Abstract: A compressor for a supercharging device of an internal combustion engine and a supercharging device are described. The compressor has an iris diaphragm mechanism that has a special drive. The drive includes an adjusting ring as an integral constituent part of an actuator of the drive and is formed as a rotor, which surrounds an air supply channel, of an electric motor. This results in a significantly simplified structural form of the drive.

Abstract: A lens barrel movable between a collapsed position and a photographing position, and a picture taking apparatus using the lens barrel. The lens barrel has lens groups movable along an optical axis, a deformable mirror supported in the lens barrel, the deformable mirror having a reflecting surface which varies to vary its optical power, a picture taking optical system including the lens groups and the deformable mirror, and a driving mechanism for retracting the deformable mirror from a light path of the picture taking optical system when the lens barrel lies at the collapsed position, and inserting the deformable mirror into the light path of the picture taking optical system when the lens barrel lies at the photographing position.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system in which, while high image quality is maintained with the influence of diffraction minimized, the quantity of light is controlled, and which enables the length of the zoom lens to be cut down. The imaging system comprises a zoom lens comprising a plurality of lens groups G1 and G2 wherein the spacing between individual lens groups is varied to vary a focal length and an aperture stop located in an optical path for limiting at least an axial light beam diameter, and an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom lens. The aperture stop has a fixed shape, and a filter S2 for performing light quantity control by varying transmittance is located on an optical axis of a space located at a position different from that of a space in which the aperture stop is located.

Abstract: A retractable lens system includes optical elements of a photographing optical system, and are positioned on a common optical axis when in a ready-to-photograph state. When the retractable lens system changes from the ready-to-photograph state to a retracted state, a removable optical element of the optical elements is moved to a removed position, and the removable optical element and an element of the remaining optical elements are moved rearward. The element of the remaining elements includes a linearly movable element which moves in the common optical axis direction without changing a distance between the linearly movable element and the removable optical element in the ready-to-photograph state. A part of the removable optical element and a part of the linearly movable element are positioned on a common plane perpendicular to the common optical axis when the retractable lens system changes from the ready-to-photograph state to the retracted state.

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: It is an object of the present invention to provide a shooting apparatus which is thinner than a conventional shooting apparatus. A lens barrel is brought into an accommodated state from a shooting state by retracting at least one of lens groups constituting the shooting lens from an optical axis, and by bringing at least a portion of one of the other lens groups remaining on the optical axis or an image pickup element into a non-using state in which an opening is left opening at a predetermined opening diameter.

Abstract: A quantity-of-light adjusting device comprises a first quantity-of-light adjusting blade and a second quantity-of-light adjusting blade which move to adjust quantity of light, and a detecting member which detects that the first quality-of-light adjusting blade is at a predetermined location while also detecting that the second quantity-of-light adjusting member has moved to the predetermined location following the first quantity-of-light adjusting blade moving from the predetermined location, so that the state of adjusting of the aperture with the quantity-of-light adjusting means can be detected by a single detecting member.

Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a rotatable rotor with a ring shape, a first magnetic pole portion, a second magnetic pole portion, and a coil for magnetically exciting the first magnetic pole portion and the second magnetic pole portion. The rotor has magnet portions which are divided along a circumferential direction and differently magnetized. The first magnetic pole portion is formed extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotor, and faces a face of the magnet portion perpendicular to the rotational axis. The second magnetic pole portion sandwiches the magnet portion between the second magnetic pole portion and the first magnetic pole portion, and faces another face of the magnet portion perpendicular to the rotational axis. The coil is disposed radially of the rotor. The condition of ?0.333X+0.

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: In a holding frame of the aperture mechanism is formed a holding portion to which is to be fitted a drive mechanism for opening and closing aperture blades. The holding portion can be fitted with either an electrical drive mechanism, having an iris meter, for electrically opening and closing aperture blades and or a manual drive mechanism for supporting rotatably an iris ring to manually open and close the aperture blades. Thus, an aperture mechanism whose manufacturing cost can be substantially reduced by enabling either or both of an electrical drive mechanism for electrically driving aperture blades and a manual drive mechanism for manually driving them to be fitted to a common holding frame of the aperture mechanism is to be provided.

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 lens barrel includes an optical system having front and rear lens groups; a front lens frame which supports the front lens group; a rear lens frame which supports the rear lens group; a lens frame drive mechanism for driving the front and rear lens frames, and allows the rear lens frame to rotate relative to the front lens frame or move together in the optical axis direction while preventing relative rotation therebetween; a shutter unit having a shutter and a flexible printed wiring board, the shutter unit being relatively rotatable to, and movable together with, the rear lens frame in the optical axis direction; and a shutter unit guide mechanism for linearly guiding the shutter unit in the optical axis direction without rotating the shutter unit regardless of whether the rear lens frame rotates relative to the front lens frame.

Abstract: A diaphragm structure for digital still camera and arranged within digital still camera comprises a lens set, a first light-blocking plate having a first aperture, and a second light-blocking plate having a second aperture. The two light-blocking plates are movably arranged within the lens set and in abutting relationship. The two light-blocking plates are moved linearly with the lens set such that said two apertures can be aligned or staggered to each other and the operation of the lens set can be controlled. The diaphragm structure of the present invention can overcome the problem of complicated structure, high cost and the difficulty of placing the diaphragm within the lens set.

Abstract: A lens shutter for cameras includes two base plates in which a blade chamber is provided between them and their apertures are superposed to provide a circular exposure aperture, at least one shutter blade located in the blade chamber to perform the opening and closing operation of the exposure aperture, a first motor mounted to one of the base plates outside the blade chamber so that an output port extends to the blade chamber to cause the shutter blade to perform the opening and closing operation, a light-amount control device located in the blade chamber to perform the introducing and removing operations with respect to the exposure aperture, and a second motor mounted to one of the base plates outside the blade chamber so that an output port extends to the blade chamber to cause the light-amount control means to perform the introducing and removing operations.

Abstract: A lens frame guiding mechanism of a zoom lens includes lens frames having projections which extend radially outwards, wherein a cam follower is formed on each projection; a linear guide barrel; linear guide slots formed on the linear guide barrel parallel to the optical axis, wherein the projections of each lens frame are respectively engaged in the linear guide slots to be slidable therealong; a cam barrel fitted outside the linear guide barrel to be relatively rotatable about the optical axis thereto; and bottomed cam grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cam barrel, in which the cam followers of a corresponding lens frame are respectively engaged. The lens frames are moved in the direction of the optical axis, without rotating about the optical axis, to change a focal length of said zoom lens via rotation of said cam 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 lens shutter comprises shutter blades capable of moving within a shutter chamber of a camera to open and close a lens aperture. A stopper capable of entering into movement loci of the shutter blades selectively takes a position for aperture restriction that stops the shutter blades immediately before they reach positions for full opening of the lens aperture, or a position for restriction release that allows the shutter blades to reach the positions for full opening of the lens aperture. The stopper is urged by a spring toward the position for aperture restriction and is retracted by a releasing member to the position for restriction release when the lens aperture is to be fully opened.

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 diaphragm driving device for a camera with a single type sector includes a shutter base, a driver installed on the shutter base, and a diaphragm ring rotatably placed on the shutter base with the same center and connected to the driving source to receive rotational force from the driving source. The diaphragm ring has a cam side composed of a plurality of circular arc portions spaced apart from each other with a respective radius corresponding to an appropriate diaphragm value and rectilinear portions interconnecting the neighboring circular arc portions. A sector opening and closing device is rotatably fixed on the shutter base at its bottom portion. The head of the sector opening and closing device contacts the cam side of the diaphragm ring. The sector opening and closing device opens and closes the sector by rotating along the cam side.

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 shutter/diaphragm apparatus includes an intermediate plate between a diaphragm cam plate and a diaphragm rotating plate. A plurality of blades are provided between the diaphragm cam plate and the intermediate plate and between the diaphragm rotating plate and the intermediate plate. The blades are driven by a relative rotation between the diaphragm cam plate and the diaphragm rotating plate to vary the size of an aperture defined by the blades. The relative rotation can also completely close the aperture. The invention can also be applied to a diaphragm apparatus which has no shutter function.

Abstract: The rotation of the motor 60 located outside the lens barrel is transmitted to the shutter blades 74 that move along the optical axis together with the lens barrel by means of the gear train 62, the drive shaft 64 that is engaged with the output gear 63 of the gear train 62, the gear tube 66 that is engaged with the drive shaft 64 and has the engaging hole 67 through which the drive shaft 64 can extend and retract, and the gear 72 that is engaged with the gear 68 of the gear tube 66.

Abstract: A rotation driving device comprises a first fixed member having an aperture, a second fixed member having an aperture, the second fixed member being fixed with respect to the first fixed member, a ring-like rotary member, the rotary member being fitted in the first fixed member at an outer diameter portion of the rotary member and being fitted in the second fixed member at a diameter portion of the rotary member having a diameter smaller than that of the outer diameter portion, and a moving member arranged to advance and retreat in a radial direction of the rotary member in accordance with a rotation of the rotary member, wherein, where an amount of fitting play between the second fixed member and the rotary member is denoted by X and an amount of fitting play between the first fixed member and the rotary member is denoted by Y, the rotation driving device satisfies the following condition:X<Y.

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: An exposure controlling device comprises, a controlling unit that controls a DC motor, a calculating unit that calculates a time period between a predetermined starting point and a point where a predetermined aperture area is obtained during the forward rotation of the DC motor, and a timer for counting the time period from the starting point. The controlling unit controls, at the time of an exposure, the DC motor to rotate reversely for a predetermined time period at a first step, to rotate forward to open shutter blades of a lens shutter at a second step and to rotate reversely to close the shutter blades at a third step.

Abstract: A lens device having a base unit, a lens unit and an intermediate member. The base unit includes a drive ring which is rotatable around an optical axis of the lens device and has a coupling portion which protrudes into the housing space. The lens unit is inserted into a housing space of the base unit. Moreover, the lens unit is rotatable around the optical axis of the lens device and rotatably coupled to the base unit so that the rotation of the lens unit around the optical axis of the lens device causes the lens unit to move along the optical axis. The intermediate member is connected to the lens unit and has a groove. The coupling portion of the drive ring is engaged in the groove so that the rotation of the drive ring causes the coupling portion to interact with the groove to move the intermediate member. The movement of the intermediate member causes the lens unit to rotate around, and thereby move along, the optical axis in accordance with the rotation of the drive ring.

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: To reduce the size of an optical apparatus having an amount-of-light adjusting device, there is provided an arrangement which comprises a light-blocking member arranged to move to vary a light-blocking area and a drive part for driving the light block member. The drive part includes a stator formed by a first stator piece having a first stator pole and a second stator piece having a second stator pole and a rotor made eccentric with respect to a central position of the first stator piece and the second stator piece. The drive part is disposed rearward of the light-blocking member in the direction of the optical axis.

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.