US20040240870A1 - Camera assembly having coverglass-lens adjuster - Google Patents
Camera assembly having coverglass-lens adjuster Download PDFInfo
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- US20040240870A1 US20040240870A1 US10/447,701 US44770103A US2004240870A1 US 20040240870 A1 US20040240870 A1 US 20040240870A1 US 44770103 A US44770103 A US 44770103A US 2004240870 A1 US2004240870 A1 US 2004240870A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- guide
- optical axis
- camera assembly
- positioner
- support
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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
- G03B11/00—Filters or other obturators specially adapted for photographic purposes
- G03B11/04—Hoods or caps for eliminating unwanted light from lenses, viewfinders or focusing aids
- G03B11/06—Lens caps for exposure making
Definitions
- the invention relates to photography and photographic equipment and more particularly relates to cameras assemblies having a coverglass lens adjuster.
- coverglass can be removable or can be permanently attached to the camera.
- Mechanisms for adjusting the focus of lenses during manufacture have long been available. These mechanisms are commonly used to adjust to the position of a fixed focus lens or the infinity position of a focusable lens. These mechanisms typically are adjusted with external tools to move one part relative to another during manufacture or repair. The tools are then removed.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,910,544 and 4,764,783 disclose adjustment mechanisms that utilize screwdrivers or the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,168 requires a special-purpose Y-shaped tool and a second tool.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,308 teaches use of tool having a pinion, shaft, and T-handle.
- the invention is defined by the claims.
- the invention in broader aspects, provides a camera assembly having a support that defines an optical axis.
- a positioner is held by the support.
- the positioner has an opening centered on the optical axis.
- the positioner is pivotable about the optical axis, to a plurality of different orientations relative to the support.
- a coverglass is rotatably supported exterior to the positioner.
- the coverglass has a window that is disposed over the opening and an adjuster that is joined to the window. The rotation of the coverglass rotates one of the positioner and the support.
- FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of an embodiment of the camera.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1.
- Feature 3 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the lens barrel of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the support of the lens module of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the support of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the support of FIG. 5. The turret is also shown.
- FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- the lens barrel is shown in an extended position.
- the turret is in a first position.
- the shutter is closed in FIGS. 8-10.
- FIG. 9 is the same view as FIG. 8, but the lens barrel is shown in an intermediate position.
- the turret is in an intermediate position between the first and second positions.
- FIG. 10 is the same view as FIG. 8, but the lens barrel is shown in the retracted position and the turret is in the second position.
- FIG. 11 is a semi-diagrammatical top view of another embodiment of the camera.
- the lens barrel is shown in an extended position.
- FIG. 12 is the same view as FIG. 11, but the lens barrel is shown in a retracted position.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of FIG. 1.
- the frame assembly includes the frame, film transport, shutter, and turret.
- the shutter is in a closed position and the turret is in the second position.
- FIG. 14 is a partial front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15 is the same view as FIG. 14, but the shutter is in the open position.
- FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway side view of the lens barrel of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the lens barrel of the camera of FIG. 1.
- the backer is not shown.
- the turret is in the first position.
- the shutter is not shown in FIGS. 17-19.
- FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 17, but the turret is in the second position.
- FIG. 19 is a partially exploded, rear perspective view of the lens barrel the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 20 is a simplified, exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the camera. For clarity, only the over-center mechanism and related parts are shown.
- FIG. 21 is a front view of the actuator base, support, and twist ring of the camera of FIG. 20.
- the twist ring is shown in a wide angle position.
- FIG. 22 is a is the same view as FIG. 21, but the twist ring is shown in the telephoto position.
- FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the deployment apparatus of FIG. 20.
- the twist ring is in the telephoto position.
- FIG. 24 is a front view of the camera frame, support, and actuator base of the camera of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 25 is a partial enlargement of the view of FIG. 24, showing the actuator base.
- FIG. 26 is the same view as FIG. 25, except that the inner subunit of the actuator is also shown.
- FIG. 27 is a front view of the actuator of the camera of FIG. 20.
- the outer subunit of the actuator is shown by dashed lines.
- FIG. 28 is a side view of the actuator of the camera of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the drive unit of the camera of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 30 is a front view of the drive unit of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 31 is a rear view of the drive unit of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the drive unit of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the front travel stop of the camera of FIG. 1. A portion of the coverglass is shown in dashed lines.
- FIG. 34 is a partially cutaway, front perspective view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 35 is a partially cutaway, side view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly of another embodiment of the camera. A cover glass is shown separated from the lens module.
- FIG. 37 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 36.
- FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the camera.
- FIG. 39 is a front view of the front lens holder and front lens of FIG. 38.
- FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the front lens holder of another embodiment of the camera.
- FIG. 41 is a top view of the shutter mechanism, film transport, and other related parts of the camera of FIG. 1. The shutter is in the closed position.
- FIG. 42 is the same view as FIG. 41, but the shutter is in the opened position.
- FIG. 43 is a top view of the same features as FIG. 42, showing the shutter in the opened position.
- FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the shutter and shutter driver of FIGS. 42-43.
- FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly of FIG. 36.
- the shutter is in an open position and is, thus, not visible in the figure.
- the term “fixed” and like terms are used herein in the sense of a physical position or relationship that is in immobile and unchanging.
- the term “camera assembly” is used here to refer to a complete camera or an incomplete subunit of a camera that can be assembled with other parts to form a complete camera.
- the term “camera assembly” is inclusive of a complete one-time use camera and of a subassembly of a one-time-use camera.
- the usage of “camera” in the term “camera assembly” does not limit possible uses of a particular camera assembly.
- a “camera assembly” that includes a lens system is inclusive of the usage of the same assembly as a component of a binoculars.
- camera assemblies are generally designated by more descriptive names related to respective functions in a completed camera.
- the camera 10 has a frame assembly 12 held within a shell having front and rear covers 16 , 18 .
- the frame assembly 12 includes a frame 20 to which a number of other camera components are attached.
- one of those components is a lens module 22 , which includes a support 24 that is joined to the frame 20 .
- the support 24 has a mount 26 and a guide 28 that is joined to the mount 26 .
- the support 24 can be permanently attached to the frame 20 or can be reversibly removable. The latter is convenient for the recycling of one-use-time cameras. The manner of attachment is not critical.
- the support 24 can be hooked to the frame 20 by hooks 30 and matching holdfasts (not shown). Other types of fasteners can also be used.
- the support 24 can also be adhered to the frame 20 , or held by friction fit, or by some other means.
- the frame 20 and support 24 or frame 20 and mount 26 can be made as a one-piece plastic casting, if desired, or can each be a one-piece plastic casting.
- the camera 10 includes a capture unit 32 that captures and stores images.
- the type of capture unit 32 used is not critical.
- the capture unit 32 can capture images on photographic film. In that case, it is convenient if the frame 20 has a pair of opposed chambers (not separately identified in the figures). Film is wound from chamber to chamber across a capture plane (not shown). Film related features (not shown), such as a film transport 34 , can be provided in a manner well known to those of skill in the art.
- an electronic capture unit With an electronic capture unit, the photographic film is replaced by an electronic imager (not shown).
- the imager is controlled by a control system that includes electronic memory. Captured images are stored in memory and can be manipulated by the control system. Features of such electronic capture units are well known to those of skill in the art.
- a flash unit 36 and other camera components can also be included in the camera 10 .
- the flash unit 36 and other components are mounted to the frame 20 or held between the frame 20 and the covers 16 , 18 .
- the support 24 defines an optical axis 38 .
- the guide 28 extends forward from the mount 26 along the optical axis 38 and encircles a central passage 40 aligned with the optical axis 38 .
- the term “encircles” and like terms are used in a broad sense that does not imply and is not limited to circular shapes, nor to structures without gaps or openings.
- the central passage 40 is generally circular in cross-section. It will be understood that like considerations apply to embodiments having like features of other shapes.
- the guide 28 has a rearward rim 42 that adjoins the frame 20 and a forward rim 44 opposite the rearward rim 42 .
- the mount 26 is a forward-facing shallow cup (see FIGS. 3-7) that receives the guide 28 .
- a central opening 46 of the mount 26 can be bordered by a masking structure 48 that blocks unwanted light, so reducing flare.
- the guide 28 is snapped, adhered, or otherwise fastened in fixed relation to the mount 26 .
- the mount 26 and guide 28 are conveniently provided as two pieces, but can be provided as a single piece.
- a lens barrel 50 is reversibly movable along the central passage 40 , in alignment with the optical axis 38 , from a retracted position, through a plurality of intermediate positions, to an extended position. It is preferred that the movement is rectilinear and that the guide 28 blocks rotation of the lens barrel 50 about the optical axis 38 .
- the lens barrel 50 can be disposed fully within the guide 28 in extended and retracted positions of the lens barrel 50 can protrude from the guide 28 in the extended position or in both extended and retracted positions.
- the invention is generally described herein in relation to an embodiment in which the lens barrel 50 is disposed completely within the guide 28 , in the extended and retracted positions.
- the front cover 16 encloses the guide 28 , except at a cover opening 52 aligned with the optical axis 38 .
- the lens barrel 50 can, alternatively, protrude from the guide 28 in the extended position or in both extended and retracted positions. In this case, the margin of the opening 52 in the front cover 16 , encircles the lens barrel 50 (not shown).
- the extended and retracted positions of the lens barrel 50 are delimited by a front rest 54 and a rear rest 56 , respectively.
- the rests 54 , 56 are spaced apart from each other along the optical axis 38 and each border the central passage 40 .
- the lens barrel 50 has first and second contact surfaces 58 , 60 . In the extended position, the first contact surface 58 bears against the front rest 54 . In the retracted position, the second contact surface 60 bears against the rear rest 56 .
- FIGS. 8-10 and 33 - 35 illustrate one embodiment of the front rest 54 .
- FIGS. 11-12 illustrate another embodiment.
- the rear rest 56 can be the same or different, as desired.
- the front rest 54 is a portion of the inner surface of a travel stop 62 a that is joined to the forward rim 44 of the guide 28 . (This embodiment is discussed below in detail.)
- the front rest 54 is a set of inwardly extending protrusions or posts 64 of the forward rim 44 . Bolts that extend through threaded openings in the forward rim 44 can be used instead to provide an adjustable rest, if desired.
- the first contact surface 58 of the lens barrel 50 is flat. As shown in FIGS. 33-35, the first contact surface 58 can, alternatively, be provided on pins or other structures (discussed below in detail). One or both of the forward rim 44 and first contact surface 58 can have protrusions or the like or one or both can also be flat.
- contact between the first and second contact surfaces 58 , 60 and the respective forward and rearward rims 44 , 42 is tripodal, that is, three point contact.
- three protrusions 64 can be provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12.
- Three point contact reduces any risk of wobbling and, in addition, reduces the areas in contact. This makes accurate part alignment simpler in production.
- a twist ring 66 is mounted on the guide 28 .
- the twist ring 66 encircles the guide 28 or extends at least part of the way around the guide 28 .
- the twist ring 66 mechanically engages the lens barrel 50 , such that rotation of the twist ring 66 moves the lens barrel 50 along the optical axis 38 between the extended and retracted positions.
- the twist ring 66 is trapped in place axially by the forward rim 44 of the guide 28 and/or the travel stop 62 a or other parts. (See FIGS. 5 and 8.)
- the mechanical coupling between the twist ring 66 and the lens barrel 50 is a cam-type extension-retraction mechanism.
- Other types of extension-retraction mechanism can be used.
- the twist ring 66 and lens barrel 50 can be linked by a gear train, pins that ride in cam slots or grooves, or the like.
- the lens barrel 50 includes a traveler 68 that acts as a support structure and a cap 70 that closes the forward end of the traveler 68 .
- the traveler 68 and cap 70 can each be a one-piece plastic casting.
- the traveler 68 includes a tracker 72 and has a crosswall 74 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 38 and a circumferential outside wall 76 that encircles the crosswall 74 .
- the crosswall 74 has a central opening or primary aperture 78 that is aligned with the optical axis 38 .
- the tracker 72 has three track followers 80 that extend outward relative to a main portion 82 of the lens barrel 50 .
- the track followers 80 can be equally spaced about the traveler 68 to help prevent the traveler 68 from canting relative to the support 24 .
- Each track follower 70 has a pair of spaced apart posts 84 .
- the twist ring 66 has a tracking portion 86 that receives the tracker 72 of the traveler 68 and constrains of the traveler 68 , such that the traveler 68 moves forward and backward along the optical axis 38 when the twist ring 66 is rotated between the rightward and leftward configurations.
- the tracking portion 86 of the twist ring 66 is a set of internal tracks 88 that spiral about the optical axis 38 .
- Each track 88 receives a respective one of the track followers 80 of the traveler 68 .
- the tracks 88 are spiral ribs that extend toward the optical axis 38 from the circumferential wall 90 of the twist ring 66 .
- the tracks 88 are gripped between the posts 84 of the respective track followers 80 .
- tracks 88 can be grooves or pairs of parallel fences that receive track followers 80 configured to ride in the grooves or between the fences.
- the extension-retraction mechanism features of the lens barrel 50 and twist ring 66 also can be interchanged, for example, the posts 84 can be provided on the twist ring 66 rather than the lens barrel 50 .
- the track followers 80 extend to the tracks 88 through corresponding slots 92 in the guide 28 .
- the slots 92 each extend parallel to the optical axis 38 .
- the track followers 80 slide along the tracks 88 when the twist ring 66 is rotated. Since the track followers 80 are held by the slots 92 of the support 24 , this results in the lens barrel 50 traversing linearly inward or outward along the optical axis 38 .
- the first and second contact surfaces 58 , 60 are parts of the traveler 68 .
- the first and second contact surfaces 58 , 60 are opposed portions of the posts 84 of the track followers 80 .
- the first and second contact surfaces 58 , 60 are portions of the front and rear of the traveler 68 .
- the twist ring 66 is not present.
- the traveler is, instead, reciprocated using a pivotable link 202 that receives a post 208 of the traveler 68 .
- the link 202 is joined, in fixed (immobile) relation to a rotatable knob or like feature (not shown) that is accessible from the exterior of the camera.
- the tracker 72 and slots 92 of the guide 28 can be provided as earlier described, or in simplified form. In this embodiment, the tracker only provides guidance and centering of the traveler 68 during movement. Examples of simplifications are limiting the depth of the slots 92 , such that the slots 92 do not extend fully through the guide 28 and reducing the number of posts 84 in the track followers 80 .
- the lens barrel 50 is set up for use in only the retracted and extended positions and not the intermediate positions.
- a biaser 94 deters against stoppage of the lens barrel 50 in the intermediate positions, as discussed in detail below. Because of this, it is unnecessary for the traveler 68 to be maintained in a more than approximate alignment with the optical axis 38 , when the lens barrel 50 is in the intermediate positions.
- the guide 28 provides this approximate alignment. The guide 28 also retains the traveler 68 in close alignment with the optical axis 38 in the retracted and extended positions.
- the track followers 80 are loosely held by the tracks 88 of the twist ring 66 and the slots 92 of the guide 28 .
- the twist ring 66 fits loosely on the guide 28 .
- the positions of each track follower 70 are determined by the respective track 88 and slot 92 .
- the loose fit of the track followers 80 in the slots 92 and the twist ring 66 on the guide 28 allows angular misalignment of of the twist ring 66 and traveler 68 relative to the optical axis 38 during movement of the traveler 68 between the retracted and extended positions.
- the loose fit is advantageous, in that looser tolerances reduce manufacturing costs.
- the loose fit of the twist ring 66 and tracks 88 does allow some other traveler 68 movement.
- the track followers 80 can pivot slightly back and forth about the optical axis 38 relative to the respective slots 92 of the guide 28 . This can be ignored.
- Optical elements (discussed below) provided in the traveler 68 can have uniform properties relative to rotation about the optical axis 38 .
- the traveler 68 also has a risk of mispositioning in a direction parallel to the optical axis 38 . This parallel mispositioning can be limited by close dimensioning of outer wall 76 of the traveler 68 and the central passage 40 of the guide 28 . This can be done throughout the guide 28 or only at the front and rear and of the guide 28 where the traveler 68 enters the retracted and extended positions, respectively.
- a turret 96 is disposed in and supported by the traveler 68 .
- the turret 96 rides with the traveler 68 between the retracted and extended positions.
- the turret 96 has one or two rear optical element seats 98 , 99 . Each seat 98 , 99 surrounds an aperture 100 , 102 .
- the turret 96 is pivotable, relative to the traveler 68 , about a pivot axis 104 that extends through the traveler 68 and is parallel to the optical axis 38 . The pivoting of the turret 96 is between a first position, shown in FIGS.
- FIGS. 10 and 18 in which one of the apertures 100 is in alignment with the optical axis 38 , and a second position, shown in FIGS. 10 and 18, in which that aperture 100 is spaced from the optical axis 38 and a second aperture 102 , if present, is aligned with the central opening 78 of the traveler 68 .
- the turret 96 is located between the outer wall 76 of the traveler 68 and the optical axis 38 . This is advantageous for one-time-use cameras, since the outer wall 76 can protect the turret 96 from impacts and the like, during stages of recycling in which the front and rear covers 16 , 18 have been removed.
- a front lens element 106 is mounted in the traveler 68 over the central opening 78 , in alignment with the optical axis 38 .
- one or more additional optical elements are located within the traveler 68 .
- a first turret lens element 108 is mounted in a first rear optical element seat 98 over the first rear aperture 100 .
- a second turret lens element 110 can be mounted in a second rear optical element seat 99 over the second rear aperture 102 .
- the front and rear lens elements 106 , 108 , 110 and other lens elements (if any) together comprise a taking lens system that directs light to the capture plane.
- the rear lens elements 108 , 110 are aligned with the optical axis 38 in first and second positions of the turret 96 , respectively.
- the front lens element 106 and first turret lens element 108 are a first doublet lens and the front lens element 106 and second turret lens element 110 are a second doublet lens.
- the first and second rear lens elements 108 , 110 have different optical powers, providing for different focusing distances or different focal lengths of the first and second doublet lenses.
- Other optical elements can be provided in addition to or in place of one or both of the turret 96 lens elements.
- a shutter 112 is disposed in the traveler 68 between the crosswall 74 and the turret 96 .
- the shutter 112 moves forward and back along the optical axis 38 with the traveler 68 .
- the shutter 14 is normally in a closed state in which the shutter 14 tightly covers the central opening 76 .
- the shutter 112 is part of a shutter mechanism 114 that includes a shutter release 116 that is mounted to the frame 20 .
- the shutter release 116 is releasable by the user to momentarily open the shutter 112 .
- a single leaf impact shutter is shown that pivots, relative to the traveler 68 , between a closed position, in which the central opening 76 is blocked, and an open position, in which the central opening 76 is opened.
- the shutter 14 is driven by a shutter drive lever 118 .
- the shutter drive lever 118 is charged by the film transport 34 to a charged state.
- Digital cameras can use the same shutter driven by a simpler mechanism or can use another mechanical shutter or can use internal electronics of the imager and control system that act as a shutter, depending upon the imager used.
- the film transport 34 includes a combined thumbwheel and metering wheel 120 that is mounted for rotation adjacent a top corner of the frame 20 . A portion of the wheel 120 extends beyond the rear cover 18 and is accessible to the camera operator. If desired, rather than being driven directly by the user, the wheel 120 can be driven by a winding knob, lever, electric motor or other like device.
- Photographic film 122 is initially wound in a coil in one film chamber (not shown) and extends across the capture plane (indicated by arrow 121 in FIG. 41) to another film chamber (not shown), in which an end of the film 122 is held by the spool 124 of a film cartridge 76 .
- the wheel 120 has a key (not shown) that couples the wheel 120 to the film cartridge spool 124 , such that forward rotation of the wheel 120 causes the film 122 to be wound into the cartridge 76 and advanced past the capture plane 121 .
- An anti-backup pawl 126 is resiliently biased against an edge of the wheel 120 to prevent rotation in a reverse direction.
- a film metering sprocket 128 has a sprocket shaft 130 that is pivotably supported by the frame 20 .
- the sprocket 128 engages perforations in the film 70 and is rotated through a complete revolution each time the film 70 is advanced by a distance corresponding to one film frame.
- An actuator disk 132 and a charging cam 134 are made in one piece with the sprocket 128 or are assembled with the sprocket 128 so as to remain in fixed (immobile) relation.
- the actuator disk 132 has a otherwise continuous circumference interrupted by a notch 136 .
- the charging cam 134 has a spiral surface on one side.
- a film metering lever 144 is supported for pivotal movement by the frame 20 .
- the metering lever 144 is biased by a coil spring 146 in an activating direction.
- the metering lever 144 has a first arm 148 ending in a tooth and a second arm 150 having a pawl.
- the shutter release 116 includes a shutter button 138 that is located near the cantilevered end of a flexible arm 140 of the shutter release 116 . Adjacent the shutter button 138 the arm 140 has a vertical tab that carries a latch member 142 .
- the shutter drive lever 118 is biased by a spring 152 .
- the shutter drive lever 118 has a tongue 154 that is engaged by the latch member 142 to hold the shutter drive lever 118 in a charged state in opposition to the spring 152 .
- the shutter drive lever 118 also has a cam follower finger 154 that is positioned so as engage the charging cam 134 of the film transport 34 .
- a pair of tie bars 156 , 158 extend outward from the frame 20 .
- the first tie bar 156 is united with the shutter drive lever 116 , preferably the bar 156 and lever 116 are different portions of a one-piece casting.
- the tie bars 156 , 158 each have opposed first and second ends. The first ends are spaced apart from each other and are each pivotably joined to the frame 20 .
- a parallel bar 164 is pivotably joined to the second ends of the two tie bars 156 , 158 .
- the parallel bar 164 is spaced forward from the first ends and, can also be spaced forward from the frame 20 .
- a striker 166 is movable with and, preferably, joined to the parallel bar 164 . The striker can be modified to telescope as the traveler moves, if desired.
- the shutter release 116 is released from a ready state to a released state.
- the shutter button 138 moves the latch member 142 out of engagement with the tongue of the shutter drive lever 118 , the shutter drive lever 118 is pivoted rapidly by the spring from the charged state to the discharged state. This causes the striker to impact a tang 168 of the shutter 112 , causing the shutter 112 to rotate from a closed state to an open state.
- the tang 168 is on an extension 170 of the shutter 112 that extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis 38 from the remainder of the shutter.
- the extension 170 provides for an overlap of the tang 168 and striker 166 when the traveler 68 is in the extended and retracted positions.
- the impacting of the tang 168 moves the shutter 112 away from the aperture exposing a light image on the capture plane.
- the aperture is uncovered momentarily.
- the striker moves past the tang 168 of the shutter 112 , the shutter 112 returns to a closed state under the biasing of a shutter return spring 169 .
- the shutter drive lever 118 moves into engagement with a downwardly extending yoke 173 of the metering lever 144 .
- the metering pawl arm 150 is disengaged from the wheel 120 and the metering member tooth arm 148 is retracted from the actuator disc notch 136 . This allows the transport mechanism 34 to be operated to advance the film 122 to the next available frame.
- the turret 96 has opposed front and rear surfaces 172 , 174 .
- the rear lens element or elements 108 , 110 are disposed against the rear surface 174 .
- the shutter 112 closely adjoins the front surface 172 .
- the turret 96 pivots against a set of standoffs 179 .
- Each standoff is part of the crosswall 74 of the traveler 68 .
- the standoffs 179 provide space between the crosswall 74 and turret 96 for movement of the shutter 112 .
- the shutter closely adjoins the crosswall 74 and front surface 174 of the turret 96 and can contact one or both.
- the standoffs are configured so as to support the traveler, without excessive friction.
- the standoffs 179 include a rib 176 and two or more nubs 181 (best seen in FIG. 19).
- a backer 178 is joined to the traveler 68 .
- the backer 178 moves with the traveler 68 relative to the support 24 .
- the turret 96 is trapped between the backer 178 and the crosswall 74 of the traveler 68 .
- the backer 178 is advantageous for one-time-use cameras, in which in the lens module 22 may be separated from the remainder of the camera 10 , during recycling, since the backer 178 helps protect the turret 96 against damage.
- the turret 96 has a cam follower 180 that extends into a cam slot 184 and moves along the cam slot 184 between opposed ends 186 , 188 .
- the turret 96 pivots to the first position when the cam follower 180 moves to the first end 186 of the cam slot 184 .
- the turret 96 pivots to the second position when the cam follower 180 moves to the second end 188 of the cam slot 184 .
- the pivoting of the turret 96 is mechanically synchronized with the axial movements of the traveler 68 , such that the lens barrel 50 is in a first configuration, when the cam follower 180 is disposed in the first end 186 , and a second configuration, when the cam follower 180 is disposed in the second end 188 .
- the traveler 68 is in the retracted position in the first configuration, and the extended position in the second.
- the support 24 has a forwardly extending cam finger 190 , which has a first cam surface 192 .
- the guide 28 has a cam notch 194 that receives the cam finger 190 .
- the cam notch 194 has a second cam surface 196 .
- the first cam surface 192 is inclined relative to an imaginary line parallel to the optical axis 38 .
- the second cam surface 196 is parallel to and spaced from the first cam surface 192 .
- the cam surfaces 192 , 196 together define the cam slot 184 and first and second opposed ends 186 , 188 .
- the biaser 94 urges the first contact surface 58 toward the front rest 54 , when the lens barrel 50 is in the extended position, and urges the second contact surface 60 toward the rear rest 56 , when the lens barrel 50 is in the retracted position. It is preferred that the biaser 94 also urges the lens barrel 50 away from the intermediate positions and toward the nearer of the extended and retracted positions.
- the biaser 94 also acts on the turret 96 , directly or indirectly, and urges the cam follower 180 of the turret 96 toward the first and second ends 186 , 188 of the cam slot 184 and away from a continuum of intermediate position between the ends 186 , 188 of the cam slot 184 . As earlier noted, this is in coordination with movement of the traveler 68 .
- the biaser 94 includes one or more coordinated over-center mechanisms. It is highly preferred that the over-center mechanism or mechanisms driving the lens barrel 50 provide a high degree of biasing and a rapid turnover between a first state, in which biasing is in a forward direction, and a second state, in which biasing is in a reverse direction. An increase in biasing up to the time of turnover is preferred.
- the biaser 94 includes a turret spring 197 that biases the turret 96 into the first and second positions shown, for one embodiment, in FIGS. 8 and 17, and 10 and 18 , respectively.
- the turret spring 197 biases the turret 96 away from intermediate positions like the one shown in FIG. 9.
- the turret spring 197 also continuously biases the turret 96 against said traveler 68 .
- the turret spring 197 has a first end 199 that bears on the turret 96 .
- a second end 195 is attached to the crosswall 74 of the traveler 68 and is bifurcated to provide space for the cam follower 180 .
- the biaser 94 has an over-center mechanism 198 that has a link 202 pivotably joined at an inner end 209 to the support 24 .
- the support 24 has a post 206 .
- the link 202 has a hole that fits over the post 206 .
- the other end 211 of the link 202 is slidably joined to the traveler 68 .
- the traveler 68 has an upwardly extending post 208 .
- the outer end 211 of the link 202 has an opening 210 shaped like a long oval, but having a slight dogleg at an inner end 212 of the opening 210 .
- the post 208 is movable along the opening 210 between the inner end 212 and an outer end 214 .
- the support 24 has a flange 216 that protrudes forward from the remainder of the support 24 , between the two ends 205 , 206 of the link 202 .
- the over-center mechanism 198 has an over-center spring 200 having a loop at either end. A first loop is a joined to the flange 216 . The second loop is joined to the link 202 between the two ends 209 , 211 of the link 202 .
- the over-center spring 200 is characterized by rapid turnover and an increase in biasing up to turnover.
- the link 202 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in tandem with the movement of the lens barrel 50 , between respective retracted and extended positions.
- the flange 216 to which the over-center spring 200 is attached, is forward of the centerline of the link 202 , in the retracted position and rearward of the centerline of the link 202 in the extended position.
- the post 208 of the traveler 68 moves along the opening 210 between the two ends 205 , 206 .
- the over-center mechanism 198 is switched between retracted and extended positions by rotating the lens barrel 50 directly or indirectly via a mechanically coupled part.
- the biaser 94 also includes an over-center spring 200 having a loop 201 , 203 at each end.
- One of the loops 201 is joined to the twist ring 66 .
- the other loop 203 is joined to a boss 29 that is part of the support 24 or frame 20 .
- the loops are held by knobs 205 , 207 that each extend outward from a respective part.
- the knobs 205 , 207 can have notches or the like (not shown) to help hold the loops 201 , 203 .
- the spring 200 held by the support 24 can, alternatively, be joined to the frame 20 or another non-moving part.
- the over-center spring 200 is part of a deployment mechanism 218 .
- the deployment mechanism 218 has an actuator 220 having a grip 222 and a slide 224 .
- the grip 222 is accessible from the outside of the body and can include a raised handhold (as shown) and/or one or more features for easier manipulation by the user, such as knurling or other texturing.
- the grip 222 is movable back and forth within a recess 226 in the front cover 16 .
- the grip 222 has a connector 228 that protrudes through an opening 230 in the recess 226 .
- the opening 230 can be centered within the recess 226 and is fully overlapped by the grip 222 . This provides light locking.
- the travel of the grip 222 is limited by the length of the recess 226 . Travel can be limited by the length of the opening 230 within the recess 226 , but this may be esthetically unappealing, in that the fit of the grip 222 in the cover 16 may look sloppy to the user.
- the actuator 220 is disposed against an actuator base 232 that adjoins the guide 28 of the lens module 22 .
- the actuator base 232 can be part of the frame 20 , or a separate piece, or integral with the guide 28 or mount 26 of the support 24 .
- the actuator base 232 and guide 28 can be parts of a one-piece plastic casting. This is convenient in that the alignment of the deployment apparatus with the lens barrel 50 is, to a large extent, a function of the physical positioning of the actuator base 232 alongside the guide 28 .
- the guide 28 is hooked to the mount 26 and the actuator base 232 and mount 26 are both hooked to the frame 20 to reduce the risk of flexure of one part relative to another during use.
- the slide 224 of the actuator 220 rests against the actuator base 232 and is movable reciprocally on the actuator base 232 .
- the slide 224 can have a stepped shape (see FIG. 28), in which a lower step 236 rides in a trough 238 in the actuator base 232 .
- a rib 240 extends outward from the lower step 236 .
- the rib 240 extends transverse to the direction of movement of the actuator 220 .
- the rib 240 has a pair of opposed faces 239 , 241 .
- a transition 242 adjoins the lower step 236 and slopes upward to an upper step 244 .
- the upper step 244 rides against a shelf 246 of the actuator base 232 .
- the shelf 246 and trough 238 are flat where the slide 224 is in contact, but could be modified to reduce friction.
- the region 247 of the actuator base 232 between the trough 238 and the shelf 246 is cutaway to provide clearance for the transition 242 .
- the actuator base 232 includes a pair of flanges 248 , 250 . (See FIGS. 26-28.)
- the first flange 248 overlaps a groove 252 adjoining the trough 238 in the actuator base 232 .
- a similar groove 254 adjoins the sloped region 247 of the actuator base 232 .
- the second flange 250 overlaps the second groove 254 .
- the lower step 236 of the slide 224 has a tang 256 that is shaped so as to fit in first groove 252 .
- the upper step of the slide 224 has a similar tang 257 that fits in the second groove 254 .
- the ends of the trough 238 is open and the slide 224 can flex slightly. This allows the slide 224 to be slid under the flanges 248 , 250 during assembly of the camera 10 .
- a pawl-arm 258 has a flexible arm 260 that terminates in a pawl 262 .
- the pawl-arm 258 is joined to the upper step 244 of the slide 224 .
- a detent rib 264 protrudes outward from the actuator base 232 .
- the pawl-arm 258 rides against the detent rib 264 and resiliently biases the actuator 220 toward the primary and secondary positions and away from intermediate positions between the primary and secondary positions.
- the pawl-arm 258 and detent rib 264 together provide an actuator over-center mechanism 198 a .
- This over-center mechanism 198 a acts in concert with a second or drive over-center mechanism 198 b that includes the over-center spring 200 .
- the upper step 244 of the slide 224 has a fitting 266 that receives the connector 228 of the grip 222 .
- the grip 222 is snap fit into a hole in the upper step of the slide 224 . This is convenient, because the grip 222 is held in place without the use of additional parts and the camera 10 is easy to assemble. Alternative approaches for attaching parts are well-known to those of skill in the art.
- the actuator base 232 has an outwardly extending post 268 and a drive unit seat 270 .
- the drive unit seat 270 and post 268 are offset from each other.
- a drive unit 272 is seated in the drive unit seat 270 and is pivotable about a drive axis 274 (shown in FIG. 20) that extends through the seat 270 .
- the drive unit 272 and drive unit seat 270 can fit in the manner of a hub and axle; however, it is convenient to provide a snap fit, in which the drive unit seat 270 is a rimmed hole and the drive unit has a snap connector 273 , as shown in some of the figures.
- the drive unit 272 has a gear wheel 276 having circumferential teeth.
- a post 277 extends upward near the periphery of the gear wheel 276 .
- the drive unit 272 has a pair of downwardly extending stops 278 , 280 that extend downward from the gear wheel 276 , near the periphery of the gear wheel 276 .
- the post 268 and stops 278 , 280 can be radially positioned differently, but the peripheral position shown maximizes drive unit 272 movement, for a given gear wheel size.
- the posts 268 and stops 278 , 280 can be moved further out radially on extensions (not shown), but this may complicate assembly of the device.
- the gear wheel 276 overlaps the slide 224 . This reduces space requirements of the deployment apparatus 218 .
- the stops 278 , 280 extend downward from the gear wheel 276 , to an extent that the stops 278 , 280 can interfere with the rib 240 during movement of the actuator 220 .
- the stops 278 , 280 are spaced apart from each other. This separation can be varied but is, desirably, greater than 180 degrees in the directions of travel of the drive unit 272 (discussed in detail below). In the deployment apparatus shown in FIGS. 20-32, this separation of the stops is 270 degrees in the direction of movement of the drive unit 272 . Angles of less than 180 degrees can be used, but for a given travel of a deployable component, require use of a larger gear wheel 276 . This decreases the compactness that is a benefit of the deployment apparatus 218 described here.
- the gear wheel 276 does not have to have a complete circle of teeth.
- the teeth in the 90 degree arc between the two stops 278 , 280 are non-functional could be eliminated.
- a complete circle of teeth, although non-functional in the finished device, can be beneficial during assembly, since the drive unit 272 can be put in place in a random orientation and can then be rotated in either direction until a correct orientation is reached.
- the deployable component 218 is then assembled with the drive unit 272 after the correct orientation has been reached.
- the twist ring 66 is toothed to match the movement of the drive unit 272 , that is, the teeth are complementary to the functional teeth of the drive unit 272 .
- the drive over-center mechanism 198 b is mounted to the actuator base 232 and the drive unit 272 .
- the drive over-center mechanism 198 b has an over-center spring 200 having a loop 201 , 203 at the end of each of two opposed arms.
- the first loop 201 is fitted over the post 277 of the drive unit 272 .
- a second loop 203 is fitted over the post 268 of the actuator base 232 .
- the over-center spring 200 biases the drive unit 272 , enmeshed twist ring 6 , and traveler 68 toward the orientations shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 and away from in-between orientations.
- over-center mechanisms can be used in place of those disclosed here.
- the pawl-arm 258 and detent rib 264 can be replaced by an over-center spring like the ones illustrated. (Posts can be added to the actuator base 232 and slider 224 to hold respective loops of the over-center spring.)
- the switching of the lens barrel 50 between retracted and extended positions begins with the user pushing the grip 222 of the actuator 220 . This moves the actuator 220 out of the primary position and toward the secondary position. While the actuator 220 moves away from the primary position, the first face 239 of the rib 240 of the actuator 220 pushes against the first stop 278 of the drive unit 272 . This causes the drive unit 272 to pivot through the first range of intermediate orientations toward the middle orientation. This pivoting is opposed by the actuatore over-center mechanism 198 a and the drive over-center mechanism 198 b . Movement of the actuator 220 continues until the middle range of conformations is reached.
- the biasing by the actuator over-center mechanism 198 a changes over to biasing toward the secondary position.
- This forward biasing by the actuator over-center mechanism 198 a is opposite in direction from the continuing biasing by the drive over-center mechanism 198 b.
- the drive over-center mechanism 198 b changes over and biases in a forward direction toward pivoting of the drive unit 272 to the second end orientation. At this point, biasing by both over-center mechanisms 198 a , 198 b is in the same direction.
- the actuator 220 continues to move until the secondary position is reached and the actuator stops moving.
- the drive unit 272 continues moving forward under the forward biasing of the drive over-center mechanism 198 b .
- the drive unit 272 in the illustrated embodiment, moves independently of the actuator 220 after the middle orientation is reached. This results in the first stop 278 of the drive unit 272 moving away from the first face 239 of the rib 240 of the actuator 220 .
- the biasing of the drive over-center mechanism 198 b pivots the drive unit 272 through the second range of intermediate orientations to the second end orientation.
- the actuator 220 remains in the secondary position.
- the second stop 280 of the drive unit 272 comes around and reaches the second face 241 of the rib 240 .
- the movement of the lens barrel between positions can be delimited by the stops 278 , 280 or by both the stops 278 , 280 and one or two rests or by only rests or features of the support.
- the stops 278 , 280 engage the faces 239 , 241 of the rib 240 in limit positions.
- the stops 278 , 280 are spaced from the rib 240 in the limit positions.
- the camera 10 has a positioner 62 .
- the positioner 62 is used to delimit the position of one or more lens elements. If the positioner 62 is used to limit travel of a lens barrel 72 , the positioner 62 is also referred to herein as a travel stop 62 a.
- a travel stop 62 a is a ring-shaped one-piece plastic casting that has an opening 284 centered on the optical axis 38 .
- the travel stop 62 a has an annular main portion 298 and a skid 286 that extends in an axial direction away from the main portion 288 .
- the skid 286 and main portion 288 are located radially outward from the opening 284 .
- the skid 286 is spiraled about the optical axis 38 toward the mount 26 .
- the skid has one or more ramps 290 . Each ramp 290 defines a separate spiral about the optical axis 38 .
- the ramps 290 of the skid 286 of the travel stop 62 a are the front rest 54 , in this embodiment.
- the ramps 290 engage the first contact surface 58 of the lens barrel 50 and delimit the extended position of the lens barrel 50 by blocking further forward movement. (See FIG. 34.)
- the lens barrel 50 has a main portion 82 disposed in the central passage 40 and a plurality of track followers 80 protruding outwardly from the main portion 82 .
- the first contact surface 58 is a part of one of the posts 84 of each of the track followers 70 .
- Each portion of the first contact surface 58 is relatively small and only contacts a radially aligned segment of the respective ramp 290 in the extended position. The segment is the portion of the ramp in contact with the first contact surface and is thus a small part of the ramp.
- the travel stop 62 a also has one or more abutments 294 extending axially outward from the main portion 288 of the travel stop 62 a .
- Each abutment 298 is arcuate and extends partway around the main portion 298 .
- the abutments 294 are spaced from the ramp or ramps 290 .
- Each abutment 294 has one or more contact surfaces 296 that extend along the optical axis 38 .
- the contact surfaces 296 each have a major dimension parallel to the optical axis 38 .
- the number, shape, and spacing of abutments 294 can be varied.
- each abutment 294 has a first pair of opposed contact surfaces 296 that face each other at the middle of each abutment and a second pair at the opposed ends of each abutment 294 .
- the guide 28 has one or more accessways 297 that extend through the forward rim 44 .
- the accessways 297 are spaced radially outward from the central passage 40 .
- Each accessway 297 is shaped like a segment of a ring and is aligned with a respective abutment 294 .
- the abutments 294 can extend into respective accessways 297 , as shown in FIG. 34, or can be recessed from or extend through respective accessways 297 . It is currently preferred that abutments 294 extend forward along the optical axis 38 and that the main portion 288 of the travel stop 62 a is rearward of the forward rim 44 .
- Abutments 294 can, alternatively, extend radially outward relative to the optical axis 38 .
- the travel stop 62 a is mounted to the guide 28 adjoining the forward rim 44 .
- the skid 286 of the travel stop 62 a is located internal to the guide 28 .
- the ramps 290 face the mount 26 .
- the skid 286 has three ramps 290 that are spaced from each other, equally spaced about the optical axis 38 , and equally inclined toward the mount 26 .
- the travel stop 62 a shown in FIGS. 33-35 has a forward section 300 and an axially inset rear section 302 of the main portion 298 .
- the forward section 300 has a rear-facing shoulder 304 .
- the twist ring 66 is trapped between the forward margin 306 of the mount 26 and the shoulder 304 of the travel stop 62 a .
- the travel stop 62 a is trapped between the twist ring 66 and the forward rim 44 of the guide 28 .
- the travel stop 62 a is pivotable about the optical axis 38 to a plurality of different orientations of the skid 286 relative to the support 24 and the frame 20 .
- the pivoting shifts the segments of the ramps that are in contact with the first contact surface along the respective ramps.
- the positioner 62 is pivoted by pushing against one or more of the contact surfaces 296 of the abutments 294 .
- a spanner or other tool (not shown) having one or more blades or pins can be inserted into one or more accessways and placed against the contact surfaces 296 .
- the tool can then be used to push the positioner 62 in one or another direction of rotation about the optical axis 38 .
- the abutments 294 can also be pushed by hand during camera assembly, prior to placement of the front cover.
- the pivoting of the travel stop 62 a alters the relative radial alignment of the skid 286 and the lens barrel 50 .
- the segments of the ramps 290 in contact with the parts of the respective posts 84 move along the respective ramps 290 . This changes the axial location of the first contact surface 58 and the rest of the lens barrel 50 , in the extended position.
- the travel stop 62 a is adjusted, during assembly, to correct the lens focus for an individual camera 10 . After adjustment, the travel stop 62 a can be retained in place by friction between parts, by clamping or other fastening, or by bonding the travel stop 62 a in place with adhesive or welding or the like.
- the abutments 294 of the travel stop 62 b are joined together to form a continuous brim that is external to the forward rim 44 of the guide 28 .
- the travel stop 62 b is held in place by an overlap of the forward rim 44 and an inner margin 330 of the traveler 62 b .
- the travel stop 62 b is otherwise like those earlier described.
- a rear travel stop (not shown) can be provided in addition to or in place of the front travel stop 62 a .
- the rear stop is mounted to the guide 28 opposite the travel stop 62 a and delimits the location of the lens barrel 50 in the retracted position.
- the rear travel stop has a skid 286 that faces the forward rim 44 of the guide 28 .
- the skid 286 and other features are otherwise like those earlier discussed.
- a coverglass 310 is used, in place of a tool, to adjust the travel stop 62 a or other positioner 62 .
- the coverglass 310 has a window 312 that is transparent or filtering.
- the coverglass 310 has a reinforcement band 314 that supports the window 312 and can provide reinforcement against impacts.
- An adjuster 316 is joined to the reinforcement band 314 .
- the adjuster 316 has one or more lugs 318 that extend toward the mount 26 .
- the window 312 is curved and has no optical power.
- the coverglass 310 is mounted to the forward rim 44 of the guide 28 (see FIG. 33) or is mounted to the travel stop 62 a (see FIGS. 36-37 and 45 ).
- the window 312 is aligned with the central passage 40 of the support 24 .
- the lugs 318 are positioned so as to engage the contact surfaces 296 at the middles of the abutments 294 of the travel stop 62 a .
- the band 314 engages the outer edges 308 of the abutments 294 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the lugs 318 extend into the accessway 297 .
- the coverglass 310 can be a one-piece plastic casting.
- the coverglass 310 is, at least initially, pivotable about the optical axis 38 relative to the support 24 .
- the lugs 318 push the travel stop 62 a , pivoting the travel stop 62 a about the optical axis 38 .
- a positioner 62 b is used with a lens that does not travel.
- the lens barrel 50 is replaced by a front lens holder 320 .
- a front lens 322 is held in the front lens holder 320 .
- a rear lens 326 is held in a rear lens holder 328 .
- the position of the front lens holder 320 is adjusted along the optical axis 38 , relative to the rear lens 326 , to provide focus adjustment at a single position along the optical axis 38 . This can be a factory adjustment that remains unchanged after the camera is assembled or can be adjustable by the user.
- the front lens holder 320 has contact surfaces 324 that are pivoted against the ramps 290 of the skid 286 to relocate the front lens 322 along the optical axis 38 , in the same manner as earlier described for the travel stop 62 a .
- the coverglass 310 functions in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.
- the coverglass 310 is mounted to the front cover 16 and can be pivoted about the optical axis 38 with lugs 318 of the coverglass 310 in contact with contact surfaces 296 of abutments 294 of the lens holder 320 to rotate the lens holder 320 about the optical axis 38 .
- the abutments 294 extend out radially relative to the optical axis and are joined together into a continuous ring.
Abstract
A camera assembly has a support that defines an optical axis. A positioner is held by the support. The positioner has an opening centered on the optical axis. The positioner is pivotable about the optical axis, to a plurality of different orientations relative to the support. A coverglass is rotatably supported exterior to the positioner. The coverglass has a window that is disposed over the opening and an adjuster that is joined to the window. The rotation of the coverglass rotates one of the positioner and the support.
Description
- Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ , [Attorney Docket No. 85530RLW], entitled: CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING A TRAVELER AND PIVOTABLE TURRET DRIVEN BY AN OVER-CENTER MECHANISM, filed May 29, 2003, in the name of Anthony DiRisio, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ , [Attorney Docket No. 85548RLW], entitled: CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING TRAVEL STOP, filed May 29, 2003, in the name of Anthony DiRisio, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ , [Attorney Docket No. 85550RLW], entitled: CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING FORWARD AND RETURN CAM SURFACES FOR A TURRET ON DIFFERENT PARTS, filed May 29, 2003, in the name of Anthony DiRisio, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. , [Attorney Docket No. 85559RLW], entitled: DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS FOR CAMERAS AND OTHER HAND-HELD DEVICES AND DEPLOYMENT METHOD, filed May 29, 2003, in the name of Michael Roger Allen, Anthony DiRisio, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ , [Attorney Docket No. 85995RLW], entitled: CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING OVER-CENTER BIASING OF TRAVELER AGAINST RESTS, filed May 29, 2003, in the name of Anthony DiRisio, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/264,757, [Attorney Docket No. 85329RLW], entitled: MULTIPLE POSITION LENS BARREL HAVING CAM CYLINDER WITH COMMONLY BIASED FIRST AND SECOND LENS CARRIERS, filed Oct. 4, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/324,488, [Attorney Docket No. 85533RLW], entitled: CAMERA FRAME ASSEMBLY HAVING FOUR-BAR LINKAGE SHUTTER ACTUATOR, filed Dec. 20, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/324,966, [Attorney Docket No. 85549RLW], entitled: CAMERA LENS MODULE HAVING RECYCLABLE LENS BARREL CAP, filed Dec. 20, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/327,503, [Attorney Docket No. 85552RLW], entitled: EXTENDABLE LENS CAMERA HAVING MECHANICAL SHUTTER BLOCKING IN INTERMEDIATE LENS POSITION, filed Dec. 20, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,507, [Attorney Docket No. 85553RLW], entitled: CAMERA FRAME ASSEMBLY HAVING SHUTTER THAT SLIDES FORWARD AND BACK WITH ZOOM LENS, filed Dec. 20, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio, David J. Cornell.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/325,553, [Attorney Docket No. 85554RLW], entitled: CAMERA FRAME ASSEMBLY HAVING SHUTTER ACTUATOR WITH TELESCOPING STRIKER AND METHOD, filed Dec. 20, 2002, in the name of David J. Cornell.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/317,490, [Attorney Docket No. 85560RLW], entitled: CAMERA FRONT SEAL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 12, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio.
- Reference is also made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,326,450, [Attorney Docket No. 85691RLW], entitled: CAMERA FRAME ASSEMBLY HAVING INDEPENDENTLY BACK-PIVOTING DRIVE HUB FOR IMPACT SHUTTER, filed Dec. 20, 2002, in the name of Anthony DiRisio, David J. Cornell.
- The invention relates to photography and photographic equipment and more particularly relates to cameras assemblies having a coverglass lens adjuster.
- It has long been a practice in photography, to cover a relatively more expensive lens with an external, relatively less expensive transparent coverglass. The coverglass can be removable or can be permanently attached to the camera.
- Mechanisms for adjusting the focus of lenses during manufacture have long been available. These mechanisms are commonly used to adjust to the position of a fixed focus lens or the infinity position of a focusable lens. These mechanisms typically are adjusted with external tools to move one part relative to another during manufacture or repair. The tools are then removed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,910,544 and 4,764,783 disclose adjustment mechanisms that utilize screwdrivers or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,168 requires a special-purpose Y-shaped tool and a second tool. U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,308 teaches use of tool having a pinion, shaft, and T-handle.
- The adjustment mechanism of these camera assemblies make some provision for retaining an adjustment position after the tools are removed. The camera assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,308 relies upon friction. U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,168 discloses a camera assembly in which focus adjustments are made against the biasing of resilient members. When the adjustments are completed, the resilient members hold the adjustment until respective parts can be adhered together. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,910,544 and 4,764,783 bolts are utilized.
- It would thus be desirable to provide improved camera assemblies, which include the functions of coverglasses and lens adjustment features with a small number of simple parts.
- The invention is defined by the claims. The invention, in broader aspects, provides a camera assembly having a support that defines an optical axis. A positioner is held by the support. The positioner has an opening centered on the optical axis. The positioner is pivotable about the optical axis, to a plurality of different orientations relative to the support. A coverglass is rotatably supported exterior to the positioner. The coverglass has a window that is disposed over the opening and an adjuster that is joined to the window. The rotation of the coverglass rotates one of the positioner and the support.
- It is an advantageous effect of the invention that improved camera assemblies are provided, in which coverglass and lens adjustment functions are provided with a small number of simple parts.
- The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of an embodiment of the camera.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1.
- Feature3 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the lens barrel of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the support of the lens module of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the support of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the support of FIG. 5. The turret is also shown.
- FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway, perspective view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1. The lens barrel is shown in an extended position. The turret is in a first position. The shutter is closed in FIGS. 8-10.
- FIG. 9 is the same view as FIG. 8, but the lens barrel is shown in an intermediate position. The turret is in an intermediate position between the first and second positions.
- FIG. 10 is the same view as FIG. 8, but the lens barrel is shown in the retracted position and the turret is in the second position.
- FIG. 11 is a semi-diagrammatical top view of another embodiment of the camera. The lens barrel is shown in an extended position.
- FIG. 12 is the same view as FIG. 11, but the lens barrel is shown in a retracted position.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of FIG. 1. The frame assembly includes the frame, film transport, shutter, and turret. The shutter is in a closed position and the turret is in the second position.
- FIG. 14 is a partial front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15 is the same view as FIG. 14, but the shutter is in the open position.
- FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway side view of the lens barrel of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the lens barrel of the camera of FIG. 1. The backer is not shown. The turret is in the first position. The shutter is not shown in FIGS. 17-19.
- FIG. 18 is the same view as FIG. 17, but the turret is in the second position.
- FIG. 19 is a partially exploded, rear perspective view of the lens barrel the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 20 is a simplified, exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the camera. For clarity, only the over-center mechanism and related parts are shown.
- FIG. 21 is a front view of the actuator base, support, and twist ring of the camera of FIG. 20. The twist ring is shown in a wide angle position.
- FIG. 22 is a is the same view as FIG. 21, but the twist ring is shown in the telephoto position.
- FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the deployment apparatus of FIG. 20. The twist ring is in the telephoto position.
- FIG. 24 is a front view of the camera frame, support, and actuator base of the camera of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 25 is a partial enlargement of the view of FIG. 24, showing the actuator base.
- FIG. 26 is the same view as FIG. 25, except that the inner subunit of the actuator is also shown.
- FIG. 27 is a front view of the actuator of the camera of FIG. 20. The outer subunit of the actuator is shown by dashed lines.
- FIG. 28 is a side view of the actuator of the camera of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the drive unit of the camera of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 30 is a front view of the drive unit of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 31 is a rear view of the drive unit of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the drive unit of FIG. 29.
- FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the front travel stop of the camera of FIG. 1. A portion of the coverglass is shown in dashed lines.
- FIG. 34 is a partially cutaway, front perspective view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 35 is a partially cutaway, side view of the lens module of the camera of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly of another embodiment of the camera. A cover glass is shown separated from the lens module.
- FIG. 37 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 36.
- FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the camera.
- FIG. 39 is a front view of the front lens holder and front lens of FIG. 38.
- FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the front lens holder of another embodiment of the camera.
- FIG. 41 is a top view of the shutter mechanism, film transport, and other related parts of the camera of FIG. 1. The shutter is in the closed position.
- FIG. 42 is the same view as FIG. 41, but the shutter is in the opened position.
- FIG. 43 is a top view of the same features as FIG. 42, showing the shutter in the opened position.
- FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the shutter and shutter driver of FIGS. 42-43.
- FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly of FIG. 36. The shutter is in an open position and is, thus, not visible in the figure.
- The term “fixed” and like terms are used herein in the sense of a physical position or relationship that is in immobile and unchanging. The term “camera assembly” is used here to refer to a complete camera or an incomplete subunit of a camera that can be assembled with other parts to form a complete camera. The term “camera assembly” is inclusive of a complete one-time use camera and of a subassembly of a one-time-use camera. The usage of “camera” in the term “camera assembly” does not limit possible uses of a particular camera assembly. For example, a “camera assembly” that includes a lens system is inclusive of the usage of the same assembly as a component of a binoculars. For convenience, camera assemblies are generally designated by more descriptive names related to respective functions in a completed camera.
- Turning now particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the
camera 10 has aframe assembly 12 held within a shell having front and rear covers 16,18. Theframe assembly 12 includes aframe 20 to which a number of other camera components are attached. In the embodiment disclosed herein, one of those components is alens module 22, which includes asupport 24 that is joined to theframe 20. - The
support 24 has amount 26 and aguide 28 that is joined to themount 26. Thesupport 24 can be permanently attached to theframe 20 or can be reversibly removable. The latter is convenient for the recycling of one-use-time cameras. The manner of attachment is not critical. Thesupport 24 can be hooked to theframe 20 byhooks 30 and matching holdfasts (not shown). Other types of fasteners can also be used. Thesupport 24 can also be adhered to theframe 20, or held by friction fit, or by some other means. Theframe 20 andsupport 24 orframe 20 and mount 26 can be made as a one-piece plastic casting, if desired, or can each be a one-piece plastic casting. - The
camera 10 includes acapture unit 32 that captures and stores images. The type ofcapture unit 32 used is not critical. Thecapture unit 32 can capture images on photographic film. In that case, it is convenient if theframe 20 has a pair of opposed chambers (not separately identified in the figures). Film is wound from chamber to chamber across a capture plane (not shown). Film related features (not shown), such as afilm transport 34, can be provided in a manner well known to those of skill in the art. - With an electronic capture unit, the photographic film is replaced by an electronic imager (not shown). The imager is controlled by a control system that includes electronic memory. Captured images are stored in memory and can be manipulated by the control system. Features of such electronic capture units are well known to those of skill in the art.
- A
flash unit 36 and other camera components, well known to those of skill in the art, can also be included in thecamera 10. Theflash unit 36 and other components are mounted to theframe 20 or held between theframe 20 and thecovers - The
support 24 defines anoptical axis 38. Theguide 28 extends forward from themount 26 along theoptical axis 38 and encircles acentral passage 40 aligned with theoptical axis 38. The term “encircles” and like terms are used in a broad sense that does not imply and is not limited to circular shapes, nor to structures without gaps or openings. In the embodiments discussed herein, thecentral passage 40 is generally circular in cross-section. It will be understood that like considerations apply to embodiments having like features of other shapes. Theguide 28 has arearward rim 42 that adjoins theframe 20 and aforward rim 44 opposite therearward rim 42. - The
mount 26 is a forward-facing shallow cup (see FIGS. 3-7) that receives theguide 28. Acentral opening 46 of themount 26 can be bordered by a maskingstructure 48 that blocks unwanted light, so reducing flare. Theguide 28 is snapped, adhered, or otherwise fastened in fixed relation to themount 26. Themount 26 and guide 28 are conveniently provided as two pieces, but can be provided as a single piece. - A
lens barrel 50 is reversibly movable along thecentral passage 40, in alignment with theoptical axis 38, from a retracted position, through a plurality of intermediate positions, to an extended position. It is preferred that the movement is rectilinear and that theguide 28 blocks rotation of thelens barrel 50 about theoptical axis 38. Thelens barrel 50 can be disposed fully within theguide 28 in extended and retracted positions of thelens barrel 50 can protrude from theguide 28 in the extended position or in both extended and retracted positions. The invention is generally described herein in relation to an embodiment in which thelens barrel 50 is disposed completely within theguide 28, in the extended and retracted positions. Thefront cover 16 encloses theguide 28, except at acover opening 52 aligned with theoptical axis 38. Thelens barrel 50 can, alternatively, protrude from theguide 28 in the extended position or in both extended and retracted positions. In this case, the margin of theopening 52 in thefront cover 16, encircles the lens barrel 50 (not shown). - Referring now to FIGS. 8-12 and33-35, the extended and retracted positions of the
lens barrel 50 are delimited by afront rest 54 and arear rest 56, respectively. The rests 54,56 are spaced apart from each other along theoptical axis 38 and each border thecentral passage 40. Thelens barrel 50 has first and second contact surfaces 58,60. In the extended position, thefirst contact surface 58 bears against thefront rest 54. In the retracted position, thesecond contact surface 60 bears against therear rest 56. - FIGS. 8-10 and33-35 illustrate one embodiment of the
front rest 54. FIGS. 11-12 illustrate another embodiment. Therear rest 56 can be the same or different, as desired. In the embodiments of FIGS. 8-10 and 33-35, thefront rest 54 is a portion of the inner surface of a travel stop 62 a that is joined to theforward rim 44 of theguide 28. (This embodiment is discussed below in detail.) - In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12, the
front rest 54 is a set of inwardly extending protrusions orposts 64 of theforward rim 44. Bolts that extend through threaded openings in theforward rim 44 can be used instead to provide an adjustable rest, if desired. In FIGS. 11-12, thefirst contact surface 58 of thelens barrel 50 is flat. As shown in FIGS. 33-35, thefirst contact surface 58 can, alternatively, be provided on pins or other structures (discussed below in detail). One or both of theforward rim 44 andfirst contact surface 58 can have protrusions or the like or one or both can also be flat. - It is preferred that contact between the first and second contact surfaces58,60 and the respective forward and rearward rims 44,42 is tripodal, that is, three point contact. For example, three
protrusions 64 can be provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12. Three point contact reduces any risk of wobbling and, in addition, reduces the areas in contact. This makes accurate part alignment simpler in production. - Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and8-10, in some embodiments, a
twist ring 66 is mounted on theguide 28. Thetwist ring 66 encircles theguide 28 or extends at least part of the way around theguide 28. Thetwist ring 66 mechanically engages thelens barrel 50, such that rotation of thetwist ring 66 moves thelens barrel 50 along theoptical axis 38 between the extended and retracted positions. Thetwist ring 66 is trapped in place axially by theforward rim 44 of theguide 28 and/or the travel stop 62 a or other parts. (See FIGS. 5 and 8.) The mechanical coupling between thetwist ring 66 and thelens barrel 50 is a cam-type extension-retraction mechanism. Other types of extension-retraction mechanism can be used. For example, thetwist ring 66 andlens barrel 50 can be linked by a gear train, pins that ride in cam slots or grooves, or the like. - The
lens barrel 50, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, includes atraveler 68 that acts as a support structure and acap 70 that closes the forward end of thetraveler 68. Thetraveler 68 andcap 70 can each be a one-piece plastic casting. In the illustrated embodiment, thetraveler 68 includes atracker 72 and has acrosswall 74 that extends in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis 38 and a circumferentialoutside wall 76 that encircles thecrosswall 74. Thecrosswall 74 has a central opening orprimary aperture 78 that is aligned with theoptical axis 38. - In particular embodiments, the
tracker 72 has threetrack followers 80 that extend outward relative to amain portion 82 of thelens barrel 50. Thetrack followers 80 can be equally spaced about thetraveler 68 to help prevent thetraveler 68 from canting relative to thesupport 24. Eachtrack follower 70 has a pair of spaced apart posts 84. Thetwist ring 66 has a trackingportion 86 that receives thetracker 72 of thetraveler 68 and constrains of thetraveler 68, such that thetraveler 68 moves forward and backward along theoptical axis 38 when thetwist ring 66 is rotated between the rightward and leftward configurations. - The tracking
portion 86 of thetwist ring 66 is a set ofinternal tracks 88 that spiral about theoptical axis 38. Eachtrack 88 receives a respective one of thetrack followers 80 of thetraveler 68. In particular embodiments, thetracks 88 are spiral ribs that extend toward theoptical axis 38 from thecircumferential wall 90 of thetwist ring 66. Thetracks 88 are gripped between theposts 84 of therespective track followers 80. Alternatively, tracks 88 can be grooves or pairs of parallel fences that receivetrack followers 80 configured to ride in the grooves or between the fences. The extension-retraction mechanism features of thelens barrel 50 andtwist ring 66 also can be interchanged, for example, theposts 84 can be provided on thetwist ring 66 rather than thelens barrel 50. - The
track followers 80 extend to thetracks 88 through correspondingslots 92 in theguide 28. Theslots 92 each extend parallel to theoptical axis 38. In illustrated embodiments, there are threeslots 92 and threecorresponding tracks 88. Thetrack followers 80 slide along thetracks 88 when thetwist ring 66 is rotated. Since thetrack followers 80 are held by theslots 92 of thesupport 24, this results in thelens barrel 50 traversing linearly inward or outward along theoptical axis 38. - The first and second contact surfaces58,60 are parts of the
traveler 68. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33-35, the first and second contact surfaces 58,60 are opposed portions of theposts 84 of thetrack followers 80. - In the embodiment of the FIG. 11-12, the first and second contact surfaces58,60 are portions of the front and rear of the
traveler 68. In this embodiment, thetwist ring 66 is not present. The traveler is, instead, reciprocated using apivotable link 202 that receives apost 208 of thetraveler 68. Thelink 202 is joined, in fixed (immobile) relation to a rotatable knob or like feature (not shown) that is accessible from the exterior of the camera. Thetracker 72 andslots 92 of theguide 28 can be provided as earlier described, or in simplified form. In this embodiment, the tracker only provides guidance and centering of thetraveler 68 during movement. Examples of simplifications are limiting the depth of theslots 92, such that theslots 92 do not extend fully through theguide 28 and reducing the number ofposts 84 in thetrack followers 80. - In some embodiments herein, the
lens barrel 50 is set up for use in only the retracted and extended positions and not the intermediate positions. Abiaser 94 deters against stoppage of thelens barrel 50 in the intermediate positions, as discussed in detail below. Because of this, it is unnecessary for thetraveler 68 to be maintained in a more than approximate alignment with theoptical axis 38, when thelens barrel 50 is in the intermediate positions. Theguide 28 provides this approximate alignment. Theguide 28 also retains thetraveler 68 in close alignment with theoptical axis 38 in the retracted and extended positions. - Referring particularly to FIGS. 33-35, the
track followers 80 are loosely held by thetracks 88 of thetwist ring 66 and theslots 92 of theguide 28. Thetwist ring 66 fits loosely on theguide 28. The positions of eachtrack follower 70 are determined by therespective track 88 andslot 92. The loose fit of thetrack followers 80 in theslots 92 and thetwist ring 66 on theguide 28, allows angular misalignment of of thetwist ring 66 andtraveler 68 relative to theoptical axis 38 during movement of thetraveler 68 between the retracted and extended positions. The loose fit is advantageous, in that looser tolerances reduce manufacturing costs. This is not problematic, because canting of thetraveler 68 is limited to intermediate positions of thetraveler 68 between the retracted and extended positions. In the retracted and extended positions, therespective contact surface traveler 68 is in engagement with therespective rest respective contact surface traveler 68 relative to theguide 28. - The loose fit of the
twist ring 66 and tracks 88 does allow someother traveler 68 movement. Thetrack followers 80 can pivot slightly back and forth about theoptical axis 38 relative to therespective slots 92 of theguide 28. This can be ignored. Optical elements (discussed below) provided in thetraveler 68 can have uniform properties relative to rotation about theoptical axis 38. Thetraveler 68 also has a risk of mispositioning in a direction parallel to theoptical axis 38. This parallel mispositioning can be limited by close dimensioning ofouter wall 76 of thetraveler 68 and thecentral passage 40 of theguide 28. This can be done throughout theguide 28 or only at the front and rear and of theguide 28 where thetraveler 68 enters the retracted and extended positions, respectively. - Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 13-19, a
turret 96 is disposed in and supported by thetraveler 68. Theturret 96 rides with thetraveler 68 between the retracted and extended positions. Theturret 96 has one or two rear optical element seats 98,99. Eachseat aperture turret 96 is pivotable, relative to thetraveler 68, about apivot axis 104 that extends through thetraveler 68 and is parallel to theoptical axis 38. The pivoting of theturret 96 is between a first position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, in which one of theapertures 100 is in alignment with theoptical axis 38, and a second position, shown in FIGS. 10 and 18, in which thataperture 100 is spaced from theoptical axis 38 and asecond aperture 102, if present, is aligned with thecentral opening 78 of thetraveler 68. - In the embodiments disclosed herein, the
turret 96 is located between theouter wall 76 of thetraveler 68 and theoptical axis 38. This is advantageous for one-time-use cameras, since theouter wall 76 can protect theturret 96 from impacts and the like, during stages of recycling in which the front and rear covers 16,18 have been removed. - A
front lens element 106 is mounted in thetraveler 68 over thecentral opening 78, in alignment with theoptical axis 38. Optionally, one or more additional optical elements (not shown) are located within thetraveler 68. In the embodiment disclosed herein, a firstturret lens element 108 is mounted in a first rearoptical element seat 98 over the firstrear aperture 100. A secondturret lens element 110 can be mounted in a second rearoptical element seat 99 over the secondrear aperture 102. The front andrear lens elements rear lens elements optical axis 38 in first and second positions of theturret 96, respectively. - In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33-35, the
front lens element 106 and firstturret lens element 108 are a first doublet lens and thefront lens element 106 and secondturret lens element 110 are a second doublet lens. The first and secondrear lens elements turret 96 lens elements. - Referring now to FIGS.4, 13-16, and 41-44, in some embodiments, a
shutter 112 is disposed in thetraveler 68 between the crosswall 74 and theturret 96. Theshutter 112 moves forward and back along theoptical axis 38 with thetraveler 68. The shutter 14 is normally in a closed state in which the shutter 14 tightly covers thecentral opening 76. - The
shutter 112 is part of ashutter mechanism 114 that includes ashutter release 116 that is mounted to theframe 20. Theshutter release 116 is releasable by the user to momentarily open theshutter 112. A single leaf impact shutter is shown that pivots, relative to thetraveler 68, between a closed position, in which thecentral opening 76 is blocked, and an open position, in which thecentral opening 76 is opened. - The shutter14 is driven by a
shutter drive lever 118. Theshutter drive lever 118 is charged by thefilm transport 34 to a charged state. Digital cameras can use the same shutter driven by a simpler mechanism or can use another mechanical shutter or can use internal electronics of the imager and control system that act as a shutter, depending upon the imager used. - The
film transport 34 includes a combined thumbwheel andmetering wheel 120 that is mounted for rotation adjacent a top corner of theframe 20. A portion of thewheel 120 extends beyond therear cover 18 and is accessible to the camera operator. If desired, rather than being driven directly by the user, thewheel 120 can be driven by a winding knob, lever, electric motor or other like device. -
Photographic film 122 is initially wound in a coil in one film chamber (not shown) and extends across the capture plane (indicated byarrow 121 in FIG. 41) to another film chamber (not shown), in which an end of thefilm 122 is held by thespool 124 of afilm cartridge 76. Thewheel 120 has a key (not shown) that couples thewheel 120 to thefilm cartridge spool 124, such that forward rotation of thewheel 120 causes thefilm 122 to be wound into thecartridge 76 and advanced past thecapture plane 121. Ananti-backup pawl 126 is resiliently biased against an edge of thewheel 120 to prevent rotation in a reverse direction. - A
film metering sprocket 128 has asprocket shaft 130 that is pivotably supported by theframe 20. Thesprocket 128 engages perforations in thefilm 70 and is rotated through a complete revolution each time thefilm 70 is advanced by a distance corresponding to one film frame. - An
actuator disk 132 and acharging cam 134 are made in one piece with thesprocket 128 or are assembled with thesprocket 128 so as to remain in fixed (immobile) relation. Theactuator disk 132 has a otherwise continuous circumference interrupted by anotch 136. The chargingcam 134 has a spiral surface on one side. - A
film metering lever 144 is supported for pivotal movement by theframe 20. Themetering lever 144 is biased by acoil spring 146 in an activating direction. Themetering lever 144 has afirst arm 148 ending in a tooth and asecond arm 150 having a pawl. When thetoothed arm 148 of themetering lever 144 is received in thenotch 136 of theactuator disk 132, thepawl arm 150 of themetering lever 144 engages the toothed rim of thewheel 120 temporarily blocking advancement of thefilm 122. - The
shutter release 116 includes ashutter button 138 that is located near the cantilevered end of a flexible arm 140 of theshutter release 116. Adjacent theshutter button 138 the arm 140 has a vertical tab that carries alatch member 142. - The
shutter drive lever 118 is biased by aspring 152. Theshutter drive lever 118 has atongue 154 that is engaged by thelatch member 142 to hold theshutter drive lever 118 in a charged state in opposition to thespring 152. Theshutter drive lever 118 also has acam follower finger 154 that is positioned so as engage the chargingcam 134 of thefilm transport 34. - A pair of tie bars156,158 extend outward from the
frame 20. Thefirst tie bar 156 is united with theshutter drive lever 116, preferably thebar 156 andlever 116 are different portions of a one-piece casting. The tie bars 156,158 each have opposed first and second ends. The first ends are spaced apart from each other and are each pivotably joined to theframe 20. Aparallel bar 164 is pivotably joined to the second ends of the twotie bars parallel bar 164 is spaced forward from the first ends and, can also be spaced forward from theframe 20. Astriker 166 is movable with and, preferably, joined to theparallel bar 164. The striker can be modified to telescope as the traveler moves, if desired. - When the
shutter drive lever 118 is in the charged state and thecamera 10 is in condition to make an exposure, as shown in FIG. 41, the tongue of theshutter drive lever 118 is engaged by thelatch member 142, which holds theshutter drive lever 118 in the charged condition in opposition to thespring 152. Prior to this, during film advance, thesprocket 128 has been rotated into a position in which thetoothed arm 148 of themetering lever 144 is in thenotch 136 of theactuator disk 132. This allows themetering pawl arm 150 to engage thewheel 120 under the influence of the spring. The cam follower finger of theshutter drive lever 118 is out of contact with the chargingcam 134. - When the photographer depresses the
shutter button 138 to initiate an exposure, theshutter release 116 is released from a ready state to a released state. Theshutter button 138 moves thelatch member 142 out of engagement with the tongue of theshutter drive lever 118, theshutter drive lever 118 is pivoted rapidly by the spring from the charged state to the discharged state. This causes the striker to impact atang 168 of theshutter 112, causing theshutter 112 to rotate from a closed state to an open state. Thetang 168 is on anextension 170 of theshutter 112 that extends in a direction parallel to theoptical axis 38 from the remainder of the shutter. Theextension 170 provides for an overlap of thetang 168 andstriker 166 when thetraveler 68 is in the extended and retracted positions. The impacting of thetang 168 moves theshutter 112 away from the aperture exposing a light image on the capture plane. The aperture is uncovered momentarily. When the striker moves past thetang 168 of theshutter 112, theshutter 112 returns to a closed state under the biasing of ashutter return spring 169. - After the film exposure has been completed, the
shutter drive lever 118 moves into engagement with a downwardly extendingyoke 173 of themetering lever 144. This causes themetering lever 144 to rotate to a deactivated position, by overpowering the weaker force exerted on the metering member byspring 146. Accordingly, themetering pawl arm 150 is disengaged from thewheel 120 and the meteringmember tooth arm 148 is retracted from theactuator disc notch 136. This allows thetransport mechanism 34 to be operated to advance thefilm 122 to the next available frame. - When the photographer next rotates the
wheel 120 forward, thefilm 122 is wound onto thespool 124. This causes themetering sprocket 128 to rotate in the same direction. The chargingcam 134 engages thefinger 171 of theshutter drive lever 118 and rotates the latter back to a charged state. - A great variety of other suitable shutter mechanisms are well-known to those of skill in the art and are commonly used in currently available cameras.
- Referring now to FIGS.4, 8-10, and 13-19, the
turret 96 has opposed front andrear surfaces elements rear surface 174. Theshutter 112 closely adjoins thefront surface 172. Theturret 96 pivots against a set ofstandoffs 179. Each standoff is part of thecrosswall 74 of thetraveler 68. Thestandoffs 179 provide space between the crosswall 74 andturret 96 for movement of theshutter 112. The shutter closely adjoins thecrosswall 74 andfront surface 174 of theturret 96 and can contact one or both. The standoffs are configured so as to support the traveler, without excessive friction. In the embodiment shown, thestandoffs 179 include arib 176 and two or more nubs 181 (best seen in FIG. 19). - A
backer 178 is joined to thetraveler 68. Thebacker 178 moves with thetraveler 68 relative to thesupport 24. Theturret 96 is trapped between thebacker 178 and thecrosswall 74 of thetraveler 68. Thebacker 178 is advantageous for one-time-use cameras, in which in thelens module 22 may be separated from the remainder of thecamera 10, during recycling, since thebacker 178 helps protect theturret 96 against damage. - Referring now to FIGS. 5-10 and16-19, the
turret 96 has acam follower 180 that extends into acam slot 184 and moves along thecam slot 184 between opposed ends 186,188. Theturret 96 pivots to the first position when thecam follower 180 moves to thefirst end 186 of thecam slot 184. Theturret 96 pivots to the second position when thecam follower 180 moves to thesecond end 188 of thecam slot 184. - The pivoting of the
turret 96 is mechanically synchronized with the axial movements of thetraveler 68, such that thelens barrel 50 is in a first configuration, when thecam follower 180 is disposed in thefirst end 186, and a second configuration, when thecam follower 180 is disposed in thesecond end 188. Thetraveler 68 is in the retracted position in the first configuration, and the extended position in the second. - In particular embodiments of the invention, the
support 24 has a forwardly extendingcam finger 190, which has afirst cam surface 192. Theguide 28 has acam notch 194 that receives thecam finger 190. Thecam notch 194 has asecond cam surface 196. Thefirst cam surface 192 is inclined relative to an imaginary line parallel to theoptical axis 38. Thesecond cam surface 196 is parallel to and spaced from thefirst cam surface 192. The cam surfaces 192,196 together define thecam slot 184 and first and second opposed ends 186,188. The provision of the first and second cam surfaces 192,196 on asupport 24 and guide 28 that are separate pieces joined together is advantageous for simplifying the molding of thesupport 24 as a one-piece plastic casting and theguide 28 as another one-piece plastic casting. - Referring now mainly to FIGS. 20-23, the
biaser 94 urges thefirst contact surface 58 toward thefront rest 54, when thelens barrel 50 is in the extended position, and urges thesecond contact surface 60 toward therear rest 56, when thelens barrel 50 is in the retracted position. It is preferred that thebiaser 94 also urges thelens barrel 50 away from the intermediate positions and toward the nearer of the extended and retracted positions. Thebiaser 94 also acts on theturret 96, directly or indirectly, and urges thecam follower 180 of theturret 96 toward the first and second ends 186,188 of thecam slot 184 and away from a continuum of intermediate position between theends cam slot 184. As earlier noted, this is in coordination with movement of thetraveler 68. - The
biaser 94 includes one or more coordinated over-center mechanisms. It is highly preferred that the over-center mechanism or mechanisms driving thelens barrel 50 provide a high degree of biasing and a rapid turnover between a first state, in which biasing is in a forward direction, and a second state, in which biasing is in a reverse direction. An increase in biasing up to the time of turnover is preferred. - Referring now to FIGS. 16-19 in particular embodiments, the
biaser 94 includes a turret spring 197 that biases theturret 96 into the first and second positions shown, for one embodiment, in FIGS. 8 and 17, and 10 and 18, respectively. The turret spring 197 biases theturret 96 away from intermediate positions like the one shown in FIG. 9. The turret spring 197 also continuously biases theturret 96 against saidtraveler 68. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-19, the turret spring 197 has a first end 199 that bears on theturret 96. A second end 195 is attached to thecrosswall 74 of thetraveler 68 and is bifurcated to provide space for thecam follower 180. - In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12, the
biaser 94 has anover-center mechanism 198 that has alink 202 pivotably joined at aninner end 209 to thesupport 24. Thesupport 24 has apost 206. Thelink 202 has a hole that fits over thepost 206. Theother end 211 of thelink 202 is slidably joined to thetraveler 68. Thetraveler 68 has an upwardly extendingpost 208. Theouter end 211 of thelink 202 has anopening 210 shaped like a long oval, but having a slight dogleg at aninner end 212 of theopening 210. Thepost 208 is movable along theopening 210 between theinner end 212 and anouter end 214. - In this embodiment, the
support 24 has aflange 216 that protrudes forward from the remainder of thesupport 24, between the two ends 205,206 of thelink 202. Theover-center mechanism 198 has anover-center spring 200 having a loop at either end. A first loop is a joined to theflange 216. The second loop is joined to thelink 202 between the two ends 209,211 of thelink 202. Theover-center spring 200 is characterized by rapid turnover and an increase in biasing up to turnover. - The
link 202 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in tandem with the movement of thelens barrel 50, between respective retracted and extended positions. Theflange 216, to which theover-center spring 200 is attached, is forward of the centerline of thelink 202, in the retracted position and rearward of the centerline of thelink 202 in the extended position. During the movement between the retracted and extended positions, thepost 208 of thetraveler 68 moves along theopening 210 between the two ends 205,206. Theover-center mechanism 198 is switched between retracted and extended positions by rotating thelens barrel 50 directly or indirectly via a mechanically coupled part. - Referring now to FIGS. 8-10 and17-32, in other embodiments, the
biaser 94 also includes anover-center spring 200 having aloop loops 201 is joined to thetwist ring 66. Theother loop 203 is joined to aboss 29 that is part of thesupport 24 orframe 20. The loops are held byknobs knobs loops spring 200 held by thesupport 24 can, alternatively, be joined to theframe 20 or another non-moving part. - The
over-center spring 200 is part of adeployment mechanism 218. Thedeployment mechanism 218 has anactuator 220 having agrip 222 and aslide 224. Thegrip 222 is accessible from the outside of the body and can include a raised handhold (as shown) and/or one or more features for easier manipulation by the user, such as knurling or other texturing. Thegrip 222 is movable back and forth within arecess 226 in thefront cover 16. Thegrip 222 has aconnector 228 that protrudes through anopening 230 in therecess 226. Theopening 230 can be centered within therecess 226 and is fully overlapped by thegrip 222. This provides light locking. The travel of thegrip 222 is limited by the length of therecess 226. Travel can be limited by the length of theopening 230 within therecess 226, but this may be esthetically unappealing, in that the fit of thegrip 222 in thecover 16 may look sloppy to the user. - The
actuator 220 is disposed against anactuator base 232 that adjoins theguide 28 of thelens module 22. Theactuator base 232 can be part of theframe 20, or a separate piece, or integral with theguide 28 or mount 26 of thesupport 24. For example, theactuator base 232 and guide 28 can be parts of a one-piece plastic casting. This is convenient in that the alignment of the deployment apparatus with thelens barrel 50 is, to a large extent, a function of the physical positioning of theactuator base 232 alongside theguide 28. In particular embodiments, theguide 28 is hooked to themount 26 and theactuator base 232 and mount 26 are both hooked to theframe 20 to reduce the risk of flexure of one part relative to another during use. - The
slide 224 of theactuator 220 rests against theactuator base 232 and is movable reciprocally on theactuator base 232. Theslide 224 can have a stepped shape (see FIG. 28), in which alower step 236 rides in atrough 238 in theactuator base 232. Arib 240 extends outward from thelower step 236. Therib 240 extends transverse to the direction of movement of theactuator 220. Therib 240 has a pair of opposed faces 239,241. Atransition 242 adjoins thelower step 236 and slopes upward to anupper step 244. Theupper step 244 rides against ashelf 246 of theactuator base 232. Theshelf 246 andtrough 238 are flat where theslide 224 is in contact, but could be modified to reduce friction. Theregion 247 of theactuator base 232 between thetrough 238 and theshelf 246 is cutaway to provide clearance for thetransition 242. - The
actuator base 232 includes a pair offlanges first flange 248 overlaps agroove 252 adjoining thetrough 238 in theactuator base 232. Asimilar groove 254 adjoins the slopedregion 247 of theactuator base 232. Thesecond flange 250 overlaps thesecond groove 254. Thelower step 236 of theslide 224 has atang 256 that is shaped so as to fit infirst groove 252. The upper step of theslide 224 has asimilar tang 257 that fits in thesecond groove 254. The ends of thetrough 238 is open and theslide 224 can flex slightly. This allows theslide 224 to be slid under theflanges camera 10. - A pawl-
arm 258 has aflexible arm 260 that terminates in apawl 262. The pawl-arm 258 is joined to theupper step 244 of theslide 224. Adetent rib 264 protrudes outward from theactuator base 232. The pawl-arm 258 rides against thedetent rib 264 and resiliently biases theactuator 220 toward the primary and secondary positions and away from intermediate positions between the primary and secondary positions. The pawl-arm 258 anddetent rib 264 together provide anactuator over-center mechanism 198 a. Thisover-center mechanism 198 a acts in concert with a second or driveover-center mechanism 198 b that includes theover-center spring 200. - The
upper step 244 of theslide 224 has a fitting 266 that receives theconnector 228 of thegrip 222. In the embodiment shown, thegrip 222 is snap fit into a hole in the upper step of theslide 224. This is convenient, because thegrip 222 is held in place without the use of additional parts and thecamera 10 is easy to assemble. Alternative approaches for attaching parts are well-known to those of skill in the art. - The
actuator base 232 has an outwardly extendingpost 268 and adrive unit seat 270. Thedrive unit seat 270 and post 268 are offset from each other. Adrive unit 272 is seated in thedrive unit seat 270 and is pivotable about a drive axis 274 (shown in FIG. 20) that extends through theseat 270. Thedrive unit 272 and driveunit seat 270 can fit in the manner of a hub and axle; however, it is convenient to provide a snap fit, in which thedrive unit seat 270 is a rimmed hole and the drive unit has asnap connector 273, as shown in some of the figures. - The
drive unit 272 has agear wheel 276 having circumferential teeth. Apost 277 extends upward near the periphery of thegear wheel 276. Thedrive unit 272 has a pair of downwardly extendingstops gear wheel 276, near the periphery of thegear wheel 276. Thepost 268 and stops 278,280 can be radially positioned differently, but the peripheral position shown maximizesdrive unit 272 movement, for a given gear wheel size. Theposts 268 and stops 278,280 can be moved further out radially on extensions (not shown), but this may complicate assembly of the device. Thegear wheel 276 overlaps theslide 224. This reduces space requirements of thedeployment apparatus 218. - The
stops gear wheel 276, to an extent that thestops rib 240 during movement of theactuator 220. Thestops drive unit 272. Angles of less than 180 degrees can be used, but for a given travel of a deployable component, require use of alarger gear wheel 276. This decreases the compactness that is a benefit of thedeployment apparatus 218 described here. - In use, the
gear wheel 276 does not have to have a complete circle of teeth. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 20-32, the teeth in the 90 degree arc between the twostops drive unit 272 can be put in place in a random orientation and can then be rotated in either direction until a correct orientation is reached. Thedeployable component 218 is then assembled with thedrive unit 272 after the correct orientation has been reached. - The
twist ring 66 is toothed to match the movement of thedrive unit 272, that is, the teeth are complementary to the functional teeth of thedrive unit 272. - In the embodiment of FIGS. 20-32, the
drive over-center mechanism 198 b is mounted to theactuator base 232 and thedrive unit 272. Thedrive over-center mechanism 198 b has anover-center spring 200 having aloop first loop 201 is fitted over thepost 277 of thedrive unit 272. Asecond loop 203 is fitted over thepost 268 of theactuator base 232. Theover-center spring 200 biases thedrive unit 272, enmeshed twist ring 6, andtraveler 68 toward the orientations shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 and away from in-between orientations. - Other types of over-center mechanisms can be used in place of those disclosed here. For example, the pawl-
arm 258 anddetent rib 264 can be replaced by an over-center spring like the ones illustrated. (Posts can be added to theactuator base 232 andslider 224 to hold respective loops of the over-center spring.) - The switching of the
lens barrel 50 between retracted and extended positions begins with the user pushing thegrip 222 of theactuator 220. This moves theactuator 220 out of the primary position and toward the secondary position. While theactuator 220 moves away from the primary position, thefirst face 239 of therib 240 of theactuator 220 pushes against thefirst stop 278 of thedrive unit 272. This causes thedrive unit 272 to pivot through the first range of intermediate orientations toward the middle orientation. This pivoting is opposed by theactuatore over-center mechanism 198 a and thedrive over-center mechanism 198 b. Movement of theactuator 220 continues until the middle range of conformations is reached. At this point, the biasing by theactuator over-center mechanism 198 a changes over to biasing toward the secondary position. This forward biasing by theactuator over-center mechanism 198 a is opposite in direction from the continuing biasing by thedrive over-center mechanism 198 b. - When the middle orientation of the
drive unit 272 is reached, thedrive over-center mechanism 198 b changes over and biases in a forward direction toward pivoting of thedrive unit 272 to the second end orientation. At this point, biasing by bothover-center mechanisms actuator 220 continues to move until the secondary position is reached and the actuator stops moving. Thedrive unit 272 continues moving forward under the forward biasing of thedrive over-center mechanism 198 b. Thedrive unit 272, in the illustrated embodiment, moves independently of theactuator 220 after the middle orientation is reached. This results in thefirst stop 278 of thedrive unit 272 moving away from thefirst face 239 of therib 240 of theactuator 220. The biasing of thedrive over-center mechanism 198 b pivots thedrive unit 272 through the second range of intermediate orientations to the second end orientation. Theactuator 220 remains in the secondary position. During the continued pivoting of thedrive unit 272, thesecond stop 280 of thedrive unit 272 comes around and reaches thesecond face 241 of therib 240. - The movement of the lens barrel between positions can be delimited by the
stops stops stops faces rib 240 in limit positions. In the latter case, thestops rib 240 in the limit positions. - In particular embodiments, the
camera 10 has apositioner 62. Thepositioner 62 is used to delimit the position of one or more lens elements. If thepositioner 62 is used to limit travel of alens barrel 72, thepositioner 62 is also referred to herein as a travel stop 62 a. - Referring now to FIGS. 8-10 and33-35, a travel stop 62 a is a ring-shaped one-piece plastic casting that has an
opening 284 centered on theoptical axis 38. The travel stop 62 a has an annularmain portion 298 and askid 286 that extends in an axial direction away from the main portion 288. Theskid 286 and main portion 288 are located radially outward from theopening 284. Theskid 286 is spiraled about theoptical axis 38 toward themount 26. The skid has one ormore ramps 290. Eachramp 290 defines a separate spiral about theoptical axis 38. - The
ramps 290 of theskid 286 of the travel stop 62 a are thefront rest 54, in this embodiment. Theramps 290 engage thefirst contact surface 58 of thelens barrel 50 and delimit the extended position of thelens barrel 50 by blocking further forward movement. (See FIG. 34.) In these embodiments, as earlier described, thelens barrel 50 has amain portion 82 disposed in thecentral passage 40 and a plurality oftrack followers 80 protruding outwardly from themain portion 82. Thefirst contact surface 58 is a part of one of theposts 84 of each of thetrack followers 70. Each portion of thefirst contact surface 58 is relatively small and only contacts a radially aligned segment of therespective ramp 290 in the extended position. The segment is the portion of the ramp in contact with the first contact surface and is thus a small part of the ramp. - In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the travel stop62 a also has one or
more abutments 294 extending axially outward from the main portion 288 of the travel stop 62 a. Eachabutment 298 is arcuate and extends partway around themain portion 298. Theabutments 294 are spaced from the ramp or ramps 290. Eachabutment 294 has one or more contact surfaces 296 that extend along theoptical axis 38. The contact surfaces 296 each have a major dimension parallel to theoptical axis 38. The number, shape, and spacing ofabutments 294 can be varied. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, eachabutment 294 has a first pair of opposed contact surfaces 296 that face each other at the middle of each abutment and a second pair at the opposed ends of eachabutment 294. - In this embodiment, the
guide 28 has one ormore accessways 297 that extend through theforward rim 44. Theaccessways 297 are spaced radially outward from thecentral passage 40. Eachaccessway 297 is shaped like a segment of a ring and is aligned with arespective abutment 294. Theabutments 294 can extend intorespective accessways 297, as shown in FIG. 34, or can be recessed from or extend throughrespective accessways 297. It is currently preferred thatabutments 294 extend forward along theoptical axis 38 and that the main portion 288 of the travel stop 62 a is rearward of theforward rim 44.Abutments 294 can, alternatively, extend radially outward relative to theoptical axis 38. The travel stop 62 a is mounted to theguide 28 adjoining theforward rim 44. Theskid 286 of the travel stop 62 a is located internal to theguide 28. Theramps 290 face themount 26. In the embodiment shown, theskid 286 has threeramps 290 that are spaced from each other, equally spaced about theoptical axis 38, and equally inclined toward themount 26. - The travel stop62 a shown in FIGS. 33-35, has a
forward section 300 and an axially insetrear section 302 of themain portion 298. Theforward section 300 has a rear-facingshoulder 304. In the assembledlens module 22, thetwist ring 66 is trapped between theforward margin 306 of themount 26 and theshoulder 304 of the travel stop 62 a. The travel stop 62 a is trapped between thetwist ring 66 and theforward rim 44 of theguide 28. - The travel stop62 a is pivotable about the
optical axis 38 to a plurality of different orientations of theskid 286 relative to thesupport 24 and theframe 20. The pivoting shifts the segments of the ramps that are in contact with the first contact surface along the respective ramps. Thepositioner 62 is pivoted by pushing against one or more of the contact surfaces 296 of theabutments 294. A spanner or other tool (not shown) having one or more blades or pins can be inserted into one or more accessways and placed against the contact surfaces 296. The tool can then be used to push thepositioner 62 in one or another direction of rotation about theoptical axis 38. Theabutments 294 can also be pushed by hand during camera assembly, prior to placement of the front cover. - The pivoting of the travel stop62 a alters the relative radial alignment of the
skid 286 and thelens barrel 50. As the travel stop 62 a is pivoted, the segments of theramps 290 in contact with the parts of therespective posts 84 move along therespective ramps 290. This changes the axial location of thefirst contact surface 58 and the rest of thelens barrel 50, in the extended position. The travel stop 62 a is adjusted, during assembly, to correct the lens focus for anindividual camera 10. After adjustment, the travel stop 62 a can be retained in place by friction between parts, by clamping or other fastening, or by bonding the travel stop 62 a in place with adhesive or welding or the like. - In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-37 and45, the
abutments 294 of the travel stop 62 b are joined together to form a continuous brim that is external to theforward rim 44 of theguide 28. The travel stop 62 b is held in place by an overlap of theforward rim 44 and aninner margin 330 of the traveler 62 b. The travel stop 62 b is otherwise like those earlier described. - A rear travel stop (not shown) can be provided in addition to or in place of the front travel stop62 a. The rear stop is mounted to the
guide 28 opposite the travel stop 62 a and delimits the location of thelens barrel 50 in the retracted position. The rear travel stop has askid 286 that faces theforward rim 44 of theguide 28. Theskid 286 and other features are otherwise like those earlier discussed. - In particular embodiments a
coverglass 310 is used, in place of a tool, to adjust the travel stop 62 a orother positioner 62. Referring to FIGS. 33, 36-37, and 45, thecoverglass 310 has awindow 312 that is transparent or filtering. Thecoverglass 310 has areinforcement band 314 that supports thewindow 312 and can provide reinforcement against impacts. Anadjuster 316 is joined to thereinforcement band 314. Theadjuster 316 has one ormore lugs 318 that extend toward themount 26. In a particular embodiment, thewindow 312 is curved and has no optical power. - The
coverglass 310 is mounted to theforward rim 44 of the guide 28 (see FIG. 33) or is mounted to the travel stop 62 a (see FIGS. 36-37 and 45). Thewindow 312 is aligned with thecentral passage 40 of thesupport 24. Thelugs 318 are positioned so as to engage the contact surfaces 296 at the middles of theabutments 294 of the travel stop 62 a. (See FIG. 33) Theband 314 engages theouter edges 308 of theabutments 294. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, thelugs 318 extend into theaccessway 297. (See FIGS. 33-34.) Thecoverglass 310 can be a one-piece plastic casting. - The
coverglass 310 is, at least initially, pivotable about theoptical axis 38 relative to thesupport 24. When thecoverglass 310 is rotated, thelugs 318 push the travel stop 62 a, pivoting the travel stop 62 a about theoptical axis 38. - Referring now to FIGS. 38-40, in particular embodiments of the invention, a positioner62 b is used with a lens that does not travel. In this
camera 10, thelens barrel 50 is replaced by afront lens holder 320. Afront lens 322 is held in thefront lens holder 320. Arear lens 326 is held in arear lens holder 328. The position of thefront lens holder 320 is adjusted along theoptical axis 38, relative to therear lens 326, to provide focus adjustment at a single position along theoptical axis 38. This can be a factory adjustment that remains unchanged after the camera is assembled or can be adjustable by the user. - The
front lens holder 320 hascontact surfaces 324 that are pivoted against theramps 290 of theskid 286 to relocate thefront lens 322 along theoptical axis 38, in the same manner as earlier described for the travel stop 62 a. Thecoverglass 310 functions in the same manner as in the previous embodiment. Thecoverglass 310 is mounted to thefront cover 16 and can be pivoted about theoptical axis 38 withlugs 318 of thecoverglass 310 in contact withcontact surfaces 296 ofabutments 294 of thelens holder 320 to rotate thelens holder 320 about theoptical axis 38. In the embodiments of FIGS. 38-40, theabutments 294 extend out radially relative to the optical axis and are joined together into a continuous ring. - The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (28)
1. (cancelled).
2. A camera assembly comprising:
a support defining an optical axis;
a positioner held by said support, said positioner having an opening centered on said optical axis, said positioner being pivotable about said optical axis, to a plurality of different orientations relative to said support;
a coverglass rotatably supported exterior to said positioner, said coverglass having a window disposed over said opening and an adjuster joined to said window, whereby rotation of said coverglass rotates one of said positioner and said support;
wherein one of said support and said positioner has a skid spirally sloped about said optical axis, and said positioner has a abutment spaced from said skid; said adjuster engages said abutment; and said coverglass rotates said positioner to a plurality of different orientations of the respective of said support and said positioner against said skid.
3. The camera assembly of claim 2 wherein said skid is part of said support and said camera assembly further comprising a lens holder positionable against said skid at a different separation from said support, in each of said orientations of said skid.
4. The camera assembly of claim 2 wherein said skid is part of said positioner and said camera assembly further comprising a lens barrel movable along said optical axis between an extended position against said skid and a retracted position in spaced relation to said skid.
5. The camera assembly of claim 4 wherein said lens barrel is non-rotatable about said optical axis.
6. The camera assembly of claim 5 wherein said support has a mount and a guide extending forward from said mount, said guide having a central passage aligned with said optical axis, said lens barrel being movable along said central passage between said extended and retracted positions relative to said mount, said guide having an accessway spaced from said central passage, said adjuster extending through said accessway to said positioner.
7. The camera assembly of claim 6 wherein said lens barrel is disposed against said positioner in said extended position and in spaced relation to said positioner in said retracted position.
8. The camera assembly of claim 6 wherein said guide is non-rotatable relative to said mount.
9. The camera assembly of claim 8 wherein said lens barrel is non-rotatable about said optical axis.
10. The camera assembly of claim 3 wherein said skid is located internal to said support and said abutment is located axially outward from said skid.
11. The camera assembly of claim 3 wherein said abutment extends parallel to said optical axis.
12. A camera assembly comprising:
a support defining an optical axis,
a positioner held by said support, said positioner having an opening centered on said optical axis, said positioner being pivotable about said optical axis, to a plurality of different orientations relative to said support,
a coverglass rotatably supported exterior to said positioner, said coverglass having a window disposed over said opening and an adjuster joined to said window, whereby rotation of said coverglass rotates one of said positioner and said support;
wherein said support has a mount and a guide extending forward from said mount, said guide having a central passage aligned with said optical axis, said guide having an accessway spaced from said central passage, said adjuster extending through said accessway to said positioner.
13. The camera assembly of claim 12 wherein said guide is non-rotatable relative to said mount.
14. The camera assembly of claim 4 2 wherein said coverglass is a one-piece plastic casting.
15. The camera assembly of claim 14 wherein said window is curved and has no optical power.
16. A camera assembly comprising:
a mount defining an optical axis;
a guide extending forward from said mount, said guide having a central passage aligned with said optical axis and an accessway disposed radially outward from said central passage;
a travel stop mounted to said guide, said travel stop being pivotable about said optical axis, said travel stop having a ramp inclined toward said mount and a abutment aligned with said accessway;
a lens barrel movable along said central passage between an extended position delimited by said ramp and a retracted position in spaced relation to said travel stop; and
a coverglass mounted on said guide, said coverglass having a window disposed over said passage and an adjuster joined to said window, said adjuster extending through said accessway to said abutment, said coverglass being pivotable about said optical axis with said adjuster and said abutment in engagement;
whereby rotation of said coverglass relocates said extended position, relative to said mount, along said optical axis.
17. The camera assembly of claim 16 wherein said lens barrel contacts said skid in said extended position.
18. The camera assembly of claim 16 wherein said travel stop has one or more ramps, each said ramp being inclined toward said support, and said lens barrel engages said ramps in said extended position.
19. The camera assembly of claim 18 wherein said lens barrel has a main portion disposed in said central passage and a plurality of track followers protruding outwardly from said main portion, said tracker followers engaging respective said ramps when said lens barrel is in said extended position.
20. The camera assembly of claim 16 wherein said skid is located internal to said guide.
21. The camera assembly of claim 16 wherein said guide blocks rotation of said lens barrel.
22. The camera assembly of claim 16 wherein said guide has a forward rim and said travel stop is mounted to said forward rim.
23. The camera assembly of claim 22 wherein said accessway extends through said forward rim, and said abutment is disposed in said accessway.
24. A camera assembly comprising:
a mount defining an optical axis;
a guide extending forward from said mount, said guide having a forward rim having an accessway;
a travel stop mounted to said forward rim, said travel stop having a skid disposed internal to said guide, said skid having at least one ramp sloped toward said support, said travel stop being pivotable about said optical axis, relative to said guide;
a lens barrel movable along said optical axis between an extended position and a retracted position relative to said mount, said extended position being delimited by engagement of said lens barrel and said skid; and
a coverglass mounted on said guide, said coverglass having a window disposed over said passage and an adjuster joined to said window, said adjuster being disposed in said accessway, wherein said coverglass is pivotable about said optical axis in engagement with said travel stop.
25. The camera assembly of claim 19 and wherein said skid has a plurality of ramps disposed at equal angular spacings about said travel stop and equal inclinations toward said mount; and said lens barrel engages each of said ramps in said extended position.
26. A camera assembly comprising:
a mount defining an optical axis;
a guide extending forward from said mount, said guide having a forward rim, said guide encircling a central passage, said guide having an accessway extending through said forward rim, said accessway being disposed radially outward from said central passage;
a travel stop encircling said central passage, said travel stop having a abutment disposed in said accessway, said travel stop having a plurality of ramps disposed internal to said guide, said ramps being spaced apart, said ramps being inclined equally toward said support;
a lens barrel having a main portion disposed in said central passage and a plurality of track followers protruding outwardly from said main portion, said lens barrel being movable along said optical axis between an extended position and a retracted position relative to said mount, said track followers each engaging a respective said ramp in said extended position.
27. The camera assembly of claim 26 wherein travel stop is bonded to said guide.
28. The camera assembly of claim 27 wherein said guide is snapped to said mount.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/447,701 US6834161B1 (en) | 2003-05-29 | 2003-05-29 | Camera assembly having coverglass-lens adjuster |
JP2004148745A JP2004354992A (en) | 2003-05-29 | 2004-05-19 | Camera assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/447,701 US6834161B1 (en) | 2003-05-29 | 2003-05-29 | Camera assembly having coverglass-lens adjuster |
Publications (2)
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US20040240870A1 true US20040240870A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
US6834161B1 US6834161B1 (en) | 2004-12-21 |
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US10/447,701 Expired - Fee Related US6834161B1 (en) | 2003-05-29 | 2003-05-29 | Camera assembly having coverglass-lens adjuster |
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USD1004675S1 (en) | 2020-08-28 | 2023-11-14 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera lens attachment |
USD967890S1 (en) | 2020-08-28 | 2022-10-25 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera lens attachment |
USD1018635S1 (en) | 2020-08-28 | 2024-03-19 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera lens attachment |
USD1018633S1 (en) | 2020-08-28 | 2024-03-19 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera lens attachment |
US11528417B2 (en) | 2020-08-31 | 2022-12-13 | Gopro, Inc. | Calibrating an image capture device with a detachable lens |
US11600023B2 (en) | 2020-08-31 | 2023-03-07 | Gopro, Inc. | Optical center calibration |
Also Published As
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JP2004354992A (en) | 2004-12-16 |
US6834161B1 (en) | 2004-12-21 |
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