Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To restrict the movement and deformation of a flexible substrate according to the movement and rotation of a movable unit.SOLUTION: In an electronic apparatus 1, a movable unit 12 moves between a storage position and a withdrawn position with respect to bodies 22, 33, and rotates between the withdrawn position and a rotation position. A flexible substrate 39 electrically connecting the movable unit and the bodies has a flexible part 117 between a first fixation part 102 fixed to the movable unit and a second fixation part 115 fixed on a side of the bodies relative to the first fixation part. The flexible part has a first shape, a second shape, and a third shape different from each other when the movable unit is at the storage position, withdrawn position, and rotation position, respectively. The movable unit has, as a portion that can come into contact with the flexible part, a first substrate restriction part 46d that is located in a storage direction relative to the first and second fixation parts at the storage position and is located in a withdrawing position relative to the second fixation part at the withdrawn position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device such as an imaging device provided with a movable unit.

Background Art

[0002] There is a display unit such as an electronic viewfinder provided in an imaging device that can be pulled out with respect to the main body of the imaging device and can be rotated in the pulled-out state, thereby expanding the degree of freedom of the user's posture during imaging.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device provided with a finder unit that can be pulled out and rotated. In this imaging device, a flexible substrate is used for the electrical connection between the substrate provided on the finder unit and the control unit fixed to the main body, and the flexible substrate is deformed according to the pulling out and rotation of the finder unit with respect to the main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the restrictions on the movement and deformation of the flexible substrate according to the pulling out and rotation of the finder unit with respect to the main body are insufficient. For this reason, there is a risk that an excessive load is applied to the flexible substrate or the flexible substrate is sandwiched between other members.

[0006] The present invention provides an electronic device capable of avoiding excessive load and sandwiching of a flexible substrate by restricting the movement and deformation of the flexible substrate according to the movement and rotation of a movable unit such as a display unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device as one aspect of the present invention includes a movable unit that can move between a storage position and an extended position and rotate between an extended position and a rotating position relative to the main body of the electronic device, and a flexible substrate that electrically connects the movable unit and the main body. The flexible substrate has a flexible portion between a first fixed portion fixed to the movable unit and a second fixed portion fixed closer to the main body than the first fixed portion. The flexible portion has a first shape, a second shape, and a third shape, which are different from each other, when the movable unit is in the storage position, the extended position, and the rotating position, respectively. The movable unit has a first substrate limiting portion, which is a portion that can abut the flexible portion, located in the storage direction relative to the first and second fixed portions in the storage position, and located in the extended position relative to the second fixed portion in the extended position. The first substrate limiting portion is characterized in that it restricts deformation of the flexible portion from the second shape to a shape other than the first shape when the movable unit moves from the extended position to the storage position, and restricts deformation of the flexible portion from the third shape to a shape other than the second shape when the movable unit rotates from the rotating position to the extended position. Furthermore, the above-mentioned electronic device may include a display element in the movable knit that displays an image generated using an output signal from an image sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by limiting the movement and deformation of the flexible substrate in response to the movement and rotation of the movable unit, excessive load and pinching of the flexible substrate can be avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Front and rear perspective views of the imaging device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Rear side perspective view of the imaging device of the embodiment (viewfinder unit in retracted, extended, and rotated states). [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of the imaging device of the embodiment. [Figure 4]An exploded perspective view of the finder unit and a perspective view of the cam member of the imaging device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional and rear views of the finder unit. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the fixed cylinder of the finder unit. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the finder flexible substrate in the embodiment. [Figure 8] An exploded perspective view of the finder support mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Side view of the viewfinder support mechanism in the retracted, extended, and rotated positions of the viewfinder. [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view of the viewfinder unit. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the holder of the finder support mechanism. [Figure 12] Side view and cross-sectional view of the finder unit. [Figure 13] Rear view and cross-sectional view of the viewfinder unit. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional views of the finder unit in its retracted, extended, and rotated states. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show an imaging device (digital still camera; hereinafter referred to as camera) 1 as an electronic device, which is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows the camera 1 viewed from the front at an angle, and Figure 1(b) shows the camera 1 viewed from the rear at an angle. A replaceable lens 2 is detachably attached to the camera 1. Alternatively, the lens may be integrally provided with the imaging device.

[0012] In the following description, the direction in which the optical axis C1 of the interchangeable lens 2 extends toward the subject side (front side) is defined as the +Z direction, the opposite side (rear side) as the -Z direction, and these are collectively referred to as the Z direction. Also, the right side when viewed from the rear side is defined as the -X direction, the left side as the +X direction, and these are collectively referred to as the X direction. Further, the upward direction is defined as the +Y direction, the downward direction as the -Y direction, and these are collectively referred to as the Y direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are mutually orthogonal directions.

[0013] On the right side of the front surface of the camera 1, a front grip 3 that is gripped by the user is provided so as to protrude forward. At the center of the front surface of the camera 1, a mount portion 4 that enables the interchangeable lens 2 to be attached is provided. An electrical contact group 5 is provided on the mount portion 4. The camera 1 performs communication and power supply with the interchangeable lens 2 attached to the mount portion 4 via the electrical contact group 5. Inside the camera 1, at the back of the mount portion 4, an imaging element 13 that captures the subject image (optical image) formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 2 is provided.

[0014] On the upper surface of the camera 1, a power lever 6, a mode dial 7, a release button 8, and an accessory shoe 9 are provided. The power lever 6 is operated by the user to switch the on / off of the power of the camera 1. The mode dial 7 is operated by the user to switch the imaging mode. The release button 8 is operated by the user to instruct imaging preparation operations such as AF and AE and the start of imaging. The accessory shoe 9 is provided above the mount portion 4 in the camera 1, and various external accessories can be detachably attached thereto.

[0015] On the back surface of the camera 1, a display portion 10, a back operation portion 11, and a finder portion 12 are provided. When the power of the camera 1 is turned on and the still image imaging mode or the moving image imaging mode is set, a display image (live view image) generated using the output signal from the imaging element 13 is displayed on the display portion 10. Also, imaging parameters such as the shutter speed and aperture value are displayed on the display portion 10.

[0016] The rear control panel 11 includes a playback button for instructing the playback of recorded captured images. When the user operates the playback button, the captured images are played back and displayed on the display panel 10. The rear control panel 11 also includes a video capture button for instructing video capture. When the user operates the video capture button, video capture is started or stopped. Next to the rear control panel 11, there is a finger contact surface 14 where the user can place their thumb when holding the camera 1.

[0017] The viewfinder unit 12, as a movable unit (display unit), has a sensor window 15, an eyepiece window 16, and a diopter adjustment dial 17. The sensor window 15 is located below the eyepiece window 16 and is provided to secure an optical path for eyepiece detection by the eyepiece sensor, which will be described later. When the eyepiece sensor detects that the user has looked through the eyepiece window 16 (put their eye in the eyepiece window 16), the live view image that was displayed on the display unit 10 is displayed on the viewfinder display panel inside the viewfinder unit 12, which will be described later. The diopter adjustment dial 17 is located on the side where the front grip 3 and finger contact surface 14 are provided. By operating the diopter adjustment dial 17 to adjust the diopter, the user can view the displayed image in focus through the viewfinder unit 12.

[0018] The viewfinder unit 12 is movable between a position where it is retracted relative to the camera 1, as shown in Figure 2(a), and a position where it is pulled out rearward (-Z direction) from the camera 1, as shown in Figure 2(b). The viewfinder unit 12 is also movable (tilted) upward (+Y direction) around a pivot axis A extending in the X direction, as shown in Figure 2(c). The viewfinder unit 12 can be rotated to an angle where the eyepiece window 16 faces almost directly upwards.

[0019] In the following explanation, the state of the viewfinder unit 12 shown in Figure 2(a) is referred to as the retracted state, and the position of the viewfinder unit 12 in the retracted state is referred to as the retracted position. Furthermore, the state shown in Figure 2(b) is referred to as the extended state, and the position of the viewfinder unit 12 in the extended state is referred to as the extended position. In addition, the state shown in Figure 2(c) is referred to as the rotated state, and the position of the viewfinder unit 12 in the rotated state is referred to as the rotated position.

[0020] In any of the retracted, extended, or rotated states, the user can look through the eyepiece 16 and view the live view image. The retracted state is suitable for normal imaging and carrying. The extended state allows the user to look through the eyepiece 16 without their face interfering with the external accessory when a large external accessory is attached to the accessory shoe 9. The finder unit 12 can seamlessly change and maintain its rotation angle from the extended position to the maximum rotation position shown in Figure 2(c). This increases the degree of freedom of the user's posture when looking through the eyepiece 16.

[0021] Figure 3(a) shows the camera 1 in an exploded view. The camera 1 is composed of multiple units assembled to an internal structural member 20. These multiple units include a front cover unit 21, a top cover unit 22, a side cover unit 23, a main board 24, and a rear cover unit 25. The viewfinder unit 26 is assembled to the top cover unit 22 from the inside. The top cover unit 22 and the viewfinder unit 26 are fixed to the internal structural member 20 as a single unit. The top cover unit 22 covers a part of the viewfinder section 12 and is also an exterior unit that forms part of the camera 1's appearance.

[0022] Figure 3(b) shows the top cover unit 22, accessory shoe 9, and viewfinder unit 26 disassembled. The accessory shoe 9 includes a shoe engagement member 30, a signal terminal stage 31, a flexible substrate 32 for the accessory shoe, an accessory shoe holding member 33, and an accessory shoe spring 34. The shoe engagement member 30 is a member for engaging and holding attached external accessories. The signal terminal stage 31 has a configuration in which a contact member 31a for external accessories is held on a base member made of resin material. The flexible substrate 32 for the accessory shoe is electrically connected to the contact member 31a and electrically connected to the main substrate 24. This allows the external accessory attached to the accessory shoe 9 and the camera 1 to communicate with each other.

[0023] The accessory shoe holding member 33 is a structural frame that holds the shoe engaging member 30 and is a highly rigid and high-strength component within the upper cover unit 22. Four screws 33a are screwed into the shoe engaging member 30, passing through the accessory shoe holding member 33, the flexible substrate 32 for the accessory shoe, and the upper cover unit 22. This firmly holds the accessory shoe holding member 33 and the shoe engaging member 30. The signal terminal stage 31 is sandwiched between the shoe engaging member 30 and the upper cover unit 22. The accessory shoe spring 34 is made of a conductive metal material and has an elastically deformable portion that biases the attached external accessory in the +Y direction. The finder unit 26 is assembled from the inside of the upper cover unit 22 and is firmly held by fastening it to the accessory shoe holding member 33 with two screws 27. At that time, the fixing plate 51 shown in Figure 8, which is part of the finder unit 26, is fixed to the upper cover unit 22 via the accessory shoe holding member 33.

[0024] Figure 4(a) shows the viewfinder unit 12 disassembled. The optical unit 12a of the viewfinder unit 12 includes the viewfinder display panel (display element) 35, lens holder 36, fixing cylinder 37, lens front cover 38, viewfinder flexible circuit board (hereinafter referred to as viewfinder FPC) 39, guide shaft 40, and cam member 42. The viewfinder display panel 35 is fixed to the fixing cylinder 37 with double-sided tape or the like.

[0025] The lens holder 36 holds the lens group 36a that guides the light emitted from the viewfinder display panel 35 to the eyepiece window 16. The guide shaft 40 passes through the sleeve portion 36b of the lens holder 36. Both ends of the guide shaft 40 are held by the fixed cylinder 37 and the front lens cover 38. The guide shaft 40 guides the lens holder 36 so that it can move in the Z direction, along which the optical axis F of the lens group 36a (hereinafter referred to as the viewfinder optical axis) extends. A spring 41 is positioned between the lens holder 36 and the fixed cylinder 37 on the guide shaft 40. The spring 41 biases the lens holder 36 in the -Z direction.

[0026] Figure 4(b) shows a magnified view of the cam member 42. The cam member 42 has a bearing portion 42a, a cam portion 42b, and a gear portion 42c. A shaft portion (not shown) of the fixed cylinder 37 passes through the bearing portion 42a. In this state, the cam member 42 is held between the fixed cylinder 37 and the lens front cover 38. As a result, the cam member 42 is rotatably held by the fixed cylinder 37.

[0027] Figure 5(a) shows the YZ cross-section of the lens holder 36 and the fixed cylinder 37. Figure 5(b) shows the lens holder 36 and the fixed cylinder 37 viewed from the -Z direction. As shown in Figure 4(a), the lens holder 36 is biased in the -Z direction by the spring 41. As a result, the convex portion 36c of the lens holder 36 shown in Figure 5(b) is always in contact with the cam portion 42b of the cam member 42. The cam member 42 is rotatable integrally with the diopter adjustment dial 17 shown in Figure 4(a). When the cam member 42 rotates, the lift of the cam portion 42b causes the lens holder 36 to move in the Z direction via the convex portion 36c. At this time, the sleeve portion 36b of the lens holder 36 is guided in the Z direction by the guide shaft 40b. The leaf spring 43 elastically engages with the gear portion 42c of the cam member 42 to maintain the rotational position of the cam member 42. In this configuration, when the user rotates the diopter adjustment dial 17, the lens holder 36 moves in the Z direction, allowing the viewfinder unit 12 to be adjusted to the user's diopter.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a magnified view of the fixing cylinder 37. The fixing cylinder 37 has two screw holes 110 into which the screws 101 shown in Figure 4(a) are screwed, and two positioning protrusions 111 for positioning the finder FPC 39.

[0029] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show enlarged views of the FPC39 viewfinder. Figure 7(a) shows the FPC39 viewfinder from the front at an angle, and Figure 7(b) shows the FPC39 viewfinder from the rear at an angle.

[0030] The finder FPC 39 electrically connects the main board 24 shown in Figure 3(a) and the display panel board 35a shown in Figure 4(b), and also electrically connects the display panel board 35a to the flexible board for the eyepiece sensor (hereinafter referred to as the sensor FPC) 44 shown in Figure 4(b). The in-finder display panel 35 is mounted on the display panel board 35a, and the eyepiece sensor 44a is mounted on the sensor FPC 44.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7(b), a reinforcing plate 103 is attached to the back surface of the connector mounting section 102 of the finder FPC 39. This increases the rigidity of the connector mounting section 102 in the finder FPC 39 compared to other parts. The connector mounting section 102 is equipped with a connector 104 for connecting the display panel substrate 35a and a connector 105 for connecting the sensor FPC 44. The connector mounting section 102 has two screw insertion holes 106 and two positioning holes 107. Two positioning protrusions 111 of the fixing cylinder 37 are inserted through the two positioning holes 107. This positions the connector mounting section 102 relative to the fixing cylinder 37. In this state, the screw 101 inserted through the screw insertion hole 106 is screwed into the screw hole 110 of the fixing cylinder 37, thereby fixing the connector mounting section 102 as the first fixing part to the fixing cylinder 37. The boundary 114 between the portion of the finder FPC 39 to which the reinforcing plate 103 is attached and the portion to which it is not attached is the boundary between the non-deformable region and the deformable region of the finder FPC 39.

[0032] The finder FPC 39 further has two positioning holes 109. The finder FPC 39 also has a connector terminal portion 108 that connects to a connector 116 mounted on the main board 24, as shown in Figure 14.

[0033] When the eyepiece sensor 44a mounted on the sensor FPC 44 detects that the user is looking through the eyepiece window 16, the display of the live view image switches from the display unit 10 to the viewfinder display panel 35, as described above. As shown in Figure 4(a), the sensor FPC 44 is positioned so as to be pressed against the back surface of the sensor window 15, which is fixed to the outer cover 45, an exterior component, by adhesive, and is fixed to the window frame of the sensor window 15 with screws.

[0034] The front lens cover 38 is fixed to the inner cover 46 by screws at the flange portion 38a formed on its outer circumference. The outer cover 45 is then fixed to the inner cover 46, to which the front lens cover 38 is fixed, by screws. As a result, the optical unit 12a is covered by the outer cover 45 and the inner cover 46.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), an arc-shaped portion 46a is provided on the +Z side of the inner cover 46 as an external appearance forming portion. An opening 46b for passing the viewfinder FPC 39 is formed inside the arc-shaped portion 46a. As shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), the arc-shaped portion 46a is not exposed to the outside when the viewfinder portion 12 is in the retracted and extended states, but is exposed to the outside to form the external appearance when it is in the rotating state, acting as a cover to conceal the internal structure from view.

[0036] Furthermore, an FPC position limiting portion 46d, which serves as a first substrate limiting portion, is provided at the upper end of the arc-shaped portion 46a of the inner cover 46. In addition, an FPC bending limiting portion 46c, which serves as a second substrate limiting portion, is provided near the opening 46b of the inner cover 46. Details of these FPC position limiting portion 46d and FPC bending limiting portion 46c will be described later.

[0037] A rubber eyepiece cover 47 is fixed with screws to the outer surface of the outer cover 45 on the -Z side, serving as a cushioning material that comes into contact with the user's face when looking through the eyepiece window 16.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5(a), the lens group 36a is composed of multiple lenses. The outer diameter of the lens closest to the viewfinder display panel 35 (panel-side lens) is D1, and the outer diameter of the lens closest to the eyepiece window 16 (window-side lens) is D2. The outer diameters D1 and D2 of these panel-side and window-side lenses are larger than the viewfinder display panel 35 in order to magnify the image displayed on the viewfinder display panel 35. Furthermore, the outer diameter D1 is smaller than the outer diameter D2. For this reason, the upper part of the lens holder 36 that holds the panel-side lens is formed to be half the difference in outer diameter (D2-D1) compared to the part that holds the window-side lens. Furthermore, the fixed cylinder 37 that covers the lens holder 36 is also formed so that there is a space 37a above the panel-side lens (+Y side). The space 37a has a height of half (D2-D1) in the Y direction, as well as a depth in the Z direction and a width in the X direction.

[0039] The dashed line in Figure 5(b) indicates the region where the window-side lens having the maximum outer diameter D2 of the lens group 36a exists, when viewed from the direction in which the finder optical axis F extends (-Z direction). The fixed cylinder 37 has arcuate side portions R2 that follow the left and right arcuate sides of the window-side lens (lens holder 36). The left and right arcuate side portions R2 are formed to be symmetrical with respect to the finder optical axis F. In the region above the finder optical axis F (+Y side) on the left and right outer sides of the fixed cylinder 37, a triangular space 37c is formed, enclosed by the left and right arcuate side portions R2, a surface that extends left and right from the upper surface 37d of the fixed cylinder 37, and a surface 37b that extends vertically and is tangent to the left and right arcuate side portions R2.

[0040] Figure 8 shows a disassembled viewfinder support mechanism 50 that supports the viewfinder unit 12. The viewfinder support mechanism 50 is held by the camera 1 and supports the viewfinder unit 12 so that it can move to the retracted position, the extended position and the rotated position. Figures 9(a), (b), and (c) show the viewfinder support mechanism 50 as seen from the +X side when the viewfinder unit 12 is in the retracted state, the extended state and the rotated state, respectively.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the finder support mechanism 50 includes a fixed plate (fixing member) 51, a straight plate (straight member) 52, a rotating plate (rotating member) 53, and a flip member 54. The fixed plate 51 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a structural member of the finder support mechanism 50. The fixed plate 51 has a first wall portion 51a, a second wall portion 51b, and a third wall portion 51c.

[0042] The first wall portion 51a and the second wall portion 51b each extend in the Z direction and are a pair of side walls facing each other in the X direction. The first wall portion 51a is positioned in the X direction on the side closer to the diopter adjustment dial 17 shown in Figure 1(b) with respect to the finder optical axis F. The second wall portion 51b is positioned in the same direction on the side opposite to the diopter adjustment dial 17 with respect to the finder optical axis F. In other words, when the finder portion 12 is in the retracted state, the second wall portion 51b is positioned on the side opposite to the diopter adjustment dial 17 with respect to the plane S1 which is parallel to the YZ plane and includes the finder optical axis F, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 13(a) which will be explained later.

[0043] As shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(c), the third wall portion 51c is a connecting portion located below the finder optical axis F (-Y side) and parallel to the XZ plane, and is connected to the first wall portion 51a and the second wall portion 51b at both ends in the X direction. In this way, the pair of side wall portions (51a, 51b) are connected by the connecting portion (51c) at a position below the finder optical axis F, so that the fixed plate 51 has a U shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0044] In the state shown in Figure 3(b), where the top cover unit 22 and the finder unit 26 are fixed to each other by screws 27, the fixing plate 51 is fastened to the accessory shoe holding member 33 by screws 27. As a result, when viewed from the Z direction, the fixing plate 51, together with the accessory shoe holding member 33, forms a rectangular frame shape and has high rigidity. Since a highly rigid shoe engagement member 30 is also fixed to the accessory shoe holding member 33, the rigidity of the fixing plate 51 is further increased.

[0045] Furthermore, the fixing members in the camera 1, such as the top cover unit 22, accessory shoe holding member 33, internal structural member 20, and main circuit board 24, constitute the "main body" relative to the viewfinder unit 12, which is a movable unit.

[0046] A straight rail 51d is formed in the first wall 51a and the second wall 51b, extending linearly in the direction of pulling out / storing the straight plate 52 (Z direction). In addition, a recess 51e is formed in the first wall 51a and the second wall 51b, extending linearly in the direction of pulling out / storing. Click holes 51f are formed at the front and rear ends of the recess 51e.

[0047] A concave portion 51g is formed at the -Z end of the first wall portion 51a. The diopter adjustment dial 17 is housed in the inner space of this concave portion 51g when the viewfinder portion 12 is in the retracted position.

[0048] On the second wall 51b, an arc-shaped rail (hereinafter referred to as the arc rail) 51h is formed, branching off in the -Y direction from the middle of the straight rail 51d. The arc rail 51h extends in an arc shape from the middle of the straight rail 51d along the circumferential direction centered on the pivot axis A shown in Figure 2(c). Note that the arc rail 51h is formed only on the second wall 51b and not on the first wall 51a.

[0049] The straight-moving plate 52 is a component manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is positioned inside the fixed plate 51. The straight-moving plate 52 is held by the fixed plate 51 so that it can move linearly only in the pulling direction (-Z direction) relative to the fixed plate 51. The straight-moving plate 52 has a first wall portion 52a, a second wall portion 52b, and a third wall portion 52c.

[0050] The first wall portion 52a and the second wall portion 52b are a pair of side walls that extend in the Z direction and face each other in the X direction. The first wall portion 52a is positioned in the X direction on the side closer to the diopter adjustment dial 17 shown in Figure 1(b) with respect to the viewfinder optical axis F. The second wall portion 52b is positioned in the same direction on the side opposite to the diopter adjustment dial 17 with respect to the viewfinder optical axis F.

[0051] The third wall portion 52c is a connecting portion located below the finder optical axis F (-Y side) and parallel to the XZ plane, and is connected to the first wall portion 52a and the second wall portion 52b at both ends in the X direction. In this way, the pair of side wall portions (52a, 52b) are connected by the connecting portion (52c) at a position below the finder optical axis F, so that the straight plate 52 has a U shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0052] The first wall portion 52a and the second wall portion 52b have holes 52d that serve as bearings for the pivot axis A, which is the pivot center of the rotating plate 53. The second wall portion 52b has an arc rail 52e that corresponds to the arc rail 51h of the fixed plate 51. The first wall portion 52a and the second wall portion 52b are provided with leaf spring portions 52g that protrude to the +Z side. A convex portion 52f provided at the front end of the leaf spring portion 52g elastically engages with the recess 51e and click hole 51f of the fixed plate 51.

[0053] Furthermore, the first wall 52a and the second wall 52b are each provided with one pair of linear guide pins 52h and 52i, which serve as guided parts. The two pairs of linear guide pins 52h and 52i are arranged symmetrically with respect to the finder optical axis F in the X direction. Each pair of linear guide pins 52h and 52i are arranged at a predetermined interval in the extension / storage direction. With the linear plate 52 assembled to the fixing plate 51, the linear guide pins 52h and 52i pass through the linear rail 51d and are fixed to the first wall 52a and the second wall 52b by crimping. The linear guide pins 52h and 52i are movable along the linear rail 51d, thereby guiding the linear plate 52 to move linearly in the extension / storage direction relative to the fixing plate 51.

[0054] In this process, the sliding motion between the convex portion 52f of the straight plate 52 and the concave portion 51e of the fixed plate 51 provides a tactile sensation to the user when operating the finder unit 12 in the pull-out / stow-in direction. This is because, as the straight plate 52 moves relative to the fixed plate 51, the frictional force between the convex portion 52f and the concave portion 51e acts as a resistance force against the movement, and this resistance force creates a tactile sensation. Furthermore, the engagement between the convex portion 52f and the click hole 51f provides the user with a click-stop sensation at the retracted and pulled-out positions of the finder unit 12.

[0055] The rotating plate 53 is a component manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is positioned inside the straight plate 52. The rotating plate 53 holds the finder section 12 and is held by the straight plate 52 so as to be rotatable about the pivot axis A shown in Figure 9(c). The rotating plate 53 has a first wall portion 53a, a second wall portion 53b, and a third wall portion 53c.

[0056] The first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b are a pair of side walls that extend in the Z direction and face each other in the X direction. The first wall portion 53a is positioned in the X direction on the side closer to the diopter adjustment dial 17 shown in Figure 1(b) with respect to the viewfinder optical axis F. The second wall portion 53b is positioned in the same direction on the side opposite to the diopter adjustment dial 17 with respect to the viewfinder optical axis F.

[0057] The third wall portion 53c is a connecting portion located above the finder optical axis F (+Y side) and parallel to the XZ plane, and is connected to the first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b at both ends in the X direction. In this way, the pair of side wall portions (53a, 53b) are connected by the connecting portion (53c) above the finder optical axis F, so that the rotating plate 53 has an inverted U shape when viewed from the Z direction. The straight plate 52 and the rotating plate 53, when combined, form a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the Z direction, thus increasing their rigidity.

[0058] Thus, the fixed plate 51, the straight plate 52, and the rotating plate 53 each have a pair of side walls on both sides in the X direction from which the pivot axis A extends. The pair of side walls (52a, 52b) of the straight plate 52 are positioned inside the pair of side walls (51a, 51b) of the fixed plate 51, and the pair of side walls (53a, 53b) of the rotating plate 53 are positioned inside the pair of side walls of the straight plate 52.

[0059] The first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b of the rotating plate 53 are positioned in the space 37c formed outside the fixed cylinder 37 in the finder section 12, as shown in Figure 5(b). This makes it possible to suppress the increase in size in the X direction due to the presence of the rotating plate 53. The third wall portion 53c of the rotating plate 53 is positioned in the space 37a formed above the fixed cylinder 37, as shown in Figure 5(a). This makes it possible to suppress the increase in size in the +Y direction due to the presence of the rotating plate 53.

[0060] Furthermore, the first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b have holes 53d that serve as bearings for the pivot axis A, which is the rotation center of the rotating plate 53, and these holes are formed coaxially with the holes 52d of the straight plate 52. In addition, near the holes 53d in the first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b, there are upright bent portions 53e that are curved in the X direction from which the pivot axis A extends. Moreover, the first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b are fixed by crimping with a pivot axis pin 53f passing through the disc spring 53g, the holes 52d, and the holes 53d of the straight plate 52. The pivot axis A, which is the rotation center of the rotating plate 53, is formed by the pivot axis pin 53f fixed to the rotating plate 53 in this way.

[0061] The disc spring 53g is positioned between the pivot pin 53f and the first and second wall portions 53a and 53b in a compressed and bent state in the direction in which the pivot axis A extends, pressing these first and second wall portions 53a and 53b against the first and second wall portions 52a and 52b of the straight plate 52. This generates a frictional force between the first wall portions 52a and 53a and between the second wall portions 52b and 53b. This frictional force provides the user with a sense of control when rotating the finder unit 12 and allows the rotating plate 53 to be held at any rotation angle within its rotation range.

[0062] When the rotating plate 53 rotates upward or downward, as shown in Figures 9(b) and (c), the vertically bent portion 53e comes into contact with the rotation limiting portions 52j and 52k of the straight plate 52, thereby restricting further upward or downward rotation of the rotating plate 53. In other words, the rotation range of the rotating plate 53 is limited by the rotation limiting portions 52j and 52k.

[0063] In this embodiment, the case in which disc springs 53g are provided for both of the two pivot pins 53f is described. However, the disc spring 53g may be provided for only one of the pivot pins 53f. Also in this embodiment, the case in which the rotational position of the rotating plate 53 is maintained by the frictional force generated between the first wall portions 52a, 53a and the second wall portions 52b, 53b is described. However, the rotational position of the rotating plate 53 may be maintained by the convex portion provided on the rotating plate 53 engaging with recesses formed on the straight plate 52 at predetermined rotational angles.

[0064] With the fixed plate 51, the straight plate 52, and the rotating plate 53 assembled, a rotating guide pin 53f is fixed to the second wall portion 53b of the rotating plate 53 by crimping, passing through the straight rail 51d of the fixed plate 51 and the arc rail 52e of the straight plate 52. The rotating guide pin 53f is movable along the straight rail 51d when the straight plate 52 and the rotating plate 53 move in the pull-out / stored direction, and is also movable along the arc rails 51h and 52e when the rotating plate 53 rotates around the pivot axis A. The rotating guide pin 53f engages with the arc rail 51h when the rotating plate 53 rotates, thereby preventing the straight plate 52 and the rotating plate 53 from moving in the pull-out / stored direction while guiding the rotation of the rotating plate 53.

[0065] The flip member 54 is positioned below (-Y direction) the third wall portion 51c of the fixed plate 51. The flip member 54 is rotatably held by the fixed plate 51 via the shaft 54a and biases the straight plate 52 upward (+Y direction) by the biasing force of the torsion spring 54b.

[0066] The straight plate 52 moves from the storage position shown in Figure 9(a) to the extended position shown in Figure 9(b) as the straight guide pins 52h and 52i move along the straight rail 51d of the fixed plate 51. At this time, as described above, the convex portion 52f provided on the leaf spring portion 52g of the straight plate 52 slides against the concave portion 51e of the fixed plate 51, giving the user a sense of extension. In the extended state, the straight guide pin 52h is located at the -Z end of the straight rail 51d, and the rotation guide pin 53f of the rotation plate 53 is located at the branching point between the straight rail 51d and the arc rail 51h in the middle of the straight rail 51d.

[0067] From the pulled-out position, the rotating plate 53 rotates to the rotation position shown in Figure 9(c) as the rotation guide pin 53f moves along the arc rail 51h of the fixed plate 51 to its end, with the rotation axis A as the pivot axis. At this time, as mentioned above, the disc spring 53g presses the first and second walls 53a and 53b of the rotating plate 53 against the first and second walls 52a and 52b of the straight plate 52, thereby giving the user a sense of rotation.

[0068] Here, in the fixed plate 51, the recess 51e needs to be formed in a position that avoids the arc rail 51h, and is therefore formed at a position away from the pivot axis A. In other words, the protrusion 52f provided on the leaf spring portion 52g of the straight plate 52 that engages with the recess 51e and the pivot axis A are in a positional relationship where they are far apart from each other. If the rotational operation sensation between the pulled-out state and the rotated state is to be obtained by utilizing the biasing force of the leaf spring portion 52g, the leaf spring portion 52g will have to be made larger, and the rotational trajectory of its tip will be larger. As a result, it becomes necessary to form the recess 51e that engages with the protrusion 52f in the fixed plate 51 in the shape of a large-diameter arc, which leads to an increase in the size of the fixed plate 51.

[0069] In contrast, in this embodiment, the finder support mechanism 50 is composed of three parts: a fixed plate 51, a straight plate 52, and a rotating plate 53. The configuration that generates tactile feedback between the retracted state and the extended state, and the configuration that generates tactile feedback between the extended state and the rotating state are provided at different positions. This prevents the fixed plate 51, which serves as the base of the finder support mechanism 50, from becoming too large.

[0070] The outer diameters of the straight guide pins 52h and 52i are set to be slightly smaller than the width (height in the Y-direction) of the straight rail 51d of the fixed plate 51. This allows the straight guide pins 52h and 52i to move smoothly within the straight rail 51d. The spacing L52 between the straight guide pins 52h and 52i in the Z-direction shown in Figure 9(a) is set appropriately so as not to be too short, which would cause excessive rattling of the straight plate 52.

[0071] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of expanding the rotation range of the finder unit 12, it is desirable to position the pivot axis A as close to the -Z direction as possible in order to prevent the finder unit 12 from interfering with the upper cover unit 22. Also, since the straight plate 52 and the rotating plate 53 are connected with the disc spring 53g bent in the direction in which the pivot axis A extends, a movement occurs in which the straight plate 52 tends to rotate together with the rotation of the rotating plate 53. From the viewpoint of suppressing this movement (that is, reducing the rotational moment acting on the straight plate 52), it is preferable to position the pivot axis A and the straight guide pin 52h as close together as possible.

[0072] Furthermore, since the rotating guide pin 53f rotates integrally with the rotating plate 53 around the rotation axis A, arc rails 51h and 52e corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the rotating guide pin 53f are formed on the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52. In this case, if the distance L53 between the rotation axis A and the rotating guide pin 53f (i.e., the rotation slit) shown in Figure 9(a) is too long, a large portion will be required on the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52 to form the arc rails 51h and 52e. Therefore, from the viewpoint of avoiding the need to enlarge the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52, it is necessary to set the distance L53 to an appropriate value.

[0073] Considering the above, the pivot axis A, the linear guide pin 52h, the pivot guide pin 53f, and the linear guide pin 52i are arranged in this order in the +Z direction in the retracted and extended states. This allows the pivot axis A, the linear guide pins 52h, 52i, and the pivot guide pin 53f to perform their functions while achieving miniaturization in the Z direction. If the pivot guide pin 53f were positioned in the -Z direction more than the linear guide pin 52h, it would be difficult to shorten the distance between the pivot axis A and the linear guide pin 52h. Also, if the pivot guide pin 53f were positioned in the +Z direction more than the linear guide pin 52i, the gap L53 would become too long, increasing the required portion for forming the arc rails 51h and 52e on the fixed plate 51 and the linear plate 52.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the finder unit 26 disassembled. The finder unit 26 includes the finder section 12 and finder support mechanism 50 described above, and a support mechanism holder 55 that houses and holds the finder support mechanism 50. The support mechanism holder 55 and the fixing plate 51 are fixed to the accessory shoe holding member 33 of the accessory shoe 9 by screws 27.

[0075] Figure 11(a) shows the support mechanism holder 55 viewed from a diagonal downward angle. Two positioning protrusions 112 are formed on the bottom surface of the support mechanism holder 55, and double-sided tape 113 is attached to it.

[0076] Figure 11(b) shows the support mechanism holder 55 to which the finder FPC 39 is assembled on the bottom surface. The finder FPC 39 is positioned relative to the support mechanism holder 55 by inserting the two positioning protrusions 112 of the support mechanism holder 55 into the two positioning holes formed in the finder FPC 39. In this state, the finder FPC 39 is fixed to the support mechanism holder 55 by double-sided tape 113. The part of the finder FPC 39 that is attached to the support mechanism holder 55 with double-sided tape 113 corresponds to the second fixing part and will be referred to as the attached part 115 in the following description.

[0077] As shown in Figures 10 and 8, the rotating plate 53 has a fourth wall portion 53h and a fifth wall portion 53i in addition to the first to third wall portions 53a to 53c described above. The fourth wall portion 53h and the fifth wall portion 53i are formed by bending the portions near both ends in the X direction of the +Z direction of the third wall portion 53c downward so that they are parallel to the XY plane. As shown in Figure 10, the fourth wall portion 53h and the fifth wall portion 53i are each connected to the inner cover 46 of the finder portion 12 by screws 50a. The first wall portion 53a and the second wall portion 53b are also each connected to the inner cover 46 by screws 50b. In this way, the rotating plate 53 is fixed to the finder portion 12.

[0078] Figure 12(a) shows the finder unit 26 as viewed from the +Z direction, with the fixing plate 51 and support mechanism holder 55 omitted from the illustration. Figure 12(b) shows a cross-section along the line AA-AA in Figure 12(a). The line AA-AA passes through the center of one of the two screws 50a. Figure 12(c) shows the finder unit 26 as viewed from the +X direction, with the fixing plate 51 and support mechanism holder 55 omitted from the illustration. Figure 12(d) shows a cross-section along the line BB-BB in Figure 12(c). The line BB-BB passes through the centers of the two screws 50b.

[0079] As shown in Figures 12(b) and (c), the region of the viewfinder unit 26 in the X direction is defined as follows. First, in the retracted state, the region of the viewfinder unit 26 that constitutes the exterior of the camera 1 (exposed to the outside from the camera 1) is defined as the first exterior region 26a, and the region that is retracted into the camera 1 (not exposed to the outside from the camera 1) is defined as the first retracted region 26b. Furthermore, the region in the Z direction to which the lens holder 36 moves is defined as the lens-side region 26c, and the region +Z side of the lens-side region 26c is defined as the panel-side region 26d.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12(a), the two screws 50a are positioned so as not to overlap with the viewfinder FPC 39 when viewed from the +Z direction. Furthermore, in the retracted state, the two screws 50a are positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane S1 that is parallel to the YZ plane and includes the viewfinder optical axis F. In addition, as shown in Figure 12(b), the two screws 50a are located on the +Y side of the viewfinder optical axis F and in the panel-side region 26d in the Z direction.

[0081] As shown in Figure 12(c), the straight plate 52 is positioned in the first storage area 26b and panel-side area 26d in the Z direction when in the retracted state. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the width of the straight plate 52 in the X direction compared to when the straight plate 52 is positioned in the lens-side area 26c, thereby enabling miniaturization of the finder support mechanism 50.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(c), the leaf spring portion 52g of the straight plate 52 is positioned in the retracted state so as to overlap with the portion of the inner cover 46 that is inside (-Z side) of the arc portion 46a when viewed from the +X direction. By positioning it in this way, the recess 51e provided on the fixing plate 51 corresponding to the convex portion 52f of the leaf spring portion 52g, as shown in Figure 8, can also be housed inside the arc portion 46a of the inner cover 46 when viewed from the +X direction. As a result, the space below the arc portion 46a (-Y side) can be used as the area for arranging the internal structural member 20 shown in Figure 3(a), thus suppressing the increase in the size of the camera 1.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12(b), the third wall portion 53c of the rotating plate 53 is positioned so as to not overlap with the lens 36a1, which is closest to the eyepiece window 16 of the lens group 36a located within the lens-side region 26c, when viewed from the +X direction from which the rotation axis A extends.

[0084] The two screws 50b are located in the lens-side region 26c in the Z direction, as shown in Figure 12(c), and are positioned within the space 37c, as shown in Figure 12(d). In this way, the viewfinder section 12 (inner cover 46) is fixed to the rotating plate 53 of the viewfinder support mechanism 50 by screws 50a and 50b on both sides of the pivot axis A in the Z direction, so that the viewfinder section 12 is firmly held by the rotating plate 53. Furthermore, by arranging the screws 50a and 50b as described above, the increase in the size of the viewfinder support mechanism 50 can be suppressed.

[0085] Figure 13(a) shows the finder unit 26 as viewed from the -Z direction. Figures 13(b) and (c) show cross-sections along the DD-DD line and CC-CC line in Figure 13(a), respectively.

[0086] As shown in Figure 13(b), a straight rail 51d and a concave portion 51g are formed on the first wall portion 51a of the fixing plate 51. In the stored state, the length in the X direction of the first external area 26a of the viewfinder portion 12 (amount of protrusion to the outside) is defined as the viewfinder protrusion amount L26. If the viewfinder protrusion amount L26 is large, it will get in the way when the user carries the camera 1. In other words, in order to keep the viewfinder protrusion amount L26 to an amount that does not get in the way when carrying the camera 1, it is necessary to place components related to diopter adjustment within the first storage area 26b as well.

[0087] Therefore, in this embodiment, a concave portion 51g is formed on the first wall portion 51a below the straight rail 51d (-Y side), and components such as the guide shaft 40, spring 41, and fixing cylinder 37 that house these components are arranged within the first storage area 26b. As a result, the diopter adjustment dial 17 can be placed in the area that overlaps with the first wall portion 51a of the fixing plate 51 when viewed from the -Z direction. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the increase in the size of the finder unit 26 in the X direction due to the provision of the diopter adjustment dial 17.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13(c), a straight rail 51d and an arc rail 51h are formed on the second wall portion 51b of the fixed plate 51, opposite to the first wall portion 51a. A portion of the arc rail 51h is formed within the first external area 26a. This makes it possible to miniaturize the finder unit 26 in the X direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, no components related to diopter adjustment are placed on the opposite side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction of the finder unit 12. This makes it possible to form a rail storage space 12c for extending the arc rail 51h within the finder unit 12. In other words, by forming the arc rail 51h only on the second wall portion 51b opposite to the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction, a rail storage space 12c can be formed within the finder unit 12 to accommodate the portion of the arc rail 51h that protrudes into the first external area 26a. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the increase in the size of the finder unit 26 in the X direction.

[0090] Figures 14(a), (b), and (c) show cross-sections of the finder unit 26 in its retracted, extended, and rotated states, respectively. These cross-sections are parallel to the YZ plane and pass through the finder optical axis F. In each of Figures 14(a), (b), and (c), only the area around the connector 116 of the main board 24 is shown.

[0091] The portion of the finder FPC 39 between the aforementioned boundary 114 and the adhesive portion 115 (hereinafter referred to as the flexible portion) 117 can be freely bent and deformed in a plane parallel to the YZ plane. As previously mentioned, the connector mounting portion 102 of the finder FPC 39 to which the reinforcing plate 103 is attached is fixed to the fixing cylinder 37, and the adhesive portion 115 is fixed to the support mechanism holder 55. The boundary 114 corresponds to the end of the flexible portion 117 on the first fixed portion side. Also, the portion of the flexible portion 117 adjacent to the adhesive portion 115 corresponds to the end on the second fixed portion side.

[0092] Therefore, when the finder unit 12 moves between the stored position, the extended position, and the rotated position, the connector mounting unit 102 moves relative to the support mechanism holder 55 together with the finder unit 12, including the fixed cylinder 37 that moves relative to the support mechanism holder 55. At this time, the adhesive unit 115 is fixed to the support mechanism holder 55 and does not move. As a result, the relative positional relationship between the connector mounting unit 102 and the adhesive unit 115 of the finder FPC 39 changes due to the bending deformation of the flexible unit 117.

[0093] Next, the bending deformation of the flexible portion 117 will be explained in detail. When the finder portion 12 is in the storage position shown in Figure 14(a), the flexible portion 117 of the finder FPC 39 has a first shape in which its intermediate position is pushed in the +Z direction by the FPC position limiting portion 46d, resulting in a convex shape in the +Z direction. At this time, as will be described later, the portion of the flexible portion 117 between the adhesive portion 115 and the intermediate position becomes a shape that is bent in the +Z direction.

[0094] When the viewfinder section 12 is in the extended position shown in Figure 14(b), the flexible section 117 of the viewfinder FPC 39 has a second shape that is gently concave in the +Z direction, as the FPC position limiting section 46d is separated (closer) from its intermediate position. At this time, as will be described later, the portion of the flexible section 117 between the adhesive section 115 and the intermediate position becomes tilted in the -Z direction, and the entire flexible section 117 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the adhesive section 115.

[0095] When the finder unit 12 is in the rotation position shown in Figure 14(c), the flexible portion 117 of the finder FPC 39 has a third shape that is even more gently convex in the +Z direction than the extended state, as the FPC position limiting portion 46d moves far away from its intermediate position and the boundary 114 rotates upward.

[0096] When the viewfinder unit 12 moves in the -Z direction (pull-out direction) from the storage position to the pull-out position, the connector mounting unit 102 moves in the -Z direction while the attachment portion 115 of the viewfinder FPC 39 remains fixed to the support mechanism holder 55.

[0097] On the other hand, when the finder unit 12 moves in the +Z direction (storage direction) from the extended position in Figure 14(b) to the stored position in Figure 14(a), the connector mounting unit 102 moves in the +Z direction while the adhesive unit 115 remains fixed to the support mechanism holder 55. At this time, the FPC position limiting unit 46d, which moves together with the finder unit 12, approaches the flexible unit 117 without contacting it until it exceeds the position of the adhesive unit 115 in the storage direction, thereby limiting the deformation of the flexible unit 117 so that it becomes convex in the -Z direction (deformation to a shape other than the first shape). In other words, the FPC position limiting unit 46d contacts the flexible unit 117 when it is mistakenly deformed in the -Z direction, thereby guiding the flexible unit 117 to the first shape which is convex in the +Z direction. Then, once the FPC position limiting unit 46d exceeds the position of the adhesive unit 115, it contacts the flexible unit 117 and pushes it in the +Z direction, thereby deforming the flexible unit 117 to the first shape.

[0098] Thus, the FPC position limiting section 46d has the function of restricting the free movement and deformation of the flexible section 117 when the finder section 12 moves from the extended position to the retracted position, and reliably returning the shape of the flexible section 117 from the second shape in the extended position to the first shape in the retracted state. If the FPC position limiting section 46d is not provided, the flexible section 117 may deform freely when the finder section 12 moves from the extended position to the retracted position, which could cause problems such as the flexible section 117 getting caught between other components.

[0099] Furthermore, since the FPC position limiting portion 46d contacts and presses against the viewfinder FPC 39, it is desirable that its shape be a smooth shape such as an arc, rather than a sharp shape that could scratch the viewfinder FPC 39. Also, as mentioned above, since the FPC position limiting portion 46d is formed at the end of the arc portion 46a of the inner cover 46, the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration simplified compared to when the FPC position limiting portion 46d is provided as a separate part.

[0100] As mentioned above, the boundary 114 and the portion adjacent to the adhesive portion 115, which are both ends of the flexible portion 117, are located on opposite sides of the finder optical axis F (and connector mounting portion 102) in the Y direction. This allows for a longer flexible portion 117, enabling it to deform to follow large movements of the finder portion 12.

[0101] In the retracted state shown in Figure 14(a), the FPC position limiting portion 46d is located on the +Z side (retraction direction) of the adhesive portion 115, and in the extended state shown in Figure 14(b), it is located on the -Z side (extension direction) of the adhesive portion 115. As a result, between the retracted state and the extended state, the portion of the flexible portion 117 between the adhesive portion 115 and the intermediate position where it can contact the FPC position limiting portion 46d swings between a state where it tilts to the +Z side (Figure 14(a)) and a state where it tilts to the -Z side (Figure 14(b)), with the adhesive portion 115 as the pivot point. In this way, the flexible portion 117 swings to follow the movement of the finder portion 12 in the extension / retraction direction. This makes it possible to stabilize the behavior of the flexible portion 117 with a simple configuration that includes the FPC position limiting portion 46d.

[0102] As shown in Figure 14(a), L60 is defined as the distance in the Z direction from the FPC position limiting portion 46d to the boundary 114. L60 is the length in the Z direction of the space in which the flexible portion 117 of the viewfinder FPC 39 is housed when it is in the retracted state. In this embodiment, L60 is set to be smaller than the amount that the viewfinder portion 12 can be pulled out from the retracted position to the extended position. This makes it possible to miniaturize the viewfinder unit 26 in the Z direction when it is in the retracted state.

[0103] When the finder unit 12 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis A from the extended position to the rotation position shown in Figure 14(c), the attachment portion 115 of the finder FPC 39 remains fixed to the support mechanism holder 55, while the connector mounting portion 102 rotates in the same direction around the pivot axis A. At this time, the FPC position limiting portion 46d moves away from the flexible portion 117.

[0104] On the other hand, when the viewfinder unit 12 rotates clockwise around the pivot axis A from the rotated position to the extended position, the connector mounting unit 102 rotates in the same direction around the pivot axis A while the adhesive unit 115 remains fixed to the support mechanism holder 55. The FPC position limiting unit 46d of the viewfinder unit 12 also rotates clockwise around the pivot axis A. At this time, the FPC position limiting unit 46d approaches the flexible unit 117, thereby restricting the free movement and deformation of the flexible unit 117 and making it easier for the flexible unit 117 to return to the second shape in the extended state. In other words, when the viewfinder unit 12 rotates from the rotated position to the extended position, the FPC position limiting unit 46d restricts the deformation of the flexible unit 117 from the third shape to a shape other than the second shape.

[0105] In this way, the FPC position limiting unit 46d effectively restricts the movement and deformation of the flexible portion 117 of the viewfinder FPC 39 during a series of movements of the viewfinder unit 12 from the rotational position to the retracted position, and returns the shape of the flexible portion 117 from the third shape to the second shape and then back to the first shape.

[0106] When the viewfinder section 12 in its retracted and extended states is viewed from the X direction, which is the first direction, the boundary 114 at one end of the flexible section 117 is located on the same side as the rotation axis A with respect to the viewfinder optical axis F in the Y direction, which is the second direction. That is, the boundary 114 and the portion adjacent to the rotation axis A and the adhesive section 115 are located on opposite sides of each other in the Y direction, with the viewfinder optical axis F (and connector mounting section 102) in between. Furthermore, the boundary 114 is located closer to the rotation axis A than the portion adjacent to the adhesive section 115. As a result, the rotational trajectory of the boundary 114 around the rotation axis A when the viewfinder section 12 rotates from the extended position to the rotated position becomes smaller. Consequently, the length of the flexible section 117 required to follow the movement of the viewfinder section 12 can be shortened, and the stability of the movement of the flexible section 117 can be improved.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(a), if the size (outer dimensions) of the finder unit 12 in the Y direction is L70, then the entire flexible portion 117 from the boundary 114 to the adhesive portion 115 and the FPC position limiting portion 46d are located within the range of L70 in the Y direction. This makes it possible to make the finder unit 26 compact.

[0108] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the inner cover 46 is provided with an FPC bending limiting portion 46c. The FPC bending limiting portion 46c contacts and supports the finder FPC 39 when excessive force is applied near the boundary 114 of the finder FPC 39 during movement and rotation of the finder unit 12 between the stored position, the extended position, and the rotated position. This reduces the force (stress) acting near the boundary 114 of the finder FPC 39, thereby preventing malfunctions such as wire breakage near the boundary 114.

[0109] As described above, according to this embodiment, the movement and deformation of the viewfinder FPC 39 in response to the movement and rotation of the viewfinder unit 12 can be restricted, thereby avoiding excessive load and pinching of the viewfinder FPC 39.

[0110] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the digital still camera (camera 1) described above, but also include various imaging devices such as video cameras and television cameras, and other electronic devices that have a display unit that can move to a storage position, a retracted position, and a rotating position. In addition, the display unit may include something other than the electronic viewfinder described above. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may also include electronic devices that have a movable unit other than a display unit, which is connected to the main body of the electronic device by a flexible circuit board. Examples of movable units include operation units for user operation of the electronic device and telescopic units that move to extend or retract the electronic device.

[0111] The above-described embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A movable unit is provided for the main body of the electronic device, which is capable of moving between a storage position and a pull-out position and rotating between the pull-out position and a rotating position. The movable unit and the main body are electrically connected by a flexible substrate, The flexible substrate has a flexible portion between a first fixed portion fixed to the movable unit and a second fixed portion fixed closer to the main body than the first fixed portion. The flexible portion has a first shape, a second shape, and a third shape that are different from each other when the movable unit is in the storage position, the extension position, and the rotation position, respectively. The movable unit has a first substrate limiting portion which is a portion that can contact the flexible portion and is located in the storage direction more than the first and second fixed portions in the storage position and in the extension position more than the first and second fixed portions in the extension position. The first substrate limiting section is, When the movable unit moves from the pull-out position to the storage position, the deformation of the flexible portion from the second shape to a shape other than the first shape is restricted. An electronic device characterized in that when the movable unit rotates from the rotation position to the pull-out position, the deformation of the flexible portion from the third shape to a shape other than the second shape is restricted. (Configuration 2) The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the first substrate limiting portion moves in contact with the flexible portion when the movable unit moves from the pull-out position to the storage position, causing the flexible portion to deform from the second shape to the first shape. (Composition 3) The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the first substrate limiting portion rotates as the movable unit rotates from the rotation position to the pull-out position, approaching the flexible portion, thereby restricting deformation of the flexible portion to a shape other than the second shape. (Composition 4) When the movable unit is in the storage position, the flexible portion has a portion that is located in the storage direction relative to the second fixed portion and a portion that is located in the pulling direction relative to the second fixed portion. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the movable unit is in the pulled-out position and the rotated position, the entire flexible portion is positioned in the pulled-out direction relative to the fixed portion 2. (Composition 5) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that, when the movable unit in the storage position and the unfolded position is viewed from a first direction from which the pivot axis that serves as the rotation center of the movable unit extends, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the storage and unfolded direction, the end of the flexible portion on the fixed portion side and the end on the fixed portion side of the flexible portion are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the first fixed portion. (Composition 6) The electronic device according to configuration 5, characterized in that, when the movable unit in the storage position and the draw-out position is viewed from the first direction, in the second direction, the pivot axis is located on the same side as the first fixed end of the flexible portion relative to the first fixed portion. (Composition 7) The electronic device according to configuration 6, characterized in that, when the movable unit in the storage position and the drawer position is viewed from the first direction, in the second direction, the end on the first fixed part side is closer to the pivot axis than the end on the second fixed part side. (Composition 8) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that, when the movable unit in the storage position and the unfolded position is viewed from a first direction from which the pivot axis that serves as the rotation center of the movable unit extends, the entire flexible portion and the first substrate limiting portion are located within the range of the outer dimensions of the movable unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the storage and unfolded direction. (Composition 9) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that when the movable unit is in the storage position and the pull-out position, the distance between the end of the flexible portion on the first fixed portion side and the first substrate limiting portion in the storage and pull-out direction is smaller than the amount the movable unit can be pulled out from the storage position to the pull-out position. (Composition 10) The movable unit has an exterior-forming portion that is not exposed to the outside from the main body in the storage position and the draw-out position, but is exposed to the outside in the rotation position. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the first substrate limiting portion is integrally provided with the appearance forming portion. (Composition 11) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the movable unit has a second substrate limiting portion that contacts the flexible portion to reduce the force applied to the end of the flexible portion on the first fixed portion side during at least one of the movement and rotation of the movable unit. (Composition 12) An image sensor that captures an optical image formed by an optical system, The system includes a display element that displays an image generated using the output signal from the image sensor, The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the movable unit includes the display element.

[0112] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Camera 12 Viewfinder Section 39 Flexible circuit board for viewfinders (Finder FPC) 46c FPC bending limit section 46d FPC position limiting section 102 Connector mounting section 115 Pasting area 117 Flexible part

Claims

1. a movable unit that is movable between a storage position and a drawn-out position and that is rotatable between the drawn-out position and a rotation position relative to a main body of the electronic device; a flexible substrate that electrically connects the movable unit and the main body; the flexible substrate has a flexible portion between a first fixed portion fixed to the movable unit and a second fixed portion fixed closer to the main body than the first fixed portion, the flexible portion has a first shape, a second shape, and a third shape that are different from one another when the movable unit is in the stored position, the extended position, and the pivoted position, respectively; the movable unit has, as a portion capable of contacting the flexible portion, a first substrate restricting portion which is located further in the storage direction than the first and second fixing portions at the storage position and which is located further in the extension direction than the second fixing portion at the extension position; The first substrate limiting portion is restricting deformation of the flexible portion from the second shape to a shape other than the first shape when the movable unit moves from the extended position to the retracted position; The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the deformation of the flexible portion from the third shape to a shape other than the second shape is restricted when the movable unit rotates from the rotation position to the extended position.

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first board limiting portion moves so as to abut against the flexible portion and deform the flexible portion from the second shape to the first shape when the movable unit moves from the extended position to the stored position.

3. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that the first substrate restricting portion restricts deformation of the flexible portion to a shape other than the second shape by rotating and approaching the flexible portion as the movable unit rotates from the rotation position to the extension position.

4. When the movable unit is in the storage position, the flexible portion has a portion located further in the storage direction than the second fixed portion and a portion located further in the extension direction than the second fixed portion, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the movable unit is in the extended position and the pivoted position, the entire flexible portion is positioned further in the extension direction than the two fixed portions.

5. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the movable unit in the storage position and the extension position is viewed from a first direction in which a rotation axis that is the center of rotation of the movable unit extends, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the storage and extension directions, the end of the flexible portion facing the first fixed portion and the end of the flexible portion facing the second fixed portion are located on opposite sides of the first fixed portion.

6. The electronic device described in claim 5, characterized in that when the movable unit in the storage position and the extended position is viewed from the first direction, in the second direction, the rotation axis is located on the same side as the end of the flexible portion facing the first fixed portion relative to the first fixed portion.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, characterized in that when the movable unit in the storage position and the extended position is viewed from the first direction, in the second direction, the end on the first fixed part side is located closer to the rotation axis than the end on the second fixed part side.

8. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the movable unit in the storage position and the extension position is viewed from a first direction in which a rotation axis that is the rotation center of the movable unit extends, the entire flexible portion and the first substrate limiting portion are located within the range of the external dimensions of the movable unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the storage and extension directions.

9. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the movable unit is in the storage position and the extension position, the distance between the end of the flexible portion on the first fixed portion side in the storage and extension direction and the first board limiting portion is smaller than the amount by which the movable unit can be extended from the storage position to the extension position.

10. the movable unit has an exterior forming part that is not exposed to the outside from the main body when in the stored position and the pulled-out position, and is exposed to the outside when in the rotated position, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first board limiting portion is provided integrally with the exterior forming portion.

11. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that the movable unit has a second substrate limiting portion that abuts against the flexible portion so as to reduce the force applied to the end of the flexible portion on the first fixed portion side when the movable unit moves or rotates at least one of the times.

12. an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by the optical system; a display element that displays an image generated using an output signal from the imaging element, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the movable unit includes the display element.

Images