JPH04254841A - Self-timer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce cost of a self-timer by simplifying construction and, at the same time, make it usable by means of mounting it on the outside of a camera, hence it fits to be used for the hitherto so-called disposable camera. CONSTITUTION:The base part of bellows 5 made of synthetic resin that is compressible resisting repulsive elasticity with its top end blocked is mounted to the top part of a mount 1 to serve the purpose of pressing down a shutter button. A cover body 9 having a minute hole 10 and a seal 11 that blocks the minute hole 10 are provide at the base end of the bellows 5 to serve the purpose of inflow/discharge of fluid. The bellows 5 is retained in the compressed state by discharging a part of fluid inside the bellows 5, and blocking the minute hole 10 with the seal 11. The mount 1 is mounted to a camera 13, the seal 11 is peeled off alowing the fluid to gradually flow into the bellows 5 in the compressed state from the minute hole 10, and the bellows 5 is gradually extended utilizing repulsive elasticity to press down the shutter button 14 of the camera 13.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a self-timer used to delay the time when a photographer presses the shutter button of a camera so as to take a photograph, and is particularly suitable for use in so-called disposable cameras.

0002

[Prior Art] Conventional self-timers have a structure that combines a mainspring and a gear mechanism, or a means for electronically measuring the time to delay the pressing of the camera's shutter button, and a method for measuring a fixed period of time using this measuring means. rear,
A configuration in which a shutter button is operated by excitation of a solenoid is also known. Generally, the main body is already assembled inside the camera.

0003

However, all of the conventional self-timers described above are complicated and expensive. Therefore, it cannot be used in small and inexpensive disposable cameras.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can simplify the configuration and reduce costs, and can be used by being attached to the outside of the camera. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a self-timer suitable for use in conventional so-called disposable cameras.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The technical solution of the present invention to achieve the above object includes a mounting base, a base attached to the top of the mounting base, and a distal end closed to resist repulsion elasticity. A pressing member for a shutter button of a camera that can be compressed and expanded by rebound resilience; and a pressing member provided at the base end of the pressing member, capable of discharging fluid in the pressing member to compress the pressing member; A fluid inflow/discharge means is provided for causing fluid to gradually flow into the pressing member in a compressed state so that the pressing member gradually expands due to its rebound resilience.

[0006] The pressing member may be made of a synthetic resin and compressed against its own repulsion resilience, and may be made of a bellows that can be expanded from the compressed state due to its own repulsion resilience, or it may be made of synthetic resin and compressed against its own repulsion resilience. A bellows that is compressed against elasticity and can be expanded from the compressed state by its own repulsion elasticity, a spring for assisting the extension of the bellows, or a telescoping tube that can be expanded and contracted in a sealed state; It can be constructed from a spring that biases the tube in the direction of extension. Further, as the fluid inflow and discharge means, a lid body having micro holes;
A seal that is releasably attached to the outer surface of the lid and closes the microhole, or a rubber lid that has a slit, or a rubber lid that has a slit. It can be composed of a lid body and a shaft member that is inserted into the crack and forms a microhole in the crack. The mount includes a pair of opposing flexible pieces each having an engaging portion at a tip thereof, is supported to be movable up and down along the mount, and is removably engaged with the engaging portion; The device includes an operating member that maintains the pressing member in a compressed state in this engaged state.

[0007]

[Operation] Therefore, according to the present invention, the mounting base is attached to the camera, fluid is gradually caused to flow into the compressed pressing member by the fluid inflow/discharge means, and the pressing member is gradually expanded by utilizing repulsion elasticity. This allows you to press the camera's shutter button. With this simple configuration in which the pressing member is gradually extended, the time required to press the shutter button can be delayed, and the pressing member can also be used by being attached to the outside of the camera.

[0008]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1A and 1B show a self-timer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a sectional view of the shutter button in a non-operating state, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the shutter button in an operating state. . As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), the mounting base 1 is made of synthetic resin and has a leg portion 3 integrally provided on the outer circumference of the lower end of a cylindrical body portion 2, and a ring on the inner circumference of the top portion of the body portion 2. A shaped support portion 4 is integrally provided. The bellows 5, which is a pressing member for the shutter button of the camera, is compressed by synthetic resin against its own repulsive elasticity, and is formed so that it can expand due to its own repulsive elasticity, and the tip side is closed to form a distal end surface 6. The base end 7 is opened to the outside through a hole 8. The bellows 5 is inserted into the mounting base 1, and the base of the bellows 5 is attached to the support part 4.
It is set so that the tip end face 6 is located near the leg part 3 in the extended state. The outer periphery of a lid 9 made of synthetic resin is fixed to the base end 7 of the bellows 5 on the outside of the mounting base 1 by means such as adhesive, and the center portion of the lid 9 communicates with the hole 8 of the bellows 5. A microhole 10 for fluid inflow and discharge is formed. The microholes 10 can discharge the fluid inside the bellows 5, such as air, when the bellows 5 is compressed against its own repulsive elasticity, and can also discharge the bellows 5 in this compressed state.
The diameter is set so that air can gradually flow into the inside of the bellows 5 and the bellows 5 can be gradually expanded using its own repulsive elasticity. A seal 11 is removably attached to the outer surface of the lid 9, and the microhole 10 is closed by the seal 11.

The usage of the above configuration will be explained below. In advance, as shown in FIG. 1(A), the end surface 6 of the bellows 5 is pressed against its own repulsive elasticity, and a portion of the air inside the bellows is discharged from the microholes 10, thereby forming the bellows 5.
is compressed, and the seal 11 is adhered to the outer surface of the lid body 9 to close the microhole 10 and keep the bellows 5 in a compressed state. To use the self-timer 12 with the above configuration,
The leg portion 3 of the mounting base 1 is removably attached to the camera 13 by adhesive or other means around the outer periphery of the shutter button 14. After that, when the seal 11 is peeled off to open the microhole 10 of the lid body 9, air is gradually introduced into the bellows 5 through the microhole 10 and the hole 8, and the bellows is closed as shown in FIG. 1(B). 5
It uses its own rebound elasticity to gradually elongate. bellows 5
As the shutter button 14 expands, the tip surface 6 of the shutter button 14
can be pressed. The time required for the extension of the bellows 5 may be set to a time sufficient to allow the photographer to take the photograph himself.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 2 to 4 show a self-timer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2 is a plan view, FIG. 3 is a front view, and FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view of the shutter button in the operating state taken along line a-a in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the same parts as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted, and the different configuration will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, guide grooves 15 are cut out facing the legs 3 and body 2 of the mounting base 1, and each guide groove 15
A slit 16 facing toward the support part 4 is formed on both sides of the support part 4, and a flexible piece 17 is formed between the slits 16 and 16, which can be bent using the base on the support part 4 side as a fulcrum. An engaging protrusion 18 is formed on the outer surface of the distal end of each flexible piece 17, and an inclined surface 19 is formed on the outer surface of the distal end side of each flexible piece 17 so that the wall becomes gradually thinner toward the distal end. Flexible piece 17
A pressing portion 20 having an anti-slip structure is formed in the middle portion of the holder. Along both guide grooves 15 and slits 16, both sides of a plate-shaped operating member 21 are supported so as to be movable up and down, and engagement holes 22 are formed in both sides of the operating member 21. Then, by forcibly raising the operating member 21, the edge of the engagement hole 22 presses the inclined surface 19 of the flexible piece 17, causing the flexible piece 17 to bend inward and escape. When the edge of the engagement hole 22 gets over the engagement protrusion 18, the flexible piece 17 restores itself due to its own repulsive elasticity, and the edge of the engagement hole 22 crosses the engagement protrusion 1.
8 to restrict the lowering of the operating member 21. Moreover, by pressing the pressing part 20 inward and bending the flexible piece 17 inward, the operating member 21 is moved to the engaging protrusion 1.
8 and released, the operating member 21 can be lowered along the guide groove 15. An engaging recess 23 is formed on the upper surface side of the central portion of the operating member 21, and an engaging protrusion 24 protruding from the tip surface 6 of the bellows 5 is engaged with the engaging recess 23, so that the operating member 21 moves together. I'm starting to get it. Then, the bellows 5 is held in a compressed state with the edge of the engagement hole 22 of the operating member 21 engaged with the engagement protrusion 18 of the flexible piece 17, and the operating member 21 is released from the engagement protrusion 18. Then, the bellows 5 is extended and the operating member 21 can be lowered. A pressing portion 25 of the shutter button 14 is formed below the center of the operating member 21 . An auxiliary lid 26 made of synthetic resin is fixed to the base end of the bellows 5 by adhesive or other means, and a hole 27 corresponding to the hole 8 of the bellows 5 is formed in the center of the auxiliary lid 26. A rubber lid body 28 is held in a fixed state on the auxiliary lid 26, and a linear cut is made in the center of the lid body 28 at a position corresponding to the hole 27 of the auxiliary lid 26 and the hole 8 of the bellows 5. A crevice 29 is formed for fluid inflow and outflow. The lid body 28 is prevented from bending toward the bellows 5 by the auxiliary cover 26 around the crevice 29, and is held so that it can freely bend outward away from the bellows 5. Therefore, the fluid in the bellows 5, e.g. air, can be easily discharged by widening the crack 28, while the external air will close the crack 29 and therefore flow into the bellows 5 all at once. It is possible to prevent this from occurring and allow it to flow in gradually.

The usage of the above configuration will be explained below. As shown in FIG. 4A, in advance, the edge of the engagement hole 22 of the operating member 21 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 18 of the flexible piece 17 to hold the bellows 5 in a compressed state. put. In use, the legs 3 of the mount 1 are attached to the camera 13 around the outer periphery of the shutter button 14 by adhesive or other means. Thereafter, by pressing the pressing part 20 inward and bending the flexible piece 17 inward, the operating member 2
1 from the engagement protrusion 18 to release it. With this release, air gradually flows into the bellows 5 through the crack 29 and the holes 27 and 8, and the bellows 5 is gradually expanded using its own repulsive elasticity, as shown in FIG. 4(B). At the same time, the operating member 21 is gradually lowered. As the bellows 5 extends and the operating member 21 descends, the shutter button 14 can be pressed by the pressing portion 25 of the operating member 21. The time required for the extension of the bellows 5 may be set to a time sufficient to allow the photographer to take the photograph himself. After pressing the shutter button 14, the operating member 21 is raised against the elasticity of the bellows 5 as described above, and the edge of the engagement hole 22 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 18 of the flexible piece 17. By holding the bellows 5 in a compressed state,
You can wait for the next use. In this way, according to this embodiment, it can be used repeatedly. Also,
By inserting your fingertip into the guide groove 15, you can press the shutter button 1 with your fingertip while the self-timer 12 is attached.
It is also possible to perform the pressing operation in step 4.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. 5 and 6 show a self-timer in a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the main part, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part taken along line b. In this embodiment, the same parts as in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted, and the different configurations will be explained. In the configuration in which a fissure 29 is formed by a linear cut in the rubber lid body 28 as a fluid inflow and discharge means as in the second embodiment, the fissure 29 may be formed depending on the material of the lid body 28 and the method of forming the fissure 29. 29 may be completely closed and no external fluid, such as air, may flow into the bellows 5. In this embodiment, such a fear is eliminated, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a small diameter shaft member 3 is used.
0 is fixed to the inner peripheral part of the auxiliary lid 26, and the shaft member 3
The vertical part of 0 is a tear 29 formed in the rubber lid body 28.
is inserted into the center of the shaft member 30, and micro holes 31 are formed on both sides of the shaft member 30.
is formed, and air is configured to gradually flow into the bellows 5 through the minute holes 31. The method of use of this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, so the explanation thereof will be omitted.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 7(A) and (B) show a self-timer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a cross-sectional view of the shutter button in a non-operating state, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of the shutter button in an operating state. . In this embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.
Different configurations will be explained. In the configuration of the first embodiment, the bellows 5 may be required to be kept in a compressed state for a relatively long period of time until it is used, but there is a risk that the rebound resilience of the bellows 5 may deteriorate during this time. . In this embodiment, such a fear is eliminated, and the bellows 5 is urged in the direction of extension by a compression spring 32. As an example, a compression spring 32 is inserted inside the bellows 5, and is interposed between the inner surface of the distal end surface 6 of the bellows 5 and the inner surface of the lid body 9 so as not to close the microhole 10. and,
The end surface 6 of the bellows 5 is connected to its own repulsive elasticity and compression spring 32.
Press against the repulsive elasticity of the
0 to compress the bellows 5, and the seal 11 closes the minute hole 10 to maintain the bellows 5 in a compressed state. In addition, by peeling off the seal 11 and allowing air to gradually flow into the inside of the bellows 5 from the minute hole 10, the bellows 5
can be gradually expanded by its own resilience and the resilience of the compression spring 32. Here, the compression spring 32 can assist in expanding the bellows 5, but when air flows into the bellows 5, the bellows 5
is set so that it does not expand all at once.

The usage of the above configuration will be explained below. As shown in FIG. 7A, the bellows 5 is held in a compressed state in advance, and the leg portion 3 of the mounting base 1 is removably attached to the outer periphery of the shutter button 14 of the camera 13 by adhesive or other means. After that, seal 11
When the small hole 10 of the lid body 9 is opened, air is gradually introduced into the inside of the bellows 5 through the small hole 10 and the hole 8, and the bellows 5 is opened on its own as shown in FIG. 7(B). The elasticity of the bellows 5 is gradually expanded by the resilience of the compression spring 32, or mainly by the resilience of the compression spring 32 if the resilience of the bellows 5 has deteriorated. As the bellows 5 expands, the shutter button 14 can be pressed by its tip surface 6. The time required for the extension of the bellows 5 may be set to a time sufficient to allow the photographer to take the photograph himself.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) show a self-timer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a sectional view of the shutter button in a non-operating state, and (B) is a sectional view of the shutter button in an operating state. . In this embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.
Different configurations will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), a telescopic cylinder 33, which is a pressing member for a shutter button, is attached to the support portion 4 of the mounting base 1. That is, the extensible tube 33 is fit into the support tube 34 so that the press tube 35 can expand and contract inside the support tube 34 while being sealed by an O-ring 36, and the tip side of the press tube 35 is closed by the tip surface 37. The telescopic tube 33 is inserted into the mounting base 1, and a flange portion 38 protruding from the outer periphery of the base of the support tube 34 is fixed to the outer surface of the support portion 4 by adhesive or other means. A compression spring 39 is inserted inside the telescoping cylinder 33, and this compression spring 39 has micro holes 1 formed in the inner surface of the tip end surface 37 of the pressing cylinder 35 and the inner surface of the lid body 9.
0 is interposed so as not to be occluded. Then, the distal end surface 37 of the telescopic cylinder 33 is pressed against the repulsive elasticity of the compression spring 39, the air inside is discharged from the microhole 10, the telescopic cylinder 33 is compressed, and the microhole 10 is closed by the seal 11. By doing so, the telescopic cylinder 33 is held in a compressed state. Moreover, by peeling off the seal and gradually allowing air to flow into the interior of the telescopic tube 33 through the microholes 10, the telescopic tube 33 can be gradually expanded by the repulsive elasticity of the compression spring 39.

The usage of the above configuration will be explained below. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the telescoping tube 33 is held in a compressed state in advance, and the legs 3 of the mounting base 1 are removably attached to the camera 13 by adhesive or other means around the outer periphery of the shutter button 14. . After that, when the seal 11 is peeled off to open the microhole 10 of the lid 9, air is gradually introduced into the telescopic cylinder 33 through the microhole 10, and as shown in FIG. 8(B), the telescopic cylinder 33 Compress the spring 3
It is gradually extended by the rebound resilience of 9. As the telescoping tube 33 expands, the shutter button 14 can be pressed by its distal end surface 37. The time required to extend the telescopic barrel 33 may be set to a time sufficient to allow the photographer to take the photograph himself.

[0017] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the device is used in air has been described, but it can also be used in water. When used underwater, the bellows 5 or the telescopic cylinder 33, which is a pressing member for the shutter button, is partially discharged from the microhole 10 etc. to maintain the bellows 5 or the telescopic cylinder 33 in a compressed state. In use, water is gradually allowed to flow into the bellows 5 or the telescopic cylinder 33 through the micro holes 10, etc., thereby increasing the resilience of the bellows 5 or the telescopic cylinder 33, as well as the resilience of the compression springs 32, 39. With the help of , the shutter button 14 can be gradually extended and the shutter button 14 can be pressed.

[0018] Also in the configurations of the second and third embodiments, the bellows 5 may be biased in the direction of extension by a compression spring. Also in the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above, a finger insertion portion is formed on the mounting base 1, and the bellows 5 or the telescopic tube 33 is compressed from this finger insertion portion, so that it can be repeatedly used. can be used. Also,
In the second and third embodiments described above, the mounting base 1 is also used as the camera 1.
It is also possible to attach it removably to 3. Further, in any of the embodiments, the mounting base 1 can be attached to the camera 13 by an engagement means other than adhesive. Moreover, the mounting base 1 can be changed into an appropriate shape. In addition, the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its basic technical concept.

[0019]

As explained above, according to the present invention, the mount is attached to the camera, fluid is gradually introduced into the compressed pressing member by the fluid inflow/discharge means, and the pressing member is moved by using the repulsion elasticity. By gradually extending it, the shutter button of the camera can be pressed. With this simple configuration in which the pressing means is gradually extended, the time required to press the shutter button can be delayed, and costs can be reduced. Also,
It can be used by attaching it to the outside of the camera, so
It is particularly suitable for use in conventional so-called disposable cameras.

Furthermore, by using a bellows made of synthetic resin and having its own repulsive elasticity as the pressing member, the structure can be simplified. Furthermore, by providing the bellows with an extension assisting spring, or by using a telescoping tube and an extension spring as the pressing means, the pressing means can be maintained in a compressed state for a long period of time. Further, as a fluid inflow/exhaust means, a lid having a microhole and a seal removably attached to the outer surface of the lid to close the microhole, or a rubber lid having a slit. By using a body, the configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced. In addition, by inserting the shaft member into the crack to form a microhole, air can be reliably flowed into the inside of the bellows, etc., regardless of the material of the lid, the method of forming the crack, etc. . Further, the mounting base is provided with a pair of flexible pieces each having an engaging portion at the tip thereof, the flexible pieces are supported so as to be movable up and down along the mounting base, and are removably engaged with the engaging portion, in this engaged state. By providing an operating member that presses the bellows into a compressed state, it can be easily used repeatedly.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1(A) shows a self-timer in a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view in a state where the shutter button is inoperative. (B) is a cross-sectional view of the self-timer in a state in which the shutter button is in operation.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a self-timer in a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the self-timer.

4(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in FIG. 3 with the shutter button inactive; FIG. (B) is a sectional view taken along line a-a in FIG. 3 in a shutter button operating state.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of essential parts of a self-timer in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of essential parts taken along line bb in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7(A) shows a self-timer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view of the shutter button in a non-operating state. (B) is a cross-sectional view of the self-timer in a state in which the shutter button is in operation.

FIG. 8(A) shows a self-timer in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view of the shutter button in a non-operating state. (B) is a cross-sectional view of the self-timer in a state in which the shutter button is in operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Mounting base 5 Bellows 9 Lid body 10 Microhole 11 Seal 12 Self-timer 13. Camera 14 Shutter button 17 Flexible piece 18 Engagement protrusion 21 Operation member 22 Engagement hole 28 Lid body 29 Rift 30 Shaft member 31 Microhole 32 Compression spring 33 Telescopic tube 39 Compression spring

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A mounting base, a pressing member for a shutter button of a camera having a base attached to the top of the mounting base, the distal end side being closed, compressed against repulsion resilience, and capable of being expanded due to repulsion resilience; Provided at the base end of this pressing member,
Fluid inflow/discharge means capable of discharging the fluid in the pressing member to compress the pressing member, and causing fluid to gradually flow into the compressed pressing member to gradually expand the pressing member due to repulsion elasticity. Equipped with a self-timer. 2. The self-timer according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a bellows made of synthetic resin that is compressed against its own repulsive elasticity and can be expanded from the compressed state by its own repulsive elasticity. [Claim 3] The pressing member is made of a synthetic resin, and includes a bellows that is compressed against its own rebound resilience and can be expanded from the compressed state by its own rebound resilience, and a spring for assisting the extension of the bellows. A self-timer according to claim 1. 4. The self-timer according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member comprises an extensible tube that can be expanded and contracted in a sealed state, and a spring that biases the extensible tube in the direction of extension. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid inflow and discharge means comprises a lid having a microhole, and a seal removably attached to the outer surface of the lid to close the microhole. Self-timer described in Crab. 6. The self-timer according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inflow and discharge means is a rubber lid having a slit. 7. The fluid inflow and discharge means includes a rubber lid having a crevice, and a shaft member inserted into the crevice and forming a microhole in the crevice. self-timer. 8. The mount includes a pair of opposing flexible pieces each having an engaging portion at the tip thereof, is supported so as to be movable up and down along the mount, and is removably engaged with the engaging portion. 8. The self-timer according to claim 1, further comprising an operating member that maintains the pressing member in a compressed state in this engaged state.