JPH11133483A - Camera with lens barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain the projecting amount of a lens barrier projecting from a camera main body to the minimum with simple constitution by providing a sliding mechanism capable of moving the barrier in the optical axis direction of a photographing lens in the opening state of the barrier. SOLUTION: A barrier opening/closing groove 5 is formed in the optical axis direction on both side surfaces of a pedestal protrusively provided on the lower surface side of the outer periphery part of a photographing lens barrel 4, and the projecting part 2e of a barrier operation member 2 driving to open/close the barrier 1 for opening/closing the front surface of the photographing lens 6a is fit and supported in the groove 5 so that it can freely slide in the optical axis direction of the lens 6a. In the opening state of the barrier 1, a sliding mechanism moving the barrier 1 in the optical axis direction of the lens 6a is formed in the opening state of the barrier 1. In the opening/ closing state of the barrier 1, that is, at the time of making the camera 10 in a photographing feasible state, the barrier 1 is moved in the optical aixs direction of the lens 6a so that it is turned to tilt forward and withdrawn to the base side of the lens barrel 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having a lens barrier, and more particularly to a camera having a lens barrier for protecting a photographic lens so that the front surface of the camera can be opened and closed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a camera for taking a photograph, a so-called lens barrier camera in which a member for protecting the front surface of a taking lens by opening and closing the front surface of a taking lens barrel so as to be openable and closed is mounted on the camera body. Various proposals have been made and generally put to practical use.

[0003] For example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-31308 discloses that the above-described photographing is performed when a photographing lens barrel that is rotatably provided on the front side of a camera body and is provided so as to be housed and extended in the camera body is freely housed. A camera is disclosed in which a front surface of a lens barrel is closed in a flat shape, and a double-walled lens barrier that exposes the front surface of the photographic lens barrel when the photographic lens barrel is extended.

The camera disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 54-3931 is provided so as to be movable in the optical axis direction on the camera body, collapses inside the camera body when not photographing, and projects from the camera body when photographing. And a collapsible lens barrier rotatably supported by the camera body. In this camera, the photographing lens barrel projects from the retracted state to a photographable state in interlocking with the opening operation of the lens barrier, thereby exposing the front surface of the photographing lens barrel and the lens barrier moving the photographing lens. It is configured to be arranged on the lower side of the lens barrel.

[0005]

However, the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-31308 employs a double-leafed lens barrier, so that when the camera is in a photographing state, the photographing lens mirror is used. The lens barrier protrudes greatly from both sides of the tube. In this state, if careless external force or impact is applied to the lens barrier itself, there is a problem that the lens barrier is easily damaged.

The camera described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 54-3931 synchronizes the operation of a lens barrier and a photographic lens barrel that protrude greatly below the photographic lens barrel when the lens barrier is open. Therefore, a complicated mechanism is required, and an arm member that also serves to reinforce the lens barrier is required. Therefore, there is a problem that a predetermined space is required to accommodate the constituent members of the lens barrier opening / closing mechanism including the arm member and the like inside the camera.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of projection of a lens barrier projecting from a camera body in a camera having a retractable lens barrier. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a lens barrier that can be minimized with a simple configuration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a camera with a lens barrier which does not require a space for accommodating an opening / closing mechanism of a lens barrier inside a camera body or a taking lens barrel, and realizes space saving.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a camera with a lens barrier which is not easily damaged even when an unexpected external force or impact is applied to the lens barrier during use of the camera.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a camera with a lens barrier according to a first aspect of the present invention moves between a closed state covering at least the front surface of the photographing lens and an open state exposing the front surface of the photographing lens. And a slide mechanism that can move the barrier in the optical axis direction of the taking lens when the barrier is open.

Further, the camera with the lens barrier according to the second invention rotates about a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens, and covers at least the front surface of the photographing lens. A barrier that moves between a closed position and an open position that exposes the front surface of the photographing lens, and a moving mechanism that enables the support shaft to move in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens when the barrier rotates and moves. It is characterized by having.

The camera with the lens barrier according to the third aspect of the present invention rotates around a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the taking lens, and covers at least the front surface of the taking lens. A barrier movable to a closed position and an open position exposing the front surface of the photographing lens, a first direction that holds the support shaft and that is along the optical axis direction of the photographing lens,
A barrier operation member for selectively moving the support shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
In response to the movement of the support shaft in the first direction by the barrier operation member, the barrier moves from the closed position to the open position in response to the movement of the support shaft in the first direction. In response to the movement, the barrier moves from the open position to the closed position.

Therefore, in the camera with the lens barrier according to the first invention, the barrier moves between a closed state covering at least the front surface of the taking lens and an open state exposing the front surface of the taking lens. And a slide mechanism capable of moving the barrier in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens.

Further, in the camera with the lens barrier according to the second aspect of the present invention, the barrier is rotated about a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens, and at least the lens of the photographing lens is rotated. It moves to a closed position covering the front surface and an open position exposing the front surface of the taking lens. When the barrier rotates and moves, the moving mechanism can move the support shaft in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens.

In the camera with a lens barrier according to a third aspect of the present invention, the barrier rotates about a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens, and at least the lens of the photographing lens. The barrier operation member is moved to a closed position covering the front surface and an open position exposing the front surface of the photographing lens, and the barrier operation member holds the support shaft, and the first direction along the optical axis direction of the photographing lens; The support shaft can be selectively moved in a second direction opposite to the direction. And
In response to the movement of the support shaft in the first direction by the barrier operation member, the barrier moves from the closed position to the open position, and in the second direction of the support shaft by the barrier operation member. The barrier moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the movement of.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views showing the configuration of a camera with a lens barrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a non-photographing state in which the barrier is in a closed state (closed position). Reference numeral 2 denotes a photographing state in which the barrier is in an open state (open position). 3 and 4 are enlarged longitudinal sectional views showing the vicinity of the leading end of a taking lens barrel and a lens barrier in the camera, and FIG. 3 shows a state at the time of non-photographing corresponding to FIG. Reference numeral 4 denotes a state at the time of shooting corresponding to FIG.

In the camera 10 of the present embodiment, a photographing lens barrel 4 is disposed substantially at the center of the front surface of a front cover 4a which is a front exterior member. Inside the taking lens barrel 4, a lens holding frame 6 for holding a taking lens 6a is disposed so as to be freely protruded and retracted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a barrier opening / closing groove 5 is formed on both sides of the pedestal projecting from the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the photographing lens barrel 4 along the optical axis direction. ing. In the barrier opening / closing groove 5, a projection 2e of a barrier operation member 2 for opening and closing the barrier 1 for opening and closing the front surface of the taking lens 6a is slidably fitted and supported in the optical axis direction of the taking lens 6a. I have. Thus, when the barrier 1 is in the open state, the barrier 1 is moved in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 6a.
Are formed to be movable. Also,
A support mechanism for fitting and supporting the barrier operation member 2 movably in the optical axis direction is formed.

At the front end of the barrier operation member 2, a barrier 1 for opening and closing the front surface of the taking lens 6a is provided. The barrier 1 includes the barrier operation member 2
Is rotatably supported by a support shaft 3 which is inserted and held in a through hole formed in a support portion 2b provided at a front end portion. The support shaft 3 is disposed so as to be parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens 6a.
The barrier 1 with its base end pivotally attached to the base 1 is in a closed position (see FIG. 1) covering the front surface of the photographing lens 6a and an open position (see FIG. 2) in which the front surface of the photographing lens 6a is exposed. It constitutes a so-called tiltable lens barrier that rotates.

That is, the barrier operation member 2 serves to rotate the barrier 1 to open and close the front surface of the lens 6a and to move the support shaft 3 in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 6a. That is, the barrier operation member 2 holds the support shaft 3 and the first along the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 6a.
The support shaft 3 is selectively moved in a direction (X1 direction in FIG. 1) and a second direction (X2 direction in FIG. 2) opposite to the first direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a torsion spring 7 as an urging member is wound around the support shaft 3, and the barrier 1 is always closed by the urging force of the spring 7. Biased in the direction.

The operation of the barrier 1 in the above-configured camera 10 will be described below. First, camera 1
In a state in which the barrier 1 of 0 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the user of the camera 10 puts a finger or the like on the operation unit 2 a of the barrier operation member 2, and moves the barrier operation member 2 of the photographing lens 6 a. It is slid in the direction along the optical axis and in the direction of the arrow X1 (first direction) in FIG. Then, the barrier operation member 2 is guided by the barrier opening / closing groove 5 of the taking lens barrel 4 and slides in the same direction. At this time, the contact portion 1b (see FIG. 3) of the barrier 1 with the photographing lens barrel 4 is pushed forward by the front end 4b (see FIG. 3) of the photographing lens barrel 4. As a result, the barrier 1 falls forward with the support shaft 3 as the center of rotation, and exposes the front surface of the photographing lens 6a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the barrier 1 is arranged in parallel with the optical axis of the photographing lens 6a. In this state, when the barrier operation member 2 is further slid in the X1 direction, the barrier 1 is pulled into the bottom surface side of the taking lens barrel 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).
The contact portion 1b of the barrier 1 is a photographic lens barrel 4
Is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the torsion spring 7 by the urging force of the torsion spring 7, and the barrier 1 is kept fully open. At this time, the barrier 1 is in a state of protruding forward from the tip of the taking lens barrel 4 as shown in FIG. The relationship is
R> L.

When the camera 10 is in the state shown in FIG.
Is slightly protruded from the taking lens barrel 4,
The imaging lens 6a can be moved in the optical axis direction along with a zooming operation (zooming), a focus adjustment operation (focusing), and the like during photographing.

Next, when the barrier 1 is moved to a closed position for covering the front surface of the photographing lens 6a and is not in the photographing state, the barrier operating member 2 is moved in a direction along the optical axis of the photographing lens 6a. Arrow X2 direction shown in FIG. 2 (second direction)
To slide. Then, contrary to the case where the barrier 1 is moved to the open position, the barrier operation member 2 is guided by the barrier opening / closing groove 5 of the taking lens barrel 4 and slides forward.

Here, the barrier 1 is always urged in the closing direction by the urging force of the torsion spring 7 as described above. Therefore, when the barrier operation member 2 is moved to the front end of the slidable range, the barrier 1 is
The restoring force of the torsion spring 7 enters a closed state that covers the front surface of the photographing lens 6a.

By the way, when the barrier 1 moves to the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the camera 10 is brought into a photographable state, and a photographing operation is performed in this state. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the barrier 1 of the camera 10 is housed on the bottom side of the taking lens barrel 4. The camera is exposed to the outside of the camera body. In this photographing state, the user (photographer) of the camera often looks into the viewfinder image. Due to this, an inadvertent external force or the like may be applied to the barrier 1.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the barrier 1 is in the open position and the camera 10 is in a photographable state,
It is assumed that an external force from the W direction is applied to the tip of the barrier 1. Note that the barrier 1 in the camera 10 of the present embodiment has the support shaft 3 as the center of rotation from the open position of the barrier 1 to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5 against the urging force of the torsion spring 7. It can rotate in the counterclockwise direction (X3 direction).

Therefore, when an external force is applied from the direction W in FIG. 5, the barrier 1 rotates in the direction X3 to avoid the external force. When the external force is removed, the barrier 1 returns to the position (state) indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5 by the urging force of the torsion spring 7.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the barrier 1 is in the open state, that is, when the camera 10 is in a photographable state, the barrier 1 is moved in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 6a. Since the barrier 1 is rotated to be tilted forward and retracted toward the bottom side of the taking lens barrel 4, the amount of projection of the barrier 1 forward from the taking lens barrel 4 is reduced with a simpler configuration. can do. This can reduce accidents or the like that give an external force or impact to the barrier 1 during use of the camera.

Further, the barrier 1 is normally urged in the closing direction by the torsion spring 7 and a large rotatable range of the barrier 1 is ensured even if an external force or impact is applied to the barrier 1. In addition, it is possible to prevent the barrier 1 from being easily broken.

Further, a mechanism for opening and closing the barrier 1 is more simply constructed, and the opening and closing mechanism is provided at a portion outside the photographic lens barrel 4 and the camera body which does not hinder photography. As a result, the internal arrangement of the camera is not affected, and the space inside the camera can be saved.

FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a camera with a lens barrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Note that the camera of the present embodiment basically has the same configuration as the camera of the above-described first embodiment.
The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Only different members will be described below.

The photographing lens barrel 4A of the camera 10A of the present embodiment is not provided with the barrier opening / closing groove 5 of the above-described first embodiment. , The barrier sliding shaft 8a, which is a shaft forming a support mechanism, is provided on the bottom side of the front cover 4a.
8b is planted forward of the camera in parallel with the optical axis of the taking lens 6a. The barrier sliding shafts 8a, 8b
Is penetrated into the barrier operation member 2A, and is fitted in through holes 2c and 2d which are holes forming a support mechanism. Thus, the barrier operation member 2A is slidable on the bottom surface side of the taking lens barrel 4 in a direction along the optical axis of the taking lens 6a.

At the front end of the barrier operation member 2, a support shaft 3 provided in parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens 6a, as in the first embodiment described above. The barrier 1 is rotatably arranged through the intermediary. And
The barrier 1 is constantly urged in the closing direction by a torsion spring 7. Other configurations and operations thereof are the same as those of the first embodiment.
This is exactly the same as the embodiment. According to the second embodiment configured as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In the present embodiment, barrier sliding shafts 8a and 8b that slidably support the barrier operation member 2A are provided on an exterior member on the front side of the camera.
It is possible to attach an opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing the barrier 1 only by implanting the camera, so that it is possible to easily cope with an existing camera at low cost.

[Additional remarks] According to the embodiment of the invention described above, an invention having the following configuration can be obtained. That is, (1) a rotation is made about a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens, and a closed position covering at least the front surface of the photographing lens and an open position exposing the front surface of the photographing lens. And a barrier operation member provided to be movable in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens, while holding the support shaft, and interlocking with the movement of the barrier operation member, A camera with a lens barrier in which the barrier moves between a closed position and an open position.

(2) The camera with a lens barrier according to Appendix 1, further comprising a support mechanism for fitting and supporting the barrier operation member movably in the optical axis direction.

(3) In the camera with the lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 2, the support mechanism is provided on the barrier operation member and a member on the other side fitted to the barrier operation member, and includes a groove and a groove. One of the fitting projections is provided on the barrier operation member, and the other is provided on a member on the other side to which the barrier operation member fits.

(4) In the camera with a lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 2, the support mechanism is provided on the barrier operation member and a member on the other side fitted with the barrier operation member, and includes a shaft portion. One of the holes to be fitted into the hole is provided in the barrier operation member, and the other is provided in a member on the other side to which the barrier operation member is fitted.

(5) Rotate around a photographing lens barrel having a photographing lens and a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens to cover at least the front surface of the photographing lens. A barrier that can be opened and closed in a door shape between a closed position and an open position that exposes the front surface of the taking lens, a biasing member that constantly biases the barrier in the closing direction about the support shaft, and the support shaft. A support shaft moving mechanism for holding and supporting the support shaft in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens, wherein the barrier is closed in conjunction with the movement of the support shaft by the support shaft moving mechanism. Camera with lens barrier that moves between position and open position.

(6) In the camera with the lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 5, on the front surface of the exterior member that covers the outer diameter of the photographing lens or the imaging lens barrel, and the outer diameter of the imaging lens barrel or the exterior member. The support shaft is disposed at a position outside of the support shaft.

(7) In the camera with the lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 5, the biasing member is a spring member, and is provided near the support shaft.

(8) In the camera with the lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 5, further, an exterior member that covers an outer diameter of the photographic lens barrel, and a contact portion that contacts the photographic lens barrel or the exterior member. In conjunction with the barrier and the movement of the support shaft by the support shaft moving mechanism, the barrier rotates and moves between the closed position and the open position by the action acting on the support shaft and the contact portion.

(9) In the camera with the lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 8, when the barrier is in the open position, the abutting portion covers the photographing lens barrel or an outer diameter of the photographing lens barrel. The barrier is maintained in a fully open state in contact with the outer diameter side surface of the member.

(10) In the camera with the lens barrier according to Supplementary Note 9, when the barrier is in an open state, the amount of projection of the barrier from the tip of the photographing lens barrel in the optical axis direction is determined by the photographing lens. It becomes smaller than the radius of the lens barrel.

(11) In the camera with the lens barrier described in Appendix 9, when the barrier is in the fully open state, the barrier is further rotated in the same opening direction as when the barrier is moved from the closed position to the open position. The contact portion is separated from the outer diameter side surface of the exterior member.

(12) a taking lens barrel having a taking lens, a closed position covering at least the front surface of the taking lens,
A barrier that can be opened and closed to an open position that exposes the front surface of the photographing lens, a barrier drive member that is a barrier operation member that drives the barrier to open and close, and substantially parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens And a connecting portion that connects the barrier and the barrier driving member, and that is a supporting portion that allows the barrier to rotate in a door shape, and biases the barrier in the closing direction about the bending portion. Biasing means, and a bending part moving mechanism for moving the bending part in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens in conjunction with the barrier driving member, wherein the bending part is moved by the barrier driving member. A camera with a lens barrier, wherein the barrier moves between a closed position and an open position in conjunction with an operation of moving the photographing lens in an optical axis direction.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a camera having a tiltable lens barrier, the amount of projection of the lens barrier projecting from the camera body can be minimized with a simpler configuration. A camera with a lens barrier can be provided.

Further, it is possible to provide a camera with a lens barrier which realizes space saving without requiring a space for accommodating an opening / closing mechanism for a lens barrier inside the camera body or the taking lens barrel.

Further, it is possible to provide a camera with a lens barrier which is not easily damaged even when an unexpected external force or impact is applied to the lens barrier during use of the camera.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a non-photographing state in which a barrier is in a closed state (closed position) in a camera with a lens barrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a shooting state in which a barrier is in an open state (open position) in the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a main part showing a vicinity of a tip of a taking lens barrel and a lens barrier in a state where the camera of FIG. 1 is not taking a picture.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a main part showing the vicinity of a tip of a taking lens barrel and a lens barrier in a state of taking a picture with the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part for explaining a case where an external force is applied to the lens barrier in the state of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a camera with a lens barrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Barrier 1b ... Contact part 2, 2A ... Barrier operation member 2a ... Operation part 2b ... Support part (bending part) 2c, 2d ... Through-hole (support mechanism, hole part) 2e ... Projection Part (supporting mechanism) 3 ... Support shaft 4, 4A ... Photographing lens barrel 4a ... Front cover 5 ... Barrier opening / closing groove (supporting mechanism, groove) 6 ... Lens holding frame 6a ... Photography lens 7 ... Torsion spring (biasing member, spring member, biasing means) 8a, 8b ... barrier sliding shaft (support mechanism, shaft portion) 10, 10A ... camera

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Yasuo Asakura, Inventor 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Tatsuya Suzuki 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A barrier that moves between a closed state that covers at least the front surface of the photographing lens and an open state that exposes the front surface of the photographing lens. In the open state of the barrier, the barrier moves in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens. A camera with a lens barrier, comprising: a slide mechanism that enables the camera. 2. A camera according to claim 1, further comprising a support shaft provided substantially parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the photographing lens, and a closed position covering at least a front surface of the photographing lens and an open position exposing the front surface of the photographing lens. A barrier that moves to a position, and a movement mechanism that enables the support shaft to move in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens when the barrier rotates and moves. With camera. 3. A rotation position about a support shaft provided in parallel with a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the photographing lens, and a closed position covering at least the front surface of the photographing lens and an open position exposing the front surface of the photographing lens. A first direction along the optical axis direction of the taking lens, and a second direction opposite to the first direction.
And a barrier operation member for selectively moving the support shaft in the direction of (b), wherein the barrier is in the closed position in response to movement of the support shaft in the first direction by the barrier operation member. From the open position to the closed position in response to movement of the support shaft in the second direction by the barrier operation member from the open position to the closed position. camera.