electronic machinery

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus in which a finder portion pulled out from an apparatus main body can be rotated and in which the finder portion can be locked in a rotated position, using a built-in support mechanism portion.SOLUTION: A camera comprises: a camera main body 1; a finder portion 12 having a lens group 36a; and a support mechanism portion 50 that is provided in the camera main body 1, supports the finder portion 12 so as to be capable of transitioning between a plurality of states, and has a tilt axis TA serving as the rotational center of the finder portion 12. The tilt axis TA is disposed outside the camera main body 1 when the finder portion 12 is in a pulled-out state, a tilt-lock-released state, and a tilt-locked state, and moves into the camera main body 1 as the finder portion 12 transitions to a stored state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a camera equipped with an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as a finder), there is known one in which the finder can be tilted with respect to the camera body to expand the degree of freedom of the user's shooting posture. In addition, an accessory shoe for attaching accessories is provided on the upper part of the finder of the electronic device. For example, in Patent Document 1, a configuration is disclosed in which a finder built in a camera can be pulled out and tilted by about 45° from the pulled-out state. Further, in Patent Document 2, a configuration of a support mechanism for tiltably supporting a finder attached to an accessory shoe of a camera is disclosed. A tilt lock dial is provided coaxially with the tilt axis of the support mechanism, and it can be locked at a predetermined angle by tightening the tilt lock dial. Thereby, when the user presses the eye against the eyepiece, it is possible to prevent the finder from moving inadvertently.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the tilt angle of the viewfinder is limited to about 45 degrees, and furthermore, there is no tilt lock mechanism, so the viewfinder may move unintentionally when the user presses their eye against the eyepiece. Also, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 is an external viewfinder accessory that attaches to the accessory shoe, and because there is ample space for configuration, it is possible to achieve a tilt angle of 45 degrees or more, and it is easy to incorporate a tilt lock mechanism. However, external viewfinder accessories occupy the accessory shoe, preventing the attachment of other external accessories, which reduces expandability, and further reduces portability. In addition, since the tilt lock mechanism has a locking operation part on the tilt axis of the support mechanism, if this tilt lock mechanism is applied to a built-in viewfinder and the tilt axis is stored together with the viewfinder, the imaging device body becomes larger in the width direction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The present invention aims to provide an electronic device that, in addition to rotating a viewfinder unit pulled out from the main body of the device using a built-in support mechanism, can also lock the viewfinder unit in the rotated position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the electronic device of the present invention comprises: a device body; a viewfinder unit having a lens; and a support mechanism provided within the device body, which supports the viewfinder unit so as to be able to transition between multiple states and has a pivot axis that serves as the rotation center of the viewfinder unit. The multiple states include: a stored state in which the viewfinder unit is housed within the device body; an extended state in which the viewfinder unit is pulled out from the device body; a rotated state in which the viewfinder unit is rotated from the extended state; and a rotated-locked state in which the viewfinder unit is locked in the rotated position. The pivot axis is located outside the device body when the viewfinder unit is in the extended state, the rotated state, and the rotated-locked state, and moves inside the device body as the viewfinder unit transitions to the stored state. The support mechanism comprises a fixed plate fixed to the main body of the device, a linear plate held so as to be able to move linearly relative to the fixed plate, and a rotating plate held so as to be able to rotate relative to the linear plate via the pivot shaft, the fixed plate, the linear plate, and the rotating plate each having first and second surfaces facing each other in the axial direction of the pivot shaft, the first and second surfaces of the linear plate being positioned between the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, and the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate being positioned between the first and second surfaces of the linear plate, the support mechanism comprises an outer arc rail formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, a keyway formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate connected to the outer arc rail, and formed on the first and second surfaces of the linear plate, and when the finder is in the extended state, the rotated state, and the rotated locked state, the outer The device comprises an arc rail and an inner arc rail positioned to surround the keyway portion; a straight-moving rotating plate to which the finder portion is fixed and which is held to rotate together with the rotating plate via the pivot shaft relative to the straight-moving plate, and which is held to move in a straight line relative to the rotating plate; and a key shaft connected to the straight-moving rotating plate, which moves the outer arc rail of the fixed plate and the inner arc rail of the straight-moving plate during the rotation of the straight-moving rotating plate and the straight-moving plate. When the straight-moving rotating plate and the straight-moving plate are rotated, the key shaft enters the keyway portion in conjunction with the straight-moving rotating plate's straight-line movement to one side, causing the finder portion to transition to the rotation lock state, and the key shaft disengages from the keyway portion in conjunction with the straight-moving rotating plate's straight-line movement to the opposite side, causing the finder portion to transition to the rotation lock state.It is characterized by doing so. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in addition to rotating the viewfinder unit that has been pulled out from the main body of the device using a built-in support mechanism, the viewfinder unit can also be locked in the rotated position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the camera to explain the condition of the viewfinder. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the camera body after disassembly. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the viewfinder section. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the support mechanism. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the viewfinder unit. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the operational transitions of the support mechanism. [Figure 8] This is a diagram to explain the lock configuration. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the operation transition of the support mechanism in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the finder unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lock lever. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view of the support mechanism and locking mechanism. [Figure 13] This is a diagram to explain the lock configuration. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the components of the locking mechanism in the viewfinder unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform a similar function. In addition, any additional components may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) from each embodiment can be combined. Note that the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the tilt angle can be locked in steps, but may also be applied to a configuration in which the tilt angle can be locked at any angle. As an example of an electronic device of the present invention, a camera, which is one type of imaging device, will be described. Therefore, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to imaging devices such as cameras, but may be any electronic device having a viewfinder.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In each figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lens-interchangeable digital camera (hereinafter referred to as "camera") as a camera capable of attaching interchangeable lenses. Figure 1(a) is a front perspective view of the camera body 1 (device body) of the camera according to the first embodiment, showing how the interchangeable lens 2 is attached. Figure 1(b) is a rear perspective view of the camera body 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1(a), the X, Y, and Z directions in the camera are defined as follows: The X direction is the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the camera body 1. The Y direction is the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the camera body 1. The Z direction is the direction of the optical axis of the interchangeable lens 2 when mounted on the camera body 1, and the direction of the optical axis F (see Figure 4(d)) of the viewfinder unit 12 when stored in the camera body 1. The front of the camera body 1 is provided with a front grip 3 that protrudes forward from the camera body 1 for the user to grip the camera body 1. Also, a mount part 4 is provided in the center of the front of the camera body 1 to which the interchangeable lens 2 can be attached. The mount part 4 has a group of electrical contacts 5. Communication and power supply between the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 2 mounted on the mount part 4 are performed via the group of electrical contacts 5. The top surface of the camera body 1 is provided with a power lever 6, a mode dial 7, a release button 8, and an accessory shoe 9. The power lever 6 allows the user to switch the camera's power on / off by operating the lever. The mode dial 7 allows the user to switch between various imaging modes by rotating it. The release button 8 allows the user to start imaging by pressing it. The accessory shoe 9 is located above the viewfinder unit 12, on the optical axis center of the interchangeable lens 2, and allows various external accessories for shooting to be attached. Note that 13 is the image sensor.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1(b), on the back surface of the camera body 1, a display unit 10, a back operation unit 11, and a viewfinder unit 12 are provided. When the camera is turned on and the still image or video mode is set, an image signal (through image) of the subject image captured by the imaging device 13 is displayed on the display unit 10 or the viewfinder unit 12. Also, imaging parameters indicating imaging conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value are displayed on the display unit 10 or the viewfinder unit 12. The back operation unit 11 includes a playback button for instructing the playback of the recorded captured image. When the user operates this playback button, the captured image is played back and displayed on the display unit 10 or the viewfinder unit 12. Also, the back operation unit 11 includes a video button for instructing video shooting. When the user operates this video button, video shooting is started and stopped. A space 14 for placing the user's thumb when the user holds the camera body 1 is provided beside the back operation unit 11.

[0013] The viewfinder unit 12 is provided with a sensor window 15, an eyepiece window 16, and a diopter adjustment dial 17. The sensor window 15 is arranged below the eyepiece window 16 and is provided for the optical path of the internal eyepiece sensor 44a (see FIG. 4). When the eyepiece sensor 44a detects that the user is looking through the eyepiece window 16, the display switches from the display on the display unit 10 to the display on the display panel 35 (see FIG. 4) provided inside the viewfinder unit 12. The diopter adjustment dial 17 is arranged on the side surface of the viewfinder unit 12, on the side surface on the front grip 3 side. By operating the diopter adjustment dial 17 by the user, the diopter is adjusted so that the displayed image can be confirmed in the viewfinder unit 12 without being blurred.

[0014] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the state of the viewfinder unit 12 will be described. FIG. 2(a) is a rear perspective view showing the state where the viewfinder unit 12 is housed in the camera body 1 (hereinafter referred to as the housed state). FIG. 2(b) is a rear perspective view showing the state where the viewfinder unit 12 is pulled out from the camera body 1 by sliding it maximally along the optical axis F (see FIG. 4(d)) of the viewfinder unit 12 from the housed state in FIG. 2(a) (hereinafter referred to as the pulled-out state). FIG. 2(c) is a rear perspective view showing the state where the viewfinder unit 12 in the pulled-out state in FIG. 2(b) is tilted about the tilt axis TA and then restricted from moving in the tilt direction (hereinafter referred to as the tilt lock state). The tilt axis TA (rotation axis) is orthogonal to the optical axis F of the viewfinder unit 12 and parallel to the X direction. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the tilt lock state (rotation lock state) has the maximum tilt angle as the tilt angle when the eyepiece window 16 is in a position relationship substantially parallel to the accessory shoe 9, and can be locked step by step at a predetermined angle up to the maximum tilt angle. In the process from the pulled-out state to the tilt lock state, there is a tilt lock release state (rotation state) in which the viewfinder unit 12 can be tilted about the tilt axis TA. The tilt axis TA is pulled out from the camera body 1 as shown in FIGS. 2(b) and (c) when the viewfinder unit 12 is in the pulled-out state, tilt lock release state, and tilt lock state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(a), when the viewfinder unit 12 is in the housed state, the tilt axis TA does not appear on the exterior of the camera and is moved and arranged within the camera body 1. In the viewfinder unit 12, in the housed state, pulled-out state, tilt lock release state, and tilt lock state, the user can confirm the display content from the eyepiece window 16 by looking into the eyepiece window 16.

[0015] Furthermore, the camera according to this embodiment maintains the same ease of use and portability as conventional cameras when the viewfinder unit 12 is retracted. In this regard, with conventional cameras, it was difficult to take pictures while looking through the eyepiece window when a large external accessory was attached to the accessory shoe, as the external accessory got in the way. However, in this embodiment, by extending the viewfinder unit 12, the distance between the accessory shoe 9 and the viewfinder unit 12 is ensured even when a large external accessory is attached to the accessory shoe 9. Therefore, even in such cases, the user can take pictures while looking through the eyepiece window 16. In addition, by tilt-locking the viewfinder unit 12, the user's freedom of shooting posture is increased, and the viewfinder unit 12 is prevented from moving unintentionally when the user presses their eye against it.

[0016] Next, the unit configuration of the camera body 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the unit configuration of the camera body 1. The camera body 1 is assembled with each unit to the internal structural member 20. The units include a front cover unit 21, a top cover unit 22, a side cover unit 23, a main circuit board 24, and a rear cover unit 25. The viewfinder unit 26 is assembled to the top cover unit 22 from the inside, and the top cover unit 22 is fixed to the internal structural member 20 in an integrated state with the viewfinder unit 26.

[0017] Figure 3(b) is an exploded perspective view showing the holding configuration of the accessory shoe 9 and the viewfinder unit 26. The accessory shoe 9 is provided with an engaging 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 engaging member 30 is a member for engaging and holding external accessories. The signal terminal stage 31 is constructed by holding a contact member 31a for external accessories 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, when the various units of the camera body 1 are assembled, is connected to the main substrate 24, enabling electrical connection with external accessories. As a result, various external accessories communicate with the camera body 1 and function. The accessory shoe holding member 33 is a structural component that holds the engaging member 30 and is a highly rigid and high-strength component within the upper cover unit 22. Four screws 33a pass through the accessory shoe holding member 33, the flexible substrate 32 for the accessory shoe, and the top cover unit 22, and are fastened to the engaging member 30. This firmly holds the accessory shoe holding member 33 and the engaging member 30. The signal terminal stage 31 is held in place by being sandwiched between the engaging member 30 and the top cover unit 22. The accessory shoe spring 34 is made of a conductive metal material and has an elastically deformable portion for biasing the attached external accessory to the +Y side. The finder unit 26 is assembled from the inside of the top cover unit 22 and is firmly held by being fastened to the accessory shoe holding member 33 with two screws 26a.

[0018] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the finder unit 12 constituting the finder unit 26 will be described. Figure 4(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the finder unit 12. The optical unit 12a of the finder unit 12 has a display panel 35, a lens holder 36, a fixed cylinder 37, a front lens cover 38, and a flexible substrate 39 for the finder. The lens holder 36 is a member that holds the lens group 36a (lenses) that guides the light beam emitted from the display panel 35 to the eyepiece window 16. The guide shaft 40 passes through the bearing 36b of the lens holder 36, and both ends of the guide shaft 40 are pivotally supported by the fixed cylinder 37 and the front lens cover 38, and is a member that guides the lens holder 36 so that it can move in the direction of the optical axis F of the lens (see Figure 4(d)). The spring 41 is arranged coaxially with the guide shaft 40 and is sandwiched between the lens holder 36 and the fixed cylinder 37. As a result, the lens holder 36 is biased to the -Z side by the spring 41.

[0019] Figure 4(b) is an enlarged perspective view of the cam member 42. As shown in Figure 4(b), the cam member 42 has a bearing portion 42a, a cam portion 42b, and a gear portion 42c formed at a constant pitch in the circumferential direction. The cam member 42 is held rotatably by being sandwiched between the fixed cylinder 37 and the lens front cover 38 with the bearing portion 42a inserted through the shaft portion (not shown) of the fixed cylinder 37. The lens holder 36 is biased to the -Z side by the spring 41, so that the convex portion 36c of the lens holder 36 (see Figure 4(d)) is always in contact with the cam portion 42b of the cam member 42. As a result, the cam member 42 can rotate integrally with the diopter adjustment dial 17, and the lens holder 36 can move back and forth in the Z direction along the shape of the cam portion 42b. The leaf spring 43 elastically engages with the gear portion 42c of the cam member 42, enabling the cam member 42 to click-stop at the pitch of the gear portion 42c. In other words, the user can adjust the diopter of the viewfinder 12 by rotating the diopter adjustment dial 17 and moving the lens holder 36 to a position that matches the user's diopter.

[0020] The display panel 35 is attached to the fixing cylinder 37 with double-sided tape (not shown). The flexible circuit board 39 for the finder is a circuit board for transmitting image signals and the like from the main circuit board 24, and has a connector mounted on it that connects the display panel circuit board 35a and the flexible circuit board 44 for the detection sensor. Therefore, the flexible circuit board 39 for the finder is one of the circuit boards for controlling the display content of the display panel 35, that is, the display content of the finder unit 12. The flexible circuit board 39 for the finder is positioned on the fixing cylinder 37 so as to cover the back of the display panel 35 and fastened with screws.

[0021] The flexible circuit board 44 for the detection sensor is equipped with an eyepiece sensor 44a that detects when the user is looking through the eyepiece window 16 and switches the display from the display unit 10 to the display panel 35. The flexible circuit board 44 for the detection sensor is positioned to press against the back surface of the sensor window 15, which is bonded to the outer cover 45, and is fastened with screws. The front lens cover 38 has a flange portion 38a formed in the circumferential direction, and the flange portion 38a is assembled so as to be sandwiched between the outer cover 45 and the inner cover 46 and fastened with screws. As a result, the optical unit 12a is covered by the outer cover 45 and the inner cover 46, which are external components. On the +Z side of the inner cover 46, there is an arc portion 46a that is visible when the tilt lock is released or in the tilt lock state of the viewfinder unit 12, and an opening 46b for wiring the flexible circuit board 44 for the detection sensor is provided near the inside of the arc portion 46a. A rubber eyepiece cover 47, which acts as a cushion when the user looks through the viewfinder 12, is screwed to the outer cover 45.

[0022] Figure 4(c) is a cross-sectional view of the assembled state of the lens holder 36 and the fixing cylinder 37, and is a YZ cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the lens holder 36 and the fixing cylinder 37 at the position of the optical axis F of the finder unit 12 (see Figure 4(d)). As shown in Figure 4(c), the lens group 36a of the lens holder 36 is composed of multiple lenses. In the lens group 36a, the lens outer diameters D1 and D2 are larger than those of the display panel 35 in order to enlarge the display on the display panel 35. Furthermore, the lens outer diameter D2 on the eyepiece window 16 side is larger than the lens outer diameter D1 on the display panel 35 side. In other words, the upper part of the lens on the display panel 35 side is configured to have a space equal to half the difference in lens outer diameters (D2-D1). Furthermore, the fixing cylinder 37 that covers the lens holder 36 is also configured to have a roughly rectangular space 37a above the lens on the display panel 35 side. In Figure 4(c), the outline in the Y direction was explained using a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the X-axis, but the same can be said for the outline in the X direction using a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Y-axis.

[0023] Figure 4(d) is a front view of the assembled lens holder 36 and fixed cylinder 37, and a side view of the lens holder 36 and fixed cylinder 37 as seen from the -Z side. The dashed line in Figure 4(d) indicates the outer diameter D2 of the lens on the eyepiece window 16 side, which is the maximum outer diameter of the lens group 36a as described in Figure 4(c). The lens holder 36 has an arc portion R2 formed on the +Y side of the optical axis F of the lens, and symmetrically formed with respect to the optical axis F of the lens. A roughly triangular space 37c is created between the arc portion R2 and the upper surface 37d and side surface 37b of the fixed cylinder 37. The optical axis F of the lens indicates the center of the lens in the front view of Figure 4(d). Therefore, it may be referred to as the finder lens center F below. Also, 36b is the bearing described above. 36c is the convex part of the lens holder 36 described above.

[0024] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 8, the support mechanism 50 that supports the finder unit 12 will be described. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the support mechanism 50. The support mechanism 50 has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism supports the finder unit 12 so that it can transition between a retracted state and an extended state, between an extended state and a tilt-locked state, and between a tilt-locked state and a tilt-locked state, and further supports it so that it can restrict the tilt direction by a predetermined angle in the tilt-locked state. The support mechanism 50 has a fixed plate 51, a straight plate 52, a straight tilt plate 53 (straight rotating plate), a tilt plate 54 (rotating plate), a straight plate support part 55, a tension spring 56, and a pivot shaft pin 57. The fixed plate 51 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a component that forms the structural frame of the support mechanism 50. The fixed plate 51 has a first surface 51a and a second surface 51b. The first surface 51a and the second surface 51b are approximately parallel to the Z direction and approximately perpendicular to the X direction, and face each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA (see Figure 2). The first surface 51a and the second surface 51b are connected to a third surface 51c which is parallel to the X and Z directions. As a result, the fixing plate 51 has an approximately U-shape.

[0025] A first straight rail 51d is formed on the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b, extending linearly in the direction of extension (Z direction) of the straight plate 52. The direction of extension (Z direction) of the straight plate 52 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. At the -Z end of the first straight rail 51d (the end on the side in which the finder section is extended), a tilt rail 51e (outer arc rail) extends toward the -Y side. In the following description, the part where the tilt rail 51e extends from the first straight rail 51d will be referred to as the base end of the tilt rail 51e. The tilt rail 51e has an arc shape extending along the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the pivot axis pin 57, and has keyway sections 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i (see Figure 7). Furthermore, a second straight rail 51j parallel to the first straight rail 51d is formed on the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b. In addition, a recess 51l (engaged portion) extending linearly in the pulling direction (Z direction) of the straight plate 52 and click holes 51k are formed on the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b.

[0026] The linear plate 52 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a component positioned inside the fixed plate 51. The linear plate 52 is held by the fixed plate 51 so that it can move linearly only in the outward direction (Z direction) relative to the fixed plate 51. The linear plate 52 has a first surface 52a and a second surface 52b. The first surface 52a and the second surface 52b are approximately parallel to the Z direction and approximately perpendicular to the X direction, and are opposite each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. A hole 52d and a tilt rail 52e (inner arc rail) are formed in the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b. The hole 52d is the center of the tilt axis TA. The tilt rail 52e has an arc shape that can encompass the tilt rail 51e and keyway portions 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i of the fixed plate 51. When the viewfinder unit 12 is in the extended state, the tilt lock released state, and the tilt lock state, when the support mechanism unit 50 is viewed from the X direction, the tilt rail 51e of the fixing plate 51 and the keyway sections 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i are arranged within the tilt rail 52e.

[0027] The straight-moving plate 52 has a leaf spring portion 52j that protrudes toward the fixed plate 51 from the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b. The convex portion 52i (engaging portion) of the leaf spring portion 52j elastically engages with the recess 51l and click hole 51k of the fixed plate 51. The straight-moving guide shafts 52g and 52h are inserted through the second straight-moving rail 51j when the straight-moving plate 52 is assembled into the fixed plate 51, and are crimped to the first surface 52a and the second surface 52b of the straight-moving plate 52. The first surface 52a and the second surface 52b are connected to a third surface 52c that is parallel to the X and Z directions. As a result, the straight-moving plate 52 has a roughly U-shape. The bottom surface of the third surface 52c is provided with a convex rail (hereinafter referred to as the convex rail) (not shown) extending in the extension direction (Z direction), and the convex rail is in contact with the straight-moving plate support part 55. The straight-moving plate support part 55 is a part that slides with the convex rail and has a resin crimping shaft, and is fixed to the fixed plate 51 by heat crimping. When the straight-moving plate 52 moves in the extension direction (Z direction), the sliding of the convex rail and the straight-moving guide shafts 52g and 52h allow the straight-moving plate 52 to move straight in the extension direction (Z direction) relative to the fixed plate 51. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a sense of operation when the straight-moving plate 52 moves in a straight line, and a click-stop feeling when the finder part 12 is in the stored state or extended state, while suppressing an increase in the size of the support mechanism part 50.

[0028] The linear tilt plate 53 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a component positioned inside the linear plate 52. Furthermore, the linear tilt plate 53 is a component that can tilt relative to the linear plate 52 around the tilt axis TA. The linear tilt plate 53 has a first surface 53a and a second surface 53b. The first surface 53a and the second surface 53b are approximately parallel to the Z direction and approximately perpendicular to the X direction, and are opposite each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The first surface 53a and the second surface 53b are located on the +Y side from the center F of the viewfinder lens and are connected to a third surface 53c that is parallel to the Z and X directions. As a result, the linear tilt plate 53 has an approximately U-shape. The first surface 53a and the second surface 53b are provided with elongated holes 53e through which the pivot axis pin 57 is inserted. Furthermore, the first surface 53a and the second surface 53b are provided with holes 53f through which a key shaft 52f, described later, is inserted. The third surface 53c is provided with a hook portion 53d for securing a tension spring 56.

[0029] The tilt plate 54 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a component positioned inside the straight-line tilt plate 53. Furthermore, the tilt plate 54 is a component that can tilt relative to the straight-line plate 52 around the tilt axis TA. The tilt plate 54 has a first surface 54a and a second surface 54b. The first surface 54a and the second surface 54b are approximately parallel to the Z direction and approximately perpendicular to the X direction, and are opposite each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The first surface 54a and the second surface 54b are located on the +Y side from the center F of the viewfinder lens and are connected to a third surface 54c that is parallel to the X and Y directions. As a result, the tilt plate 54 has an approximately U-shape. The first surface 54a and the second surface 54b are provided with holes 54e through which the pivot axis pin 57 is inserted. Furthermore, the first surface 54a and the second surface 54b are provided with protrusions 54f projecting towards the +Y side. The third surface 54c is provided with a hook portion 54d for engaging the tension spring 56. The pivot shaft pin 57 is inserted through the hole 54e of the tilt plate 54, the elongated hole 53e of the straight tilt plate 53, and the hole 52d of the straight plate 52, and is crimped to form the tilt shaft TA, which is the pivot center of the support mechanism 50. The key shaft 52f is inserted through the first straight rail 51d, the tilt rail 51e, the tilt rail 52e, and the hole 53f, and is crimped to the first surface 53a and the second surface 53b of the straight tilt plate 53, while the pivot shaft pin 57 is crimped. The straight-line plate 52 is restricted in the tilt direction by the straight-line guide axes 52g and 52h, preventing it from moving unintentionally when the straight-line tilt plate 53 and the tilt plate 54 are tilted. Note that 53g is the fourth surface of the straight-line tilt plate 53, and 53h is the fifth surface of the straight-line tilt plate 53.

[0030] Figure 5(b) illustrates the elongated hole 53e of the linear tilt plate 53. The elongated hole 53e has a shape with a center line parallel to the Z axis and has an arc 531e on the -Z side and an arc 532e on the +Z side. The linear tilt plate 53 is able to move linearly within the range of the elongated hole 53e in the same direction as the center line of the elongated hole 53e via the pivot axis pin 57. In this way, the linear tilt plate 53 is held on the tilt plate 54 so that it can move linearly.

[0031] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the finder unit 26. Figure 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the finder unit 26. As shown in Figure 6(a), the finder unit 26 has a finder section 12, an accessory shoe holding member 33, a support mechanism section 50, and a support mechanism section holder 58. The linear tilt plate 53 has a fourth surface 53g and a fifth surface 53h formed perpendicular to the Z direction. The finder section 12 and the support mechanism section 50 are fastened together by screws 50a via the fourth surface 53g and the fifth surface 53h. Furthermore, the finder section 12 and the support mechanism section 50 are fastened together by screws 50b via the third surface 53c of the linear tilt plate 53. As a result, the finder section 12 moves together with the linear tilt plate 53.

[0032] Figure 6(b) is a top view of the finder unit 26 as seen from the +Y side with the accessory shoe holding member 33 and the support mechanism holder 58 hidden, and a cross-sectional view of the finder unit 26 along the line A-A. As shown in Figure 6(b), the two tension springs 56 are positioned in the X direction between the flexible substrate 39 for the finder (flexible substrate) and the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b of the fixed plate 51. The third surface 53c of the linear tilt plate 53 is positioned in the roughly rectangular space 37a of the optical unit 12a described above. These arrangements make it possible to suppress the size increase in the X, Y, and Z directions caused by the addition of the linear tilt plate 53, the tilt plate 54 and the tension springs 56. The pair of surfaces 53a and 53b of the linear tilt plate 53 and the pair of surfaces 54a and 54b of the tilt plate 54 are positioned in the roughly triangular space 37c of the optical unit 12a described above. This makes it possible to suppress the increase in size in the X direction caused by the addition of the straight tilt plate 53 and the tilt plate 54. Thus, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the finder unit 26 in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0033] Next, the arrangement of the components constituting the support mechanism 50 will be described with reference to the detailed view of section A in the AA cross-sectional view of Figure 6(b). The components constituting the support mechanism 50 are arranged in the order described above, from the outside of the camera body 1 toward the center F of the viewfinder lens in the X direction, to the fixed plate 51, the straight plate 52, the straight tilt plate 53, and the tilt plate 54. The fixed plate 51 is a component fastened to the camera body 1, and from the viewpoint of rigidity, it is preferable to make the spacing L511 of the fastening parts as wide as possible. For this reason, in the support mechanism 50, the fixed plate 51 is positioned at the position furthest from the center F of the viewfinder lens, i.e., on the outermost side. The straight plate 52 has a leaf spring portion 52j that elastically engages with the recess 51l and click hole 51k of the fixed plate 51, and is therefore positioned adjacent to the inside of the fixed plate 51. A key shaft 52f is inserted through the hole 53f of the linear tilt plate 53 via the first linear rail 51d and tilt rail 51e of the fixed plate 51 and the tilt rail 52e of the linear plate 52. From the viewpoint of tolerance, it is preferable that the length of the key shaft 52f be as short as possible. For this reason, the linear tilt plate 53 is positioned adjacent to the inside of the linear plate 52.

[0034] As described above, in the support mechanism 50, the fixed plate 51, straight plate 52, straight tilt plate 53, and tilt plate 54 are arranged in the order described above as you move from the outside of the camera body 1 toward the center F of the viewfinder lens in the X direction. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in size without compromising the feel of operation. The second surface 54b of the tilt plate 54 is positioned between the third surface 53c of the straight tilt plate 53 and the protrusion 12b of the viewfinder unit 12, and the first surface 54a of the tilt plate 54 is arranged in the same way. When the straight tilt plate 53 is moving straight, the third surface 53c of the straight tilt plate 53 slides against the protrusions 54f of the first surface 54a and the second surface 54b of the tilt plate 54, and during this sliding, it is in contact with the protrusions 54f of the first surface 54a and the second surface 54b of the tilt plate 54. This configuration makes it possible to minimize frictional resistance and roughness during operation.

[0035] Figure 7 is a side view showing the operation transition of the support mechanism 50. Figure 7(a) is a side view showing the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 is in the retracted state. Figure 7(b) is a side view showing the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state. When the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state, the linear plate 52, the linear tilt plate 53, and the tilt plate 54 move to the -Z side due to the operating force on the finder unit 12 (the extension operation of the finder unit 12). As a result, the key shaft 52f moves in a straight line along the first linear rail 51d of the fixed plate 51. Also, the linear guide shafts 52g and 52h move in a straight line along the second linear rail 51j of the fixed plate 51. Furthermore, the protrusion 52i of the straight plate 52 elastically engages with the recess 51l or click hole 51k of the fixed plate 51, providing a tactile sensation when the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state. When the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state, the straight guide shaft 52g abuts against the -Z side end (one end of the second straight rail) of the second straight rail 51j of the fixed plate 51. As a result, the key shaft 52f is positioned in front of the -Z side end (one end of the first straight rail) of the first straight rail 51d, that is, in front of the base end of the tilt rail 51e. Therefore, the straight tilt plate 53, to which the key shaft 52f is crimped, is restricted from moving unintentionally in the tilt direction.

[0036] Figure 7(c) is a side view showing the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt lock release state. When the finder unit 12 is in the extended state, the pivot pin 57, which becomes the tilt axis TA, is in contact with the arc 531e on the -Z side of the elongated hole 53e of the straight tilt plate 53, as shown in Figure 5(b) above. Therefore, the straight tilt plate 53 can move linearly to the -Z side within the range of the elongated hole 53e. Then, the operating force on the finder unit 12 (extension operation of the finder unit 12) moves the straight tilt plate 53 further to the -Z side. As a result, the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA) abuts against the arc 532e on the +Z side of the elongated hole 53e of the straight tilt plate 53, and the key shaft 52f moves to the -Z side end of the first straight rail 51d, that is, the base end of the tilt rail 51e. In this way, the viewfinder unit 12 transitions from the extended state to the tilt lock release state.

[0037] The tension spring 56 is locked to the hook portion 53d of the straight tilt plate 53, which is its movable end, and to the hook portion 54d of the tilt plate 54, which is its fixed end. With this configuration, the biasing force of the tension spring 56 biases the straight tilt plate 53 in the opposite direction (+Z side) to the direction in which the finder unit 12 is pulled out (Z direction). As a result, the tension spring 56 extends and retracts smoothly when the straight tilt plate 53 moves in a straight line within the range of the elongated hole 53e. Furthermore, the biasing force of the tension spring 56 becomes the operating force when transitioning the finder unit 12 from the pulled-out state to the tilt lock release state.

[0038] Figure 7(d) is a side view of the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt-lock-release state, showing the linear tilt plate 53 tilting together with the tilt plate 54. When the finder unit 12 moves from the extended state to the tilt-lock-release state, the key shaft 52f is located at the -Z end of the first linear rail 51d, that is, at the base end of the tilt rail 51e. Therefore, the key shaft 52f can move within the tilt rail 51e of the fixed plate 51, which has an arc shape centered on the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA), and within the tilt rail 52e of the linear plate 52. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(d), the linear tilt plate 53 can rotate together with the tilt plate 54 around the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA) by the operating force applied to the finder unit 12. Furthermore, the tilt rail 51e of the fixed plate 51 has four keyway sections 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i formed at equal intervals on the side opposite to the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA). Also, when the finder section 12 is in the extended state and the tilt lock released state, when the support mechanism section 50 is viewed from the X direction, the centerlines of the keyway sections 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i pass through the center of the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA). Therefore, among the centerlines of the keyway sections 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i, the centerline where the center of the key axis 52f is located coincides with the centerline of the elongated hole 53e of the straight tilt plate 53. This is also true when the finder section 12 is in the tilt lock state.

[0039] Figure 7(e) is a side view showing the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt-lock state. When the finder unit 12 is in the tilt-unlock state, the linear tilt plate 53 rotates together with the tilt plate 54 around the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA) due to the operating force applied to the finder unit 12. When that operating force is removed, the tension spring 56 causes the linear tilt plate 53 to move away from the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA) (to one side) along the same direction as the center line of its elongated hole 53e. In conjunction with this, the key shaft 52f crimped to the linear tilt plate 53 moves within the tilt rail 51e of the fixed plate 51. Furthermore, the key shaft 52f fits into the closest of the key grooves 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i. In this way, when the viewfinder unit 12 is in the tilt-lock state, the key shaft 52f is engaged in one of the key grooves 51f, 51g, 51h, or 51i, and the straight-line tilt plate 53 is restricted from moving unintentionally in the tilt direction. This prevents a decrease in the user's comfort when they press their eye against the viewfinder unit 12.

[0040] On the other hand, when the finder unit 12 transitions from the tilt-locked state to the tilt-unlocked state, the operation of the support mechanism 50 is as follows: The operating force applied to the finder unit 12 moves the straight-line tilt plate 53 toward the side (opposite side) closer to the pivot axis pin 57 (tilt axis TA), while resisting the tension spring 56, along the same direction as the center line of the elongated hole 53e of the straight-line tilt plate 53. In conjunction with this, the key shaft 52f disengages from the keyway 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i into which it was fitted, and becomes movable within the tilt rail 51e. As a result, the biasing force of the tension spring 56 becomes the operating force that transitions the finder unit 12 from the tilt-locked state to the tilt-unlocked state.

[0041] In this way, the support mechanism 50 constitutes a locking mechanism that can fix the finder section 12 at a predetermined tilt angle while ensuring a large tilt angle. Furthermore, the four key grooves 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i allow for fixing at multiple tilt angles. Although the tilt rail 51e of the fixing plate 51 has four key grooves 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i formed at equal intervals, there is no need to limit the number of key grooves to four, and the spacing between the key grooves can be arbitrary.

[0042] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the locking mechanism. Figure 8(a) is a top view of the support mechanism 50 in Figure 7(b), that is, the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state, as seen from the +Y side. Figure 8(b) is a top view of the support mechanism 50 in Figure 7(c), that is, the support mechanism 50 when the finder unit 12 transitions from the extended state to the tilt lock release state, as seen from the +Y side. The spring length L561 of the tension spring 56 when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state is shorter than the spring length L562 of the tension spring 56 when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt lock release state. In other words, when the finder unit 12 transitions from the extended state to the tilt lock release state, the biasing force of the tension spring 56 acts on the straight tilt plate 53 and the tilt plate 54, becoming an operating force. Furthermore, when the viewfinder unit 12 is in the tilt lock release state, once the operating force is removed, the position of the straight tilt plate 53 returns to the position it was in when the viewfinder unit 12 was extended, due to the biasing force of the tension spring 56.

[0043] Furthermore, by making the spring length L561 of the tension spring 56 greater than the natural length of the tension spring 56 when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state, the biasing force of the tension spring 56 is applied to the straight tilt plate 53 even when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state. Moreover, this biasing force is made greater than the operating force when the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state, that is, the frictional force between the convex portion 52i of the leaf spring portion 52j of the straight plate 52 and the concave portion 51l of the fixed plate 51. This prevents the tension spring 56 from unintentionally extending or contracting when the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0044] Furthermore, the operating force when the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state is the frictional force generated when the straight-line plate 52 moves in a straight line while elastically engaging the convex portion 52i of its leaf spring portion 52j with the concave portion 51l of the fixed plate 51. In contrast, the operating force when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt-lock-released state is the biasing force of the tension spring 56. In this way, in the first embodiment, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the operating force when the finder unit 12 transitions from the retracted state to the extended state and the operating force when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt-lock-released state.

[0045] As described above, the camera according to the first embodiment can rotate the viewfinder unit 12, which is extended from the camera body 1, using the built-in support mechanism 50, and can also lock the viewfinder unit 12 in the rotated position.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 9, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and omitting explanations of similar matters. Figure 9 is a side view showing the operation transition of the support mechanism 50. In the second embodiment, the fixing plate 51 of the support mechanism 50 has a tilt rail 51n and a keyway 51p formed in place of the tilt rail 51e and keyway portions 51f, 51g, 51h, and 51i of the first embodiment. In the following description, the -Z side end of the first straight rail 51d, where the tilt rail 51n extends from the first straight rail 51d, will be referred to as the base end of the tilt rail 51n.

[0047] The keyway portion 51p is located at the tip of the tilt rail 51n, on the side opposite to the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA). When the support mechanism 50 is viewed from the X direction, the center line of the keyway portion 51p passes through the center of the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA) when the finder unit 12 is extended, the tilt lock released, and the tilt locked. The tilt rail 51n has an arc shape, but as it approaches the tip where the keyway portion 51p is provided, the distance to the center of the pivot pin 57 (tilt axis TA) when the finder unit 12 is extended becomes shorter and different. This is also true when the finder unit 12 is in the tilt lock released and tilt locked states. From the above, the trajectory of the key shaft 52f from the base end of the tilt rail 51n to the tip end of the tilt rail 51n has a shape in which the length between the center of the key shaft 52f and the center of the pivot pin 57 (tilt shaft TA) decreases monotonically. Therefore, the length L531 from the center of the key shaft 52f located at the base end of the tilt rail 51n to the center of the pivot pin 57 is longer than the length L532 from the center of the key shaft 52f located at the tip end of the tilt rail 51n to the center of the pivot pin 57.

[0048] In this way, as the key shaft 52f moves within the tilt rail 51n toward the tip where its keyway portion 51p is provided, the distance between it and the pivot pin 57 (tilt shaft TA) decreases. Therefore, as the key shaft 52f moves within the tilt rail 51n toward its tip, the straight tilt plate 53 moves toward the -Z side, causing the tension spring 56 to stretch and increasing the biasing force of the tension spring 56. As a result, when the key shaft 52f reaches the tip of the tilt rail 51n, it engages with the keyway portion 51p due to the biasing force of the tension spring 56.

[0049] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the linear guide shaft 52g abuts against the -Z side end of the second linear rail 51j of the fixed plate 51, the key shaft 52f is located at the -Z side end of the first linear rail 51d, that is, at the base end of the tilt rail 51n. Therefore, the position of the key shaft 52f at the base end of the tilt rail 51n corresponds to the position of the key shaft 52f when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state in the first embodiment. Moreover, the position of the key shaft 52f at the base end of the tilt rail 51n also corresponds to the position of the key shaft 52f when the finder unit 12 transitions from the extended state to the tilt lock release state in the first embodiment. In addition, in the first embodiment, when the finder unit 12 transitions from the extended state to the tilt lock release state and the key shaft 52f becomes movable within the tilt rail 51e, it is necessary to move the linear tilt plate 53 to the -Z side, and therefore the biasing force of the tension spring 56 increases. However, in the second embodiment, even when the finder unit 12 is in the extended state, the key shaft 52f can move within the tilt rail 51n without moving the straight tilt plate 53 to the -Z side. With this configuration, in the second embodiment, the finder unit 12 can seamlessly transition from the extended state to the tilt lock released state.

[0050] As described above, the camera according to the second embodiment can rotate the viewfinder unit 12, which is pulled out from the camera body 1, using the built-in support mechanism 50, and can also lock the viewfinder unit 12 in the rotated position.

[0051] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 14, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above, and omitting explanations of similar matters. In the first embodiment, the finder unit 12 transitions to a tilt-lock-released state when it is further extended from the extended state, making it tiltable. After tilting, the tilt direction of the finder unit 12 is restricted by a tension spring 56, which causes the key shaft 52f to engage with one of the key grooves 51f, 51g, 51h, or 51i. In the second embodiment, the finder unit 12 transitions seamlessly from the extended state to a tilt-lock-released state, making it tiltable. After tilting, the tilt direction of the finder unit 12 is restricted by a tension spring 56, which causes the key shaft 52f to engage with the key groove 51p.

[0052] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the finder unit 260. In the third embodiment, the support mechanism 500, the locking mechanism 540, and the locking lever 451 differ from those of the first and second embodiments. As shown in Figure 10, the finder unit 260 has a finder section 120, a support mechanism 500, a support mechanism holder 560, and a locking mechanism cover 600. The finder unit 260 is assembled from the inside of the top cover unit 22 (see Figure 3) and is firmly held in place by fastening it to the accessory shoe holding member 33 with two screws 26a. The rotating plate 530 of the support mechanism 500 has a fourth surface 530p (orthogonal surface) and a fifth surface 530q (orthogonal surface) that are perpendicular to the Z direction. The rotating plate 530 is fastened to the finder section 120 by screws 500a via its fourth surface 530p and fifth surface 530q. The locking mechanism cover 600 covers the upper surface of the rotating plate 530 of the support mechanism 500 and is fastened to the finder unit 120 by screws 500b and 500c. Screw 500c is fastened to the finder unit 120 via the locking mechanism cover 600 and the first surface 530a and second surface 530b of the rotating plate 530. With this configuration, the tilt axis TA of the support mechanism 500 is located on the +Y side of the optical axis F of the finder unit 120 (see Figure 14(a)).

[0053] The outer cover 450 of the viewfinder unit 120 is an external component that covers the optical unit 12a (see Figure 4(a)). A lock lever 451 that slides in the X direction is provided on the upper surface of the outer cover 450. When the user operates the lock lever 451, the lock mechanism 540 functions, restricting the tilting movement of the viewfinder unit 120. The lock lever 451 does not enter the camera body 1 even when the viewfinder unit 120 is in the retracted state, thus preventing an increase in the size of the camera. The lock mechanism cover 600 is a cover member that covers the top and sides of the lock mechanism 540 and is fastened to the inner cover 46 (see Figure 4) that constitutes the viewfinder unit 120 by screws 500b and 500c.

[0054] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lock lever 451. As shown in Figure 11, the lock lever 451 and the lock lever fixing plate 452 are integrally slidable in the X direction on the outer cover 450. A boss 451a is formed on the -Y side surface of the lock lever 451. The boss 451a is provided with a pair of sliding surfaces 451b that are arranged opposite each other in the Z direction with the center of the boss 451a. The boss 451a is also provided with a pilot hole 451c at the center of its -Y side surface into which a screw 453 is inserted. Furthermore, the boss 451a is provided with a mating step portion 451d at its tip that engages with the lock lever fixing plate 452. The lock lever fixing plate 452 is provided with a hole 452a, a biasing portion 452b, and a pair of arm portions 452c. The hole 452a is into which the mating step portion 451d of the lock lever 451 is fitted. The biasing portion 452b provides a click sensation when the lock lever 451 is operated. The pair of arm portions 452c are positioned to sandwich the connecting plate 546 (see Figure 12) of the lock mechanism 540. The outer cover 450 is provided with a through hole 450a and a protrusion 450b. The through hole 450a is into which the boss 451a extending from the -Y side surface of the lock lever 451 is inserted. The protrusion 450b is over which the tip of the biasing portion 452b crosses when the viewfinder 120 transitions between the tilt-locked state and the tilt-unlocked state by operating the lock lever 451.

[0055] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the support mechanism 500 and the locking mechanism 540. The support mechanism 500 and the locking mechanism 540 will be described below with reference to Figure 12. In the following description, rotation in the tilt direction will be referred to as tilt rotation. The support mechanism 500 supports the finder unit 120 so that it can slide out from the stored state and so that it can tilt and rotate from the extended state. The locking mechanism 540 restricts the tilt rotation. The support mechanism 500 includes a fixed plate 510, a straight plate 520, a rotating plate 530, a locking mechanism 540, and a flip member 550.

[0056] The fixing plate 510 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a component that forms the structural frame of the support mechanism 500. The fixing plate 510 has a first surface 510a and a second surface 510b. The first surface 510a and the second surface 510b are substantially parallel to the Z direction and substantially perpendicular to the X direction, and are opposite each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The first surface 510a and the second surface 510b are located on the -Y side of the finder lens center F (see Figure 4) and are connected to a third surface 510c which is substantially parallel to the X and Z directions. As a result, the fixing plate 510 has a substantially U-shape. When the upper cover unit 22 (see Figure 3) and the finder unit 260 are fastened together, the fixing plate 510 is fastened to the accessory shoe holding member 33 with screws 26a (see Figure 10). Therefore, the rigidity is increased by forming a roughly square shape (annular rectangular shape) with the fixing plate 510 and the accessory shoe holding member 33.

[0057] A straight rail 510d is formed on the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b, extending linearly in the pulling direction (Z direction) of the straight plate 520. Also, a recess 510e is formed on the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b, extending linearly in the pulling direction (Z direction), and click holes 510f are formed at both ends of the recess 510e. The first surface 510a is positioned on the side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 (see Figure 1) in the X direction relative to the center F of the viewfinder lens, and the second surface 510b is positioned on the opposite side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction relative to the center F of the viewfinder lens. A notch shape 510g is formed on the -Z side end of the first surface 510a. When the viewfinder section 120 is in the retracted state, the notch shape 510g is used as a space for housing the diopter adjustment dial 17. On the second surface 510b, an arc-shaped rail 510h is formed continuously with the straight rail 510d, branching off in an arc shape to the -Y side midway along the straight rail 510d. That is, the arc-shaped rail 510h extends in an arc shape from the middle of the straight rail 510d along the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the tilt axis TA of the rotating plate 530 (see Figure 10).

[0058] The straight-moving plate 520 is a component manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is positioned inside the fixed plate 510. The straight-moving plate 520 is held by the fixed plate 510 so that it can move linearly only in the outward direction (Z direction) relative to the fixed plate 510. The straight-moving plate 520 has a first surface 520a and a second surface 520b. The first surface 520a and the second surface 520b are approximately parallel to the Z direction and approximately perpendicular to the X direction, and are opposite each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The first surface 520a and the second surface 520b are located -Y side of the finder lens center F and are connected to a third surface 520c which is approximately parallel to the X and Z directions. As a result, the straight-moving plate 520 has an approximately U-shape.

[0059] The first surface 520a is positioned on the side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction relative to the center F of the viewfinder lens, and the second surface 520b is positioned on the opposite side of the viewfinder lens center F from the side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction. Holes 520d are provided in the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b. The holes 520d are bearings for the pivot pin 530f, which is the tilt axis TA of the rotating plate 530. An arc rail 520e is formed on the second surface 520b at a position corresponding to the arc rail 510h of the fixed plate 510.

[0060] From the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b, the leaf spring portion 520g protrudes toward the +Z direction. The convex portion 520f provided at the tip of the leaf spring portion 520g elastically engages with the recess 510e and click hole 510f of the fixed plate 510. One pair of linear guide shafts 520h and 520i are provided on the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b. With the linear plate 520 assembled to the fixed plate 510, the linear guide shafts 520h and 520i are inserted through the linear rail 510d and crimped to the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the linear plate 520. As a result, the linear plate 520 can move linearly in the pulling direction (Z direction) relative to the fixed plate 510. The sliding motion between the convex portion 520f of the straight-moving plate 520 and the concave portion 510e of the fixed plate 510 provides a tactile sensation when the straight-moving plate 520 moves in a straight line. Specifically, when the straight-moving plate 520 moves relative to the fixed plate 510, the friction caused by the engagement between the concave portion 510e of the fixed plate 510 and the convex portion 520f of the straight-moving plate 520 generates a reaction force against the movement, creating a tactile sensation. Furthermore, the engagement between the convex portion 520f of the straight-moving plate 520 and the click hole 510f of the fixed plate 510 provides a click-stop sensation when the finder unit 120 is in the retracted or extended position.

[0061] The rotating plate 530 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is a component positioned inside the straight plate 520. The rotating plate 530 is held by the straight plate 520 so as to be able to tilt and rotate around the tilt axis TA relative to the straight plate 520. The rotating plate 530 has a first surface 530a and a second surface 530b. The first surface 530a and the second surface 530b are approximately parallel to the Z direction and approximately perpendicular to the X direction, and are opposite each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The first surface 530a and the second surface 530b are located on the +Y side of the finder lens center F and are connected to a third surface 530c which is approximately parallel to the X and Z directions. As a result, the rotating plate 530 has an approximately U-shape. Furthermore, the surfaces 520a, 520b, and 520c of the straight plate 520 and the surfaces 530a, 530b, and 530c of the rotating plate 530 work together to form a roughly square shape (annular rectangular shape), thereby increasing rigidity.

[0062] The first surface 530a and the second surface 530b of the rotating plate 530 are positioned in a roughly triangular space 37c (see Figure 4(d)) formed in the optical unit 12a, thereby suppressing the increase in size in the X direction caused by assembling the rotating plate 530 to the straight plate 520. Furthermore, by positioning the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530 in a roughly rectangular space 37a (see Figure 4(c)) formed in the optical unit 12a, it is possible to suppress the increase in size in the Y direction caused by assembling the rotating plate 530 to the straight plate 520.

[0063] The first surface 530a and the second surface 530b are provided with a hole 530d that serves as the center of the tilt axis TA of the rotating plate 530. Near the hole 530d, a curved portion 530e is formed that bends in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The hole 520d of the straight plate 520 and the hole 530d of the rotating plate 530 are arranged coaxially. The rotating axis pin 530f is crimped with the holes 520d, 530d and the disc spring 530g inserted through it. This forms the tilt axis TA, which is the center of the tilt rotation of the rotating plate 530. The disc spring 530g is fixed in a compressed and bent state in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA, thereby providing rotational torque when rotating the rotating plate 530. As a result, the straight plate 520 and the rotating plate 530 are connected so as to be rotatable around the tilt axis TA, and can be held at any rotational position. In the third embodiment, disc springs 530g are placed on both sides of the pivot axis pin 530f in the X direction, but disc springs 530g may be placed on only one side. Also, in the third embodiment, a configuration is shown that generates a constant rotational torque within the rotation range of the pivot plate 530, but a recess into which the disc spring 530g engages may be provided near the tilt axis TA of the pivot plate 530 so that a click sensation is generated at a certain rotation angle.

[0064] The first surface 530a is positioned on the side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction relative to the center F of the viewfinder lens, and the second surface 530b is positioned on the opposite side of the viewfinder lens center F from the side of the diopter adjustment dial 17 in the X direction. The linear movement restricting shaft 530r is crimped to the second surface 530b of the rotating plate 530 by inserting it through the linear rail 510d of the fixed plate 510 and the arc rail 520e of the linear plate 520 when the fixed plate 510, the linear plate 520, and the rotating plate 530 are assembled. As a result, during the rotation of the rotating plate 530, the linear movement restricting shaft 530r engages with the arc rail 510h of the fixed plate 510, thereby restricting the linear movement of the linear plate 520 when the tilt lock is released.

[0065] The flipping member 550 is positioned on the -Y side of the third surface 510c of the fixed plate 510. The flipping member 550 is pivotally supported on the fixed plate 510 via a shaft 550a and is configured to bias the straight plate 520 toward the +Y side by a torsion spring 550b. In the support mechanism 500, the fixed plate 510, the straight plate 520, and the rotating plate 530 are arranged in the order described above as you move from the outside of the camera body 1 toward the center F of the viewfinder lens in the X direction, making it possible to suppress an increase in size without compromising the feel of operation.

[0066] The locking mechanism 540 is positioned on the upper surface of the third surface 520c of the rotating plate 530. The locking mechanism 540 includes a pivot shaft 541, locking plates 542, 543, torsion springs 544, 545, a connecting plate 546, and a linear shaft 547. The locking plates 542, 543 (first and second locking plates) are manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and are rotatably held by the pivot shaft 541 which is perpendicular to the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530. The locking plates 542, 543 have first surfaces 542a, 543a and second surfaces 542b, 543b. The first surfaces 542a, 543a are positioned parallel to the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530. The second surfaces 542b and 543b are bent toward the -Y side from the first surfaces 542a and 543a and are perpendicular to the first surfaces 542a and 543a. The tips of the second surfaces 542b and 543b are provided with locking portions 542c and 543c (the tips of the first and second locking plates) that extend in the locking directions RC1 and RC2. The torsion springs 544 and 545 (biasing portions) have coil portions 544a and 545a and hooking portions 544b and 545b, and are components that bias the locking plates 542 and 543 in the locking directions RC1 and RC2. The pivot shaft 541 is provided with a crimping portion 541a, a pivoting plate pivot shaft 541b, a coil mounting portion 541c, and a coil removal portion 541d in that order from the -Y side, and the diameters of each are formed to increase sequentially from the -Y side. Furthermore, the pivot shaft 541 has a fitting portion 541e formed on the +Y side surface of the coil retaining portion 541d. The fitting portion 541e is inserted through a hole in the locking mechanism cover 600 (see Figure 10). The pivot shaft 541 is inserted through the coil portions 544a and 545a of the torsion springs 544 and 545, the holes 542d and 543d that serve as the pivot centers of the lock plates 542 and 543, and the holes 530h and 530i of the pivot plate 530, and is then crimped to the pivot plate 530. As a result, the lock plates 542 and 543 rotatably slide-fit with the pivot plate pivot shaft 541b of the pivot shaft 541, and the coil mounting portion 541c, which is formed adjacent to the pivot plate pivot shaft 541b on the +Y side, prevents the pivot shaft 541 from coming off in the axial direction.Furthermore, the coil portions 544a and 545a of the torsion springs 544 and 545 are pivotally supported by the coil mounting portion 541c of the pivot shaft 541, and the coil retaining portion 541d, which is formed adjacent to the coil mounting portion 541c on the +Y side, prevents the pivot shaft 541 from coming loose in the axial direction. On the pivot shaft 541, the crimping portion 541a at the -Y side end is pivotally supported by the rotating plate 530, and the fitting portion 541e at the +Y side end is pivotally supported by the locking mechanism cover 600. Therefore, even if force is applied to the locking plates 542 and 543, the pivot shaft 541 is not easily knocked over.

[0067] The hooking portions 544b and 545b of the torsion springs 544 and 545 are hooked onto the fixed-side pins 530j and 530k crimped to the rotating plate 530, and the movable-side pins 542e and 543e crimped to the locking plates 542 and 543. As a result, the locking plate 542 is biased in the locking direction RC1 (clockwise), and the locking plate 543 is biased in the locking direction RC2 (counterclockwise).

[0068] The connecting plate 546 is manufactured by press-forming a metal plate and is positioned on the +Y side of the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530. It is a component that is held so as to be movable parallel to the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530 in the X direction. The linear shaft 547 is provided with a crimping portion 547a, a linear restricting portion 547b, and a connecting plate release portion 547c from the -Y side in that order, and is formed so that the diameter of each increases sequentially from the -Y side. The linear shaft 547 is crimped to the rotating plate 530 while inserted through the holes 546a and 546b of the connecting plate 546 and the holes 530l and 530m of the rotating plate 530. As a result, the connecting plate 546 slides and fits with the straight-line restricting portion 547b of the straight-line shaft 547 so as to be movable in the X direction, and the connecting plate retaining portion 547c, which is formed adjacent to the straight-line restricting portion 547b on the +Y side, prevents the straight-line shaft 547 from coming loose in the axial direction.

[0069] Furthermore, the connecting plate 546 is provided with extended portions 546c and 546d that contact the movable side pins 542e and 543e, which are crimped to the locking plates 542 and 543. The extended portion 546c of the connecting plate 546 contacts the movable side pin 542e on the -Z side of the hole 542d, which is the pivot center of the locking plate 542, so the connecting plate 546 is biased to the +X side by the torsion spring 544. Similarly, the extended portion 546d of the connecting plate contacts the movable side pin 543e on the +Z side of the hole 543d, which is the pivot center of the locking plate 543, so the connecting plate 546 is similarly biased to the +X side by the torsion spring 545. The connecting plate 546 is provided with a clamping portion 546e. The clamping portion 546e is clamped by a pair of arms 452c (see Figure 11) of the lock lever 451 attached to the outer cover 450. Because the connecting plate 546 is a thin pressed part, the clamping portion 546e is provided with a curved portion 546f perpendicular to the sliding direction (X direction) of the lock lever 451. In this way, sufficient contact surface is ensured between the pair of arms 452c of the lock lever 451 and the clamping portion 546e of the connecting plate 546.

[0070] With this configuration, in the locking mechanism 540, when the lock lever 451 slides from one side in its sliding direction (X direction) to the other side, the connecting plate 546 moves to the -X side against the torsion springs 544 and 545. As a result, the lock plate 542 moves in the opposite direction to the locking direction RC1 (counterclockwise), and the lock plate 543 moves in the opposite direction to the locking direction RC2 (clockwise). In other words, when viewing the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530 from the +Y side, the locking portions 542c and 543c of the lock plates 542 and 543 move toward each other in the axial direction (X direction) of the tilt axis TA. Conversely, when the lock lever 451 slides from the other side in its sliding direction (X direction) to the one side, the connecting plate 546 moves to the +X side due to the torsion springs 544 and 545. Therefore, lock plate 542 moves in the locking direction RC1 (clockwise), and lock plate 543 moves in the locking direction RC2 (counterclockwise). In other words, when viewing the third surface 530c of the rotating plate 530 from the +Y side, the locking portions 542c and 543c of lock plates 542 and 543 move apart in the axial direction (X direction) of the tilt axis TA. Accordingly, the torsion springs 544 and 545 bias the locking portions 542c and 543c of lock plates 542 and 543 toward the side that moves apart. The connecting plate 546 interlocks the lock lever 451 with the moving apart and moving toward the locking portions 542c and 543c of lock plates 542 and 543. The lock lever 451 operates the moving toward and moving apart of the locking portions 542c and 543c of lock plates 542 and 543.

[0071] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the locking configuration. Figure 13(a) is a side view of the support mechanism 500, with the fixing plate 510 and flip member 550 hidden, as seen from the +X side. Figure 13(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the location where the locking plate 542 locks onto the straight plate 520. Five locking holes 520j are formed on the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520. On the straight plate 520, each locking hole 520j on the first surface 520a (first locking hole) and each locking hole 520j on the second surface 520b (second locking hole) are in a positional relationship opposite to each other in the axial direction of the tilt axis TA. The five locking holes 520j are arranged at a predetermined pitch on an arc centered on the tilt axis TA, on the -Z side of the arc rail 520e and on the +Z side of the straight guide axis 520i.

[0072] The rotational movement of the rotating plate 530 is restricted when the locking parts 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 of the locking mechanism 540 configured on the +Y side of the rotating plate 530 engage with one of the five locking holes 520j. In other words, when the locking parts 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 move apart, the locking parts 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 engage with one of the five locking holes 520j, causing the finder unit 120 to transition to the tilt-locked state. Conversely, when the locking parts 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 move closer together, the locking parts 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 disengage from one of the five locking holes 520j, causing the finder unit 120 to transition to the tilt-lock-released state. As described above, the torsion springs 544 and 545 bias the locking portions 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 toward the side that moves them apart. Therefore, the torsion springs 544 and 545 bias the locking portions 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 toward the side that enters one of the five locking holes 520j.

[0073] In this way, the support mechanism 500 constitutes a locking mechanism 540 that can fix the finder section 120 at a predetermined tilt angle while ensuring a large tilt angle. Furthermore, the five locking holes 520j allow for fixing at multiple tilt angles. Although the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520 have five locking holes 520j at equal pitches, they may also be provided at unequal pitches. The tips of the locking portions 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 are provided with a chamfered shape (not shown) to allow them to smoothly fit into the locking holes 520j.

[0074] If the locking portions 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 are to be sufficiently engaged with the locking hole 520j, the amount of protrusion X1 from the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520 becomes large. When the amount of protrusion X1 is large, the fixing plate 510 becomes larger in order to secure clearance between the locking portions 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 and the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b of the fixing plate 510. Therefore, on the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520, stepped portions 520k are provided on both sides in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the tilt axis TA with respect to each locking hole 520j. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 13(b), the stepped portion 520k is formed by a half-punching press process so that the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520 protrude toward the opposite side in the X direction (axis direction of the tilt axis TA). This makes it possible to minimize the amount of protrusion X1 from the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520 while ensuring sufficient engagement between the locking portions 542c and 543c of the locking plates 542 and 543 and the locking holes 520j.

[0075] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the components of the locking mechanism 540 of the viewfinder unit 260. When the viewfinder unit 120 is in the retracted state, the area of ​​the viewfinder unit 260 that is the external area of ​​the camera is defined as the retracted external area 260a (external area), and the area of ​​the viewfinder unit 260 that is housed in the camera body 1 is defined as the retracted area 260b. Furthermore, within the viewfinder unit 260, the area in which the lens holder 36 (see Figure 4) can move is defined as the lens area 260c, and the area +Z side of the lens area 260c is defined as the display panel area 260d (area in which the lens cannot move). In addition, within the viewfinder unit 260, the height used when the flexible circuit board 39 for the viewfinder is wired to the main circuit board 24 (see Figure 3) is defined as the wiring height 260e.

[0076] As shown in the enlarged view E of Figure 14(a), the lock lever 451 is positioned on the +Y side of the optical axis F of the lens group 36a of the viewfinder unit 120. This is to correspond to the tilt axis TA, which is similarly positioned on the +Y side of the optical axis F of the lens group 36a of the viewfinder unit 120. Since the lock lever 451 is located within the external storage area 260a, it does not protrude into the camera body 1 when the viewfinder unit 120 is in the stored state. In addition, the clamping portion 546e of the connecting plate 546 and the pair of arms 452c of the lock lever fixing plate 452 are connected within the external storage area 260a, so they do not protrude into the camera body 1 when the viewfinder unit 120 is in the stored state. These features make it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the camera.

[0077] Figure 14(b) is a plan view of the finder unit 260 with the lock mechanism cover 600 hidden, viewed from the +Y side, showing the cases when the finder section 120 is in the tilt-locked state and when the tilt-lock is released state. The pivot shaft 541, lock plates 542, 543, torsion springs 544, 545, and the extended portions 546c, 546d of the connecting plate 546 that constitute the lock mechanism 540 are arranged within the display panel area 260d in the Z direction. Therefore, the lock holes 542j formed on the first surface 520a and the second surface 520b of the straight plate 520 are arranged within the display panel area 260d when viewed from the Z direction (axial direction of the tilt axis TA). Furthermore, the rotating shaft 541, locking plate 542, torsion spring 544, and the extended portion 546c of the connecting plate 546 that constitute the locking mechanism 540 are positioned between the flexible substrate 39 for the finder and the first surface 510a of the fixed plate 510, at a distance of 1401. In addition, the rotating shaft 541, locking plate 543, torsion spring 545, and the extended portion 546d of the connecting plate 546 that constitute the locking mechanism 540 are positioned between the flexible substrate 39 for the finder and the second surface 510b of the fixed plate 510, at a distance of 1402. With these arrangements, the locking plates 542 and 543 that constitute the locking mechanism 540 are positioned on the -Y side of the wiring height 260e, as shown in the GG cross-sectional view of Figure 14(a). This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the finder unit 260 in the Y direction.

[0078] As described above, the camera according to the third embodiment can rotate the viewfinder unit 120, which is extended from the camera body 1, using the built-in support mechanism 500, and can also lock the viewfinder unit 120 in the rotated position.

[0079] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0080] For example, the tilt rail 51e of the first embodiment may have an arc shape similar to the tilt rail 51n of the second embodiment. That is, the tilt rail 51e of the first embodiment may have a shape in which the distance to the center of the pivot axis pin 57 (tilt axis TA) when the finder part 12 is in the extended state decreases as it approaches the tip portion where the keyway portion 51i is provided. Also, the tilt rails 51e and 52e of the first embodiment may be formed on only one side of the first surfaces 51a and 52a of the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52, or on only one side of the second surfaces 51b and 52b of the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52.

[0081] In the second embodiment, a plurality of keyway portions 51p may be formed on the tilt rail 51n. In this case, the spacing between each keyway portion 51p may be equal or arbitrary. Furthermore, the tilt rails 51n and 52e in the second embodiment may be formed only on the first surfaces 51a and 52a of the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52, or they may be formed only on the second surfaces 51b and 52b of the fixed plate 51 and the straight plate 52.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the five locking holes 520j allow for fixing at multiple tilt angles. Therefore, if it is not necessary to hold at an arbitrary tilt angle, the disc spring 530g may be omitted.

[0083] In the first embodiment, a number of key grooves may be formed in the tilt rail 51e of the fixed plate 51, thereby enabling locking of the tilt angle in a nearly stepless manner. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0084] Each embodiment disclosed includes the following configuration: (Configuration 1) The main unit of the device and A viewfinder section with a lens, The device comprises a support mechanism provided within the main body of the device, which supports the finder section so that it can be moved to multiple states, and which has a pivot axis that serves as the rotation center of the finder section. The aforementioned multiple states are, The storage state in which the viewfinder unit is stored in the main body of the device, The viewfinder unit is in a pulled-out position from the stored position, The viewfinder unit is in a rotated state, which is a position rotated from the extended state, The finder unit has a rotation lock state in which it is locked in the rotated position, The aforementioned pivot shaft is located outside the main body of the device when the finder unit is in the extended state, the rotated state, and the rotated locked state, and moves inside the main body of the device as the finder unit moves to the retracted state. (Configuration 2) The support mechanism is A fixing plate fixed to the main body of the aforementioned device, A straight plate is held in a position to move in a straight line relative to the fixed plate, The system comprises a rotating plate that is rotatably held relative to the straight plate via the pivot axis, The fixed plate, the straight plate, and the rotating plate each have first and second surfaces facing each other in the axial direction of the pivot shaft. The electronic device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the first and second surfaces of the straight-moving plate are positioned between the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, and the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate are positioned between the first and second surfaces of the straight-moving plate. (Configuration 3) The support mechanism is Outer arc rails formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, The first and second surfaces of the fixing plate are formed in connection with the outer arc rail, An inner arc rail is formed on the first and second surfaces of the straight plate and is positioned to surround the outer arc rail and the keyway when the finder is in the extended state, the rotated state, and the rotated locked state, The finder unit is fixed and is held to rotate together with the rotating plate via the pivot axis relative to the straight plate, and a straight rotating plate is held to move in a straight line relative to the rotating plate, The system includes a key shaft connected to the linear rotating plate, which moves the outer arc rail of the fixed plate and the inner arc rail of the linear plate during the rotation of the linear rotating plate and the linear plate, The electronic device according to configuration 2, characterized in that, when the linear rotating plate and the linear plate are in a state of rotation, the key shaft enters the keyway in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear rotating plate to one side, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotation lock state, and the key shaft disengages from the keyway in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear rotating plate to the opposite side from the one side, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotation lock state. (Configuration 4) The electronic device according to Configuration 3, characterized in that a plurality of keyway portions are formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate. (Configuration 5) On the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, a first straight rail is formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pivot axis, and is connected to the outer arc rail at one end on the side in which the finder portion is pulled out, and the key shaft moves along the first straight rail when the straight plate is moving in a straight line, A second straight rail is formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, parallel to the first straight rail, The system includes a linear guide shaft connected to the linear plate, which moves the second linear rail of the fixed plate while the linear plate is moving linearly, The electronic device according to configuration 3 or 4, characterized in that, while the linear plate is moving linearly in conjunction with the extension operation of the finder section, the linear guide shaft abuts against one end of the second linear rail, and the key shaft remains on the first linear rail, thereby causing the finder section to transition to the extended state. (Configuration 6) The electronic device according to Configuration 5, characterized in that when the finder unit is in the extended state, the linear rotating plate moves linearly in conjunction with the extension operation of the finder unit, causing the key shaft to move to one end of the first linear rail connected to the outer arc rail, thereby enabling the finder unit to rotate. (Configuration 7) On the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, a first straight rail is formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pivot axis, and is connected to the outer arc rail at one end on the side in which the finder portion is pulled out, and the key shaft moves along the first straight rail when the straight plate is moving in a straight line, A second straight rail is formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, parallel to the first straight rail, The system includes a linear guide shaft connected to the linear plate, which moves the second linear rail of the fixed plate while the linear plate is moving linearly, The electronic device according to configuration 3, characterized in that, while the straight plate is moving in a straight line in conjunction with the extension operation of the finder section, the straight guide shaft abuts against one end of the second straight rail, and the key shaft moves to one end of the first straight rail connected to the outer arc rail, thereby causing the finder section to transition to the extended state and enabling the finder section to rotate. (Configuration 8) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 3 to 7, characterized in that the support mechanism portion includes a biasing portion that applies a biasing force in the pulling direction of the finder portion to the linear rotating plate. (Configuration 9) The electronic device according to Configuration 8, characterized in that the biasing force of the biasing unit biases the linear rotating plate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the finder unit is pulled out. (Configuration 10) The electronic device according to Configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that the biasing force of the biasing part is an operating force generated when the finder part transitions from the extended state to the rotating state, and an operating force generated when the finder part transitions from the rotation lock state to the rotating state. (Configuration 11) The support mechanism is The engaging portions provided on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, The straight plate is provided with first and second surfaces, and includes engaging portions corresponding to the engaged portions on the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, The electronic device according to configuration 10, characterized in that the frictional force generated by the linear movement of the linear plate as it elastically engages the engaging portion of the fixed plate with the engaged portion generates an operating force when the finder portion transitions between the stored state and the extended state. (Configuration 12) The electronic device according to Configuration 11, characterized in that the biasing force of the biasing portion is greater than the frictional force. (Configuration 13) The finder unit is equipped with a flexible circuit board for controlling the display content of the finder unit, The biasing portion is a tension spring engaged with the linear rotating plate and the rotating plate, and is arranged between the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate and the flexible substrate, as described in any one of configurations 8 to 12. (Configuration 14) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 3 to 13, characterized in that the distance from the pivot axis to the outer arc rail when the finder unit is in the rotating state differs depending on the position of the outer arc rail. (Configuration 15) The rotating plate is, A third surface connecting the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate, The viewfinder section is fixed and comprises an orthogonal plane perpendicular to the direction in which the viewfinder section is extended, The aforementioned support mechanism is A first locking hole is formed on the first surface of the straight plate on a circle centered on the pivot axis, A second locking hole is formed on the second surface of the straight plate at a position opposite the first locking hole in the axial direction of the pivot shaft, The rotating plate is pivotally supported on a third surface, and comprises first and second locking plates whose tips are capable of moving apart and toward each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, The electronic device according to configuration 2, characterized in that, when the rotating plate is in a rotated state, the tip of the first lock plate and the tip of the second lock plate enter the first lock hole and the second lock hole as the first lock plate and the second lock plate move apart, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotated lock state, and the tip of the first lock plate and the tip of the second lock plate disengage from the first lock hole and the second lock hole as the first lock plate and the second lock plate move toward each other, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotated state. (Configuration 16) The configuration includes an operating unit for operating the separation movement and the approach movement of the first lock plate and the second lock plate, The electronic device according to configuration 15, characterized in that the operating unit is provided in the external view area of ​​the viewfinder unit, which is located outside the main body of the device when the viewfinder unit is in the stored state. (Configuration 17) The electronic device according to Configuration 16, characterized in that the operating unit is located above the optical axis of the lens in the viewfinder unit when it is in the stored state or the extended state. (Configuration 18) The support mechanism is A biasing portion on the third surface of the rotating plate biases the first lock plate and the second lock plate in the direction of the separation movement, The system includes a connecting plate that links the separation and approach movements of the first locking plate and the second locking plate with the operation of the operating unit, The electronic device according to configuration 16 or 17, characterized in that the connecting plate is held on the third surface of the rotating plate so as to be able to move linearly in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the biasing force of the biasing part acting via the first lock plate and the second lock plate biases the first lock plate and the second lock plate toward the side that moves them apart. (Configuration 19) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 15 to 17, characterized in that the support mechanism includes a biasing portion on the third surface of the rotating plate that biases the first lock plate and the second lock plate in the direction of separation. (Configuration 20) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 15 to 19, characterized in that a plurality of the first locking holes and the second locking holes are formed on the first and second surfaces of the straight plate and are arranged along the circumferential direction of the circle. (Configuration 21) The support mechanism is provided with stepped portions on both sides in the circumferential direction of the circle of the first lock hole and the second lock hole on the first and second surfaces of the straight plate, The electronic device according to any one of configurations 15 to 20, characterized in that the stepped portion protrudes toward the side where the first and second surfaces of the straight plate face each other in the axial direction of the pivot shaft. (Configuration 22) The finder unit is equipped with a flexible circuit board for controlling the display content of the finder unit, The electronic device according to any one of configurations 15 to 21, characterized in that the first locking plate and the second locking plate are arranged between the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate and the flexible substrate. (Configuration 23) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 15 to 22, wherein the first lock hole and the second lock hole formed in the straight plate are located in a range within the range of the viewfinder fixed to the rotating plate, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, in a range where the lens cannot move. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Camera body (device body) 36a Lens group (lenses) 12 Viewfinder Section 50 Support mechanism section TA Tilt axis (rotation axis)

Claims

1. The main unit of the device, A viewfinder section having a lens, The device comprises a support mechanism provided within the main body of the device, which supports the finder section so that it can be moved to multiple states, and which has a pivot axis that serves as the rotation center of the finder section. The aforementioned multiple states are, The storage state in which the viewfinder unit is stored in the main body of the device, The viewfinder unit is in a pulled-out position from the stored position, The viewfinder unit is in a rotated state, which is a position rotated from the extended state, The finder unit has a rotation lock state in which it is locked in the rotated position, The pivot shaft is located outside the main body of the device when the finder unit is in the extended state, the rotated state, and the rotated locked state, and moves inside the main body of the device as the finder unit moves to the retracted state. The aforementioned support mechanism is A fixing plate fixed to the main body of the aforementioned device, A straight plate is held in a position to move in a straight line relative to the fixed plate, The system comprises a rotating plate that is rotatably held relative to the straight plate via the pivot axis, The fixed plate, the straight plate, and the rotating plate each have first and second surfaces facing each other in the axial direction of the pivot shaft. The first and second surfaces of the straight-moving plate are positioned between the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, and the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate are positioned between the first and second surfaces of the straight-moving plate. The aforementioned support mechanism is Outer arc rails formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, The first and second surfaces of the fixing plate are formed in connection with the outer arc rail, An inner arc rail is formed on the first and second surfaces of the straight plate and is positioned to surround the outer arc rail and the keyway when the finder is in the extended state, the rotated state, and the rotated locked state, The finder unit is fixed and is held to rotate together with the rotating plate via the pivot axis relative to the straight plate, and a straight rotating plate is held to move in a straight line relative to the rotating plate, The system includes a key shaft connected to the linear rotating plate, which moves the outer arc rail of the fixed plate and the inner arc rail of the linear plate during the rotation of the linear rotating plate and the linear plate, An electronic device characterized in that, when the linear rotating plate and the linear plate are in a state of rotation, the key shaft enters the keyway in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear rotating plate to one side, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotation lock state, and the key shaft disengages from the keyway in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear rotating plate to the opposite side, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotation lock state.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of keyway portions are formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate.

3. On the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, a first straight rail is formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pivot axis, and is connected to the outer arc rail at one end on the side in which the finder portion is pulled out, and the key shaft moves along the first straight rail when the straight plate is moving in a straight line, A second straight rail is formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, parallel to the first straight rail, The system includes a linear guide shaft connected to the linear plate, which moves the second linear rail of the fixed plate while the linear plate is moving linearly, The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, while the linear plate is moving in a straight line in conjunction with the extension operation of the finder section, the linear guide shaft abuts against one end of the second linear rail, and the key shaft remains on the first linear rail, thereby causing the finder section to transition to the extended state.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that when the finder unit is in the extended state, the linear rotating plate moves linearly in conjunction with the extension operation of the finder unit, causing the key shaft to move to one end of the first linear rail connected to the outer arc rail, thereby enabling the finder unit to rotate.

5. On the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, a first straight rail is formed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pivot axis, and is connected to the outer arc rail at one end on the side in which the finder portion is pulled out, and the key shaft moves along the first straight rail when the straight plate is moving in a straight line, A second straight rail is formed on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, parallel to the first straight rail, The system includes a linear guide shaft connected to the linear plate, which moves the second linear rail of the fixed plate while the linear plate is moving linearly, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, while the straight plate is moving in a straight line in conjunction with the extension operation of the finder section, the straight guide shaft abuts against one end of the second straight rail, and the key shaft moves to one end of the first straight rail connected to the outer arc rail, thereby causing the finder section to transition to the extended state and enabling the finder section to rotate.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support mechanism includes a biasing unit that applies a biasing force in the extension direction of the finder unit to the linear rotating plate.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the biasing force of the biasing unit biases the linear rotating plate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the finder unit is pulled out.

8. The biasing force of the biasing portion is an operating force generated when the finder portion transitions from the extended state to the rotating state, and is an operating force generated when the finder portion transitions from the rotation lock state to the rotating state, as described in claim 7.

9. The aforementioned support mechanism is The engaging portions provided on the first and second surfaces of the fixing plate, The straight plate is provided with first and second surfaces, and includes engaging portions corresponding to the engaged portions on the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate, The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that the frictional force generated by the linear movement of the linear plate as it elastically engages the engaging portion of the fixed plate with the engaged portion generates an operating force when the finder portion transitions between the stored state and the extended state.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that the biasing force of the biasing portion is greater than the frictional force.

11. The finder unit includes a flexible circuit board for controlling the display content of the finder unit. The biasing portion is a tension spring engaged with the linear rotating plate and the rotating plate, and is characterized in that it is arranged between the first and second surfaces of the fixed plate and the flexible substrate, as described in claim 6 or 7.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance from the pivot axis to the outer arc rail when the finder unit is in the rotating state differs depending on the position of the outer arc rail.

13. The aforementioned rotating plate is, A third surface connecting the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate, The viewfinder section is fixed and comprises an orthogonal plane perpendicular to the direction in which the viewfinder section is extended, The aforementioned support mechanism is A first locking hole is formed on the first surface of the straight plate on a circle centered on the pivot axis, A second locking hole is formed on the second surface of the straight plate at a position opposite the first locking hole in the axial direction of the pivot shaft, The rotating plate is pivotally supported on a third surface, and comprises first and second locking plates whose tips are capable of moving apart and toward each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the rotating plate is in a rotated state, the tip of the first lock plate and the tip of the second lock plate enter the first lock hole and the second lock hole as the first lock plate and the second lock plate move apart, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotated lock state, and the tip of the first lock plate and the tip of the second lock plate disengage from the first lock hole and the second lock hole as the first lock plate and the second lock plate move toward each other, causing the finder unit to transition to the rotated state.

14. The system includes an operating unit for operating the separation and approach movements of the first lock plate and the second lock plate, The electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that the operating unit is provided in the external view area of ​​the viewfinder unit, which is located outside the main body of the device when the viewfinder unit is in the stored state.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that the operating section is positioned above the optical axis of the lens in the viewfinder section when it is in the stored state or the extended state.

16. The aforementioned support mechanism is A biasing portion on the third surface of the rotating plate biases the first lock plate and the second lock plate in the direction of the separation movement, The system includes a connecting plate that links the separation and approach movements of the first locking plate and the second locking plate with the operation of the operating unit, The electronic device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the connecting plate is held on the third surface of the rotating plate so as to be able to move linearly in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the biasing force of the biasing part acting via the first lock plate and the second lock plate biases the first lock plate and the second lock plate toward the side that moves them apart.

17. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the support mechanism includes a biasing portion on the third surface of the rotating plate that biases the first lock plate and the second lock plate in the direction of separation.

18. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a plurality of the first locking holes and the second locking holes are formed on the first and second surfaces of the straight plate and are arranged along the circumferential direction of the circle.

19. The support mechanism includes stepped portions provided on both sides in the circumferential direction of the first lock hole and the second lock hole on the first and second surfaces of the straight plate, The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the stepped portion protrudes toward the side where the first and second surfaces of the straight plate face each other in the axial direction of the pivot shaft.

20. The finder unit includes a flexible circuit board for controlling the display content of the finder unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the first locking plate and the second locking plate are arranged between the first and second surfaces of the rotating plate and the flexible substrate.

21. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, in the support mechanism, the first lock hole and the second lock hole formed in the straight plate are located in a range within the range of the viewfinder fixed to the rotating plate, where the lens cannot move, as viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

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