JP2010039108A - Photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing device which achieves miniaturization or thinning of a housing in a camera having a flash unit made smaller in size in a direction parallel with an emitting surface from which light is emitted than size in a direction nearly perpendicular to the emitting surface. <P>SOLUTION: When the size of the flash unit 24 in the direction nearly parallel with the light emitting surface 24A thereof is defined as H, the size in the direction nearly perpendicular to the emitting surface 24A (size from the emitting surface 24A to a rear end) is defined as D, and size from a surface of the front 12A of the housing 12 to an inner surface of the back 12B of the housing 12 is defined as W, they satisfy H<D and W≤D. When a barrier 14 slides downward in figure, a flash aperture part 18 is exposed to the front of the housing 12, and the emitting surface 24A of the flash unit 24 is exposed from the flash aperture part 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, and more particularly, to a photographing apparatus provided with a flash light emitting unit.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a camera in which a main power source built in a camera body is turned on and a flash protrudes in conjunction with an operation of setting a protective cover to an open state.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a camera with a built-in strobe in which a strobe unit moves between an accommodation position and a photographing position in response to the movement of the top cover.

In Patent Document 3, in a camera equipped with a strobe device, a condensing lens is provided on a frame that is movable with respect to the camera body, and the condensing lens moves relative to the light source and the reflecting mirror of the strobe device. It is disclosed that it is configured to protrude from the front surface.
JP 2005-99854 A JP-A-9-197502 JP-A-6-148722

  According to Patent Documents 1 to 3, although the flash can be accommodated, the thickness of the camera casing is limited by the size of the flash, so that the camera casing becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a camera having a flash unit whose dimension in a direction parallel to an emission surface for emitting light is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface. An object of the present invention is to provide a photographing device capable of reducing the size and thickness of a housing.

  An imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing having an opening formed on a surface thereof, a lens attached to the surface of the housing where the opening is formed, and the housing. A flash unit that is rotatably mounted inside the flash unit and has a dimension in a direction parallel to an emission surface that emits light is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface; and a barrier that opens and closes the opening. When the barrier is opened, the flash unit is rotationally driven to the second position where the exit surface is exposed from the opening, and when the barrier is closed, the exit surface is the optical axis of the lens. Driving means for rotationally driving the flash unit at a second position which is substantially parallel to the first position.

  According to the first aspect, since the flash unit whose dimension in the direction parallel to the emission surface is shorter than the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface is rotated and accommodated in the housing, The housing can be thinned.

  The photographing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the driving unit is attached to the barrier and extends to the inside of the housing, the arm part, and the flash unit. And a gear or a friction member.

  The imaging device according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured such that, in the second aspect, the arm portion is disposed between the lens and the flash unit.

  According to the third aspect, the lens and the flash unit can be separated by arranging the arm portion as described above. Thereby, the effect of preventing red eyes can be obtained without increasing the size of the housing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising: a power control unit that turns on the power when the barrier is opened, and turns off the power when the barrier is closed. In addition, the driving unit includes a motor that is driven in response to the power-on, and a gear that transmits a rotational force of the motor to the flash unit.

  The photographing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is configured such that, in the fourth aspect, the motor is disposed between the lens and the flash unit.

  According to the fifth aspect, the lens and the flash unit can be separated by arranging the motor as described above. Thereby, the effect of preventing red eyes can be obtained without increasing the size of the housing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects, when the flash unit rotates and the exit surface is exposed from the opening, the flash unit, the opening, A blindfold member that closes the gap between the two is further provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the blindfold member is a plate attached along the flash unit when the flash unit is accommodated in the housing. It is configured to be raised when the exit surface is exposed from the opening and biased so as to close the gap between the flash unit and the opening.

  An imaging device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein an optical member for adjusting a range irradiated with light emitted from the flash unit, and the emission from the opening. When the surface is exposed, the optical member is moved forward of the emission surface, while the optical member is moved relative to the optical axis of the lens when the flash unit is accommodated in the housing. It further comprises optical member driving means for moving the optical member so as to be substantially parallel and accommodating the optical member in the housing.

  According to the eighth aspect, since the flash unit and the optical member are rotated and accommodated, the casing can be made thinner.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the lens includes a zoom optical system, and the optical member is within a range irradiated with light emitted from the flash unit. The optical member driving means is configured to move the diffusion plate to the front of the exit surface when the zoom position of the lens is wider than a predetermined position.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the lens includes a zoom optical system, and the optical member is irradiated with light emitted from the flash unit. The optical member driving means is configured to move the condensing panel to the front of the exit surface when the zoom position of the lens is on the tele side with respect to a predetermined position.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to tenth aspects, the imaging device is provided on the emission surface side of the flash unit at the second position, and reflects light emitted from the flash unit. A reflection member; and a diffusing plate for diffusing the light reflected by the reflection member to the optical axis of the lens, wherein the driving means has the zoom position of the lens when the zoom position is wider than a predetermined position. The flash unit is configured to be rotationally driven to the second position.

  According to the eleventh aspect, since the flash light is diffused by the diffusion plate when the zoom position is wider than the predetermined position, the light distribution is good without increasing the size of the flash unit. It is possible to take an image (uniformity free and uniform).

  An imaging device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing, a lens attached to a predetermined surface of the housing, and an emission that is rotatably attached to the inside of the housing and emits light. A flash unit whose dimension in a direction parallel to the surface is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface, and execution of bounce shooting in which light emitted from the flash unit is bounced to the ceiling and irradiated to the subject. Bounce instruction means for inputting an instruction; subject distance calculation means for calculating a subject distance to the subject; and an optical axis of the light emitted by the flash unit and the lens based on the subject distance and the distance to the ceiling A bounce angle calculating means for calculating a bounce angle at which the light bounced to the ceiling reaches the subject, and the bounce instruction The light emitted from the flash unit when the bounce instruction is input while the flash unit is rotationally driven to a first position where the emission surface is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens when the force is not applied. Driving means for rotationally driving the flash unit at a second position for rotationally driving the flash unit so that an angle formed by the optical axis of the lens and the optical axis of the lens becomes the bounce angle.

  According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to perform bounce shooting without increasing the size of the flash unit.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the imaging apparatus further includes a transparent member that covers the emission surface of the flash unit at the first and second positions.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the first surface of the housing in which the opening is formed and the second surface opposite to the first surface. The distance between the surface of the flash unit and the inner surface of the housing is not less than a dimension in a direction parallel to the emission surface of the flash unit, and is substantially perpendicular to the emission surface of the flash unit. It comprised so that it might become less than a dimension.

  An imaging device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing having an opening formed on a surface thereof, and a lens attached to a surface substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing where the opening is formed. A flash unit having a dimension in a direction parallel to an emission surface from which light is emitted is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface, wherein the emission surface is within the housing. A flash unit housed so as to be substantially parallel to an axis; urging means for urging the flash unit so that the exit surface faces the lens; and the flash unit is exposed from the opening. A first position where the exit surface and the optical axis of the lens are supported by the end of the housing so that the exit surface and the optical axis of the lens are substantially perpendicular to the urging force of the urging means; Approximately parallel to the optical axis of the lens Ri, and a second position where said flash unit is housed in the housing, and a driving means for moving the flash unit.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, since the flash unit whose dimension in the direction parallel to the emission surface is shorter than the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface is rotated and accommodated in the housing, The housing can be thinned.

  A photographing apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the photographing device according to the fifteenth aspect, further comprising subject distance calculating means for calculating a subject distance to the subject, wherein the driving means is less than a predetermined value. Further, the flash unit is separated from the housing from the first position, and the flash unit is inclined toward the optical axis side of the lens by the urging means.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the dimension of the optical axis of the lens inside the housing is a direction parallel to the emission surface of the flash unit. It is configured so as to be equal to or larger than the dimension and smaller than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface of the flash unit.

  According to the present invention, the flash unit whose dimension in the direction parallel to the emission surface is shorter than the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface is rotated and accommodated in the case. Thinning can be achieved.

  A preferred embodiment of a photographing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a camera) according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The camera 10 according to the present embodiment is an electronic camera that takes an image and records it as electronic data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a barrier 14 is attached to the front surface of the housing 12. The barrier 14 is slidable along the front surface of the housing 12 between a photographing position where the lens opening 16 and the flash opening 18 are exposed and an accommodation position where the lens opening 16 and the flash opening 18 are exposed. It has become.

  Inside the housing 12, a memory card and battery housing unit 20, a lens unit 22, a flash unit 24, and a capacitor 26 that supplies power to the flash unit 24 are stored.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the flash unit 24, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a mechanism for driving the flash unit 24.

  The dimension in the direction substantially parallel to the light exit surface 24A of the flash unit 24 is H, the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the exit surface 24A (the dimension from the exit surface 24A to the rear end) is D, and the front surface 12A of the housing 12 is. Assuming that the dimension from the front surface to the inner surface of the housing 12 of the back surface 12B is W, H <D and W ≦ D.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the barrier 14 slides downward in the drawing, the flash opening 18 is exposed to the front surface of the housing 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an arm portion 30 is attached to the barrier 14.

  The arm unit 30 extends into the housing 12 through an opening 30 </ b> A formed on the front surface of the housing 12. The arm portion 30 has a flat plate shape with gears cut, and meshes with a gear 32 in the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the arm unit 30 is disposed between the lens unit 22 and the flash unit 24. Thereby, the lens unit 22 and the flash unit 24 can be separated.

  Note that the drive mechanism of the flash unit 24 may be realized by attaching a member having a large friction coefficient to the arm unit 30 and the gear 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the arm portion 30 slides downward in the drawing together with the barrier 14 and the gear 32 rotates, the rotational force of the gear 32 is transmitted to the gear 34 formed on the side surface of the flash unit 24. As a result, the flash unit 24 rotates and moves to the photographing position 24-1, and the exit surface 24A faces the front surface of the housing 12 (the same direction as the lens 16).

  When the barrier 14 slides upward in the drawing, the flash unit 24 rotates to the storage position 24-2. The flash unit 24 is accommodated in the housing 12 such that the emission surface 24A faces upward in the drawing. The flash opening 18 is covered by the barrier 14.

  The barrier 14 is connected to the power switch of the camera 10. When the barrier 14 is opened and the lens opening 16 and the flash opening 18 are exposed, the camera 10 is turned on and the barrier 14 is closed. The camera 10 is turned off.

  Note that the rotation direction of the flash unit 24 may be changed so that the emission surface 24A faces downward in the drawing after the flash unit 24 is accommodated.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera 10.

  The main CPU 50 is connected to each block of the camera 10 via the bus 52, and controls each block of the camera 10 according to a predetermined program.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 54 controls the focus, zoom and diaphragm of the lens 66 and the light emission timing and light emission time of the flash unit 24 in cooperation with the main CPU 50. In the implementation of the present invention, a mode with one CPU is also possible.

  The power supply unit 56 supplies power to each block of the camera 10.

  The EEPROM 58 stores CCD pixel defect information, various constants / information related to camera operation, and the like.

  A release switch (release SW) 60 is an operation button for inputting an instruction to start imaging.

  The operation unit 62 includes a mode dial for switching the operation mode (photographing mode and playback mode) of the camera 10, a cross key, a power switch (power SW) for switching on / off of the power, and an information position designation key.

  When the operation input from the release switch 60 or the operation unit 62 is received, the operation LCD display unit 64 displays the content of the operation input.

  Hereinafter, the photographing function of the camera 10 will be described.

  The lens 66 includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and a diaphragm. When the release switch 60 is pressed, the light incident through the lens 66 forms an image on the image sensor (CCD) 68 and is converted into a voltage signal (image signal).

  The image processing unit 70 performs predetermined processing including white balance and gamma conversion processing on the image signal output from the CCD 68.

  The A / D converter 72 converts the image signal output from the image processing unit 70 into a digital image signal.

  A clock generator (CG) 74 supplies a clock to the CCD 68, the image processing unit 70 and the A / D converter 72. The CCD 68, the image processing unit 70, and the A / D converter 72 control the readout timing of the image signal according to the clock.

  The buffer memory 76 temporarily stores the digital image signal output from the A / D converter 72.

  The main CPU 50 calculates a focus evaluation value from the image signal and issues a command to the photometry / ranging CPU 54 to perform AF control. The main CPU 50 calculates an exposure value (exposure EV value) from the image signal, and issues a command to the photometry / ranging CPU 54 to perform AE control.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 54 operates the charge / light emission control unit 78 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 50 to cause the flash light emission unit 80 to emit light.

  The charge / light emission control unit 78 controls charging of the capacitor 26 and discharge (light emission) timing to the flash light emission unit (discharge tube, xenon tube) 80.

  The sensor 82 is an angular velocity sensor, for example, and detects the movement and posture of the camera 10.

  The CCD camera shake correction unit 84 corrects camera shake by moving the CCD 68 according to the movement (camera shake) of the camera 10 detected by the sensor 82 when the release switch 60 is pressed.

  The YC processing unit 86 converts the digital image signal output from the A / D converter 72 into a luminance / color difference signal.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 88 compresses the luminance / color difference signal and converts it into image data in a predetermined format (for example, Exif format). This image data is recorded on a memory card 92 (for example, an xD picture card (registered trademark) or an SD card (registered trademark)) via a card interface unit (I / F) 90.

  When the image is reproduced, the image data recorded on the memory card 92 is read out.

  The YC → RGB conversion unit 94 converts the image data read from the memory card 92 into R, G, and B signals. The R, G, and B signals are output to a display unit (image display LCD) 98 via a driver 96.

  According to the present embodiment, the flash unit 24 whose dimension H in the direction parallel to the emission surface 24A is shorter than the dimension D in the direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface 24A is arranged above or below the housing. The housing 12 can be thinned because the housing 12 is accommodated in the housing 12 by being rotated so as to face the housing.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the flash unit 24 is rotated using an actuator. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a front view of the camera. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the camera according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a flash unit driving actuator (hereinafter referred to as an actuator) 100 is attached inside the housing 12 of the camera 10 of the present embodiment. A gear 102 is attached to the rotation shaft of the actuator 100. The gear 102 meshes with a gear 104 formed on the side surface of the flash unit 24.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a barrier position detection sensor 106 is attached inside the housing 12 of the camera 10. Depending on the opening / closing operation of the barrier 14, the contacts 106A and 106B of the barrier position detection sensor 106 are brought into contact or non-contact state.

  The main CPU 50 detects the opening / closing operation of the barrier 14 based on the contact state of the contacts 106A and 106B of the barrier position detection sensor 106. When the barrier 14 is opened, the main CPU 50 moves the flash unit 24 to the photographing position 24-1. When 14 is closed, the flash unit 24 is moved to the receiving position 24-2.

  According to this embodiment, the housing 12 can be thinned, and the rotation operation of the flash unit 24 can be automated.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a blindfold member is provided that closes the gap between the flash opening 18 and the flash unit 24 and prevents entry of dust.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a flash unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing the blindfold member, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a guide cam of the blindfold member. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the flash unit.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a recess is formed in the upper part of the flash unit 24 according to the present embodiment, and a blindfold member 110 is attached to the recess.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the blindfold member 110 is attached to the recess of the flash unit 24 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 118.

  The blindfold member 110 is a plate-like member, and is biased by the spring 120 so as to rise substantially vertically with respect to the flash unit 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a pin 112 is attached to the side surface of the blindfold member 110. The pin 112 is biased to the guide cam 114 by the spring 120.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the blindfold member 110 is tilted at the storage position 24-2 and rises while being biased by the spring 120 as it rotates toward the photographing position 24-1. At the photographing position 24-1, the blindfold member 110 contacts the upper end of the flash opening 18, and a gap formed between the flash opening 18 and the flash unit 24 is closed.

  Note that the configuration for rotationally driving the flash unit 24 is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an optical member for adjusting the irradiation range of the flash light is further provided.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a flash unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the flash unit 24 according to the present embodiment is provided with an optical member 130 that can be inserted and removed in front of the emission surface 24A. The optical member 130 is a diffusion plate (wide panel) that expands the irradiation range of flash light.

  As the optical member 130, a condensing panel that narrows the flash light irradiation range can be used instead of the wide panel.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a pair of arm portions 132 </ b> R and 132 </ b> L are formed behind the optical member 130. As shown in FIG. 12, the optical member 130 is attached to the flash unit 24 by fitting the convex portion 138 formed on the side surface of the flash unit 24 into the concave portion 136 formed in the arm portion 132.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a knob 134R is formed on the arm portion 132R. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the knob 134 </ b> R is exposed through an opening formed on the side surface of the housing 12 of the camera 10 according to the present embodiment. On the other hand, a rotating shaft 134L is formed on the arm portion 132L. As shown in FIG. 14, the rotating shaft 134 </ b> L is supported by a bearing portion 140 formed on the back surface 12 </ b> B of the housing 12.

  The user can move the optical member 130 in and out of the exit surface 24A by rotating the knob 134R.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the dimension of the arm portion 132 of the optical member 130 is set so that it does not interfere with the flash unit 24 at the photographing position 24-1 during the turning operation (the gap between the exit surface 24A and the optical member 130). d) adjusted.

  According to this embodiment, since the flash unit 24 and the optical member 130 are rotated and accommodated, the casing 12 can be made thinner.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the optical member 130 of the fourth embodiment is operated in conjunction with zoom.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism of a flash unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the camera 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, an optical member driving actuator (hereinafter referred to as actuator 150) 150 is attached to the inside of the housing 12. The gear 152 attached to the rotation shaft of the optical member driving actuator 150 meshes with a gear 154 formed on the arm portion 132L of the optical member (wide panel) 130.

  When the zoom magnification is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the main CPU 50 controls the actuator 150 to insert the wide panel 130 in front of the flash unit 24 at the photographing position 24-1.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating an irradiation range of flash light.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the field of view (shooting range) F10 when the zoom position is at the wide end is wider than the flash light irradiation range L10 when the wide panel 130 is not inserted, and the wide panel 130 is inserted. In this case, it is narrower than the flash light irradiation range L12.

In the present embodiment, the zoom position is moved to the wide side, if the field F12 is greater than the irradiation range L10, _{specifically,} the _{(P U, P B, P} L, EV value of _{P R)} If the difference between (EV value of the center position _{P C)} becomes wide side than a predetermined zoom position equal to or less than -1 EV, main CPU50 controls the actuator 150, the flash photographing position 24-1 A wide panel 130 is inserted in front of the unit 24.

  For example, the wide panel 130 may be inserted even in the macro shooting mode.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the driving process of the optical member 130.

  First, when the operation mode of the camera 10 is set to the shooting mode and shooting is started (step S10), the main CPU 50 detects the zoom position (step S12). When the zoom position is wider than the predetermined zoom position (Yes in step S12) and the flash unit 24 is in the shooting position 24-1, the main CPU 50 controls the actuator 150 to control the flash unit. The wide panel 130 is inserted in front of 24 (step S14).

  When the main CPU 50 detects that the zoom position has moved to the tele side from the predetermined zoom position, the main CPU 50 moves the wide panel 130 from the front of the flash unit 24.

  Normally, a flash unit with a wide light distribution for photographing on the wide side has a large size with a large frontage, but according to the present embodiment, the flash unit 24 and the optical member 130 are rotated and accommodated. Therefore, the housing 12 can be made thinner. This embodiment is suitable for a camera with a wide field of view at the wide end where the field of view F12 is wider than the irradiation range L10 of the flash light on the wide side.

  In the present embodiment, the flash unit driving actuator 100 and the optical member driving actuator 150 are provided separately. However, for example, a planetary gear may be used so that both of them can be used.

  Further, as the optical member 130, a light collecting panel may be used. In this case, the light collecting panel may be moved in front of the flash unit 24 when the zoom position is on the tele side of the predetermined position.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the flash unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, the flash opening 160 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 12. A lid member 162 is provided in the flash opening 160. As shown in FIG. 21, a waterproof / dustproof packing 164 is attached to the lid member 162.

  The dimension in the direction substantially parallel to the light exit surface 24A of the flash unit 24 is H, the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the exit surface 24A (the dimension from the exit surface 24A to the rear end) is D, and the front surface 12A of the housing 12 is. Assuming that the dimension from the inner surface to the inner surface of the back surface 12B is W1, H <D and W1 ≦ D.

  The flash unit 24 moves to the photographing position 24-1 when the power is turned on, and moves to the housing position 24-2 when the power is turned off.

  FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the flash unit 24 at the photographing position 24-1, and FIG. 23 is a top view showing the flash unit 24 at the photographing position 24-1. 24 is a perspective view showing a drive mechanism of the flash unit 24, and FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the flash unit 24. As shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the camera 10.

  As shown in the drawing, the flash unit 24 is supported by the arm portions 164L and 164R. A gear is formed on the arm portion 164L, and a gear provided on a rotation shaft of an actuator for vertical driving (hereinafter referred to as an actuator) 166 meshes with the gear of the arm portion 164L. The flash unit 24 is moved up and down by an actuator 166.

  When the power supply of the camera 10 is turned on, the main CPU 50 controls the actuator 166 to move the flash unit 24 upward in the drawing as shown in FIG. When the lid member 162 is pushed up by the flash unit 24 and exposed above the casing 12, the flash unit 24 is tilted by the biasing force of the spring 168L, and the emission surface 24A faces the front side of the casing 12 (shooting position 24- 1).

  When the power of the camera 10 is turned off, the main CPU 50 controls the actuator 166 to move the flash unit 24 downward in the drawing as shown in FIG. The flash unit 24 is hooked on the upper end portion of the housing 12 and pushed up against the urging force of the spring 168L, and the ejection surface 24A faces upward in the figure and is accommodated in the accommodating position 24-2.

  According to the present embodiment, the flash unit 24 whose dimension H in the direction parallel to the emission surface 24A is shorter than the dimension D in the direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface 24A is arranged above or below the housing. The housing 12 can be thinned because the housing 12 is accommodated in the housing 12 by being rotated so as to face the housing.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the angle of the flash unit 24 (flash irradiation angle) is changed according to the subject distance in the sixth embodiment.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of drive control of the flash unit 24.

  First, when the power of the camera 10 is turned on (step S20), the flash unit 24 moves to the photographing position 24-1 (step S22). In step S <b> 22, the exit surface 24 </ b> A is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 66.

  Next, the main CPU 50 detects the zoom position (step S24). When the release switch 60 is pressed halfway (S1 on: step S26), AF control is performed (step S28).

  Next, the main CPU 50 detects the focus position (step S30), and calculates the distance (subject distance) to the in-focus subject based on the zoom position and the focus position (step S32). If the subject distance is less than the predetermined value (No in step S32), the flash unit 24 moves above the shooting position 24-1 (step S34). Here, the predetermined value in step S32 is a value determined based on the distance between the flash unit 24 and the lens 66 and the light irradiation range of the flash unit 24. For example, when the subject distance is short, This is the limit value at which the light irradiation range cannot cover the entire field of view.

  As shown in FIG. 28, in step S34, the flash unit 24 is urged by the spring 168L, and the angle θ formed by the exit surface 24A and the optical axis L of the lens 66 becomes an acute angle (less than 90 degrees).

  According to the present embodiment, since the flash unit 24 can be directed downward, it is possible to adjust the irradiation range of the flash light (parallax correction) according to the subject at a short distance.

  The subject distance may be calculated using information from an AF sensor different from the camera 10, for example.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a diffusion plate for diffusing flash light is provided above the camera 10 in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the flash unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 29, in the flash unit 24 according to the present embodiment, the barrier 14 is opened and the exit surface 24A is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 66, as in the second embodiment. , And the second position 24-2 in which the barrier 14 is closed and the exit surface 24A is substantially parallel to the optical axis L of the lens 66.

  As shown in FIG. 29, a reflector 180 and a diffuser 182 are provided on the upper part of the flash unit 24. The angle formed by the exit surface 24A of the flash unit 24 at the second position 24-2 and the reflector 180 is about 45 degrees. Further, the diffusion plate 182 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 66.

  When the flash unit 24 is arranged at the second position 24-2, the reflector 180 totally reflects the flash light from the flash unit 24. The diffusion plate 182 is a surface having an effect of diffusing light, such as a texture, for example, and diffuses the flash light reflected by the reflection plate 180.

  The main CPU 50 moves the flash unit 24 to the first position 24-1 when the barrier 14 is opened, and moves the flash unit 24 to the second position 24-2 when the barrier 14 is closed.

Zoom position is moved to the wide side, if the field F12 is greater than the irradiation range L10, _{specifically, (P U, P B,} P L, P EV value _R) and (the center position _{P C} The main CPU 50 controls the actuator 100 to move the flash unit 24 to the second position when the difference from the EV value) becomes wider than the predetermined zoom position where the difference is less than -1 EV (see FIG. 18). Move to position 24-2.

  Normally, a flash unit with a wide light distribution for photographing on the wide side becomes a large-sized one with a large frontage. In the present embodiment, since the flash light is diffused by the diffusion plate 182 when the zoom position is wider than the predetermined position, the light distribution is good without increasing the size of the flash unit 24 (unevenness). A uniform image can be taken. Also, by rotating the flash unit 24 to the first position 24-1, efficient flash light can be obtained even when the zoom position is on the tele side from the predetermined position.

[Ninth Embodiment]
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a flash unit according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes a rotation drive actuator (hereinafter referred to as an actuator) 200 for rotating the flash unit 24 and a flash bounce switch 202.

  As shown in FIG. 31, in the present embodiment, a window member 204 made of a transparent material (for example, acrylic) having a uniform thickness is provided above the flash unit 24.

  The flash unit 24 has an angle α formed by the first position 24-1 where the exit surface 24A is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 66, and the optical axis I of the flash unit 24 and the optical axis L of the lens 66. Is rotated between the second position 24-2 in which the angle is larger than 0 degree.

  When the main CPU 50 detects the operation of the flash bounce switch 202, for example, according to the method described in US Pat. No. 5,194,885, the main CPU 50 determines the angle α formed by the perpendicular I of the exit surface 24A and the optical axis L of the lens 66. The flash unit 24 is calculated and rotated.

  US Pat. No. 5,194,885 describes a method for calculating the irradiation angle α of the flash unit 24 based on the subject distance D and the distance H between the camera 10 and the ceiling.

α = Tan ⁻¹ (2H / D) (1)
The distance H between the camera 10 and the ceiling is determined by a ceiling sensor or user input.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform bounce shooting without increasing the size of the flash unit 24.

  In the present embodiment, the flash unit 24 is covered by the window member 204, but the flash unit 24 may be exposed on the upper surface of the housing 12, for example, as shown in FIG.

[Tenth embodiment]
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a camera according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the camera 10 according to the present embodiment is provided in a mobile phone, and includes the flash unit 24 according to the first to ninth embodiments.

  According to the present embodiment, even in a mobile phone with a camera, the housing can be downsized by providing the flash unit 24.

1 is a front view showing the appearance of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the flash unit 24 Sectional drawing which shows the mechanism which drives the flash unit 24 The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera 10 The figure which shows the camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the flash unit which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which expands and shows a blindfold member The perspective view which shows the guide cam of a blindfold member Sectional view showing the operation of the flash unit The perspective view which shows the flash unit of the camera which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the attachment structure of the optical member 130 The perspective view which expands and shows the flash unit vicinity of the camera which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. Side view showing the bearing of the flash unit 24 Side view showing operation of optical member 130 The perspective view which shows the drive mechanism of the flash unit which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera 10 which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the irradiation range of flash light typically The flowchart which shows the drive process of operation | movement of the optical member 130 Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the flash unit which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. Top view of lid member 162 The perspective view which shows the flash unit 24 in the imaging position 24-1. A top view showing the flash unit 24 at the photographing position 24-1. The perspective view which shows the drive mechanism of the flash unit 24 Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the flash unit 24 The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera 10 A flowchart showing the flow of drive control of the flash unit 24 Sectional drawing which shows the position of the flash unit 24 Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of the flash unit which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the flash unit which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the external appearance of the camera which concerns on the 10th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera, 12 ... Housing | casing, 14 ... Barrier, 18 ... Flash opening part, 24 ... Flash unit, 30 ... Arm part

Claims (17)

A rectangular parallelepiped housing having an opening formed on the surface;
A lens attached to the side of the housing where the opening is formed;
A flash unit that is rotatably mounted inside the housing and has a dimension in a direction parallel to an emission surface that emits light is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface;
A barrier that opens and closes the opening;
When the barrier is opened, the flash unit is rotationally driven to the first position where the exit surface is exposed from the opening, and when the barrier is closed, the exit surface is on the optical axis of the lens. Drive means for rotationally driving the flash unit to a second position that is substantially parallel to the second position;
An imaging device comprising: The driving means includes
An arm portion attached to the barrier and extending into the housing;
A gear or a friction member for connecting the arm unit and the flash unit;
The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the arm portion is disposed between the lens and the flash unit. A power control means for turning on the power when the barrier is opened, and turning off the power when the barrier is closed;
The driving means includes
A motor driven in response to the power-on;
A gear for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the flash unit;
The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the motor is disposed between the lens and the flash unit.   6. The blindfold member according to claim 1, further comprising: a blindfold member that closes a gap between the flash unit and the opening when the flash unit rotates and the emission surface is exposed from the opening. Shooting device.   The blindfold member is a plate-like member attached along the flash unit when the flash unit is housed in the housing, and rises when the exit surface is exposed from the opening, The photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the photographing apparatus is biased so as to close a gap between the flash unit and the opening. An optical member for adjusting a range irradiated with light emitted from the flash unit;
When the exit surface is exposed from the opening, the optical member is moved forward of the exit surface, and when the flash unit is housed in the housing, the optical member is moved to the lens. Optical member driving means for moving the optical member so as to be substantially parallel to the optical axis of the optical member and storing the optical member in the housing;
The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: The lens includes a zoom optical system,
The optical member is a diffusion plate that expands a range irradiated with light emitted from the flash unit,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the optical member driving unit moves the diffusion plate to the front of the exit surface when the zoom position of the lens is wider than a predetermined position. The lens includes a zoom optical system,
The optical member is a condensing panel that narrows a range irradiated with light emitted from the flash unit,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the optical member driving unit moves the light collecting panel to the front of the exit surface when the zoom position of the lens is on the tele side of the predetermined position. A reflective member that is provided on an emission surface side of the flash unit at the second position and reflects light emitted from the flash unit;
A diffusion plate for diffusing the light reflected by the reflecting member to the optical axis of the lens;
11. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit rotationally drives the flash unit to the second position when the zoom position of the lens is wider than a predetermined position. A rectangular parallelepiped housing;
A lens attached to a predetermined surface of the housing;
A flash unit that is rotatably mounted inside the housing and has a dimension in a direction parallel to an emission surface that emits light is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface;
Bounce instruction means for inputting an execution instruction of bounce shooting to bounce the light emitted from the flash unit to the ceiling and irradiate the subject;
Subject distance calculating means for calculating a subject distance to the subject;
Based on the subject distance and the distance to the ceiling, an angle formed by the optical axis of the light emitted from the flash unit and the optical axis of the lens, and the bounce that the light bounced to the ceiling reaches the subject Bounce angle calculating means for calculating an angle;
When the bounce instruction is not input, the flash unit is rotationally driven to a first position where the exit surface is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, and when the bounce instruction is input, the flash unit Driving means for rotationally driving the flash unit to a second position for rotationally driving the flash unit so that an angle formed by the optical axis of the light emitted from the optical axis of the lens is the bounce angle;
An imaging device comprising:   The imaging device according to claim 12, further comprising a transparent member that covers the emission surface of the flash unit at the first and second positions.   The distance between the first surface of the housing in which the opening is formed and the inner surface of the housing of the second surface opposite to the first surface is the emission surface of the flash unit. 14. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing device has a dimension that is equal to or larger than a dimension in a direction parallel to the light source and less than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface of the flash unit. A rectangular parallelepiped housing having an opening formed on the surface;
A lens attached to a surface substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the opening of the housing is formed;
A flash unit having a dimension in a direction parallel to an emission surface from which light is emitted is shorter than a dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface, and the emission surface is an optical axis of the lens in the housing. A flash unit stored so as to be substantially parallel to the
Biasing means for biasing the flash unit so that the exit surface faces the lens side;
The flash unit is exposed from the opening, and is supported by the end of the housing so that the exit surface and the optical axis of the lens are substantially perpendicular to the urging force of the urging means. Drive means for moving the flash unit between a position 1 and a second position where the emission surface is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the lens and the flash unit is housed in the housing; ,
An imaging device comprising: A subject distance calculating means for calculating a subject distance to the subject;
When the subject distance is less than a predetermined value, the driving unit moves the flash unit away from the housing from the first position, and tilts the flash unit toward the optical axis side of the lens by the biasing unit. The imaging device according to claim 15.   The dimension of the optical axis of the lens inside the housing is equal to or greater than the dimension in a direction parallel to the emission surface of the flash unit, and is substantially perpendicular to the emission surface of the flash unit. The photographing device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the photographing device is less than the size.

Images