes over the two zoom buttons 61 and 62 provided on the main body in the second open state photographing mode shown in FIG. Functioning as a button for activating the zoom, the zoom button 60 can be operated in the reproduction mode of the first open state shown in FIG.
Is the four shooting mode setting buttons 3 to set the shooting mode
Since the four shooting mode setting buttons 37 are not pressed because they are arranged between 7 and 7, they have no function. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, a strap attaching member 63 slidably fixed to the slide grip cover 1 is provided on a side surface of the slide grip cover 1, and a lock claw 64 is provided at one end thereof. On the other side, a button portion 65 for sliding the strap attachment member 63 is provided. A click force that restricts movement acts on the strap attachment member 63. When the button portion 65 is manually moved downward in the figure with the slide grip cover 1 shown in FIG. 6 closed, the lock grip portion 66 of the camera body is engaged and the slide grip cover 1 is locked. , Unable to open. Further, when the slide grip cover 1 is closed in the state where the strap attachment member 63 is moved to the front side in the drawing in the state of FIG. 4, the inclined portion 64a of the lock claw 64 is formed.
By the action of the inclined portion 66a of the lock claw portion 66 in the camera body, the strap attachment member 63 escapes to the upper side in the drawing, and the slide grip cover 1 can be closed without the lock claw portion 64 interfering. Incidentally, 67 is a strap.

FIG. 9 shows the state of the lower surface of the camera. The slide grip cover 1 is provided with a cam plate 68, rotatably supported by a shaft portion 69 provided in the camera body, and a spring 70. Is engaged with the shaft 72 of the lock lever 71, and the fully open position of the slide grip cover 1 is determined by the cam groove 73 of the cam plate 68.
The first open position is determined by the cam groove 74, and the closed position is determined by the cam groove 75. Further, in the state of FIG. 9, if the slide grip cover 1 is pulled leftward in the drawing while pushing the button portion 76 of the lock lever 71 rightward in the drawing, the lock lever 7
The shaft 72 of No. 1 passes through the groove 77 of the cam plate 68, and the slide grip cover 1 can be removed. Figure 4, Figure 5,
As shown in FIG. 6, when the battery 78 is arranged on the grip side of the camera body 79 and the slide grip cover 1 is removed, the battery lid 80 appears and the battery 78 can be attached and detached. As shown in FIG. 9, a tripod screw 81 is attached to the bottom surface of the camera.
Is provided, and the portion 82 around the tripod screw 81 is one step higher than the other portions. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an internal circuit of the digital electronic still camera of the present invention. The subject is imaged by the solid-state image sensor CCD5 shown in the figure, digitally processed by the IPP6, and the recording medium control unit CP
The recording is controlled by U27 and recorded in the external memory card 8 or the built-in memory 9. The same components are given the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0016]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the photographing lens and the viewfinder eyepiece lens are covered by the slide grip cover, the lens can be surely protected from fingerprint marks and external force. According to the second aspect, since the monitor unit is locked except when the slide grip cover is fully opened, the monitor unit can be protected without opening the monitor unit when unnecessary. Claim 3
The same effect as that of the first aspect is achieved. According to the present invention, the camera body is provided with the detecting means for detecting a series of operations of the slide grip cover, so that the camera body can automatically perform a necessary operation and prevent unnecessary power consumption. Claim 5
Since only the necessary part can be visually recognized by the operator according to the operation mode, it is possible to prevent malfunction and provide a camera with good operability. According to the sixth aspect, when the slide grip cover is in the closed state, the monitor unit is locked even if the lock button is operated by an operator's erroneous operation, so damage to the monitor unit can be prevented.

According to the seventh aspect, when the monitor lock member is released, the monitor portion pops up at the first opening angle, so that the operability is improved. According to the eighth aspect, since the bearing mechanism of the monitor unit can be configured as an integral type, the entire camera can be configured in a small size. According to the ninth aspect, since the slide grip cover is locked to the main body by sliding the strap attaching member to a predetermined position, the slide grip cover is prevented from being opened carelessly, and power consumption can be prevented. According to the tenth aspect, since the escape structure is provided on the main body side and the strap side, it is possible to prevent the parts from being damaged. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the structure is such that the cam mechanism clearly stops, so that operability and maintainability are improved. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the structure is such that the cam mechanism stops the movement clearly, operability and maintainability are improved. Since the button and the switch are arranged so that the positions of the button and the switch are aligned with each other when the camera is in a shooting state, wiring between the button and the switch is not required, and a camera with high reliability and operability is provided. can do. Claim 14
By arranging the battery on the grip side, a camera with good weight distribution can be provided. According to the fifteenth aspect, since the connector portion is arranged at a position not covered by the slide grip cover, it is possible to provide a camera with good operability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in a shooting mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in a reproduction mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention when being carried.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention in a shooting mode.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a reproduction mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention when being carried.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view in the shooting mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the release button in the shooting mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing the lock lever and the cam mechanism in the shooting mode according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the lock mechanism of the monitor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the bearing mechanism portion of the monitor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing mechanism portion of the monitor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an internal circuit of the digital electronic still camera of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Slide grip cover 2 memory card cover 3 terminal lid 4 External power supply terminal 10 monitor 29 Mode setting button 30 Remote receiver 31 Open / close detection switch 32 viewfinder eyepiece 33,34 LED window 35 mode dial 36 display LCD 37 Mode setting button 44,45 Lock claw 53 Release button 55 Erase decision switch 60 Zoom button 83 LCD

Front page continued (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) // H04N 101: 00 H04N 101: 00 (72) Inventor Koji Yokoyama 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stocks In-house F-term (reference) 2H054 AA01 2H083 CC02 CC22 CC32 CC36 CC53 2H100 AA12 AA14 AA16 AA18 AA41 AA61 DD03 DD08 2H101 BB02 BB03 BB04 BB06 BB08 5C022 AA13 AC03 AC22 AC32 AC52 AC54 AC61 AC63 AC77 AC77 AC77 AC77 AC77 AC78

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A camera body having an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and converting the image of the subject into image data, and an image acquired through the image pickup means and a reproduced image read from a storage medium are displayed. A monitor unit that has a display unit and is supported by a bearing mechanism so as to be openable and closable about one side of the display unit as a fulcrum, and a slide grip cover that is slidably provided on the camera body and has an openable and closable mechanism. A digital electronic still camera, characterized in that, when the slide grip cover is closed, it covers a photographing lens that collects light from a subject image and a viewfinder eyepiece lens that visually observes the subject. 2. The slide grip cover includes a first monitor lock member that locks the opening operation of the monitor unit, and a second monitor locking member that locks the opening operation of the monitor unit in association with the movement of the slide grip cover. A monitor lock member, and when the slide grip cover is closed, the opening operation of the monitor unit is locked by the second monitor lock member, and even if the first monitor lock member is released in the locked state, 2. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the monitor unit is not opened by the second monitor lock member. 3. The slide grip cover has a closed state where the camera body is completely closed, a first opened state where the camera body is slightly opened, and a second opened state where the camera body is completely opened. The closed state and the first open state which are closed to cover the taking lens and the viewfinder eyepiece lens, and the taking lens and the viewfinder eyepiece lens appear in the second open state. 2. A digital electronic still camera as described in 2. 4. The camera body has first detection means for detecting opening / closing of the monitor section, and the monitor section is opened by releasing the second monitor lock member in the first open state. When the open state of the monitor unit is detected by the first detection means, the camera body is turned on to be in a reproducible state, and the camera body is set to the second open state. A second detection means for detecting a state, wherein the second monitor lock member is released in the second open state to enable the monitor part to be in the open state, and the second detection means 4. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 3, wherein when the open state of the slide grip cover is detected by, the camera body is set in a photographable state. 5. In the second open state, at the same time that the taking lens and the viewfinder eyepiece appear, a recording mode setting dial for selecting a mode at the time of photographing on the upper surface of the camera and a recording mode for setting a photographing mode of the camera. 5. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 4, wherein at least one of a setting button and a display LCD for displaying a mode of the camera appears. 6. The first monitor lock member is biased in a certain direction by a spring, and when the lock claw provided on the monitor unit abuts the first monitor lock member, the bias direction is set. And a structure for moving the first monitor lock member in a direction opposite to the above, and the second monitor lock member has a separate structure in which the second monitor lock member and the lock portion are separated, When the slide grip cover is in the first and second open states, the locked state of the monitor unit is released, and the monitor unit can be locked only when the slide grip cover is in the closed state. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 2. 7. The slide grip cover is the second
When the first monitor lock member is released in the open state, the monitor unit pops up at the first opening angle, and a bearing mechanism that exerts a friction force at the second opening angle is mounted on the bearing unit of the monitor unit. 7. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital electronic still camera is provided in a section. 8. The first bearing of the monitor unit has a plurality of fan-shaped notches at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis.
And a second circular member having a plurality of protrusions at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis, a plurality of spring plates acting in the compression direction, and at least one torsion spring. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 7. 9. The strap attaching member, which is attached to the slide grip cover and has a slidable structure, has a structure in which the strap attaching member is slid to a predetermined position when the slide grip cover is in the closed state. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein a slide grip cover is locked to the camera body. 10. When the strap mounting member is in the locked position and the slide grip cover is closed, the strap mounting member is slid so that the slide grip cover can be closed. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 9. 11. The closed state of the slide grip cover and the first state by a cam portion provided on the lower surface of the slide grip cover and a slide grip cover removal lever provided on the camera body.
2. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a cam mechanism that determines a position between the open state and the second open state, and also functions as a mechanism for removing and locking the slide grip cover. . 12. The digital electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a tripod screw for fixing a tripod is arranged at a position not covered by the slide grip cover, and a periphery of the tripod screw is higher than a surface of the slide grip cover. Still camera. 13. A release button for deciding the timing of photographing an object and a zoom button for zooming in or out of the object are provided on the slide grip cover side, and the release switch and the zoom switch are arranged on the camera body side, In the second open state of the slide grip cover, the release button and the zoom button come to positions facing the release switch and the zoom switch, respectively, to enable them, and in the first open state, 2. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein only the release button can use a switch having another function. 14. The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein a battery chamber accommodating a battery is arranged on the grip side, and a battery lid for covering the battery chamber is arranged inside the slide grip cover. 15. The connector part for transferring data in the memory and the external power supply terminal are arranged at positions not covered by the slide grip cover.
The described digital electronic still camera.