JP3019919B2 - Variable illumination angle flash device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an illumination angle variable flash device which can change an illumination angle of a light source with respect to an object to be irradiated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a subject is photographed by a photographing device such as a camera, an illumination angle variable strobe or the like, which can change an irradiation angle according to a photographing angle of view of a photographing lens to be used, for illumination of the subject. Variable-angle flash devices are often used. An example of a conventional flash device with variable irradiation angle is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-129326, and is located at a distance La from the reflector 16 on the optical axis K as shown in FIG. The flash tube 15, which is a light source, is changed according to the shooting angle of view of the shooting lens used.
As shown in FIG. 0 (b), by moving from the reflector 16 to a position at a distance Lb on the optical axis K,
It is known that the positional relationship between the light source 15 and the reflector 16 is changed to change the irradiation angle with respect to the subject.

[0003] Another example is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-2915.
No. 38, and as shown in FIG.
At the time of wide angle shooting for wide-angle shooting, the reflector 1 on the optical axis K
The light source 15 located at a distance La from the lens 6 and the Fresnel lens F located at the opening surface of the reflector 16 are placed on the optical axis K at a distance Lb from the reflector 16 on the optical axis K during telephoto shooting. The light source 15, the reflector 16 and the Fresnel lens F are moved by moving the Fresnel lens F to a position Lf from the opening surface of the reflector 16 respectively.
Is known in which the horizontal positional angle with respect to the subject is changed by changing the positional relationship with the subject.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional flash device with variable illumination angle has the following problems. In the case of the conventional example shown in FIG. 10, the positional relationship between the light source 15 and the reflector 16 on the optical axis K is represented by a distance La.
, The change in the illumination angle in the horizontal direction due to the change in the reflection condition is small, and the efficiency of using the flash light from the light source 15 cannot be said to be good.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), when a straight tube type light source is used as the light source 15 shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), generally θ1 '> θ1, θ1
2 ′> θ2, θ3 ′> θ3 (where θ1, θ2, θ3
Is the range of light reflected by the right side reflector 13 of the reflector 16 out of the light emitted from the left end, the center, and the right end of the light source 15, and θ1 ′, θ2 ′, and θ3 ′ are direct apertures, respectively. Indicates the range of light exiting from ), The light reflected by the left and right side reflectors 13 is reflected by the reflector 1
6 is considerably smaller than the light directly exiting from the opening of the light source 6, and even if the reflection condition is changed by the movement amount of the light source 15, the light source 1
The change of the irradiation angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of No. 5 becomes small. The fact that the change in the irradiation angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light source 15 is small means that the emitted light from the light source 15 cannot be sufficiently controlled in that direction. Has a problem that the flash light from the light source 15 cannot be used efficiently.

In the case of the conventional example shown in FIG. 11, one of the light source 15 and the reflector 16 is moved in a direction to shorten the distance between the light source 15 and the reflector 16 on the optical axis K, and the Fresnel Because the irradiation angle is changed by moving the lens F forward, the volume integral at least by the moving distance Lf of the Fresnel lens F becomes large, so that the entire apparatus is compared with the conventional example shown in FIG. There is a problem that it becomes large.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and by increasing the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction, it is possible to improve the efficiency of using light emitted from a light source. It is another object of the present invention to provide a flash device with a variable illumination angle that can reduce the overall shape of the device.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a variable-angle flash device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises:
A light source for emitting flash light and light source holding means for holding the light source,
A drive center plate having a substantially cross shape and side reflection means which are disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the drive center plate, rotate around respective arbitrary points as fulcrums, and change the longitudinal opening size of the light source. A umbrella comprising: a motor; a drive shaft for converting a rotational drive force of the motor into a linear drive force and outputting the linear drive force; and a light source holding unit and the drive center plate attached to the drive shaft for swinging. And a biasing means for biasing the light source holding means and the driving center plate, which have been moved in the irradiation direction by the driving means, to be always in contact with the swinging part of the driving means. It is composed.

As a result, the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction can be expanded, the utilization rate of the light source can be improved, and further, the effect that the size can be reduced as compared with the related art can be obtained.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to an object to be illuminated. In an irradiation angle variable flash device capable of changing an irradiation angle with respect to the irradiation object by reflected light from an umbrella, a side disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflection umbrella and reflecting the flash light from the light source in a horizontal direction. A light source and a reflecting umbrella, so that the distance on the optical axis thereof can be changed, and further, the side reflection means on both sides can change their opening angle. And an irradiation angle control unit for controlling a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to a horizontal irradiation angle required in the irradiation target. This is a flash device with variable illumination angle and emits flash light. A light source and a light source holding means for holding the light source, a drive center plate having a substantially cross shape, and disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the drive center plate. A reflective umbrella comprising side reflection means for varying the opening size in the longitudinal direction of the motor, a motor and a drive unit for converting a rotational drive force of the motor into a linear drive force and outputting the linear drive force, and being attached to the drive unit, A light source holding unit; and a driving unit for swinging the driving center plate. The driving unit further includes a light source holding unit and the driving center plate moved in the irradiation direction by the driving unit. And a biasing means for biasing the device so as to be always in a contact state.In addition to the variable irradiation angle in the vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction by moving the light source, Arrangement by variable irradiation angle in the horizontal direction By changing the opening angle of the side reflector by moving the side reflector attached to the side reflector on the side surface of the reflector, the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction can be appropriately changed. Has the effect of being able to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, wherein the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector are used. In an irradiation angle variable flash device capable of changing an irradiation angle with respect to an irradiation target, a side reflection unit is provided opposite to both side surfaces of a reflector, and reflects a flash light from the light source in a horizontal direction. The light source and the umbrella are configured so that their distance on the optical axis can be changed,
The side reflection means on both sides are configured so that their opening angles can be changed, and the distance between the light source and the reflector and the side reflection means according to the horizontal irradiation angle required in the irradiation target. An illumination angle variable flash device comprising an illumination angle control means for controlling a change with the opening angle, wherein the side reflection means are provided on both side ends of a substantially cross-shaped drive center plate and are connected by drive pins. And a drive shaft configured to convert the rotational driving force of the motor into a linear driving force and output the driving force. A cam attached to the drive shaft and attached to a drive means for swinging the light source holding means and the drive center plate causes a cam contact portion provided at one end of the drive center plate to light. Opening of the side reflection means by pressing in the axial direction And a biasing means for biasing the cam attached to the driving means and the cam contact portion provided on the driving center plate so as to always be in contact with each other. The illumination angle variable flash device is configured, wherein the aperture angle change and the movement of the light source use a moving mechanism in only one direction by the driving unit, and the return to the origin is performed by the urging unit. This eliminates the need for a simple mechanism, reduces the possibility of erroneous operation due to backlash or engagement of each mechanism, and has the effect that the overall shape can be made more compact.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, wherein the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector are used. In an irradiation angle variable flash device capable of changing an irradiation angle with respect to an irradiation target, a side reflection unit is provided opposite to both side surfaces of a reflector, and reflects a flash light from the light source in a horizontal direction. The light source and the umbrella are configured so that their distance on the optical axis can be changed,
The side reflection means on both sides are configured so that their opening angles can be changed, and the distance between the light source and the reflector and the side reflection means according to the horizontal irradiation angle required in the irradiation target. An illumination angle controllable flash device including an illumination angle control means for controlling a change with the opening angle of the light source, wherein the light source holding means linearly adjusts a rotational driving force of a motor by a cam receiving portion provided on the light source holding means. A drive shaft that converts the drive force into an output, and is attached to the drive shaft. The optical axis is pressed by a cam attached to the drive unit for swinging the light source holding unit and the drive center plate. An illumination angle, comprising a cam attached to the driving means and a biasing means for biasing the cam provided on the light source holding member to be always in a contact state. Construct variable flash device Are as hereinbefore, such an action by the cam drive system allows control of the high speed in a stable swing amount by the motor.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, wherein the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector are used. In an irradiation angle variable flash device capable of changing an irradiation angle with respect to an irradiation target, a side reflection unit is provided opposite to both side surfaces of a reflector, and reflects a flash light from the light source in a horizontal direction. The light source and the umbrella are configured so that their distance on the optical axis can be changed,
The side reflection means on both sides are configured so that their opening angles can be changed, and the distance between the light source and the reflector and the side reflection means according to the horizontal irradiation angle required in the irradiation target. An illumination angle variable flash device including an illumination angle control means for controlling a change in the opening angle of the light source, a light source for emitting a flash, a light source holding means for holding the light source, the opening size of the light source in the longitudinal direction. A variable side reflection means, a motor, a driving coaxial for converting a rotational driving force of the motor into a linear driving force and outputting the driving power, and a light source holding means and the side reflection means attached to the driving coaxial. The swinging groove that swings
Each of the drive center plates is provided with a substantially fan-shaped drive center plate provided at both ends, and when the drive center plate moves up and down with the rotation of the drive shaft, the light source holding members are provided for swinging the light sources provided at both ends of the drive center plate. The light source device further includes a biasing unit that swings back and forth with respect to the optical axis with the groove as an action point, and further biases the light source swinging groove so as to be always in contact with the light source swinging groove. Using the grooves for swinging the side reflection means provided at both ends of the plate as points of action, the pivotal movement is made about any point disposed opposite to both sides of the drive center plate as a fulcrum, and the longitudinal direction of the light source is This device constitutes an irradiation angle variable flash device provided with a means for changing the opening size of the aperture, and has an effect that a high-speed and stable control of the swing amount can be performed by a cam driving method using a motor.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, wherein the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector are used. In an irradiation angle variable flash device capable of changing an irradiation angle with respect to an irradiation target, a side reflection unit is provided opposite to both side surfaces of a reflector, and reflects a flash light from the light source in a horizontal direction. The light source and the umbrella are configured so that their distance on the optical axis can be changed,
The side reflection means on both sides are configured so that their opening angles can be changed, and the distance between the light source and the reflector and the side reflection means according to the horizontal irradiation angle required in the irradiation target. An illumination angle variable flash device including an illumination angle control means for controlling a change with the opening angle of the opening angle, wherein the side reflection means are provided in an inverted U shape on both side ends of a substantially fan-shaped drive center plate. A groove serving as a cam for swinging the lateral reflection means, and an action point slidably connected to the groove serving as a cam for swinging the drive center plate, and at both end portions of the drive center plate. Attached to a drive shaft that is configured to be rotatable around any point disposed opposite to the fulcrum and that converts the rotational drive force of the drive motor into a linear drive force and outputs the linear drive force,
An illumination angle variable flash device configured to vary the opening angle of the side reflection means according to the amount of movement of the drive center plate that moves up and down in accordance with the rotation direction of the drive motor. Control of the swing amount
Further, the provision of the sliding cams on both sides of the drive center plate enables a reduction in thickness.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, wherein the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector are used. In an irradiation angle variable flash device capable of changing an irradiation angle with respect to an irradiation target, a side reflection unit is provided opposite to both side surfaces of a reflector, and reflects a flash light from the light source in a horizontal direction. The light source and the umbrella are configured so that their distance on the optical axis can be changed,
The side reflection means on both sides are configured so that their opening angles can be changed, and the distance between the light source and the reflector and the side reflection means according to the horizontal irradiation angle required in the irradiation target. An illumination angle variable flash device including an illumination angle control means for controlling a change with the opening angle of the light source holding means, wherein the light source holding means is for swinging the light source holding means provided on both side ends of a substantially fan-shaped drive center plate. And a portion which is slidably connected to the groove which is the cam of the drive center plate and the groove which is the rocking cam portion of the drive center plate, is an operation point, and the light source holding means connected at the operation point is pivotally pivotable. The drive center plate is configured to be supported by a fulcrum and is attached to a drive shaft that converts the rotational drive force of the drive motor into a linear drive force and outputs the drive force. Light provided on both sides of the drive center plate The light source holding means swings back and forth along the holding means swinging groove by the light source holding means swinging cam, and further always contacts the groove which is a light source holding means swinging cam provided on the drive center plate. A flash device with a variable irradiation angle, comprising a biasing means, and a high-speed and stable swing amount control by a cam driving system using a motor, and further, sliding cams on both sides of a driving center plate. This enables a reduction in thickness.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of an embodiment of a variable irradiation angle flash device according to the present invention. Is shown.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the variable irradiation angle flash device of the present embodiment basically has a flash discharge tube, for example, a xenon tube (hereinafter referred to as Xe) 15 as a light source for emitting flash light.
And a reflector 16 for reflecting the flash light and a side reflector 13 provided on the side reflector. When irradiating the irradiation target with direct light and reflected light from the Xe tube 15, the Xe
By changing the positional relationship on the optical axis K formed by the tube 15, the reflector 16 and the side reflector 13, the irradiation angle with respect to the irradiation target can be changed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 13W denotes an arrangement state of the side reflection plate 13 as a side reflection means at the time of widening for wide-angle shooting, and reference numeral 13T denotes an arrangement state of the side reflection plate 13 at the time of telephoto for telephoto shooting. Is shown. Further, reference numeral 15W shown in FIG.
The arrangement state of the pipe 15 is shown.
2 shows an arrangement state of a tube 15.

First, at the time of widening for wide-angle photographing, the side reflector 13 is at the position shown in the arrangement state 13W.
The e-tube 15 is at the position shown in the arrangement state 15W. here,
When the shooting mode is switched to the telephoto state for telephoto shooting, that is, at the time of telephoto, the Xe tube 15 is placed in the arrangement state 15 in order to collect the horizontal and vertical irradiation angles.
The lateral reflection plate 13 is moved from the position of W to the direction of the arrangement state 13T from the position of the arrangement state 13W.

Finally, at the time of telephoto, the Xe tube 15
Reaches the position of the arrangement state 15T, and the side reflector 13 reaches the position of the arrangement state 13T. In this manner, as described in the description of the conventional example, only by moving the Xe tube 15, the light distribution by changing the irradiation angle in the vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction is appropriately changed. Is disadvantageous in that the change in light distribution due to the light is small and thus the flash light from the Xe tube 15 cannot be used effectively.
The problem is solved by changing the opening angle.

As a practical example in this embodiment, a horizontal opening width A = 35 mm corresponding to the opening angle of the side reflector 13 in the wide state, and a horizontal opening width A corresponding to the opening angle of the side reflector 13 in the telephoto state. Opening width B = 50 mm, Xe tube 1
5, the moving distance C in the direction of the optical axis K = 3.75 mm, the light distribution angle in each of the vertical and horizontal directions is up and down (vertical direction)... 24.5 ° (telephoto time) → 61 ° (wide) Left / right (horizontal) ... Changes from 50 ° (telephoto) to 83 ° (wide). This corresponds to the angle of view of the zoom lens of 24 mm to 80 mm. Further, a value of 50 ° in the left-right direction during telephoto indicates that the light is sufficiently converged in the horizontal direction, and it can be said that the flash light from the Xe tube 15 is effectively used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of the variable irradiation angle flash device of this embodiment. In this embodiment, each movement of the side reflector 13 and the Xe tube 15 is described. It is controlled by the irradiation angle control means 20 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a flash light source unit, and FIG.
, A light source holding member 14 as a light source holding means for holding the Xe tube 15, a light source holding portion 14a, and a support shaft 17 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.
And the light source holding member 14 is pivoted around the support shaft 17 as an optical axis K.
By moving in the direction, the Xe tube 15 held by the light source holding unit 14a is configured to move in the direction of the optical axis K in the reflector.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a side reflector, which is a side reflector 13 shown in FIG. 1, a reflector holder 11 as a side reflector for holding the same, a drive pin 12, a drive center plate 5, It is composed of Further, in the side reflection portion 22, as shown in FIG. 1, the drive center plate 5 swings in the directions of arrows 5T and 5W, so that the drive holes 5d and 5d 'provided at both ends of the drive center plate. With the drive pin 10 fitted and connected to the reflector holding member as an operating point, and the drive pin 12 rotatably supporting the reflector holding portion 11 as a fulcrum, the reflector holding portion 11 moves in the horizontal direction with respect to the optical axis. Swings, and furthermore, the reflector holding portion 11 swings in the optical axis direction, so that the lateral reflector 13 held by the reflector holding portion 11 swings horizontally in both side surfaces of the reflector. It is configured as follows.

The drive section 20d is, for example, a well-known stepping motor or DC motor attached to the base 1a shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. A cam holder 3 as a drive unit having a screwing portion that is screwed with a screw screw portion formed on the drive shaft 2 of the motor 1, a drive center plate 5 a above and below the cam holder 3, The cam 4 and the cam 4X are provided integrally with each other and abut against the cam portion of the light source holding member 14 as the light source holding means, and the rotational driving force of the motor 1 is converted into a linear motion. It comprises a sliding shaft 2a attached so as to slide smoothly.

The flash light source unit 21, configured as described above,
The configurations of the side reflection unit 22 and the drive unit 20d are shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the side reflector 22 and the like. The side reflector 22 includes a side reflector 13, a reflector holder 11 for holding the side reflector 13, and the reflector 11. A drive pin 12 serving as a fulcrum for rotatably supporting the holding part 11, a drive pin 10 provided as an action point of the drive pin 12 as the fulcrum, and a drive center having a drive hole 5d for the drive pin 10 It consists of a plate 5.

The drive center plate 5 has a cam portion 5a for swinging the drive center plate 5 in the optical axis direction by the cam 4, and a state in which the cam 4 is constantly pressed. And a drive pin 6 for swinging the drive center plate 5, a drive hole 5c, and a guide member 9 for the drive center plate 5. The figure shows that the driving center plate 5 is pressed by the cam 4 and the elastic member 7 accommodated in the holding member 8 as a biasing means.
Is shown in a telephoto state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the side reflection portion 22 and the like, showing a wide state in which the driving center plate 5 is pressed against the cam 4 by the elastic member 7 as the urging means. is there. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of FIGS. 3 and 4. The flash light source unit 21 includes an Xe tube 15, a light source holding unit 14 a that holds the Xe tube 15, and the light source holding unit 1.
And a light source holding member 14 having a cam portion that swings the light source 4a in the optical axis direction. The light source holding member 14 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 17.

The operation of the irradiation angle control means comprising the above components will be described below. Input means 20a
Instead of the angle-of-view signal output from the image-capturing device or the angle-of-view signal from the image-capturing device according to the angle-of-view of the subject to be captured by the camera An angle-of-view signal that has been selected and output is input, and a set value corresponding to the input angle-of-view signal is output.

On the other hand, the position detection means 20e detects the position of the light source
It detects the positional relationship between the camera and the reflector 16 and outputs a signal corresponding to the positional relationship. The control unit 20b includes the input unit 20
The amount of movement of the Xe tube 15 and the side reflector 13 is calculated based on the set value output from a and the signal output from the position detection means 20e.

The driver 20c outputs a drive signal for driving the light source holding member 14 and the reflector holding section 11 based on the amount of movement of the Xe tube 15 and the side reflector 13 calculated by the controller 20b. I do. The drive unit 20d drives the light source holding member 14 based on a drive signal from the driver 20c, thereby driving the light source holding member 14 and the reflection plate holding unit 11 connected thereto.

For example, when narrowing the horizontal irradiation angle in response to a shooting angle signal from a camera or the like, the irradiation angle control means 20 drives the light source holding member 14 to cause the Xe tube 15 and the reflector 16 In the direction of increasing the opening angle of the side reflectors 13 on both sides while reducing the distance on the optical axis K with respect to the optical axis K. By the above operation, the shortage of the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction caused by changing the irradiation angle only by changing the distance on the optical axis K between the Xe tube 15 and the reflector 16 as the light source is reflected. This can be compensated for by changing the opening angle of the side reflector 13 disposed opposite to both sides of the umbrella.

As a result, the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction can be expanded, so that the size can be reduced as compared with the conventional case, and the use efficiency of the flash light from the Xe tube 15 can be improved. In the embodiment described above,
By moving the Xe tube 15 in the direction of the optical axis K, the X
Although the distance between the e-tube 15 and the reflecting umbrella 16 on the optical axis K is changed, even if at least one of the Xe tube 15 and the reflecting umbrella 16 is moved, the Xe tube 15 and the reflecting umbrella 16 are reflected. The distance on the optical axis K with the umbrella 16 can be changed,
It can be implemented similarly.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view and a schematic side view of an essential part of an embodiment of a variable irradiation angle flash device according to the present invention.
1 and FIG. 9 indicate the same mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the irradiation angle variable flash device according to the present embodiment basically includes a flash discharge tube, for example, a xenon tube (hereinafter, referred to as Xe) 15 as a light source for emitting flash light, and It comprises a reflector 16 for reflecting flash light and a side reflector 13 provided on a side reflector, and when irradiating an irradiation target with direct light and reflected light from the Xe tube 15, the Xe tube 15 and the By changing the positional relationship between the reflector 16 and the optical axis K formed by the side reflector 13, the irradiation angle with respect to the irradiation target can be changed.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 13 denotes an arrangement state of a side reflector as a side reflector at the time of wide-angle photographing. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 13 denotes an arrangement state of the side reflectors at the time of telephoto for performing telephoto shooting. Reference numeral 15 shown in FIG. 7 denotes a Xe tube 1 as a light source at the time of widening.
Reference numeral 15 shown in FIG. 9 indicates the arrangement state of the Xe tube 15 at the time of telephoto by a solid line, and how the Xe tube 15 moves from the telephoto state to the wide state by a one-dot chain line.

First, when the wide angle photographing is performed, the side reflector 13 is at the position shown in FIG. 6, and the Xe tube 15 is at the position shown in FIG. Here, when the photographing mode is switched to the telephoto state for performing telephoto photographing, that is, at the time of telephoto, the Xe tube 15 is moved to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 9 in order to collect the irradiation angles in the horizontal and vertical directions. Then, the side reflector 13 is moved from the wide position shown in FIG. 6 to the tele position shown in FIG. 8 at the same time.

In this manner, as described in the conventional example, the light distribution due to the variable irradiation angle in the vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction is appropriately changed only by the movement of the Xe tube 15, but is not changed in the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction. The disadvantage that the change in the light distribution due to the change of the irradiation angle is small and the flash light from the Xe tube 15 cannot be used effectively is that the side reflection plate 13 attached to the side of the reflector is moved to cause the side reflection. The problem is solved by changing the opening angle of the plate 13.

As a practical example in this embodiment, the horizontal opening width A = 35 mm corresponding to the opening angle of the side reflector 13 in the wide state, and the horizontal width corresponding to the opening angle of the side reflector 13 in the telephoto state. Opening width B = 50 mm, Xe tube 1
5, the moving distance C in the direction of the optical axis K = 3.75 mm, the light distribution angle in each of the vertical and horizontal directions is up and down (vertical direction)... 24.5 ° (telephoto time) → 61 ° (wide) Left / right (horizontal) ... Changes from 50 ° (telephoto) to 83 ° (wide). This corresponds to the angle of view of the zoom lens of 24 mm to 80 mm. Further, a value of 50 ° in the left-right direction during telephoto indicates that the light is sufficiently converged in the horizontal direction, and it can be said that the flash light from the Xe tube 15 is effectively used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the flash device with variable illumination angle according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, each movement of the side reflector 13 and the Xe tube 15 is described. It is controlled by the irradiation angle control means 20 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a flash light source unit, and FIG.
7, a flash discharge tube 15 such as a Xe tube, a light source holding member 14 as a light source holding means for holding the Xe tube 15, a light source holding portion 14a, a support shaft 17, and a cam shown in FIGS. A light source swing groove 19a provided integrally with the holding portion 3 or the drive center plate 5, a light source swing cam 18a slidably fitted along the light source swing groove 19a, and a light source swing cam 18a The cam holding unit 3 includes a light source swing unit 11a connected to the motor 1 and a drive shaft 2 connected to the motor 1.
The light source swinging portion 11a swings along the light source swinging groove portion 19a by the vertical movement of the cam holding portion 3, so that the light source holding portion 14a Is configured to swing in the direction of the optical axis K within the reflector.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 22 designates a side reflector, a side reflector 13 shown in FIG. 6, a side reflector holding member 11b as a side reflector for holding the same, and a side reflector. A side reflector swing having a cam function, which is disposed at one end of the holding portion 11b and is slidably fitted in a side reflector swing groove 19 provided on both side surfaces of the drive center plate 5. Cam 1
8, a drive pin 12 as a fulcrum for swinging the side reflector 13 in the horizontal direction. In the side reflector 22, as shown in FIGS. 6A) and 6B), the drive center plate 5 is moved downward by the drive shaft 2 which changes the rotational movement of the motor 1 into a linear movement. When the center plate 5 moves downward, it is disposed at one end of a side reflector holding portion 11b as a side reflector held by a driving pin 12 for swingably fixing the side reflector 13. The side reflector swinging cam 18 is connected to the drive center plate 5.
As shown in FIG. 6A), the side reflector 13 which slides along the side reflector swing groove 19 having the cam function and is connected to the side reflector swing cam 18 as shown in FIG. It is configured to swing horizontally in the wide direction inside both side surfaces of the.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a state in which the camera swings from the wide side to the tele side, as opposed to swinging in the wide direction from the tele side. The drive unit 20d is, for example, a known stepping motor or a DC motor attached to the base 1a shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9.
A cam holder 3 which is a part of the drive center plate 5 and serves as a drive unit having a screwing portion which is screwed with a screw screw portion formed on the drive shaft 2 of the motor 1; A drive shaft 2 for converting a driving force into a linear motion, and a slide shaft 2a attached so that the cam holding portion 3 slides smoothly.

The operation of the variable illumination angle electronic flash device comprising the above components will be described below. The input unit 20a outputs a view angle signal output from the shooting device according to the view angle of a subject shot by the shooting device such as a camera, or
Instead of the angle-of-view signal from the photographing device, the angle-of-view signal that is manually selected and output from the angle-of-view select switch or the like is input, and a set value corresponding to the input angle-of-view signal is output. .

On the other hand, the position detecting means 20e detects the position of the light source swinging portion 11a, for example, to thereby detect the Xe tube 15a.
It detects the positional relationship between the camera and the reflector 16 and outputs a signal corresponding to the positional relationship. The control unit 20b includes the input unit 20
The amount of movement of the Xe tube 15 and the side reflector 13 is calculated based on the set value output from a and the signal output from the position detection means 20e.

The driver 20c drives the light source oscillating unit 11a and the side reflector holding unit 11b based on the amount of movement of the Xe tube 15 and the side reflector 13 calculated by the controller 20b. Output a signal. The drive unit 20d drives the motor 1 based on a drive signal from the driver 20c, so that the drive center plate 5 is driven. As a result, the light source swing unit 11a connected to the drive center plate 5 The reflection plate holder 11b is driven.

Further, the light source 15 and the side reflection plate 13 connected to the light source swing portion 11a and the side reflection holding portion 11b are driven. For example, when narrowing the horizontal irradiation angle in response to the angle-of-view signal from a camera or the like,
The irradiation angle control means 20 drives the driving center plate 5 to drive the light source holding member 14 connected to the driving center plate 5 so that the Xe tube 15 and the reflecting umbrella 16 are on the optical axis K. Is controlled in such a direction that the opening angle of the side reflectors 13 on both sides is increased while reducing the distance.

By the above operation, the Xe tube 15 as the light source
The shortage of the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction caused by changing the irradiation angle only by changing the distance on the optical axis K between the reflector and the umbrella 16 is disposed facing the both sides of the umbrella. The correction can be made by changing the opening angle of the side reflection plate 13. As a result, the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction can be expanded, the use efficiency of the light source can be improved, and further, the effect of being smaller and thinner than before can be obtained.

In the embodiment described above, X
By moving the e-tube 15 in the direction of the optical axis K, the Xe
Although the distance between the tube 15 and the reflector 16 on the optical axis K is changed, at least one of the Xe tube 15 and the reflector 16 is moved. The distance on the optical axis K with respect to the optical axis 16 can be changed, and the present invention can be similarly implemented.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, the distance between the light source and the reflector on the optical axis is changed without moving the Fresnel lens, and the both sides of the reflector are linked with the change. Since the opening angle of the side reflection means arranged opposite to the side is changed, the horizontal direction caused by changing the irradiation angle only by changing the distance on the optical axis between the light source and the reflector is changed. Insufficiency of the variable range of the irradiation angle can be compensated by changing the opening angle of the side reflection means.

Further, according to the present invention, the variable range of the irradiation angle in the horizontal direction can be expanded without increasing the size of the apparatus. It is possible to provide an irradiation angle variable flash device that can improve the efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a flashable device with variable illumination angle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a specific configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a specific configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a specific configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a variable irradiation angle flash device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a flash unit with variable illumination angle showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a flash device with a variable illumination angle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a flash unit with variable illumination angle showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a main part configuration diagram of another conventional variable irradiation angle flash device.

FIG. 11 is a main part configuration diagram of another conventional variable illumination angle flash device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 motor 1a base 2 drive shaft 2a sliding shaft 3 cam holder 4 cam 4x cam 5 drive center plate 5a cam portion 5b contact portion 5c drive hole 5d drive hole 6 drive pin 7 elastic member 8 holding member 9 guide member 10 Drive pin 11 Reflector holding section 11a Light source swing section 11b Reflector holding section 12 Drive pin 13 Side reflector 14 Light source holding member 14a Light source holding section 15 Light source 16 Reflector 17 Support shaft 18 Side reflector swing cam 18a Light source swing cam 19 Reflector plate swing groove 19a Light source swing groove

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-98034 (JP, A) JP-A-3-100536 (JP, A) JP-A-4-34423 (JP, A) JP-A 64-64 72130 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03B 15/04-15/05

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] A light source for emitting flash light; and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, and changing an irradiation angle of the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector to the object to be illuminated. In the irradiation angle variable flash device that has been enabled, provided is a side reflection unit that is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflector and reflects the flash light from the light source in the horizontal direction, and the light source and the reflector are provided. The distance on the optical axis is configured to be changeable, and furthermore, the side reflection means on both sides are configured to be able to change their opening angles, so that the horizontal An illumination angle variable flash device including an illumination angle control unit that controls a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to an illumination angle in a direction, wherein the light source emits flash light. And a light source holding hand for holding the light source And a drive center plate having a substantially cross shape and disposed on both sides of the drive center plate so as to face each other, rotate around any point as a fulcrum, and change the opening size in the longitudinal direction of the light source. A reflecting umbrella comprising reflecting means,
A motor, a drive shaft for converting a rotational drive force of the motor into a linear drive force and outputting the drive force, a light source holding unit attached to the drive shaft, and a drive unit for swinging the drive center plate. And an urging means for urging the light source holding means and the driving center plate moved in the irradiation direction by the driving means so as to always come into contact with the swinging part of the driving means. Variable illumination angle flash device configured. 2. A light source for emitting a flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, and an irradiation angle to the object to be irradiated by the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector is changed. In the irradiation angle variable flash device that has been enabled, provided is a side reflection unit that is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflector and reflects the flash light from the light source in the horizontal direction, and the light source and the reflector are provided. The distance on the optical axis is configured to be changeable, and further, the side reflection means on both sides are configured to be able to change their opening angle, and the horizontal direction required in the irradiation target is set. An irradiation angle variable flash device including an irradiation angle control unit that controls a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to the irradiation angle of the side reflection unit. , On both sides of the drive center plate with a substantially cross shape The operation point is slidably connected, and the fulcrum is connected to the side reflection means and pivotally supported at the operation point. A drive shaft for converting and outputting the light, a light source holding unit attached to the drive shaft, and a drive unit for swinging the drive center plate, and the drive unit is driven by a cam attached to the drive unit. The cam contact portion provided at one end of the center plate is pressed in the optical axis direction to change the opening angle of the side reflection means, and the cam attached to the drive means and the drive center 2. The flash device according to claim 1, further comprising: urging means for urging the cam contact portion provided on the plate so that the cam contact portion always comes into contact with the cam contact portion. 3. A light source for emitting a flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be irradiated, and changing an irradiation angle of the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector to the object to be irradiated. In the irradiation angle variable flash device that has been enabled, provided is a side reflection unit that is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflector and reflects the flash light from the light source in the horizontal direction, and the light source and the reflector are provided. The distance on the optical axis is configured to be changeable, and further, the side reflection means on both sides are configured to be able to change their opening angle, and the horizontal direction required in the irradiation target is set. An irradiation angle variable flash device including an irradiation angle control unit that controls a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to the irradiation angle of the light source. A cam receiver provided in the light source holding means A drive shaft that converts the rotational drive force of the motor into a linear drive force and outputs the drive force, and is attached to the drive shaft, the light source holding unit, and a drive unit for swinging the drive center plate. It is configured to swing in the optical axis direction by being pressed by the cam, and further,
The flash device according to claim 1, further comprising an urging unit that urges the cam attached to the driving unit and the cam provided on the light source holding unit to be always in a contact state. 4. A light source for emitting a flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, and changing an irradiation angle of the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector to the object to be illuminated. In the irradiation angle variable flash device that has been enabled, provided is a side reflection unit that is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflector and reflects the flash light from the light source in the horizontal direction, and the light source and the reflector are provided. The distance on the optical axis is configured to be changeable, and further, the side reflection means on both sides are configured to be able to change their opening angle, and the horizontal direction required in the irradiation target is set. An irradiation angle variable flash device including an irradiation angle control unit that controls a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to the irradiation angle of the light source, and a light source that emits flash light. Light source holding means for holding the light source A side reflection means for varying the opening size in the longitudinal direction of the light source, a motor, a driving coaxial for converting a rotational driving force of the motor into a linear driving force and outputting the linear driving force, and the light source holding member mounted on the driving coaxial. A rocking groove for rocking means and the side reflection means, each of which comprises a substantially fan-shaped drive center plate provided at both ends, and when the drive center plate moves up and down with the rotation of the drive shaft, the light source The holding member is
Urging means for oscillating back and forth with respect to the optical axis using the light source rocking grooves provided at both ends of the drive center plate as points of action, and further pressing the light source rocking grooves so as to be always in contact therewith; Wherein the side reflection means has a side reflection means swing groove provided at both ends of the drive center plate as an action point, and each of the side reflection means is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the drive center plate. A flashing device with a variable illumination angle, which is configured to rotate around the point (1) as a fulcrum and change the opening size in the longitudinal direction of the light source. 5. A light source for emitting a flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, and changing an irradiation angle of the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector to the object to be illuminated. In the irradiation angle variable flash device that has been enabled, provided is a side reflection unit that is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflector and reflects the flash light from the light source in the horizontal direction, and the light source and the reflector are provided. The distance on the optical axis is configured to be changeable, and further, the side reflection means on both sides are configured to be able to change their opening angle, and the horizontal direction required in the irradiation target is set. An irradiation angle variable flash device including an irradiation angle control unit that controls a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to the irradiation angle of the side reflection unit. , Inverted on both sides of the substantially fan-shaped drive center plate The drive center plate has a groove portion that is slidably connected to the groove portion that is a swing cam portion of the drive center plate, and the driving center plate has a groove portion that is slidably coupled to the groove portion that is a swing cam portion. It is configured to be rotatable around arbitrary points disposed opposite to both side ends of the center plate, and attached to a drive shaft that converts the rotational drive force of the drive motor into a linear drive force and outputs it. 5. The illumination angle variable flash device according to claim 4, wherein the opening angle of the side reflection means is varied by an amount of movement of the drive center plate which moves up and down in a rotation direction of the drive motor. 6. A light source for emitting flash light, and a reflector for reflecting the flash light from the light source to the object to be illuminated, and changing an irradiation angle of the direct light from the light source and the reflected light from the reflector to the object to be irradiated. In the irradiation angle variable flash device that has been enabled, provided is a side reflection unit that is disposed opposite to both side surfaces of the reflector and reflects the flash light from the light source in the horizontal direction, and the light source and the reflector are provided. The distance on the optical axis is configured to be changeable, and further, the side reflection means on both sides are configured to be able to change their opening angle, and the horizontal direction required in the irradiation target is set. An irradiation angle variable flash device including an irradiation angle control unit that controls a change in the distance between the light source and the reflector and the opening angle of the side reflection unit according to the irradiation angle of the light source. Installed on both sides of the drive center plate, which is almost fan-shaped The light source holding means includes a groove serving as a swing cam and a portion of the drive center plate slidably connected to the groove serving as a swing cam, and the light source holding member connected at the action point. Means for rotating the drive motor into a linear drive force and outputting the linear drive force. The drive center is connected to the drive center depending on the rotation direction of the drive motor. When the plate moves up and down, the light source holding means swings back and forth by the light source holding means swinging cam along the light source holding means swinging grooves provided on both side ends of the drive center plate, and further, the drive center plate 5. The flash device according to claim 4, further comprising an urging means so as to always abut against a groove, which is a cam for swinging the light source holding means, provided on the light emitting device.