US20110255852A1 - Aperture control device and camera - Google Patents
Aperture control device and camera Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110255852A1 US20110255852A1 US13/067,730 US201113067730A US2011255852A1 US 20110255852 A1 US20110255852 A1 US 20110255852A1 US 201113067730 A US201113067730 A US 201113067730A US 2011255852 A1 US2011255852 A1 US 2011255852A1
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- Prior art keywords
- aperture
- lever
- driving member
- stepping motor
- control device
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B9/00—Exposure-making shutters; Diaphragms
- G03B9/02—Diaphragms
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B9/00—Exposure-making shutters; Diaphragms
Definitions
- the aperture control device further comprises: the motor being a stepping motor; and a stop-down biasing device that applies a biasing force on the aperture second driving member such that the aperture is driven in a direction of stop-down, wherein: the motor control device controls the aperture value of the lens by controlling a rotational amount of the stepping motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the diaphragm mechanism seen diagonally from the bottom left of the camera body.
- the camera body 1 is provided with a release button 4 , a CCD (charge coupled device) 5 , which is an image sensor, a control circuit 101 that controls various parts of the camera body 1 , a stepping motor driver 102 , and a diaphragm mechanism 400 .
- the photographic lens 2 is provided with a group of lenses (not herein figured), a diaphragm 2 a , and the like.
- the diaphragm 2 a adjusts an amount of light flux of a subject passing through the group of lenses by controlling its aperture.
- the subject image is guided from the photographic lens 2 to the CCD 5 .
- a main mirror 321 is provided in the imaging optical path 301 .
- the electronic camera controls a charge storage time of the CCD 5 by a control signal from the control circuit 101 so as to control an exposure time. This is called an electronic shutter.
- the diaphragm mechanism 400 includes a mirror up lever 406 for lifting up the main mirror 321 , a mirror up magnet 461 , a charge lever 407 for performing reset (charging operation) after the shutter release, a charge link board 408 , and a charge link lever 409 .
- the diaphragm mechanism 400 further includes an aperture PI (photo Interrupter) blade lever 441 , an aperture PI blade 442 , an aperture PI 443 , an initial position PI blade rotation lever 451 , an initial position PI blade 452 , and an initial position PI 453 .
- aperture PI photo Interrupter
- the mirror up lever 406 is engaged in the rotated state in which the mirror up lever is rotated counterclockwise against the biasing force of the mirror up spring 473 .
- the mirror up magnet 461 holds the moving core 461 a using a permanent magnet. Since the charge link lever 409 is rotated clockwise by a biasing force of the spring 484 , the charge link board 408 moves upward and then stops, and the charge lever 407 is stopped in a state rotated clockwise.
- the eccentric pin 495 includes a shaft 495 a to be inserted into a hole of the board 401 not herein figured and an abutting part 495 b that abuts against the aperture PI blade lever 441 .
- the shaft 495 a and the abutting part 495 b are eccentric. Rotating the eccentric pin 495 on the board 401 therefore enables adjustment of the rotation phase of the aperture PI blade lever 441 when the engaging part 441 c abuts against the eccentric pin 495 (the abutting part 495 b ), that is, the “stop position of the aperture lever 402 without the lens mounted before shutter release.”
- the excitation of the aperture magnet 434 and the rotation of the stepping motor 411 are to be started at the substantially same time.
- the length of time from the start of the excitation of the aperture magnet 434 until the lower end of the arm 404 a of the aperture reset lever 404 abuts against the pin 403 d on the aperture driving lever 403 is longer than the length of time between the output of the control signal to the stepping motor driver 102 and the start of the rotation of the aperture driving lever 403 by driving force of the stepping motor 411 .
- the clockwise rotation of the aperture driving lever 403 causes the arm 405 a of the aperture lever pawl 405 to draw apart from the turn part 401 b of the board 401 .
- the aperture lever pawl 405 hence rotates counterclockwise by the biasing force of the spring 485 .
- the pawl 405 b abuts against the pin 402 c on the aperture lever 402 to hold and engage the pin 402 c .
- the aperture lever 402 and the aperture driving lever 403 are engaged each other by the aperture lever pawl 405 and rotate integrally.
- the aperture driving lever 403 and the aperture lever 402 are driven by the driving force of the stepping motor 411 and the biasing force of the stop-down spring 471 .
- the aperture driving lever 403 In the state before shutter release, as explained above, the aperture driving lever 403 is held in a state in which the arm 403 a is drawn apart, from the pin 402 c on the aperture lever 402 . Therefore, in order to rotate the aperture lever 402 by a predetermined rotational amount (for example, ⁇ f), the aperture driving lever 403 should rotate by an extra rotational amount (for example, ⁇ a) necessary for the arm 403 a to abut against the pin 402 c . In other words, the aperture driving lever 403 should rotate clockwise by the rotational amount ⁇ a before starting the stop-down of the photographic lens 2 .
- a predetermined rotational amount for example, ⁇ f
- the control circuit 101 Besides the information on the number of drive pulse corresponding to the stop-down rotational amount ⁇ f, the control circuit 101 , as described above, outputs a control signal to the stepping motor driver 102 such that the stepping motor 411 starts rotating at the same time as starting exciting the aperture magnet 434 in response to input of the release signal.
- the stepping motor 411 is, as mentioned above, designed to start rotating in the direction of reset after the aperture reset lever 404 is rotated counterclockwise and the aperture driving lever 403 is applied with the biasing force that causes counterclockwise rotation.
- the control circuit 101 outputs a control signal to the stepping motor driver 102 such that the stepping motor 411 is to start driving when a length of time T 2 has elapsed since the sequence motor not herein figured started driving.
- the arm 402 d of the aperture lever 402 presses the pin 441 a backward and the aperture PI blade lever 441 rotates counterclockwise.
- the arm 405 a of the aperture lever pawl 405 abuts against the turn part 401 b of the board 401 and thus the aperture lever pawl 405 is rotated clockwise. This allows the pawl 405 b to draw apart from the pin 402 c on the aperture lever 402 and to release the pin 402 c so that the aperture lever 402 is rotatable separately from the aperture driving lever 403 .
- the aperture lever 402 rotates to and stops at the “stop position of the aperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release” by the biasing force of the aperture reset spring 472 .
- the boss 408 a abuts against the overcharge absorbing lever 433 of the aperture reset engaging lever 431 and rotates the aperture reset engaging lever 431 counterclockwise. This causes the released moving core 434 a to be attracted to and retained again by the permanent magnet of the aperture magnet 434 .
- the aperture reset engaging lever 431 engages again the aperture reset lever 404 which is rotated counterclockwise using the abutting part 432 a.
- the “stop position of the aperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined by a position where the output shaft 411 a of the stepping motor 411 stops.
- the “stop position of the aperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined as follows. As the initial position PI blade rotation lever 451 is rotated clockwise by counterclockwise rotation of the aperture driving lever 403 , a state of light output from the detection part of the initial position PI 453 changes from a state in which the light is interrupted by the initial position PI blade 452 to a state in which the light is passing through the initial position detection opening 452 b . As a result, a signal output from the initial position PI 453 switches from a High signal to a Low signal ( FIG. 10 ).
- the control circuit 101 outputs a predetermined number n of drive pulse to the stepping motor 411 from the point of time when the change in the signal output from the initial position PI 453 from the High signal to the Low signal is detected. After outputting the predetermined number n of drive pulse, the control circuit 101 outputs a control signal to the stepping motor driver 102 so as to stop the stepping motor 411 .
- the control circuit 101 When the change in the signal output from the initial position PI 453 from the High signal to the Low signal is detected, the control circuit 101 outputs a signal (initial position signal) which indicates that the signal output from the initial position PI 453 has been switched from a High signal to a Low signal to the stepping motor driver 102 .
- an error message may be displayed on a display (not herein figured) provided on the back side of the camera body 1 .
- a conventional diaphragm mechanism is configured so as to stop a ratchet wheel rotating at a high speed by engaging a pawl with the wheel. This abrades the ratchet wheel and the pawl.
- the diaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment does not include any configuration in which a ratchet wheel that rotates at high speed is stopped by using a pawl, and thus will not cause any wear as caused in a conventional diaphragm mechanism. This improves durability of the diaphragm mechanism 400 .
- the initial position PI blade rotation lever 451 , the initial position PI blade 452 , and the initial position PI 453 are configured to detect the aperture driving lever initial position.
- the “stop position of the aperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined. This allows the “stop position of the aperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” to be set at a fixed position. Therefore, even if the stepping motor 411 has step-out, the aperture driving lever 403 can be restored in its right position after reset operation without having any negative impact on the next imaging operation.
- the aperture PI 443 is to detect the start of rotation of the aperture lever 402 .
- an electrical contact may be provided at an abutting part of the aperture PI blade lever 441 against the aperture lever 402 .
- the aperture PI blade lever 441 may rotate counterclockwise, for example, inertially, behind the movement of the aperture lever 402 .
Abstract
An aperture control device includes: an aperture first driving member that controls an aperture of a diaphragm through which light flux passes; an aperture second driving member that drives the aperture first driving member; a motor that drives the aperture second driving member; a detection device that detects start of movement of the aperture first driving member caused by the aperture second driving member driven by the motor; and a motor control device that controls an aperture value of the diaphragm by controlling a rotational amount of the motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.
Description
- This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 12/926,196 filed Nov. 1, 2010, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 12/222,168 filed Aug. 4, 2008. This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-204452, filed Aug. 6, 2007. The entire disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an aperture control device that drives an aperture of a lens and a camera that includes the aperture control device.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- An aperture control device used for a camera and the like is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. H11-282043. The aperture control device increases driving amount of an aperture driving lever on the camera by a gear train and detects, as the driving amount of the aperture driving lever, a gear rotation speed by a photo interrupter and the like. When the detected value is a predetermined value, the aperture control device puts a brake on the gear train to stop the gear train and the aperture driving lever that is interlocked with the gear train so as to obtain an intended aperture value.
- A conventional aperture control device puts a brake on a gear train by engaging a pawl to a ratchet wheel of the gear train. An instruction for starting engaging the pawl is issued, taking into account the time between beginning of the movement of the pawl and engaging of the pawl to a ratchet wheel. However, if the pawl abuts against a tooth top part of the ratchet wheel, the pawl bounces and causes a stop phase of the gear train to be shifted. IN this case, a desired aperture value may not be obtained.
- An aperture control device according to a first aspect of the present invention, comprises: an aperture first driving member that controls an aperture of a diaphragm through which light flux passes; an aperture second driving member that drives the aperture first driving member; a motor that drives the aperture second driving member; a detection device that detects start of movement of the aperture first driving member caused by the aperture second driving member driven by the motor; and a motor control device that controls an aperture value of the diaphragm by controlling a rotational amount of the motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the aperture control device according to the first aspect further comprises: a worm gear that transmits driving force of the motor to the aperture second driving member, wherein: after the motor control device stops the driving of the motor and the aperture value is controlled to a predetermined value, the aperture first driving member and the aperture second driving member are fixed so as not to move using self-locking of the worm gear.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the aperture control device according to the first aspect further comprises: the motor being a stepping motor; and a stop-down biasing device that applies a biasing force on the aperture second driving member such that the aperture is driven in a direction of stop-down, wherein: the motor control device controls the aperture value of the lens by controlling a rotational amount of the stepping motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the aperture control device according to the third aspect, the stepping motor may drive the aperture second driving member such that the diaphragm is driven in a direction for widening the aperture against the biasing force of the stop-down biasing device.
- According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the aperture control device according to the third aspect may further comprises: an engaging member that engages the aperture first driving member and the aperture second driving member with each other at least when the aperture is stopped down.
- According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the aperture control device according to the third aspect further comprises: a maximum aperture biasing device that applies a biasing force on the aperture second driving member as the aperture second driving member is driven in a direction for widening the aperture, wherein: the motor control device controls rotation of the stepping motor such that the aperture second driving member on which the biasing force is applied by the maximum aperture biasing device is driven in the direction for widening the aperture.
- According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the aperture control device according to the third aspect may further comprises: an aperture second driving member initial position detection device that detects an initial position of the aperture second driving member.
- According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, in the aperture control device according to the third aspect, the motor control device may start rotation of the stepping motor such that the stepping motor drives the aperture second driving member in the direction of stop-down before the biasing force of the stop-down biasing device is applied on the aperture second driving member.
- According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the aperture control device according to the third aspect, the motor control device may start rotation of the stepping motor such that the stepping motor drives the aperture second driving member in the direction for widening the aperture after the biasing force of the maximum aperture biasing device is applied on the aperture second driving member.
- A camera according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, comprises the aperture control device according to the first aspect.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera body of an electronic camera to which an aperture control device in accordance with the present invention, and a photographic lens to be mounted on the camera body. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of key components of a diaphragm mechanism incorporated in the camera body. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of key components of the diaphragm mechanism incorporated in the camera body. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a part of the diaphragm mechanism seen from the left of the camera body. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a part of the diaphragm mechanism seen from the left of the camera body. -
FIG. 6 is a side view of a part of the diaphragm mechanism seen from the left of the camera body. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the diaphragm mechanism seen diagonally from the bottom left of the camera body. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a part of the diaphragm mechanism seen diagonally from the bottom left of the camera body. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front part of the diaphragm mechanism seen diagonally from the bottom right of the camera body. -
FIG. 10 is a timing chart of the camera according to the present embodiment. - An aperture control device and a camera in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are now explained with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 10 .FIG. 1 is a perspective view of acamera body 1 of a single-lens reflex camera, which is an electronic camera in which the aperture control device in accordance with the present invention is installed, and aphotographic lens 2 to be mounted on thecamera body 1. - The
camera body 1 is provided with arelease button 4, a CCD (charge coupled device) 5, which is an image sensor, acontrol circuit 101 that controls various parts of thecamera body 1, astepping motor driver 102, and adiaphragm mechanism 400. Thephotographic lens 2 is provided with a group of lenses (not herein figured), adiaphragm 2 a, and the like. Thediaphragm 2 a adjusts an amount of light flux of a subject passing through the group of lenses by controlling its aperture. Along an imagingoptical path 301 in thecamera body 1, the subject image is guided from thephotographic lens 2 to the CCD 5. In the imagingoptical path 301, amain mirror 321 is provided. The electronic camera according to the present embodiment controls a charge storage time of the CCD 5 by a control signal from thecontrol circuit 101 so as to control an exposure time. This is called an electronic shutter. - When the
photographic lens 2 is mounted on thecamera body 1, anaperture lever 3 on the lens comes into contact with anabutting part 402 b of anaperture lever 402 on the camera. Theaperture lever 3 on the lens is driven by theaperture lever 402 on the camera (hereinafter called an aperture lever) and controls an aperture value of thediaphragm 2 a at a predetermined value. It should be noted that, according to the present embodiment, the side of thecamera body 1 on which thephotographic lens 2 is mounted is defined as a front, while the side of thecamera body 1 on which the CCD 5 is mounted is defined as a rear. Each of the figures indicates the left, right, top and bottom of thecamera body 1 in its own perspective. - A conventional diaphragm mechanism increases a driving amount of the
aperture lever 402 that abuts against theaperture lever 3 on the lens by a gear train and detects the driving amount of theaperture lever 402 by a photo interrupter and the like as a rotation speed of the gear. When the detected value matches with a predetermined value, the conventional diaphragm mechanism puts a brake on the gear train and stops the gear train and theaperture lever 402 that is interlocked with the gear train so as to obtain a desired aperture value. In other words, the conventional diaphragm mechanism controls the driving amount of theaperture lever 402 based on the number of pulse signals output from the photo interrupter. - On the other hand, the
diaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment controls the driving amount of theaperture lever 402 based on a driving amount of astepping motor 411 in place of the number of pulse signals output from the photo interrupter. Thediaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment is now explained. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 are exploded views of key components of thediaphragm mechanism 400 incorporated in thecamera body 1.FIG. 2 shows a state before a shutter release operation is started (in a maximum aperture state).FIG. 3 shows a state in which a lens is stopped down (in a minimum aperture state).FIGS. 4 through 6 are side views of a part of thediaphragm mechanism 400 seen from the left of the camera body.FIG. 4 shows a state in which the aperture is maximum.FIG. 5 shows a state in which the aperture is minimum.FIG. 6 shows a state in which a reset operation is performed so that the aperture is maximum, that is, so as to return to the state in which the aperture is maximum. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a part of thediaphragm mechanism 400 seen diagonally from the bottom left of the camera body.FIG. 7 shows a state in which the aperture is maximum.FIG. 8 shows a state in which the aperture is minimum.FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front part of thediaphragm mechanism 400 seen diagonally from the bottom right of the camera body, which shows a state in which the aperture is maximum. It is to be noted that the left, right, top and bottom inFIGS. 2 through 9 are defined in accordance with the left, right, top and bottom of thecamera body 1 in which thediaphragm mechanism 400 is incorporated. - Following descriptions on components of the
diaphragm mechanism 400 are made, assuming that postures, positions, directions in which an arm extends, relationships with other members, etc. are in the state in which the aperture is maximum as indicated inFIGS. 2 , 4, 7, and 9. AsFIGS. 2 and 4 show, thediaphragm mechanism 400 includes aboard 401, theaperture lever 402, anaperture drive lever 403, anaperture reset lever 404, anaperture lever pawl 405, a steppingmotor 411, an aperturefirst gear 421, an aperturesecond gear 422, an aperturereset engaging lever 431, and anaperture magnet 434. Thediaphragm mechanism 400 is an aperture control device that controls the aperture of thephotographic lens 2. - The
board 401 is a plate-like member on which components of thediaphragm mechanism 400 are mounted. Theaperture lever 402 is a lever pivotally supported around aboss 401 a provided on theboard 401 and is an aperture driving member that drives the aperture of thephotographic lens 2. - The
aperture lever 402 is provided witharms abutting part 402 b. Theaperture lever 402 is provided with anaperture reset spring 472 engaged with thearm 402 e at one end of the spring. Theaperture lever 402 is connected to theaperture reset lever 404 to be detailed later through theaperture reset spring 472 and is biased counterclockwise seen from the left side of the camera body 1 (hereinafter called simply “counterclockwise”) by theaperture reset spring 472. Thearm 402 a that extends forward is provided with theabutting part 402 b at the front end. Theabutting part 402 b comes into contact with theaperture lever 3 on the lens when thephotographic lens 2 is attached to thecamera body 1. Thearm 402 a is embedded with apin 402 c that extends leftward on the left side of thearm 402 a. - The
aperture driving lever 403 is a lever that drives theaperture lever 402 and is pivotally supported around theboss 401 a on theboard 401. Theaperture driving lever 403 is provided with anarm 403 a and asector gear part 403 c. Thearm 403 a extends forward. When the lens is stopped down, as described below, thearm 403 a presses downward thepin 402 c on thearm 402 a of theaperture lever 402. Thesector gear part 403 c is provided along a circular arc around theboss 401 a and meshes with the aperturesecond gear 422, which is detailed later. Thearm 403 a is embedded with apin 403 b. Thepin 403 b pivotally supports theaperture lever pawl 405, which is detailed later. Thesector gear part 403 c is embedded with apin 403 d in its vicinity. Theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated by the steppingmotor 411, which is detailed later. - The aperture reset
lever 404 is a lever that applies a biasing force of the a stop-downspring 471 to theaperture driving lever 403 and is pivotally supported around theboss 401 a on theboard 401. The aperture resetlever 404 is provided with anarm 404 a that extends forward and obliquely downward and anarm 404 c that extends downward. Thearm 404 a is provided with a bendingpart 404 b that is bent leftward at the end of thearm 404 a. - The
arm 404 c is provided with an aperture resetspring engaging part 404 d, anabutting part 404 e, and a stop-downspring engaging part 404 f. The aperture resetspring engaging part 404 d is engaged with the other end of theaperture reset spring 472. Theabutting part 404 e comes into contact with the aperturereset engaging lever 431, which is described below. The stop-downspring engaging part 404 f is engaged with an end of the stop downspring 471. The other end of the stop downspring 471 is engaged with theboard 401. Therefore, theaperture reset lever 404 is biased clockwise seen from the left side of the camera body 1 (hereinafter called simply “clockwise”) by the stop downspring 471. However, since theabutting part 404 e abuts against the aperturereset engaging lever 431, theaperture reset lever 404 is stopped in a position (rotation phase or position) shown inFIGS. 2 , 4, and 7 against the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471. - The
aperture lever pawl 405 is, as described above, a member that is pivotally supported on thepin 403 b on theaperture driving lever 403 and is provided with anarm 405 a and an engaging part (pawl) 405 b. Theaperture lever pawl 405 is, as described below, engages thepin 402 c on thearm 402 a of theaperture lever 402 with thepawl 405 b when the lens is stopped down. In other words, theaperture lever pawl 405 locks theaperture lever 402 and theaperture driving lever 403 together when the lens is stopped down. Theaperture lever pawl 405 is biased counterclockwise in the figure by a spring 485 (refer toFIG. 5 ). - The stepping
motor 411 is, for instance, a claw-pole PM stepping motor. A rotational speed, rotational amount, stop phase (stop position), etc. of anoutput shaft 411 a (FIG. 4 ) are controlled by the steppingmotor driver 102. The steppingmotor 411 rotates the aperturefirst gear 421 through areduction gear 493. In other words, a rotation speed of theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 is reduced by thereduction gear 493 and is transmitted to the aperturefirst gear 421. The aperturefirst gear 421 is a worm that is to be rotated by the steppingmotor 411. The steppingmotor driver 102 is a driver that controls a drive of the steppingmotor 411. - The aperture
second gear 422 is a gear for reducing the rotation speed of the aperturefirst gear 421 so as to transmit it to theaperture driving lever 403. The aperturesecond gear 422 is provided withsector gear parts sector gear part 422 a is a gear that meshes with the aperturefirst gear 421 and is a part of a worm wheel. In other words, the aperturefirst gear 421 and thesector gear part 422 a of the aperturesecond gear 422 constitute a worm gear. Thesector gear part 422 b meshes with thesector gear part 403 c of theaperture driving lever 403. - The aperture
reset engaging lever 431 is the lever that engages theaperture reset lever 404 as described above. The aperturereset engaging lever 431 includes two levers, i.e., an abuttinglever 432 that abuts against theabutting part 404 e of theaperture reset lever 404 and anovercharge absorbing lever 433 for absorbing overcharge at the time of reset. The abuttinglever 432 includes anabutting part 432 a that abuts against theabutting part 404 e of theaperture reset lever 404 and a movingcore engaging part 432 b that engages a moving core of theaperture magnet 434, which is described below. - Both of the abutting
lever 432 and theovercharge absorbing lever 433 are pivotally supported around ashaft 401 d provided on theboard 401. In the aperturereset engaging lever 431, the abuttinglever 432 is biased counterclockwise in the figure around theshaft 401 d by aspring 435. Theovercharge absorbing lever 433 is biased clockwise in the figure around theshaft 401 d. That is, the aperturereset engaging lever 431 is configured such that the abuttinglever 432 and theovercharge absorbing lever 433 are biased to and abutted against each other by thespring 435 and are integrated together. The aperturereset engaging lever 431 is biased clockwise in the illustration by aspring 436. - The
aperture magnet 434 is a publicly known combination magnet that holds an inserted movingcore 434 a using a permanent magnet and that disengageably releases the movingcore 434 a by energization of an exciting coil. The end of the movingcore 434 a exposed from theaperture magnet 434 engages the movingcore engaging part 432 b of the abuttinglever 432. - In addition to the components mentioned above, the
diaphragm mechanism 400 includes a mirror uplever 406 for lifting up themain mirror 321, a mirror upmagnet 461, acharge lever 407 for performing reset (charging operation) after the shutter release, acharge link board 408, and acharge link lever 409. Thediaphragm mechanism 400 further includes an aperture PI (photo Interrupter)blade lever 441, anaperture PI blade 442, anaperture PI 443, an initial position PIblade rotation lever 451, an initialposition PI blade 452, and aninitial position PI 453. - The mirror up
lever 406, which is a lever for swinging themain mirror 321, is pivotally supported around theboss 401 a of theboard 401, and is biased clockwise by a mirror up spring 473 (FIG. 2 ). For lifting up themain mirror 321, the mirror uplever 406 rotates clockwise by a biasing force of the mirror upspring 473 so that anarm 406 a abuts against a shaft not herein illustrated that drives themain mirror 321 and pushes the shaft upward. The mirror upmagnet 461 is a publicly known combination magnet that holds an inserted movingcore 461 a using a permanent magnet and that disengageably releases the movingcore 461 a by energization of an exciting coil. - The
charge lever 407, which is a lever to be rotated at the time of reset, is pivotally supported around theboss 401 a of theboard 401. Thecharge lever 407 includesarms arm 407 a is a member that abuts against the bendingpart 404 b of theaperture reset lever 404 at the time of reset and pushes the bendingpart 404 b counterclockwise. Thearm 407 b is pivotally supported around the upper end of thecharge link board 408, which is described below. - The
charge link board 408 is a plate-like member for transmitting a charging power by a sequence motor not herein figured to thecharge lever 407 and the like. As explained above, the upper end of thecharge link board 408 is pivotally supported around thearm 407 b of thecharge lever 407. The lower end of thecharge link board 408 is pivotally supported around an end of thecharge link lever 409, which is described below. The lower end of thecharge link board 408 is mounted with acharge roller 482. Thecharge roller 482 is a roller into which a charging power by the sequence motor not herein figured is input, and is to be pressed downward by the charging power by the sequence motor at the time of reset. Thecharge link board 408 is provided with aboss 408 a on its left side. Theboss 408 a abuts against theovercharge absorbing lever 433 of the aperturereset engaging lever 431 at the time of reset and rotates the aperturereset engaging lever 431 counterclockwise. - The
charge link lever 409 is a lever that controls the movement of the lower end of thecharge link board 408. The end of thecharge link lever 409 is pivotally supported around the lower end of thecharge link board 408, while the other end of thecharge link lever 409 is pivotally supported around ashaft 401 e on theboard 401. Theboard 401, thecharge lever 407, thecharge link board 408, and thecharge link lever 409 constitute a four bar linkage. Thecharge link lever 409 is biased clockwise by aspring 484. - The aperture
PI blade lever 441, which is a lever that abuts against theaperture lever 402, rotates according to a rotational position of theaperture lever 402. The aperturePI blade lever 441 is pivotally supported by ashaft 491 inserted into a shaft hole of theboard 401. The aperturePI blade lever 441 is provided with apin 441 a that abuts against thearm 402 d of theaperture lever 402 and agear part 441 b that meshes with a gear part of theaperture PI blade 442, which is described below. - In the case where the
aperture lever 402 is rotated such that the aperture is near the maximum, thearm 402 d of theaperture lever 402 abuts against thepin 441 a of the aperturePI blade lever 441. While, in the case where theaperture lever 402 is rotated such that the aperture is the minimum, thearm 402 d of theaperture lever 402 is drawn apart from thepin 441 a of the aperturePI blade lever 441. In other words, only when theaperture lever 402 is rotated so as to set the aperture close to the maximum, theaperture lever 402 rotates the aperturePI blade lever 441. - A rotation range of the aperture
PI blade lever 441 is controlled by aneccentric pin 495. In a state in which the aperture is maximum, as shown inFIG. 4 , the clockwise rotation of the aperturePI blade lever 441 is restricted by anengaging part 441 c abutting against theeccentric pin 495. In a state in which the aperture is minimum, as shown inFIG. 5 , the counterclockwise rotation of the aperturePI blade lever 441 is restricted by theengaging part 441 c abutting against theeccentric pin 495. - The
aperture PI blade 442, which is a member to be rotated by the aperturePI blade lever 441, is provided with aslit blade part 442 a and agear part 442 b. Theslit blade part 442 a is a disk-shaped member in which a plurality of slits are disposed radially. Thegear part 442 b, which is a gear disposed on the right side of theslit blade part 442 a, meshes with thegear part 441 b of the aperturePI blade lever 441 as explained above. Therefore, theaperture PI blade 442 is rotated in response to rotation of the aperturePI blade lever 441. Theaperture PI blade 442 is biased clockwise in the illustration by a spring 483 (refer toFIGS. 2 , 7, and 9). - The
aperture PI 443 is an optical sensor, specifically a photo interrupter. When a slit of theslit blade part 442 a moves in the proximity of a detection part by rotation of theaperture PI blade 442, theaperture PI 443 outputs on/off signals (pulse signals) according to a position of the slit. The pulse signals from theaperture PI 443 are output to thecontrol circuit 101. Thecontrol circuit 101 determines whether theaperture PI blade 442 is rotating or not according to the pulse signals output from theaperture PI 443, and calculates a rotation amount of theaperture PI blade 442. In other words, according to the pulse signals output from theaperture PI 443, thecontrol circuit 101 determines whether theaperture lever 402 is rotated or not and calculates its rotation amount with respect to theaperture lever 402 rotated in a rotational position where the aperture is close to the maximum. - As
FIGS. 2 and 9 indicate, the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451, which is a lever that abuts against thepin 403 b on theaperture driving lever 403, rotates in accordance with rotational position of theaperture driving lever 403. The initial position PIblade rotation lever 451 is pivotally supported by ashaft 492 on an initialposition detection board 481, which is a board to be fixed to theboard 401. The initial position PIblade rotation lever 451 is provided with anarm 451 a against which thepin 403 b abuts and anarm 451 b that rotates the initialposition PI blade 452, which is described below. The end of thearm 451 b is provided with ashaft 451 c that extends leftward substantially perpendicularly to the direction in which thearm 451 b extends. - In the case where the
aperture driving lever 403 is rotated such that the aperture is close to the maximum, thepin 403 b on theaperture driving lever 403 abuts against thearm 451 a of the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451. While, in the case where theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated such that the aperture is the minimum, thepin 403 b is drawn apart from thearm 451 a. In other words, only when theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated such that the aperture is close to the maximum, theaperture driving lever 403 rotates the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451. - The initial
position PI blade 452, which is a fan-shaped member that is rotated by the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451, includes an initial position PI blade rotationlever engaging hole 452 a and an initialposition detection opening 452 b (refer toFIG. 9 ). Theshaft 451 c of the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451 is inserted into the initial position PI blade rotationlever engaging hole 452 a. Therefore, the initialposition PI blade 452 is rotated in response to rotation of the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451. In other words, as theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated such that the aperture is close to the maximum, the initialposition PI blade 452 is rotated to a rotational position that corresponds to that of theaperture driving lever 403. - The
initial position PI 453 is an optical sensor, specifically a photo interrupter. When the initialposition detection opening 452 b of the initialposition PI blade 452 moves in the proximity of a detection part by rotation of the initialposition PI blade 452, theinitial position PI 453 outputs on/off signals according to a position of the initialposition detection opening 452 b. The on/off signals from theinitial position PI 453 are output to thecontrol circuit 101. Thecontrol circuit 101 determines a rotation phase of the initialposition PI blade 452, that is, a rotational position of theaperture driving lever 403, according to the on/off signals output from theinitial position PI 453. - In the maximum aperture state, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 7 , theaperture lever 402 is rotated counterclockwise and is held at the rotated position. Theaperture lever 402 is applied with a counterclockwise biasing force by theaperture reset spring 472. In the case where thecamera body 1 is mounted with thephotographic lens 2, theabutting part 402 b of theaperture lever 402 abuts against theaperture lever 3 on the lens. This causes theaperture lever 402 to stop in a position slightly rotated clockwise, compared to the position in the case where thecamera body 1 is not mounted with thephotographic lens 2. The then position where theaperture lever 402 stops is called “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release.” On the other hand, the position where theaperture lever 402 stops when thecamera body 1 is not mounted with thephotographic lens 2 is called “stop position of theaperture lever 402 without the lens mounted before shutter release.” - The
aperture driving lever 403 is stopped with thearm 403 a drawn apart from thepin 402 c on theaperture lever 402. The then position where theaperture driving lever 403 stops is called “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release.” Theaperture driving lever 403 is, as mentioned above, configured to be rotated by the steppingmotor 411. The worm gear composed of the aperturefirst gear 421 and the aperturesecond gear 422 comes between the steppingmotor 411 and theaperture driving lever 403. Therefore, even if theaperture driving lever 403 is applied with an external force, as long as the steppingmotor 411 is stopped, theaperture driving lever 403 does not rotate because of self-locking of the worm gear. The “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined by a position at which theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 stops. - The
aperture lever pawl 405 is rotated clockwise against a biasing force of thespring 485 as thearm 405 a abuts against aturn part 401 b of theboard 401, and is held in the rotated state. This causes thepawl 405 b to draw apart from thepin 402 c on theaperture lever 402 and release thepin 402 c. - The aperture reset
lever 404 is rotated counterclockwise against the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471 by theabutting part 404 e abutting against theabutting part 432 a of the abutting lever 432 (aperture reset engaging lever 431), and is held in the rotated state. In this state, the lower end of thearm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 slightly draws apart from thepin 403 d provided in the proximity of thesector gear part 403 c of theaperture driving lever 403. The aperturereset engaging lever 431 is rotated counterclockwise against a biasing force of thespring 436 by the movingcore 434 a of theaperture magnet 434, and is held in the rotated state. - The mirror up
lever 406 is engaged in the rotated state in which the mirror up lever is rotated counterclockwise against the biasing force of the mirror upspring 473. The mirror upmagnet 461 holds the movingcore 461 a using a permanent magnet. Since thecharge link lever 409 is rotated clockwise by a biasing force of thespring 484, thecharge link board 408 moves upward and then stops, and thecharge lever 407 is stopped in a state rotated clockwise. - Since the
pin 441 a is pressed backward by thearm 402 d of theaperture lever 402, the aperturePI blade lever 441 is rotated clockwise and stopped. In the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release,” thepin 403 b embedded on thearm 403 a abuts against thearm 451 a of the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451 and rotates the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451 clockwise (FIG. 2 ). This causes the initialposition PI blade 452 to be rotated clockwise, and allows the light output from a detection part of theinitial position PI 453 to pass through the initialposition detection opening 452 b (FIG. 9 ). As a result, a Low signal is output from theinitial position PI 453. - In the case where the
camera body 1 is not mounted with thephotographic lens 2, the position at which theaperture lever 402 stops, that is, the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 without the lens mounted before shutter release” is restricted by theeccentric pin 495 via the aperture PI blade lever 441 (FIG. 4 ). In other words, when theaperture lever 402 rotates counterclockwise by a biasing force of theaperture reset spring 472, thearm 402 d presses thepin 441 a of the aperturePI blade lever 441 and rotates the aperturePI blade lever 441 clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the aperturePI blade lever 441, however, is, as explained above, restricted by theengaging part 441 c abutting against theeccentric pin 495. The counterclockwise rotation of theaperture lever 402 is therefore restricted by theengaging part 441 c abutting against theeccentric pin 495. Thus, the rotation phase or position of theaperture lever 402 when theengaging part 441 c abuts against theeccentric pin 495 is to be the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 without the lens mounted before shutter release”. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , theeccentric pin 495 includes ashaft 495 a to be inserted into a hole of theboard 401 not herein figured and anabutting part 495 b that abuts against the aperturePI blade lever 441. Theshaft 495 a and theabutting part 495 b are eccentric. Rotating theeccentric pin 495 on theboard 401 therefore enables adjustment of the rotation phase of the aperturePI blade lever 441 when theengaging part 441 c abuts against the eccentric pin 495 (theabutting part 495 b), that is, the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 without the lens mounted before shutter release.” - In the case where the
camera body 1 is not mounted with thephotographic lens 2, theabutting part 402 b of theaperture lever 402 is exposed to outside as shown inFIG. 1 . In the maximum aperture state, however, since thepawl 405 b of the engaginglever pawl 405 releases pin 402 c on theaperture lever 402 as described above, theaperture lever 402 is rotatable separately from theaperture driving lever 403. When theabutting part 402 b of theaperture lever 402 is pressed down by an external force, theaperture lever 402 is rotated clockwise against a biasing force of theaperture reset spring 472. When the external force is removed, theaperture lever 402 is rotated counterclockwise by the biasing force of theaperture reset spring 472 and stops at the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 without the lens mounted before shutter release”. - Operation of the
diaphragm mechanism 400 at shutter releasing is now explained with reference to the timing chart shown inFIG. 10 in addition toFIGS. 1 through 9 . Timing of excitation of the mirror upmagnet 461 is not shown in the timing chart. When therelease button 4 is pressed, a release signal is output from a release switch not herein shown to thecontrol circuit 101. In response to input of the release signal, thecontrol circuit 101 excites the mirror upmagnet 461 for a predefined length of time necessary for release of the movingcore 461 a. This causes the movingcore 461 a to be released. As the movingcore 461 a is released, engaging of the mirror uplever 406 is released and the mirror uplever 406 is rotated clockwise by the biasing force of the mirror up spring 473 (FIGS. 5 and 8 ). Consequently, thearm 406 a abuts against a shaft, not shown in the figures, that drives themain mirror 321, and pushes the shaft upward so as to lift themain mirror 321 up. - In response to input of the release signal, the
control circuit 101 excites theaperture magnet 434 for a predefined length of time necessary for release of the movingcore 434 a. This causes the movingcore 434 a to be released. The aperturereset engaging lever 431 rotates clockwise by the biasing force of thespring 436 and releases engaging of theaperture reset lever 404. The aperture resetlever 404 rotates clockwise by the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471 and presses clockwise thepin 403 d, which is provided in the proximity of thesector gear part 403 c of theaperture driving lever 403 at the lower end of thearm 404 a. Consequently, theaperture driving lever 403 is applied with a biasing force clockwise, that is, in the direction for stop-down. - In response to input of the release signal, at the same time as starting exciting the
aperture magnet 434, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs a control signal to the steppingmotor driver 102 such that the steppingmotor 411 starts rotating in the direction of stopping down. In response to input of the control signal from thecontrol circuit 101, the steppingmotor driver 102 starts driving the steppingmotor 411 in the direction for stop-down. As a result, at the substantially same time of starting exciting theaperture magnet 434, rotation of the steppingmotor 411 is started (FIG. 10 ). As the steppingmotor 411 is driven in the direction for stopping down, theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated clockwise through the aperturefirst gear 421 and the aperturesecond gear 422. Drive control of the steppingmotor 411 will be hereinafter detailed. - As described above, the excitation of the
aperture magnet 434 and the rotation of the steppingmotor 411 are to be started at the substantially same time. However, the length of time from the start of the excitation of theaperture magnet 434 until the lower end of thearm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 abuts against thepin 403 d on theaperture driving lever 403 is longer than the length of time between the output of the control signal to the steppingmotor driver 102 and the start of the rotation of theaperture driving lever 403 by driving force of the steppingmotor 411. This means that after the start of the rotation of theaperture driving lever 403 by driving force of the steppingmotor 411, the lower end of thearm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 presses thepin 403 d on theaperture driving lever 403 clockwise. Shortening of the release time lag is thus realized. - In consideration of the length of time from the start of the excitation of the
aperture magnet 434 until the lower end of thearm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 abuts against thepin 403 d on theaperture driving lever 403, the output of the control signal for starting driving of the steppingmotor 411 to the steppingmotor driver 102 may be delayed. In this case, theaperture driving lever 403 is to be rotated by the driving force of the steppingmotor 411 at the same time as or after the lower end of thearm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 starts pressing thepin 403 d on theaperture driving lever 403 clockwise. This results in reduction of load at the start of the driving of the steppingmotor 411. - As the
aperture driving lever 403 rotates clockwise, thearm 403 a abuts against thepin 402 c on theaperture lever 402 and presses thepin 402 c downward. This causes theaperture lever 402 to be rotated clockwise, and stop-down operation to be started. In other words, the clockwise rotation of theaperture lever 402 causes theaperture lever 3 on the lens to stop down thephotographic lens 2. - The clockwise rotation of the
aperture driving lever 403 causes thearm 405 a of theaperture lever pawl 405 to draw apart from theturn part 401 b of theboard 401. Theaperture lever pawl 405 hence rotates counterclockwise by the biasing force of thespring 485. Thepawl 405 b abuts against thepin 402 c on theaperture lever 402 to hold and engage thepin 402 c. Theaperture lever 402 and theaperture driving lever 403 are engaged each other by theaperture lever pawl 405 and rotate integrally. At stopping down, theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 are driven by the driving force of the steppingmotor 411 and the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471. - In response to the control signal from the
control circuit 101, the steppingmotor driver 102 controls the rotational amount of theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 so as to obtain a desired aperture value. This causes the steppingmotor 411 to stop after theoutput shaft 411 a rotates by a predetermined rotational amount. As the steppingmotor 411 stops, theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402, which is linked with the aperture driving lever by theaperture lever pawl 405, also stop because of the self-locking of the worm gear. As a result, theaperture lever 3 on the lens stops, and thus the desired aperture value of thephotographic lens 2 is realized. - After the desired aperture value of the
photographic lens 2 is obtained, a shutter (not herein figured) is operated by a known device and a shooting operation is performed. Immediately after a subject image is captured by the CCD 5, a reset operation of each part is performed. The reset operation will be detailed later. - In order to set the aperture of the
photographic lens 2 to a desired value, theaperture lever 3 on the lens should be shifted downward by a predefined amount corresponding to the desired aperture value. In other words, theaperture lever 402 should be rotated according to the desired aperture value. Thus, theaperture driving lever 403 should rotate theaperture lever 402 by a predefined rotational amount. - In the state before shutter release, as explained above, the
aperture driving lever 403 is held in a state in which thearm 403 a is drawn apart, from thepin 402 c on theaperture lever 402. Therefore, in order to rotate theaperture lever 402 by a predetermined rotational amount (for example, θf), theaperture driving lever 403 should rotate by an extra rotational amount (for example, θa) necessary for thearm 403 a to abut against thepin 402 c. In other words, theaperture driving lever 403 should rotate clockwise by the rotational amount θa before starting the stop-down of thephotographic lens 2. - Accordingly, in order to set the aperture of the
photographic lens 2 to a desired value, theaperture driving lever 403 should rotate by the rotational amount θf+θa, which is the sum of the rotational amount θf and the rotational amount θa, from the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release.” The rotational amount θf is hereinafter called “stop-down rotational amount,” while the rotational amount θa is called “pre-stop-down rotational amount.” - The stop-down rotational amount θf is obtained by calculating a desired aperture value and a downward displacement of the
aperture lever 3 on the lens necessary to obtain the desired aperture value based on an output signal from a photometric sensor not herein figured. The pre-stop-down rotational amount θa is determined by the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release” and the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release.” However, the pre-stop-down rotational amount θa may not be a fixed value because the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release” may differ depending on thephotographic lens 2 to be mounted. - As mentioned above, the
aperture driving lever 403 is rotated by the steppingmotor 411 via the aperturefirst gear 421 and the aperturesecond gear 422. Therefore, rotational amount of theaperture driving lever 403 can be controlled by using the driving amount of the steppingmotor 411, that is, the number of drive pulse that the steppingmotor driver 102 outputs to the steppingmotor 411. However, since the pre-stop-down rotational amount θa is not a fixed value, the total number of the drive pulse that the steppingmotor driver 102 outputs to the steppingmotor 411 at stop-down cannot be determined. - According to the present embodiment, in the
diaphragm mechanism 400 theaperture PI 443 detects the start of rotation of theaperture PI blade 442 so as to determine a time point when theaperture lever 402 starts rotating after theaperture driving lever 403 rotates by the pre-stop-down rotational amount θa. Then, the steppingmotor 411 is controlled such that theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated by the stop-down rotational amount θf from the point when the start of the rotation of theaperture lever 402 is detected. This causes theaperture lever 402 to rotate by the stop-down rotational amount θf from the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release.” Thus, the aperture of thephotographic lens 2 is set to a desired value by controlling the rotational amount of theaperture driving lever 403, that is, the driving amount of the steppingmotor 411. - Specifically, in response to input of the release signal, the
control circuit 101 calculates a target aperture value (aperture value setting) of thephotographic lens 2 according to the output signal from the photometric sensor not herein figured. Thecontrol circuit 101 calculates the stop-down rotational amount θf (or the number of drive pulse corresponding to the stop-down rotational amount θf) of theaperture lever 402 for obtaining the aperture value setting. Then, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs information on the calculated stop-down rotational amount θf (or the number of drive pulse corresponding to the stop-down rotational amount θf) to the steppingmotor driver 102. Following descriptions is made assuming that the information on the number of drive pulse corresponding to the stop-down rotational amount θf is output from thecontrol circuit 101. Besides the information on the number of drive pulse corresponding to the stop-down rotational amount θf, thecontrol circuit 101, as described above, outputs a control signal to the steppingmotor driver 102 such that the steppingmotor 411 starts rotating at the same time as starting exciting theaperture magnet 434 in response to input of the release signal. - In response to input of the control signal from the
control circuit 101, the steppingmotor driver 102 starts driving the steppingmotor 411. - As the stepping
motor 411 is started driving, theaperture driving lever 403 is rotated. As theaperture driving lever 403 rotates by the pre-stop-down rotational amount θa, thearm 403 a and thepin 402 c, which have been apart from each other, abut against each other and then theaperture lever 402 starts rotating. At this time, as explained above, theaperture PI 443 detects start of rotation of theaperture PI blade 442. - If the
control circuit 101 detects any change in the state of the output signal from theaperture PI 443, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs a signal that indicates start of the rotation of the aperture lever 402 (aperture lever rotation start signal) to the steppingmotor driver 102. - According to the information on the number of drive pulse corresponding to the stop-down rotational amount θf, the stepping
motor driver 102 outputs the said number of drive pulse to the steppingmotor 411 from the point when the steppingmotor driver 102 receives the aperture lever rotation start signal from thecontrol circuit 101. The steppingmotor driver 102 subsequently stops the steppingmotor 411. - When starting driving of the stepping
motor 411, the steppingmotor driver 102 outputs the first drive pulse so as to excite a coil (not herein figured) of the steppingmotor 411 with 1-2 phase excitation. In order to obtain enough output torque, the steppingmotor driver 102 outputs the second or later drive pulse so as to excite a coil of the steppingmotor 411 in 2-2 phase excitation (2 phase excitation). When stopping the steppingmotor 411, the steppingmotor driver 102 outputs the last drive pulse so as to excite the coil of the steppingmotor 411 in 1-2 phase excitation. As a response, in the steppingmotor 411, a magnet rotor stops rotating at a position where a magnet of the magnet rotor is attracted to a claw-pole (not figured herein). Theoutput shaft 411 a thus stops at a stable position. It should be noted that in the case where the necessary positional accuracy can be achieved with 2-2 phase excitation, the steppingmotor 411 may be controlled throughout only according to 2-2 phase excitation method without conducting 1-2 phase excitation for stopping or starting driving. - The stepping
motor driver 102 outputs drive pulse such that the steppingmotor 411 slows down just before it stops. This causes theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 to slow down and then to stop. Consequently, with respect to not only theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 on thecamera body 1 but also members that drive lens on thephotographic lens 2, the impact to be generated at stopping is reduced, and thus generation of vibration in each member is controlled. The steppingmotor driver 102 outputs drive pulse also at reset operation, which is detailed later. - At reset operation, the
control circuit 101 starts driving a sequence motor which is not herein figured. As the sequence motor is driven, charging power of the sequence motor presses thecharge roller 482 downward. This causes thecharge link board 408 to be drawn downward and thecharge lever 407 to be rotated counterclockwise (refer toFIG. 6 ). - As the
charge lever 407 is rotated counterclockwise, thearm 407 a abuts against the bendingpart 404 b of theaperture reset lever 404 and presses the bendingpart 404 b counterclockwise. This causes theaperture reset lever 404 to be rotated counterclockwise against the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471. As theaperture reset lever 404 is rotated counterclockwise, the aperture resetspring engaging part 404 d draws the other end of theaperture reset spring 472 downward. This causes theaperture reset spring 472 to apply a counterclockwise biasing force to theaperture lever 402 with which one end of theaperture reset spring 472 is engaged and theaperture driving lever 403 that is linked or integrated with theaperture lever 402 by theaperture lever pawl 405. - Even if the
aperture driving lever 403 is thus applied with the biasing force for counterclockwise rotation, when the steppingmotor 411 is stopped, the self-locking of the worm gear keeps theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 stopped. If the steppingmotor 411 is started to drive in the direction of reset, thedrive lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 are rotated counterclockwise by the biasing force of theaperture reset spring 472 and the driving force of the steppingmotor 411. - The stepping
motor 411 is, as mentioned above, designed to start rotating in the direction of reset after theaperture reset lever 404 is rotated counterclockwise and theaperture driving lever 403 is applied with the biasing force that causes counterclockwise rotation. In other words, asFIG. 10 shows, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs a control signal to the steppingmotor driver 102 such that the steppingmotor 411 is to start driving when a length of time T2 has elapsed since the sequence motor not herein figured started driving. - Depending on the aperture value setting for stopping down, the stop positions taken by the
aperture driving lever 403 and theaperture reset lever 404 just before starting of the reset operation vary. Therefore, a length of time between when the sequence motor not herein figured starts driving and when thearm 407 a of thecharge lever 407 abuts against the bendingpart 404 b of theaperture reset lever 404 varies depending on the aperture value setting for stopping down. In thediaphragm mechanism 400 in accordance with the present embodiment, thecontrol circuit 101 changes the length of time T2 according to the aperture value setting for stopping down. - As the
aperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 are rotated counterclockwise, thearm 402 d of theaperture lever 402 presses thepin 441 a backward and the aperturePI blade lever 441 rotates counterclockwise. Before theaperture lever 402 reaches the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release,” thearm 405 a of theaperture lever pawl 405 abuts against theturn part 401 b of theboard 401 and thus theaperture lever pawl 405 is rotated clockwise. This allows thepawl 405 b to draw apart from thepin 402 c on theaperture lever 402 and to release thepin 402 c so that theaperture lever 402 is rotatable separately from theaperture driving lever 403. Theaperture lever 402 rotates to and stops at the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release” by the biasing force of theaperture reset spring 472. - After the
pawl 405 b releases thepin 402 c, theaperture driving lever 403 continues rotating counterclockwise. Then, theaperture driving lever 403 stops at the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release.” - As the
charge link board 408 is drawn downward, theboss 408 a abuts against theovercharge absorbing lever 433 of the aperturereset engaging lever 431 and rotates the aperturereset engaging lever 431 counterclockwise. This causes the released movingcore 434 a to be attracted to and retained again by the permanent magnet of theaperture magnet 434. The aperturereset engaging lever 431 engages again theaperture reset lever 404 which is rotated counterclockwise using theabutting part 432 a. - When the
charge roller 482 is not pressed downward after each member is reset as described above, thecharge link board 408 is shifted upward by the biasing force of thespring 484. Thecharge lever 407 is rotated clockwise according to the displacement of thecharge link board 408. Thediaphragm mechanism 400 thus ends its reset operation and restores a state in which shutter release is yet to start. - It should be noted that mirror down of the
main mirror 321 at reset operation is not herein detailed. - As described above, the “stop position of the
aperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined by a position where theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 stops. Specifically, the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined as follows. As the initial position PIblade rotation lever 451 is rotated clockwise by counterclockwise rotation of theaperture driving lever 403, a state of light output from the detection part of theinitial position PI 453 changes from a state in which the light is interrupted by the initialposition PI blade 452 to a state in which the light is passing through the initialposition detection opening 452 b. As a result, a signal output from theinitial position PI 453 switches from a High signal to a Low signal (FIG. 10 ). - The
control circuit 101 outputs a predetermined number n of drive pulse to the steppingmotor 411 from the point of time when the change in the signal output from theinitial position PI 453 from the High signal to the Low signal is detected. After outputting the predetermined number n of drive pulse, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs a control signal to the steppingmotor driver 102 so as to stop the steppingmotor 411. When the change in the signal output from theinitial position PI 453 from the High signal to the Low signal is detected, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs a signal (initial position signal) which indicates that the signal output from theinitial position PI 453 has been switched from a High signal to a Low signal to the steppingmotor driver 102. - Upon receiving the initial position signal from the
control circuit 101, the steppingmotor driver 102 outputs the predetermined number n of drive pulse to the steppingmotor 411 and subsequently stops the steppingmotor 411. - In the
diaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment, theaperture driving lever 403 is stopped at the position where the steppingmotor 411 is driven in the direction of reset by the predetermined number n of drive pulse from a reference position. The benchmark position is a rotational position of the aperture driving lever 403 (hereinafter called an aperture driving lever initial position) taken when the signal output from theinitial position PI 453 is switched from the High signal to the Low signal. Therefore, the rotational position of theaperture driving lever 403 achieved when the steppingmotor 411 is driven in the direction of reset by the predetermined number n of drive pulse from the aperture driving lever initial position is the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release.” Thus, thediaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment regards the aperture driving lever initial position as an original point of theaperture driving lever 403 and defines the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” accordingly. - The aperture driving lever initial position is detected by the
initial position PI 453 based on an actual rotational position of theaperture driving lever 403 for following reason. In the steppingmotor 411, a rotational amount of theoutput shaft 411 a is determined by the number of drive pulse. However, in the case where a phenomenon known and described as step-out occurs for some reasons, even if the number of drive pulse required for release is input to rotate theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 in the direction of reset, theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 is not restored to the rotational phase or position to be taken before shutter release. This will cause troubles such as that theaperture driving lever 403 is not completely restored its original position. - By defining the “stop position of the
aperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” with the aperture driving lever initial position as detected above as a reference position, it is possible to prevent the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” from deviating even if step-out occurs at release. Unless step-out occurs, the total number of drive pulse at release and the total number of drive pulse at reset are equal to each other, and therefore an output time of drive pulse at release and that at reset are equal to each other (time T1) (FIG. 10 ). - Unless step-out and the like occur, the number of drive pulse outputted by the stepping
motor driver 102 after the signal output from theinitial position PI 453 at stop-down switches from the Low signal to the High signal (hereinafter called the number of pulse after passing through initial position) matches with the number of drive pulse outputted by the steppingmotor driver 102 before the signal output from theinitial position PI 453 at reset switches from the High signal to the Low signal (hereinafter called the number of initial position restoring pulse). However, in the case where theaperture driving lever 403 fails to rotate by a predetermined rotational amount for some reasons, the number of initial position restoring pulse results in smaller than the number of pulse after passing through initial position. In the case where the number of initial position restoring pulse is smaller than the number of pulse after passing through initial position, and the difference is equal to or more than a predetermined number of pulse, for instance, an error message may be displayed on a display (not herein figured) provided on the back side of thecamera body 1. - The following operational effects can be achieved by the
diaphragm mechanism 400 and the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. - (1) The
aperture driving lever 403 is driven by the steppingmotor 411 such that theaperture lever 402 that abuts against theaperture lever 3 on the lens of thephotographic lens 2 is to rotate. This cuts out the need for controlling a gear train unlike a conventional diaphragm mechanism that engages a pawl with a ratchet wheel of a gear train to brake the gear train. Therefore, for instance, the stop phase of the gear train is not deviated due to, for instance, the pawl abutting against a tooth top part of a ratchet wheel. A desired aperture value is thus realized. - A conventional diaphragm mechanism is configured so as to stop a ratchet wheel rotating at a high speed by engaging a pawl with the wheel. This abrades the ratchet wheel and the pawl. On the other hand, the
diaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment does not include any configuration in which a ratchet wheel that rotates at high speed is stopped by using a pawl, and thus will not cause any wear as caused in a conventional diaphragm mechanism. This improves durability of thediaphragm mechanism 400. - (2) A conventional diaphragm mechanism forcibly stops a ratchet wheel using a pawl while the ratchet wheel is accelerated and rotating at a high speed. In other words, a conventional diaphragm mechanism sharply stops the ratchet wheel without slowing it down. This causes diaphragm blades of the
photographic lens 2 to bounce. On the other hand, thediaphragm mechanism 400 according to the present embodiment, just before stopping theaperture driving lever 403, that is, just before stopping the steppingmotor 411, they are slowed down and stopped. This prevents diaphragm blades of thephotographic lens 2 from bouncing and reduces the time for the bounce to settle down. This is also true when maximizing the aperture. Since the time for one sequence of the shooting can thus be reduced, a frame-speed (the number of frames to be captured per unit time) can be increased. - (3) Timing for starting rotation of the
aperture lever 402 is detected. By using the point of detection when rotation of theaperture lever 402 is started as a reference position, the steppingmotor 411 is controlled so as to rotate theaperture driving lever 403 by a stop-down rotational amount θf. This enables an aperture of thephotographic lens 2 to be set as desired even if the “stop position of theaperture lever 402 with the lens mounted before shutter release” should vary depending on a type of thephotographic lens 2 to be mounted. Therefore, a type of thephotographic lens 2 to be mounted is not limited. Actually, anyphotographic lens 2 can be mounted with accurate setting of the aperture. - (4) At stop-down, the
aperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 are driven by the driving force of the steppingmotor 411 and the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471. This achieves miniaturization of the steppingmotor 411 while maintaining the driving speeds of theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 that affect frame speed. - (5) At stop-down, the
aperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 are arranged to operate integrally by use of theaperture lever pawl 405. With the maximum aperture, theaperture lever pawl 405 releases thepin 402 c such that theaperture lever 402 is rotatable separately from theaperture driving lever 403. This allows theaperture lever 402 to stably rotate at stop-down and results in improvement in quality of a subject image. In addition, even if the stop position of theaperture lever 3 on the lens at the maximum aperture changes due to the difference of thephotographic lens 2 to be mounted, it can be handled. Therefore, thephotographic lens 2 mounted on thecamera body 1 is not limited. Actually, anyphotographic lens 2 can be mounted and thus convenience is improved. - (6) The initial position PI
blade rotation lever 451, the initialposition PI blade 452, and theinitial position PI 453 are configured to detect the aperture driving lever initial position. Regarding the aperture driving lever initial position as an original position of theaperture driving lever 403, the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” is defined. This allows the “stop position of theaperture driving lever 403 before shutter release” to be set at a fixed position. Therefore, even if the steppingmotor 411 has step-out, theaperture driving lever 403 can be restored in its right position after reset operation without having any negative impact on the next imaging operation. - (7) The lower end of the
arm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 is designed to press thepin 403 d on theaperture driving lever 403 clockwise after driving force of the steppingmotor 411 starts rotating theaperture driving lever 403. In other words, driving force of the steppingmotor 411 is to rotate theaperture driving lever 403 before the lower end of thearm 404 a of theaperture reset lever 404 starts pressing thepin 403 d on theaperture driving lever 403 clockwise. This allows theaperture driving lever 403 to be rotated instantaneously at release operation, which results in achieving faster frame speed. - (8) At reset, after the
aperture reset lever 404 is rotated counterclockwise and theaperture driving lever 403 is applied with a biasing force that causes counterclockwise rotation, the steppingmotor 411 is to start to rotate in the direction of reset. - (1) An image captured by the CCD 5 may be displayed in real-time on a display (LCD, etc.) (not figured herein) provided on the back side of the
camera body 1. In other words, a mode known and described as a live preview mode may be selected. In this case, even after stop-down operation is started as mentioned above, as long as the live preview image is being displayed, an aperture value of thephotographic lens 2 may be adjusted in a following manner. - The
control circuit 101 calculates an aperture value based on a result by a photometric sensor not herein figured and calculates a rotation phase or position of theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 that corresponds to the calculated aperture value. Thecontrol circuit 101 determines rotation direction of theoutput shaft 411 a of the steppingmotor 411 according to information of the calculated rotation phase of theoutput shaft 411 a, and further calculates the number of drive pulse to be output to the steppingmotor 411. Then, thecontrol circuit 101 outputs the rotation direction and the number of drive pulse to the steppingmotor driver 102 as drive information. The steppingmotor driver 102 controls the rotation of the steppingmotor 411 in accordance with the drive information from thecontrol circuit 101. - In order to rotate the
aperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 clockwise (stop-down direction), the steppingmotor 411 rotates theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 with a help of from the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471. On the other hand, in order to rotate theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 counterclockwise (maximum aperture direction or direction for widening the aperture), the steppingmotor 411 rotates theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 against the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471. - In the case where the
aperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 are rotated while the live preview image is displayed, mainly the stop-downspring 471 extends and contracts since a spring constant of the stop-downspring 471 is smaller than a spring constant of theaperture reset spring 472. The steppingmotor 411 to be mounted on thediaphragm mechanism 400 is required to be decreased in size and increased in a rotational speed. Therefore, even though necessary torque can be output for rotating theaperture driving lever 403 and theaperture lever 402 against the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471, the stepping motor cannot output torque great enough to extend and contract theaperture reset spring 472. In general, a larger stepping motor (a larger diameter) increases output torque, while it decreases a rotational speed of an output shaft. - An aperture value of the
photographic lens 2 is thus configured to be adjusted while a live preview image is displayed. This allows brightness of the live preview image on a display (not figured herein) to be adjusted as desired regardless of change in brightness of a subject or/and an area surrounding the subject. Visibility of the live preview image will thus be improved. A subject image can be captured at the optimal aperture value without resetting thediaphragm mechanism 400 after displaying the live preview image. This enables a subject image to be shot at a timing intended by a user. - (2) In the above embodiments, the
aperture driving lever 403 is configured to rotate using the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471 and theaperture reset spring 472. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For instance, stop-down operation and aperture opening operation may be performed only by the driving force of the steppingmotor 411 without using the biasing force of the stop-downspring 471 and theaperture reset spring 472. It should be noted that, however, since more driving torque of the steppingmotor 411 will be required, the steppingmotor 411 needs to have a larger diameter and slower rotational speed. As a result, this lengthens the time necessary for stop-down operation and aperture opening operation. Consequently, this example can be adopted to a camera that can keep the frame speed low to a certain extent. - (3) In the above explanations, the
aperture PI 443 is to detect the start of rotation of theaperture lever 402. However, in place of theaperture PI 443, an electrical contact may be provided at an abutting part of the aperturePI blade lever 441 against theaperture lever 402. In this case, it is configured such that as theaperture lever 402 rotates clockwise in the illustration, the aperturePI blade lever 441 may rotate counterclockwise, for example, inertially, behind the movement of theaperture lever 402. When thecontrol circuit 101 electrically detects the state of the electrical contact changing from contacting and parting, it may be determined that the rotation of theaperture lever 402 has started. - (4) In the above explanations, a CCD image sensor (CCD 5) is employed for an image sensor. However, other image sensors such as a CMOS image sensor may be adopted. In the above explanations, an electronic camera that captures a subject image by an image sensor is adopted. However, the present invention may be adopted to a silver halide camera that uses a film.
- (5) In the above explanations, the stepping
motor 411 is a claw-pole PM stepping motor. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Not only a PM stepping motor but also other stepping motors such as a VR stepping motor or a HB stepping motor may be employed. Not only a stepping motor but also any type of motor used for positioning such as a DC motor or a servo motor may be adopted. - (6) The above embodiments and examples of variations may be combined with one another.
- The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention includes an aperture control device and a variety of cameras on which the aperture control devices are mounted. The aperture control device includes an aperture first driving member that drives an aperture (diaphragm) of a lens, an aperture second driving member that drives the aperture first driving member, a motor that drives the aperture second driving member via a worm gear, a detection device that detects start of movement of the aperture first driving member, and a motor control device that controls an aperture value of the lens by controlling a rotational amount of the motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member. The aperture control device can be configured in a various method such that, after driving the aperture of the lens to set the aperture value as desired, driving of the motor is stopped and self-locking of the worm gear is used to lock the aperture first driving member and the aperture second driving member.
- The above-described embodiments are examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. An aperture control device, comprising:
an aperture first driving member that controls an aperture of a diaphragm through which light flux passes;
an aperture second driving member that drives the aperture first driving member;
a motor that drives the aperture second driving member;
a detection device that detects start of movement of the aperture first driving member caused by the aperture second driving member driven by the motor; and
a motor control device that controls an aperture value of the diaphragm by controlling a rotational amount of the motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.
2. An aperture control device according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a worm gear that transmits driving force of the motor to the aperture second driving member, wherein:
after the motor control device stops the driving of the motor and the aperture value is controlled to a predetermined value, the aperture first driving member and the aperture second driving member are fixed so as not to move using self-locking of the worm gear.
3. An aperture control device according to claim 1 , further comprising:
the motor being a stepping motor; and
a stop-down biasing device that applies a biasing force on the aperture second driving member such that the aperture is driven in a direction of stop-down, wherein:
the motor control device controls the aperture value of the lens by controlling a rotational amount of the stepping motor after the detection device detects the start of movement of the aperture first driving member.
4. An aperture control device according to claim 3 , wherein:
the stepping motor drives the aperture second driving member such that the diaphragm is driven in a direction for widening the aperture against the biasing force of the stop-down biasing device.
5. An aperture control device according to claim 3 , further comprising:
an engaging member that engages the aperture first driving member and the aperture second driving member with each other at least when the aperture is stopped down.
6. An aperture control device according to claim 3 , further comprising:
a maximum aperture biasing device that applies a biasing force on the aperture second driving member as the aperture second driving member is driven in a direction for widening the aperture, wherein:
the motor control device controls rotation of the stepping motor such that the aperture second driving member on which the biasing force is applied by the maximum aperture biasing device is driven in the direction for widening the aperture.
7. An aperture control device according to claim 3 , further comprising:
an aperture second driving member initial position detection device that detects an initial position of the aperture second driving member.
8. An aperture control device according to claim 3 , wherein:
the motor control device starts rotation of the stepping motor such that the stepping motor drives the aperture second driving member in the direction of stop-down before the biasing force of the stop-down biasing device is applied on the aperture second driving member.
9. An aperture control device according to claim 3 , wherein:
the motor control device starts rotation of the stepping motor such that the stepping motor drives the aperture second driving member in the direction for widening the aperture after the biasing force of the maximum aperture biasing device is applied on the aperture second driving member.
10. A camera comprising the aperture control device according to claim 1 .
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/067,730 US20110255852A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2011-06-22 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/444,442 US20120195582A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2012-04-11 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/850,772 US8744260B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2013-03-26 | Aperture control device and camera |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007-204452 | 2007-08-06 | ||
JP2007204452A JP5326237B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2007-08-06 | Aperture control device and camera |
US12/222,168 US20090279882A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-08-04 | Aperture control device and camera |
US12/926,196 US20110058803A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2010-11-01 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/067,730 US20110255852A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2011-06-22 | Aperture control device and camera |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/926,196 Continuation US20110058803A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2010-11-01 | Aperture control device and camera |
Related Child Applications (1)
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US13/444,442 Continuation US20120195582A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2012-04-11 | Aperture control device and camera |
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US20110255852A1 true US20110255852A1 (en) | 2011-10-20 |
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Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/222,168 Abandoned US20090279882A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-08-04 | Aperture control device and camera |
US12/926,196 Abandoned US20110058803A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2010-11-01 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/067,730 Abandoned US20110255852A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2011-06-22 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/444,442 Abandoned US20120195582A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2012-04-11 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/850,772 Expired - Fee Related US8744260B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2013-03-26 | Aperture control device and camera |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/222,168 Abandoned US20090279882A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-08-04 | Aperture control device and camera |
US12/926,196 Abandoned US20110058803A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2010-11-01 | Aperture control device and camera |
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US13/444,442 Abandoned US20120195582A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2012-04-11 | Aperture control device and camera |
US13/850,772 Expired - Fee Related US8744260B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2013-03-26 | Aperture control device and camera |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120128346A1 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2012-05-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Shutter device |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5185602B2 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2013-04-17 | セイコープレシジョン株式会社 | Blade drive device |
JP5849561B2 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2016-01-27 | 株式会社ニコン | Adapter and camera system |
WO2013057961A1 (en) * | 2011-10-21 | 2013-04-25 | パナソニック株式会社 | Shutter charging device and imaging device |
JP6320219B2 (en) * | 2014-07-29 | 2018-05-09 | キヤノン株式会社 | LENS DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE, AND IMAGING SYSTEM |
US10440240B2 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2019-10-08 | Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing an effect of occlusion of a tracker by people |
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US3950766A (en) * | 1974-11-22 | 1976-04-13 | Polaroid Corporation | Exposure control system employing blade sensing follow focus arrangement |
JPS5785034A (en) | 1980-11-17 | 1982-05-27 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Diaphragm controlling mechanism |
JPS5883825A (en) * | 1981-11-13 | 1983-05-19 | Kyocera Corp | Aperture controller |
JPS62159132A (en) * | 1986-01-07 | 1987-07-15 | Nippon Kogaku Kk <Nikon> | Interchangeable lens |
JPH058549U (en) * | 1991-07-16 | 1993-02-05 | 株式会社ニコン | Aperture control device |
JPH0550437U (en) * | 1991-12-06 | 1993-07-02 | 株式会社ニコン | Aperture control device |
JPH08328080A (en) * | 1995-06-01 | 1996-12-13 | Canon Inc | Quantity-of-light adjusting device |
JPH11282043A (en) | 1998-03-26 | 1999-10-15 | Nikon Corp | Diaphragm controller of camera |
EP1903364A1 (en) * | 2006-09-25 | 2008-03-26 | Dialog Imaging Systems GmbH | Compact camera module with stationary actutor for zoom modules with movable shutter and aperture mechanism |
-
2007
- 2007-08-06 JP JP2007204452A patent/JP5326237B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-08-04 US US12/222,168 patent/US20090279882A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2010
- 2010-11-01 US US12/926,196 patent/US20110058803A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2011
- 2011-06-22 US US13/067,730 patent/US20110255852A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2012
- 2012-04-11 US US13/444,442 patent/US20120195582A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-03-26 US US13/850,772 patent/US8744260B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120128346A1 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2012-05-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Shutter device |
US8511917B2 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2013-08-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Shutter device |
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US20090279882A1 (en) | 2009-11-12 |
US8744260B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 |
US20110058803A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 |
JP5326237B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
US20130209081A1 (en) | 2013-08-15 |
JP2009042296A (en) | 2009-02-26 |
US20120195582A1 (en) | 2012-08-02 |
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