JP2001103353A - Video camera - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a video camera that has a good weight balance, can be used without discrimination between right-handed and left-handed persons, and is less affected by heat generation of a liquid crystal part. SOLUTION: A lens 1 forming an image forming part of an imaging means.
And a battery 2 forming a power supply unit, an operation key unit 3 forming an operation input unit, and a display unit 4 forming a display unit, and a video camera capable of recording and storing an imaged content in a memory unit 5. The battery 2 and the operation key unit 3 are detachable from the main body A, and the battery 2, the operation key unit 3, and the display unit 4 are linearly arranged behind the lens 1 along the optical axis in this order. It is characterized in that it is configured to be.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a video camera having memory means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, miniaturization of video cameras for recording imaged contents in a memory has been advanced. It is important not only to reduce the size of the unit itself, but also to improve the layout efficiency such as the component arrangement. In particular, when the lens unit is at the grip position, the other batteries and the display unit can be miniaturized more efficiently by arranging them in parallel with the optical axis of the lens (see FIG. 12).

[0003]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned layout, it is usual that heavy parts such as a battery and a display part are arranged at a place apart from the grip part. There is a disadvantage that the balance is poor and the video camera itself is easily tilted during shooting.

There is also a disadvantage that a left-handed user cannot use it due to the arrangement (see FIG. 12).

Further, since the liquid crystal used in the display unit is close to the lens barrel, the heat generated by the liquid crystal, especially by the radiation from the backlight, induces the thermal expansion of the lens barrel, which impairs the lens focus performance. There are also issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a video camera which has a good weight balance, can be used without discrimination between right-handed and left-handed persons, and is less affected by heat generated by a liquid crystal unit. With the goal.

[0007]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitution.

(1) A memory having a lens forming an image forming part of an image pickup means, a battery forming power supply means, an operation key unit forming operation input means, and a display part forming display means, In a video camera capable of recording and storing an imaged content in a means, the battery and the operation key unit include:
A video camera which is detachable from the main body, and wherein the battery, the operation key unit, and the display unit are arranged linearly behind the lens along the optical axis in this order.

(2) The display unit is pivotally supported by one end of the main body and is rotatable, and the display surface can be visually recognized when the display unit is opened from the main body. The described video camera.

(3) The video camera according to the above item (1), wherein the display unit has a strobe disposed near an end opposite to the pivot side.

(4) The video camera according to the above (1), wherein the operation key unit has a remote control function.

(5) The video camera according to the above (1), wherein the operation key unit has a structure detachable from the front surface of the lens and has a lens cap function when mounted.

(6) The memory means is a memory cartridge detachable from a main body, and a mounting portion thereof is near a relay barrel.
The described video camera.

(7) A memory having a lens forming an image forming part of the image pickup means, a battery forming power supply means, an operation key unit forming operation input means, and a display part forming display means, A video camera capable of recording and storing an imaged content in a means, wherein another memory cartridge or another battery can be selectively mounted on a mounting portion of a detachable operation key unit.

(8) The video camera according to any one of the above (1) or (7), wherein the battery is a polymer battery.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a video camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the video camera according to the first embodiment when the display unit is stored, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the display unit is used.
FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the display unit is housed, and FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the display unit is used. FIGS. 5 and 5 are enlarged cross-sectional views of an operation key unit attaching portion in a second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an overall perspective view in the second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view of the video camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the operation key unit is attached to the front part. FIG. 8 is an extension of the video camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an additional memory cartridge in the second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention.
0 is a cross-sectional view of the operation key unit mounting portion in the second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an operation key unit in a second embodiment of a video camera according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an overall perspective view of a video camera of a conventional example.

(First Embodiment) Regarding the first embodiment,
This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 3 are views showing the storage state when the display unit is not used, and FIGS. 2 and 4 are views showing the state when the display unit is used.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens, 2 denotes a battery (polymer battery), 3 denotes an operation key unit, and 4 denotes a display unit composed of a liquid crystal or the like.

Battery (polymer battery) for lens 1
2, the operation key unit 3 and the display unit 4 are arranged in the stated order behind the lens along the lens optical axis.

Relay barrel 1 located immediately after lens 1
In a, the optical outer diameter can be made smaller than the front lens side, and a memory cartridge 5 as a memory means is laid out directly below the relay barrel 1a so as to be detachable from the video camera body A. .

The display section 4 is located at the upper rear of the main body A.
The end is pivotally supported and rotatable. The display surface 4a is disposed so as to face the operation key unit 3 when the display unit 4 is not used when the display unit 4 is not in use, and when the display unit 4 is rotated by about 180 ° about the axis 4c, the display surface 4a assumes an open state. In the open state, the display surface 4a becomes visible to the photographer.

The display section 4 has a strobe (flash device).
4b is provided near the end opposite to the shaft 4c,
In the open state, a certain distance from the lens optical axis can be maintained, so that the red-eye phenomenon that occurs with flash photography can be reduced.

In the above-described configuration, in the main body having the grip where the lens group is disposed,
Since relatively heavy lenses and polymer batteries are concentrated near the grip, the weight balance at the time of shooting is improved.

Also, since the lens group is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, there is no difference in the operability for both right-handed and left-handed users using the arrangement portion of the lens group as a grip. Therefore, there is no shape projection due to the above, and therefore, the storage property and the portability can be improved as compared with the related art.

Further, between the lens 1 and the liquid crystal constituting the display surface 4a, a polymer battery 2 and an operation key unit 3 are provided.
, The heat generated by the liquid crystal, for example, the lens can be prevented from being out of focus due to thermal expansion caused by the heat of the backlight being directly radiated to the lens.

The display unit 4 displays the main unit A when the camera is not used.
Is rotated and stored. At the time of this storage, the display surface 4a
Is positioned facing the operation key unit 3 so that the display surface 4a is protected from the outside and the surroundings.

Also, the operation key unit 3 is cut off from the outside world by the display unit 4 and cannot be operated, so that an unexpected situation due to careless key operation can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment) Regarding the second embodiment,
This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 5, the operation key unit 3 is detachable from the video camera body A, and inside the operation key unit 3, a predetermined operation key 3b and an infrared light emitting element 3a serving as a remote control are provided. In a state where the infrared light receiving element 6 is mounted on the main body A, an infrared light receiving element 6 is disposed opposite to the infrared light emitting element 3a also serving as the remote controller, via an infrared light emitting window 3d. ing. With the above configuration, the operation key 3b of the photographer is
The video camera main unit A can perform operations such as imaging by pressing the button.

Even when the operation key 3b is operated in a state where the operation key unit 3 is detached from the main body A, the main body A has a surface other than the surface on which the infrared light receiving element 6 is provided.
At least one or more light receiving elements, for example, as shown in FIG.
The main body can be operated by operating the operation key 3b even from a position at a predetermined distance from the main body.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, two connection connectors are arranged on the mounting portion of the operation key unit 3, one of which is a connector 8 dedicated to a polymer battery and the other is a connector 9 dedicated to a memory cartridge. .

When the operation key unit 3 is detached, the additional polymer battery 1 having substantially the same shape as the operation key unit 3 is provided.
0 or one of the additional memory cartridges 11 can be selectively mounted, and at this time, they are connected to the respective dedicated connectors 10a and 11a. With such a structure, a battery as a power supply means (polymer battery for expansion)
10 and an additional memory cartridge 11, which is a memory means, can be added, so that a longer shooting time and a larger memory capacity can be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 11, the operation key unit 3 is provided with a projection 3e at a predetermined position on the outer surface so as to be fitted to the lens front frame portion. As shown in FIG. The unit 3 can be attached to and detached from the front surface of the lens, and can be used as a lens cap for the purpose of protecting the lens when not in use except for shooting.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The operation key unit, power supply means such as a battery (polymer battery), and other elements are arranged linearly and detachably linearly behind the lens along the optical axis of the lens.
The video camera body shape can be integrated into a cylindrical body with no irregularities, improving portability and storage, good weight balance, and when the lens part is gripped, right-handed,
It can be used without left-handed discrimination, and furthermore, a battery and an operation key unit are interposed between the lens and the liquid crystal constituting the display surface, so that a certain distance can be maintained between them and the backlight of the liquid crystal Is directly radiated to the lens, thereby preventing the lens from being out of focus due to thermal expansion. The display unit is pivotally supported by one end of the camera body and is rotatable.In the storage state when not in use, the display surface is protected inside the body so as to face the operation key part of the operation key unit, and when not in shooting, Erroneous operation of the operation key can be avoided. By arranging the strobe near the end opposite to the pivot side of the display unit, a sufficient distance between the optical axis at the time of strobe light emission and the optical axis of the lens can be secured, so that the red-eye phenomenon can be avoided. The operation key unit has a remote control function, forms a pair with an infrared light receiving section provided on the front surface of the main body, allows the operation key unit to be detached from the main body, and allows a photographing operation or the like from a remote place. Since the operation key unit is configured to be detachable from the front surface of the main body lens, it can be used as a lens cap for protecting the lens when not in use. The memory cartridge, which is the memory means, is detachably mounted near the relay barrel, which is smaller than the front lens, so that it can be housed in the cylindrical body of the main body and has a shape without irregularities, further improving portability and storage. Can be improved. With the structure that other memory cartridges or other polymer batteries can be selectively attached to the main unit detachable part of the operation key unit, the memory capacity can be increased,
In addition, the photographing time can be lengthened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a video camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a display unit is housed.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the display unit is used.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the display unit is stored.

FIG. 4 is an overall perspective view of the video camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a display unit is used.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an operation key unit mounting portion in a second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an overall perspective view of a video camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view of a video camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention when an operation key unit is attached to a front portion.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an additional polymer battery in a second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an additional memory cartridge in the second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an operation key unit attaching portion in a second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an operation key unit in a second embodiment of the video camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an overall perspective view of a conventional video camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A Video camera body (main body) 1 Lens 1a Relay barrel 2 Polymer battery (battery) 3 Operation key unit 3a Infrared light emitting element 3b Operation key 3c Switch 3d Infrared light emitting window 3e Projection 4 Display unit 4a Display surface (liquid crystal) Display surface) 4b Strobe light 4c axis 5 Memory means (memory cartridge) 6 Infrared light receiving element 7 Infrared light receiving section 8 Polymer battery connector 9 Memory cartridge connector 10 Additional polymer battery 10a connector 11 Additional memory cartridge 11a connector 12 Lens Unit 13 Display unit (conventional display unit) 14 Battery (conventional battery)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 17/02 G03B 17/02 5C022 17/04 17/04 17/38 17/38 BF Term (Reference) 2H020 FB03 MD15 2H053 CA42 CA45 CA46 DA03 2H083 BB03 BB08 BB31 BB34 2H100 AA12 AA32 AA33 BB06 BB07 BB09 CC07 DD03 DD05 DD07 FF00 FF05 2H101 BB01 BB02 BB03 BB06 5C022 AA11 AC03 AC06

Claims (8)

[Claims] A lens forming an image forming part of the image pickup means;
In a video camera having a battery forming a power supply unit, an operation key unit forming an operation input unit, and a display unit forming a display unit, the battery and the operation key unit can be recorded and stored in a memory unit. Is a video camera characterized in that it is detachable from the main body, and the battery, the operation key unit, and the display section are arranged linearly behind the lens along the optical axis in this order. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is rotatably supported by one end of the main body and is rotatable, so that a display surface can be visually recognized when the display unit is opened from the main body. Video camera. 3. The video camera according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a strobe disposed near an end opposite to the pivot side. 4. The video camera according to claim 1, wherein the operation key unit has a remote control function. 5. The video camera according to claim 1, wherein the operation key unit has a structure detachable from a front surface of the lens, and has a lens cap function when mounted. 6. The video camera according to claim 1, wherein said memory means is a memory cartridge detachable from a main body, and a mounting portion thereof is near a relay barrel. 7. A lens forming an image forming part of the imaging means,
A detachable operation key unit for a video camera having a battery forming power supply means, an operation key unit forming operation input means, and a display unit forming display means, and capable of recording and storing imaged contents in memory means A video camera characterized in that another memory cartridge or another battery can be selectively mounted in the mounting portion of the video camera. 8. The video camera according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a polymer battery.