JP4548924B2 - 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. 13A, in a compact camera, digital camera 300, or the like, the photographing lens 302 is covered by covering the window 300A of the photographing lens 302 when the power is off so that the photographing lens 302 is not damaged when being carried. A lens barrier 304 is provided for protection.
[0003]
When the power of the digital camera 300 is turned on, the lens barrier 304 is configured to rotate by a stepping motor 306 provided inside the digital camera 300 and retract from the window 300A of the photographing lens 302. As a result, the window 300A is fully opened, and the photographing lens 302 can protrude.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as shown in FIG. 13B, in the state where the lens barrier 304 is moved to the closed position, the top surface of the lens barrier 304 is located deeper than the body surface of the digital camera 300.
[0005]
For this reason, dust or dust tends to accumulate at the peripheral portion of the lens barrier 304. If the lens barrier 304 is moved in a state where dust or dust is collected, dust or dust enters the inside of the digital camera 300, causing 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 the lens barrier and the body are flush with each other when the lens barrier is in the closed position.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is an image pickup device including a lens barrier that moves between a closed position that covers a window portion of the photographing lens and an open position that retracts from the window portion of the photographing lens. In the apparatus, the lens barrier is provided on an upper surface, the arm is rotatably supported on the fixed shaft and is slidably supported by a predetermined length along the axial direction of the fixed shaft, and the rotational force is transmitted to the arm. Arm driving means, a stopper for restricting movement of the arm at the closed position and the open position, and a direction around the fixed shaft, the arm being moved away from the front casing on which the window is formed. A first biasing means for biasing;Provided on the arm,A second urging means for urging the arm in a direction away from the front casing on which the window portion is formed, and a lens barrel holding the photographing lens is protruded from the window portion, or the window portion It is possible to move in a direction that fits in the back, and the lens barrel has a photographing lens driving unit that pushes up the arm toward the window and moves the lens barrier into the window through the arm. And 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. The lens barrier is provided on the upper surface of the arm, and the arm is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft and slidable a predetermined length along the axial direction of the fixed shaft.
[0008]
A rotational force is transmitted to the arm by the arm driving means, and movement of the arm is restricted at the closed position and the open position by the stopper. The arm is urged by the urging means in a direction away from the front casing in which the window is formed.
[0009]
On the other hand, the lens barrel holding the photographic lens protrudes from the window portion by the photographic lens driving means, or can move in a direction that fits in the back of the window portion. For this reason, the lens barrel can push up the arm toward the window and move the lens barrier into the window via the arm.
[0010]
Thereby, the lens barrier located inside the digital camera can be pushed up to the front surface of the window of the digital camera to be flush with each other. For this reason, dust or dust does not collect around the periphery of the lens barrier.
[0011]
  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. In addition, since the lens barrier and the front surface of the window portion are flush with each other, the range of designs to be printed on the casing of the digital camera is increased.Further, when the arm rotates, the lens barrier is surely separated from the window portion and has an excellent feature that it does not interfere with the window portion.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, 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 the lens barrier are in the closed position. Full-closed detection means for detecting this and outputting a lens-barrier full-closed signal; and a collapsible detection means for detecting that the lens barrel is in a retracted position within the window and outputting a retracted position signal; A flat detection unit that detects that the front surface of the window and the lens barrier are flush with each other and outputs a lens barrier flat signal; and when the imaging power supply is turned on, the driving unit for the photographing lens is driven, and the lens When the lens barrel is moved to the back of the window and the retracted position signal is input from the retracted detection means, the photographing lens driving means is stopped and then the arm driving means is driven. When the lens barrier is moved to the open position and the lens barrier full open signal is input from the full open detection means, the arm drive means is stopped and the imaging power supply is turned off. , The lens barrel is moved to the back of the window, and when the retracted position signal is input from the retracted detector, the driving of the photographing lens is stopped, and then the arm driver is driven. The lens barrier is moved to a closed position, and when the lens barrier fully closed signal is input from the fully closed detecting means, the arm driving means is stopped, and then the photographing lens driving means is moved. When the lens barrel flat signal is input from the flat detecting means by moving the lens barrel to the window side, the photographing lens driving means is stopped. And having a control means for.
  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the imaging power supply is turned on, the photographing lens driving means is driven to move the lens barrel to the back of the window. When the retractable detection means detects that the lens barrel is in the retracted position within the window, a retracted position signal is output.
[0013]
When the retracted position signal is input to the control means, the photographing lens driving means is stopped. Next, the arm driving means is driven to 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 full open signal is input to the control means, the arm drive means is stopped.
[0014]
On the other hand, when the imaging power supply is turned off, the photographing lens driving means is driven to move the lens barrel to the back of the window. When the retractable detection means detects that the lens barrel is in the retracted position, a retracted position signal is output. When this retracted position signal is input to the control means, the photographing lens driving means is stopped. Next, the arm driving means is driven to move the lens barrier to the closed position.
[0015]
Next, when the fully-closed detecting means detects that the lens barrier is in the closed position, a lens-barrier fully-closed signal is output. When this lens barrier fully closed signal is input to the control means, the arm drive means is stopped.
[0016]
  Then, the photographing lens driving means is driven, the lens barrel is moved to the window portion side, the arm is pushed up, and the lens barrier is moved to the window portion. When the flat detection means detects that the front surface of the window and the lens barrier are flush with each other, a lens barrier flat signal is output. When this lens barrier flat signal is input to the control means, The driving means is stopped.
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.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
The digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes a distance measuring unit 13, a photometric unit 17, 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, and a compression / expansion unit. 28, a memory card drive 30, and an imaging power supply 32 are connected via a bus 34.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
On the other hand, the control unit 22 includes a CPU 22A, a ROM 22B, and a RAM 22C, and via 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 full close detection device 57, and a collapse detection. Various components such as a device 58, a flat detector 60, a drive circuit 24, a memory 26, a compression / decompression unit 28, a memory card drive 30, and an imaging power source 32 are connected.
[0024]
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.
[0025]
On the other hand, the driving circuit 24 connected to the control unit 22 via the bus 34 includes a strobe 36, a lens barrier stepping motor 40 for moving the lens barrier 38 between the open position and the closed position, a focus lens barrel. A lens barrel motor 110 for moving the (photographing lens) 42, a shutter 44, an aperture 46, and an imaging device 48 are connected. The drive circuit 24 drives each based on a control signal from the control unit 22. Control.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
In the shooting standby state, for example, the CPU 22 </ b> A determines an autofocus (AF) control value based on the distance from the subject measured by the distance measuring unit 13 and outputs it to the drive circuit 24. The drive circuit 24 drives the focus lens motor 112 based on the AF control value, moves the focus lens 53, and automatically performs focus adjustment.
[0028]
Further, the CPU 22A drives the lens barrel motor 110 according to the selected magnification, and moves the zoom lenses 70 and 72 to a position where the selected magnification is obtained. 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 flash 36 based on the photometric value measured by the photometric unit 17, and the drive circuit 24. Output to.
[0029]
When the shutter button 12 is pressed, the drive circuit 24 drives the strobe 36, the lens barrel motor 110, the shutter 44, the aperture 46, and the imaging device 48 based on the exposure control value, and transmits through the zoom lens 70. Shoot the subject image.
[0030]
On the other hand, charges corresponding to the amount of incident light are accumulated in the imaging device 48 in accordance with the exposure control value. The accumulated charge, that is, the image signal is output to the analog signal processing unit 50.
[0031]
The analog signal processing unit 50 performs predetermined analog signal processing (for example, noise reduction processing) on the input image signal, and outputs the processed image signal to the A / D conversion unit 52. The A / D converter 52 converts the input analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it to the digital signal processor 54.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
On the other hand, 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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
In addition, the digital camera 10 can not only capture an image at a predetermined time point but also always display an image of a subject being captured like a video camera on the display 46.
[0037]
Whether or not the photographed image is visible is determined by determining whether or not the amount of light measured by the photometry unit 17 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, for example. Further, it may be determined whether or not the amount of charge accumulated in the CCD of the imaging device 48 is a predetermined value or more.
[0038]
Each part of the digital camera 10 is basically operated by being supplied with power from a main power source (not shown) (for example, NiMH battery or alkaline battery). When the main power is off, the power is supplied by a sub power source (for example, lithium battery). The power consumption of the main power supply is suppressed.
[0039]
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 case 10A of the digital camera 10, and a lens barrel 42 (see FIG. 6) can pass through.
[0040]
The lens barrel 42 passes through the lens opening 11 during shooting and protrudes from the front housing 10A. The lens barrel 42 is housed inside the lens opening 11 (inside the digital camera 10) except during shooting (including during playback). The At this time, the disk-shaped lens barrier 38 covers the lens opening 11 and protects the zoom lens 70 provided in the lens barrel 42.
[0041]
Here, the lens barrel 42 will be described.
[0042]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the lens barrel 42 is provided with a rotating cylinder 86. The rotating cylinder 86 is rotatably held inside the digital camera 10, and a gear portion 90 is formed on one end side of the outer peripheral surface. The gear portion 90 has a gear directly connected to the lens barrel motor 110. 105 is engaged. Therefore, when the lens barrel motor 110 rotates, the driving force is transmitted to the rotating cylinder 86 via the gear 105, and the rotating cylinder 86 rotates.
[0043]
A second lens cylinder cam groove 136 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder 86, and a fixed cylinder 82 is provided in the axial direction (optical axis L) of the rotary cylinder 86 inside the rotary cylinder 86. It is slidable along.
[0044]
Here, the movable cylinder cam hole 132 and the second lens cylinder rectilinear guide hole 130 pass through the peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder 82, and the second lens cylinder rectilinear guide hole 130 extends in the axial direction of the fixed cylinder 82. It is formed along. On the other hand, a second lens cylinder 74 is disposed inside the fixed cylinder 82, and a second lens cylinder cam follower 122 projects from the outer peripheral surface of the second lens cylinder 74.
[0045]
The second lens barrel cam follower 122 is inserted into the second lens barrel straight guide hole 130 provided in the fixed barrel 82 and engaged with the second lens barrel cam groove 136 of the rotary barrel 86.
[0046]
Here, the second lens barrel cam groove 136 is formed so that the second lens barrel cam follower 122 can slide along the second lens barrel rectilinear guide hole 130 as the rotary barrel 86 rotates. ing.
[0047]
Thereby, the rotational force of the rotating cylinder 86 can be converted into a force by which the second lens cylinder 74 slides along the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 86. When the rotating cylinder 86 rotates, the second lens cylinder 74 rotates. It slides along the axial direction (optical axis L) of the tube 86.
[0048]
Further, a straight guide groove 138 for a moving cylinder is provided in the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 86. On the other hand, a movable cylinder 78 is inserted between the rotary cylinder 86 and the second lens cylinder 74 so as to be placed on the second lens cylinder cam follower 122. A cam follower 118 protrudes. The moving cylinder cam follower 118 is inserted into the moving cylinder cam hole 132 provided in the fixed cylinder 82 and engaged with the moving cylinder linear guide groove 138 of the rotating cylinder 86.
[0049]
Here, the moving cylinder cam hole 132 is formed to move the moving cylinder cam follower 118 along the moving cylinder linear guide groove 138 as the rotating cylinder 86 rotates.
[0050]
Thereby, the rotational force of the rotating cylinder 86 can be converted into a force that slides along the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 86 while the moving cylinder 78 rotates in conjunction with the rotating cylinder 86, and the rotating cylinder 86 rotates. The movable cylinder 78 rotates in conjunction with the rotary cylinder 86 and slides along the optical axis L direction.
[0051]
Incidentally, the first lens cylinder 84 is inserted between the second lens cylinder 74 and the movable cylinder 78. A lens holding frame 85 is provided on the inner edge of the first lens cylinder 84, and the zoom lens 70 is held by the lens holding frame 85.
[0052]
Further, a second lens cylinder straight guide groove 104 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the first lens cylinder 84, and a linear guide protrusion 126 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the second lens cylinder 74 can be engaged. It has become.
[0053]
For this reason, since the second lens cylinder 74 slides along the optical axis L by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 86, the rectilinear guide protrusion 126 slides along the rectilinear guide groove 104 for the second lens cylinder.
[0054]
On the other hand, a first lens cylinder cam groove 114 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 78, and the first lens cam follower 108 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first lens cylinder 84 can be engaged. ing.
[0055]
Therefore, the rectilinear guide protrusion 126 of the second lens cylinder 74 slides in the second lens cylinder rectilinear guide groove 104, and the rotation of the movable cylinder 78 causes the first lens cylinder cam groove 114 to act. The first lens cylinder 84 is slid along the optical axis L direction with respect to the moving cylinder 78.
[0056]
Here, a lens holding frame 76 and a focus lens frame 80 are provided inside the second lens cylinder 74, the focus lens 53 is held in the focus lens frame 80, and the zoom lens 72 is held in the lens holding frame 76. Is held.
[0057]
The lens holding frame 76 is provided with a focus lens motor 112, and the feed screw 100 is rotated by the driving force of the focus lens motor 112.
[0058]
On the other hand, the focus lens frame 80 is provided with a support portion 80A and can be screwed into the feed screw 100. Accordingly, the focus lens frame 80 can be moved along the optical axis L direction by the rotation of the feed screw 100.
[0059]
This movement is performed between the origin position closest to the image plane of the imaging device 48 with respect to the second lens cylinder 74 and a position away from the origin position toward the subject. Here, a spring 128 (see FIG. 3) is disposed between the second lens cylinder 74 and the fixed cylinder 82, and the second lens cylinder 74 is arranged on the image plane side of the imaging device 48 by the spring 128. Always energized.
[0060]
Next, a lens barrier opening / closing mechanism will be described.
[0061]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a lens barrier stepping motor 40 as arm driving means is used inside the digital camera 10 (see FIG. 1), and the driving time is controlled by a timer (not shown). , Forward or reverse.
[0062]
The driving force from the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is transmitted to the final gear 102 via a plurality of gears (not shown) provided on a substrate (not shown) provided inside the digital camera 10.
[0063]
A lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 is engaged with the final gear 102, and the driving force of the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is transmitted to the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124. The lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 is supported by a fixed shaft 88 and is rotatable about the fixed shaft 88.
[0064]
A hollow shaft 144 protrudes from the back surface of the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 and can be inserted into the fixed shaft 88. An annular light shielding blade 146 partially formed with a notch 146A is fitted and fixed to the outer periphery of the hollow shaft 144, and is arranged in a state orthogonal to the axial direction of the hollow shaft 144. Yes.
[0065]
Further, a groove portion 144A is recessed along the circumferential direction at the distal end portion of the hollow shaft 144, and an E-ring 145 for retaining is attached.
[0066]
Here, a photo sensor 148 is disposed in the vicinity of the hollow shaft 144, and a light shielding blade 146 is disposed between the light projecting portion 148A and the light receiving portion 148B of the photo sensor 148.
[0067]
For this reason, when the cutout portion 146A of the light shielding blade 146 is located between the light projecting portion 148A and the light receiving portion 148B of the photosensor 148, the ON signal for continuing the lens barrier stepping motor 40 from the photosensor 148. Is output, and an OFF signal for stopping the driving of the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is output from the photo sensor 148 when the light shielding blade 146 blocks the light projecting unit 148A and the light receiving unit 148B of the photo sensor 148.
[0068]
Therefore, the photosensor 148 can detect the rotation angle of the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 by photoelectrically monitoring the passage of the cutout portion 146A of the light shielding blade 146.
[0069]
As a result, an open position or a closed position of the lens barrier 38 provided on the arm 150 indirectly connected to the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 can be known (described later).
[0070]
On the other hand, on the top surface of the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124, an annular pedestal 152 that can be inserted into the fixed shaft 88 is provided integrally with the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124. From the outer periphery of the pedestal 152, A projecting piece 154 extends toward the front housing 10A.
[0071]
Further, an annular connecting member 156 is inserted into the fixed shaft 88 so as to face the pedestal 152, and from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting member 156, the projecting piece 154 is connected to the projecting piece 154 in the axial center side. A piece 158 extends.
[0072]
Here, a torsion spring 160 inserted through the fixed shaft 88 is inserted between the base 152 and the connecting member 156. The coil width of the torsion spring 160 is longer than that of the connecting piece 158, a gap is provided between the distal end surface of the connecting piece 158 and the pedestal 152, and the pedestal 152 rotates in conjunction with the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124. When doing so, the front end surface of the connecting piece 158 is prevented from sliding on the pedestal 152.
[0073]
Further, both end portions of the torsion spring 160 are attached so as to sandwich both sides of the projecting piece 154. As a result, the driving force transmitted to the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 is transmitted to the torsion spring 160 via the protruding piece 154.
[0074]
Therefore, when driving force is transmitted to the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124 and the projecting piece 154 rotates together with the pedestal 152, one end side of the torsion spring 160 is pressed by one side surface of the projecting piece 154, and the torsion spring 160 is twisted. Elastic force is accumulated.
[0075]
As described above, when a predetermined elastic force is accumulated in the torsion spring 160, the other end side of the torsion spring 160 tries to recover toward the one end side, so that the other end side of the torsion spring 160 presses the connecting piece 158. The connecting member 156 is rotated together with the connecting piece 158.
[0076]
By the way, on the top surface of the connecting member 156, an arm 150 having a mounting portion 150A on a substantially circular plate on which the lens barrier 38 can be mounted is disposed, and a support piece 150B extends from the mounting portion 150A. I'm out.
[0077]
A support portion 150C is provided at the end of the support piece 150B, and the inner diameter dimension of the support section 150C is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the fixed shaft 88. For this reason, the arm 150 can slide along the axial direction of the fixed shaft 88.
[0078]
Further, an engaging piece 164 protrudes from the connecting member 156 at a position opposite to the connecting piece 158, and a U groove 164A is formed in the engaging piece 164. On the other hand, a fitting hole 157 is formed in the support piece 150 </ b> B of the arm 150, and a fitting portion 156 </ b> A formed at one end portion of the engaging pin 166 can be fitted. The fitting portion 156A is fitted into the fitting hole 157 from the back surface of the support piece 150B, and the engaging pin 166 is engaged with the U groove 164A provided in the connecting member 156.
[0079]
The rotational force transmitted to the connecting member 156 via the torsion spring 160 by the engagement pin 166 and the engagement piece 164 is transmitted to the arm 150, and the arm 150 rotating around the fixed shaft 88 rotates. To do.
[0080]
Further, the outer diameter of the engaging pin 166 is slightly smaller than the width of the U groove 164A, and the inside of the U groove 164A can be slid along the fixed shaft 88. For this reason, when the arm 150 slides in the axial direction of the fixed shaft 88, the arm 150 is guided by the fixed shaft 88 and the engagement pin 166.
[0081]
Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the lens barrier 38 provided on the mounting portion 150 </ b> A of the arm 150 is formed on the front housing 10 </ b> A via the arm 150 by the rotation of the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124. It moves between a closed position (virtual line) that closes the lens opening 11 and an open position (solid line) that retreats from the lens opening 11.
[0082]
Further, the arm 150 is provided with a stopper 150D. The stopper 150D is positioned by abutting against the abutting portions 151 and 153 provided in the digital camera 10 when the lens barrier 38 is opened or closed. The
[0083]
Here, the elastic force is accumulated in the torsion spring 160 using the torsion spring 160, and the stopper 150D is used at the open position of the lens barrier 38 or the closed position of the lens barrier 38 by using the restoring force of the torsion spring 160. Is pressed against the contact portions 151 and 153 so that the position of the arm 150 does not shift.
[0084]
Further, by using the torsion spring 160, the position of the lens barrier 38 is detected after the stopper 150D comes into contact with the contact portion 151 or the contact portion 153 until the lens barrier stepping motor 40 stops driving. Since the control unit 22 performs the process, a slight time lag occurs, but no load is applied to the lens barrier stepping motor 40.
[0085]
On the other hand, a compression spring 168 is disposed between the arm 150 and the front housing 10A. The compression spring 168 is inserted into the fixed shaft 88 and biases the arm 150 in a direction away from the front housing 10A. is doing.
[0086]
Here, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the lens barrier 38 moves to the closed position, the lens barrel 42 is disposed in the retracted position, and when the lens barrier 38 is disposed in the closed position, The lens barrel motor 110 is driven again, and the rotary cylinder 86 rotates.
[0087]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the second lens cylinder 74, the moving cylinder 78, and the first lens cylinder 84 move toward the front housing 10 </ b> A, and the first lens cylinder 84 comes into contact with the arm 150, The lens barrier 38 is pushed up in the direction against the urging force of the compression spring 168 via the arm 150, and the lens barrier 38 is moved into the lens opening 11.
[0088]
Here, the outer diameter of the lens barrier 38 is substantially the same as that of the lens opening 11. Thereby, the top surface 38A of the lens barrier 38 and the design surface 15 of the front housing 10A can be flush with each other.
[0089]
On the other hand, one end of the leaf spring 170 is fixed to the stopper 150D formed on the arm 150. When the arm 150 is pushed up, the other end of the leaf spring 170 contacts the back surface of the front housing 10A. Touch. The leaf spring 170 balances the arm 150 so that the arm 150 is not tilted by the restoring force of the compression spring 168 when the first lens cylinder 84 pushes up the arm 150.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 3, a code plate 140 is provided along the circumferential direction on the other end side of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 86, and the zoom lens 70 and the zoom lens 72 are provided by the code plate 140. An angle range in which the rotary cylinder 86 can be rotated corresponding to the position is determined.
[0091]
For example, the A range 140A that is the first rotation angle range is a range of 0 degree to 2 degrees, and in this range, the second lens cylinder 74, the movable cylinder 78, and the first lens cylinder 84 are in the retracted position (see FIG. 8). ) And the lens barrier 38 are pushed up to slide between a flat position (see FIG. 9) where the top surface 38A of the lens barrier 38 is flush with the front casing 10A and the design surface 15.
[0092]
Next, the B range 140B that is the second rotation angle range is a range of 2 degrees to 4.5 degrees, and in this range, the second lens cylinder 74, the movable cylinder 78, and the first lens cylinder 84 are in the retracted position. Slide between the so-called tele positions.
[0093]
The C range 140C, which is the third rotation angle range, is in the range of 4.5 degrees to 12.1 degrees. In this range, the movable cylinder 78 and the first lens cylinder 84 are slid and moved for the focus lens. The motor 112 is driven to move the focus lens 53 along the optical axis L direction via the focus lens frame 80.
[0094]
Next, the D range 140D which is the fourth rotation angle range is a range of 12.1 degrees to 25 degrees. In this range, the second lens cylinder 74, the movable cylinder 78, and the first lens cylinder 84 are in the tele position. It slides between the so-called wide positions.
[0095]
The E range 140E, which is the fifth rotation angle range, is 25 degrees to 56 degrees. In this range, the second lens cylinder slides relative to the first lens cylinder 84, and the zoom lens 72 and the focus lens 53 are moved. And the distance between the imaging device 48 and the imaging device 48 are changed.
[0096]
Here, each of these ranges 140 </ b> A to 140 </ b> E is detected by a terminal 142 shown in FIG. 10 provided inside the digital camera 10. The terminal 142 is provided with contacts 142A to 142E at positions corresponding to the A range 140A to E range 140E of the code plate 140, respectively, and contacts the A range 140A to E range 140E. The rotation angle is detected and output to the control unit 22 described later.
[0097]
Next, the operation of the lens barrier 38 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 with reference to FIGS.
[0098]
First, as shown in FIG. 11, when the imaging power supply 32 is turned on in step 210, a lens barrier opening signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 212, the lens barrel motor 110 shown in FIG. 9 is driven. To do.
[0099]
As a result, the rotating cylinder 62 rotates, and the contact position of the contact 142A of the terminal 142 shown in FIG. 10 moves from the end Q to the end P of the A range 140A of the code plate 140 that rotates integrally with the rotating cylinder 62. Moving. For this reason, the 2nd lens cylinder 74, the movement cylinder 78, and the 1st lens cylinder 84 move to the back of the lens opening part 11, as shown in FIG.
[0100]
Next, in step 214, it is determined whether or not the lens barrel 42 has reached the retracted position. Here, when the end portion P of the A range 140A of the code plate 140 shown in FIG. 10 reaches the contact 142A, the collapse detection device 58 is activated. When the retracted position signal is input to the control unit 22, the driving of the lens barrel motor 110 is stopped in step 216.
[0101]
Next, at step 218, the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is driven to transmit the rotational force to the lens barrier opening / closing gear 124. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the lens barrier 38 moves to the open position.
[0102]
At this time, the cutout portion 146A of the light shielding blade 146 fixed to the hollow shaft 144 is located between the light projecting portion 148A and the light receiving portion 148B of the photosensor 148, and from the photosensor 148, a lens barrier stepping motor is provided. An ON signal for continuing 40 is input to the control unit 22.
[0103]
In step 220, it is determined whether or not the lens barrier 38 has moved to the open position. When the light shielding blade 146 blocks between the light projecting unit 148 </ b> A and the light receiving unit 148 </ b> B of the photosensor 148, a lens barrier full open signal is output from the full open detection device 56.
[0104]
The lens barrier fully open signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 222, the driving of the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is stopped. Then, in step 224, the lens barrel motor 110 is driven, and the lens barrel 42 protrudes from the front housing 10A to be in a photographing enabled state.
[0105]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when the imaging power supply 32 is turned off in step 230, a lens barrier closing signal is input to the control unit 22, and the lens barrel motor 110 is driven in step 232.
[0106]
As a result, the rotating cylinder 86 rotates and the contact position of the contact 142A of the terminal 142 shown in FIG. 10 moves from the end Q to the end P of the A range 140A of the code plate 140 that rotates integrally with the rotating cylinder 62. Moving. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the second lens cylinder 74, the moving cylinder 78, and the first lens cylinder 84 move to the back of the lens opening 11.
[0107]
Next, in step 234, it is determined whether or not the lens barrel 42 has reached the retracted position. Here, when the end portion P of the A range 140A of the code plate 140 shown in FIG. 10 reaches the contact 142A, the collapse detection device 58 is activated. When the retracted position signal is input to the control unit 22, the driving of the lens barrel motor 110 is stopped in step 236.
[0108]
On the other hand, in step 238, the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is driven to move the lens barrier 38 to the closed position. At this time, as described above, the cutout portion 146A of the light shielding blade 146 is positioned between the light projecting portion 148A and the light receiving portion 148B of the photosensor 148, and the lens sensor stepping motor 40 is provided from the photosensor 148. An ON signal to be continued is input to the control unit 22.
[0109]
Next, in step 240, it is determined whether or not the lens barrier 38 has moved to the closed position. When the light shielding blade 146 blocks between the light projecting unit 148 </ b> A and the light receiving unit 148 </ b> B of the photosensor 148, a lens barrier fully closed signal is output from the fully closed detection device 57.
[0110]
As a result, in step 242, the lens barrier stepping motor 40 stops driving. Next, at step 244, the lens barrel motor 110 is driven.
[0111]
As a result, the rotating cylinder 62 rotates and the contact position of the contact 142A of the terminal 142 shown in FIG. 10 moves from the end P to the end Q of the A range 140A of the code plate 140 that rotates together with the rotating cylinder 62. Move.
[0112]
For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the second lens cylinder 74, the moving cylinder 78, and the first lens cylinder 84 move toward the front housing 10 </ b> A side, and the first lens cylinder 84 moves through the arm 150 to the lens barrier. 38 is pushed up to move the lens barrier 38 into the lens opening 11.
[0113]
Thereby, the top surface 38A of the lens barrier 38 and the design surface 15 of the front housing 10A can be flush with each other. In step 246, it is determined whether the lens barrier 38 has moved to a flat position that is flush with the front housing 10A.
[0114]
Here, when the contact 142A shown in FIG. 10 reaches the end Q of the A range 140A, the flat detection device 60 is activated and a lens barrier flat signal is output. The lens barrier flat signal is input to the control unit 22, and in step 248, the driving of the lens barrier stepping motor 40 is stopped.
[0115]
As described above, by providing various detection means, when the lens barrier 38 is moved to the open position, the zoom lens 70 is slid or the lens mirror 38 is in the closed position. The barrel 42 is prevented from protruding.
[0116]
Note that the position of the lens barrier 38 and the lens barrel 42 only needs to be recognized, and thus the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and a switch or the like may be used, and the arrangement location according to this embodiment is not limited.
[0117]
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.
[0118]
In this embodiment, the driving of the lens barrel motor 110 is controlled based on the code plate 140 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 86. However, since the rotation angle of the rotating cylinder only needs to be known, the present invention It is not restricted to this structure.
[0119]
For example, the shape of the code plate 140 may be changed, or the number of contact points of the terminals provided on the code plate contacts the code plate (for example, the rotation of the rotary cylinder when the contact points contact the A range and the B range). The angle may be 2 to 4.5 degrees). In addition, the lens barrel motor 110 may be driven every predetermined time or every predetermined clock.
[0120]
Further, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that photographing is permitted after the image to be photographed is displayed on the display. However, as another configuration, photographing may be permitted before it is displayed on the display. In this case, it may be configured to notify the user that photographing is permitted using an LED or the like.
[0121]
The digital camera 10 is configured to be able to select either an AA battery such as a NiMH battery or an alkaline battery and a DC power source as a main power source.
Of course, the storage battery to be used is not limited to a NiMH battery or an alkaline battery. Moreover, although the AA battery is used, it can also comprise so that batteries other than AA can be used.
[0122]
Further, in the above embodiment, a zoom lens having a two-group configuration is used. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a zoom lens group camera but also to a bifocal camera that switches to a tele position, a wide position, and a retracted position, for example. Furthermore, although the tele position is set between the retracted position and the wide position, it is also possible to set the wide position between the retracted position and the tele position.
[0123]
In this embodiment, a digital camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, as long as the camera uses a lens barrier that covers the lens opening or retracts from the lens opening.
[0124]
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.
[0125]
【The invention's effect】
  Since the present invention is configured as described above, in the first aspect of the present invention, since the lens barrier and the front surface of the window portion are flush with each other, dust or dust does not accumulate on 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, since the lens barrier and the front surface of the window portion are flush with each other, the range of designs to be printed on the camera casing is widened.Further, when the arm rotates, the lens barrier is surely separated from the window portion and has an excellent feature that it does not interfere with the window portion.
[0126]
  According to the second aspect of the invention, the lens surface of the photographing lens is slid when the lens barrier moves to the open position by controlling the driving means with time and detecting the position of the lens barrier by various detection means. The photographing lens does not protrude even though the lens barrier moves or the lens barrier is in the closed position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front 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 an exploded perspective view showing a lens barrier and a lens barrel used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, in which a solid line indicates an open position of the lens barrier, and an imaginary line indicates a closed position of the lens barrier.
6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has moved to an open position and a lens barrel has protruded. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a lens barrel used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has moved to a retracted position.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a lens barrier used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has moved to a closed position.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lens barrier is flush with a front case by a lens barrel used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a code plate provided on a lens barrel used in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment and a terminal;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating control when an imaging power supply of a digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied is turned on.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control when an imaging power supply of a digital camera to which the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied is turned off.
13A and 13B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a conventional digital camera, in which FIG. 13A shows an open position of a lens barrier, and FIG. 13B 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 Lens barrier stepping motor (arm drive means)
56 Full-open detection device (full-open detection means)
57 Fully closed detection device (fully closed detection means)
58 Collapse detection device (collapse detection means)
60 Flat detector (Flat detector)
110 Lens barrel motor (photographing lens driving means)
146 Shading blade (fully open detecting means, fully closed detecting means)
148 Photosensor (full open detection means, full close detection means)
150 arms
150D stopper
151 Contact part (stopper)
168 Compression spring (biasing means)
170 Leaf spring (biasing means)

Claims (2)

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,
The lens barrier is provided on the upper surface, an arm that is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft and supported by a predetermined length along the axial direction of the fixed shaft;
Arm drive means for transmitting rotational force to the arm;
A stopper for restricting movement of the arm at the closed position and the open position;
A first urging means provided around the fixed shaft and urging the arm in a direction away from the front casing in which the window portion is formed;
A second urging means provided on the arm for urging the arm in a direction away from the front housing in which the window is formed;
The lens barrel holding the photographic lens is protruded from the window portion or can be moved in a direction to be fitted in the back of the window portion, and the lens barrel pushes the arm up to the window portion side, through the arm. Driving means for taking a lens to move the lens barrier into the window,
An imaging device comprising: 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 fully closed detection means for detecting that the lens barrier is in the closed position and outputting a lens barrier fully closed signal;
A retractable detection means for detecting that the lens barrel 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 photographing lens driving means is driven, the lens barrel is moved to the back of the window, and when the retracted position signal is input from the retracting detection means, the photographing lens driving means Then, the arm 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 detecting means, the arm driving means is stopped. When the imaging power supply is turned off, the photographing lens driving means is driven, the lens barrel is moved to the back of the window, and when the retracted position signal is input from the retracting detection means, the photographing lens driving means And then driving the arm driving means to move the lens barrier to the closed position, and the lens barrier fully closed signal from the fully closed detecting means. When input, the arm driving means is stopped driving, then the photographing lens driving means is driven, the lens barrel is moved to the window side, and the lens barrier flat signal is sent from the flat detecting means. Control means for stopping driving of the photographing lens driving means when
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images