JP4098466B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including a lens barrier that moves between a closed position that covers a window portion of a photographing lens and an open position that is retracted from the window portion of the photographing lens, and particularly relates to a digital camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 15A, in a compact camera, digital camera 200, or the like, the photographing lens 202 is covered with the window 200A of the photographing lens 202 when the power is off so that the photographing lens 202 is not damaged when being carried. A protective lens barrier 204 is provided.
[0003]
When the digital camera 200 is turned on, the lens barrier 204 is configured to rotate by a stepping motor 40 provided inside the digital camera 200 and retract from the window 200A of the photographing lens 202. As a result, the window portion 200A is fully opened, and the photographing lens 202 can protrude.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as shown in FIG. 15B, in the state where the lens barrier 204 is moved to the closed position, the top surface of the lens barrier 204 is located deeper than the body surface of the digital camera 200.
[0005]
For this reason, dust or dust tends to accumulate at the periphery of the lens barrier 204. If the lens barrier 204 is moved in a state where dust or dust is collected, dust or dust enters the digital camera 200, which may cause failure. There is a fear.
[0006]
In view of the above-described facts, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus in which a lens barrier is located in a window when the lens barrier is in a closed position.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above objective,According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus including a lens barrier that moves between a closed position that covers a window portion of the photographing lens and an open position that is retracted from the window portion of the photographing lens. An arm that is pivotally supported, a stopper that restricts movement of the arm at the closed position and the open position, a sun gear that is pivotally supported on the fixed shaft, and a driving force transmitted to the sun gear. Driving means, a central axis fixed to the arm, and pivotally supported by the central axis, meshed with the sun gear, revolves together with the arm, and opens the lens barrier disposed on the upper surface to the open position and the closed position. A planetary gear that is moved between positions, a moving means that converts a rotational force generated by rotation of the planetary gear into a push-up force that pushes up the lens barrier, and moves the lens barrier into the window, and the open position. And said closed Conversion means for revolving the planetary gear between the set and rotating in the closed position, and the moving means is provided on a cam formed on the central axis and an axis part of the planetary gear, And a cam groove that pushes the planetary gear toward the front side of the window along the cam when the planetary gear rotates by engaging with the cam.
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lens barrier moves between a closed position where the lens barrier covers the window portion of the photographing lens and an open position where the lens barrier is retracted from the window portion of the photographing lens. On the other hand, an arm is rotatably supported on the fixed shaft, and the movement of the arm is restricted by the stopper at the closed position and the open position.
[0008]
A sun gear is rotatably supported on the fixed shaft. The sun gear is in contact with the arm and transmits a driving force to the arm. A driving force is transmitted to the sun gear by driving means.
[0009]
On the other hand, a central axis is fixed to the arm, and a planetary gear is supported on the central axis, meshes with the sun gear, revolves together with the arm, and opens the lens barrier disposed on the upper surface between the open position and the closed position. Move between.
[0010]
Further, the moving means converts the rotational force generated by the rotation of the planetary gear into a push-up force that pushes up the lens barrier, and moves the lens barrier into the window. Here, the planetary gear is revolved between the open position and the closed position by the conversion means, and the planetary gear is rotated at the closed position.
[0011]
In this way, the planetary gear rotates in the closed position by the converting means, and the rotational force of the planetary gear is converted to the pushing force that pushes up the lens barrier by the moving means. It can be moved into the window of the digital camera.
[0012]
In this manner, the lens barrier and the front surface of the window portion can be flush with each other by moving the lens barrier into the window portion. For this reason, dust or dust does not collect around the periphery of the lens barrier.
[0013]
Therefore, unlike the prior art, dust or dust collected at the periphery of the lens barrier does not enter the digital camera and cause a failure. Also, by making the lens barrier flush with the front of the window, the range of designs that can be printed on the housing of the digital camera is increased.
[0014]
On the other hand, since the lens barrier can be lowered by reversing the rotation direction of the planetary gear, the lens barrier located in the window can be returned to the inside of the digital camera and moved to the open position.
[0015]
  Also,A cam is formed on the central shaft. On the other hand, a cam groove that can be engaged with a cam is provided in the shaft core portion of the planetary gear, and when the planetary gear rotates, the planetary gear is pushed up along the cam to the front side of the window portion. In this way, when the planetary gear is pushed up to the front side of the window, the lens barrier provided on the upper surface of the planetary gear is pushed up to the front of the window.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the moving means is rotatably engaged with the planetary gear, the moving frame on which the lens barrier is attached, and the moving A support portion provided on the outer periphery of the frame; a guide shaft provided on the moving frame and extending from the arm; and a hole portion for guiding the moving frame in the vertical direction; and the support portion on the planetary gear. And a guide groove that guides the moving frame to the front side of the window portion via the support portion when the planetary gear rotates.
  Claim2In the invention described in (1), the planetary gear is rotatably engaged with the planetary gear by a moving frame on which a lens barrier is attached. A support portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the moving frame. The moving frame is provided with a hole, and a guide shaft standing from the arm is inserted through the hole. Accordingly, the moving frame is prevented from rotating, and the moving frame can be guided in the vertical direction.
[0017]
On the other hand, the planetary gear is formed with a guide groove with which the support portion can be engaged. When the planetary gear rotates, the moving frame is guided to the front side of the window portion through the support portion. Specifically, when the planetary gear rotates, the rotational force of the planetary gear is converted into a thrust that moves the moving frame along the axial direction of the central axis via the support portion. Thereby, the moving frame can be moved upward via the support portion, and the lens barrier attached to the moving frame can be pushed up to the front surface of the window portion.
[0018]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the first or second aspect, when the conversion means is attached to the arm and the planetary gear and moves from the open position to the closed position, A load is applied to the rotation of the planetary gear to give priority to the revolution, and when the arm stops at the closed position by the stopper, a spring means that extends and allows the planetary gear to rotate in the positive direction is provided on the arm, When the planetary gear rotates in the opposite direction while restoring the spring means, the planetary gear is configured to include a gear stopper that restricts the rotation of the planetary gear and changes it into a revolving operation.
  Claim3In the invention described in (1), spring means are attached to the arm and the planetary gear. When moving from the open position to the closed position by this spring means, a load is given to the rotation of the planetary gear, giving priority to the revolution, and when the arm stops at the closed position by the stopper, the spring means is extended and the planetary gear is adjusted correctly. Direction rotation is allowed.
[0019]
On the other hand, the arm is provided with a gear stopper, and when the planetary gear rotates in the reverse direction while restoring the spring means, the planetary gear rotation is restricted and converted to a revolving operation.
[0020]
As a result, when the lens barrier is moved from the open position to the closed position, since a load is applied to the rotation of the planetary gear, the planetary gear revolves and moves the lens barrier from the open position to the closed position. When the arm stops at the closed position by the stopper, the planetary gear is restricted from revolving, so the planetary gear rotates and pushes the lens barrier to move it to the window.
[0021]
On the other hand, when moving the lens barrier to the open position, first, the planetary gear rotates to lower the lens barrier, and then the planetary gear contacts the gear stopper. The gear revolves and the lens barrier moves to the open position.
[0022]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, a fully open detecting means for detecting that the lens barrier is in the open position and outputting a lens barrier fully open signal, and a photographing lens Is a retraction position detecting device that outputs a retraction position signal and detecting that the front surface of the window portion and the lens barrier are flush with each other. A flat detection unit that outputs a signal, and a driving unit that drives the driving unit when the imaging power source is turned on to move the lens barrier to an open position, and receives the lens barrier full-open signal from the full-open detection unit When the imaging power source is turned off, the photographing lens driving means is driven, and when the retracted position signal is input from the retracting detection means, the driving means is Is moving, the lens barrier is moved to the closed position, and having a control means for causing the lens barrier flat signal stops driving the drive means is inputted from the flat detector.
  Claim4In the invention described in, when the imaging power supply is turned on,Driving meansTo move the lens barrier to the open position. When the fully open detecting means detects that the lens barrier is in the open position, a lens barrier fully open signal is output. When this lens barrier fully open signal is input to the control meansDriving meansStops driving.
[0023]
  On the other hand, when the imaging power supply is turned off, the photographing lens driving means is driven to house the photographing lens in the back of the window. When the retracting detection means detects that the taking lens is in the retracted position stored in the back of the window, a retracted position signal is output. When this retracted position signal is input to the control meansDriving meansIs driven, and the lens barrier moves to the closed position.
[0024]
  Then, when it is detected by the flat detection means that the window front surface and the lens barrier are flush with each other, a lens barrier flat signal is output,Driving meansStops driving.
[0025]
In this way, by providing various detection means, when the lens barrier moves to the open position, the photographic lens is slid even though the lens surface of the photographic lens slides or the lens barrier is in the closed position. It does not protrude.
[0026]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the control means turns on the imaging power source and drives the driving means for T1 time, and then the lens barrier full-open signal from the full-open detection means. Is not input, the driving means is stopped to display an error, the imaging power supply is turned off to drive the photographing lens driving means, and the retracting position signal is input from the retracting detection means, the driving means is When the lens barrier flat signal is not input from the flat detecting unit after driving for T3 time, the driving unit is stopped to display an error.
  Claim5In the invention described in the above, when the lens barrier full-open signal is not input from the full-open detection means after the control means turns on the imaging power source and drives the drive means for T1 time, the drive means is stopped to display an error, and imaging is performed. If the retracting position signal is input from the retracting detection means by driving the photographing lens driving means with the power off, the driving means is driven for T3 time, and the driving is performed when the lens barrier flat signal is not input from the flat detecting means. Stop the means and display an error.
[0027]
As a result, if the lens barrier has not reached the open position within the prescribed time, or if the lens barrier is not flush with the front surface of the window, it is determined that the digital camera has failed.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a digital camera 10 as an imaging apparatus according to this embodiment. First, an outline of the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.
[0029]
The digital camera 10 according to this embodiment includes a shutter button 12, an operation button 14, a mode dial 16, a display 18, a detection unit 20, a control unit 22, a drive circuit 24, a memory 26, a compression / expansion unit 28, a memory card drive 30, and a photographing. The power supply 32 is connected via a bus 34.
[0030]
The mode dial 16 is a dial for selecting an operation mode of the digital camera 10 and selects, for example, one of a photography mode, a moving image mode, a reproduction mode, and the like.
[0031]
Here, a color display 18 made of an LCD (not shown) is attached to the lower side of the rear housing of the digital camera 10, and a display button, an execution button, a cancel button, and zoom adjustment are arranged on the upper side of the display 18. An operation button 14 such as a button is provided.
[0032]
When there is an image display instruction, the display 18 displays an image on the entire screen based on the image data stored in the memory 26 or the image data read from the memory card, displays a plurality of reduced images side by side, Displays various function selection screens.
[0033]
On the other hand, the control unit 22 includes a CPU 22A, a ROM 22B, and a RAM 22C. Through the bus 34, the shutter button 12, the operation button 14, the mode dial 16, the display 18, the full open detection device 56, the collapsible detection device 58, and the flat detection device. Various components such as 60, drive circuit 24, memory 26, compression / decompression unit 28, memory card drive 30, and imaging power supply 32 are connected.
[0034]
The ROM 22B stores a program for controlling the above-described various components connected to the control unit 22, and a drive control program for the lens barrier stepping motor 40. The RAM 22C stores various data necessary for each program input via the bus 34.
[0035]
On the other hand, the drive circuit 24 connected to the control unit 22 via the bus 34 includes a strobe 36, a stepping motor 40 for moving the lens barrier 38 between the open position and the closed position, and a focus lens (photographing lens) 42. A stepping motor 43, a shutter 44, an aperture 46, and an imaging device 48 are connected to each other, and the drive circuit 24 controls driving based on a control signal from the control unit 22.
[0036]
With the above configuration, when the imaging power supply 32 is turned on from off, the CPU 22A reads various control programs and barrier motor drive control programs from the ROM 22B, and performs initial setting processing of various components.
[0037]
In the shooting standby state, for example, the CPU 22A determines an autofocus (AF) control value based on the distance to the subject measured by the distance measuring unit (not shown) and outputs the autofocus (AF) control value to the drive circuit 24. The drive circuit 24 drives the stepping motor 43 based on the AF control value, moves the focus lens barrel 42, and automatically performs focus adjustment.
[0038]
Further, the CPU 22A determines an exposure control value, for example, an aperture value (aperture aperture), a shutter speed, whether or not to emit light by the strobe 36 based on a photometric value measured by a photometric unit (not shown), and a drive circuit. To 24.
[0039]
When the shutter button 12 is pressed, the drive circuit 24 drives the strobe 36, the stepping motor 43, the shutter 44, the aperture 46, and the imaging device 48 based on the exposure control value, and the subject image transmitted through the lens 41 is displayed. Take a picture.
[0040]
The imaging device 48 accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of incident light according to the exposure control value. The accumulated charge, that is, the image signal is output to the analog signal processing unit 50.
[0041]
The analog signal processing unit 50 performs predetermined analog signal processing (for example, noise reduction processing) on the input image signal and outputs it to the A / D conversion unit 52. The A / D converter 52 converts the input analog signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the digital signal processor 54. The digital signal processing unit 54 performs predetermined digital signal processing (for example, shading correction processing) on the input digital signal and outputs it to the memory 26 as image data. An image of the image data output to the memory 26 is displayed on the display 18 composed of a liquid crystal or the like.
[0042]
In the digital camera 10, an image captured by performing a predetermined operation with the operation button 14 can be stored in a memory card such as smart media or HiFD via a memory card drive.
[0043]
In this case, the image data stored in the memory 26 is output to the compression / decompression unit 28, and a predetermined image compression process (for example, JPEG processing) is performed in the compression / decompression unit 28. The compressed image data is output to the memory card drive 30 and written to the memory card.
[0044]
In the digital camera 10 of this embodiment, compressed image data stored in a memory card can be read out. In this case, the compressed image data read from the memory card is output to the compression / expansion unit 28, and the compression / expansion unit 28 performs expansion processing. As a result, the original image is restored from the compressed image. The decompressed image is displayed on the display 18.
[0045]
Next, the lens barrier 38 provided in the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a lens opening 11 is formed in the front housing 10A of the digital camera 10, and a focus lens barrel 42 (see FIG. 5) in which a lens 41 is provided at the tip of a cylindrical body. It is possible to pass.
[0046]
This focus lens barrel 42 passes through the lens opening 11 during shooting and protrudes from the front housing 10A, and is stored in the back of the lens opening 11 (inside the digital camera 10) except during shooting (including during playback). Is done. At this time, the disk-shaped lens barrier 38 covers the lens opening 11 and protects the lens 41.
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, a stepping motor 40 is used as a driving means in the digital camera 10 (see FIG. 1), and the driving time is controlled by a timer (not shown) to perform normal rotation or Reverse. The driving force from the stepping motor 40 is transmitted to the final gear 66 through a plurality of gears (not shown) disposed on the ground plane 88 provided inside the digital camera 10.
[0048]
The final gear 66 is engaged with a small gear 82 as a sun gear, and the driving force of the stepping motor 40 is transmitted to the small gear 82. The small gear 82 is pivotally supported by a collar member 84 fitted on the fixed shaft 62, and is rotatable about the fixed shaft 62. A flange 84A is formed at one end of the collar member 84 to prevent the small gear 82 from shifting in the axial direction.
[0049]
On the other hand, a groove 62A is formed in the circumferential direction at the distal end of the fixed shaft 62, and a retaining ring 86 is attached to the groove 62A so that the collar member 84 and the small gear 82 are not detached. Further, an arm 80 on a substantially circular plate is pivotally supported on the fixed shaft 62 between the main plate 88 and the small gear 82 and is rotatable about the fixed shaft 62.
[0050]
A fixed hole 80 </ b> A is formed in the shaft core portion of the arm 80, and one end portion of the central shaft 92 is fitted and fixed. A spiral cam 92 </ b> A is formed on the center shaft 92 and can be engaged with a cam groove 68 </ b> A provided in the shaft core portion 69 of the planetary gear 68. For this reason, the arm 80 and the planetary gear 68 are integrated with each other via the central shaft 92, and the planetary gear 68 revolves with the movement of the arm 80.
[0051]
On the other hand, when the planetary gear 68 is rotated, the cam groove 68A of the planetary gear 68 moves along the cam 92A in a spiral manner on the central shaft 92. A flange 92B is provided at the other end of the central shaft 92, and the movement of the planetary gear 68 is restricted so that the planetary gear 68 cannot be removed.
[0052]
A concave portion 69A is provided in the shaft core portion 69, and the depth of the concave portion 69A is deeper than the thickness of the flange 92B. The recess 69A prevents the movement of the planetary gear 68 from being restricted by the bottom surface of the recess 69A coming into contact with the flange 92B when the planetary gear 68 moves.
[0053]
Here, the base plate 88 is provided with an oval guide wall 70, and is formed along the movement locus of the stopper 90 protruding from the outer periphery of the arm 80. The guide wall 70 is provided with restriction walls 70A and 70B. A stopper 90 is brought into contact with the restriction walls 70A and 70B to restrict the movement of the planetary gear 68 together with the arm 80. The position where the stopper 90 is in contact with the restriction wall 70A is the open position of the lens barrier 38, and the position where the stopper 90 is in contact with the restriction wall 70B is the closed position of the lens barrier 38.
[0054]
As described above, the stopper 90 is brought into contact with the regulation walls 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B and the movement of the planetary gear 68 together with the arm 80 is regulated so that the planetary gear 68 does not directly contact the guide wall 70. For this reason, the tooth tip of the planetary gear 68 is not damaged.
[0055]
By the way, the planetary gear 68 is formed with a pair of arc holes 68B in a fan shape along the outer peripheral surface, and a key-shaped mounting piece 68C projects from the inner peripheral wall of the arc hole 68B toward the axial center side. Has been established. One end of a return spring 94 as a conversion means is attached to the attachment piece 68C.
[0056]
On the other hand, a pair of attachment pieces 80B is erected on the arm 80, and the other end of the return spring 94 is attached. The attachment piece 80B and the attachment piece 68C are arranged at a position where the return spring 94 does not extend in a state where the stopper 90 is in contact with the restriction wall 70A (open position of the lens barrier 38).
[0057]
For this reason, in order to rotate the planetary gear 68 in the direction of the arrow A, it is necessary to apply a tensile force to the return spring 94, and an extra load is applied to the small gear 82 accordingly. On the other hand, the friction coefficient is made small between the arm 80 and the ground plane 88. For this reason, the revolution of the planetary gear 68 in the direction of arrow A has priority over the rotation of the planetary gear 68.
[0058]
Accordingly, the planetary gear 68 revolves in the arrow A direction around the fixed shaft 62 together with the arm 80. When the stopper 90 provided on the arm 80 comes into contact with the regulation wall 70B, the revolution of the planetary gear 68 is stopped via the arm 80.
[0059]
When the revolution of the planetary gear 68 stops, the planetary gear 68 rotates (in the direction of arrow A), and the return spring 94 extends. At this time, the cam groove 68A of the planetary gear 68 moves to the lens opening 11 side along the cam 92A.
[0060]
A lens barrier 38 is provided on the top surface of the planetary gear 68. When the planetary gear 68 moves upward, the lens barrier 38 can be pushed up toward the lens opening 11, and the lens barrier 38 is opened to the lens. The portion 11 can be fitted.
[0061]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer diameter of the lens barrier 38 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the lens opening 11. The outer diameter of the lens barrier 38 is smaller than the outer diameter of the planetary gear 68.
[0062]
Here, an annular engaged portion 68 </ b> D is formed on the top surface of the planetary gear 68, and a step portion 38 </ b> B formed on the lens barrier 38 is engaged. At this time, a step is formed between the lens barrier 38 and the top surface of the planetary gear 68, and the thickness t of the lens barrier 38 is increased.₁Minutes protrude from the top of the planetary gear 68. The thickness t of the lens barrier 38₁And the thickness t of the front housing 10A₂Is substantially the same.
[0063]
Therefore, when the planetary gear 68 is rotated and the lens barrier 38 is pushed up, as shown in FIG. 7, the lens barrier 38 is fitted into the lens opening 11, and the top surface 38A of the lens barrier 38 and the front housing 10A. The design surface 15 is flush with the design surface 15 (hereinafter referred to as “flat state”).
[0064]
Here, a pair of gear stoppers 96A and 96B are erected on the arm 80. When the edge of the arc hole 68B formed in the planetary gear 68 abuts on the gear stoppers 96A and 96B, the planetary gear 68 rotates. Is regulated. Then, when the planetary gear 68 is raised and the flat state is reached, the edge of the arc hole 68B comes into contact with the gear stopper 96B (see FIG. 3), and when the planetary gear 68 is lowered, the edge of the arc hole 68B becomes the gear stopper 96A. Abut.
[0065]
Further, a contact portion 69 projects from the top surface of the planetary gear 68, and the contact portion 69 contacts the flat detection device 60 disposed on the back surface of the front housing 10 </ b> A to operate the flat detection device 60. Thereby, it is detected whether or not the lens barrier 38 is in a flat state.
[0066]
On the other hand, in the flat state, as shown in FIG. 3, the return spring 94 is extended, and the elastic force is accumulated. For this reason, since the return spring 94 begins to be restored by the rotation of the small gear 82, the planetary gear 68 can rotate without revolving due to the restoring force.
[0067]
That is, when torque in the direction of arrow B is transmitted to the small gear 82, the return spring 94 is restored in the closed position, the planetary gear 68 rotates, and the cam groove 68A is moved to the cam 92A as shown in FIG. Along the central axis 92 along the axis.
[0068]
When the planetary gear 68 rotates and the edge of the arc hole 68B comes into contact with the gear stopper 96A, the planetary gear 68 stops rotating. As a result, the planetary gear 68 is converted into a revolving operation, revolves in the direction of arrow B, and moves to the open position shown in FIG.
[0069]
Here, the lens barrier 38 moves to the open position, the stopper 90 of the arm 80 abuts against the restriction wall 70A, and the fully open detection device 56 disposed on the restriction wall 70A is operated. Thereby, it is detected whether or not the lens barrier 38 is in the open position.
[0070]
3 and 5 to 7, when the lens barrier 38 is moved to the closed position, first, the lens barrier 38 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the revolution of the planetary gear 68. When the revolution of the planetary gear 68 is stopped, the planetary gear 68 rotates and pushes up the lens barrier 38 so that the top surface 38A of the lens barrier 38 and the design surface 15 of the front housing 10A are flush with each other.
[0071]
On the other hand, when moving the lens barrier 38 to the open position, first, the planetary gear 68 rotates in the closed position to lower the lens barrier 38, and then the planetary gear 68 revolves to move the lens barrier 38 from the closed position. Move to open position.
[0072]
As described above, after the lens barrier 38 is moved to the closed position, the lens barrier 38 is pushed up via the planetary gear 68 so that the top surface 38A of the lens barrier 38 is flush with the design surface 15 of the front housing 10A. Therefore, there is no step between the lens barrier 38 and the front housing 10A, and dust or dust does not accumulate.
[0073]
Accordingly, there is no possibility that dust or dust accumulated in the steps enters the inside of the digital camera 10 as in the prior art. Further, since the lens barrier 38 is fitted in the lens opening 11, the lens barrier 38 does not shift even when the digital camera 10 is slid. Furthermore, since the lens barrier 38 and the front case 10A are flush with each other, the range of designs to be printed on the front case 10A of the digital camera 10 is widened.
[0074]
Although two return springs 94 are used here, three return springs 94 may be used because it is sufficient that a load can be applied in a balanced manner to the rotation of the planetary gear 68.
[0075]
Further, the shape (including the pitch) of the cam 92A and the cam groove 68A varies depending on the moving distance of the lens barrier 38 or the amount of elevation of the planetary gear 68, and is not limited to the shape according to this embodiment.
[0076]
Next, the operation of the lens barrier 38 will be described according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 with reference to FIG.
[0077]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, when the photographing power is turned on in step 110, a lens barrier opening signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 112, the lens barrier stepping motor 40 shown in FIG. 3 is driven. Thus, the rotational force in the direction of arrow B is transmitted to the small gear 82.
[0078]
At this time, the planetary gear 68 first rotates together with the small gear 82 in the direction of the arrow B while restoring the return spring 94, and the planetary gear 68 and the lens barrier 38 are lowered along the central axis 92, Arranged in the back. Then, the small gear 82 and the planetary gear 68 revolve in the arrow B direction to move the lens barrier 38 to the open position.
[0079]
In step 116, it is determined whether the lens barrier 38 has moved to the open position. When the lens barrier 38 moves to the open position, the stopper 90 of the arm 80 contacts the restriction wall 70A, and the switch of the full-open detection device 56 disposed on the restriction wall 70A is activated, a lens barrier full-open signal is output.
[0080]
The lens barrier full open signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 118, the driving of the stepping motor 40 is stopped. In step 120, the focus lens stepping motor 43 is driven to cause the focus lens barrel 42 to protrude from the front housing 10A, so that the photographing is possible.
[0081]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the photographing power source 32 is turned off in step 122, a lens barrier closing signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 124, the stepping motor 43 for the focus lens is driven, and the focus lens. The lens barrel 42 moves to the back of the lens opening 11.
[0082]
In step 126, it is determined whether or not the focus lens barrel 42 has reached the retracted position. When the focus lens barrel 42 reaches the retracted position, the retractable detection device (not shown) is activated, and the retracted position signal is input to the control unit 22, the driving of the photographing lens stepping motor is stopped in step 128. To do.
[0083]
On the other hand, in step 130, the stepping motor 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. As a result, the small gear 82 and the planetary gear 68 revolve in the direction of arrow A, and the lens barrier 38 moves to the closed position.
[0084]
When the stopper 90 of the arm 80 comes into contact with the restriction wall 70B, the planetary gear 68 rotates (in the direction of arrow A). As a result, the cam groove 68A of the planetary gear 68 moves up spirally along the cam 92A of the central shaft 92, and the lens barrier 38 is pushed up.
[0085]
Next, in step 134, it is determined whether or not the lens barrier 38 has moved to a flat position that is flush with the front housing 10A. When the contact point 69 provided on the planetary gear 68 comes into contact with the flat detection device 60 and the switch of the flat detection device 60 is operated, a lens barrier flat signal is output. The lens barrier flat signal is input to the control unit 22 and the driving of the stepping motor 40 is stopped at step 136.
[0086]
As described above, by providing various detection means, when the lens barrier 38 moves to the open position, the lens 41 surface of the focus lens barrel 42 is slid or the lens barrier 38 is in the closed position. Nevertheless, the focus lens barrel 42 is prevented from protruding.
[0087]
For this reason, it is sufficient that the positions of the lens barrier 38 and the focus lens barrel 42 can be recognized. Therefore, the position is not limited to the switch, and is not limited to the arrangement location according to the present embodiment.
[0088]
If the lens barrier 38 has not reached the open position within the specified time, or if the lens barrier 38 is not flush with the front housing 10A, an error is displayed on the liquid crystal portion (not shown), You may make it understand that the digital camera 10 is out of order.
[0089]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, in step 114, the lens barrier stepping motor 40 shown in FIG.₁The lens barrier 38 is moved to the open position by time driving.
[0090]
Next, in step 116, it is determined whether or not the lens barrier 38 has moved to the open position. If the switch of the full open detection device 56 does not operate, the stepping motor 40 stops driving and an error is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit (not shown). Is done.
[0091]
On the other hand, in step 132 shown in FIG.₂Driving for a time, the lens barrier 38 is moved to the closed position. Next, in step 134, it is determined whether or not the lens barrier 38 has moved to the flat position. If the switch of the flat detector 60 does not operate, the stepping motor 40 stops driving and an error is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. .
[0092]
Next, the lens barrier 38 provided in the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content substantially the same as 1st form.
[0093]
As shown in FIG. 12, the planetary gear 140 is provided with a recess 140A, and the recess 140A can be engaged with a moving frame 144 on which a lens barrier 142 is mounted.
[0094]
A circular arc hole 140B is formed in the concave portion 140A along the outer peripheral surface of the planetary gear 140. A mounting piece 140C projects from the inner peripheral wall of the circular arc hole 140B, and one end portion of the return spring 94 is attached. The other end of the spring 94 is attached to an attachment piece 146 A provided on the arm 146.
[0095]
A shaft hole 140D is formed in the shaft core portion of the planetary gear 140, and a cylindrical center shaft 148 is inserted therethrough. One end side of the central shaft 148 has a small diameter, and is fitted and fixed in a fixing hole 146B formed in the shaft core portion of the arm 146. Further, a flange 148A is formed on the other end side of the central shaft 148, and restricts the movement of the planetary gear 140.
[0096]
Three guide grooves 150 are recessed at equal intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the planetary gear 140. The guide groove 150 is horizontal from the point P to the point Q, is provided with an inclined surface 150A from the point Q to the point R, and is horizontal from the point R to the point S. Note that the point S is located on the top side of the planetary gear 140.
[0097]
On the other hand, the moving frame 144 has an annular shape, and three followers 152 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the moving frame 144 at equal intervals. The follower 152 enters from an inlet (not shown) formed in the guide groove 150 and can be engaged with the guide groove 150. When the planetary gear 140 rotates in the direction A, the follower 152 is moved along the guide groove 150. Moves upward, and the moving frame 144 is pushed up via the follower 152 (see FIG. 12).
[0098]
Here, a positioning hole 144 </ b> A is formed in the moving frame 144, the guide shaft 154 is inserted, and one end is fixed to the arm 146. The guide shaft 154 prevents the moving frame 144 from rotating even when the planetary gear 140 rotates.
[0099]
Next, the operation of the lens barrier 142 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 12 according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0100]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, when the photographing power is turned on in step 110, a lens barrier opening signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 112, the lens barrier stepping motor 40 shown in FIG. 3 is driven. Then, the rotational force in the direction of arrow B is transmitted to the small gear 82.
[0101]
At this time, first, the planetary gear 140 together with the small gear 82 rotates in the direction of arrow B while restoring the return spring 94, the follower 152 of the moving frame 144 moves from the S point to the R point, and further slides on the inclined surface 150A. And reach point Q.
[0102]
Thereby, the lens barrier 142 provided on the top surface of the moving frame 144 is lowered together with the moving frame 144. Then, the small gear 82 and the planetary gear 140 revolve in the arrow B direction (see FIG. 3) to move the lens barrier 142 to the open position (see FIG. 13).
[0103]
Next, in step 116, it is determined whether the lens barrier 142 has moved to the open position. When the lens barrier 142 moves to the open position, the stopper 90 of the arm 146 contacts the restriction wall 70A, and the switch of the full open detection device 56 is activated, a lens barrier full open signal is output. The lens barrier full open signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 118, the stepping motor 40 stops driving.
[0104]
Then, in step 120, the focus lens stepping motor 43 is driven, and the focus lens barrel 42 protrudes from the front housing 10A to enter a photographing enabled state.
[0105]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the photographing power source 32 is turned off in step 122, a lens barrier closing signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 124, the stepping motor 43 for the focus lens is driven, and the focus lens. The lens barrel 42 is moved to the back of the lens opening 11.
[0106]
In step 126, it is determined whether or not the focus lens barrel 42 has reached the retracted position. When the focus lens barrel 42 reaches the retracted position, the retracted detection device (not shown) is activated, and the retracted position signal is input to the control unit 22, in step 128, the photographing lens stepping motor 43 is driven. Stop.
[0107]
On the other hand, in step 130, the stepping motor 40 is driven. Thereby, first, the planetary gear 140 revolves in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 3), and the lens barrier 142 is moved to the closed position. When the stopper 90 of the arm 146 comes into contact with the restriction wall 70B (see FIG. 3), the planetary gear 140 rotates.
[0108]
For this reason, the follower 152 arranged at the point P moves to the point R via the point Q, and the lens barrier 142 is pushed up along the guide groove 150 of the planetary gear 140 together with the moving frame 144 (see FIG. 14).
[0109]
Next, in step 134, it is determined whether or not the lens barrier 142 has moved to a flat position that is flush with the front housing 10A. When the switch of the flat detector 60 is activated, a lens barrier flat signal is output.
[0110]
In this case, a contact portion (not shown) is provided on the top surface of the moving frame 144, and the contact portion comes into contact with the flat detection device 60 by the movement of the moving frame 144.
[0111]
The lens barrier flat signal is input to the control unit 22, and the stepping motor 40 stops driving in step 136. At this time, the follower 152 reaches the point S, maintains the state in which the elastic force is accumulated in the return spring 94, and maintains the state in which the lens barrier 38 and the front housing 10A are flush with each other.
[0112]
In the present embodiment, the digital camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the digital camera, as long as the camera uses a lens barrier that covers the lens opening or retracts from the lens opening.
[0113]
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is desirable that the lens barrier 38 and the front housing 10A are flush with each other. However, by moving the lens barrier 38 into the lens opening 11, the lens barrier is compared with the conventional case. Since it is difficult for dust or dust to collect around the periphery of the lens 38, the lens barrier 38 and the front housing 10A may not be completely flush with each other.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
  Since the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration,3In the invention described in (4), since the lens barrier moves into the window portion, dust or dust does not collect in the peripheral portion of the lens barrier. Therefore, unlike the prior art, dust or dust collected at the periphery of the lens barrier does not enter the camera and cause a failure. In addition, when the lens barrier is flush with the front surface of the window, the width of the design to be printed on the camera casing is increased.
[0115]
  Claim4,In the invention described in 5, the driving means is controlled by time, and the lens barrier is formed by various detecting means.ofBy detecting the position, when the lens barrier moves to the open position, the lens surface of the photographing lens does not slide or the photographing lens does not protrude even though the lens barrier is in the closed position. I have to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a digital camera to which an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of a digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which a solid line indicates a closed position of the lens barrier, and an imaginary line indicates an open position of the lens barrier.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a planetary gear and an arm used in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving state of a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, and shows an open position of the lens barrier.
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving state of a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, and shows a closed position of the lens barrier.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving state of a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which the lens barrier and the front case are flush with each other.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating control when a photographing power source of a digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied is turned on.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another control when a photographing power source of a digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied is turned on.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control when a photographing power supply of a digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied is turned off.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another control when the photographing power of the digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied is turned off.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a planetary gear and an arm used in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a moving state of a lens barrier used in an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment, and shows an open position of the lens barrier.
FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a moving state of a lens barrier used in an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment, in which the lens barrier and the front case are flush with each other.
15A and 15B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a conventional digital camera, in which FIG. 15A shows an open position of a lens barrier, and FIG. 15B shows a closed position of a lens barrier.
[Explanation of symbols]
        10 Digital camera
        11 Lens opening (window)
        20 Detection part (control means)
        22 Control unit (control means)
        24 Drive circuit (control means)
        34 Bus (control means)
        38 Lens barrier
        40 Stepping motor (drive means)
        43 Stepping motor (photographing lens drive means)
        56 Full-open detection device (full-open detection means)
        58 Collapse detection device (collapse detection means)
        60 Flat detector (Flat detector)
        66 Final gear (drive means)
        68A Cam groove (moving means)
        68 Planetary Gear
        80 arms
        82 Small Gear (Sun Gear)
        90 stopper
        92A cam (moving means)
        92 Central axis
        94 Return spring (conversion means (spring means))
        96B Gear stopper (Conversion means)
        140 Planetary Gear
        142 Lens barrier
        144 Moving frame (moving means)
        144A Positioning hole (hole)
        146 Arm
        148 Central axis
        150 guide groove
        152 Followers (Moving means (supporting part))

Claims (5)

In an imaging apparatus having a lens barrier that moves between a closed position that covers the window portion of the photographic lens and an open position that retracts from the window portion of the photographic lens,
An arm rotatably supported on a fixed shaft;
A stopper for restricting movement of the arm at the closed position and the open position;
A sun gear rotatably supported on the fixed shaft;
Driving means for transmitting a driving force to the sun gear;
A central axis fixed to the arm;
A planetary gear that is pivotally supported by the central shaft, meshes with the sun gear, revolves together with the arm, and moves a lens barrier disposed on an upper surface between the open position and the closed position;
A moving means for converting the rotational force generated by the rotation of the planetary gear into a push-up force for pushing up the lens barrier, and moving the lens barrier into the window;
Conversion means for revolving the planetary gear between the open position and the closed position and rotating in the closed position;
With
The moving means is
A cam formed on the central axis;
A cam groove that is provided on the shaft core of the planetary gear, engages with the cam, and rotates the planetary gear along the cam to push the planetary gear toward the front side of the window;
An imaging device characterized by comprising the above . The moving means is
A moving frame that is rotatably engaged with the planetary gear and has the lens barrier attached thereto;
A support portion provided on an outer periphery of the moving frame;
A hole provided in the moving frame, through which a guide shaft standing from the arm is inserted, guides the moving frame in the vertical direction;
A guide groove that guides the moving frame to the front side of the window portion through the support portion when the planetary gear is formed so that the support portion can be engaged and the planetary gear rotates.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to include. Conversion means
When attached to the arm and the planetary gear and moving from the open position to the closed position, a load is applied to the rotation of the planetary gear to give priority to revolution, and the arm stops at the closed position by the stopper. Spring means for extending and allowing the planetary gear to rotate in the positive direction;
A gear stopper provided on the arm, and when the planetary gear rotates in the reverse direction while restoring the spring means, the rotation of the planetary gear is restricted to change into a revolving operation;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to include. A fully open detection means for detecting that the lens barrier is in the open position and outputting a lens barrier fully open signal;
A collapsible detecting means for detecting that the photographic lens is in a retracted position that fits in the back of the window and outputting a retracted position signal;
A flat detection means for detecting that the front surface of the window and the lens barrier are flush with each other and outputting a lens barrier flat signal;
When the imaging power supply is turned on, the driving means is driven to move the lens barrier to the open position, and when the lens barrier full open signal is input from the full open detection means, the driving means is stopped and the imaging power supply is turned on. When it is turned off, the photographing lens driving means is driven, and when the retracted position signal is input from the retracting detection means, the driving means is driven to move the lens barrier to the closed position, and the flat detecting means Control means for stopping the driving means when the lens barrier flat signal is input from,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: If the lens barrier full open signal is not input from the full open detection means after the control means turns on the image pickup power source and drives the drive means for T1 time , the drive means is stopped to display an error, and the image pickup power supply is turned on. When the retracting position signal is input from the retracting detection means when the photographing lens driving means is turned off and the retracting position signal is input, the driving means is driven for T3 time, and the lens barrier flat signal is not input from the flat detecting means The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the driving unit is stopped to display an error .

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