JP3544844B2 - Electronic camera device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera device, and more particularly, to an improvement of an electronic camera device in which the electronic camera device is composed of two parts, an imaging unit and a main unit, and the camera unit is rotatable with respect to the main unit. Things.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A camera unit, that is, an imaging unit, in this type of electronic camera device includes an imaging lens, an imaging element, and an imaging unit side circuit unit. That is, an optical image formed by a photographing lens on which a light beam from a subject is incident is formed on a light receiving surface of an image sensor configured using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like. An electric circuit mounted on the imaging unit side circuit unit is connected to the imaging device, and image data obtained by optical / electric conversion of an optical image formed on a light receiving surface of the imaging device is transmitted to a personal computer (personal computer). For example, the image data is converted into a signal suitable for capturing into a computer or the like, or the image data is converted into a signal suitable for recording (image recording) on a recording medium such as an IC (integrated circuit) memory or a magnetic disk.
[0003]
Further, in order to use the electronic camera device as a so-called video camera, the image data is converted into a signal (analog composite video signal) suitable for input to a video recording device such as a VTR (video tape recorder). In many cases, a main body of an electronic camera device of this type includes a liquid crystal display device, a main body side circuit unit, a battery storage unit, and the like. The liquid crystal display mainly displays an image captured by a photographing lens. The main body side circuit unit is connected to the liquid crystal display device, and the battery storage unit stores an imaging unit side circuit unit provided in the imaging unit and a power supply battery serving as an operation power supply of the main body side circuit unit.
[0004]
The external shape of the main body is formed in a thin rectangular box having a rectangular parallelepiped that is thin in the front-rear direction, and the lateral and front and rear external shapes of the imaging unit have substantially the same shape as the main body side end surface in the storage posture. It is formed in a long box that is long in the vertical direction. The imaging unit is attached to the side surface of the main body so as to be rotatable with respect to an axis perpendicular to the side surface.
Also, in order to ensure that the main body can be gripped, the grip provided on the main body often forms a battery storage section in its internal space.
[0005]
The liquid crystal display device in such an electronic camera device has, as a display form, an image recording display for confirming a composition, a focus state, and a subject color at the time of image recording performed using a photographing lens, and a display unit mounted on the main body. It has both functions of reproducing and displaying the image data recorded on the recording medium for confirmation. In addition, various menu displays indicating various operation setting states at the time of reproduction and image recording can also be performed secondarily.
This liquid crystal display device has a narrow allowable angle range in which the display surface can be clearly recognized due to the polarization characteristics of the liquid crystal display. For this reason, it is necessary to position the liquid crystal display surface so as to be almost directly facing the visual axis of the photographer.
[0006]
For this purpose, the tilt of the main body is adjusted so that the display surface of the liquid crystal display device is accurately positioned at an angle that can be reliably viewed by the photographer, and the imaging unit is rotated while maintaining this state. A predetermined image can be recorded by driving the optical axis of the photographing lens provided in the imaging unit to an angular position that matches the drawing intention and then pressing the shutter button.
Also, when the electronic camera device is stored, the imaging unit is positioned on the side of the main body in a so-called flush state, that is, in a state of presenting the same plane, and the entire appearance is imaged on the side of the thin box of the main body. It becomes a thin box extended by the width of the part.
[0007]
If the imaging lens provided in the imaging unit has a protruding portion outside the imaging unit, there is a possibility that it is inconvenient when carrying the camera or that the protruding portion is damaged by hitting an object.
For example, an electronic camera device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 8-186768 (especially, see the description related to FIG. 8 in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication) captures images in the front-back direction of the imaging unit (the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction at the storage position of the imaging unit). A lens and an image sensor are sequentially arranged in a line to be built therein so that the photographing lens does not protrude outside the image pickup unit not only at the time of image recording (at the time of photographing) but also at the time of carrying or storing. ing.
[0008]
In addition, a rotation fulcrum of the imaging unit that is rotatable with respect to the side of the main body of the electronic camera device is located at the center of the side surface of the imaging unit, and grips the grip of the main body with the right hand. Hold the imaging unit with the left hand in such a state that the angle of the liquid crystal display screen can be clearly seen, and change the angle posture of the imaging unit and the posture of the main unit while checking the liquid crystal display screen. By pressing the shutter release button when the display screen matches the drawing intention, recording (image recording) can be performed. Further, a pivot point for rotating the imaging unit with respect to the main body is located at a substantially central portion of a side surface of the main body portion (substantially central portion of a side surface of the imaging unit). Therefore, when the imaging unit is rotated to adjust the photographing angle, the hand operation is to grasp the imaging unit by hand and rotate the imaging unit in such a state that the approximate center of the palm is at the position of the rotation fulcrum. Movement will be made.
[0009]
By the way, in the case of low luminance, backlight, or the like, the electronic camera device may perform strobe light emission when the amount of incident light on the light receiving surface of the image sensor decreases and required recording image data cannot be obtained.
The strobe device for this purpose is fixed to the front surface of the main body unit to which the rotatable imaging unit is attached, and the emission angle range of the strobe device is fixed. Therefore, if the shooting range of the shooting lens provided in the imaging unit is changed in accordance with the change of the shooting angle, the flash emission angle range will be out of range. In this case, even if the photographing range is changed, in general photographing, that is, in the case of forward photographing and the photographing optical axis is horizontal or slightly inclined forward or backward, there is no practical problem. Flash photography can be performed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional electronic camera device, the strobe device is fixedly provided on the front surface thereof, and since the light emission angle range is fixed, the imaging unit is rotated with respect to the main body to set the shooting angle. When adjusting the distance, there is a possibility that the flash irradiation light does not fall on the shooting range when the imaging unit is largely rotated, or that the irradiation light quantity is partially insufficient. On the other hand, if the strobe device is provided in the imaging unit and is rotated integrally with the imaging unit, it is possible to reliably illuminate the field of view with the strobe illumination light even when the imaging unit is rotated. it can. However, in this case, the distance between the optical axis of the imaging optical system of the imaging unit and the strobe light emitting unit is shortened, and the so-called red-eye phenomenon is likely to occur. Further, since the image pickup unit is provided with the strobe device and the image pickup optical system, the optical axis of the image pickup optical system cannot be directed in the longitudinal direction, but is directed in the thickness direction.
[0011]
When the image pickup optical system and the image pickup element are sequentially arranged in a line in the front-rear direction of the image pickup unit, that is, in the thickness direction and are built in the image pickup unit, the number of constituent lenses is large and the optical axis direction is large, such as a multifocal lens or a zoom lens. If the length has to be increased, the length of the imaging unit in the thickness direction is inevitably increased. For this reason, the lens barrel may protrude forward or backward of the imaging unit, causing inconvenience when carrying the camera, or may cause the protrusion to accidentally hit an object and be damaged. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable that the taking lens barrel should be configured to be a retractable type so that the taking lens does not protrude outside the imaging unit. However, this causes another problem that the configuration is complicated and the price is high.
[0012]
In this way, the imaging optical system can be arranged with the optical axis directed in the thickness direction because the imaging optical system is limited to a small optical system such as a single focus lens and a long optical path length is required. It is not possible to use a focusing optical system or a zoom optical system. Furthermore, power must be supplied from the power supply battery in the main body to the strobe device via the rotating portion, and it is necessary to provide a thick wiring material and a control signal line for a large current in the rotating portion. Becomes difficult. In addition, in this case, a hand holding the imaging unit may touch the light emitting unit of the strobe device or the incidence unit of the imaging optical system, and the risk of photographing failure increases.
When the strobe device is provided in the image pickup unit as described above and is rotated integrally with the image pickup unit, noise due to switching of high power of the strobe light emitting unit or the like may be mixed into a signal system of the image pickup device. .
[0013]
For this reason, special insulation, electromagnetic shielding, and the like are required in order to prevent image deterioration, which further complicates the device configuration.
It is also conceivable that a strobe device is provided rotatably in the main body, and the strobe device is directly connected to a rotation shaft of the imaging unit, so that the imaging unit and the strobe device are integrally linked. There are many restrictions on the wiring design of the camera, and in addition, the irradiation unit of the strobe device must be positioned above the main unit for the rotation irradiation, and the rotation axis of the imaging unit is positioned above the camera. The operability is significantly reduced.
[0014]
Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that is relatively simple and can be reduced in size, thereby minimizing obstacles such as the occurrence of red-eye or noise, and furthermore, an imaging optical system or a wiring processing system of an imaging unit. While increasing the degree of freedom in arranging essential functions, the flash irradiation range follows the practical range even when the shooting range is changed due to the rotation of the imaging unit, and the imaging field of view and the flash irradiation range are practically sufficient An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera device which can be matched with the above.
On the other hand, in the conventional electronic camera device, when the imaging unit is provided rotatably on the side of the main body, the rotation fulcrum of the imaging unit that is rotatable with respect to the main body is substantially located on the side surface of the main body. It is located at the center (that is, substantially the center of the side surface of the imaging unit). For this reason, the rotation fulcrum of the rotation operation performed by grasping the imaging unit with the hand is located at the center of the side surface of the imaging unit, and is located substantially at the center of the palm of the hand. .
[0015]
Therefore, when trying to rotate the imaging unit without changing the position of the rotation fulcrum located substantially at the center of the palm, the imaging unit must be rotated in an unnatural state such as twisting the arm and wrist. The operability is poor because it is not obtained, and the hand position fluctuates up and down or left and right because it is an operation in an unreasonable posture, the main body part fluctuates with this, and the shooting angle is changed stably There is a problem that it becomes difficult.
Further, in the conventional electronic camera device, since the rotation fulcrum of the imaging unit that is rotatable with respect to the main body is located substantially at the center of the side surface of the main body, the rotation mechanism member, that is, the bearing member is used. The shaft member occupies a large space in the central portion of the imaging unit, and a halfway empty space is generated in the upper part and the lower part of the rotating mechanism member.
[0016]
For this reason, there is a disadvantage that the space efficiency of various members incorporated inside the imaging unit is deteriorated. When the member to be incorporated into the imaging unit is, for example, a circuit board, the space efficiency is deteriorated due to the following circumstances. That is, when a circuit board on which electronic components such as a resistor, a capacitor, and an IC are mounted is incorporated in the imaging unit, it is desirable to mount all the electric circuits to be incorporated in the imaging unit on one circuit board. Since the above-mentioned rotating member occupies the central part of the imaging unit, it is difficult to store it on a single circuit board, and it is divided into an empty space above and below the above-mentioned rotating mechanism member. And have to incorporate it.
[0017]
That is, the electric circuit to be incorporated in the imaging unit is divided and mounted on two circuit boards, and the circuit boards are incorporated into the upper part and the lower part of the rotating mechanism member, respectively, and the two circuit boards are connected by a flat cable or a flexible circuit. The connection must be made using a connection conductor such as a substrate. For this reason, the space efficiency of various members incorporated inside the imaging unit deteriorates, and members such as connection conductors are separately required, resulting in a complicated configuration and high cost. It should be noted that the same problem as the reduction in the space efficiency of the imaging unit also occurs on the main body side of the electronic camera device.
[0018]
Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup unit even when the number of constituent lenses is large and the length in the lens optical axis direction is long, such as a multifocal lens or a zoom lens. Various members to be incorporated can be efficiently arranged to improve the space efficiency in the camera, and the imaging unit does not protrude from the main unit due to the length of the imaging unit in the front-rear direction when the camera is carried. In addition to improving the image quality, there is little danger that the projection may accidentally come into contact with another object and cause damage.When the imaging unit is gripped by hand and rotated with respect to the main unit, the arm and wrist may be twisted. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera device capable of stably changing a photographing angle without taking an unnatural and unnatural posture as described above and without wobbling the main body.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object of the present invention described above,
The electronic camera device according to claim 1,
The main body,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject and an imaging device that converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into electrical image information; and a first angle range on a side of the main body. An imaging unit rotatably coupled;
The main body unit is provided so as to be rotatable about a second angle range smaller than the first angle range with respect to an axis parallel to a rotation axis of the imaging unit, and irradiates the subject with illumination light. A strobe light emitting section,
A rotation transmission unit having one or more transmission rotation units for rotating the strobe light-emitting unit synchronously based on a rotation operation of the imaging unit;
A first rotation member that is provided in a transmission rotation unit in the rotation transmission unit and is interlocked with the imaging unit and a second rotation member that is interlocked with the strobe light emission unit; The second rotation member is relatively rotatably coupled to at least a third angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range, and the rotation of the strobe light emitting unit is performed. The rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the possible second angle range is limited from the limit position in the first rotation direction near the third angle range in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The second rotation member is integrally linked with the first rotation member in the second rotation direction with respect to the rotation of the first rotation member in the second angle range. From the position corresponding to the limit position to the rotation of the third angle range in the first rotation direction. It is characterized by comprising an interlocking adjustment mechanism which relatively rotates with respect to the second rotating member to absorb the rotation of the first rotating member.
[0020]
The electronic camera device according to claim 2, which achieves the first object of the present invention, in particular, in the interlocking adjustment mechanism, wherein the first rotating member has at least the second rotation in the third angle range. It is characterized in that it comprises a locking means for locking the second rotating member at the end position in the direction.
The electronic camera device according to claim 3, which achieves the first object of the present invention, in particular, in the interlocking adjustment mechanism, the second rotating member is connected to the first rotating member with respect to the first rotating member. It is characterized by including a biasing means for biasing in the rotation direction of.
[0021]
The electronic camera device according to claim 4, which achieves the first object of the present invention, in particular, controls the second rotation member to rotate the first rotation member at least in an angle range corresponding to the second angle range. It is characterized by further including another urging means for urging in the direction.
The electronic camera device according to claim 5, which achieves the first object of the present invention, is characterized in that the first and second rotating members include a gear or a pulley provided coaxially. I have.
[0022]
Also, in order to achieve the first object of the present invention, an electronic camera device according to claim 6 is provided.
The main body,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject and an imaging device that converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into electrical image information; and a first angle range on a side of the main body. An imaging unit rotatably coupled;
The main body unit is provided so as to be rotatable about a second angle range smaller than the first angle range with respect to an axis parallel to a rotation axis of the imaging unit, and irradiates the subject with illumination light. A strobe light emitting unit, a rotation transmitting unit having one or more transmission rotating units, and a rotation transmitting unit for synchronously rotating the strobe light emitting unit based on a rotation operation of the imaging unit;
A first rotation member provided on a transmission rotation unit in the rotation transmission unit and interlocked with the imaging unit side and a second rotation member interlocked with the strobe light emission unit side; The second rotating member is relatively rotatably coupled to at least a third angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range on the first rotation direction side. And a first rotation from a first limit position in the first rotation direction of a rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the strobe light emitting unit can rotate. The second rotation member is integrally linked with the rotation of the first rotation member for the second angle range in a second rotation direction opposite to the direction, and A third angle range in a first rotation direction from a position corresponding to the first limit position of one rotation member; For rotation, the first interlocking adjustment mechanism for absorbing the rotation of the first rotational member and rotated relative to said second rotating member
A third rotation member provided on a transmission rotation unit in the rotation transmission unit and linked to the imaging unit side and a fourth rotation member linked to the strobe light emission unit side; The fourth rotation member is relatively rotatable at least in a fourth angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range on the second rotation direction side. From the second limit position in the second rotation direction of the rotation range of the fourth rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the strobe light emitting unit can rotate, The fourth rotating member is caused to follow the rotation of the third rotating member with respect to the rotation of the third rotating member in the second angle range in the rotation direction. For the rotation in the fourth angle range in the rotation direction from the position corresponding to the limit position, the fourth rotation A second interlocking adjustment mechanism which relatively rotates with respect to member absorbs the rotation of the third rotating member
It is characterized by having.
[0023]
The electronic camera device according to claim 7, which achieves the first object of the present invention, in particular, in the first interlocking adjustment mechanism, wherein the first rotating member has at least the third rotation angle in the third angle range. A second locking member that locks the second rotating member at an end in the second rotation direction, and the second interlocking adjustment mechanism is configured such that the third rotating member is configured so that the third rotating member is in the fourth angular range. And a second locking means for locking the fourth rotating member at at least the first rotation direction end position.
The electronic camera device according to claim 8, wherein the first object of the present invention is achieved. In particular, the second rotating member is connected to the first and second interlocking adjustment mechanisms by the first rotation. First urging means for urging a moving member in the first rotational direction, and urging the fourth rotating member in the second rotational direction with respect to the third rotating member; And a second urging means.
[0024]
The electronic camera device according to claim 9, which achieves the first object of the present invention, in particular, controls the second rotation member to rotate the first rotation member at least in an angle range corresponding to the second angle range. Another first urging means for urging in the direction, and another fourth urging means for urging the fourth rotating member in the second rotational direction at least in an angle range corresponding to the second angle range. And a second biasing means.
The electronic camera device according to claim 10, which achieves the first object of the present invention, particularly, wherein the first and second rotating members include a coaxially provided gear or pulley, and The third and fourth rotating members include gears or pulleys provided coaxially.
[0025]
The electronic camera device according to claim 11, which achieves the first object of the present invention, is characterized in that the first and second rotating members are provided coaxially with the strobe light emitting unit. I have.
In order to achieve the first and second objects of the present invention, in the electronic camera device according to the twelfth aspect, the imaging unit has an elongated shape along a side surface of the main body in a storage position, and has an elongated shape. An optical axis formed by the imaging optical system and the imaging element is arranged along a direction, and a rotation axis of the imaging unit is arranged below a center of the main body.
[0026]
[Action]
An electronic camera device according to the present invention includes a main body, an imaging unit, and a strobe light emitting unit. The imaging unit has an imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject and an imaging device that converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into electrical image information. It is rotatably connected in one angular range. It is desirable that the imaging unit has an elongated, for example, prismatic shape, and the optical axis of an optical path formed by the imaging optical system and the imaging element is disposed along the longitudinal direction. The strobe light emitting unit is provided on the main body unit so as to be rotatable about a second angle range smaller than the first angle range with respect to an axis parallel to a rotation axis of the imaging unit, and illuminates the subject. Irradiate light.
[0027]
The electronic camera device further includes a rotation transmitting unit and an interlocking adjustment mechanism. The rotation transmission unit includes one or more transmission rotation units, and rotates the strobe light-emitting unit in synchronization with the rotation of the imaging unit.
The interlocking adjustment mechanism includes a first turning member provided on a transmission turning unit in the turning transmission unit and linked with the image pickup unit, and a second turning member linked with the strobe light emitting unit. The first and second rotation members are relatively rotatably coupled to each other at least in a third angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range. From a limit position in the first rotation direction of the rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the light-emitting unit can rotate, a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The second rotation member is integrally linked with the rotation of the first rotation member in the rotation direction in the second angle range.
[0028]
In addition, when the first rotating member is rotated from the position corresponding to the limit position of the first rotating member in the third angle range in the first rotation direction, the second rotation is performed by the second rotation. The first rotation member rotates relative to the first rotation member to absorb the rotation of the first rotation member.
A second rotation opposite to the first rotation direction from a limit position of the rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in the first rotation direction by the interlocking adjustment mechanism; The rotation of the first rotation member in the second angle range in the direction is transmitted to the second rotation member as it is, and corresponds to the limit of the first rotation member. With respect to the rotation in the third angle range in the first rotation direction from the position, the rotation is absorbed and the rotation of the first rotation member is not transmitted to the second rotation member. .
[0029]
The electronic camera device of the present invention can further include a rotation transmitting unit and first and second interlocking adjustment mechanisms. The rotation transmission unit includes one or more transmission rotation units, and rotates the strobe light-emitting unit in synchronization with the rotation of the imaging unit.
As described above, the first interlocking adjustment mechanism is provided in a transmission turning unit in the turning transmission unit, and is interlocked with a first turning member interlocking with the imaging unit side and with the strobe light emitting unit side. A second rotating member. The first and second rotating members relatively rotate at least in a third angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range on the first rotation direction side. A first limit position in the first rotation direction of a rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the strobe light emitting unit is rotatable and movably coupled; The second rotation member is integrally linked with the rotation of the first rotation member in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction in the second angle range. Let it.
[0030]
In addition, when the first rotation member is rotated from the position corresponding to the first limit position in the third angle range in the first rotation direction, the second rotation member is moved to the second rotation member. The first rotation member rotates relative to the first rotation member and absorbs the rotation of the first rotation member.
The second interlocking adjustment mechanism is provided in a transmission rotation unit in the rotation transmission unit, and a third rotation member interlocked with the imaging unit and a fourth rotation interlocked with the strobe light emission unit. It has a member. The third and fourth rotating members are relatively positioned at least in a fourth angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range on the second rotation direction side. A second rotation position of the fourth rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the strobe light emitting unit is rotatable, the second rotation direction corresponding to the second angle range; The fourth rotating member is interlocked with the rotation of the third rotating member in the second angle range in the first rotation direction.
Further, when the third rotation member is rotated in the fourth angle range from the position corresponding to the second limit position in the second rotation direction, the fourth rotation member is moved to the fourth rotation member. The third rotation member is relatively rotated to absorb the rotation of the third rotation member.
The first and second interlocking adjustment mechanisms move the first rotation from a first limit position in a first rotation direction of a rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the second angle range. The rotation of the first rotation member in the second angle range in the second rotation direction opposite to the direction is transmitted to the second rotation member as it is, and the second angle range is transmitted. The third rotation in the second angle range from the second limit position in the second rotation direction of the fourth rotation member in the second rotation direction to the first rotation direction corresponding to The rotation of the member is made to follow the fourth rotation member as it is.
[0031]
Further, with respect to the rotation of the first rotation member from the second limit position to the third angle range in the first rotation direction, the rotation is absorbed and the first rotation is performed. The rotation of the member is not transmitted to the second rotation member, and the rotation of the third rotation member is shifted from the position corresponding to the second limit position to the fourth angle range in the second rotation direction. With respect to the rotation, the rotation is absorbed and the rotation of the third rotation member is not transmitted to the fourth rotation member.
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in each drawing, the electronic camera device 1 includes an imaging unit 2 and a main unit 3.
The outer shape of the main body 3 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped thin box in the front-rear direction, and the outer appearance of the imaging section 2 will be described in detail later. It is formed in a long box that is long in the vertical direction and has substantially the same shape. The imaging unit 2 takes two postures, a storage posture and a photographing posture. In the storage posture, the imaging unit 2 is arranged along the side end surface of the main body unit 3 and is stored as a shape obtained by extending the main body unit 3 to the side. You. The imaging unit 2 is rotatably supported on a side surface of the main body 3 by a connecting shaft 9 described in detail later with respect to the axis thereof.
[0033]
In the storage posture in which the imaging unit 2 is stored in the main unit 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the posture except for the side surface of the imaging unit 2 is substantially along the front and rear surfaces and the upper and lower surfaces of the main unit 3. At the time of photographing, the photographing unit 2 is configured to be capable of taking a photographing posture at least forward, upward, and rearward from the posture at the time of storage with the connecting shaft portion 9 serving as a rotational axis in the front-rear direction at the center of rotation. I have. Needless to say, shooting is possible even in the storage posture.
As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 2 includes an imaging optical system including a zoom optical system including eleven lens systems as shown in FIG. The lens unit 5 is incorporated into the lens barrel 5 such that the lens optical axis is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit 2 (the vertical direction in FIGS. 2 and 4), and is held at a predetermined optical axis position by the lens barrel 5. The zooming mechanism and the focus mechanism (not shown) are configured so that zooming driving and focus driving can be performed.
[0034]
The photographic lenses 4, 4, and 4 are measured by an AF (Automatic Focusing) optical system of a TTL (Through the Recording Lens) (not shown), and focus control is performed based on the distance measurement information. The zoom drive is performed by a motor drive mechanism (not shown) by the pressing operation of the zoom button 21.
In front of the lens barrel 5, a circular photographing opening 6 for introducing a subject light beam into the photographing lens 4 is formed on a front end surface (an upper end surface in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit 2. . An image pickup device 7 such as a CCD image pickup device, which can receive an image formed by the photographing lens 4 and convert it into a predetermined electric signal, is provided behind the lens barrel 5 of the photographing lens 4 (below in FIG. 2). Are arranged.
[0035]
Further, inside the imaging section 2, an imaging section side circuit section 8 electrically connected to the imaging element 7 is incorporated.
The imaging section-side circuit section 8 has a printed wiring board, and a connection terminal of a so-called IC (integrated circuit) package of the imaging element 7 for performing photoelectric conversion is connected to the printed wiring board. 7, a predetermined electric circuit is formed by mounting electric components such as a resistor, a capacitor, an IC, and a coil which form a driving circuit for driving the driving circuit 7 and a conversion circuit for converting an image signal. Has become.
[0036]
Further, one end of a relay connection cable (not shown) such as a flat cable or a flexible wiring board, which is not shown, is connected to the imaging unit side circuit unit 8, and an intermediate portion thereof is bored in the shaft center of the connection shaft unit 9. It is inserted into an insertion hole (not shown), guided into the main body 3, and connected to a later-described main body side circuit unit provided on the main body 3 side and a power supply battery (not shown).
On the other hand, the main body 3 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped thin box whose external shape is thin in the front-rear direction. On the upper surface of the main body 3, a shutter button 10 is disposed at the front of the upper surface. A mode dial 19 is disposed at the far end. Further, a flash switch 11 for setting photographing with flash emission is disposed inward of the mode dial 19 on the upper surface.
[0037]
Further, the main unit 3 is provided with a strobe device 12, and the light emission window 14 extends around the front edge of the upper end of the main unit 3 to the middle part of the upper surface and has a similar length toward the lower part of the front surface. The light-emitting part 13 is formed of a transparent member extending over the inside, and the rotating light-emitting part 13 is positioned inside the transparent member. The light emitting section 13 is formed by a xenon discharge tube and a reflector arranged around the xenon discharge tube, and its irradiation range substantially corresponds to the shooting range when the zoom focal length of the shooting lens 4 is driven to the wide end. Is set to
[0038]
Further, the strobe device 12 including the light emitting window 14 and the light emitting unit 13 is configured as an external light type auto strobe, and the automatic light receiving unit 15 is provided along the side of the light emitting window 14 with the outer casing of the main body 3. Is located inside the escape hole 16 formed in the hole. Further, a main body side circuit portion 17 having an electric circuit for performing a series of electric signal processing in the electronic camera device 1 is incorporated in the main body portion 3. A grip 18 for gripping the main body 3 with the right hand is formed, and a battery housing 20 is formed inside the grip 18. Further, as described above, a mode dial 19 for selecting an image recording mode and a reproduction mode is disposed at an upper portion and a corner of the grip portion 18.
[0039]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, a liquid crystal display device 23 is provided on the back surface of the main body 3, and a zoom button 21 and a power switch 22 are disposed on the right side thereof. The liquid crystal display device 23 has a function of displaying an image formed by the photographing lens 4 based on a signal from the imaging unit side circuit unit 8 and a function of reproducing an image recorded on a recording medium such as an IC card (not shown). A function for displaying various operation message screens is provided. Further, the liquid crystal display device 23 is connected to a main body side circuit portion 17 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) built in the main body portion 3, and the main body side circuit portion 17 is provided inside the grip portion 18. The output terminal of the power supply battery loaded in the battery storage unit 20 is connected.
The above-described power switch 22 (see FIG. 4) turns on / off the imaging unit side circuit unit 8 constituting the electric circuit on the imaging unit side and the main unit side circuit unit 17 constituting the electric circuit of the main unit 3 in the operating state. Control off. In other words, each time the power switch 22 is pressed, a toggle operation is performed between an on state and an off state.
[0040]
Next, refer to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 10 for details of a rotation mechanism, a strobe light emission axis driving mechanism, and a storage position and a photographing position of the imaging unit 2 interposed between the main body unit 3 and the imaging unit 2. Will be explained.
A connecting shaft 9 is integrally provided on a side surface of the imaging section 2 facing the side surface of the main body section 3, and a distal end side thereof is formed on a side wall of the main body section 3 (as shown in FIG. 2). (A side surface forming an opposing side surface) and is rotatably supported by a bearing member (not shown), and a gear 9a (see FIGS. 2 and 5) is integrally fixed to a distal end portion thereof.
[0041]
A large-diameter gear 31 that forms a part of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 meshes with the gear 9a. The interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 has a large-diameter gear 31, a small-diameter gear 32, and a spring 33, as shown in FIGS. As shown in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, the large-diameter gear 31 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 34 fixed to the inner wall surface or the like of the main body 3. The surface has a cylindrical portion 31 a that protrudes in a cylindrical shape and functions as a bearing for the support shaft 34. A small-diameter gear 32 is rotatably supported by the cylindrical portion 31a, and a projection 31b projecting to the outer peripheral side at a position differing by 180 ° at an intermediate portion of the cylindrical portion 31a of the large-diameter gear 31; 31c, it is locked so as not to fall off.
[0042]
The small-diameter gear 32 has a center hole, and notches 32a and 32b corresponding to the projections 31b and 31c are formed on the inner peripheral edge of the center hole. At the time of assembly, the cylindrical portion 31a of the large-diameter gear 31 is inserted into the center hole of the small-diameter gear 32 so that the projections 31b and 31c pass through the notches 32a and 32b. By rotating the gear 32, the small-diameter gear 32 is locked by the projections 31b and 31c. The small-diameter gear 32 is provided with an engagement projection 32c that protrudes from one surface inside the outer peripheral gear portion and engages with a projection 31b serving as a locking means of the large-diameter gear 31. A cylindrical portion 32d is formed to surround the protruding portion 31a, the protruding portions 31b and 31c, and the engaging protruding portion 32c.
[0043]
A spring 33 as an urging means is stretched between a locking portion formed by cutting out one portion of the cylindrical portion 32d of the small-diameter gear 32 and one projection 31b of the large-diameter gear 31, A biasing force for urging the small-diameter gear 32 to rotate clockwise (first direction) in FIGS. 5 and 6 with respect to the large-diameter gear 31 is applied to the small-diameter gear 32.
The small-diameter gear 32 meshes with a gear 35 a formed on the strobe rotation shaft 35. In this embodiment, the gear 9a and the large-diameter gear 31 have the same number of teeth, and the small-diameter gear 32 and the gear 35a have the same number of teeth.
[0044]
The flash unit 13 of the flash unit 12 is fixed to a flash rotation shaft 35 to which a gear 35a meshing with the small-diameter gear 32 is fixed. An auto light receiving unit 15 for auto strobe control is provided on the right side of the light emitting unit 13. The light emitting unit 13 is disposed on the inner surface side of the light emitting window 14 so as to be rotatable along the light emitting window 14, and at the same time, the automatic light receiving unit 15 is rotatable along the escape hole 16.
The gear 9a, the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 (gears 31, 32, and the spring 33) and the gear 35a constitute a rotation transmitting unit that is a rotation transmitting unit.
Further, a spring 40 as an urging means is stretched between the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the gear 35a and an appropriate portion of the main body 3, for example, on the strobe rotating shaft 35, and a strobe rotating shaft as a second rotating member is provided. A turning force in the counterclockwise direction (first direction) in FIGS. 5 and 8 to 10 is applied to the driving shaft 35.
[0045]
Therefore, when the imaging unit 2 on the first rotating member side is rotated with respect to the main body unit 3, the connecting shaft unit 9 as a rotating shaft is rotated and the gear 9a is rotated. The strobe rotation shaft 35 is rotated. The rotation range of the strobe rotation shaft 35 is set to a predetermined range, for example, from a position where the light emitting unit 13 is directed upward to a position where the light emitting unit 13 is directed to the front side by a stopper (not shown) appropriately provided in the main body unit 3. This is a range (referred to as a “second rotation range”) up to a position that is rotated by approximately 100 ° and turned slightly downward. In addition to the range interlocked with the light emitting unit 13, the imaging unit 2 further extends 90 ° backward from the position corresponding to the rotation limit position of the strobe light emitting unit 13 in the counterclockwise direction (first direction) (“ (Referred to as “third rotation range”). The state in this rotation operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0046]
Here, the rotation limit (referred to as “second limit position”) on the front side of the imaging unit 2 is such that the photographing optical axis is directed forward in the a direction slightly downward, as indicated by the thick imaginary line in FIG. Position. The storage position of the imaging unit 2 is such that the front, top, back, and bottom surfaces of the imaging unit 2 are in the same plane on the side of the main body 3 as indicated by the thick imaginary line in FIG. Reference numeral 6 denotes a position in which the photographing optical axis faces upward and the photographing optical axis is oriented upward (storage posture). At this time, the imaging unit 2 does not have a portion whose outer shape protrudes from the outer casing surface except for the side surface of the main body unit 3, and is a thin box body in which the imaging unit 2 and the main body unit 3 are integrated in appearance.
In addition, the rotation limit of the imaging unit 2 toward the rear side is a position where the imaging optical axis is directed backward in the direction c, as indicated by the thick imaginary line in FIG.
[0047]
In the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 8, the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 meshes with the gear 9 a of the connecting shaft 9, and engages with the projection 31 b of the cylindrical portion 31 a of the large-diameter gear 31. The engagement projection 32c of the small-diameter gear 32 is pressed against and engaged by a spring 33 as an urging means, and the gear 35a of the strobe rotation shaft 35 meshes with the small-diameter gear 32. This state of the strobe rotation shaft 35 is the rotation limit in the backward direction, that is, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 8 and the like (here, referred to as the “first direction”). Direction (referred to as “second direction”), but cannot rotate counterclockwise. At this time, in the imaging unit 2, the photographing opening 7 is oriented in the direction b, that is, upward, and the light emitting unit 13 is also oriented upward, that is, in the direction B shown in FIG.
[0048]
When the imaging unit 2 is rotated from the storage position (first limit position) in the front side, that is, clockwise in FIG. 8, the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 that meshes with the gear 9 a of the coupling shaft 9. Is rotated, and the projection 31b of the cylindrical portion 31a of the large-diameter gear 31 engages with the engagement projection 32c of the small-diameter gear 32 and pushes the engagement projection 32c. With the gear 35a of the strobe rotation shaft 35 meshed, the strobe rotation shaft 35 is rotated clockwise. The photographing opening 7 of the imaging unit 2 gradually rotates, and moves forward through the front, that is, a forward leaning limit position (a “second limit position”) which is a clockwise (second direction) rotation limit in FIG. ), That is, until the light emitting unit 13 reaches the A direction via the front surface, and the light emitting unit 13 rotates in synchronization with the rotation operation of the imaging unit 2. .
[0049]
At this time, the flash rotation shaft 35 and the gear 35a rotate against the tension of the spring 40 as the urging means, and the spring 40 is charged (the state shown in FIG. 9).
When the imaging unit 2 and the light emitting unit 13 reach the rotation limit toward the front side, as shown by a thick imaginary line in FIG. Similarly, the light emitting unit 13 is directed in the direction A parallel to this.
The strobe rotation shaft 35 can rotate upward from this state, that is, counterclockwise, but cannot rotate further downward, that is, clockwise.
[0050]
When the image pickup unit 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (first direction) in FIG. 9 in the reverse direction from this state, the interlocking adjustment meshing with the gear 9a of the connection shaft unit 9 is continued until the storage position described above is reached. The large-diameter gear 31 of the mechanism 30 rotates, and the engagement projection 32c of the small-diameter gear 32 is pulled by the spring 33 onto the projection 31b of the cylindrical portion 31a of the large-diameter gear 31. The strobe rotation shaft 35 rotates counterclockwise together with the gear 35a of the strobe rotation shaft 35 meshing with the gear 32. At this time, the biasing force of the spring 40 acts on the strobe rotating shaft 35 and the gear 35 a, and the small-diameter gear 32 follows the rotation of the large-diameter gear 31 by the rotating biasing force of the spring 33. Help. The imaging opening 7 of the imaging unit 2 is gradually rotated until it reaches the front through the front, that is, reaches the storage position b in FIG. 8, that is, until the light emitting unit 13 reaches the B direction (that is, upward) through the front. The same state continues, and the light emitting unit 13 turns in synchronization with the turning operation of the imaging unit 2.
[0051]
When the imaging unit 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 and the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 rotates clockwise via the gear 9a of Gear 32 follows the rotation of the large-diameter gear 31 by the rotational biasing force (accumulating force) of the spring 33, but if the following operation by the rotational biasing force of the spring 33 becomes incomplete, the required operation result 9 cannot be obtained, the spring 40 further exerts a counterclockwise rotation biasing force on the strobe rotation shaft 35 in FIG.
If the spring force (elastic coefficient) of the spring 33 stretched between the projection 31b and the small-diameter gear 32 is increased, the spring 40 can be omitted. When the imaging unit 2 is rotated counterclockwise from the limit position, a force that overcomes the urging force of the spring 33 must be applied, so that the rotation of the imaging unit 2 is reduced by using the spring 40 together. It is better to do.
[0052]
When the imaging unit 2 and the light emitting unit 13 reach the storage positions, the state returns to the state indicated by the thick imaginary line in FIG. 8 as described above.
When the imaging unit 2 is rotated from the storage position to the rear side, that is, counterclockwise in FIG. 8, the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 meshed with the gear 9 a of the coupling shaft unit 9 By rotating clockwise, the cylindrical portion 31a and its protruding portion 31b also rotate clockwise. At this time, since the strobe rotation shaft 35 does not rotate counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 8, the small-diameter gear 32 meshing with the gear 35a does not rotate clockwise, and the large-diameter gear 31 It also operates relatively to the small-diameter gear 32, and gradually rotates clockwise while further accumulating the biasing force of the spring 33. The rotation of the large-diameter gear 31 reaches the c-direction corresponding to the rearward tilt limit position where the imaging unit 2 becomes the counterclockwise rotation limit as shown by the thick imaginary line in FIG. It can continue until it contacts the stopper.
[0053]
At the rotation limit in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 10, the imaging opening 7 of the imaging unit 2 faces the rear direction c, and during this rotation, the light emitting unit 13 Similarly, it does not operate while facing the upper limit position, that is, the direction B. When the rotation limit is reached, the imaging unit 2 or the connection shaft unit 9 is locked by an appropriate stopper (not shown), and further rotation is prevented.
When the imaging unit 2 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 10 from this state, the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 that meshes with the gear 9a of the connecting shaft 9 similarly to the above-described case. The gear 31 rotates clockwise integrally with the cylindrical portion 31a of the gear 31. At this time, the strobe rotation shaft 35 integrated with the small-diameter gear 32 and the gear 35a meshing with the small-diameter gear 32 does not operate, and the cylindrical portion 31a of the large-diameter gear 31 in the above-described storage position. Until the projection 31b engages with the engagement projection 32c of the small diameter gear 32, the biasing force of the spring 33 gradually decreases.
[0054]
When the retracted state is reached, the protrusions 31b of the cylindrical portion 31a of the large-diameter gear 31 are engaged with the gear 9a of the connecting shaft 9 and the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 in the same manner as described above. Are pressed against and engaged with the engaging projections 32c of the small-diameter gear 32 by the spring force of the spring 33. At this time, in the imaging unit 2, the photographing opening 7 is oriented in the direction b, that is, upward, and the light emitting unit 13 is also oriented upward, that is, in the direction B shown in FIG.
Therefore, the angle range of the imaging unit 2 is the angle range a to c from the forward lean limit position a to the backward lean limit position c, that is, two types of angle ranges ba to a and b to c are added. Angle range. In this example, the second angle ranges b to a are set to about 100 °, and the third angle ranges b to c are set to about 90 °. Is approximately 190 °.
[0055]
On the other hand, the first angle range of the light emitting optical axis of the light emitting unit 13 of the strobe device 12 is an angle range A to B from the forward tilt limit position A to the angular position B corresponding to the storage position of the imaging unit 2. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emission axis of the light emitting unit 13 is about 100 ° from the position where the light emitting optical axis of the light emitting unit 13 faces the upper direction B to the position where the light emitting optical axis of the light emitting unit 13 faces the upper direction B. Become. On its lower side, there is a non-rotatable range which in this case covers an angle range of approximately 170 °.
[0056]
In the electronic camera device 1 configured as described above, when carrying the electronic camera device 1, the imaging unit 2 is set to the storage position, that is, the position where the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit 2 is aligned with the height direction of the main unit 2. If this is the case, the photographing opening 7 can take a storage attitude with the upward direction, and can be made compact.
Then, in order to perform normal image recording / photographing, first, when the power switch 22 (see FIG. 4) is pressed and operated, each part of the circuit is brought into an operating state. When a mode for performing photographing without causing the flash device 12 to emit light is set with the flash switch 11 and the mode dial 19 is set to the image recording mode, the circuits such as the imaging section side circuit section 8 and the main body side circuit section 17 perform image recording. It becomes a standby mode.
[0057]
Then, the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 7 by the photographing lens 4 is converted into an electric signal, and is converted into a predetermined image signal by each circuit of the imaging unit side circuit unit 8 and the main body side circuit unit 17. Then, an image to be recorded is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 23.
Then, while holding the grip portion 18 of the main body portion 3 with the right hand, the image is held at an angle at which the image on the liquid crystal display device 23 can be clearly recognized.
At this time, the photographing optical axis b of the imaging unit 2 and the light emitting optical axis f of the light emitting unit 13 are both facing upward, and in this state, the grip unit 18 is gripped by the right hand as shown by a virtual line in FIG. Then, the user holds the imaging unit 2 in the storage position with his left hand. At this time, the rotation axis Y of the imaging unit 2 is located at the lower part, and the base of the palm is located on this rotation axis Y.
[0058]
Thereafter, the imaging unit 2 is grasped with the left hand and rotated to adjust the photographing angle to match the drawing intention, and the zoom button 21 (see FIG. 4) is operated to the tele drive side or the wide drive side with the thumb of the right hand or the like. The focal length of the photographing lens 4 is matched with the drawing intention.
Focusing on the movement of the palm of the left hand when performing such a rotation operation of the imaging unit 2, the base of the palm is located at the position of the rotation fulcrum of the imaging unit 2 (the axis Y position of the connecting shaft 9). When rotating the imaging unit 2, the tip of the finger is moved in an arc shape with the base of the palm as a fulcrum, so that the imaging unit 2 can be rotated in a very natural posture. In addition, since the fulcrum position does not shift with the rotation of the imaging unit 2, the hand position does not swing up and down or left and right, and the left arm hardly moves, so that the main unit 3 is stably moved without wobbling You can change the shooting angle.
[0059]
When the shutter button 10 is pressed when an image that matches the drawing intention is observed on the liquid crystal display device 23 by the above operation, the output of the imaging element 7 is constituted by the imaging section side circuit section 8 and the main body side circuit section 17 and the like. The signal is processed by an electric circuit, and is recorded as image data on a recording medium such as an IC card.
Note that, in such normal shooting (shooting without flash shooting), the photographable angle ranges are an angle range a to b from the forward tilt limit position to the storage position and an angle range b from the storage position to the rear tilt limit position. Since the angle range a to c is added to the angle range a to c, as described above, it is possible to perform photographing over a range of about 190 °, that is, forward photographing, upward photographing, rear photographing, and the like.
[0060]
On the other hand, when the brightness of the subject is low or the subject is backlit, the flash device 12 is set to emit light. Therefore, the flash mode is set by pressing the flash switch 11 and the mode dial 19 is set to the image recording mode. , Each circuit is set to the strobe light emission image recording mode.
The imaging unit 2 is grasped with the left hand and rotated to adjust the camera angle to match the drawing intention, and the zoom button 16 is operated with the right thumb or the like to the tele driving side or the wide driving side to draw the focal length of the photographing lens 4. Match your intentions.
At this time, the gear 9a is rotated by rotating the imaging unit 2 forward, that is, clockwise in FIG. 8, and this rotation is transmitted to the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 having the gears 31 and 32, and the gear 35a is turned into the gear 9a. In the same direction and at the same rotational speed. The strobe rotation shaft 35 is rotated by the rotation of the gear 35a.
[0061]
The rotating operation of the strobe rotating shaft 35a is performed only when the large-diameter gear 31 and the small-diameter gear 32 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 are integrally rotated. Are the same, and the number of teeth of the small-diameter gear 32 and the gear 35a are the same, so that the rotation and the direction and angle of the imaging unit 2 match. The rotation angle range of the strobe rotation shaft 35, in other words, the rotation angle range of the imaging unit 2 is the angle range a to b shown in FIG. 8, and is stored from the direction a corresponding to the forward tilt limit position. Up to the direction b corresponding to the position, the imaging unit 2 and the flash device 12 are completely synchronously and interlocked. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the rotation of the large-diameter gear 31 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 causes the small-diameter gear 32 to move through the projection 31b and the engagement projection 32c. And the strobe rotation shaft 35 is rotated by the small-diameter gear 32, so that the photographing optical axis and the light emitting optical axis rotate while corresponding to each other.
[0062]
Therefore, when the shutter button 10 is pressed when an image matching the drawing intention is obtained on the liquid crystal display device 23, strobe shooting can be performed in a state where the shooting optical axis and the emission optical axis match.
In the above-described flash photography, when the amount of light received by the auto light receiving unit 15 located on the side of the light emitting unit 13 reaches a value corresponding to the appropriate exposure amount, light emission is stopped. Since the function of the strobe works, and the auto light receiving unit 15 is rotated by the strobe rotating shaft 35 together with the rotation of the light emitting unit 13, the light emission is stopped according to the actual field of view. Function works.
[0063]
Further, when the imaging unit 2 is in the backward tilted posture for rotating between the angle ranges b to c, the rotation of the strobe rotation shaft 35 is not performed in the storage position as shown in FIG. , And the position of the light emitting unit 13 is maintained in a state of being fixed at the storage position. At this time, even when the imaging unit 2 is rotated, the operation of the imaging unit 2 is absorbed by the relative rotation of the large-diameter gear 31 and the small-diameter gear 32 of the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 against the tension of the spring 33. Is done. Therefore, when the imaging unit 2 is tilted backward, flash photography can be performed with the optical axis of the luminous flux of the light emitting unit 13 held in the upward B direction.
[0064]
When the light-emitting optical axis is directed in the upper direction B as described above, directing the strobe light does not contribute much to photographing when the imaging unit 2 is directed to the back, so that indirect light is unnecessary. In some cases, a member for detecting the rotation angle of the imaging unit 2 is provided in order to minimize the consumption of the power supply battery, and the imaging unit 2 is provided in a predetermined part of the angle range b to c. When it is located, control for suppressing light emission of the strobe device 12 may be performed.
On the other hand, when the mode dial 19 is set to the reproduction mode, each circuit mounted on the imaging section side circuit section 8 and the main body side circuit section 17 is set to the reproduction mode, and a desired reproduced image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 23. it can.
[0065]
When the power switch 22 (see FIG. 4) is pressed to complete the operation of the electronic camera device 1 after the image recording operation and the reproduction operation as described above are completed, the imaging unit side circuit unit 8 and the main body side circuit unit Each circuit mounted on 17 enters a standby state. As a specific example of this standby state, when imprinting the image recording date and time on a recorded image, the timekeeping circuit of the clock circuit cannot operate when power is not supplied. is there. For this reason, power is supplied only to the circuit for operating the clock circuit, and the power supply of the other circuits is cut off.
In such a standby state, the electronic camera device 1 is prepared to be started in the image recording mode or the reproduction mode by pressing the power switch 22 (see FIG. 4) again.
[0066]
Therefore, when the electronic camera device 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention incorporates the imaging lens 4 forming a zoom optical system or the like into the imaging unit 2, the optical axis of the imaging lens 4 extends in the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit 2. Are arranged so as to be positioned, so that the number of constituent lenses can be increased, and even if the constituent length in the lens optical axis direction is large, the length of the imaging unit 2 in the front-rear direction does not need to be increased, As a result, it is possible to provide an electronic camera device that does not increase the overall shape of the electronic camera device 1.
Also, since the photographing opening 7 formed at the end of the image pickup unit 2 faces the upper surface of the camera when the camera is stored, the electronic camera device 1 is placed on a table or the like, or placed on a table or laid down. Even if it is placed, the photographing lens 4 will not be damaged.
[0067]
Further, the light emitting axis of the strobe device 12 provided in the main body unit 3 changes following the change of the photographing optical axis due to the rotation of the imaging unit 2, and the photographing optical axis and the light emitting axis coincide with each other in the main photographing range. As a result, there is no possibility that the strobe light is emitted outside the field of view or the light quantity becomes insufficient in a part of the field of view.
Further, the image pickup unit 2 that rotates with respect to the main body 3 constituting the electronic camera device 1 has its rotation axis located below the center of the side surface of the main body 3. In this case, focusing on the movement of the palm of the left hand when performing the rotation operation of the imaging unit 2, the base of the palm close to the wrist is located at the position of the rotation fulcrum of the imaging unit 2, and the imaging unit 2 is rotated. When this is done, the tip of the finger is moved in an arc shape with the base of the palm (near the wrist) as a fulcrum, and the imaging unit 2 can be rotated in a very natural posture, and the rotation operation of the imaging unit 2 can be performed. The fulcrum position is less likely to shift.
[0068]
Therefore, the position of the hand does not swing up and down or left and right due to the rotation operation of the imaging unit 2, and the main body 3 does not fluctuate, so that the photographing angle can be stably changed.
In addition, in the playback mode, the imaging unit 2 is basically unnecessary, so that if the operator turns the imaging unit 2 and holds the imaging unit 2 in the storage state, the playback mode can be executed without any uncomfortable feeling. it can.
[0069]
In the above description, the transmission of the rotation operation between the gear 9a and the gear 35a is performed by the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 including one set of coaxial gears. A large number of gears or the like may be provided to perform rotation transmission. Further, in the above description, the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 for transmitting and absorbing the rotation is disposed between the gear 9a and the gear 35a. In this way, the interlocking adjustment mechanism for transmitting and absorbing the rotation is, in principle, to minimize the spring force of the spring 33 for returning the strobe rotation shaft 35, so that the rotation of the stroboscopic rotation is small. It is desirable to provide it on the side coaxial with or close to the shaft 35, but it is also possible to provide it on the connecting shaft 9 of the imaging unit 2 or on a side close thereto.
[0070]
As described above, in the electronic camera device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the strobe light emitting unit 13 is rotatable only in a range from upward to forward and downward. When the rotating operation is performed from the upward storage position to the forward-downward forward leaning limit position, the strobe light emitting unit 13 is synchronized with the rotation operation of the imaging unit 2 and the rearward operation is performed from the upward storage position. When the rotating operation is performed to the tilt limit position, the rotation of the imaging unit 2 is absorbed without operating the strobe light emitting unit 13 so that only the imaging unit 2 can be rotated.
On the other hand, the imaging unit 2 is provided so as to be able to rotate further forward and downward (clockwise in FIG. 9) than the position corresponding to the forward tilt limit of the strobe light emitting unit 13. A configuration may be provided in which an interlocking adjustment mechanism capable of absorbing rotation is additionally provided.
[0071]
Specifically, for example, in addition to the interlocking adjustment mechanism similar to the interlocking adjustment mechanism 30 described above, another interlocking adjustment mechanism having substantially the same configuration and functioning in the opposite direction is further provided. The rotation of the imaging unit is transmitted to the strobe light emitting unit via the interlocking adjustment mechanism, and the rotation of the imaging unit is absorbed in a range on both sides exceeding the rotation range of the strobe light emission unit regulated by a stopper or the like. do it. In this case, it goes without saying that a spring or the like for applying a required rotational biasing force is provided in the same manner as described above, if necessary.
In this case as well, it is ideally desirable to provide two interlocking adjustment mechanisms coaxially with or near the flash rotation axis, but the rotation between the imaging unit and the flash emission unit is desirable. As long as it is within the range of the transmission system, it may be provided on the side near the imaging unit, or may be divided and arranged in the middle of the rotation transmission system.
[0072]
In the above description, a gear is used for transmitting rotation. However, if slippage or the like can be properly prevented, a pulley may be used instead of a gear, or a part may be rotated using a timing belt or the like. Dynamic transmission may be performed.
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the electronic camera device according to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0073]
For example, in the above description, a liquid crystal display device has been described as an example of a display device, but a display device using an LED display panel or the like in which light emitting diodes (LEDs) are densely arranged may be used. In this case, it is easy to increase the contrast of the displayed image as compared with the liquid crystal display device, and the backlight light source is not required, so that the configuration can be greatly simplified.
Further, as the display device, a display device such as a plasma display panel to which plasma emission technology is applied or an EL display panel to which electroluminescence (EL) technology is applied may be used.
[0074]
Further, the light emitting window 14 provided on the front surface of the rotating light emitting unit 13 has a vertical sectional shape formed in a fan shape having a divergence angle of about 90 °. If it is formed up to the back side and the rotation angle range of the light emitting unit 13 is set to approximately 180 °, face-to-face image recording with the shooting opening 6 of the imaging unit 2 facing the back of the main unit 3, for example, self-portrait (self-portrait) ) Can be image-recorded. The setting of the rotation angle range or the non-rotational area of the imaging unit 2 is left to design freedom.
Further, the light emission angle of the light emitting unit 13 has been described as corresponding to the focal length at the wide end regardless of the zoom drive of the photographing lens 4. However, the zoom drive of the photographing lens 4 is appropriately detected, and the result is corresponded. The light emission angle of the light emitting unit 13 may be controlled by a control. A barrier that is driven and controlled so as to be closed during non-shooting and opened during shooting is provided on the front surface of the photographing aperture 6 on the front surface of the photographing lens 4. It may be provided.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a configuration that is relatively simple and can be miniaturized minimizes obstacles such as the occurrence of a red-eye effect or noise, and furthermore, an imaging optical system or a wiring processing system of an imaging unit. In addition to increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the essential functions, the flash irradiation range is followed within the practical range even when the shooting range is changed due to the rotation of the imaging unit, and the imaging field of view and the flash irradiation field are sufficient for practical use. An electronic camera device that can be matched in range can be provided.
[0076]
Further, according to the present invention, even when the taking lens has a large number of constituent lenses such as a multifocal lens or a zoom lens and the length dimension in the lens optical axis direction is long, the taking lens is incorporated in the image pickup section. The space efficiency in the camera can be improved by arranging various members to be efficiently placed, and the imaging unit does not protrude from the main unit due to the length of the imaging unit in the front-rear direction when the camera is carried. Not only is it improved, but there is little risk that the protrusion will accidentally come into contact with other objects and be damaged, such as twisting the wrist when grasping the imaging unit by hand and rotating it with respect to the main unit. It is possible to provide an electronic camera device capable of stably changing the shooting angle without taking an unnatural and unnatural posture and without wobbling the main body.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an electronic camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention at the time of shooting.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic camera device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the electronic camera device of FIG. 1 at the time of storage.
FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a state in which the electronic camera device of FIG. 1 is being gripped by a virtual line;
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a relationship between a rotation transmission system, a strobe light emitting unit, and an imaging unit in the electronic camera device of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a top view showing an interlocking adjustment mechanism of a rotation transmission system in the electronic camera device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an interlocking adjustment mechanism of a rotation transmission system in the electronic camera device of FIG. 1;
8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a mutual positional relationship between a main body, a strobe light emitting unit, and an imaging unit in a storage position of the electronic camera device in FIG. 1, and a rotation range of each unit.
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a mutual positional relationship between a main body, a strobe light emitting unit, and an imaging unit at a forward leaning limit position of the electronic camera device of FIG. 1 and a rotation range of each unit.
10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a mutual positional relationship between a main body, a strobe light emitting unit, and an image pickup unit at a rearward limit position of the electronic camera device in FIG. 1, and a rotation range of each unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Electronic camera device
2 Imaging unit
3 Body
4 Shooting lens
5 lens barrel
6. Shooting aperture
7 Image sensor
8 Circuit section on imaging unit side
9 Connecting shaft
9a, 31, 32, 35a gear
10 Shutter button
11 Strobe switch
12 Strobe device
13 Light emitting unit
14 Emission window
15 Auto receiver
16 Escape hole
17 Body side circuit
18 Grip part
19 mode dial
20 Battery compartment
21 Zoom button
22 Power switch
23 Liquid crystal display
30 Linkage adjustment mechanism
31 Large Diameter Gear
31a, 32d cylindrical part
31b, 31c Projection
32 Small diameter gear
32a, 32b Notch
32c engagement projection
33,40 spring
34 spindle
35 Strobe rotation axis
35a gear

Claims (12)

The main body,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject and an imaging device that converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into electrical image information; and a first angle range on a side of the main body. An imaging unit rotatably coupled;
The main body unit is provided so as to be rotatable about a second angle range smaller than the first angle range with respect to an axis parallel to a rotation axis of the imaging unit, and irradiates the subject with illumination light. A strobe light emitting unit, a rotation transmitting unit having one or more transmission rotating units, and a rotation transmitting unit for synchronously rotating the strobe light emitting unit based on a rotation operation of the imaging unit;
A first rotation member that is provided in a transmission rotation unit in the rotation transmission unit and is interlocked with the imaging unit and a second rotation member that is interlocked with the strobe light emission unit; The second rotation member is relatively rotatably coupled to at least a third angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range, and the rotation of the strobe light emitting unit is performed. The rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the possible second angle range is limited from the limit position in the first rotation direction near the third angle range in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The second rotation member is integrally linked with the first rotation member in the second rotation direction with respect to the rotation of the first rotation member in the second angle range. From the position corresponding to the limit position to the rotation of the third angle range in the first rotation direction. , An electronic camera apparatus characterized by comprising an interlocking adjustment mechanism for absorbing the rotation of the first rotational member and rotated relative to the second rotating member. The interlocking mechanism is
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating member includes a locking unit that locks the second rotating member at least at an end position in the second rotation direction of the third angle range. An electronic camera device according to claim 1. The interlocking mechanism is
3. The electronic camera device according to claim 1, further comprising an urging unit that urges the second rotation member with respect to the first rotation member in the first rotation direction. 4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another urging means for urging said second rotating member in said first rotational direction at least in an angle range corresponding to said second angle range. The electronic camera device according to any one of the above. 5. The electronic camera device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rotation members include a gear or a pulley provided coaxially. 6. The main body,
An imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject and an imaging device that converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into electrical image information; and a first angle range on a side of the main body. An imaging unit rotatably coupled;
The main body unit is provided so as to be rotatable about a second angle range smaller than the first angle range with respect to an axis parallel to a rotation axis of the imaging unit, and irradiates the subject with illumination light. A strobe light emitting section,
A rotation transmission unit having one or more transmission rotation units for rotating the strobe light-emitting unit synchronously based on a rotation operation of the imaging unit;
A first rotation member provided on a transmission rotation unit in the rotation transmission unit and interlocked with the imaging unit side and a second rotation member interlocked with the strobe light emission unit side; The second rotating member is relatively rotatably coupled to at least a third angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range on the first rotation direction side. And a first rotation from a first limit position in the first rotation direction of a rotation range of the second rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the strobe light emitting unit can rotate. The second rotation member is integrally linked with the rotation of the first rotation member for the second angle range in a second rotation direction opposite to the direction, and A third angle range in a first rotation direction from a position corresponding to the first limit position of one rotation member; As for the rotation, a first interlocking adjustment mechanism that rotates relatively to the second rotation member and absorbs the rotation of the first rotation member and the rotation transmission means A third rotating member provided in the transmission rotating portion of the camera and interlocking with the image capturing portion side and a fourth rotating member interlocking with the strobe light emitting portion side, wherein the third and fourth rotating members are provided. Are coupled relatively rotatably at least in a fourth angle range corresponding to a difference between the first angle range and the second angle range on the second rotation direction side, and the strobe light is emitted. From the second limit position in the second rotation direction of the rotation range of the fourth rotation member corresponding to the second angle range in which the portion can be rotated, in the first rotation direction in the second rotation direction. With respect to the rotation of the third rotation member about the angle range of the above, the fourth rotation member follows and interlocks, The rotation of the third rotation member from the position corresponding to the second limit position within the fourth angle range in the rotation direction relative to the fourth rotation member. An electronic camera device comprising: a second interlocking adjustment mechanism that moves to absorb the rotation of the third rotation member. The first interlocking adjustment mechanism includes a first locking unit that locks the second rotating member at least at an end of the third rotation range in the second rotation direction in the third angle range. And wherein the second interlocking adjustment mechanism is configured such that the third rotating member locks the fourth rotating member at least at the first rotation direction end position of the fourth angle range. 7. The electronic camera device according to claim 6, further comprising two locking means. The first and second interlocking adjustment mechanisms respectively include first urging means for urging the second rotating member with respect to the first rotating member in the first rotation direction, and 8. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising a second urging unit that urges the fourth rotation member with respect to the third rotation member in the second rotation direction. 9. Camera device. Another first urging means for urging the second rotating member in the first rotation direction at least in an angle range corresponding to the second angle range, and the fourth rotating member. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another second urging means for urging in the second rotational direction at least in an angle range corresponding to the second angle range. 2. The electronic camera device according to claim 1. The first and second turning members include a gear or a pulley provided coaxially, and the third and fourth turning members include a gear or a pulley provided coaxially. The electronic camera device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The electronic camera device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rotating members are provided coaxially with the strobe light emitting unit. The imaging unit has an elongated shape along the side of the main unit at the storage position, and along the longitudinal direction, arranges an optical axis formed by the imaging optical system and the imaging device, and rotates the imaging unit along a rotation axis. The electronic camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein is disposed below a center of the main body.

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