Abstract: A shutter device capable of preventing foreign matter from adhering to an attracting surface of an armature to a yoke, without providing an additional member. In a state of the shutter device assembled to a camera body, an attracting surface of the armature, provided on a drive lever, to the yoke that magnetically attracts the armature extends perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the camera body and is disposed closer to the bottom of the camera body than is a pivotal axis of the drive lever. The shutter device releases the armature of the drive lever from a state attracted and held by the yoke to thereby allow the drive lever to pivot by the urging force of a drive spring, whereby said shutter blade is driven in the direction of closing an opening formed in a base plate.

Abstract: A method in a camera device having an image sensor and an electro-mechanical shutter mechanism is as follows. A constant drive current is applied to the shutter mechanism to close shutter at the end of a first exposure. Then, a decaying drive current is applied to the shutter mechanism during a readout interval for the first exposure. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In a camera blade drive device that includes a base plate 10 that has an aperture 10a forming an optical path, a blade member 20 that is supported by the base plate 10 and opens or closes the aperture 10a, and a driving ring 30 provided to rotate relative to the base plate 10, and is configured to operate the blade member 20 that is linked to the rotating driving ring 30, a permanent magnet 31 is provided on the driving ring 30, and a coil 11 that rotates the driving ring 30 by magnetic force generated when the coil 11 conducting as well as a magnetic member 12 that holds the driving ring 30 in a predetermined position by magnetic attraction with the permanent magnet 31 when the coil 11 is non-conducting are provided on the base plate 10.

Abstract: An aperture unit includes three or more diaphragm blades, a base plate that supports the diaphragm blades, a drive lever connected to the diaphragm blades, and an aperture motor that rotates the drive lever, wherein, in a range from a reference aperture value to a specific aperture value, a polygonal aperture is formed by aperture edges of two or more of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly move in a first direction and an aperture edge of at least one of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein, in a range from the specific aperture value to a closed aperture state, an aperture is formed by aperture edges of two diaphragm blades that move in opposite directions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes: a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with the different magnetic poles in accordance with a circumferential direction, and rotated by a magnetic force generating between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a first blade and a second blade. The outputting member is provided with a fitting hole press-fitted onto the rotor.

Abstract: A camera shutter comprising a shutter driving means which has permanent magnets on both ends of a swingably journaled swinging lever and drives a shutter blade by conduction of electricity to a magnet coil wound around an iron core that is fixed so as to face the permanent magnets, thereby performing efficient motion.

Abstract: A camera shutter comprising a shutter driving means which does not immediately start an operation to provide stable movement even though an operation signal is output.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a plurality of shutter blades movable between an open position and a closed position, a drive ring having first and second oppositely-facing sides, at least one of the shutter blades being movably coupled to the first side, and a first permanent magnet coupled to the second side of the drive ring. The shutter assembly also includes a first solenoid selectively energizable to alternately attract and repel the first permanent magnet along an arcuate path beneath the first solenoid, thereby transitioning the plurality of shutter blades between the open and closed positions. The shutter assembly also includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a location of the first permanent magnet along the path.

Abstract: A shutter device and an image capturing apparatus including the shutter device are provided. The shutter device includes at least one shutter blade assembly, each of the at least one shutter blade assembly including at least one shutter blade that opens and closes the shutter opening and a driving link that drives the shutter blades, and at least one actuators for rotating the driving link, wherein a rotation center of the actuator is eccentric from a rotation center of the driving link.

Abstract: A focal plane shutter includes: an electromagnet; a board including an opening; a blade movable between a position where the blade recedes from the opening and a position where the blade covers at least part of the opening; and a drive lever driving the blade, and including: a spindle portion provided at its one end with a flange portion; an iron piece provided at the other end of the spindle portion and capable of being adsorbed to the electromagnet; a support portion including a through hole through which the spindle portion penetrates with a play; and a guide portion provided along the iron piece.

Abstract: A miniature camera module comprising: a module frame comprising a surface with a conduit passing through the surface, thereby allowing light to pass through the surface via the conduit; a first blade coupled to the module frame and configured to rotate about a first axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first blade does not eclipse the conduit at all when in the open position and the first blade at least partially eclipses the conduit when in the closed position; a first solenoid coupled to the module frame; and a first pin coupled to the first solenoid, wherein an actuation of the first solenoid causes the first pin to rotate the first blade from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the module includes additional blades, solenoids and pins.

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera, with an electromechanical shutter device for interrupting the ray path from time to time, has a motor (1), a motor shaft (2) and a shutter flag (3). The motor shaft (2) and the shutter flag (3) are in connection with one another via a crank-and-rocker mechanism. The crank-and-rocker mechanism includes a crank (4) rotatable about the motor shaft (2) with a crank pin (5) and with a rocker (6), at one end of which an elongated hole (8) is provided, which forms a rectilinear sliding joint together with the crank pin (5), and at the other end of which the shutter flag (3) is formed.

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 camera shutter device and an optical apparatus having the same are disclosed. The shutter device includes a core wrapped by a coil, wherein a first distal end and a second distal end of the core are arranged in parallel, and when a voltage is applied to the coil, the first and second distal ends exhibit a mutually opposite polarity with respect to each other. A magnet is arranged with a side facing the first and second distal ends of the core for linearly and reciprocally moving between the first and second distal ends. In addition, a slider opens and closes a shutter blade as the magnet linearly and reciprocally moves. Thus, the driving unit of the core, magnet, and slider can be miniaturized and thinned, and a reciprocatively moving distance of a magnet can he minimally shortened to quicken the opening/shutting operation.

Abstract: A camera shutter device and an optical apparatus having the same are disclosed. The camera shutter device includes a pair of cores, each wrapped by a coil and having a distal end facing the other, wherein each coil is formed at the distal end with an electromagnetic force line generating unit. A magnet comprising a first magnet and a second magnet is interposed between the pair of cores. The magnet linearly and reciprocally moves in a direction perpendicular to the electromagnetic force line generating unit, and a slider opens and shuts a shutter blade as the magnet linearly and reciprocally moves, whereby miniaturization and thinning of the shutter device can be realized, and an opening/shutting operation can be stably performed.

Abstract: A camera shutter device and an optical apparatus having the same are disclosed, wherein the device includes a core including a first rod and a second rod, each arranged in parallel with the other, and one of which is wrapped by a coil, a first distal end formed at the first rod to generate an electromagnetic force line, and a second distal end formed at the second rod to generate an electromagnetic force line, a magnet arranged in opposition to the first and second distal ends to linearly and reciprocally move between the first and second distal ends, a slider for opening and closing a shutter blade in a case the magnet linearly and reciprocally moves between the first and second distal ends, wherein each area of the first and second distal ends is larger than each cross-sectional area of the first and second rods, such that miniaturization and thinning of the shutter device can be realized, and generation of trembling phenomenon can be prevented during an opening/shutting operation of the shutter blade.

Abstract: In one example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more coils for establishing a magnetic field; a rotating permanent magnet, which has at least one extreme position depending on the magnetic field; and driving members, which are coupled to the permanent magnet and by means of which the members coupled to the actuator mechanism are driven. In another example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more wires, which are manufactured of a shape memory alloy that shrinks when heated; and driving members, which are coupled to said wire and by means of which the members connected to the actuator mechanism are driven.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a focal plane shutter that has a simple mechanical structure, is easily manufactured and controlled, and provides a live view function. The focal plane shutter includes: a front curtain assembly including two or more front curtain links and two or more front curtain blades, wherein bosses are formed at one of the front curtain links and the front curtain blades, holes are formed in the remaining one of the front contain links and the front curtain blades, and the bosses are inserted into the holes; and a rear curtain assembly including two or more rear curtain links and two or more rear curtain blades, wherein bosses are formed at one of the rear curtain links and the rear curtain blades, holes are formed in the remaining one of the rear curtain links and the rear curtain blades, and the bosses are inserted into the holes.

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 magnet array member with more than four poles is used for being mounted on a shutter of a camera module of a portable mobile communication device, adjacent to one side of a yoke iron of the shutter. The magnet array member includes a disc portion and a driving portion. The disc portion has more than four N poles and S poles, and an annular side face and opposite first end face and second end face. The driving portion protrudes from one of the first end face and the second end face of the disc portion in a vertical direction. Since the driving portion protrudes from one end face of the disc portion, the disc portion can form more than four N poles and S poles when magnetized, thereby being convenient for mass production.

Abstract: A first driving member for front blade that connects a front blade and a second driving member for front blade are rotatably mounted to a shaft 1g, a rear blade driving member that connects a rear blade is rotatably mounted to a shaft, the first driving member follows the second driving member and is rotated by a biasing force of a set spring in a setting operation, and is pressed by the second driving member and rotated in photography. The restraining means has a restraining member that can go in and out of an operation path of the restrained portion of the first driving member. When the present invention is adopted in a single-lens reflex camera, the restraining member can be within the operation path of the restrained portion in the setting operation for photography using an optical finder, and the restraining member can be outside the operation path of the restrained portion in the setting operation for photography using an electronic finder.

Abstract: A method in a camera device having an image sensor and an electro-mechanical shutter mechanism is as follows. A constant drive current is applied to the shutter mechanism to close shutter at the end of a first exposure. Then, a decaying drive current is applied to the shutter mechanism during a readout interval for the first exposure. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A magnet array member with more than four poles is used for being mounted on a shutter of a camera module of a portable mobile communication device, adjacent to one side of a yoke iron of the shutter. The magnet array member includes a disc portion and a driving portion. The disc portion has more than four N poles and S poles, and an annular side face and opposite first end face and second end face. The driving portion protrudes from one of the first end face and the second end face of the disc portion in a vertical direction. Since the driving portion protrudes from one end face of the disc portion, the disc portion can form more than four N poles and S poles when magnetized, thereby being convenient for mass production.

Abstract: The focal-plane shutter apparatus includes a cam member and being rotated by a motor in one direction such that leading and trailing blade cams respectively make contact with leading and trailing blade driving members to drive them in a charging direction in which urging members are charged, and then to allow each of the leading and trailing blade driving members to move from a charge completion position to a blade drive standby position. Leading and trailing blade inclination portions of the cam member respectively allow each of the leading and trailing blade driving members to move from the charge completion position to the blade drive standby position. In a rotation direction of the cam member, a first angular area where the leading blade inclination portion is formed on the cam member is smaller than a second angular area where the trailing blade inclination portion is formed thereon.

Abstract: A blade driving apparatus for cameras includes a base plate having an aperture section for a photographing optical path; a partition plate having an aperture section for the photographing optical path so that a blade chamber is interposed between the base plate and the partition plate; a cover frame having an actuator chamber between the partition plate and the cover frame; a permanent magnet rotor rotatably mounted on the cover frame so that an output pin is introduced into the blade chamber; a yoke in which tops of two legs constructed as magnetic pole sections are opposite to the peripheral surface of the rotor in the actuator chamber and one of the two legs is fitted into a bobbin around which a coil is wound; and at least one blade rotatably mounted to a shank for at least one blade which is set upright on the cover frame and is introduced into the blade chamber, and introduced into, and removed from, the exposure aperture by the output pin.

Abstract: A camera shutter comprising a shutter driving means which does not immediately start an operation to provide stable movement even though an operation signal is output.

Abstract: A shutter includes at least one shutter blade, a magnet moveably connected to the at least one shutter blade, and a solenoid defining a gap between a first pole and a second pole. The solenoid is configured to controllably draw the magnet into the gap in a first state and to controllably repel the magnet from the gap in a second state.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided, including a bobbin made of a non-magnetic material including a hollow cylindrical portion and disk flanges; a coil formed between the disk flanges; a power supply which supplies a current to the coil; a movable member pivoted on the hollow cylindrical portion; and a stationary member made of a permanent magnet and fixed to a disk flange. The movable member is a magnetic material and includes a shaft portion and a rotating portion. The rotating portion is fixed to the shaft portion, lies on the disk flange, and extends in a radial direction of the shaft portion. When the power supply supplies the current to the coil in a predetermined direction, the rotating portion is magnetized to a predetermined polarity and rotates. The stationary member includes a stopper for stopping rotation of the movable member at a predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of shutter blades activated by a solenoid to move the plurality of shutter blades between an open position and a closed position includes reducing an electrical signal applied to the solenoid while the plurality of shutter blades is in transit between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving micro shutter and aperture is provided, including a permanent magnet, a coil set, an aperture blade, a curve handle, and a base. The coil set is fixed to the base. The permanent magnet is located between the coils of the coil set. The curve handle is installed with the permanent magnet. The curve handle is linked to the aperture blade. When the current runs through the coil set, the generated magnetic force will exert a reaction force on the permanent magnet. The reaction force will generate a torque to rotate the magnet.

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: A shutter unit is equipped with a base plate, a yoke, a coil that is attached in the middle of the yoke to excite the yoke, and a rotor that rotates in a predetermined direction by excitation of the yoke. A lens frame is formed on the base plate. The yoke has a substantially annular shape so as to be disposed on the base plate encircling the circumference of the lens frame. Thus, by forming the yoke in a substantially annular shape, the yoke and the coil can be moved toward an optical axis, and consequently, the shutter unit can be downsized.

Abstract: A shutter device of a camera includes an upper plate and a bottom plate. An oscillator, which is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate, includes a rotator having a spindle, and the spindle pivots its opposite ends on pivot portions of the upper plate and the lower plate respectively. A driving arm is provided to the spindle to swing two shutter blades for exposing or shading an aperture of an aperture plate. One of the shutter blade is fixed to the driving arm that the spindle is no longer to be a rotation center of the second shutter blade, so that a working space, in which the aperture plate, the shutter blades are received, is elevated to the same level as the pivot portion of the lower plate to reduce a thickness of the shutter device.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a plurality of shutter blades movable between an open position and a closed position, a drive ring having first and second oppositely-facing sides, at least one of the shutter blades being movably coupled to the first side, and a first permanent magnet coupled to the second side of the drive ring. The shutter assembly also includes a first solenoid selectively energizable to alternately attract and repel the first permanent magnet along an arcuate path beneath the first solenoid, thereby transitioning the plurality of shutter blades between the open and closed positions. The shutter assembly also includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a location of the first permanent magnet along the path.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator device for an optical device. The actuator device includes a core arranged in an optical device inside of which an optical path passes through, a coil wound around the core, and a rotational magnet formed into an approximately cylindrical shape, at least one end of which includes a bearing portion in an axial direction, and which rotates according to a direction of a magnet field output from the core by electrifying the coil. The actuator device further includes a drive pin rotated in association with the rotational magnet, a base member securely supporting the core and rotatably supporting the rotating magnet, and an optical member moving in and out of the optical path based on rotation of the rotational magnet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes; a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with different magnetic poles in a circumferential direction thereof, and rotated by a magnetic force generated between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a first blade and a second blade. The rotor and the outputting member are jointed by welding and a welding portion of the rotor lies in a boundary of the magnetic poles thereof.

Abstract: In the focal plane shutter for cameras, a shutter base plate, an shank for attaching the first blade drive component and the second blade drive component respectively so as to enable to be rotated, an shank for attaching a set component so as to enable to be rotated, and an shank for attaching the first blade and the second blade so as to enable to be rotated respectively are made of synthetic resins. Each of the shanks is fabricated after a shutter base plate was fabricated beforehand, and grooves for sump having cross section of V letter shape are formed at the same interval of angle extending toward the axial direction of the shank at the circumferential side surfaces of the shanks.

Abstract: In one example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more coils for establishing a magnetic field; a rotating permanent magnet, which has at least one extreme position depending on the magnetic field; and driving members, which are coupled to the permanent magnet and by means of which the members coupled to the actuator mechanism are driven. In another example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more wires, which are manufactured of a shape memory alloy that shrinks when heated; and driving members, which are coupled to said wire and by means of which the members connected to the actuator mechanism are driven.

Abstract: A shutter for a micro camera module includes a substrate made from silicon wafer and a light absorbing layer covering the surface.

Abstract: A camera body includes a body mount that supports an attachable lens unit, an imaging element that captures an optical image of a subject and generates image data, a shutter unit disposed between the body mount and the imaging element, a protecting plate that has a first condition of shielding an opening of the shutter unit and a second condition of retracting from the opening of the shutter unit, a motor that drives the protecting plate, a power source operable to supply power, and a camera controller that controls the motor before power supply from the power source is stopped, so that the protecting plate is in the first condition when the power supply from the power source is stopped.

Abstract: A camera module 1 of the present invention includes a moving magnet type mechanical shutter 2 and a lens unit 3 (lens drive section) for driving a lens by electromagnetic force. A magnetic field for driving the lens is set so that a light path is closed by a shutter fin while a magnetic field leaked from the lens unit 3 is acting on a drive mechanism of the mechanical shutter 2. With the configuration, the leak magnetic field leaked from the lens unit 3 causes the light path to be closed at a faster speed by the shutter fin of the mechanical shutter 2. Accordingly, generation of a smear can be prevented by the camera module including the lens drive section and the moving magnet type mechanical shutter, which are driven by the electromagnetic force.

Abstract: In a shutter drive device for a camera, the device including: a plate having an aperture; a shutter blade provided in the plate, and for opening and closing the aperture; and an driving source provided in the plate, and for driving the shutter blade. The driving source includes: a rotor magnetized with plural magnetic poles in a circumferential direction, and rotatable about an axis thereof; a stator generating magnetic force against the rotor; and a coil provided in the stator and for exciting the stator. The rotor has an arm portion extending outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotor, and a pin portion engaging with the shutter blade and provided in the arm portion to stand. The rotor, the arm portion and the pin portion are disposed within a thickness of the coil in the axis direction.

Abstract: An actuator includes: a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with different magnetic poles in a circumferential direction, and rotated by magnetic force generating between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a member. The outputting member fits onto the rotor, and the rotor has at least one of a recess portion and a projection portion at a fitting surface of the rotor. The outputting member is jointed with the rotor so as to have a shape corresponding to the at least one of the recess portion and the projection portion by welding.

Abstract: A blade drive device includes: a blade; a drive source that drives the blade; and a chassis that has an opening opened and closed by a driving of the blade, and that houses the blade and the drive source. The drive source includes: a rotor that is rotatably supported; and a stator around which a coil for excitation is wound and which applies a rotational force to the rotor. The stator is formed along an inner side surface of the chassis and has a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A blade drive device includes: a blade; a drive source that drives the blade; and a chassis that has an opening opened and closed by the blade and that houses the blade and the drive source. The drive source includes: a rotor that is rotatably supported; a stator around which a coil for excitation is wound and which applies a rotational force to the rotor. The stator is arranged to surround a periphery of the opening and has a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A lens-shutter coupling unit having a coupling structure of a lens shutter and a shutter unit capable of miniaturization and high-precision arrangement of a lens group, is provided. A shutter driving part for moving shutter blades and a filter driving part for moving an ND filter are disposed near an outer periphery of a protruding part of a lens group that protrudes from a barrel. The shutter driving part and the filter driving part can be disposed in a position (inner periphery) near an optical axis of the lens group. The center of rotation of the shutter blades and the ND filter can also be disposed near the optical axis of the lens group, and the shutter blades and the ND filter can be reduced in size. As a result, since the space at the time of retreat can be reduced, the shutter unit can be reduced in size.

Abstract: An actuator drive circuit includes a counter starting counting of a frequency-divided clock obtained by dividing a frequency of a reference clock in response to an activation signal, a D/A converter providing a converted voltage increasing gradually and stepwise in response to an output of the counter, a coil current control amplifier comparing a coil current detection voltage corresponding to a value of a coil current of the actuator with the converted voltage immediately after activation, comparing the coil current detection voltage with a coil current limitation reference voltage corresponding to an upper limit value of the coil current after the converted voltage matches the coil current limitation reference voltage, and providing an amplified output voltage prepared by amplifying a difference between the compared voltages, and a drive current output circuit providing a drive current of the actuator according to the amplified output voltage of the coil current control amplifier.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a rotor rotatable within a predetermined angular range, a magnetizing coil, and a yoke having an arcuate surface facing the rotor, and first and second magnetic-pole parts that have mutually different magnetic poles upon energizing the coil. The rotor includes a magnetized rotor part defining the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and magnetized to have different magnetic poles, a non-magnetized driving pin rotatable with the magnetized rotor part, and a protrusion part protruding radially from the rotor and facing the first or second magnetic-pole part while being magnetized to have the same magnetic pole as the outer peripheral surface of the rotor. The surface of the rotor that faces the yoke and that exerts a magnetic action is increased due to the inclusion of the protrusion part, and hence a desired maintaining force and driving torque can be obtained.

Abstract: A camera may comprise a lens assembly to receive optical information from a subject and a shutter assembly comprising a blade, a base plate to pivotally support the blade, and a wire to move the blade in response to a current. The camera may include an image sensor to selectively record optical information passing through the shutter.

Abstract: A light quantity adjusting device includes a substrate having an optical path aperture, a blade located on the substrate to adjust the quantity of light passing through the optical path aperture, and an electromagnetic driver that drivingly opens and closes the blade. The electromagnetic driver includes a rotor shaft, an exciting coil, and a frame that rotatably bears the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a pointed first shaft end and a cylindrical second shaft end. The frame has a conical bearing recess that supports the first shaft end and a cylindrical bearing hole that supports the second shaft end. The electromagnetic driver is located so that the first shaft end of the rotor shaft is closer to the substrate than the second shaft end. An arm is coupled to the first shaft end of the rotor shaft to transmit an opening and closing driving force to the blade.