Abstract: A vibration wave motor has a vibrator vibrating by a drive voltage to be applied, a flexible printed circuit board supplying the drive voltage to the vibrator, a contact member with which a pressure contact portion formed in the vibrator is brought into pressure contact, and a pressurizing section pressurizing the vibrator against the contact member, in which the vibrator and the contact member move relative to each other, and the flexible printed circuit board extends along the relative movement direction from a side portion of the vibrator and further extends so as to surround the vibrator.

Abstract: A camera system, including: an interchangeable lens; an internal shutter configured to open and close; and a lens detector coupled to the internal shutter and capable of accepting the interchangeable lens, the lens detector configured to detect the presence of a leaf shutter within the interchangeable lens, wherein the lens detector generates a shutter signal to keep the internal shutter open when the presence of the leaf shutter within the interchangeable lens is detected. Key words include interchangeable lens and leaf shutter.

Abstract: A light-quantity control apparatus includes a light-quantity control blade movable along a curved path preformed between a first optical member and a second optical member, and a blade driver configured to rotate the light-quantity control blade along the curved path. A light-quantity control apparatus includes a light-quantity control blade movable along a curved path preformed between a first optical member and a second optical member, and a blade driver configured to rotate the light-quantity control blade along the curved path. The blade driver includes a rotating member configured to rotate the light-quantity control blade, and a driver connected to an outer circumferential edge portion of the rotating member.

Abstract: A lens barrel capable of improving the workability in assembling a shutter flexible circuit board and capable of preventing a force that acts to press the shutter flexible circuit board into inside the lens barrel from being applied to the shutter flexible circuit board at the time of assemblage. The lens barrel has a fixed barrel having a notch portion formed thereon through which a coupling portion of the shutter flexible circuit board is inserted and having a fixed shaft formed thereon to project outward in a diametrical direction and to be fitted into a hole of the coupling portion. The lens barrel has a support member formed with a movement preventing portion that prevents the coupling portion whose hole is fitted with the fixed shaft from moving outward in a diametrical direction of the fixed barrel.

Abstract: A lens barrel that is capable of decreasing a barrel length under a retracted condition by simplifying a configuration. The lens barrel changes a focal length by moving first and second lens groups in an optical axis direction. A light-amount adjusting member is located between the first and second lens groups. First, second, third holding frames hold the first lens group, the second lens group, and the light-amount adjusting member, respectively. A cam mechanism moves the first, second, and third holding frames in the optical axis direction so that a part of the second lens group is inserted into the aperture of the light-amount adjusting member and concave and convex surfaces of the first and second lens groups are overlapped in the optical axis direction under a retracted condition. The aperture diameter of the light-amount adjusting member is enlarged when shifting to the retracted condition from a shooting condition.

Abstract: A multi-resolution lens system includes a relay lens configured to be directed toward a field-of-view (FOV) and receive a first plurality of image photons emanating from the FOV, a high-resolution lens positioned to receive a second plurality of image photons from the FOV and to pass the second plurality of image photons toward the relay lens, and a shutter device positioned to receive over an area thereof the image photons of the FOV that pass through the relay lens, and simultaneously receive overlaid on a portion of the area thereof the image photons from the portion of the FOV that pass through the high-resolution lens and toward the relay lens.

Abstract: When the lens barrel is in the storage state, a part of a lens group and a group cylinder are inserted into an aperture of a diaphragm unit and a shutter blade of a shutter unit is closed for light shielding. With this arrangement, the cylinder length in the storage state is shortened, and the performance degradation of an image sensor and optical components provided on a front side of an image sensor can be prevented as well.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a zoom optical system including movable lens groups for zooming which are moved between a ready-to-photograph position and an accommodated position, a diaphragm mechanism, and a lens shutter. One of the movable lens groups serves as an aperture-control lens group. The diaphragm mechanism and the lens shutter are positioned in front of and behind the aperture-control lens group and are movable relative to the aperture-control lens group in the optical axis direction. The diaphragm and the lens shutter are moved to close positions to the aperture-control lens group when the movable lens groups are moved to the accommodated position. Both apertures of the diaphragm mechanism and of the lens shutter are widely opened to allow the aperture-control lens group to partly enter the apertures when the diaphragm mechanism and the lens shutter are moved to the close positions.

Abstract: An exemplary mechanical shutter includes a barrel, a first blade, a second blade, a third blade, a magnet, and a magnetic field generator. The barrel defines a through hole and an aperture in the hole. The first blade is arranged in the hole and mounted on the barrel. The second blade is slidably mounted on the first blade. The third blade is slidably mounted on the second blade. The magnet is attached to the third blade. The magnetic field generator is mounted on the fixture and spatially corresponding to the magnet. The magnetic field generator applies a magnetic field to the magnet. The magnet and the magnetic field generator cooperatively move the blade group between an extended position and an retracted position.

Abstract: A lens assembly in a digital still camera has a lens housing. First and second movable lenses/lens groups are contained in the lens housing, and supported in respectively first and second lens holders. A guide rod guides movement of the first and second lenses/lens groups in an optical axis direction with the lens holders. A shutter unit is disposed between the lens holders. A shutter actuator drives the shutter unit. A containing chamber in the lens housing contains the shutter actuator. A first motor is disposed between the guide rod and an inner surface of the lens housing and near to a first surface of the shutter unit, and moves the first lens holder. A second motor is disposed between the guide rod and the containing chamber and near to a second surface of the shutter unit, and moves the second lens holder.

Abstract: A lens barrel 11 is mounted in a collapsible imaging device 1 and includes a third lens frame 55. The third frame 55 is a lens frame to which correction lenses L5, L6, L7 are mounted and includes a shutter unit 57, a vibration compensation actuator 71, a lens frame main body 95, a focus lens frame 105, and a focus motor 115. The focus lens frame 105 is urged against the lens frame main body 95 toward the image plane side by means of a focus spring 110. A motor section 117 of the focus motor 115 is arranged in a region interposed between two multilayer printed circuit boards 77, 79 when viewed from the image plane side or the object side.

Abstract: An imaging device module includes a housing; and a lens system, an image pickup device, a shutter unit, an external circuit board and a flexible printed wiring board which are provided with the housing. The shutter unit is movable in an optical axis direction. The external circuit board is provided outside of the housing. The flexible printed wiring board, one and the other ends of which are electrically connected to the shutter unit and the external circuit board, respectively, is curved so as to intersect a plane including the optical axis at a position one of in front of and behind the shutter unit, so that the one and the other ends of the flexible printed wiring board are positioned on opposite sides of the plane.

Abstract: A miniaturized lens assembly includes a front lens portion, a rear lens portion, a large diaphragm plate mounted between the front and rear lens portions, a small diaphragm plate rotatable relative to the large diaphragm plate, a shutter plate rotatable relative to the large diaphragm plate, first and second actuating elements mounted on the rear lens portion, and two pivot axles mounted between the front and rear lens portions. The miniaturized lens assembly is miniature in size, is simple in structure, and is easy to assemble.

Abstract: A lens barrel with a shutter unit. While the lens barrel is retracted to obtain a collapsed state or advanced to obtain a photographing state, the flexible printed circuit board of the shutter unit is bendable so as to provide a variable length for the rotation of the shutter unit 71 around the rotary axis J2 parallel with the optical axis J1. When the lens barrel is operated in the photographing state, the flexible printed circuit board is foldable so as to provide a variable length for the movement of the shutter unit 71 in the optical axis J1. The flexible printed circuit board can support flexibly without twisting and loosening. The lens barrel further includes a restraint member to bring the shutter unit 71 rotating around the central axis and to restrain the rotation of the shutter unit 71.

Abstract: There are disclosed a lens barrel variable in a barrel length between a storage state relatively short in a barrel length and an image taking state relatively long in a barrel length, a camera having such a lens barrel. When the lens barrel is in the storage state, an opening of a lens shutter is opened to enter lens groups into the opening.

Abstract: A lens shutter mechanism includes a support frame having a photographing aperture; at least three shutter sectors which open and close the photographing aperture via rotating axes which extend parallel to the optical axis; and at least three diaphragm sectors which vary an aperture diameter formed by the diaphragm sectors to restrict the diameter of the photographing aperture, independently from the shutter sectors, via rotating axes which extend parallel to the optical axis. The support frame is provided with rotational center portions spaced from each other at equi-angular intervals about the optical axis, the number of the rotational center portions being same as each of the number of the shutter sectors and the number of the diaphragm sectors. Each of the rotational center portions rotatably and coaxially supports a one of the shutter sectors and one of the diaphragm sectors.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes an exposure control unit having an exposure control member; a lens drive unit including a lens drive mechanism which moves a photographing lens group in an optical axis direction; center apertures which are formed in the exposure control unit and the lens drive unit, respectively, at the center portions thereof, which define a lens movement opening when the exposure control unit and the lens drive unit are connected to each other; and a lens support frame which supports the photographing lens group, the lens support frame being provided in the lens movement openings so as to move in the optical axis direction and driven via the lens drive mechanism.

Abstract: A camera frame assembly has a frame that defines an optical axis. A shutter driver is mounted to the frame. The shutter driver selectively deflects from a charged state to a discharged state. A shutter is movable, relative to the frame, in directions parallel to the optical axis, between a inner position and an outer position. The shutter is pivotable about a pivot axis, relative to the frame, from a closed position to an open position by the deflecting of the shutter driver from the charged state to the discharged state. A shaft supports the shutter. The shaft is longitudinally aligned with the pivot axis. The shaft extends between the shutter and the frame.

Abstract: A camera fame assembly has a frame and a pair of tie bars extending outward from the frame. The tie bars each have opposed first and second ends. The first ends are spaced apart. The first ends are each pivotally joined to the frame. A parallel bar is pivotally joined to the second ends of the tie bars. The parallel bar is spaced outward from the frame. The parallel bar is movable, relative to the frame, from a charged position to a discharged position. A striker is movable with the parallel bar between the charged and discharged positions. An impact shutter is movable from a closed position to an open position by the striker.

Abstract: An FPC mounting structure for a lens shutter having a lens-shutter unit having therein a photographing lens and a shutter, and an FPC which is adapted to connect the lens-shutter unit to a control circuit, includes a circumferentially extending FPC which is supported along an outer surface of the lens-shutter unit, and an axially extending FPC which extends in the optical axis direction and which is connected to the control circuit. The circumferentially extending FPC and the axially extending FPC are constructed separately and are connected to each other in a press-contact state.

Abstract: An FPC (flexible printed circuit) board arrangement structure for zoom lens barrels of a camera is provided. The FPC board connects a shutter block carried by each zoom lens and a controller carried by the camera. The FPC board has a first portion to be connected to the shutter block, a second portion to be connected to the controller, and a connecting portion connecting the first and second portions. The connecting portion includes at least one foldable portion and a deformable portion. The length of the deformable portion is substantially constant regardless of an extended amount of a zoom lens barrel. The foldable portion is folded when the flexible printed circuit board is implemented in one of the zoom lens barrels, and is unfolded when implemented in another zoom lens barrel.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a linear guide barrel provided with a linear guide projection at one end thereof, extending radially outwards; a cam barrel fitted on the linear guide barrel, rotatable relative to the linear guide barrel and movable along the optical axis with the linear guide barrel, the cam barrel being provided with a cam groove on an inner surface thereof; a linear guide slot formed on the linear guide barrel extending parallel to the optical axis; at least one lens frame positioned inside the linear guide barrel; a projection formed on the lens frame to be slidably engaged in the linear guide slot; and a cam follower formed on the projection to be engaged in the cam groove. The linear guide projection and the linear guide slot are formed on the linear guide barrel at the same circumferential position of the linear guide barrel.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a cam barrel having first and second cam grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof; and first and second lens frames having first and second cam followers, respectively engaged with the first and the second cam grooves. The cam dead end of the first cam groove and the second cam follower insertion opening of the second cam groove are formed at the same circumferential position. Upon assembly, the first cam follower is inserted into the first leading section via a first cam follower insertion opening, and the second cam follower is inserted into the second leading section via a second cam follower insertion opening.

Abstract: A lens-shutter device of the present invention includes main blades and sub blades which can rotate in the opening and closing directions within an inner space formed by a case and a case cover. When the shutter is closed, protrusions of the case cover disposed on a rotating path of the main blades and protrusions of the case disposed on the same path permit each blade to be maintained in a state where gaps are more even and much smaller. This enables a satisfactory shield condition to be obtained. Furthermore, in a traveling range from the closed state to the open state of the shutter, drive load of the main blades is reduced by being released from the protrusions to enable smooth opening and closing, which results in effective shielding and a lighter drive load.

Abstract: A zoom lens camera includes an image size varying frame to switch the image size between a standard image plane and a laterally elongated image plane, a linear movement barrel, an FPC board which connects a shutter unit and a controller, and a light-interception plate which is secured to a rear end of the linear movement barrel. The light-interception plate is provided with a rearwardly projecting planar portion which at least partly overlaps the image size varying frame as viewed in an optical axis direction, regardless of the position of the image size varying frame. Further the planar portion is provided with an FPC board receiving portion which supports the FPC board along the cylindrical surface of the linear movement barrel.

Abstract: A lens supporting mechanism for a lens shutter camera includes a front lens group, a lens supporting barrel, a movable barrel, a rear lens group, and a shutter mounting barrel which includes a shutter with an AE function. The front lens group is fixed to the lens supporting barrel. Both the lens supporting barrel and the shutter mounting barrel are fixed to the movable barrel. The rear lens group is attached to either the movable barrel or the shutter mounting barrel such that the rear lens group is movable along the optical axis relative to the moveable barrel. During operation of the zoom lens, the movable barrel advances and retreats along the optical axis.

Abstract: A lens guide mechanism has first and second members positioned adjacent to each other in which the second member supports a lens group. The second member is movable relative to the first member along an optical axis of the lens group. The lens guide mechanism also has a first guide shaft extending from the first member to the second member in a direction of the optical axis, one end of the first guide shaft being secured to the second member, a lens shutter provided on the first member, a first encoder provided on the first member for detecting a size of a diaphragm formed by the lens shutter which includes a first photosensor and a first rotating disk associated with the first photosensor, and a second encoder provided on the first member for detecting an axial position of the lens group which includes a second photosensor and a second rotating disk associated with the second photosensor.

Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).

Abstract: A shutter arrangement for a camera which includes a plurality of shutter blades each having a rotational center and an opening formed proximate to the rotational center, a supporting member which supports each of the plurality of shutter blades to be rotatable about the rotational center and a ring member driven to rotate about an optical axis of a photographic lens. The ring member includes a plurality of pins each engaging with a corresponding one of the openings. A light intercepting sheet is also provided which includes a plurality of holes in which the plurality of pins are respectively inserted, so that the ring member and the light intercepting sheet rotate together as a whole about the optical axis when the ring member is driven to rotate.

Abstract: A first zoom lens group, a second zoom lens group, a third zoom lens group and a fourth zoom lens group are arranged on an optical axis in that order from an object side. The first zoom lens group has a negative lens and a positive lens arranged in that order from the object side, the first zoom lens group as a whole acting as a zoom lens group having a positive focal length. The second zoom lens group has a negative lens and a positive lens arranged from the object side in that order, the second zoom lens group as a whole acting as a zoom lens group having a negative focal length. The third zoom lens group has a double concave lens and a double convex lens arranged in that order from the object side, the third zoom lens group as a whole acting as a zoom lens group having a positive focal length, the third zoom lens group being provided with a diaphragm.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel of a camera has an outer ring and an inner ring located inside the outer ring. The inner ring moves relative to the outer ring during zooming. A brush holder having zoom brushes at both ends is supported by one of the inner and outer rings. The zoom brushes are made of an elastic conductive material. Zoom brushes provided at one end of the brush holder come into slidable contact with a zoom code plate, which is supported by the one of the inner and outer rings that does not support the brush holder. Zoom brushes, provided at the other end of the brush holder, contact brush contacting terminals of a flexible printed circuit board. A contact reaction force is created between the zoom brushes, the zoom code plate and the flexible printed circuit board, which provides bias force to press the brush holder against one of the inner or outer rings.

Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).