JP2015038571A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which a main unit can surely be gripped regardless of directions (horizontal and vertical directions) of an imaging apparatus and that has excellent operability and includes a photographing mode switching mechanism capable of obtaining high grade feeling.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: a main unit 10; a lens barrel 30 that is provided in the main unit and holds a lens; and a photographing mode switching mechanism for switching photographing modes. The photographing mode switching mechanism includes: a mode switching operation ring 40 that is disposed around the lens barrel and that is formed so as to be able to perform reciprocation operation in a predetermined angle range with a predetermined rest position as a center and so as to automatically return to the rest position; and a switch lever 50 for emitting trigger signals continually switching photographing modes in conjunction with rotating operation in one direction or the other direction of the mode switching operation ring. Accordingly, the main unit can surely be gripped, and the imaging apparatus can obtain excellent operability and high grade feeling.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera and an instant camera having a shooting mode switching mechanism for switching a shooting mode, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera and an instant camera having a lens barrel and a shooting mode switching mechanism. About.

Conventional imaging devices include a camera body formed by a plurality of covers (a front cover, a rear cover, an upper cover, etc.), a release button provided on the upper part (upper cover) of the body, and a side part (front) of the body. A mode switching dial for switching the shooting mode provided in the coupling area of the cover and the rear cover), which is provided so as to rotate coaxially with the mode switching dial and protrude from the rear side (rear cover) of the main body. There is known a digital camera including a zoom lever and a display panel provided on the rear side (rear cover) of the main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In this camera, when the photographer grabs the camera body, the mode switching dial and zoom lever are arranged in the vicinity where the thumb of the right hand is placed. It is necessary to operate the lever, and there is concern about whether or not the main body can be securely gripped, and the operability deteriorates when shooting with the camera oriented in the vertical orientation.

Other imaging devices include a camera body, a lens barrel provided on the front side of the body, a release button provided on the top of the body, and a mode dial switch for switching a shooting mode provided on the top of the body. A digital camera provided with an image display unit (TFT, LCD) or the like provided on the rear side of the main body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
In this camera, when the photographer grasps the main body of the camera, it is necessary to operate the mode dial switch with the thumb of the right hand while grasping the main body with the left hand. In the case of shooting with the camera oriented vertically, the operability deteriorates.

In addition, other imaging devices include a camera body (camera housing), a lens barrel provided on the front side of the body, a release button provided on the top of the body, provided on the top of the body and around the release button. The zoom lever, the mode dial that switches the shooting mode near the release button at the top of the main unit, and the shooting conditions (shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, exposure value, aperture value, white balance) that are provided around the lens barrel In addition, there is known a digital camera including an operation ring capable of setting a zoom position, a liquid crystal display panel provided on the rear side of the main body, and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
In this camera, the operation ring is composed of a plurality of ring members and is formed so as to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in increments of 10 degrees, and a recess for obtaining a click feeling in increments of 10 degrees. In addition, a steel ball that fits into the recess is provided, and a photo reflector for detecting the rotational position of the operation ring is provided.
Therefore, the structure is complicated, and a rotation operation in increments of 10 degrees is necessary to set a desired photographing condition, and therefore the setting operation is troublesome.

JP 2007-25113 A JP 2004-77949 A JP2013-61602A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its object is to simplify the structure and reduce the cost, regardless of the direction of the imaging device (landscape orientation, portrait orientation). An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus having a shooting mode switching mechanism that can securely hold a main body, has excellent operability, and can ensure a high-class feeling even in an image pickup apparatus such as an instant camera.

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus including a main body, a lens barrel that is provided in the main body and holds a lens, and a shooting mode switching mechanism for switching shooting modes. Is a mode switching operation ring that is arranged around the lens barrel and can be reciprocated within a predetermined angular range around a predetermined rest position and is automatically returned to the rest position, and a mode switching operation ring. And a switch lever that emits a trigger signal for continuously switching the photographing mode in conjunction with a rotation operation in one direction or the other direction.
According to this configuration, since the shooting mode switching mechanism includes the mode switching operation ring disposed around the lens barrel and the switch lever linked to the mode switching operation ring, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced. However, the operator holds the mode switching operation ring by rotating the mode switching operation ring in one direction or the other direction by a predetermined angle in a posture in which the main body is oriented in either the horizontal direction or the vertical direction in a posture to capture the main body. Then, a shooting mode (for example, a short-distance shooting mode (pause position when the power is turned on) by turning in one direction) → Kids shooting mode → Party shooting mode → Macro shooting mode → Bulb shooting mode → Multiplexing by the switch lever trigger signal Exposure mode → Far-distance mode → Short-distance mode (pause position when the power is turned on) / Rotating in the other direction, close-up mode (power-on) Pause position) → long-distance shooting mode → multiple exposure shooting mode → bulb shooting mode → macro shooting mode → party shooting mode → kids shooting mode → short-distance shooting mode (pause position when the power is turned on)) When the desired shooting mode is reached, the desired shooting mode can be easily set by simply releasing the mode switching operation ring and automatically returning to the rest position.
In this way, regardless of the orientation of the main body, hold the main body (for example, hold the main body with the left hand and right hand, and rotate the mode switching operation ring with the left thumb and forefinger, etc.) while maintaining the shooting posture, Since switching (selection) of shooting modes is possible, even in an imaging apparatus (camera) that does not include a camera shake correction mechanism or the like, shooting operations can be performed quickly after setting the shooting mode while reducing camera shake. In addition, the mode switching operation ring can quickly change the shooting mode in either one direction or the other, so the mode switching operation ring can be rotated in the reverse direction even if the desired shooting mode is exceeded. By doing so, it is possible to quickly return to a desired shooting mode. Further, since the mode switching operation ring is arranged around the lens barrel, a high-class feeling similar to the zooming operation ring can be provided even in an instant camera or the like.

In the above configuration, the photographing mode switching mechanism is provided in the mode switching operation ring and is provided in a swingable manner in the main body and a substantially V-shaped cam portion formed so that the valley portion thereof corresponds to the rest position. A configuration including an engagement arm having an engagement portion that engages with the cam portion and a biasing member that biases the engagement portion toward the cam portion can be employed.
According to this configuration, in the normal rest state, the mode switching operation ring is engaged with the engagement portion of the engagement arm being urged by the urging member with respect to the valley portion of the substantially V-shaped cam portion. The mode switching operation ring is rotated by a predetermined angle in one direction against the biasing force of the biasing member and maintained at a pause position, thereby continuously switching the shooting mode and performing desired shooting. The mode can be selected.On the other hand, by rotating the mode switching operation ring by a predetermined angle in the other direction and maintaining it, the shooting mode can be continuously switched in the reverse direction to select the desired shooting mode. When the desired shooting mode is selected, the operator switches the hand so that the urging force of the urging member shifts the engagement arm to the valley of the cam part. Can be restored.

In the above configuration, the cam portion includes a first cam portion having a predetermined inclination angle with a valley portion corresponding to the rest position as a center, and a second cam portion having a gentler inclination angle than the first cam portion. The engagement arm can employ a configuration having a swing fulcrum on the first cam portion side with respect to the trough portion.
According to this configuration, the swing fulcrum of the engagement arm is temporarily in a state where the cam portion forms a line symmetry with respect to the valley portion (the first cam portion and the second cam portion have the same inclination angle). When the operator turns the mode switching operation ring, the load (torque) of the force received by the operator differs in one direction (forward rotation) and the other direction (reverse rotation). However, by making the inclination angle of the second cam portion gentler than the inclination angle of the first cam portion on the side where the swinging fulcrum of the engagement arm is located, it is possible to move in one direction and the other direction. The difference in load (torque) of the force received by the operator due to the rotation is reduced, and the operator can smoothly operate the mode switching operation ring without a sense of incongruity. The return force is also applied when the engaging portion of the engaging arm urged by the urging member pushes the cam portion to automatically return the mode switching operation ring from the rotation end side in one direction or the other direction to the rest position. Thus, a smooth return operation can be obtained.

In the above configuration, the cam portion may employ a configuration in which the engaging portion of the engaging arm has a bending portion whose inclination angle changes in the vicinity of the moving end where the engaging portion moves in one direction and the other direction from the valley portion. .
According to this configuration, when the operator rotates the mode switching operation ring to one side and the other side and the engaging portion of the engaging arm reaches the inflection portion, the operator is transmitted as a click feeling, so the mode switching The vicinity of the rotation end of the operation ring (the rotation end is regulated by a separate stopper) can be easily recognized.

In the above configuration, the main body includes a front cover having a cylindrical portion that accommodates the lens barrel inside, the front cover includes a base ring that is detachably fixed inside the cylindrical portion, and the mode switching operation ring includes: It is possible to employ a configuration in which the annular gripping portion is exposed to the outside and is fitted between the cylindrical portion and the base ring so as to be freely reciprocated within a predetermined angular range.
According to this configuration, the base ring is attached to the cylindrical portion of the front cover, and the mode switching operation ring is fitted between the cylindrical portion and the base ring (for example, by bayonet coupling), thereby simplifying the structure. It can be assembled easily while achieving cost reduction.

  According to the imaging apparatus having the above configuration, the main body can be securely gripped regardless of the direction of the imaging apparatus (horizontal orientation, vertical orientation) while simplifying the structure, reducing costs, etc., and has excellent operability. In addition, an imaging apparatus having a shooting mode switching mechanism that can ensure a high-class feeling can be obtained even in an imaging apparatus such as an instant camera.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the imaging device (instant camera) concerning the present invention from the front side. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the imaging device (instant camera) concerning the present invention from the back side. FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining a lens barrel extending operation in the imaging apparatus (instant camera) according to the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the imaging device (instant camera) which concerns on this invention. In an imaging apparatus (instant camera) according to the present invention, a front cover and a base ring, a mode switching operation ring, an engagement arm, and a biasing member that have a cylindrical portion that forms a part of a main body and accommodates a lens barrel inside are held. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the holder member etc. which do. In the imaging device (instant camera) according to the present invention, a mode switching operation ring, an engagement arm, and a front cover (and a base ring) having a cylindrical portion that forms a part of a main body and accommodates a lens barrel inside. It is the perspective view which looked at the state where the holder member etc. which hold an energizing member were assembled from the back side. In the imaging device (instant camera) which concerns on this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the base ring assembled | attached to the front side cover which makes a part of main body. It is a perspective view which shows the mode switching operation ring which makes a part of imaging device (instant camera) which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an engagement arm, a biasing member, an engagement arm, and a holder member that holds the biasing member that form part of the imaging apparatus (instant camera) according to the present invention. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the state which assembled | attached the engagement arm and urging | biasing member shown in FIG. 9 to the holder member. 1 illustrates a mode switching operation ring, a switch lever, and the like that form a part of an imaging apparatus (instant camera) according to the present invention, and (a) illustrates an interlocking (engagement) relationship between the mode switching operation ring and the switch lever. FIG. 4B is a partial perspective view, FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the switch lever, and FIG. 5C is a partial circuit diagram including the switch lever. It is a schematic diagram which shows the imaging | photography mode in the imaging device (instant camera) which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a cam portion of a mode switching operation ring forming a part of an imaging apparatus (instant camera) according to the present invention, and (a) shows a positional relationship between the cam portion and an engagement arm. FIG. 4B is a partial view showing the cam portion. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect of other embodiment shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the operation | movement in embodiment shown in FIG. 13, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the state in which the engaging part of an engaging arm is located in the trough part (rest position) of a cam part, (b) is. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the mode switching operation ring rotates in one direction and the engagement portion of the engagement arm moves to the first cam portion side, and FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the engaging part of the joint arm moved to the 2nd cam part side.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The imaging apparatus according to this embodiment is an instant camera loaded with a film for instant photography. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a cover main body 10 (as a main body) defining an outer contour, and the cover main body 10. A base body 20 (as a main body) housed inside the lens body, a lens barrel 30 that is provided in the base body 20 and performs a drawing and retraction operation in the optical axis L direction, and a first provided on the front side of the cover body 10 Release button RB1, main switch SW arranged around first release button RB1, second release button RB2 provided on the side of cover body 10, and provided from the rear side to the front side of cover body 10. The finder FD, the strobe SB disposed on the front side of the cover body 10 adjacent to the finder FD, and the rear side of the cover body 10 The display unit EP provided, the mode switch MS provided on the rear side of the cover body 10 for switching the photographing mode, the cam part 43 having a substantially V-shape and provided around the lens barrel 30 on the front side of the cover body 10. A mode switching operation ring 40 having a switch lever 50 (mounted on a circuit board 90 fixed to the base body 20) and interlocking with the mode switching operation ring 40, a holder member 60 provided inside the cover body 10, and a holder An engagement arm 70 that is held by the member 60 and engages with the cam portion 43 of the mode switching operation ring 40, and an engagement portion 71 of the engagement arm 70 that is held by the holder member 60 is biased toward the cam portion 43. The biasing member 80, the circuit board 90 provided in the base body 20, and a control circuit (not shown) provided on the circuit board 90 and including a control unit that performs various controls are provided.

The main switch SW is used to turn on / off the power, and is arranged in a ring around the first release button RB1, as shown in FIG. 1, and turns on / off the power by a predetermined angle of rotation. It is supposed to turn off.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first release button RB <b> 1 is arranged to be operated with the index finger or the like of the right hand when taking an image with the instant camera in the vertical orientation, which is a normal shooting posture.
The second release button RB2 is arranged to be operated with the index finger or the like of the right hand when taking an image of the instant camera shown in FIG. 1 sideways (position with the side cover 13 facing upward). is there.
The viewfinder FD is formed so that an operator peeks when determining an image frame for shooting.
The strobe SB is controlled to emit a predetermined amount of light when it is determined that light emission is necessary according to the shooting mode and the shooting environment of the subject. When set to, control is performed so as to follow the instruction.
As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit EP is provided on the rear side of the cover body 10 (the open / close door 12a of the rear cover 12), and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like. The selected shooting mode, other shooting conditions, and the like are displayed.
As shown in FIG. 2, the mode switch MS is provided on the rear side of the cover body 10 (the open / close door 12 a of the rear cover 12). When the mode switch MS is pressed once, the shooting mode switching operation is performed by the mode switching operation ring 40. , And then press and hold to select more shooting modes including the multiple shooting modes shown in FIG. 12 and other shooting modes (for example, light shooting mode, high key shooting mode, darkon shooting mode, etc.). It can be done.
Here, the mode switch MS (first shooting mode) is constituted by the first shooting mode switching mechanism including the mode switch MS, the mode switching operation ring 40, the switch lever 50, the engagement arm 70, the biasing member 80, and the like. A second shooting mode switching mechanism for switching the shooting mode is provided separately from the switching mechanism).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cover body 10 includes a front cover 11, a rear cover 12 having an opening / closing door 12a, a side cover 13, a side cover 14, an upper cover 15, and the like. It is formed so as to be detachably coupled to the base body 20.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6, the front cover 11 includes a cylindrical portion 11 a and a holder member 60 that accommodate a lens barrel 30 provided in the base body 20 so that the lens barrel 30 can be extended and retracted. A fixing portion 11b to be fixed, a base ring 16 and the like fixed detachably with a predetermined gap inside the cylindrical portion 11a are provided.

The cylindrical portion 11 a is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the optical axis L of the lens held in the lens barrel 30, and its outer peripheral surface has substantially the same diameter as the outer peripheral surface of the annular gripping portion 41 of the mode switching operation ring 40. It is formed to make.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rear cover 12 includes an open / close door 12 a that is openably and closably connected.
The opening / closing door 12a is provided with a display unit EP and a mode switch MS (and other operation switches).
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the side cover 13 is formed so as to define not only the side wall surface but also part of the front and rear wall surfaces, and the first release button RB1. Mounting part 13a for attaching the second release button RB2, an opening window 13c for exposing the finder FD, and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the side cover 14 is formed so as to define a side wall surface, and the operator can easily use the palm of the left hand with the instant camera in a vertical orientation. You can grab it.
The upper cover 15 is formed so as to define an instant film outlet 15 a of the base body 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the base ring 16 is inserted from the back side of the front cover 11 to the inside of the cylindrical portion 11 a with a predetermined gap and is detachably fixed by screws or the like. A plurality of attachment portions 16a for attaching to the front cover 11 with screws B, a cylindrical portion 16b for rotatably supporting the mode switching operation ring 40, and a mode switching operation ring 40 on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 16b. A plurality of (here, three) convex portions 16c for fitting by bayonet coupling, a stopper 16d for restricting one rotation end of the mode switching operation ring 40, and the like are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base body 20 is formed so as to hold the lens barrel 30, the circuit board 90, various electronic parts necessary for photographing, and the instant film is loaded and discharged. It is made possible.
As shown in FIG. 3, the lens barrel 30 holds a lens and can be extended and retracted in the optical axis L direction of the lens (a first barrel 31, a second barrel 32, a third mirror). A cylinder 33), a driving mechanism for driving a plurality of lens barrels in the direction of the optical axis L, a barrier mechanism for opening and closing the front of the lens, a shutter mechanism for performing a shutter operation for photographing, and a diaphragm operation for photographing. An aperture mechanism is provided.
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the lens barrel 30 extends from the retracted position P0 when the power of the instant camera is off to the short-distance shooting position (shooting standby position) P1 when the power is turned on. By switching the mode, the long-distance shooting position P2 slightly retracted, the macro shooting position P3 most extended, and the like are appropriately extended and retracted.
In FIG. 3, only the first lens barrel 31 is indicated by a two-dot chain line at the short-distance shooting position P1 and the macro shooting position P3, but the second and third lens barrels 32 and 33 are also the first mirror. These are moved as appropriate in conjunction with the cylinder 31, and their moving states are omitted here for convenience.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8, the mode switching operation ring 40 is formed in a substantially annular shape, and includes an annular gripping portion 41 and a base ring 16 for gripping by an operator. A plurality of (in this case, three) recesses 42 for engaging the bayonet coupling with each other, a substantially V-shaped cam portion 43 with which the engagement portion 71 of the engagement arm 70 is engaged, and a switch lever An interlocking recess 44 and the like for receiving 50 and interlocking are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the annular gripping portion 41 is formed so as to have substantially the same diameter as the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 a of the front cover 11 and to rotate while being in contact with the front end portion of the cylindrical portion 11 a. ing.
As shown in FIG. 8, the recess 42 is formed to have a predetermined length in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface, and is cut out (opened) by extending rearward in the optical axis L direction. It is formed to receive the convex portion 16c.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cam portion 43 is configured to perform a mode switching operation around the valley portion 43 a and the valley portion 43 with which the engagement portion 71 of the engagement arm 70 is engaged when the mode switching operation ring 40 is located at the rest position. When rotating the ring 40 in one direction, the engaging portion 71 is engaged when the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated in the other direction around the first cam portion 43b and the valley portion 43 that move while the engaging portion 71 is engaged. Inflections formed near the end side of the second cam portion 43c and the first cam portion 43b that move while moving together (near the moving end where the engagement portion 71 of the engagement arm 70 moves in one direction from the valley portion 43a). Portion 43b ′, inflection portion 43c ′ formed near the end of second cam portion 43c (near the moving end where engagement portion 71 of engagement arm 70 moves in the other direction from valley portion 43a), base ring 16 43d of abutting portions that abut against the stopper 16d of the holder member 6 A contact portion 43e that contacts the 0 stopper 64 is provided.
The first cam portion 43b and the second cam portion 43c are formed so as to be symmetrical with respect to the center line CL passing through the valley portion 43a, that is, to have the same inclination angle.
The inflection parts 43b ′ and 43c ′ are formed so that the inclination angle changes in the first cam part 43b and the second cam part 43c, and the operator moves the mode switching operation ring 40 in one direction and the other direction. When the engaging portion 71 reaches or passes through this area, it is transmitted to the operator as a click feeling. Therefore, in the vicinity of the rotation end of the mode switching operation ring 40 (the rotation end is regulated by separate stoppers 16d and 64). Can be easily recognized.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11A, the interlocking recess 44 is formed to extend in a direction parallel to the optical axis L and define inner walls 44a and 44b to receive the switch lever 50. When the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated in one direction, the inner wall 44a abuts on the switch lever 50, and the switch lever 50 is tilted in one direction so that the mode switching operation ring 40 is moved in the other direction. The inner wall 44b abuts on the switch lever 50 when the switch lever 50 is rotated, and the switch lever 50 is interlocked so as to fall in the other direction.

  Here, the mode switching operation ring 40 is fitted between the cylindrical portion 11a of the front cover 11 forming a part of the cover body 10 and the base ring 16 with the annular gripping portion 41 exposed to the outside. Since the angle range is configured to be reciprocally movable, after attaching the base ring 16 to the front cover 11, the mode switching operation ring 40 is fitted between the cylindrical portion 11 a and the base ring 16 to connect the bayonet. After that, by fixing a holder member 60, which will be described later, to the fixing portion 11b of the front cover 11, it is possible to rotate the predetermined angle range and not fall off while achieving simplification of the structure and cost reduction. Further, the mode switching operation ring 40 can be easily assembled.

6 and 11A, 11B, and 11C, the switch lever 50 is mounted on the circuit board 90 that is fixed to the base body 20, and the interlocking recess of the mode switching operation ring 40. 44 is inserted. 6 and 11A, the circuit board 90 is shown separated from the base body 20 for convenience of explanation.
The switch lever 50 rotates the mode switching operation ring 40 when the mode switching operation ring 40 is located at the rest position (when the engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 is located at the valley portion 43a of the cam portion 43). When the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated in one direction at the center position of the interlocking recess 44 in the direction (when the engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 is positioned at the first cam portion 43b). When a trigger signal is generated that is pushed by the inner wall 44a of the interlocking recess 44 and falls in one direction and continuously switches the photographing mode in the forward direction, and the mode switching operation ring 40 returns to the original rest position, the inner wall 44a When the mode switch operation ring 40 is rotated in the other direction (automatic return (upright return)) by returning and returning to the center position of the interlocking recess 44 to stop the transmission of the trigger signal. When the portion 71 is positioned on the second cam portion 43c), a trigger signal is generated which is pushed by the inner wall 44b of the interlocking recess 44 and falls in the other direction and continuously switches the photographing mode in the reverse direction. When it returns to the original rest position, it automatically returns (upright return) by detachment of the inner wall 44b, returns to the center position of the interlocking recess 44, and stops the trigger signal transmission.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10 (a) and 10 (b), the holder member 60 includes a flange portion 61 fixed to the front cover 11 (fixed portion 11 b of the front cover 11) with screws or the like, and a connecting portion of the engaging arm 70 (connecting portion). 72), a support shaft 62 that swingably supports, a latch portion 63 that latches one end portion 82 of the biasing member 80, a stopper 64 that restricts the rotation end of the mode switching operation ring 40 in the other direction, and engagement. A restriction wall 65 for restricting the rotation range of the arm 70 is provided.
Then, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the holder member 60 is incorporated and held so that the engaging arm 70 can swing, and the biasing member 80 holds the engaging portion 71 in the cam portion. After the mode switching operation ring 40 is assembled in a state where it is assembled and held so as to be biased toward 43, it is fixed to the fixing portion 11b of the front cover 11 with screws.
In addition, the holder member 60 is configured so that the convex portion 16c is prevented from dropping from the concave portion 42 via the stopper 64 after the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotatably assembled to the base ring 16 by bayonet coupling. Is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10 (a) and 10 (b), the engagement arm 70 includes a cam portion 43 (valley portion 43 a, first cam portion 43 b, second cam portion) of the mode switching operation ring 40. 43c) is engaged with a roller-shaped engaging portion 71, a cylindrical connecting portion 72 that is swingably connected to the support shaft 62 of the holder member 60, and a hook for engaging the other end 83 of the biasing member 80. The stop part 73, the protrusion part 74 etc. which contact | abut to the control wall 65 of the holder member 60, and control rotation more than predetermined while resisting the urging | biasing force of the urging | biasing member 80 are provided.
The engaging arm 70 is held by the holder member 60 so that the connecting portion 72 is fitted into the support shaft 62 and can be swung freely.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A, the urging member 80 is a torsion spring and includes a coil portion 81, one end portion 82, and the other end portion 83.
In the urging member 80, the coil portion 81 is fitted around the coupling portion 72 of the engaging arm 70, the one end portion 82 is hooked on the hooking portion 63 of the holder member 60, and the other end portion 83 is engaged. It is latched by the latching portion 73 of the arm 70 and held by the holder member 60, and the engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 is connected to the cam portion 43 (the valley portion 43a, the first cam portion 43b, the first cam portion 43) of the mode switching operation ring 40. The urging force is exerted so that the two cam portions 43c) are always engaged.
That is, when the operator releases his / her hand from the mode switching operation ring 40 due to the engagement relationship (cam action) between the engaging portion 71 and the cam portion 43 urged by the urging member 80, the mode switching operation ring 40 is stopped. It automatically returns to the position (position where the engaging portion 71 engages with the valley portion 43a of the cam portion 43).
Here, by incorporating the engaging arm 70 and the urging member 80 with respect to the holder member 60, the engaging arm 70 is rotationally urged by the urging force of the urging member 80, and the projecting portion 74 contacts the restriction wall 65. Since it is modularized in a state where the rotation more than a predetermined value is in contact with the module and the modular holder member 60 is fixed to the front cover 11, the assembling work can be performed easily and smoothly.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit board 90 is fixed to the base body 20, and is mounted with a switch including the switch lever 50, a control circuit including a control unit for controlling various controls, and other electronic components. ing.
The control unit emits a control signal and the like for controlling the extension and retraction operation of the lens barrel 30 based on the trigger signal generated by the switch lever 50. For example, as shown in FIG. By moving in one direction (rotating in one direction of the mode switching operation ring 40), the shooting mode is changed to the short-distance shooting mode WM corresponding to the rest position WM → kids shooting mode KM → party shooting mode PM → macro shooting mode MM. → Bulb shooting mode BM →→ Multi-exposure shooting mode DM → Long-distance shooting mode TM → Short-range shooting mode WM A control signal for continuously switching the forward direction in an endless manner is issued, and the switch lever 50 is moved in the other direction. Is moved (rotation in the other direction of the mode switching operation ring 40), and the shooting mode is changed to the short-distance shooting mode WM corresponding to the rest position → Control signal for continuously switching in the reverse direction endlessly from the distance shooting mode TM → multiple exposure shooting mode DM → bulb shooting mode BM → macro shooting mode MM → party shooting mode PM → kids shooting mode KM → short distance shooting mode WM Is coming out.

Next, a photographing operation in the instant camera having the above configuration will be described.
First, when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 3, the lens barrel 30 is extended from the retracted position P0 to the short-distance photographing position (photographing standby position), and the mode switching operation ring 40 is in the rest position (engagement of the engaging arm 70). The joint portion 71 is positioned at a position where the joint portion 71 engages with the valley portion 73 a of the cam portion 43.
Then, by pressing the mode switch MS once before the release operation, it is possible to perform the shooting mode switching operation by the mode switching operation ring 40.
Here, when setting the shooting mode using the first shooting mode switching mechanism (mode switch MS), hold down the mode switch MS with the thumb of the right hand while holding the main body (cover main body 10) with both hands. Thus, the shooting modes are sequentially switched sequentially, and a desired shooting mode can be selected.
On the other hand, when setting the shooting mode using the second shooting mode switching mechanism (mode switching operation ring 40), for example, the mode switching operation ring with the thumb and forefinger of the left hand while holding the main body (cover body 10) with both hands. Forty annular gripping portions 41 are gripped and rotated in one direction or the other direction by a predetermined angle until a click feeling is obtained. Even if the position where the click feeling is obtained is slightly rotated, the contact portions 43d and 43e of the cam portion 43 abut against the stoppers 16d and 64, and the mode switching operation ring 40 does not rotate further. Be regulated.

Here, when the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated and held in one direction, the inner wall 44a of the interlocking recess 44 provided in the mode switching operation ring 40 pushes the switch lever 50 so that the switch lever 50 is interlocked. A trigger signal for continuously switching the mode in the forward direction is issued, and the shooting mode corresponds to the rest position. WM → Kids shooting mode KM → Party shooting mode PM → Macro shooting mode MM → Bulb shooting mode BM → Multiplex The exposure shooting mode DM, the long-distance shooting mode TM, and the short-distance shooting mode WM are continuously switched endlessly.
Therefore, the operator confirms the display unit EP, and when the desired shooting mode is reached, the operator releases the mode switching operation ring 40 to set the desired shooting mode.
At this time, the mode switching operation ring 40 is brought into a rest position (a position where the engaging portion 71 engages with the valley portion 43a) due to the urging force of the urging member 80 and the engaging relationship between the engaging arm 70 and the cam portion 43. In addition to the automatic return, the switch lever 50 also automatically returns to the upright position located in the center of the interlocking recess 44 and stops transmitting the trigger signal.

On the other hand, when the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated and held in the other direction, the inner wall 44b of the interlocking recess 44 provided in the mode switching operation ring 40 pushes the switch lever 50 so that the switch lever 50 is interlocked. A trigger signal for continuously switching in the reverse direction is issued, and the shooting mode is a short-distance shooting mode WM corresponding to the rest position → long-distance shooting mode TM → multi-exposure shooting mode DM → bulb shooting mode BM → macro shooting mode MM → The party shooting mode PM → kids shooting mode KM → short-distance shooting mode WM is continuously switched endlessly.
Therefore, the operator confirms the display unit EP, and when the desired shooting mode is reached, the operator releases the mode switching operation ring 40 to set the desired shooting mode.
At this time, the mode switching operation ring 40 is in the rest position (the engaging portion 71 is engaged with the valley portion 43a) by the urging force of the urging member 80 and the engaging relationship between the engaging arm 70 and the cam portion 43 as described above. The switch lever 50 automatically returns to the upright position located at the center of the interlocking recess 44, and the transmission of the trigger signal is stopped.

  When the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated in one direction or the other direction to switch the shooting mode and the desired shooting mode is exceeded, the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated in the reverse direction (in one direction). If it has been rotated, it can be quickly returned to the desired shooting mode by rotating in the other direction, or in one direction if it has been rotated in the other direction.

  According to the instant camera having the above configuration, the second shooting mode switching mechanism includes the mode switching operation ring 40 disposed around the lens barrel 30 and the switch lever 50 interlocked with the mode switching operation ring 40. While achieving the simplification of the structure, cost reduction, etc., the operator can grab the main body (cover main body 10) and photograph it with the main body (cover main body 10) oriented in either the horizontal or vertical orientation. In this position, the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated by a predetermined angle in one direction or the other direction and held, and when the desired shooting mode is reached, the mode switching operation ring 40 is simply released from the mode switching operation ring 40 and automatically returned to the rest position. Thus, the desired shooting mode can be easily set.

That is, regardless of the orientation of the main body, the photographing posture is taken by grasping the main body (cover main body 10) (for example, holding the main body with the left hand and the right hand and turning the mode switching operation ring 40 with the left thumb and the index finger). Since it is possible to switch (select) the shooting mode while maintaining it, it is possible to quickly perform the shooting operation after setting the shooting mode while reducing camera shake even in an imaging device (camera) that does not include a camera shake correction mechanism or the like. it can.
Further, since the mode switching operation ring 40 can quickly perform the switching operation of the shooting mode in any one of the rotational directions, the mode switching operation ring 40 can be reversed even if the desired shooting mode is exceeded. By rotating in the direction, it is possible to quickly return to a desired shooting mode. Further, since the mode switching operation ring 40 is arranged around the lens barrel 30, even in an instant camera or the like, a high-class feeling similar to a zooming operation ring can be brought about.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show another embodiment of the cam portion included in the second shooting mode switching mechanism of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, and have the same configuration as the above-described embodiment. Are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), the cam portion 143 is a valley where the engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 engages when the mode switching operation ring 40 is located at the rest position. When the mode switching operation ring 40 is rotated in one direction around the part 143a and the valley part 143, the mode switching operation ring 40 is moved around the first cam part 143b and the valley part 143 that move while the engagement part 71 is engaged. The second cam portion 143c that moves while the engaging portion 71 is engaged when rotating in the other direction, closer to the end side of the first cam portion 143b (the engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 is moved in one direction from the valley portion 43a). Near the terminal end side of the inflection portion 143b ′ and the second cam portion 143c formed in the vicinity of the moving end that moves (near the moving end in which the engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 moves in the other direction from the valley portion 143a). The formed inflection part 143c ′ and the base A contact portion 143d that contacts the stopper 16d of the ring 16 and a contact portion 143e that contacts the stopper 64 of the holder member 60 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the first cam portion 143b and the second cam portion 143c are in a state in which the swing fulcrum C of the engagement arm 70 is located on the first cam portion 143b side with respect to the valley portion 143a. , Asymmetric with respect to the center line CL passing through the valley portion 143a, that is, the first cam portion 143b has a predetermined inclination angle α, and the second cam portion 143c is more than the first cam portion 143b (its inclination angle α). It is formed so as to form a gentle inclination angle β (β> α).

14A and 14B show the operational effects when the inclination angle β of the second cam portion 143c is formed more gently (β> α) than the inclination angle α of the first cam portion 143b. The description will be made with reference to FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C.
Similar to the above-described embodiment, the cam portion 43 provided in the mode switching operation ring 40 has a line-symmetric form with respect to the valley portion 43a (the inclination angles of the first cam portion 43b and the second cam portion 43c are the same). When the swinging fulcrum C of the engagement arm 70 is biased to one side in the state of FIG. 14A, the engagement portion 71 receives the urging force of the urging member 80 as shown in FIG. When engaged with the cam portion 43b, a vector F is generated in the same direction as the direction in which the mode switching operation ring 40 is returned to the rest position (arrow direction). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. When 71 is engaged with the second cam portion 43c while receiving the urging force of the urging member 80, a vector F is generated in the direction opposite to the direction (arrow direction) for returning the mode switching operation ring 40 to the rest position.
In other words, when the operator rotates the mode switching operation ring 40, when rotating leftward (one direction) as shown in FIG. 14 (a), rightward (others) as shown in FIG. 14 (b). It requires a larger operating force than when rotating in the direction).

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the inclination angle α of the first cam portion 143b with respect to the center line CL is made steeper than the inclination angle β of the second cam portion 143c (α <β). That is, by making the inclination angle of the second cam portion 143c relatively gentle compared to the inclination angle of the first cam portion 143b, the load (torque) of the force received by the operator by rotation in one direction and the other direction. Thus, the operator can move the mode switching operation ring 40 from the rest position shown in FIG. 15 (a) to one direction shown in FIG. 15 (b) or the other direction shown in FIG. 15 (c). The engaging portion 71 of the engaging arm 70 biased by the biasing member 80 pushes the cam portion 143 so that the mode switching operation ring 40 can be rotated in one direction or the other direction. The difference in return force is also present when automatically returning to the rest position from Gensa is, it is possible to obtain a smooth return operation.

Further, the inflection parts 143b ′ and 143c ′ are formed so as to have a gentler inclination angle than the inclination angles of the corresponding first cam part 143b and second cam part 143c, that is, the inclination angle changes. ing.
Accordingly, when the operator rotates the mode switching operation ring 40 in one direction and the other direction and the engaging portion 71 reaches or passes through this region, the mode switching operation ring 40 is transmitted to the operator as a click feeling. The vicinity of the rotation end of 40 (the rotation end is regulated by separate stoppers 16d and 64) can be easily recognized, and the inflection parts 143b 'and 143c' are linearly changed by changing the inclination angle. Since it is formed, a smooth operation can be obtained while ensuring a click feeling.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the substantially V-shaped cam portions 43 and 143, the engagement arm 70, and the urging member 80 is shown as the second shooting mode switching mechanism. Other configurations are adopted as long as they are arranged around the lens barrel 30 and can be reciprocated within a predetermined angular range centered on a predetermined rest position and can be automatically returned to the rest position. Also good.
In the said embodiment, although the case where the mode switching operation ring 40 employ | adopted the structure which is engage | inserted between the cylindrical part 11a of the front cover 11 and the base ring 16, and was rotatably supported was shown, it is limited to this. Instead, other configurations may be adopted as long as the mode switching operation ring supports the predetermined angular range in a reciprocating manner around the lens barrel.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention can reliably hold the main body regardless of the direction of the imaging apparatus (horizontal orientation, vertical orientation) while achieving simplification of the structure, cost reduction, and the like. Since it is excellent in operability and can provide a high-class feeling, it is useful not only as an imaging device such as an instant camera but also as an imaging device mounted on other cameras, optical devices, and the like.

10 Cover body (main body)
11 Front cover (main body)
11a Cylindrical part 12 Rear cover (main body)
13, 14 Side cover (main body)
15 Upper cover (main body)
16 Base ring 16b Cylindrical portion 20 Base body (main body)
30 Lens barrel L Optical axis 40 Mode switching operation ring (shooting mode switching mechanism)
41 Annular gripping part 43 Cam part (shooting mode switching mechanism)
43a Valley part 43b First cam part 43b 'Inflection part 43c Second cam part 43c' Inflection part 43d, 43e Abutting part 44 Interlocking recesses 44a, 44b Inner side wall 50 Switch lever (shooting mode switching mechanism)
60 Holder member 70 Engaging arm (shooting mode switching mechanism)
C Swing fulcrum 71 Engagement portion 80 Energizing member (shooting mode switching mechanism)
90 Circuit board 143 Cam part (shooting mode switching mechanism)
143a Valley portion 143b First cam portion 143b 'Inflection portion 143c Second cam portion 143c' Inflection portions 143d, 143e Abutting portion

Claims (5)

An imaging apparatus comprising a main body, a lens barrel that is provided in the main body and holds a lens, and a shooting mode switching mechanism for switching a shooting mode,
The photographing mode switching mechanism is arranged around the lens barrel and is configured to be capable of reciprocating a predetermined angular range around a predetermined rest position and configured to automatically return to the rest position. And a switch lever that emits a trigger signal for continuously switching the shooting mode in conjunction with a rotation operation in one direction or the other direction of the mode switching operation ring,
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The photographing mode switching mechanism is provided in the mode switching operation ring, and is provided in a substantially V-shaped cam portion formed so that a valley portion thereof corresponds to the rest position, and swingable on the main body. An engagement arm having an engagement portion that engages with the cam portion; and an urging member that urges the engagement portion toward the cam portion.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The cam part has a first cam part having a predetermined inclination angle around a valley part corresponding to the rest position, and a second cam part having a gentler inclination angle than the first cam part,
The engagement arm has a swing fulcrum on the first cam portion side with respect to the valley portion.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The cam portion has an inflection portion whose inclination angle changes in the vicinity of a moving end where the engagement portion of the engagement arm moves in one direction and the other direction from the valley portion.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The main body includes a front cover having a cylindrical portion that houses the lens barrel inside,
The front cover includes a base ring that is detachably fixed inside the cylindrical portion,
The mode switching operation ring is fitted between the cylindrical portion and the base ring so that the annular gripping portion is exposed to the outside, and is attached so as to reciprocate within a predetermined angle range.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus.

Images