electronic devices

Abstract

Electronic device. An electronic viewfinder unit provided in an imaging device is capable of moving between a stored state in which the electronic viewfinder unit is stored in a main body and a protruding state in which the electronic viewfinder unit protrudes from the main body. The electronic viewfinder unit includes: a viewfinder having a display device, an eyepiece portion, and a lens holder. The eyepiece portion is capable of sliding between an inserted position and a pulled-out position along the optical axis direction of the lens. In the protruding state, at a position in which the eyepiece portion is pulled out, the viewfinder is capable of rotating around an axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens. Movement of the eyepiece portion from the pulled-out position to the inserted position is restricted both during a rotation operation of the viewfinder and in a state in which the rotation operation has been completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device provided with a movable display. Background Art

[0002] Some electronic viewfinders (hereinafter referred to simply as "viewfinders") provided in imaging apparatuses have a configuration in which the viewfinder is movable between a state in which the viewfinder is stored in the camera body (stored state) and a state in which the viewfinder protrudes from the camera body (protruding state). In the imaging apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-227901, the viewfinder is stored in the camera body when not in use, and when in use, the viewfinder slides toward the upper portion of the camera body due to lever operation, and the viewfinder transitions to the protruding state.

[0003] In the conventional technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-227901, since the viewfinder cannot be rotated in the protruding state, the angle of the viewfinder cannot be changed according to the shooting posture of the photographer.

[0004] Furthermore, the viewfinder, which can be stored in the main body of the imaging device, is configured to slide along the optical axis between a position where the viewfinder eyepiece portion is usable and a position where it is not usable. Specifically, when the viewfinder is stored, it is positioned in a non-use position where it is inserted, thereby saving space. Therefore, if the position of the viewfinder changes from the use position to the non-use position due to unintended contact with the viewfinder eyepiece during operation, user convenience may be compromised. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an electronic device provided with a viewfinder movable between a state housed in a main body and a state protruding from the main body, and capable of suppressing transition of the rotatable viewfinder to an undesirable state in the protruding state.

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device that is capable of moving between a stored state in which a display is stored in a main body and a protruding state in which the display protrudes from the main body, the display including: a viewfinder having a movable eyepiece portion; and a limiting unit configured to limit the movement of the eyepiece portion, wherein if the viewfinder is rotated around an axis orthogonal to a moving direction of the eyepiece portion in the protruding state, the limiting unit limits the movement of the eyepiece portion.

[0007] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A and Figure 1BIt is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration according to the present embodiment.

[0010] Figures 3A to 3C It is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus in a state where the viewfinder unit is protruding.

[0011] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the viewfinder unit.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a viewfinder.

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the viewfinder substrate unit.

[0014] 7A to 7C It is an exploded perspective view showing the hinge device of the viewfinder unit.

[0015] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a viewfinder top unit.

[0016] Figures 9A to 9C This is an exploded perspective view showing how the components of the viewfinder unit are assembled.

[0017] Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the slide lock lever unit.

[0018] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The slide lock mechanism of the viewfinder unit is shown.

[0019] 12A to 12D The slide operation and tilt operation of the viewfinder unit are shown.

[0020] Figure 13 Shown is the state switching by sliding the lock lever operation.

[0021] Figure 14A and Figure 14B The operation of the slide lock lever of the viewfinder unit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the various figures, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. While this embodiment describes an example of application to an imaging device equipped with a movable viewfinder, the present invention is applicable to various electronic devices equipped with movable display units.

[0023] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , a configuration example of the image pickup apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1A and Figure 1B It is a perspective view of the image pickup apparatus 1 and shows a state in which the viewfinder unit 20 is stored. Figure 1A is a front perspective view of the camera device 1, Figure 1B 1 is a perspective view of the back of the camera 1. Figure 1A In the imaging apparatus 1 shown, the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the imaging apparatus 1 is defined as the X direction, and the right side when viewed from the subject side is defined as the positive side. The up-down direction (vertical direction) of the imaging apparatus 1 is defined as the Y direction, and the upper side is defined as the positive side. The Y direction is the direction in which the viewfinder unit 20 moves from the stored state to the protruding state. The optical axis direction of the lens barrel unit 2 is defined as the Z direction, and the subject side is defined as the positive side. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in other figures are based on Figure 1A The definition in .

[0024] The imaging device 1 is composed of a lens barrel unit 2 equipped with an imaging optical system and a device main body (hereinafter referred to as the "main body"). The lens barrel unit 2 retracts into the imaging device 1 when stored. The main body is equipped with a small movable electronic viewfinder (EVF). The main body is equipped with an imaging element (not shown) and generates image data by photoelectrically converting the optical image of the subject formed by the multiple shooting lenses that constitute the imaging optical system. In addition, the main body is equipped with a main substrate, a sub-substrate, etc. for mounting a processing circuit. The processing circuit converts the image data obtained from the imaging element into digital information.

[0025] The main body is provided with a plurality of operating members. The release button 3 is arranged on the upper surface of the main body, and when the user performs a full-press operation, the shooting operation is started, thereby recording the image data of the subject image on a recording medium (not shown). The zoom lever 4 is a rotatable operating member arranged on the periphery of the release button 3, and performs a zoom operation according to the rotation operation. The power button 5 is used to switch between an ON state (use state) and an OFF state (non-use state) in which the power button 5 is pressed by the user. The display device 6 is provided on the back of the camera apparatus 1, and is used to confirm the subject to be photographed and reproduce and display the captured image.

[0026] The main body of the imaging apparatus 1 is covered by a front cover 7, a rear cover 8, and a top cover 9 serving as exterior members. The top cover 9 includes a portion forming an exterior surface of the upper portion of the imaging apparatus 1 and a portion forming an opening 9a for the viewfinder unit 20. The side cover 10 forms a portion of the exterior surface located on the side of the main body of the imaging apparatus 1.

[0027] The viewfinder unit 20 is held in the main body by a locking mechanism in the stored state shown in FIG1 . The release lever 11 is held on the side cover 10 and can be slidably operated. When the user operates the release lever 11, the lock of the viewfinder unit 20 is released, and the viewfinder unit 20 is released by the force member (see FIG1 ). Figure 4 The protruding spring 38 in the image pickup apparatus 1 protrudes upward in the Y direction.

[0028] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an imaging system including a lens barrel unit 2 and a main body. The optical system includes a photographing lens 201 and a shutter 202 having an aperture function. The lens barrel 200 covers the portion including the photographing lens 201 to reduce dirt.

[0029] The imaging unit 203 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The imaging element converts an optical image input through the optical system into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 204 converts analog signals from the imaging unit 203 into digital signals, or converts analog signals from the audio controller 205 into digital signals. The timing generation unit 207 is controlled by the memory controller 208 and the system controller 209, and supplies clock signals and control signals to the imaging unit 203, the A / D converter 204, the audio controller 205, and the D / A converter 210.

[0030] The image processing unit 211 performs processing such as pixel interpolation, resizing, and color conversion on the output data from the A / D converter 204 and the data stored in the memory 212. The image processing unit 211 performs calculations on the image data acquired through imaging, and the system controller 209 performs exposure control, distance measurement control, and the like based on the calculation results. Thus, the image processing unit 211 performs AF (autofocus), AE (autoexposure), and EF (flash pre-flash) processing for a TTL (time-to-focus) system. The image processing unit 211 also performs AWB (auto white balance) processing for a TTL system based on the calculation results obtained using the image data acquired through imaging.

[0031] The output data of the A / D converter 204 is written to the memory 212 via the image processing unit 211 and the memory controller 208 or directly via the memory controller 208. The memory 212 stores audio data acquired by the microphone 213, still images and moving images after capture, and information such as file headers added to images when image files are formed. The memory 212 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined amount of moving images, and audio data.

[0032] The compression / decompression unit 214 writes data into the memory 212, in which the captured image stored in the memory 212 following the operation of the shutter 202 as a trigger has been read and compressed using adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The compression / decompression unit 214 also writes data into the memory 212, in which the compressed image has been read from the memory 212 and decompressed. The image data written to the memory 212 by the compression / decompression unit 214 is subjected to file conversion by the system controller 209 and recorded in the recording medium 215 via the recording medium I / F (interface) 216.

[0033] The memory 212 is also used as an image display memory. The image display unit 217 retrieves the display image data written to the memory 212 from the D / A converter 210 and displays it. The audio signal output from the microphone 213 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 204 via the audio controller 205, which is composed of an amplifier, and then stored in the memory 212 via the storage controller 208. In contrast, the recorded audio data of the recording medium 215 is read into the memory 212, processed by the audio controller 205 via the D / A converter 210, and then sound is generated by the speaker 218.

[0034] The system controller 209 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the entire imaging apparatus. The system memory 219 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like used for the operation of the system controller 209. The nonvolatile memory 220 is electrically erasable and recordable, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or the like is used as the nonvolatile memory 220.

[0035] The operation unit 221, mode selection switch 222, shutter button 223, and power switch 224 are illustrated as operating components for various operational commands. The operation unit 221 is composed of various buttons and a touch panel. The mode selection switch 222 is used to switch between various modes, such as still image capture, continuous capture, moving image capture, and playback. The state of the shutter switches (SW1, SW2) is determined by operating the shutter button 223. The first switch SW1 is turned on by half-pressing the shutter button 223 and provides a command to start operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing. The second switch SW2 is turned on by fully pressing the shutter button 223 and provides a command to start the series of imaging operations (from reading the signal from the imaging unit 203 to writing the image data to the recording medium 215). The user can operate the icons or touch panel by making settings using the direction keys or setting buttons while viewing the screen of the image display unit 217. The power switch 224 switches the power on and off.

[0036] The power controller 225 detects the battery and other components, and based on the detection results and instructions from the system controller 209, controls the DC-DC converter and switches the power supply blocks and other components. The power controller 225 controls the power supply to various components, including the recording medium 215. The power supply unit 226 includes a primary or secondary battery, an AC adapter, and the like. The power supply unit 226 and the power controller 225 are connected via a power connector.

[0037] The RTC (Real Time Clock) 227 internally holds a power supply unit and keeps time independently of the power supply from the power supply unit 226. When the system is started, the system controller 209 performs timing control using the date and time data acquired from the RTC 227. The recording medium installation / removal detection unit 228 detects whether the recording medium 215 is installed in the recording medium slot and outputs a detection signal to the system controller 209. The communication unit 229 performs communication processing according to various communication protocols. The communication connector 230 (an antenna in wireless communication) connects the imaging apparatus 1 to external devices for communication via the communication unit 229.

[0038] The detection unit 231 includes a detection sensor substrate (in Figure 5 The detection unit 231 detects whether the viewfinder 41 has been pulled out and is in a usable state. The detection unit 231 performs detection using sensors that utilize mechanical and optical methods. When the detection unit 231 detects that the viewfinder 41 is in a usable state and further detects that a user is observing the viewfinder 41, the system controller 209 controls the image display unit 217 to switch the display image so that the image is displayed on the screen of the viewfinder 41. The user can confirm the image displayed on the screen of the viewfinder 41.

[0039] Next, we will refer to Figures 3A to 3C The operation of the viewfinder unit 20 is described. Figures 3A to 3C It is a rear perspective view of the image pickup apparatus 1 for explaining an operation of protruding the viewfinder unit 20 . Figure 3A The viewfinder unit 20 is shown in a state where it protrudes upward in the Y direction from the stored state due to the operation of the release lever 11 arranged on the side cover 10 of the imaging apparatus 1. The eyepiece window 22 is fixed to the eyepiece portion 28. The sensor window 23 is provided on the upper side of the eyepiece window 22. The sensor window 23 is located through the internal eyepiece sensor 72 (see FIG. Figure 5 The eyepiece sensor 72 detects that the user observes the eyepiece portion 28 and outputs a signal for switching image display to the viewfinder unit 20.

[0040] The viewfinder unit 20 is Figure 3A The prominent state of Figure 3B state transition. Figure 3B The eyepiece portion 28 is shown in a state in which the viewfinder unit 20 is extended toward the rear side of the main body (-Z direction). In this state, the viewfinder unit 20 can be used, and the user can confirm, for example, the subject image to be captured and the reproduction and display of the captured image while observing the screen of the eyepiece portion 28.

[0041] Figure 3C The viewfinder 41 including the eyepiece portion 28 is shown in FIG. Figure 3B The viewfinder 41 is shown in a state of rotation about the X-axis (axis in the X direction) in the usable state. The viewfinder 41 can be rotated up to an angle of approximately 90 degrees, with the eyepiece portion 28 being parallel to the top cover 9. At this point, the eyepiece window 22 faces upward (in the +Y direction) from the imaging device 1. Therefore, the user can view the subject image to be captured, as well as the reproduction and display of the captured image, from the top surface of the imaging device 1.

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the configuration of the viewfinder unit 20 will be described. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the viewfinder unit 20. The viewfinder unit 20 includes an exterior cover 21, a pop-up mechanism unit 31, a viewfinder 41, and a viewfinder substrate unit 51. The exterior cover 21 is a covering member that covers the side and front surfaces of the viewfinder 41. The exterior cover 21 is made by stamping a metal plate and forms the outer surface of the main body.

[0043] The pop-up mechanism unit 31 is capable of sliding in the Y direction and switching the viewfinder unit 20 between a stored state and a protruding state. The base plate 32 is made by stamping a metal plate. Two guide rods 33 and 33 formed of a metal material are fixed to the base plate 32 by riveting. The locking pin 32a is fixed to the base plate 32 by riveting. Each guide rod 33 is formed with a flange-shaped portion 33a, a portion of which is radially expanded. The hinge device 81 connected to the base plate 32 in a manner that can rotate around an axis in the X direction is retained at the upper portion of the base plate 32 in the Y direction.

[0044] The viewfinder holder 30 is formed of a resin material. Two guide rods 33 and 33 are inserted into the viewfinder holder 30 to slidably hold the guide rods 33 in the Y direction. When the flange-shaped portion 33a of the guide rod 33 contacts the viewfinder holder 30, the position of the viewfinder unit 20 in the Y direction when it protrudes is determined. The viewfinder holder 30 is positioned relative to the front cover 7 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1A ) is positioned and then fixed.

[0045] Two protruding springs 38 and 38 are elastic members housed within the viewfinder holder 30. The protruding springs 38 urge the corresponding guide rods 33 in the +Y direction. The sub-plate 35 is a member manufactured by stamping a metal plate. The sub-plate 35 is positioned and fixed to the viewfinder holder 30 such that a portion of the sub-plate 35 contacts and presses against the ends of the protruding springs 38 and 38.

[0046] The eject lock lever 36 is rotatably held on the sub-plate 35 by a rivet pin 37 protruding in the X direction. The eject (hereinafter also referred to as "PU") lock lever 36 includes a locking claw 36a. The biasing spring 34 is held by locking one end thereof to the PU lock lever 36 and the other end thereof to the sub-plate 35. The biasing spring 34 biases the PU lock lever 36 in one direction. When the user operates Figure 1A When the release lever 11 is released, the PU locking lever 36 rotates around the rivet pin 37.

[0047] When the viewfinder unit 20 is stored, the locking pin 32a of the base plate 32 is locked by the locking claw 36a of the PU lock lever 36. That is, the stored state is maintained by the locking relationship between these components. When the viewfinder unit 20 is used, the PU lock lever 36 is released by the release lever 11 (see FIG. Figure 1A ) operation to rotate to release the lock of the lock pin 32a. The protrusion operation of the viewfinder unit 20 is performed by the force of the protrusion spring 38.

[0048] Will refer to Figure 5 The exploded perspective view of FIG4 illustrates the structure of the viewfinder 41. The viewfinder 41 includes a display device 46, the eyepiece portion 28, a lens holder 42, and a guide tube 43. The lens holder 42 holds an optical member (lens group) that guides the light beam emitted from the display device 46 to the eyepiece portion 28. The eyepiece portion 28 is movable along the optical axis of the optical member (lens group).

[0049] The guide cylinder 43 is a guide member that holds the lens holder 42 so that it can move in the Z direction. A guide shaft 44 passes through the flange portion 43a of the guide cylinder 43. The guide shaft 44 is a member that guides the guide cylinder 43 so that it can move in the Z direction. One end of the guide shaft 44 is fixed to the fixed cylinder 45. The guide cylinder 43 has a plurality of locking claws 43c on its side surface. A sealing member 43b, provided on the outer periphery of the flange portion 43a of the guide cylinder 43, seals the gap between the fixed cylinder 45 and the guide cylinder 43, thereby achieving a dust-proof structure.

[0050] The eyepiece portion 28 is locked to the guide barrel 43 by a locking claw 43c located on the side of the guide barrel 43. When the user pulls out the eyepiece portion 28 in the Z direction, the guide barrel 43 pivotally supported by the guide shaft 44 and the lens holder 42 inside the guide barrel 43 are translated integrally, thereby making the viewfinder 41 available for use.

[0051] The display unit holder 47 is a holding member for the display device 46, wherein the display device 46 is fixed by adhesive bonding using double-sided tape. The display unit holder 47 is provided with a locking claw 47a on its side and is integrated by a locking portion 45a formed in the fixing cylinder 45. The display unit cover 48 is a covering member that covers the back of the display device 46 and is positioned and fixed to the fixing cylinder 45. The fixing cylinder 45 is provided with a screw seat 45b for fixing to the arm plate 82 described later (see Figure 7A ).

[0052] The cam member 61 is arranged inside the guide cylinder 43 and is integrally connected to the diopter adjustment lever 60 arranged outside the guide cylinder 43, slidably engaging with the guide cylinder 43. When the diopter adjustment lever 60 is rotated, the lens holder 42 moves in the Z direction inside the guide cylinder 43 via the cam member 61. In other words, the user can adjust the diopter of the viewfinder by rotating the diopter adjustment lever 60.

[0053] The detection sensor substrate 71 is a flexible wiring member electrically connected to the eyepiece sensor 72 and the pull-out detection sensor 73. The eyepiece sensor 72 detects that the user is looking at the eyepiece portion 28, and outputs a signal for displaying an image on the display device 6 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1B ) is switched to a signal of the viewfinder unit 20. The pull-out detection sensor 73 detects that the eyepiece portion 28 is pulled out and outputs a signal for activating the eyepiece sensor 72. The detection sensor substrate 71 is mounted together with the eyepiece sensor 72 and the pull-out detection sensor 73. The eyepiece sensor 72 and the pull-out detection sensor 73 are included in Figure 2 In the detection unit 231 shown.

[0054] Will refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B The configuration of the viewfinder substrate unit 51 is described. The viewfinder substrate unit 51 is provided between the viewfinder 41 and the ejection mechanism unit 31. Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view of the viewfinder substrate unit 51 when viewed from the upper surface side. Figure 6B 1 and 2 are perspective views of the finder substrate 53 as viewed from the rear side. The finder substrate 53 is fixed to the finder substrate base 52 .

[0055] The viewfinder substrate 53 has a connector 53a on its upper surface side, and is connected to a flexible board wired from the display device 46. The viewfinder substrate 53 has a connector 53b and a connector 53c on its back side. The connector 53b is connected to the detection sensor substrate 71. The connector 53c is connected to a flexible substrate (not shown) for transmitting image signals and the like from a main substrate (not shown) in the imaging apparatus 1.

[0056] The rotation lock member 54 is a member for locking the fixed cylinder 45 and is biased in one direction by a biasing spring 55. A rotation lock shaft 56 passes through the rotation lock member 54, and both ends of the rotation lock shaft 56 are supported by the viewfinder base 52. In other words, the rotation lock member 54 is a member that rotates about the rotation lock shaft 56 toward the fixed cylinder 45. The rotation lock shaft 56 can be formed integrally with the rotation lock member 54.

[0057] The rotation locking member 54 remains covered by the side surface of the eyepiece portion 28 until the viewfinder unit 20 is moved from the stored state to the state protruding in the +Y direction. In this state, the rotation locking member 54 cannot be rotated in the direction of releasing the lock of the fixed cylinder 45. Therefore, when the viewfinder unit 20 is moved from the stored state to the protruding state, the viewfinder 41 remains in the securely locked state and does not transition to an unintended state.

[0058] When the eyepiece portion 28 is pulled out in the -Z direction, the rotation locking member 54 is exposed from the side surface of the eyepiece portion 28. That is, in this state, the rotation locking member 54 can be rotated in the direction of releasing the lock of the fixed cylinder 45. The viewfinder 41 becomes rotatable in a state in which the lock of the fixed cylinder 45 by the rotation locking member 54 is released.

[0059] Next, refer to 7A to 7C Next, the structure of the hinge device 81 will be described. The hinge device 81 connects the viewfinder 41 to the main body of the imaging apparatus 1 in a rotatable manner. This rotation is a movement around the X axis. Figure 7A It is an exploded perspective view of the hinge device 81. Figure 7B and Figure 7C The hinge device 81 includes a base plate 32 , an arm plate 82 , a rivet pin 83 , and a coil spring 84 .

[0060] The base plate 32 is a component serving as a structural member of the viewfinder unit 20 and is produced by stamping a metal plate. The base plate 32 is mounted with the guide bars 33 and 33 described above, the exterior cover 21, and the viewfinder substrate unit 51 (see FIG. Figure 4 The base plate 32 includes a first side surface 32c and a second side surface 32d. These side surfaces are parallel to the optical axis direction (Z direction) of the viewfinder lens and the movement direction (Y direction) of the viewfinder unit 20. A hole 32f is provided in each of the first side surface 32c and the second side surface 32d. A rotation restricting portion 32g is formed near the hole 32f.

[0061] The planar portion 32e extends in the Y direction within the base plate 32 and is located farther from the first side surface 32c and the second side surface 32d in the +Z direction. The first side surface 32c and the second side surface 32d, which are parallel to each other, are connected to the planar portion 32e. Specifically, the first side surface 32c, the second side surface 32d, and the planar portion 32e form a generally U-shape in a cross section (XZ plane) perpendicular to the direction of movement of the viewfinder unit 20.

[0062] The arm plate 82 is an arm member formed by stamping a metal plate and includes a first arm 82a and a second arm 82b. The first arm 82a and the second arm 82b are connected by a connecting portion 82c extending in the X direction. The first arm 82a and the second arm 82b each have a hole 82d. A bent portion 82e extending axially of the hole 82d is provided near the hole 82d.

[0063] The hole 32f of the base plate 32 and the hole 82d of the arm plate 82 are coaxially arranged. Figure 7A The rotation axis 70A shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7 is the central axis about which the viewfinder 41 rotates. When the arm plate 82 rotates upward by approximately 90 degrees, the bent portion 82e of the arm plate 82 contacts the rotation limiting portion 32g of the base plate 32, thereby limiting the upward rotation angle of the viewfinder 41.

[0064] The rivet pin 83 is inserted into the hole 32f of the base plate 32, the hole 82d of the arm plate 82, and the hole 84a of the coil spring 84, and then riveted. Thus, the arm plate 82 is connected to the base plate 32 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis 70A, and the rivet pin 83 is prevented from falling out. Since the coil spring 84 is fixed in a state bent along the rotation axis, rotational torque is applied when the viewfinder 41 rotates about the rotation axis 70A.

[0065] With the above configuration, the arm plate 82 can be held at any rotational position relative to the base plate 32. In this embodiment, although the coil spring 84 is arranged only on one side (-X side) of the rotation axis 70A, the coil spring 84 may be arranged on both sides of the rotation axis 70A.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 8 , the configuration of the viewfinder top unit 91 will be described. The viewfinder top unit 91 is a member that forms the upper surface of the viewfinder unit 20 on the exterior side. Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of the viewfinder top unit 91 when viewed from the rear side.

[0067] The upper surface of the viewfinder unit 20 on the exterior side is covered by a cover portion 92a of a top cover member 92. The side surfaces of the top cover member 92 are provided with holes 92b. The holes 92b are coaxially located on each side surface of the top cover member 92 so that stepped screws 93 serving as the rotation axis of the top cover member 92 can be inserted. The holes 92b are provided on the rotation axis 70A ( Figure 7A ) on the eyepiece portion 28 side in the Z direction.

[0068] In the arm plate 82, two screw holes 82f are provided coaxially with the hole 92b of the top cover member 92. The screw holes 82f are each located near the end separated from the hole 82d of each of the first arm 82a and the second arm 82b, and support a stepped screw 93 serving as the rotation axis of the top cover member 92. The two stepped screws 93 are respectively inserted into the holes 92b of the top cover member 92 and fixed by being screwed into the screw holes 82f that pass through the arm plate 82. As a result, the top cover member 92 and the arm plate 82 are able to rotate around the top cover member 92. Figure 8 The rotation axes 80B shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 8 are connected to each other in a rotational manner.

[0069] The top cover force member 94 is a member formed roughly into a U shape and having two holes 94a, which is made by stamping a metal plate. Two shafts 92c are provided on the hidden surface (back surface) of the top cover member 92. These shafts are inserted into the holes 94a of the top cover force member 94, and the top cover force member 94 is fixed to the top cover member 92 by heat riveting. The top cover force member 94 has a plurality of elastic deformation portions 94b. When the elastic deformation portion 94b hooks the connecting portion 82c of the arm plate 82, the top cover force member 94 applies force to the top cover member 92 toward the arm plate 82. In the present embodiment, a structure using a leaf spring as a component for applying force to the top cover member 92 toward the arm plate 82 is described. Elastic members such as torsion springs and rubber can be used.

[0070] Will refer to Figures 9A to 9C The assembly of the viewfinder unit 20 will be described. Figures 9A to 9C is an exploded perspective view showing how the viewfinder unit 20 is assembled. Figure 9A 4. The state before the viewfinder 41 is attached to the ejection mechanism unit 31 is shown. The fixing cylinder 45 of the viewfinder 41 is provided with fixing screw seats 45b and 45b. The arm plate 82 is provided with two holes 82g and 82g for inserting the viewfinder fixing screws 85.

[0071] In the hinge assembly 81 of the pop-up mechanism unit 31, the viewfinder 41 is assembled and positioned on the arm plate 82, with the arm plate 82 rotated approximately 90 degrees. A viewfinder fixing screw 85 is passed through a hole 82g in the arm plate 82 and fastened to a screw seat 45b of the fixing cylinder 45, thereby securing the viewfinder 41 to the arm plate 82. Since the hinge assembly 81 is pre-unitized and rotatably held relative to the pop-up mechanism unit 31, assembly of the viewfinder 41 is facilitated.

[0072] Figure 9B FIG. 4 shows a state where the viewfinder 41 is fixed to the arm plate 82. Figure 9B In the state shown, the flexible board 46a of the display device 46 and the detection sensor substrate 71 wired from the viewfinder 41 are connected to the connectors 53a and 53b of the viewfinder substrate 53, respectively (see FIG. Figure 6A and Figure 6B ). Subsequently, the viewfinder substrate unit 51 is positioned relative to the base plate 32 and fixed by the screws 86.

[0073] Figure 9C The viewfinder 41 is shown along the rotation axis 70A. Figure 9B The exterior cover 21 is assembled to the base plate 32 from the front side in the optical axis direction of the viewfinder and fixed with a plurality of screws 87. As a result, the first side surface 32c, the second side surface 32d, the flat surface portion 32e of the base plate 32, and the side wall 28a of the eyepiece portion 28, which are structural members, are covered by the exterior cover 21.

[0074] Reference Figure 10 , the configuration of the slide lock lever unit 101 in the viewfinder 41 will be described. Figure 10 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the slide lock lever unit 101. The slide lock lever unit 101 includes a slide lock lever 102, an urging spring 103, a rotation shaft 104, a holder member 105, and a fastening screw 106.

[0075] The slide lock lever (hereinafter referred to as "lock lever") 102 has a hole 102a through which the rotation shaft 104 is inserted. The rotation shaft 104 is inserted into the hole 102a of the urging spring 103 and the lock lever 102. In this state, the front end 104a of the rotation shaft 104 is riveted to the holder member 105. The lock lever 102 has a locking portion 102b ( Figure 11A and Figure 11B ).

[0076] The holder member 105 is attached to the fixed cylinder 45 by a fastening screw 106. The fixed cylinder 45 is provided with a fixing portion 45c corresponding to the fastening screw 106, thereby fixing the holder member 105 to the fixed cylinder 45. Thus, the slide lock lever unit 101 is attached to the fixed cylinder 45. The lock lever 102 is rotatably held on the rotation shaft 104 while being biased in one rotational direction by the biasing spring 103.

[0077] Will refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B The operation of the lock lever 102 will be described. Figure 11A The rotational position of the lock lever 102 at the viewfinder 41 at the position where the eyepiece portion 28 is inserted in the +Z direction is shown. Figure 11B The rotational position of the lock lever 102 at the position where the eyepiece portion 28 is pulled out in the −Z direction is shown.

[0078] Figure 11A The eyepiece portion 28 is shown inserted in the +Z direction. The locking lever 102 is biased by a spring 103 ( Figure 10 ) is rotatably applied and held. The locking lever 102 is rotatable about the rotation axis 104 along Figure 11A The lock lever 102 is biased in the direction of arrow B (counterclockwise) in the right figure. In this state, the lock portion 102b of the lock lever 102 is positioned further toward the interior of the viewfinder unit 20, that is, toward the -X direction, than the stopper wall 28b formed in the eyepiece portion 28. Therefore, the eyepiece portion 28 can slide in the -Z direction.

[0079] Figure 11B The eyepiece portion 28 is shown pulled out in the -Z direction. The locking lever 102 is pulled out in the -Z direction due to the structure described later. Figure 11A That is, the locking lever 102 is movable in a direction opposite to the direction in the right figure. Figure 11B The lock lever 102 is rotated in the direction of arrow C (clockwise) in the right figure. In this state, the lock portion 102b of the lock lever 102 is located at a position where it overlaps with the stopper wall 28b formed on the eyepiece portion 28 in projection. Therefore, the sliding movement of the eyepiece portion 28 in the Z direction is restricted.

[0080] Reference 12A to 12D Referring to the operation diagram shown, the relationship between the operation of the finder unit 20 and the slide lock mechanism of the eyepiece portion 28 will be described. Figure 12A A state is shown in which the viewfinder 41 is ejected and the eyepiece portion 28 is inserted. Figure 12B The eyepiece portion 28 is shown Figure 12A The state of the pull-out state.

[0081] like Figure 12A and Figure 12BAs shown, the eyepiece portion 28 is parallel to the optical axis direction of the viewfinder in the direction ( Figure 12B The device is slidably held in the direction of the arrow D in FIG.

[0082] Figure 12C The state in which the pop-up viewfinder 41 is further tilted upward is shown. Figure 12D The viewfinder 41 is shown from Figure 12C The state shown is further tilted and rotated 90 degrees. 90 degrees is the maximum angle in this configuration. Figure 12C and Figure 12D In the illustrated state, the sliding operation of the eyepiece portion 28 in the direction parallel to the optical axis direction inside the viewfinder (the directions of arrows E and F) is restricted by the lock lever 102 .

[0083] In this embodiment, the sliding operation of the eyepiece portion 28 is restricted during and after the user performs the tilting operation of the viewfinder 41. If the user accidentally presses the eyepiece portion 28, the eyepiece portion 28 can be prevented from sliding in the insertion direction.

[0084] Next, refer to Figure 13 , a configuration in which the lock member (lock lever 102 ) performs switching between a state in which the eyepiece portion 28 is allowed to slide and a state in which the sliding of the eyepiece portion 28 is restricted will be described in detail. Figure 13 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the viewfinder 41 is tilted and rotated at a predetermined angle. This state indicates that the eyepiece portion 28 is pulled out in the -Z direction, tilted upward, and stopped. In this state, the locking lever 102 is in the Figure 11B The cam portion 52a is formed on the viewfinder base 52, and the rotation locking member 54 is arranged on the viewfinder base 52. The cam portion 52a is formed so as to be in a state where the viewfinder 41 is locked by the rotation locking member 54 ( Figure 12A and Figure 12B ) and the result of contact with the locking lever 102 is a rotation operation.

[0085] Reference Figure 14A and Figure 14B , a method for rotating the cam-shaped portion 52 a and the lock lever 102 will be described. Figure 14A The figure shows a state where the lock is performed by rotating the lock member 54 without tilting the viewfinder 41. The lock lever 102 is formed with a sliding surface 102c that contacts the cam portion 52a. Figure 14A In the state, the sliding surface 102c is pressed by the cam shape portion 52a of the viewfinder substrate base 52, and the lock lever 102 moves along Figure 14AAt this time, since the locking portion 102b of the lock lever 102 is located further toward the inside of the viewfinder unit (-X direction) than the stopper wall 28 formed in the eyepiece portion 28, the eyepiece portion 28 can slide in the optical axis direction.

[0086] Figure 14B The figure shows a state where the viewfinder 41 is tilted and the rotation lock member 54 is released. The sliding surface 102c of the lock lever 102 is separated from the cam portion 52a, and the viewfinder 41 is biased by the biasing spring 103 (see FIG. Figure 10 ) and along Figure 14B At this time, since the locking portion 102b of the lock lever 102 is located at a position where the projection of the stopper wall 28b formed on the eyepiece portion 28 overlaps, the sliding operation of the eyepiece portion 28 in the optical axis direction is restricted.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the electronic viewfinder unit is capable of transitioning between a stored state in which the electronic viewfinder unit is stored in the main body and a protruding state in which the electronic viewfinder unit protrudes from the main body, and the eyepiece portion of the viewfinder unit is capable of moving between a pulled-out position and an inserted position along the optical axis of the lens. The rotational position of the locking member is changed in conjunction with the tilting operation of the viewfinder, allowing switching between a state in which the eyepiece portion is capable of moving and a state in which the movement of the eyepiece portion is restricted or prevented. According to this embodiment, a decrease in convenience caused by an undesirable state of the viewfinder that is movable between a stored state and a protruding state and that is rotatable in the protruding state can be suppressed, and damage to the imaging device can be prevented.

[0088] (Other embodiments)

[0089] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0090] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

[0091] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-209338, filed on December 17, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising a mechanism unit configured to move a display between a stored state in which the display is stored in a main body and a protruding state in which the display protrudes from the main body, the electronic device comprising: a display device configuring the display; a viewfinder having an eyepiece portion movable in a first direction, a locking member being arranged on the viewfinder; a substrate base, the substrate electrically connected to the display device being fixed to the substrate base; and a restriction unit configured to restrict movement of the eyepiece portion during or after a rotation operation of the viewfinder in the protruding state about an axis orthogonal to the first direction by the locking member, wherein the substrate base includes a cam-shaped portion that comes into contact with the locking member if the viewfinder moves from a stored state stored in the main body to a protruding state protruding from the main body, wherein the locking member is switchable between a first position where the eyepiece portion is restricted from moving in a state separated from the cam-shaped portion and a second position where the eyepiece portion is not restricted from moving in a state contacting the cam-shaped portion, and wherein, after the eyepiece portion is pulled out in the first direction, during or after a rotation operation of the viewfinder, the locking member contacts the eyepiece portion and restricts movement of the eyepiece portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The electronic device further includes a rotation locking member that restricts rotation of the viewfinder if the viewfinder moves from the accommodated state to the protruding state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The electronic device further comprises: A hinge device is configured to rotatably connect the viewfinder.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The viewfinder includes an optical member that guides light emitted from the display device to the eyepiece portion, and If the finder moves to the protruding state, the eyepiece portion is movable in the optical axis direction of the optical member.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein In a state in which the finder is in the protruding state and the eyepiece portion is pulled out in the optical axis direction of the optical member, the finder is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical member.

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