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| United States Patent | 5010357 |
| Link to this page | http://www.wikipatents.com/5010357.html |
| Inventor(s) | Misawa; Masayuki (Tokyo, JP) |
| Abstract | Apparatus is provided for controlling the size of the image plane in a
camera having a zoom lens. The apparatus includes one or more aperture
frames (31, 32, 120) which define the image plane size, and an actuator
which is adapted to move the aperture frame or frames along the film plane
in accordance with the optical position of the exit pupil of a zoom lens.
Two frames can be moved in opposite directions over an equal displacement.
Further, a single frame (120) can be moved along the optical lens axis in
order to ensure that the film remains substantially flat during
photography, and is moved away from the film path during film winding and
unwinding operations. Additionally, the frame can be provided with
projecting portions along opposite side edges of a central aperture in
order to control the image plane size. |
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Title Information  |
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| Publication Date |
April 23, 1991 |
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| Filing Date |
July 19, 1989 |
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| Parent Case |
This is a division of application Ser. No. 188,410 filed on Mar. 30, 1988
U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,436.
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to apparatus for controlling the
size of the image plane in a camera, and more specifically to apparatus
for controlling the size of an image plane in a camera which includes a
zoom lens. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for
controlling the size of the image plane in a camera, which image plane
size is restricted by an aperture.
2. Background Art
Generally, the size of an image plane in a camera is standardized in
accordance with a predetermined standard, e.g., ISO or JIS (i.e., the
Japanese Industrial Standard). The largest size of an image plane for 35
mm film is as follows 24.8 mm-24.0 mm X (i.e., by) 36.8 mm-36.0 mm. The
size of the image plane is restricted by the fixed aperture in
conventional cameras. Such fixed apertures, which cannot be varied, have
not been disadvantageous in present cameras, even those having a zoom
lens. This is due to the fact that lens systems including a zoom lens are
designed such that the size of the image plane cannot be influenced by the
exit pupil, even where the exit pupil most closely approaches the image
plane. In conventional cameras, the size of the image plane is restricted
in the vertical direction by upper and lower inner rails which virtually
come into contact with upper and lower edges of the film; and, in the
lateral or horizontal direction, by an aperture formed in an aperture
defining or restricting plane which lies in front of the inner rails.
The aperture defining plane is positioned in front of the inner rails in
order to minimize damage which would otherwise be caused to the film by
virtue of contact between the film and the inner rails. The distance
between the aperture defining plane and the inner rails is generally about
0.5 mm. Such type of film plane size restriction mechanism is not
disadvantageous in conventional cameras, e.g., even those having zoom lens
systems, and therefore is capable of satisfying requirements such as the
JIS.
However, it has been found that the size of the image plane can be larger
than the standard in a zoom lens developed by the present applicant. This
zoom lens has an exit pupil which very closely approaches the film plane
at one extreme focal length, so that one or more rays of light will
defract outwardly through the aperture. The aperture is restricted along
its vertical extent by inner rails which come into contact with the film,
and in a lateral direction by frames which have aperture defining surfaces
spaced from the film plane, and which serve to define the aperture.
Accordingly, because of the separation or spacing of the aperture defining
surfaces from the film plane, enlargement of the image plane will occur in
the lateral direction.
FIG. 17 illustrates the enlargement of the image plane in the lateral
direction. In FIG. 17, Q represents the aperture defining surface, R
represents the aperture formed in the aperture defining surface Q, and F
represents the film plane. The actual image plane size of an image formed
on film plane F, when exit pupil E is located at position L, and the
actual image plane size of an image formed on film plane F when exit pupil
E is moved to a position S closer to film plane F than position L, are
defined by rays of light (a) and (b), respectively. As seen in FIG. 17,
the actual size of the image plane is larger than the maximum standard
size 36.8 mm when exit pupil E is in a position S which is closer to film
plane F. There is a tendency for the exit pupil to more closely approach
film plane F when the zoom lens increases magnification and when the size
of the lens system is minimized. Conventional fixed apertures cannot solve
this problem of enlargement of the actual image plane which arises when
the exit pupil so closely approaches the film plane.
The film and, accordingly, film plane F, move within a tunnel-like space
defined by and between a pressure plate 10, which ensures that the film
plane will be flat, and inner rails 12, which restrict/abut the upper and
lower edges of film plate F, as shown in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, outer rails
14 are provided which restrict the position of pressure plate 10, which
plate is pressed against the film via spring 10a. As seen and understood
in FIG. 18, the vertical right hand and left hand edges of film plane F
are not subjected to a force which cause the film to be pressed against
pressure plate 10. Thus, any pressing force applied to the right and left
hand side edges of film plane F is small, so that only the right and left
edges themselves of the film plane are prevented from separating from
pressure plate 10.
FIG. 19 is a similar (albeit enlarged) representation of an image plane in
the lateral direction. As shown in FIG. 19, an aperture defining plane 16'
is illustrated having an aperture 17'. Film plane F' is also shown with
respect to the position of aperture defining plane 16'. Assuming that the
complete image plane area receives 100% of the rays of light which pass
the lens system of the camera and reach the film plane F', and that the
incomplete image plane area receives only part of the rays of light which
pass through the lens system and which reach the film plane F', when exit
pupil P' is located at position A'; and, further, assuming that rays of
light a' define the complete image plane area and that rays of light b'
define the incomplete image plane area, the actual image plane size (i.e.,
the actual image plane area) can then be defined by rays of light which
correspond to a bisector of light rays a' and b'. The actual image plane
size defined by rays of light c' can then be larger than the standard, as
noted above. This tendency, resulting from the rearward motion of exit
pupil P', i.e., towards film plane F', increases as the zoom lens
increases magnification and as the size of the lens system is minimized.
Conventional image plane size restriction mechanisms are not capable of
solving this problem of enlargement of the actual image plane.
One primary object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide an
apparatus for controlling image plane size within a predetermined standard
size even when using a zoom lens system in which an exit pupil will very
closely approach the film plane.
In order to achieve the above-noted objects, in accordance with the present
invention, the right-hand and left-hand peripheral edges of the aperture
frame which define the aperture in the aperture defining plane located
between the upper and lower inner rails will at least partially project or
extend towards the inner rails.
Only the right and left-hand peripheral edges of the aperture frame need to
project towards the inner rails, because the solution of the problem noted
above lies in decreasing the distance between the aperture defining plane
and the film plane, i.e., it will be necessary to displace the aperture
defining plane towards the film plane. However, displacement of the
entirety of the aperture defining plane towards the inner rails would
decrease the passage area of film between the inner rails and the aperture
defining plane, thereby resulting in an increase in the possibility of
damage to the film plane. Accordingly, it has not been advisable, nor
practicable, to move the entire aperture defining plane towards the inner
rails. Under such circumstances, only a portion of the aperture defining
plane, i.e., the aperture frame, projects towards the inner rails; and
such structure alone is capable of restricting the actual image plane size
within a predetermined standard or range.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In order to achieve the above and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention, an apparatus is provided for controlling the size
of an image plane in a camera having a zoom lens in which an exit pupil
moves in accordance with the zooming motion of a lens so that the size of
the image plane will vary. One apparatus, elg., includes a pair of movable
frames which restrict the right and left ends of an aperture to define the
image plane size, and which extend in a lateral direction substantially
parallel to the direction of movement of the film. The movable frames are
operatively associated with the zooming operation of the zoom lens so that
the movable frames moves in a lateral direction in accordance with the
position of the exit pupil, in order to restrict the image plane size
within predetermined values.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is
provided for controlling the image plane size in a camera which comprises
aperture frame(s) which define the image plane size and which are movable
in directions along an optical axis of the imaging lens. This apparatus
also includes actuating means for moving the aperture frame(s) to
positions away from and approaching the film, which film moves along (and
behind) the frame(s). This actuating means is operatively connected to a
film winding and rewinding mechanism provided in the body of the camera.
In this fashion, when a film winding operation is completed, the aperture
frame(s) will closely approach the film and render it to be substantially
flat by forming a relatively narrow tunnel-shaped space or gap through
which the film can pass; and, during film winding and rewinding
operations, the aperture frames will move away from the film to permit the
film to move relatively more freely.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus is provided for controlling the image plane size in a camera
having a camera body with an imaging lens. The apparatus includes aperture
frame(s) which define the size of the image plane and which are movable in
two directions along an optical axis of the imaging lens. The apparatus
also includes means for biasing the aperture frame(s) to move towards film
which is moving adjacent (and behind) the aperture frame(s), and
electromagnetic actuating means for separating the aperture frames from
the film, against the force exerted on the frame(s) by the biasing means,
during the film winding and film rewinding operations.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling
the size of an image plane in a camera having a zoom lens is provided. The
zoom lens comprises means for displacing an exit pupil of the lens in
accordance with a zooming operation of said lens. The apparatus comprises
first and second movable apertured frames together forming an aperture
which comprises means for defining the size of said image plane, with the
first and second movable aperture frames being movable in directions
substantially parallel to the direction of movement of film which is
travelling within said camera, said movable aperture frames being movable
in response to the movement of the exit pupil during a zooming operation,
said movable aperture frames thereby comprising means for restricting the
size of said image plane within predetermined limits.
The present invention further provides apparatus for controlling the size
of an image plane in a camera, wherein the camera has a body and an
imaging lens therein. The apparatus comprises at least one aperture frame
comprising means for defining the boundaries of said image plane, each
said aperture frame being movable in a direction along the optical axis of
said imaging lens, in which the apparatus further comprises actuating
means for moving each of said aperture frame(s) towards and away from film
positioned within said camera which moves along a path adjacent to, and
behind, the extent of said aperture frames. The actuating means is
operatively attached to a film winding and rewinding mechanism positioned
within said camera body, thereby comprising means, when a film winding
operation is completed, to move each aperture frame into a position in
which the frame closely approaches (but preferably does not contact) said
film and into a position in which the frame(s) is moved away from said
film during film winding and rewinding operations, respectively.
In another aspect of the invention, apparatus is provided for controlling
the image plane size in a camera which includes a body and an imaging lens
therein. The apparatus comprises at least one aperture frame defining the
size of said image plane, means for moving said at least one aperture
frame in a direction along an optical axis of said imaging lens, with said
apparatus further comprising means for biasing said at least one aperture
frame into a position closely adjacent to film moving along a path
adjacent to said aperture frame, and electromagnetic actuating means for
spacing said at least one aperture frame into a position away from said
film, against the force exerted by said biasing means during film winding
and rewinding operations.
The present invention also provides apparatus for controlling the size of
the image plane in a camera having an imaging lens, said apparatus
comprising at least one aperture frame defining said image plane, each
said aperture frame being movable in a direction along an optical axis of
said imaging lens. Means are provided for biasing said at least one
aperture frame away from film moving along a path adjacent to said at
least one aperture frame. Actuating means are provided for moving said at
least one aperture frame into a position closely adjacent to said film
against the force exerted, by biasing means, and means are provided for
limiting the movement of said at least one aperture frame towards said
film; the actuating means and the restricting means are operatively
connected, respectively, to a film winding and rewinding assembly in said
camera, wherein when a film winding operation is completed, the aperture
frames will be maintained in a position in which each said aperture frame
is closely adjacent to said film, and wherein each of said aperture frames
is moved away from said film during film winding and rewinding operations.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a camera is provided having a
body which is adapted to receive film moving in a predetermined fashion
along a path through said camera body, said camera comprising at least one
movable aperture frame which comprises means for defining the size of an
image plane on said film.
The camera can include, e.g., two aperture frames and means for moving said
two frames in opposite directions in a direction substantially parallel to
the direction of movement of film within said body; and the frames are
positioned in front of said film when said film is in said camera. Each of
said frames is substantially L-shaped, with each frame including a
vertical portion and a substantially horizontal lateral plate portion
attached thereto. Each lateral plate portion comprises a rack, with said
racks facing each other in spaced relation; and a single common pinion
engages both of said racks.
The lateral plate portion on one of said frames has a projection extending
forwardly from said frame. The camera further comprises a generally
L-shaped drive arm positioned in front of said frames, between a camera
lens and said film path, wherein said arm is pivotably attached to said
camera via a stationary shaft, said arm having an upper fork-shaped
portion having a generally U-shaped recess adapted to engage a projection
on one of said frames. A lower end of said drive arm includes a cam
follower, wherein the cam follower is adapted to abut a camming surface on
a rotatable zoom lens, said camming surface and said cam follower together
comprising means for pivoting said drive arm in response to rotation of a
cam ring forming part of the lens, wherein said drive arm, when pivoted,
comprises means for moving said two frames.
The camera includes a zoom lens, and said frames are movable in response to
movement of said zoom lens. The zoom lens is adapted to be rotatably
driven by a motor which drives a rotatable gear, said lens having a sector
gear thereon which is adapted to engage said rotatable gear so as to be
rotatably driven by said motor.
The lens has a tapered camming surface positioned on a rear peripheral
portion of the cam ring forming part of said lens. A drive arm is
pivotably attached to a stationary camera shaft, with the arm having cam
follower along a lower portion thereof which contacts said camming
surface, said drive arm further comprising an upper, substantially
Y-shaped recessed portion. One of the frames includes a forwardly
projecting pin positioned within said Y-shaped recessed portion, wherein
each of said frames includes a substantially horizontal portion and a
substantially vertical portion, said pin being connected to one of said
horizontal portions, with each of said horizontal portions including a
toothed rack.
A single pinion engages both of said racks and comprises means for driving
said frames over equal distances in opposite directions when said drive
arm pivots in response to movement of the cam ring on said zoom lens. The
drive arm is biased by a spring, with the spring comprising means for
continuously biasing said cam follower against said camming surface. The
camera further comprises pairs of upper and lower inner rails, wherein
said inner rails, together with said frames, define said image plane size,
wherein said inner rails being positioned forwardly of said film and
rearwardly of said aperture frames. A pressure plate is located rearwardly
of said film path, said plate being biased towards said inner rails by a
spring attached to said camera body, wherein a film path is defined by the
substantially tunnel-shaped space located between said rails and said
plate.
A zoom lens controls the position of the exit pupil of the camera, and
means are provided for moving the frames in response to movement of said
zoom lens in order to adjustably define the size of the image plane. The
camera can include means for maintaining the film plane substantially
flat. The flat film plane maintenance means comprises said at least one
movable frame and means for moving said frame substantially along the
optical axis of a lens of said camera. The frame moving means is attached
to a film winding and rewinding mechanism.
A spring is provided for normally biasing the frame towards said film
plane. An electromagnetic actuating assembly comprises means for moving
said frame away from said film against the biasing force of said spring
during film winding and rewinding operations. The camera further comprises
means for moving said frames closer to said film when said film is not
being wound or unwound, and means for spacing the apertured frame(s) away
from the film during winding and unwinding of the film. The frame is
generally rectangular and has a flat surface facing said film and a
central aperture of a size which is substantially equal to a predetermined
standard image plane size.
The camera can further comprise a spring biased pressure plate positioned
rearwardly of the film, and the frame can include a lower portion with
first and second guide plates, each of said guide plates having a slot
positioned generally perpendicularly with respect to said film path. The
camera body includes inwardly extending guide pins, wherein respective
ones of said guide plate slots ride on respective guide pins. The frame
includes a flat surface substantially parallel to said film plane.
The camera further comprises at least one spring attached to each of said
guide plates, said springs comprising means for continuously biasing said
frame towards said film. The springs attached to said guide plates exert a
tensile force which is less than the biasing force of a compression spring
which presses said pressure plate against said film. At least one iron
piece is attached to a front end of each of said guide plates, and the
camera further comprises electromagnets in said camera body which are
disposed oppositely from each of said guide plates. The electromagnets are
energizable to selectively attract said pieces and to move said apertured
frame(s) away from said film against the biasing force of springs attached
to said guide plates.
A film winding motor and a release button are provided for selectively
actuating said film winding motor and said electromagnets.
Alternately, the moving means can comprise mechanical actuating means. In
such case, the frame is generally rectangular and has first and second
lower front edges comprising flanges.
The camera body includes complementarily-shaped, stepped portions which are
parallel to said flanges and which comprise stops for limiting motion of
each aperture frame towards said film plane. Each frame includes a flat
surface oppositely disposed to said film and an aperture of a size
corresponding to a predetermined standard image plane size. The frame
includes a front surface, and the camera further comprises an apertured
frame actuating plate resiliently attached to said front frame surface by
at least two spaced springs, and means for driving said actuating plate
into engagement with said front frame surface. The actuating plate
includes an elongated slot extending in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the optical axis. The camera comprises a film winding and
rewinding assembly having an eccentric driving pin engaged in said
elongated slots, and the winding and rewinding assembly comprises a
rotatable pinion gear adapted to be driven by a drive motor, said pinion
gear meshing with a double gear supported by said camera body.
The double gear comprises a first complete gear with teeth around its
entire periphery and a second, partial gear with teeth located along a
portion of its outer periphery. A switching lever is mounted coaxially
with said double gear and is rotatable with respect to said double gear to
thereby comprise means for switching said camera from film winding to film
rewinding operations, said lever including a free end attached to a
planetary gear which is rotatably supported by said lever. A spool gear is
adapted to engage said partial gear, thereby comprising means for winding
said film, said spool gear being meshed, via an internal gear, with a
sprocket driving gear having sprockets thereon. The double gear comprises
means for winding said film by one frame when said double gear is wound
over one rotation. The planetary gear selectively meshes with one of
either an aperture frame driving gear or a first film rewinding gear in
response to swinging motion of said lever: and the driving pin is mounted
on an aperture frame driving gear. The moving means comprises an
electromagnetic actuator assembly and a mechanical actuating assembly. The
frame is generally rectangular and is biased away from said film by at
least one spring attached to said camera body and to said frame, and the
camera further comprises at least one stop for limiting motion of said
frame away from said film.
The frame further comprises a charging pin adapted to bear against a
rotatable cam, and the mechanical actuating assembly includes a first
shaft rotatably driven by a motor, with a pinion gear being attached to
said shaft and meshing with a first planetary gear rotatably positioned on
an additional shaft which is attached to said camera body. A generally
V-shaped switching lever is attached at one end to said additional shaft.
An intermediate gear is attached, via a common shaft, to an intermediate
portion of said lever, wherein said lever is engaged with said first
planetary gear, and a second planetary gear is attached to a second end of
said lever, said lever being adapted to swing in both clockwise and
counterclockwise directions. The camera further comprises a sprocket drive
gear whose sprockets engage teeth on said intermediate gear, said cam
being integrally attached to said second planetary gear, and said cam
being curved, wherein said pinion gear engages a spool gear.
A first rewinding gear is adapted to selectively engage said second
planetary gear, and a second rewinding gear is provided having a first
rewinding shaft which is integrally attached thereto. A restricting lever
is pivotably attached to the bottom of said camera body and comprises
means for maintaining said frame in a closely adjacent position to said
film, said lever having a hook at one end and an attractive portion at a
second, rear end. The camera further comprises an electromagnet oppositely
disposed from said portion, wherein said lever is continuously biased by a
spring to force said hook into abutment with a front face of said frame,
wherein said electromagnet, when activated, comprises means for rotating
said restriction lever against the bias of said spring.
As is well known, in one embodiment of the invention the film is adapted to
be guided, along its rear surface, by a pressure plate which comes into
contact with outer rails along its upper and lower edges; and the upper
and lower edges of the film are guided by inner rails. In this fashion,
the film is capable of moving without contacting the aperture defining
plane. During movement of the film towards the aperture, the resilient
characteristics of the film which cause it to tend to coil can be
gradually eliminated.
As a result, the portion of the film located in the area of a patrone
chamber tends to easily contact the aperture defining plane; and this
tendency of the film to coil decreases as this portion of the film comes
closer to the aperture. Accordingly, it is reasonable to project only the
peripheral portion of the aperture defining plane towards the inner rails.
Specifically, projecting only a peripheral portion of the aperture
defining plane towards the inner rails will not substantially increase the
possibility that the projecting portion of the aperture defining plane
will contact the film. The projecting portion of the aperture defining
plane is positioned quite close to the plane of the film, and,
accordingly, rearward movement of the exit pupil causes only a slight
increase in the size of the image plane in the lateral direction, thereby
maintaining and restricting the image plane size within the predetermined
standard.
The projecting peripheral portions of the aperture defining plane can be
easily achieved, e.g., by using a die cast material, which requires only a
few additional operations in order to manufacture the camera body from a
die cast material.
In an other aspect the present invention provides apparatus for controlling
the size of an image plane in a camera. The apparatus comprises a frame
with an aperture in an aperture defining plane, said plane being located
forwardly of inner rails on said frame, the camera having a rear cover and
a pressure plate attached to said rear cover. The plate and the inner
rails together define a tunnel-shaped path for film to move. The aperture
includes a peripheral area defining said aperture, said peripheral area
including at least one projection adapted to extend towards said inner
rails.
The inner rails respectively define upper and lower edges of the aperture.
There are two projections, one of said projections defining a left hand
border of said aperture and a second of said projections defining a right
hand border of said aperture. Each projection is connected to a
substantially flat aperture defining frame portion by an inclined ramp.
Each projection is substantially flat and is positioned in a substantially
parallel fashion to the frame portions. Each aperture is substantially
rectangular. |
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| Priority Data |
Sep 02, 1986[JP]61-134573
Sep 25, 1986[JP]61-146871
Oct 27, 1986[JP]61-164390
Oct 27, 1986[JP]61-164391
Oct 27, 1986[JP]61-164392 |
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Title Information |
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Claims |
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What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for controlling the size of an image plane in a camera
having a zoom lens, said zoom lens comprising means for displacing an exit
pupil of the lens in accordance with a zooming operation of said lens,
said apparatus comprising first and second movable aperture frames
together forming an aperture which comprises means for defining the size
of said image plane, said first and second movable aperture frames being
movable in directions substantially parallel to the direction of movement
of film which is travelling within said camera, said movable aperture
frames being movable in response to movement of said exit pupil during a
zooming operation, said movable aperture frames thereby comprising means
for restricting the size of said image plane within predetermined limits.
2. Apparatus for controlling the size of an image plane in a camera, said
camera having a body and an imaging lens therein, said apparatus
comprising at least one aperture frame comprising means for defining the
boundaries of said image plane, said at least one aperture frame being
movable in a direction along the optical axis of said imaging lens, said
apparatus further comprising actuating means for moving each said aperture
frame towards and away from film positioned within said camera, which film
is adapted to move along a path adjacent to each said aperture frame, said
actuating means being operatively attached to a film winding and rewinding
mechanism positioned within said camera body and thereby comprising means,
when a film winding operation is completed, for moving each said aperture
frame into a position in which said frame is closely adjacent to said
film, and, during film winding and rewinding operations, respectively,
means for moving each said frame into a position away from said film.
3. Apparatus for controlling the image plane size in a camera having a body
and an imaging lens, said apparatus comprising at least one aperture frame
which comprises means for defining the size of said image plane, and means
for moving said at least one aperture frame in a direction along an
optical axis of said imaging lens, said apparatus further comprising means
for biasing said at least one aperture frame into a position closely
adjacent to film moving along a path adjacent to said aperture frame, and
electromagnetic actuating means for spacing said at least one aperture
frame away from said film against the force exerted by said biasing means
during film winding and rewinding operations.
4. Apparatus for controlling the size of the image plane in a camera having
an imaging lens, said apparatus comprising at least one aperture frame
defining said image plane, each said aperture frame being movable in a
direction along an optical axis of said imaging lens, means for biasing
said at least one aperture frame away from film moving along a path
adjacent to said at least one aperture frame, actuating means for moving
said at least one aperture frame into a position closely adjacent to said
film against the force exerted by said biasing means, and means for
limiting the movement of said at least one aperture frame towards said
film, said actuating means and said limiting means being operatively
connected, respectively, to a film winding and rewinding assembly in said
camera, wherein when said film winding operation is completed, each said
aperture frame will be maintained in a position in which each said
aperture frame is located closely adjacent to said film, and wherein each
said aperture frame is moved away from said film during film winding and
rewinding operations.
5. A camera having a body which is adapted to receive film moving along a
predetermined path through said camera body, a zoom lens and means for
causing said zoom lens to perform a zooming operation, said camera
comprising at least one movable aperture frame which comprises means for
defining the size of an image plane on said film in accordance with said
zooming operation.
6. A camera in accordance with claim 5, wherein said camera includes two
aperture frames and means for moving said two frames in opposite
directions substantially parallel to the direction of movement of film
along said path within said body.
7. A camera in accordance with claim 6, wherein sa id frames are positioned
in front of said film path when said film is placed in said camera.
8. A camera in accordance with claim 6, wherein each of said frames is
substantially L-shaped, each frame including a vertical portion and a
substantially horizontal lateral plate portion attached thereto.
9. A camera in accordance with claim 8, wherein each lateral plate portion
comprises a rack, with said racks facing each other in spaced relation.
10. A camera in accordance with claim 9, further comprising a single common
pinion engaging both of said racks.
11. A camera in accordance with claim 8, wherein said lateral plate portion
on one of said frames has a projection extending forwardly from said
frame.
12. A camera in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a generally
L-shaped drive arm positioned forwardly of said frames, between a camera
lens and said film path, said arm being pivotably attached to said camera
via a stationary shaft, said arm having an upper fork-shaped portion with
a generally U-shaped recess adapted to engage a projection on one of said
frames.
13. A camera in accordance with claim 12, wherein a lower end of said drive
arm includes a cam follower, said cam follower comprising means for
abutting a camming surface on a cam ring of a rotatable zoom lens, said
camming surface and said cam follower comprising means for pivoting said
drive arm in response to rotation of a cam ring forming part of said lens,
wherein said drive arm, when pivoted, comprises means for moving said two
frames.
14. A camera in accordance with claim 6, wherein said frames are movable in
response to movement of said zoom lens.
15. A camera in accordance with claim 14, wherein said zoom lens is
rotatably driven by a motor which drives a rotatable gear, said lens
having a sector gear thereon which is adapted to engage said rotatable
gear so as to be rotatably driven by said motor.
16. A camera in accordance with claim 14, wherein said lens has a tapered
camming surface positioned on a rear peripheral portion of a cam ring
forming part of said lens.
17. A camera in accordance with claim 16, further comprising a drive arm
which is pivotably attached to a stationary camera shaft, said arm having
a cam follower along a lower portion thereof which contacts said camming
surface, said drive arm further comprising an upper, substantially
Y-shaped recessed portion.
18. A camera in accordance with claim 17, wherein one of said frames
includes a forwardly projecting pin positioned within said Y-shaped
recessed portion, wherein each of said frames includes a substantially
horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion, said pin being
connected to one of said horizontal portions.
19. A camera in accordance with claim 18, wherein each of said horizontal
portions includes a toothed rack.
20. A camera in accordance with claim 19, further comprising a single
pinion engaging both of said racks and comprising means for driving said
frames over equal distances in opposite directions when said drive arm
pivots in response to movement of said cam ring on said zoom lens.
21. A camera in accordance with claim 17, wherein said drive arm is biased
by a spring, said spring comprising means for continuously biasing said
cam follower against said camming surface.
22. A camera in accordance with claim 6, said camera further comprising
pairs of upper and lower inner rails, wherein said inner rails, together
with said frames, define said image plane size, wherein said inner rails
comprise means for selectively approaching said film, said rails being
positioned forwardly of said film and rearwardly of said aperture frames.
23. A camera in accordance with claim 22, further comprising a pressure
plate located rearwardly of said film path, said plate being biased
towards said inner rails by a spring attached to said camera body, wherein
a portion of said film path is defined between said rails and said plate.
24. A camera in accordance with claim 6, wherein said zoom lens controls
the position of the exit pupil of the camera, and means for moving said
frames in response to movement of said zoom lens to adjustably define the
size of said image plane.
25. A camera in accordance with claim 5, further comprising means for
maintaining the film plane substantially flat.
26. A camera in accordance with claim 25, wherein said flat film plane
maintenance means comprises said at least one movable frame and means for
moving said frame substantially along the optical axis of a lens of said
camera.
27. A camera in accordance with claim 26, wherein said frame moving means
is attached to a film winding and rewinding mechanism.
28. A camera in accordance with claim 26, comprising a spring for normally
biasing said frame towards said film plane.
29. A camera in accordance with claim 28, further comprising an
electromagnetic actuating assembly comprising means for moving said frame
away from said film, against the biasing force of said spring, during film
winding and rewinding operations.
30. A camera in accordance with claim 26, further comprising means for
moving said frames closer to said film when said film is not being wound
or unwound, and means for spacing the aperture frame away from the film
during winding and unwinding of the film.
31. A camera in accordance with claim 26, wherein said frame is generally
rectangular and has a flat surface facing said film and a central aperture
of a size which is substantially equal to a predetermined standard image
plane size.
32. A camera in accordance with claim 26, further comprising a spring
biased pressure plate positioned rearwardly of the film.
33. A camera in accordance with claim 26, wherein said frame includes a
lower portion with first and second guide plates, each of said guide
plates having a slot positioned generally perpendicularly with respect to
said film path.
34. A camera in accordance with claim 33, said camera body including
inwardly extending guide pins, wherein respective guide plate slots ride
on respective guide pins.
35. A camera in accordance with claim 33, wherein said frame includes a
flat surface substantially parallel to said film plane.
36. A camera in accordance with claim 33, further comprising at least one
spring attached to each of said guide plates, said springs comprising
means for continuously biasing said frame towards said film.
37. A camera in accordance with claim 36, wherein said springs attached to
said guide plates exert a tensile force which is less than the biasing
force of a compression spring which presses said pressure plate against
said film.
38. A camera in accordance with claim 36, further comprising at least one
iron piece attached to a front end of each of said guide plates.
39. A camera in accordance with claim 38, further comprising electromagnets
in said camera body which are disposed oppositely from each of said guide
plates, said electromagnets being energizable to selectively attract said
pieces and to move each said aperture frame away from said film against
the biasing force of said springs attached to said guide plates.
40. A camera in accordance with claim 39, further comprising a film winding
motor and a release button for selectively actuating said film winding
motor and said electromagnets.
41. A camera in accordance with claim 26, wherein said moving means
comprises mechanical actuating means.
42. A camera in accordance with claim 41, wherein said frame is generally
rectangular and has first and second lower front edges comprising flanges.
43. A camera in accordance with claim 42, wherein said camera body includes
complementarily shaped stepped portions which are parallel to said flanges
and which comprise stops for limiting motion of each aperture frame
towards said film plane.
44. A camera in accordance with claim 41, wherein each said frame includes
a flat surface oppositely disposed to said film and an aperture of a size
corresponding to a predetermined standard image plane size.
45. A camera in accordance with claim 41, wherein said frame includes a
front surface, said camera further comprising an aperture frame actuating
plate resiliently attached to, and normally spaced from, said front frame
surface by at least two spaced springs, and means for driving said
actuating plate into engagement with said front frame surface against the
force exerted by said springs.
46. A camera in accordance with claim 45, wherein said actuating plate
includes an elongated slot extending in a direction substantially
perpendicular to said optical axis.
47. A camera in accordance with claim 46, further comprising a film winding
and rewinding assembly having an eccentric driving pin engaged in said
elongated slot.
48. A camera in accordance with claim 47, wherein said film winding and
rewinding assembly comprises a rotatable pinion gear adapted to be driven
by a drive motor, said pinion gear meshing with a double gear supported by
said camera body.
49. A camera in accordance with claim 48, wherein said double gear
comprises a first complete gear with teeth around its entire periphery and
a second, partial gear with teeth located along only a portion of its
outer periphery.
50. A camera in accordance with claim 49, further comprising a switching
lever mounted coaxially with said double gear and rotatable with respect
to said double gear to therefore comprise means for switching said camera
from film winding to film rewinding operations, said lever including a
free end attached to a planetary gear which is rotatably supported by said
lever.
51. A camera in accordance with claim 49, further comprising a spool gear
which is adapted to engage said partial gear, thereby comprising means for
winding said film, said spool gear being meshed, via an internal gear,
with a sprocket driving gear having sprockets thereon.
52. A camera in accordance with claim 51, wherein said double gear
comprises means for winding said film by one frame when said double gear
is wound over one rotation.
53. A camera in accordance with claim 50, wherein said planetary gear
selectively meshes with one of an aperture frame driving gear or a first
film rewinding gear in response to swinging motion of said lever.
54. A camera in accordance with claim 53, wherein said driving pin is
mounted on an aperture frame driving gear.
55. A camera in accordance with claim 26, wherein said moving means
comprises an electromagnetic actuator assembly and a mechanical actuating
assembly.
56. A camera in accordance with claim 55, wherein said frame is generally
rectangular and is biased away from said film by at least one spring
attached to said camera body and to said frame.
57. A camera in accordance with claim 56, further comprising at least one
stop for limiting motion of said frame away from said film path.
58. A camera in accordance with claim 55, wherein said frame further
comprises a charging pin adapted to bear against a rotatable cam.
59. A camera in accordance with claim 58, wherein said mechanical actuating
assembly includes a first shaft rotatably driven by a motor, a pinion gear
being attached to said shaft and meshing with a first planetary gear
rotatably positioned on an additional shaft which is attached to said
camera body.
60. A camera in accordance with claim 59, wherein a generally V-shaped
switching lever is attached at one end to said additional shaft.
61. A camera in accordance with claim 60, wherein an intermediate gear is
attached, via a common shaft, to an intermediate portion of said lever,
wherein said lever is engaged with said first planetary gear, and a second
planetary gear is attached to a second end of said lever, said lever being
adapted to swing in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
62. A camera in accordance with claim 61, further comprising a sprocket
drive gear whose sprockets engage with teeth on said intermediate gear,
said cam being integrally attached to said second planetary gear, said cam
being curved, wherein said pinion gear engages a spool gear.
63. A camera in accordance with claim 62, further comprising a first
rewinding gear which is adapted to selectively engage said second
planetary gear, and a second rewinding gear having a first rewinding shaft
which is integrally attached thereto.
64. A camera in accordance with claim 55, further comprising at least one
restricting lever which is pivotably attached to the bottom of said camera
body and which comprises means for maintaining said frame closely adjacent
to said film, each said lever having a hook at one end and an attractive
portion at a second, rear end.
65. A camera in accordance with claim 64, further comprising an
electromagnet oppositely disposed from each said portion, wherein each
said lever is continuously biased by a spring to force each said hook into
abutment with a front face of said frame, wherein said electromagnet, when
activated, comprises means for rotating each said restriction lever
against the bias of each said lever-biasing spring.
66. A camera having a body which is adapted to receive film moving along a
predetermined path through said camera body, a lens cooperating with said
camera to photograph an image and means for adjusting the focal length of
said lens, said camera comprising at least one movable aperture frame
which comprises means for defining the size of the image on said film in
accordance with the focal length of said lens. |
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