JP2005156974A - Strobe diffuser device and camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diffuser device that can improve handleability and can be used effectively, and to provide a camera. <P>SOLUTION: A diffusion sheet 55 supports an upper end side on the front end of a holder 53, supports a lower end on a winding shaft 57, and moves between a retreating position and a use position by accompanying the rotation of an electric motor 69. The retreating position is a position, where the diffusion sheet 55 is stored in a unit storing part 27, by winding the diffusion sheet 55 with the winding shaft 57, and in non-use of the diffuser, set at the position. A usage position is a position, where the holder 53 pulls the diffusion sheet 55 from the winding shaft 57 by urging of a spring 63 and is opposed to a light-emitting part 33, by unwinding the diffusion sheet 55 with the winding shaft 57. At the use of the diffuser, it is set at this position. A control part 70 drives and controls the motor 69, in response to a photographing mode of the camera. In response to the photographing mode, since the diffusion sheet is moved automatically, handleability is improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera having a pop-up strobe device that allows a strobe light emitting unit to be freely moved between a storage position in which the strobe light emitting unit is housed inside and a light emitting position in which the strobe light emitting unit projects outside the camera body, and the camera. The present invention relates to a strobod fuser device.

  There is a camera equipped with a pop-up strobe device that allows the strobe light emitting unit to be freely moved between a storage position in which the strobe light emitting unit is housed inside the camera body and a light emitting position in which the strobe light emitting unit projects outside the camera body. This makes it possible to reduce the so-called red-eye phenomenon because the strobe light emitting unit can be moved away from the optical axis of the taking lens during strobe photography. In addition, when the strobe is not used, storing the strobe light emitting unit in the camera body can improve portability and appearance design.

  However, when the strobe light emitting unit is moved away from the optical axis of the photographing lens, there is a problem that a shadow appears on the subject although it is effective in reducing the red-eye phenomenon. This problem is particularly noticeable during close-up photography, and the photographed image has strong reflection and strong shadow. For this reason, the following Patent Document 1 describes a diffuser device in which strobe light is diffused by a light diffusing plate so that a subject can be illuminated evenly. According to this apparatus, a warm image can be obtained by reducing the difference in brightness of the subject.

JP-A-7-92527

  However, since the diffuser device described in the above-mentioned patent document is provided separately from the camera, there is a problem that it is troublesome to attach and remove, and is bulky when carried. Moreover, a general user may not know in which situation the diffuser device should be used, and it has been difficult to effectively use the diffuser device.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a diffuser device and a camera that can improve handling and can be used effectively.

  In order to achieve the above object, a diffuser device according to the present invention includes a light diffusing member for diffusing transmitted light, a retracting position for storing the light diffusing member inside the camera body, and protruding outside the camera body. And a moving mechanism for movably holding between the use position disposed in front of the strobe light emitting unit at the light emitting position.

  The moving mechanism includes a holder having one end pivotally attached to the camera body and freely rotatable, and the other end connected to the light diffusing member, and the light diffusing member is rotated with the rotation of the holder. It may move between the use position and the retracted position.

  The light diffusing member is a plate-like member in which a plurality of folding lines are formed. The light diffusing member is folded and moved to the retracted position as the holder rotates, and is stretched and moved to the use position. It may be a thing. The light diffusing member is a sheet-like member formed of a flexible material, and is wound and moved to the retracted position as the holder is rotated, and is stretched and used. It may be moved to a position.

  The urging means for urging the holder so that the light diffusing member moves toward the use position, and the holder so that the light diffusing member stops at the retracted position against the urging of the urging means. There may be provided locking means for locking the lock and locking release means for releasing the locking of the locking means. Moreover, the said latch release means may be provided with the operation member provided so that it might expose from a camera main body, and the said latch may be cancelled | released according to operation of this operation member. Further, the locking release means is for releasing the locking by an electromagnetic force generated by supplying electric power to the coil, and may release the locking according to a drive signal supplied from the camera. . Further, the moving mechanism may be driven by a motor to move the light diffusing member between a retracted position and a use position.

  Further, in the camera of the present invention, the locking release means releases the locking by electromagnetic force generated by supplying power to the coil, and whether or not the strobe device emits light and the amount of light emitted, and In addition to a plurality of photographing modes for determining the position of the light diffusing plate, a driving control means for supplying the driving signal to the locking release means is provided. A drive signal is supplied to the stop releasing means, and the light diffusion plate is moved to a use position.

  Furthermore, in the camera of the present invention, the moving mechanism is driven by a motor to move the light diffusing member between a retracted position and a use position. And a plurality of photographing modes for determining the position of the light diffusing plate, and motor control means for controlling driving of the motor, the motor controlling means configured to change the light diffusing plate according to the photographing mode. It is characterized by being moved between the use position and the storage position.

  Since the diffuser device of the present invention can be stored inside the camera body when not in use, it is not necessary to be attached or detached, and it is not bulky even when being carried, so that the handling property can be improved. In the camera of the present invention, the diffuser device automatically moves according to the shooting mode, so that it is easy to handle and can be used effectively without any expertise in photography.

  1, 2, and 3 are external views of a camera provided with the diffuser device of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state where neither the strobe nor the diffuser is used, and FIG. 2 shows a state where only the strobe is used. FIG. 3 shows a state where both the strobe and the diffuser are used.

  The camera 10 includes a main body base 13 and a strobe light emitting unit 15. A zoom lens barrel 19 incorporating a photographing lens 17 and a photometric sensor 20 for measuring subject illuminance are provided on the front surface of the main body base 13. A shutter button 23 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body base 13, and a shooting mode setting dial 25 is provided in front of the shutter button 23. The camera 10 is provided with a portrait shooting mode that is used when a warm image is desired in addition to the normal shooting mode, and these modes can be switched by operating the shooting mode setting dial 25. .

  A strobe light emitting unit 15 is attached to the upper surface of the main body base 13 so as to protrude above the lens barrel 19, and a unit accommodating portion 27 for accommodating this is formed. The unit accommodating portion 27 is firmly fixed so as not to wobble by engaging with the lens barrel 19 on the bottom surface thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the strobe light emitting unit 15 includes a light emitting unit 30 and a diffuser unit 50. The light emitting unit 30 is provided with a light emitting unit 33 and a case 35 that holds the light emitting unit 33, and the light emitting unit 33 is exposed from the front side of the case 35. As is well known, the light emitting unit 33 includes a discharge tube, a reflector, and a diffusion plate, and emits light in response to a trigger signal sent from the control unit of the camera 10 (see reference numeral 70 in FIG. 5).

  The case 35 has a pair of stays (posts) 37 and 39 extending rearward at the rear end thereof. The pair of stays 37 and 39 are support portions for attaching the case 35 to the unit storage portion 42. An attachment portion 40 is formed on the upper portion of the unit housing portion 27, and the rear end portions of the stays 37 and 39 and the attachment portion 40 are connected by a shaft 43. Thus, the case 35 is held so as to be rotatable about the shaft 43.

  A gear portion 37a is formed at a lower portion of the stay 37, and a gear 45 is engaged with the gear portion 37a. The gear 45 is formed with helical teeth 45b along the rotation shaft 45a. The spiral teeth 45b move the gear portion 37a in the direction of the rotation shaft 45a when the gear 45 rotates. A motor 47 is directly connected to the rotation shaft 45a, and the gear 45 rotates as the motor 47 rotates. As the motor 47, for example, a stepping motor that rotates by a predetermined amount according to the number of applied drive pulses is used. The motor 47 and the gear 45 are attached to and held by the unit housing portion 27.

  When the motor 47 rotates in the A direction, the gear 45 also rotates in the A direction, and the gear portion 37a moves in the C direction so as to be attracted to the motor 47 side. As a result, the case 35 moves to the storage position. When the motor 47 rotates in the B direction, the gear 45 also rotates in the B direction, and the gear portion 37a moves in the D direction so as to be pushed out in the opposite direction to the motor 47. As a result, the case 35 moves to the light emitting position. The storage position is a position where the light emitting unit 33 is stored in the main body base 13, and is set to this position when the strobe is not used (see FIG. 1). The light emission position is a position where the light emitting portion 33 protrudes outside the main body base portion 13 and is set to this position when the strobe is used (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The diffuser unit 50 is provided with a holder 53, a diffusion sheet 55, and a take-up shaft 57. The diffusion sheet 55 is rectangular and thin, for example, a cloth or a plastic sheet. The diffusion sheet 55 has flexibility and diffuses transmitted light. The diffusion sheet 55 has an upper end connected to the holder 53 and a lower end connected to the take-up shaft 57, and is supported from both sides by these.

  The holder 53 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the case 35, and a diffusion sheet 55 is attached to the front end side. A pair of stays (supports) 59 and 60 extend rearward at the rear end portion of the holder 53. The pair of stays 59 and 60 are support portions for attaching the holder 53 to the unit accommodating portion 27. The stays 59 and 60 are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the stays 37 and 39 of the case 35, and are connected to the mounting portion 40 by the same shaft 43 as the case 35. As a result, the holder 53 is held so as to be rotatable about the shaft 43. The holder 53 is urged by the spring 63 so as to move away from the main body base 13.

  The winding shaft 57 is provided below the front end side of the holder 53 and is supported by the unit housing portion 27. A diffusion sheet 55 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the winding shaft 57 along the longitudinal direction. A gear 65 is integrally formed at one end of the winding shaft 57, and a gear 67 is engaged with the gear 65. As with the gear 45, the gear 67 has helical teeth 67b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 67a. A motor 69 is directly connected to the rotation shaft 67a, and the gear 67 rotates as the motor 69 rotates. As the motor 69, for example, a stepping motor is used. The motor 69 and the gear 67 are also supported by the unit housing portion 27.

  When the motor 69 rotates in the E direction, the gear 67 also rotates in the E direction, the gear 65 rotates in the G direction, and the diffusion sheet 55 is wound around the winding shaft 57. At this time, the holder 53 is attracted to the main body base 13 side against the bias of the spring 63 and moves to the retracted position. When the motor 69 rotates in the F direction, the gear 67 rotates in the F direction, the gear 65 rotates in the H direction, and the diffusion sheet 55 is unwound from the winding shaft 57. At this time, the holder 53 moves away from the main body base 13 due to the bias of the spring 63 and moves to the use position.

  The retracted position is a position where the diffusing sheet 55 is housed inside the main body base 13 by the winding shaft 57 winding the diffusing sheet 55, and is set to this position when the diffuser is not used (FIGS. 1 and 2). reference). The use position is a position where the take-up shaft 57 loosens the diffusion sheet 55 and the holder 53 pulls the diffusion sheet 55 out of the take-up shaft 57 by the bias of the spring 63 and arranges it on the front surface of the light emitting unit 33. Yes, this position is set when the diffuser is used (see FIG. 3). At this time, the diffuser unit 50 rises up to a position higher than the light emitting unit at the light emitting position, so that the strobe light from the light emitting unit 33 is not vignetted by the front end portion of the holder 53.

  Thus, since the light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50 are movable and can be stored in the main body base 13 when not in use, the appearance design and portability of the camera 10 can be improved. Further, the light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50 are moved by the rotation of the gear on which the helical teeth are formed. Such a gear rotates easily depending on the rotation of the motor around the rotating shaft, but hardly rotates even if the gear is rotated by rotating a gear having a rotating surface orthogonal to the rotating shaft. . For this reason, the light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50 are locked at the same position even after the rotation of the motor is stopped, and will not move due to contact or the like.

  FIG. 5 shows an electrical configuration of a movement control mechanism that controls movement of the light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50. Inside the camera 10, a control unit 70 that controls each part of the camera 10 is provided. The light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50 are also driven and controlled by the control unit 70. The control unit 70 performs drive control of the light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50 based on the operation signal input from the shutter button 23 and the mode setting dial 25 and the subject illuminance information obtained from the photometric sensor 20.

  The motor 47 that moves the light emitting unit 30 and the motor 69 that moves the diffuser unit 50 are connected to the control unit 70 via motor drivers 77 and 79, respectively. Each motor driver 77, 79 supplies a predetermined number of drive pulses based on the drive signal from the control unit 70 to each connected motor 47, 69.

  The control unit 70 is provided with counters 77 and 79. The counter 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to the motor 47, and the counter 79 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to the motor 69. Further, the control unit 70 is provided with a ROM 80, and the value of the counter 77 when the light emitting unit 30 is moved to the storage position or the light emitting position, and the counter 79 when the diffuser unit 50 is moved to the retracted position or the use position. Is stored. The control unit 70 compares the counters 77 and 79 with the ROM 80 to detect the positions of the light emitting unit 30 and the diffuser unit 50 and adjust the number of drive pulses supplied to the motors 47 and 69 to thereby detect these positions. Is moved to a desired position.

  When the camera 10 is set to the normal shooting mode, the control unit 70 drives the photometric sensor 20 to check subject illuminance information when the shutter button 23 is half-pressed. When the subject illuminance falls below a preset reference illuminance, the motor 47 is rotated to move the light emitting unit 30 to the light emitting position. When all the shutter buttons 23 are pressed, a trigger signal is transmitted to the light emitting unit 33 and photographing is performed. As a result, the light emitting unit 33 emits light at the same time as shooting, and shooting using a strobe is performed. When the subject illuminance is higher than the reference illuminance, shooting is performed with the light emitting unit 30 in the storage position.

  On the other hand, when the camera 10 is set to the portrait shooting mode, the control unit 70 rotates the motor 47 to move the light emitting unit 30 to the light emitting position when the shutter button 23 is half pressed, The motor 69 is rotated to move the diffuser unit 50 to the use position. When all the shutter buttons 23 are pressed, a trigger signal is transmitted to the light emitting unit 33 and photographing is performed. As a result, the light emitting unit 33 emits light simultaneously with the photographing, and photographing using the strobe and the diffuser is performed.

  In photographing using a strobe and a diffuser, a diffusion sheet 55 is disposed between the light emitting unit 33 and the subject. As described above, the light emitting unit 33 is also provided with a diffusing plate so as to diffuse the strobe light. However, the strobe light is more sufficiently obtained by arranging the diffusion sheet 55 between the light emitting unit 33 and the subject. Diffused and can illuminate the subject evenly. After the photographing is finished, the light emitting unit 30 is moved to the storage position, and the diffuser unit 50 is moved to the retracted position.

  The operation of the present invention will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The photographer can turn on the camera 10, rotate the shooting mode setting dial 25 to set the normal shooting mode or portrait shooting mode, and press the shutter button 23 to perform shooting.

  In the normal shooting mode, the illuminance of the subject is measured when the shutter button 23 is half pressed. At this time, if the measured subject illuminance falls below a preset reference illuminance and the subject is not bright enough, the light emitting unit 33 moves to the light emitting position protruding from the main body base 13. When the shutter button 23 is pressed down to the end, the light emitting unit 33 emits light and photographing using a strobe is performed. At this time, since the light emitting unit 33 emits light in a state separated from the photographing optical axis, the red-eye phenomenon can be prevented. When the measured subject illuminance exceeds the preset reference illuminance and the subject is sufficiently bright, the light emitting unit 33 does not move from the storage position stored in the main body base 13. Then, by pressing the shutter button 23 to the end, shooting is performed without using the strobe.

  On the other hand, in the portrait shooting mode, the light emitting unit 33 moves to the light emitting position when the shutter button 23 is half pressed. Further, the diffusion sheet 55 moves to the use position facing the light emitting unit 33 at the light emission position. When the shutter button 23 is pressed down to the end, the light emitting unit 33 emits light, and photographing using a strobe and a diffuser is performed. In this photographing, strobe light from the light emitting unit 33 is diffused by the diffusion sheet 55, so that the subject can be illuminated evenly. For this reason, it is possible to shoot a warm image without making the subject dark and bright.

  In this way, the camera 10 moves the diffusion sheet 55 between the retracted position stored inside the main body base 13 and the use position that faces the light emitting unit 33 and diffuses the strobe light. There is no troublesome removal and bulkiness when carrying. In addition, since the diffusion sheet 55 is automatically moved to the use position by the motor at the time of shooting, the photographer is not confused about the situation in which the diffusion sheet 55 should be used. Can be used effectively.

  In the above embodiment, an example using a cloth-like diffusion sheet that is wound up and moved to a retracted position has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 7, a plate-like diffusion plate 90 may be provided. 7 and 8, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are described with the same reference numerals.

  The diffusion plate 90 has a rectangular plate shape, and an upper end side of the diffusion plate 90 is pivotally attached to the front end portion of the holder 53 and is rotatably supported. The unit accommodating portion 27 is provided with a pair of guide rails 93, and the lower end side of the diffusion plate 90 is supported by the guide rails 93 so as to be movable from both end sides. Then, as the holder 53 rotates, the diffusion plate 90 moves to the retracted position so as to be pushed in, and moves to the use position so as to be pulled out.

  Further, like the diffusion plate 95 shown in FIG. 8, it may be folded and moved to the retracted position. The diffusion plate 95 is rotatably supported at the upper end side by the front end portion of the holder 53 and at the lower end side by the unit accommodating portion 27. The diffusion plate 95 is provided with a plurality of folding lines in parallel with the width direction of the camera. Then, as the holder 53 rotates, the diffusion plate 95 is folded along the folding line and moved to the retracted position, and is stretched and moved to the use position.

  In the above embodiment, the diffuser is described as moving between the retracted position and the use position by the rotation of the motor. However, the diffuser may be moved regardless of the motor. When a motor is not provided, a spring that biases the diffuser toward the use position, a locking means that locks the diffuser in the retracted position against the biasing of the spring, and a locking of the locking means And an unlocking means for releasing. And what is necessary is just to make it cancel a latching by a latch release means as needed.

  As the locking means, for example, a locking hole is provided in the holder, a locking claw is provided in the unit housing portion, and the diffuser is locked at the retracted position by engaging them. . In addition, as the locking release means, for example, an operation member that releases the lock by a user's pressing operation is provided, or the lock claw is moved by an electromagnetic force generated by applying an electric current to the coil. It may be possible to release the stop. In this case, in order to return the diffuser that has been moved to the use position due to the bias of the spring to the retracted position again, the user must move it, but since no motor is provided, the camera is reduced in size, weight, and cost. It is possible to reduce.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which two types of shooting modes, the normal shooting mode and the portrait shooting mode, are described. However, other shooting modes may be provided. Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the diffuser is not used in the normal shooting mode has been described. However, in the normal shooting mode, the diffuser is used in accordance with shooting conditions such as subject illumination and distance to the subject. Also good. Further, although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, in the portrait shooting mode, settings such as the shutter speed and exposure may be changed from those in the normal shooting mode in addition to using the diffuser. In this way, a warmer image can be taken.

It is an external view of a camera when a strobe and a diffuser are not used. It is an external view of a camera when using a strobe and not using a diffuser. It is an external view of a camera when using a strobe and a diffuser. It is an exploded view of a strobe light emitting unit. It is an electrical block diagram showing the movement control mechanism of a light emission unit and a diffuser unit. It is a flowchart showing the flow of imaging | photography. It is a side view of a diffuser unit using a plate-like diffusion plate. It is a side view of a diffuser unit using a plate-like diffusion plate.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Camera 13 Main body base 15 Strobe light emission unit 20 Photometry sensor 23 Shutter button 25 Shooting mode setting dial 27 Unit accommodation part 30 Light emission unit 33 Light emission part 40 Mounting part 43 Shaft 47, 69 Motor 50 Diffuser unit 53 Holder 55 Diffusion sheet 57 Winding Take-up shaft 63 Spring 70 Control unit 90, 95 Diffuser plate 93 Guide rail

Claims (10)

In a strobe body fuser device used in a camera having a strobe device that is movable between a storage position in which the strobe light emitting unit is housed inside the camera body and a light emission position that protrudes outside the camera body.
A light diffusing member for diffusing transmitted light, a retracted position for storing the light diffusing member inside the camera body, and a use position for projecting the camera body outside and disposing it in front of the strobe light emitting unit at the light emitting position. A strobed body fuser device characterized by comprising a moving mechanism that is movably held between the two.   The moving mechanism includes a holder having one end pivotally attached to the camera body and freely rotatable, and the other end connected to the light diffusing member, and the light diffusing member is rotated with the rotation of the holder. The strobody fuser device according to claim 1, wherein the strobod fuser device moves between the use position and the retracted position.   The light diffusing member is a plate-like member in which a plurality of folding lines are formed. The light diffusing member is folded and moved to the retracted position as the holder rotates, and is stretched and moved to the use position. The strobod fuser device according to claim 2.   The light diffusing member is a sheet-like member formed of a flexible material, and is wound up and moved to the retracted position as the holder rotates, and is stretched to the used position. The strobody fuser device according to claim 2, which moves.   The urging means for urging the holder so that the light diffusing member moves toward the use position, and the holder so that the light diffusing member stops at the retracted position against the urging of the urging means. The strobod fuser device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a locking means for locking the locking means and an unlocking means for releasing the locking of the locking means.   6. The strobe body fuser device according to claim 5, wherein the lock release means includes an operation member provided so as to be exposed from the camera body, and the lock is released according to an operation of the operation member.   The lock release means is for releasing lock by electromagnetic force generated by supplying electric power to the coil, and releases the lock in accordance with a drive signal supplied from a camera. The strobod fuser device according to claim 5.   The strobodi fuser device according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is driven by a motor to move the light diffusing member between a retracted position and a use position. A camera comprising the strobod fuser device according to claim 7,
With a plurality of shooting modes for determining the presence or absence of light emission of the strobe device and the light emission amount, and the position of the light diffusion plate,
Drive control means is provided for supplying the drive signal to the unlocking means, and the drive control means supplies the drive signal to the unlocking means and uses the light diffusion plate according to the photographing mode. A camera characterized by being moved to a position. A camera comprising the strobod fuser device according to claim 8,
With a plurality of shooting modes for determining the presence or absence of light emission of the strobe device and the light emission amount, and the position of the light diffusion plate,
A camera comprising motor control means for controlling driving of the motor, wherein the motor control means moves the light diffusing plate between a use position and a storage position in accordance with the photographing mode.

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