JPH11305312A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance flexibility and portability when a high-performance image pickup optical system is used by reducing the projecting dimension of the image pickup optical system and effectively suppressing the thickness dimension of a camera when the camera is not used. SOLUTION: Relating to an image pickup element 1, the optical image of an object formed at a light receiving surface is converted to an electric signal and subjected to prescribed signal processing. Relating to a low-pass filter 2, an unnecessary component whose spatial frequency is high in the optical image of the object made incident on the element 1 is eliminated. Relating to a holding frame member 3, the filter 2 is fixed in front of the element 1 and integrally held. The image pickup optical system fetching and forming the optical image of the object is constituted of an image pickup lens 4. The lens 4 is constituted as the collapsible mounting type lens so as to be collapsibly mounted and housed in a camera housing 5 when the camera is not used. The respective component elements of the electronic camera are housed in the housing 5 so as to constitute the main body part of the electronic camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera for recording electronic image information obtained by an image pickup device on a recording medium, and more particularly to an electronic camera in which high performance and portability / portability are considered. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a digital still camera or a digital camera or the like is used. An optical image of a subject is converted into an electric signal by a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image pickup device, and is taken. 2. Description of the Related Art A camera of a type that obtains image data of an image (still image) or a moving image (movie image) and digitally records the image data on an IC (integrated circuit) card or a video floppy disk, that is, an electronic camera, has rapidly spread. I have.

In a conventional camera using a silver halide film, that is, a silver halide film camera, a so-called collapsible method is known as a technique for reducing the thickness of the camera. The retractable system means that the lens barrel for photographing projects forward from the camera body when the camera is powered on, and the camera lens mirror when the camera is not used when the power is off. This is a system that uses a structure in which the body is housed in the body of the camera. Such a structure is called a collapsible structure, in which not only the photographing lens barrel moves forward and backward along the optical axis with respect to the camera housing, but also the photographing lens barrel itself expands and contracts or moves sideways. It often has a structure that involves the movement of

The optical performance of a photographic optical system of a camera largely depends on its dimensions. The larger the diameter of the photographic optical system and the length in the optical axis direction, the easier it is to construct a photographic optical system with good optical performance. Tend to be able to.

[0005] Further, depending on the lens configuration of the taking lens system, the optical path length from the lens to the image plane may need to be long enough. In particular, when a zoom lens or the like is used in the photographing optical system, the enlargement of the photographing optical system is inevitable. For this reason, in the use state of the camera, good optical performance cannot be obtained unless the dimensions in the optical axis direction are secured to some extent, and in order to obtain good optical performance, the shooting lens barrel projects from the camera housing. It is inevitable to have a configuration that allows it. On the other hand, in the state where the camera is not used, it is desirable to reduce the projection size of the taking lens barrel as much as possible and to reduce the overall thickness in consideration of portability and portability. The above-mentioned collapsible method is used from such a viewpoint.

In the case of a silver halide film camera, only a sufficiently thin film is present inside the back cover of the camera housing. Therefore, when the camera is not used, that is, when the photographing lens barrel is housed, there is almost no need to consider the space of the film and the photographing lens is folded, and the physical thickness of each lens constituting the photographing lens and the necessary minimum , Only the clearance of the camera needs to be secured, so that the camera can be efficiently reduced in thickness when the camera is not used by the collapsed structure. On the other hand, in the case of an electronic camera, since an imaging device having a certain thickness, a low-pass filter, and the like are arranged instead of a silver halide film behind the imaging lens system, it is necessary to fold and retract the imaging lens. It is not possible to secure enough space.

[0007]

As described above, when an electronic camera is used, an imaging device having a certain thickness, a low-pass filter, and the like are arranged in place of a silver halide film behind an imaging lens system. You. For this reason, in the electronic camera, there are many restrictions on the structure for folding and retracting the imaging lens, and it has been difficult to make the camera thinner than a silver halide film camera. For example, JP-A-8-106119
The publication discloses an electric circuit, a mirror for guiding light passing through an imaging lens system to a finder optical system, a mirror driving mechanism for retracting the mirror from an optical path during photographing, and a shutter mechanism for controlling an exposure time. In an electronic still camera in which is stored in a camera body, the arrangement of each part is devised for easy handling.

That is, in the electronic still camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H08-106119, the substrate of the electric circuit has a size that is substantially the entire width of a cross section of the inside of the camera body taken along a plane perpendicular to the optical path. The mirror, the mirror driving mechanism, and the shutter mechanism are disposed closer to the subject than the position of the cross-section closest to the subject that has the largest cross-sectional area among the cross-sections inside the camera body. doing.

With such a configuration, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-1
In the electronic still camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06119, the thickness of the camera body is reduced to facilitate the handling, but no measures are taken for reducing the thickness or size of the imaging optical system. Therefore, portability and portability cannot be improved when a lens system having high optical performance such as a zoom lens is used for an imaging optical system. Rather, by making the camera body thinner, the projection of the imaging optical system becomes remarkable, and portability and portability may be impaired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and reduces a projection dimension of an imaging optical system in an unused state, and effectively suppresses a thickness dimension at a maximum projection.
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can improve portability and portability when a high-performance imaging optical system is used. In particular, an object of claim 1 of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of obtaining high lens performance in a use state and eliminating projection of an imaging optical system in a non-use state. It is in.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of further reducing the thickness by securing a retreat space for the imaging lens system and obtaining a sufficient optical path length. . An object of a third aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera which can secure a retreat space for an imaging lens system and can be further thinned.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera capable of efficiently retracting an imaging lens system. An object of a fifth aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera which can more effectively secure a retreat space for an imaging lens system and can further reduce the thickness. An object of a sixth aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera which can more effectively secure a retreat space for an imaging lens system and can further reduce the thickness.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera, comprising: an imaging optical system for capturing an optical image of a subject; An image sensor, and signal processing means for performing a predetermined signal conversion process on the electric signal, and in use, at least a part of the imaging optical system is projected to a front surface of a camera housing. The imaging optical system is arranged, and when not in use, the imaging optical system is arranged to be housed in a camera housing in a non-projecting state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera, the imaging optical system includes an imaging lens for forming the subject optical image, filter means for removing unnecessary components, the imaging lens and a filter. Placed between the means,
A reflecting mirror means for reflecting and deflecting a light flux guided by the imaging lens, and coupling the optical axis of the imaging lens and the optical axis of the filter means so as to be orthogonal to each other; It is characterized in that the image pickup device and the respective optical axes are arranged orthogonally.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the present invention, the imaging optical system is configured to retreat the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means from the position in use when not in use. Features.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the present invention, when the imaging optical system is retracted in a non-use state, means for supporting each of the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means, and means for connecting and supporting the both. By moving at least one of the above, the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror unit are simultaneously moved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the present invention, when the image pickup optical system is retracted in a non-use state, the reflecting mirror means is arranged in tandem on the optical axis of the image pickup lens. It is characterized by having.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the present invention, the imaging optical system is configured to dispose the reflecting mirror means outside the optical axis of the imaging lens when retracting in an unused state. Features.

[0019]

In the electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, an imaging optical system for capturing an optical image of a subject image, an imaging device for converting the optical image of the subject into an electric signal, and performing a predetermined signal conversion process on the electric signal. In an electronic camera including a signal processing unit, in a use state, an imaging optical system is arranged so that at least a part thereof protrudes from a front portion of a camera housing. It is characterized by being arranged to be stored in a non-projecting state in the body. With such a configuration, in the unused state,
By housing the imaging optical system, the protrusions are eliminated, and by adopting a flat form, the portability is improved and the appearance is refreshed. In addition, it is possible to protect the imaging optical system against external impact when the camera is not used. Therefore, in the non-use state, the projection dimension of the imaging optical system is reduced, the thickness dimension at the largest protrusion is effectively suppressed, and portability and portability when using a high-performance imaging optical system are improved. improves.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera, the imaging lens is provided between the imaging lens for forming the optical image of the subject of the imaging optical system and filter means for removing unnecessary components. Reflecting mirror means for reflecting and deflecting the guided light beam and coupling the optical axis of the imaging lens and the optical axis of the filter means so as to be orthogonal to each other is arranged, and the imaging lens, the filter means, and the image sensor are arranged. Each optical axis is arranged orthogonally. With such a configuration,
In particular, by disposing the image pickup element and the filter means outside the optical axis of the image pickup lens, it is possible to minimize the projection of the lens barrel of the image pickup lens when the camera is in use. Therefore,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that secures a retreat space for an imaging lens system, obtains a sufficient optical path length, and enables further reduction in thickness.

In an electronic camera according to a third aspect of the present invention, when the imaging optical system is not in use, the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means are retracted from the position in use. With such a configuration, particularly when the imaging optical system is housed in the camera body, the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror are retracted to secure a retractable space for the imaging lens, thereby further reducing the thickness when the camera is not used. Can be planned.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera, at least one of a means for supporting the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means and a means for connecting and supporting the two when the image pickup optical system is retracted in a non-use state. , The imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means are simultaneously moved. With such a configuration, particularly when the imaging lens is housed in the camera housing, the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror are simultaneously retracted, so that the imaging lens system can be efficiently retracted, and the camera can be thinned when not in use. Can be achieved.

In an electronic camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the image pickup optical system is retracted in a non-use state, the reflecting mirror means is arranged in tandem on the optical axis of the image pickup lens. With such a configuration, especially when the imaging lens is housed in the camera housing, the reflector is retracted on the optical axis of the imaging lens so as to be aligned with the imaging lens, thereby improving space efficiency. The retreat space of the imaging lens system can be more effectively secured, and the thickness can be further reduced.

In an electronic camera according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the imaging optical system is retracted in a non-use state, the reflecting mirror means is arranged outside the optical axis of the imaging lens. With such a configuration, in particular, only the size required by the reflecting mirror means can be used for the retreat area of the imaging lens, and the retreat space of the imaging lens system can be more effectively secured, and the thickness can be further reduced. It is possible to do.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a camera according to the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 schematically show a configuration of a main part of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main cross-sectional configuration including an imaging optical system in a use state of the electronic camera, and FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a similar cross-sectional configuration in a non-use state of the electronic camera. This first embodiment corresponds to claim 1 of the present invention.

The electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 includes an imaging device 1, a low-pass filter 2, a holding frame member 3, an imaging lens 4, and a camera housing 5. The imaging device 1 is, for example, C
It is composed of a solid-state image sensor such as a CD image sensor, and converts an optical image of a subject formed on a light receiving surface into an electric signal to be subjected to predetermined signal processing. The low-pass filter 2 constitutes a filter unit, and removes unnecessary components having a high spatial frequency in the optical image of the subject incident on the image sensor 1. The low-pass filter 2 may be combined with a filter that removes a specific wavelength component of incident light, such as an infrared cut filter for cutting infrared light. The holding frame member 3 includes the imaging device 1
The low-pass filter 2 is fixed to the front surface of and is integrally held.

The imaging lens 4 is composed of, for example, a lens system composed of a plurality of lenses, and constitutes an imaging optical system that captures and forms an optical image of a subject. The imaging lens 4 has a collapsed configuration, and is collapsed and stored in the camera housing 5 when not in use. That is, like the imaging lens 4 ′ shown in FIG. 2, the entire body including the lens barrel moves toward the imaging device 1 and the low-pass filter 2, and the distance between the individual lenses constituting the imaging lens 1 is narrowed. The dimensions in the optical axis direction have also been reduced,
Housed within.

The camera housing 5 accommodates each component of the electronic camera and forms a main body of the electronic camera. In this case, since attention is paid to the thickness dimension of the electronic camera, only the front and rear side walls that determine the thickness dimension are schematically shown. In addition, in the camera use state, actually, the camera housing 5 does not have the side wall on the front side of the imaging lens 4, and the lens barrel of the imaging lens 4 protects the imaging lens 4 portion. In FIG. 1, a side wall is shown on the front side of the imaging lens 4 for the sake of clarity of the thickness dimension of the camera. Therefore, the side wall position of the camera housing 5 on the front side of the imaging lens 4 shown in FIG. 1 indicates the tip position of the lens barrel of the imaging lens 4. In the camera non-use state, as shown in FIG. 2, the imaging lens 4 'including the lens barrel is
It collapses and is completely stored in the camera housing 5.

In this manner, the imaging lens 4 which protrudes as shown in FIG. 1 when the camera is in use is in the collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. Is evacuated and accommodated. That is, the projection of the lens barrel of the imaging lens 4 when the camera is in use has poor portability and is not popular in terms of design.
However, by the collapsed configuration as described above, when the camera is not used, the lens barrel is prevented from protruding, and is housed in the camera housing 5 to be flat.
Portability and portability are improved. At the same time, by housing the imaging lens 4 ′ in the camera housing 5 as shown in FIG. 2, the lens barrel of the imaging lens 4 can be protected against external impact when the camera is not used. .

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the structure of the main part of an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main cross-sectional configuration including an imaging optical system in a use state of the electronic camera, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a similar cross-sectional configuration in a non-use state of the electronic camera. This second embodiment corresponds to claim 2 of the present invention. The electronic camera shown in FIG. 3 has an image sensor 11, a low-pass filter 12, a holding frame member 13, a low-pass filter 12, and a camera frame 5 similar to those shown in FIG. , An imaging lens 14 and a camera housing 15, and a reflecting mirror 16.

That is, the image sensor 11 composed of a solid-state image sensor or the like converts a subject optical image formed on a light receiving surface into an electric signal and provides it to a predetermined signal processing. The low-pass filter 12 constituting the filter means removes unnecessary components having a high spatial frequency in the subject optical image incident on the image sensor 11. The low-pass filter 12 may be combined with a filter such as an infrared cut filter that removes a specific wavelength component of the incident light. The holding frame member 13 is used for the imaging device 1.
The low-pass filter 12 is fixed to the front surface of the device 1 and integrally held. The image sensor 11 and the low-pass filter 12 held by the holding frame member 13 are arranged so that their optical axes are orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging lens 14. The imaging lens 14 that constitutes an imaging optical system that captures an optical image of a subject includes a lens system that includes a plurality of lenses.

The reflecting mirror 16 constitutes reflecting mirror means, and is disposed behind the imaging lens 14 so as to intersect at 45 ° with the optical axis of the imaging lens. The reflecting mirror 16 reflects and deflects the luminous flux of the subject guided by the imaging lens 14 by 90 ° and makes the luminous flux incident on the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12. The optical axis of the imaging lens 14 and the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12 Are joined at right angles. The imaging lens 14 has a collapsed configuration,
In the non-use state, it is collapsed and stored in the camera housing 15. That is, like the imaging lens 14A shown in FIG. 4, the entire body including the lens barrel moves toward the reflection mirror 16, and the distance between the individual lenses constituting the lens barrel is reduced, and the dimension of the lens itself in the optical axis direction is reduced. Is also shortened and housed in the camera housing 15.

The camera housing 15 accommodates each component of the electronic camera and forms a main body of the electronic camera. In this case, since attention is paid to the thickness dimension of the electronic camera, only the front and rear side walls that determine the thickness dimension are schematically shown. Also, in the camera use state, the camera housing 15 does not actually have the side wall on the front side of the imaging lens 14, and the lens barrel of the imaging lens 14
Protecting parts. In FIG. 3, a side wall is shown on the front side of the imaging lens 14 for the sake of clarity of the thickness dimension of the camera. Therefore, the side wall position of the camera housing 15 on the front side of the imaging lens 14 shown in FIG. In the camera non-use state, as shown in FIG. 4, the imaging lens 14 </ b> A including the lens barrel is collapsed and completely housed in the camera housing 15.

In this way, when the camera is in use, the imaging lens 14 projecting as shown in FIG.
In the non-use state, as shown in FIG. 4, it is retracted and accommodated in the camera housing 15 by a collapsed configuration. When the camera is in use, as shown in FIG. 3, the reflecting mirror 16 is arranged at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis between the imaging lens 14 and the low-pass filter 12 as in FIG. Further, the optical axis of the low-pass filter 12 is arranged to be orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging lens 14. In this way, by arranging the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12 and the imaging lens 14 at right angles, even if the imaging device 11 and the imaging lens 14 in the camera thickness direction are arranged close to each other, The required optical path length can be secured. Therefore, the thickness dimension of the camera in the use state can be reduced.

When the camera is not in use, as shown in FIG. 4, only the reflector is located in the space behind the imaging lens 14A.
A can be disposed further rearward than the imaging lens 4 'of FIG. When the shape of the image sensor 11 is rectangular when viewed from the optical axis direction, the orientation of the image sensor 11 is
Either the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the rectangle may be arranged toward the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 14. It is preferable that the image sensor 11 be disposed with the short side of the rectangle facing the optical axis direction of the image pickup lens 14 so that the optical axis of the image sensor 11 reflected and deflected by the reflecting mirror 16 is positioned on the rear surface of the camera housing 15. , Which is effective in reducing the thickness of the camera when the camera is not used.

Similarly, various sizes of the image pickup device 11 are commercially available, but the image pickup device 11 having a small external dimension is used.
The more is used, the closer the optical axis of the imaging device 11 reflected and deflected by the reflecting mirror 16 to the rear surface of the camera housing 15, which is effective in reducing the thickness when the camera is not used. That is, by arranging the imaging element 11 and the low-pass filter 12 outside the optical axis of the imaging lens 14, it is possible to minimize the projection of the lens barrel when the camera is used, and to reduce the thickness in the camera usage state. It is a target.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a main part of an electronic camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In a use state, an image pickup optical system similar to FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the main cross-sectional structure containing. This third embodiment corresponds to claims 3 to 5 of the present invention. That is, the imaging device 11 including a solid-state imaging device converts an optical image of a subject formed on the light receiving surface into an electric signal and provides the signal to predetermined signal processing. The low-pass filter 12 constituting the filter means removes unnecessary components having a high spatial frequency in the subject optical image incident on the image sensor 11. The low-pass filter 12 may be combined with a filter such as an infrared cut filter that removes a specific wavelength component of the incident light. The holding frame member 13 includes the imaging element 11
The low-pass filter 12 is fixed to the front surface of and is integrally held. The image pickup device 11 and the low-pass filter 12 held by the holding frame member 13 have their optical axes aligned with the imaging lens 1.
4 is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis. The imaging lens 14 that constitutes an imaging optical system that captures an optical image of a subject includes a lens system that includes a plurality of lenses. The reflecting mirror 16
The reflecting mirror means is provided behind the imaging lens 14 so as to intersect at an angle of 45 ° with the optical axis of the imaging lens. The reflecting mirror 16 reflects and deflects the luminous flux of the subject guided by the imaging lens 14 by 90 ° and makes the luminous flux incident on the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12. The optical axis of the imaging lens 14 and the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12 Are joined at right angles.

The imaging lens 14 has a retractable configuration, and is retracted and stored in the camera housing 15 when not in use. That is, the reflecting mirror 16 is rotated so that the optical axis of the imaging lens 14 intersects perpendicularly and is arranged in parallel along the rear side wall of the camera housing 15 like the reflecting mirror 16A shown in FIG. I do. At the same time, the imaging lens 14
Is moved toward the reflecting mirror 16 as in the case of the imaging lens 14B shown in FIG. Is also shortened and housed in the camera housing 15. The camera housing 15 accommodates each component of the electronic camera and forms a main body of the electronic camera. in this case,
Since attention is paid to the thickness dimension of the electronic camera, only the front and rear side walls that determine the thickness dimension are schematically shown.

When the camera is not used, as shown in FIG. 5, the imaging lens 14B including the lens barrel is occupied by the reflecting mirror 16 when the camera is used, and collapses to the space created by the retreat of the reflecting mirror 16A. It is completely stored in the camera housing 15. Thus, when the camera is in use, FIG.
In the non-use state, the imaging lens 14 that has protruded as shown in FIG.
Due to the retracted configuration, it is retracted and stored in the camera housing 15.

When the camera is not used, only the reflecting mirror 16A arranged in parallel along the rear side wall is located in the space behind the imaging lens 14A as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows the imaging lens 14B
Can be disposed further rearward than the imaging lens 14A. In this case, the space required by the reflecting mirror 16A in FIG. 5 is only the thickness of the reflecting mirror 16A and the necessary clearance, which is a condition close to that of a silver halide film. In the above description, when the imaging lens 14 is moved rightward as shown in FIG. 5 at the time of switching from the camera use state to the camera non-use state, the imaging lens 14B and the reflecting mirror 16A are individually connected or a connecting member ( If the reflecting mirror 16A is moved in conjunction with the reflecting mirror 16A, the imaging lens 14B and the reflecting mirror 1 are moved.
6A do not interfere with each other.

As described above, the reflecting mirror 16A is arranged side by side on the optical axis of the image pickup lens 14B and retracted, and the image pickup lens 1A is placed in the space where the reflecting mirror 16A was originally arranged.
By moving the 4B, it is possible to further reduce the thickness of the camera when not in use. That is, when the steel barrel of the imaging lens 14 is stored in the camera housing 15,
Mirror 16 inserted between the filter and the low-pass filter 12
Are retracted in parallel along the rear side wall of the camera housing 15 on the optical axis, thereby achieving a reduction in thickness when the camera is not used.

In particular, when the lens barrel of the imaging lens 14 is housed in the camera housing 15, the reflecting mirror 16 inserted between the imaging lens 14 and the low-pass filter 12 is attached to the imaging lens 1.
By retreating so as to be arranged in tandem on the optical axis of No. 4, the electronic camera can be made thinner with a good space efficiency. FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a main part of an electronic camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In a use state, a main part including an imaging optical system in a non-use state of the electronic camera is similar to FIG. It is a figure which shows a cross-sectional structure typically. This fourth embodiment corresponds to claims 3, 4 and 6 of the present invention.

That is, the image pickup device 11 composed of a solid-state image pickup device or the like converts the subject optical image formed on the light receiving surface into an electric signal and provides it to predetermined signal processing. The low-pass filter 12 constituting the filter means removes unnecessary components having a high spatial frequency in the subject optical image incident on the image sensor 11. The low-pass filter 12 may be combined with a filter such as an infrared cut filter that removes a specific wavelength component of the incident light. The holding frame member 13 is used for the imaging device 1.
The low-pass filter 12 is fixed to the front surface of the device 1 and integrally held. The image sensor 11 and the low-pass filter 12 held by the holding frame member 13 are arranged so that their optical axes are orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging lens 14. The imaging lens 14 that constitutes an imaging optical system that captures an optical image of a subject includes a lens system that includes a plurality of lenses.

The reflecting mirror 16 constitutes a reflecting mirror means, and is disposed behind the imaging lens 14 so as to intersect the optical axis of the imaging lens at an angle of 45 °. The reflecting mirror 16 reflects and deflects the luminous flux of the subject guided by the imaging lens 14 by 90 ° and makes the luminous flux incident on the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12. The optical axis of the imaging lens 14 and the imaging device 11 and the low-pass filter 12 Are joined at right angles. The imaging lens 14 has a collapsed configuration, and is collapsed and stored in the camera housing 15 when not in use. That is, the reflecting mirror 16 is rotated so that the angle is parallel to the optical axis of the imaging lens 14 and the camera is positioned laterally (upward in FIG. 6) of the imaging lens 14C like the reflecting mirror 16B shown in FIG. It is arranged vertically on the side wall of the housing 15.

At the same time, the entire image pickup lens 14 including the lens barrel, like the image pickup lens 14C in FIG.
The lens is moved toward the rear side wall of the camera, and the dimension of the lens itself in the optical axis direction is reduced by narrowing the distance between the individual lenses constituting the lens, and is accommodated in the camera housing 15. The camera housing 15 accommodates each component of the electronic camera and forms a main body of the electronic camera. In this case, since attention is paid to the thickness dimension of the electronic camera, only the front and rear side walls that determine the thickness dimension are schematically shown.

When the camera is not used, as shown in FIG. 6, the imaging lens 14C including the lens barrel collapses to the space where the reflecting mirror 16 is present and the reflecting mirror 16B is retracted in the used state, and It is completely stored in the housing 15. Thus, when the camera is in use, FIG.
In the non-use state, the imaging lens 14 that has protruded as shown in FIG.
Due to the retracted configuration, it is retracted and stored in the camera housing 15.

When the camera is not used, as shown in FIG. 6, only the rear side wall of the camera housing 15 is located in the space behind the imaging lens 14C. 5 can be disposed further rearward than the imaging lens 14B. In the above description, when the imaging lens 14 is moved rightward as shown in FIG. 6 at the time of switching from the camera use state to the camera non-use state, the imaging lens 14C and the reflecting mirror 16B are individually or individually connected to each other. If the reflecting mirror 16B is moved in conjunction with the reflecting mirror 16B (not shown), the imaging lens 14C and the reflecting mirror 16B do not interfere with each other during the movement.

As described above, the reflecting mirror 16B is juxtaposed and retracted to the side of the imaging lens 14C along the optical axis direction of the imaging lens 14C, and the imaging lens is placed in the space where the reflecting mirror 16B was originally arranged. 14C can be moved to achieve further reduction in thickness when the camera is not used. That is, the steel body of the imaging lens 14 is
By retracting the reflecting mirror 16 inserted between the imaging lens 14 and the low-pass filter 12 out of the optical axis when the camera is housed in the camera 5, it is possible to achieve a reduction in thickness when the camera is not used. In particular, when the lens barrel of the imaging lens 14 is housed in the camera housing 15, the reflecting mirror 16 inserted between the imaging lens 14 and the low-pass filter 12 is arranged in parallel outside the optical axis of the imaging lens 14. By retreating the electronic camera, the thickness of the electronic camera can be further reduced in space efficiency.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, an imaging optical system for capturing an optical image of a subject image, an imaging device for converting the optical image of the subject into an electric signal, and a predetermined signal conversion process for the electric signal. In an electronic camera provided with a signal processing means for applying, the imaging optical system is disposed so that at least a part thereof protrudes from the front surface of the camera housing in a use state, and the imaging optical system is disposed in a non-use state. A configuration in which the image pickup optical system is stored in a non-use state by arranging it to be stored as a non-projection state in the housing, eliminating protrusions, and adopting a flat form to improve portability and appearance. It also helps to protect the imaging optics from external shocks when the camera is not in use, thus reducing the size of the projection optics when not in use. , By effectively suppressing the thickness dimension at the largest protrusion, improving portability and portability when using a high-performance imaging optical system, and in particular, obtaining high lens performance in use. And an electronic camera capable of eliminating the projection of the imaging optical system when not in use.

Further, according to the electronic camera of the second aspect of the present invention, the image pickup optical system is provided between the image pickup lens for forming the optical image of the subject and the filter means for removing unnecessary components. Reflecting mirror means for reflecting and deflecting a light beam guided by a lens and coupling the optical axis of the imaging lens and the optical axis of the filter means so as to be orthogonal to each other is arranged, and the imaging lens, the filter means, and the imaging element are arranged. Are arranged so that their optical axes are orthogonal to each other. In particular, the image pickup device and the filter means are arranged outside the optical axis of the image pickup lens to minimize the projection of the lens barrel of the image pickup lens when the camera is in use. Therefore, by securing a retractable space for the imaging lens system and obtaining a sufficient optical path length,
Enables further thinning.

According to the electronic camera of the third aspect of the present invention,
When the imaging optical system is not in use, the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means are retracted from the position in use, and particularly when the imaging optical system is housed in the camera body, the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror are moved. By retracting, the retracting space for the imaging lens can be secured, and the thickness can be further reduced when the camera is not used.

According to the electronic camera of the fourth aspect of the present invention,
The imaging optical system moves at least one of a means for supporting each of the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means and a means for connecting and supporting both of the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means at the time of evacuation in a non-use state, and simultaneously moves the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror means In particular, when the image pickup lens is housed in the camera housing, the image pickup lens and the reflecting mirror are simultaneously retracted, so that the image pickup lens system can be efficiently retracted, and the thickness can be reduced when the camera is not used. Can be planned.

According to the electronic camera of claim 5 of the present invention,
When the imaging optical system is retracted in a non-use state, the reflecting mirror means is arranged in tandem on the optical axis of the imaging lens. The mirror is retracted on the optical axis of the imaging lens so as to be aligned with the imaging lens, so that the space efficiency can be improved, the retreat space of the imaging lens system can be more effectively secured, and the thickness can be further reduced.

Further, according to the electronic camera of the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the imaging optical system is retracted in a non-use state, the reflecting mirror means is arranged outside the optical axis of the imaging lens. As much as the size required by the reflecting mirror means can be used for the retreat area of the imaging lens, and the retreat space of the imaging lens system can be more effectively secured, and the thickness can be further reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration in a use state of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the electronic camera in FIG. 1 in a non-use state.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration in a use state of an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the electronic camera in FIG. 3 in a non-use state.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a non-use state.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration in a non-use state of an electronic camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1,11 Image sensor 2,12 Low-pass filter 3,13 Holding frame member 4,4 ', 14,14A, 14B Imaging lens 5,15 Camera housing 16,16A, 16B Reflector

Claims (6)

[Claims] An imaging optical system for capturing an optical image of a subject image, an image sensor for converting the optical image of the subject into an electric signal, and signal processing means for performing a predetermined signal conversion process on the electric signal. In the use state, at least a part of the imaging optical system is arranged to protrude to the front part of the camera housing to dispose the imaging optical system, and in the non-use state, the imaging optical system is set to the non-projection state in the camera housing. An electronic camera, wherein the electronic camera is arranged to be stored. 2. An image pickup optical system comprising: an image pickup lens for forming an optical image of the subject; a filter unit for removing unnecessary components; and a filter unit disposed between the image pickup lens and the filter unit. Reflecting mirror means for reflecting and deflecting the guided light beam and coupling the optical axis of the imaging lens and the optical axis of the filter means so as to be orthogonal to each other, wherein the imaging lens, the filter means, and the image sensor are provided. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the optical axes are arranged orthogonally. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the imaging optical system is configured to retract the imaging lens and the reflecting mirror unit from a position in a use state when not in use. 4. The image pickup optical system according to claim 1, wherein said image pickup optical system moves at least one of a unit for supporting each of said image pickup lens and said reflecting mirror unit and a unit for connecting and supporting both, when retreating in an unused state. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the reflection mirror and the reflection mirror are moved at the same time. 5. The imaging optical system according to claim 3, wherein, when retracting in an unused state, said reflecting mirror means is arranged in tandem on the optical axis of said imaging lens. An electronic camera according to claim 1. 6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the imaging optical system is configured to arrange the reflecting mirror means outside the optical axis of the imaging lens when retracting in an unused state. camera.