JPH07209727A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To discriminate from the outside of a camera whether or not an impact is made and to confirm whether or not the camera is suitable for recycling by constituting the camera so that the detected result by an impact detection means can be easily and visually recognized from the outside of a camera main body. CONSTITUTION:The impact detection parts 5 are arranged at the apex angle parts of four corner parts of the camera main body 1 so as to be integral with the main body 1. As to the detection part 5, the ridge line part of a triangular pyramid is formed of a thin beam part 6 and the center part is a hollow cavity part 7. The material of the detection part 5 is plastic and, desirably, the same material as the external member of the main body 1. When the impact equal to or above a specified value is made on the camera, the beam part 6 is plastically deformed. Whether the impact force is exerted on the camera is discriminated in such a way. In the case abnormality is not found, the recycling of the camera is rapidly realized by changing film. In the case abnormality is found, the camera is sent to a camera maker so as to check focus and damage.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly, to a reusable camera in which a delivery type film cartridge can be loaded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent cameras, the exterior is made of plastic, and in many cases, even if a shock is applied inadvertently, there is often no dent or scratch unlike the conventional metal exterior. Therefore, in such a camera, it is impossible to judge the functional guarantee of the camera only by the appearance.

Further, conventionally, in a film with a lens (a so-called disposable camera), etc., when the filming which is built in the camera in advance is finished, the internal mechanism as well as the camera body is discarded regardless of the degree of deterioration thereof.
It was costly and uneconomical in terms of resources.

Therefore, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-305636 discloses a technique in which an optical component which is easily damaged can be replaced. In addition, JP-A-5-1003
According to the publication No. 01, when the camera is reused, the camera may be opened by the user and the internal mechanism may be destroyed. Therefore, in order to solve the problem that requires inspection, readjustment, etc., the exterior of the camera is joined. A technique is disclosed in which a part is sealed and closed, and whether or not the inside is opened can be determined by whether or not the seal is broken.

In this technique, a high temperature detection tape and a water immersion detection tape are provided on the inner wall of the exterior of the camera, and
An impact detection member that plastically deforms when the camera receives an impact of a predetermined value or more is provided.

[0006]

However, when the optical parts of the camera can be exchanged, unless the optical parts are accurately positioned in the camera body, the quality of the photographed image will be poor. In addition, in this case, not only a structure that prevents the user from easily removing it during use is required, but the most accurate camera component is required, and the optical component, which is a fairly expensive component, can be removed at once. It is uneconomical in terms of cost to replace or discard just by using.

In the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-100301, the joint of the exterior of the camera is sealed and closed, and it is possible to judge whether the inside of the camera is opened or not based on whether or not the seal is broken. In order to confirm whether the camera is impacted, it is necessary to break the seal and check the internal detection member.

For this reason, in such a camera, it is not possible to confirm the abnormality immediately after the camera is recovered, and the sealing sticker is purposely peeled off each time, so that it takes time and effort to put the sealing sticker again. Since it is necessary to check light leakage from the gap, it is impossible to easily check at the storefront of a retail store.

Therefore, even though the camera is a reusable camera, in reality, a huge number of man-hours and costs are required for the manufacturer to collect and check the quality. A camera provided with an acceleration sensor for detecting camera shake has also been proposed, and this camera can detect the amount of shake and external force.

However, the acceleration sensor and the like are not only high in cost, but also need to be constantly supplied with power in order to detect them.
If the battery is not installed, it is impossible to detect even if the camera is dropped.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a camera using a film cartridge having a film feeding mechanism built therein, when the camera body is reused after photographing and use, the camera can be easily and inexpensively re-used. The purpose is to provide a camera that can confirm whether it is suitable for use.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, the camera of the present invention is a camera in which a film film cartridge of a delivery system can be loaded, and shock detection means for detecting shock is provided integrally with the camera body, It is characterized in that the result of detection by the impact detection means is easily visible from the outside of the camera body.

Further, the impact detection means is provided with at least one corner portion of a member for accommodating the internal mechanism of the camera body, and comprises a contact piece which can be cut by an impact.

[0014]

According to the camera of the present invention, if a shock detecting means is provided integrally with the camera body in a camera capable of loading a film patrone of a feeding system, the shock is detected by the shock detecting means. It is possible to easily visually recognize it from the outside.

Further, if the shock detecting means is provided integrally with the camera body at least at one corner of the member for accommodating the internal mechanism of the camera body and is composed of a contact piece that can be cut by a shock, the shock is impacted. The detection result is detected, and the detection result can be easily visually recognized from the outside of the camera body.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is an external view of the camera of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (b) is an enlarged view of the impact detector of the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a camera body 1 made of synthetic resin has a release button 2, a photographing lens 3 and a finder 4. Further, this camera can be loaded with a feeding type film cartridge, and has a feeding mechanism (not shown) for feeding the film of the film cartridge.

An impact detector 5 is integrally arranged with the camera body 1 at the apex of the four corners of the camera body 1. The impact detection unit 5 is formed by a beam portion 6 having a thin ridge line portion of a triangular pyramid, and a hollow portion 7 at the center.

The material of the impact detector 5 is made of plastic, and preferably the same material as the exterior member of the camera body. Then, when the camera receives an impact of a predetermined value or more, the beam portion 6 is retroactively deformed.

The operation of the camera configured as described above will be described. It is assumed that the user accidentally drops the camera while using the camera. Then, due to the impact of the camera body 1 falling on the ground or the like, the beam portions 6 of the impact detection unit 5 arranged at the four corners of the camera body 1 cannot withstand the impact force and exceed the elastic deformation range, Cracks or breaks occur in the beam portion 6.

As a result, it is determined whether or not an impact force is applied to the camera. Then, when the camera is brought into a photofinishing store or the like which transfers or develops the photo for film development, the camera is immediately shocked at the photofinishing store, that is, when the camera is received. You can determine whether or not

Here, if there is no abnormality, the film can be replaced and the film can be immediately reused.
If there is something wrong, send it to the camera manufacturer and check it for focus or damage.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the impact detector of the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the impact detection unit 6, and is otherwise the same, so the description thereof will be incorporated herein.

The beam portion 6a has a truss shape, and the central portion is a hollow portion 7. When an external force is applied, the truss-shaped beam portion 6a is plastically deformed and cracks or damages occur, so that the impact force can be detected.

The central portion of the truss shape is not hollow,
The same effect can be obtained even if it is thin. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a shock detector of the third embodiment of the present invention.

The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Only the impact detection unit 6 is different from the embodiment, and the others are the same, so the description thereof will be incorporated here. Beam 6b
Is a cantilever, and when external force is applied, cracks and damages occur as in the first and second embodiments. Thereby, the impact force can be detected.

FIG. 4A is an external view of a camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It is an enlarged view of the impact detection unit of the embodiment. The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the impact detection unit 6 and its mounting portion, and the other points are the same, so the description thereof is incorporated herein.

The impact detector 9 forms a part of the exterior of the camera, and has mounting holes 8a and 8b provided in the camera body 1.
When the claw portion 9a of the impact detection unit 9 is inserted into, for example, the impact detection unit 9 is locked to the camera body 1.

The material of the impact detector 9 is made of plastic, and preferably the same material as the exterior member of the camera body. Then, when an impact such as a drop of the camera on the ground is applied, a force is applied to the leg portion of the claw portion 9a of the impact detection unit 9 to cause plastic deformation and a crack is generated, which is removed from the camera body, thereby giving an impact. The force can be detected.

It is needless to say that the impact detection section 9 can be further improved in detection capability by forming the structure of the impact detection section 9 into a beam or truss shape having a cavity. FIG. 5A is an external view of the camera of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the impact detector of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, a camera body 11 made of synthetic resin has a release button 12, a taking lens 13, and a finder 14.

Further, this camera can be loaded with a feeding type film cartridge, and has a feeding mechanism (not shown) for feeding the film of the film cartridge.

A detection window 16 is provided on at least one of the exterior surfaces of the camera body 11, and an impact detection section 17 is arranged inside the detection window 16. The impact detector 17
Is a red liquid 1 which is a red liquid in one of the insides of a sealed glass tube 18 having an outer diameter of about 3 mm and a length of about 20 mm.
8 and the other side is coated with a white diffusing agent 20 on the inner wall surface (for example, "Shock Watch (registered trademark)" manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited).

The red liquid 18 will not be drawn by the surface tension to flow out in any direction unless the camera is given a shock of a certain amount or more. However, when the strength of the shock exceeds the surface tension, the diffusion of the red liquid 18 is increased. The agent 20 scatters on the coated side, and immediately after that, due to the action of the diffusing agent 20, the entire surface is dyed red and the original state cannot be restored.

In this embodiment, by adjusting the inner diameter of the glass tube 18, it is possible to predict and design the gravity impact strength required to break the surface tension. The detection agent as the impact detection unit 17 is attached inside the camera integrally with the camera body 11, and the detection window 16 is provided so that the display can be seen from the outside of the camera. This makes it possible to detect an impact without the need to remove the exterior or the like.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the impact detector of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except for the impact detection unit 17, and the other points are the same, so that the description thereof is incorporated herein.

The impact detector 17 of the sixth embodiment is the fifth embodiment.
The red liquid 19 and the diffusing agent 2 of the impact detection unit 17 shown in the embodiment
The electrolytic solution 22 and the absorbent 21 are used instead of 0, and when the shock is applied, the electrolytic solution 22 is absorbed by the absorbent 21 and no electricity flows to the energization detection circuit 23. It is something to detect.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the impact detector of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 except for the impact detection unit 17, and the other points are the same, so the description thereof will be incorporated herein.

The impact detecting portion 17a of the seventh embodiment is arranged so that at least one place can contact with the battery chamber 31 and the protrusion 32. In addition, a battery 33 is provided in the battery chamber 31.
The impact detection unit 17a is inside the detection window 16 provided in a part of the camera body 11 so that the display unit can be seen from the outside of the camera.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PE) is contained in the impact detector 17a.
The film of T) is A film, B film, C shown in the figure.
Three kinds of films are stacked. This film 34
Is a pressure measurement film, for example, "Prescale (registered trademark)" manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
And so on, the color develops when pressure is applied.

The battery 3 is assumed to have a large specific gravity in the camera.
3, the projection 32 of the battery chamber 31 accommodating the battery 33 and the film 34 can come into contact with each other. Next, when a shock is applied to the camera, the battery chamber 31 elastically held on the main body side in the camera presses the film 34 of the shock detection unit 17a by the protrusion 32 by its own weight.

Then, since the film 34 develops color, it becomes possible to detect an impact through the detection window 16 of the camera body 11. It should be noted that the object that can come into contact with the impact detection unit 17a is not limited to the battery chamber 31, but may be, for example, a finder optical system such as a penta prism of a single-lens reflex camera or a unit of a photographing lens.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the impact detecting member is arranged only at the apex portion where the three surfaces intersect, but this is not limited to the apex portion where the three surfaces intersect, but at the ridge line portion where the two surfaces intersect. It is also possible to arrange an impact detection member.

In this case, instead of the triangular pyramid shape as shown in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the ridge line portion may have a beam portion. As described above, the cameras of the above-described embodiments can easily inspect whether or not a shock is applied from the outside of the camera, so that the camera can be easily re-installed at the store of a photofinishing store, that is, when the camera is received. You can check whether the usage is appropriate.

Therefore, after collecting the film at the photofinishing store,
It can be reused immediately. Also, the magnitude of the impact force to be detected can be adjusted relatively easily by the wall thickness of the beam and the diameter of the glass tube. It is possible to prevent the impact detection means from working.

According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the following constitution can be obtained. (1) A camera characterized in that an impact detection means for detecting an impact is provided integrally with the camera body, and a detection result by the impact detection means is easily visible from the outside of the camera body.

(2) The camera according to the above (1), in which a film-type film cartridge of a feeding type can be loaded in the camera, and which has a feeding mechanism for feeding the film of the film cartridge.

(3) The camera is a reusable film with lens. (4) The impact detection means is provided at at least one corner of a member that houses the internal mechanism of the camera body, and is composed of a contact piece that can be cut by an impact. ) Described in the camera.

(5) The camera according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the corners are apex corners where the three surfaces intersect. (6) The impact detecting means has a hollow inside,
The camera according to any one of (1) to (5) above, which is composed of a member that is plastically deformed by the impact.

(7) The impact detecting means is provided at at least one corner of an exterior member that houses the internal mechanism of the camera body, and is composed of a contact piece that can be cut by an impact. ) -The camera as described in (6).

(8) The above-mentioned impact detecting means has a locking portion with the camera body which is destroyed by the impact.
The camera according to (5). (9) The camera according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the impact detection means is detachable from the camera body.

(10) The camera according to any one of (1) to (9) above, which has a window for visually recognizing the impact detecting means from the outside. (11) In the above (1) to (3) or (9), (10), the impact detection means is disposed in the vicinity of the heavy object inside the camera and detects using the impact force of the heavy object. The listed camera.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the impact detecting means for detecting the impact is provided outside the camera integrally with the camera body, or the impact detecting means is provided with a window portion visible from the outside of the camera. Since it has, it is possible to determine whether or not a shock is applied from the outside of the camera.

As a result, in a camera using a film cartridge having a film feeding mechanism,
When the camera body is reused after shooting and use, it is possible to provide a camera capable of easily and inexpensively confirming whether or not the reuse is suitable.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A is an external view of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of an impact detection unit thereof.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a shock detector of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a shock detector of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an external appearance of a camera of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a shock detection unit thereof.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an appearance of a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the impact detection unit.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a shock detector of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a shock detector of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Camera body, 2 ... Release switch, 3 ... Lens,
4 ... Finder, 5 ... Impact detection part, 6, 6a, 6b ... Beam part, 7 ... Cavity part, 8a, 8b ... Mounting hole, 9 ... Impact detection part, 9a ... Claw part, 11 ... Camera body, 12 ... Release Switch, 13 ... Lens, 14 ... Viewfinder, 15 ... Strobe, 16 ... Detection window, 17, 17a ... Impact detection section, 18
... Glass tube, 19 ... Red liquid, 20 ... Diffusing agent, 21 ... Water absorbing agent, 22 ... Electrolyte solution, 23 ... Energization detecting circuit, 31 ... Battery chamber, 32 ... Projection part, 33 ... Battery, 34 ... Film.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 14, 1995

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 2

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the impact detection means, provided <br/> on at least one corner of the member receiving the internal mechanism of the camera body, characterized by comprising from cleavable contact piece by the impact.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A camera in which a film patrone of a delivery type can be loaded, is provided with impact detection means for detecting an impact integrally with the camera body, and the detection result by the impact detection means can be easily visually recognized from the outside of the camera body. A camera characterized by being configured. 2. The impact detection means comprises a contact piece which is provided at at least one corner of a member for accommodating an internal mechanism of the camera body and which can be cut by an impact. Camera.