Image capturing apparatus

An image capturing apparatus includes an electronic viewfinder unit that can shift between a retracted state where the electronic viewfinder unit is retracted in a main body portion of the image capturing apparatus and an extended state where the electronic viewfinder unit is extended from the main body portion. The electronic viewfinder unit includes a holding cover that holds a pivoting unit where the pivoting unit can be rotated centering on a pivot shaft, and a pivot latch member that latches in a pivoting unit pivoting operation. The pivoting unit includes an electronic display unit, an eyepiece portion, an eyepiece window to cover the eyepiece portion, and a lens holder to hold a finder lens that guides light emitted from the electronic display unit to the eyepiece portion. When the pivoting unit is being rotated, the pivot latch member regulates shifting of the electronic viewfinder unit to the retracted state.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to image capturing apparatuses that include an electronic viewfinder. In particular, the present disclosure relates to digital cameras.

Description of the Related Art

There are conventional cameras with an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter, “finder”) in which an eyepiece portion of a finder can make a translational movement in an optical axis direction of the finder. In a used state, the eyepiece portion of the finder is extended in the optical axis direction of the finder to bring an optical system of the finder to a use position. When the finder is not in use, the eyepiece portion of the finder is retracted to reduce the size of a camera.

Further, there is known an apparatus in which a finder is rotatable relative to a main body of the camera so that the degree of freedom of an orientation of a photographing person increases during photographing. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-021303 discusses an image capturing apparatus including a finder that is rotatable using a pivoting mechanism. In the configuration discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-021303, a finder portion is always extended from an outer shape of a camera. This state disturbs a photographing operation and reduces portability of the camera when the camera is not in use and being carried.

In one method of increasing the portability, the finder portion is not extended from the main body of the camera when the finder portion is not in use, while the finder portion is extended from the main body of the camera when the finder portion is in use. In other words, when the finder is in use, the finder is extended from the main body of the camera, and an eyepiece portion of the finder is also pulled out. Furthermore, the finder is rotatable when extended from the main body of the camera, so that the degree of freedom of an orientation of the photographing person increases during photographing while the size of the finder is reduced. In such a configuration, there are shifts of the state including: a) a shift between a retracted state and an extended state of the finder portion relative to the main body of the camera; b) a shift between a rotating state and a non-rotating state of the finder portion; and c) a shift of the eyepiece portion of the finder between a use position and a non-use position. For example, when the eyepiece portion of the finder is in use and in the pulled-out state, if the eyepiece portion is shifted from the extended state to the retracted state relative to the main body of the camera, the eyepiece portion of the finder may be damaged. Furthermore, an improper shift from the extended state to the retracted state may reduce convenience during use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an image capturing apparatus including a small finder, and when the finder is not in use, the finder is not extended from a main body of a camera, while when the finder is in use, the finder is rotatable in an extended state relative to the main body of the camera and is prevented from improperly shifting to an unintended state in the extended state.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image capturing apparatus includes an electronic viewfinder unit configured to shift between a retracted state where the electronic viewfinder unit is retracted in a main body portion of the image capturing apparatus and an extended state where the electronic viewfinder unit is extended from the main body portion, wherein the electronic viewfinder unit includes a pivoting unit, a holding cover configured to hold the pivoting unit such that the pivoting unit can be rotated centering on a pivot shaft, and a pivot latch member configured to latch in a pivoting operation of the pivoting unit, wherein the pivoting unit includes an electronic display unit, an eyepiece portion, an eyepiece window configured to cover the eyepiece portion, and a lens holder configured to hold a finder lens configured to guide light emitted from the electronic display unit to the eyepiece portion, and wherein, when the pivoting unit is being rotated, the pivot latch member regulates shifting of the electronic viewfinder unit to the retracted state in the main body portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, similar members are given the same reference numeral, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

(Description of Perspective View of Image Capturing Apparatus1)

A configuration of an image capturing apparatus1as an example of an image capturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIG. 1. The image capturing apparatus1includes an electronic viewfinder unit21and a lens barrel unit2. The electronic viewfinder unit21can shift between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, the electronic viewfinder unit21is retracted in a main body portion. In the extended state, the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended from the main body portion. The lens barrel unit2includes a photographing optical system. EU is the abbreviation for “electronic viewfinder”.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare perspective views of the image capturing apparatus1.FIG. 1Ais a front perspective view of the image capturing apparatus1, andFIG. 1Bis a rear perspective view of the image capturing apparatus1. The image capturing apparatus1includes the lens barrel unit2including the photographing optical system (not illustrated). An arrow G indicates an optical axis direction of each photographing lens of the image capturing apparatus1. The image capturing apparatus1further includes an image sensor (not illustrated) configured to photoelectrically convert an optical subject image formed via the plurality of photographing lenses of the photographing optical system and generate image data. The lens barrel unit2is collapsible, and when retracted, the lens barrel unit2collapses in the image capturing apparatus1.

The image capturing apparatus1includes a main substrate (not illustrated) and an auxiliary substrate (not illustrated) on which a processing circuit configured to convert image data generated by the image sensor into digital information is mounted. If a release button4is fully pressed, an image is captured, and image data of a subject image is recorded on a recording medium (not illustrated). A zoom lever5is pivotally held around the release button4. If the zoom lever5is rotated, a zoom operation is performed. A power button6is pressed by a photographing user to change a power state to a power-on state (use state) or a power-off state (non-use state). A display apparatus15is on a rear surface of the image capturing apparatus1and is used to check a subject image to be captured and display a reproduced captured image.

The image capturing apparatus1is covered by an exterior member including a front cover9, a rear cover10, and a top cover16. The top cover16forms a top external surface of the image capturing apparatus1and also forms an opening portion of a finder20. The tinder20is built in the image capturing apparatus1, and when retracted, the finder20is locked being held in the image capturing apparatus1by a lock mechanism. A side surface of the image capturing apparatus1includes a side cover13forming a part of an external surface. A release lever14is slidably held on the side cover13and is operated to release the lock of the finder20and extend the finder20upward from the image capturing apparatus1.

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the image capturing apparatus1as an example of the image capturing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. The optical system includes a photographing lens201and a shutter202including a diaphragm function. An image capturing unit203includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor configured to convert an optical image input through the optical system into an electric signal. An analog/digital (A/D) conversion unit204is used to convert an analog signal output from the image capturing unit203into a digital signal and convert an analog signal output from an audio control unit205into a digital signal. A lens barrier206covers the image capturing unit203including a lens201of the image capturing apparatus1to reduce contamination and damage of the image capturing unit203. A timing generation unit207is controlled by a memory control unit208and a system control unit209and supplies a clock signal and/or control signal to the image capturing unit203, the audio control unit205, the A/D conversion unit204, and a digital/analog (D/A) conversion unit210.

An image processing unit211performs predetermined pixel interpolation and resizing processing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on data output from the A/D conversion unit204and data stored on a memory212. Further, the image processing unit211performs predetermined calculation on captured image data, and the system control unit209performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. In this way, through-the-lens (TTL) autofocus (AF) processing, auto-exposure (AE) processing, and pre-flash emission (EF) processing are performed. The image processing unit211further performs predetermined calculation processing using captured image data and performs TTL auto-white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained calculation result.

Output data from the A/D conversion unit204is written to the memory212either via the image processing unit211and the memory control unit208or directly via the memory control unit208. The memory212stores audio data recorded by a microphone213, captured still and moving images, and information such as a file header added to an image in configuring an image file. The memory212has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still image and a predetermined length of moving images and audio.

A compression/decompression unit214compresses/decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transformation (ADCT), and the shutter202triggers the compression/decompression unit214so that the compression/decompression unit214reads a captured image stored on the memory212, compresses the read image, and write the compressed data to the memory212. Further, the compression/decompression unit214reads a compressed image read from a recording medium215to the memory212, decompresses the read image, and write the decompressed data to the memory212.

Image data written to the memory212by the compression/decompression unit214is changed into a file by a file processing unit of the system control unit209, and the file is recorded on the recording medium215via a recording medium interface (recording medium I/F)216. Further, the memory212is also used as a memory for image display, and display image data written to the memory212is displayed by an image display unit217via the D/A conversion unit210.

Audio signal output from the microphone213is converted into a digital signal by the A/D conversion unit204via the audio control unit205including an amplifier, and thereafter the digital signal is stored on the memory212by the memory control unit208. Further, audio data recorded on the recording medium215is read to the memory212and thereafter processed into a signal by the audio control unit205via the D/A conversion unit210, and a speaker218produces a sound based on the signal.

The system control unit209controls the entire image capturing apparatus1. A system memory219stores constant and variable numbers and programs for operations of the system control unit209. A non-volatile memory220is an electrically erasable and recordable memory and, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is used. Shutter switches (SW1) and (SW2) and an operation unit221are operation units with which a user inputs various operation instructions to the system control unit209. A mode selection switch222is used by a user to change an operation mode of the system control unit209to a still photographing mode, a continuous photographing mode, a moving image mode, or a reproduction mode.

The shutter switch (SW1) is rotated on when a shutter button223of the image capturing apparatus1is operated to a middle (half-pressed). Then, an instruction to start an operation such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, or EF processing is issued. The shutter switch (SW2) is turned on when the shutter button223is completely operated (fully pressed), and an instruction is issued to start a series of operations of image capturing processing from reading a signal which comes from the image capturing unit203until writing of the image data to the recording medium215.

An operation unit221includes various buttons and a touch panel. Specific examples include a delete button, a menu button, a set button, and a four-direction key arranged in a cross shape. If the menu button is pressed, a menu screen via which various settings are settable is displayed on the image display unit217. A user can intuitively set various settings via the menu screen displayed on the image display unit217using four-direction key and the set button. Further, an operation on an icon displayed on the display unit217can be detected when a touch of a finger of a user or a touch of a pen on an operation member is detected as in a case of detecting an operation on a switch through a button or a dial. Furthermore, an operation member configured to detect a pivot, such as a jog dial, can be used to perform an operation similar to a bi-direction key.

A power button224turns on/off the power. A power control unit225includes a battery detection circuit, a direct current-direct current (DC-DC) converter, and a switch circuit configured to switch a block to which power is to be supplied. The power control unit225detects whether a battery is attached, detects a battery type, and detects a battery level. Further, the power control unit225controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit209and supplies a predetermined voltage to each component including the recording medium215for a predetermined period of time. A power unit226includes a primary battery, such as an alkali battery or lithium battery, a secondary battery, such as a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, or lithium (Li) battery, and an alternating current (AC) adapter. The power unit226and the power control unit225are connected via a camera side power connector and a power connector.

A real time clock (RTC)227includes an internal power unit separately from the power control unit225and continues time measurement even in a state where the power unit226is off. The system control unit209controls a timer using time and date acquired from the RTC227at the time of start-up. A recording medium attachment/detachment detection unit228detects whether the recording medium215is in a recording medium slot.

A communication unit229performs various types of communication processing, such as Recommended Standard 232 version C (RS232C) communication, universal serial bus (USB) communication, institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 communication, IEEE P1284 communication, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) communication, modem communication, local area network (LAN) communication, and wireless communication. A communication connector230(which is an antenna in a case of wireless communication) connects the image capturing apparatus1with another device via the communication unit229.

A detection unit231detects whether the finder20is in a state where the finder20is extended and can be used, and a sensor that uses mechanical and optical methods can be used. If the detection unit231determines that the finder20is in the state where the finder20can be used, an image on the image display unit217is switched to the finder20. Then, a user can check the image displayed on the finder20.

(Description of Operation of Finder20)

Next, an operation of the finder20illustrated inFIG. 1according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIGS. 2A to 2C.FIGS. 2A to 2Care rear perspective views illustrating the image capturing apparatus1with the finder20extended.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a state where the release lever14on the side surface of the image capturing apparatus1is operated and the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended upward from a retracted state in the image capturing apparatus1. An eyepiece window22is fixed to an eyepiece portion28. A sensor window23is situated above the eyepiece window22. The sensor window23is provided for an optical path of an internal sensor, e.g., optical detection sensor. If a user looks into the eyepiece portion28, an internal optical sensor detects the user looking into the eyepiece portion28and switches display to the display on the electronic viewfinder unit21.

FIG. 2Billustrates a state where the eyepiece portion28of the electronic viewfinder unit21in the extended state as illustrated inFIG. 2Ais extended toward a position on the side of the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus1. The finder20can be used in a state where the eyepiece portion28is extended to the front, and a subject image to be captured and a reproducing display of a captured image can be checked from the eyepiece portion28.

FIG. 2Cillustrates a state where a finder pivot portion41including the eyepiece portion28is rotated in the state where the finder20inFIG. 2Bcan be used. The finder pivot portion41is rotated by about 90 degrees so that the eyepiece portion28becomes parallel to the top cover16. Specifically, the eyepiece window22is rotated to a state where the eyepiece window22faces a top surface of the main camera body portion. The sensor window23is at the top of the eyepiece window22. In this case, the internal sensor (not illustrated) can detect a user looking into the eyepiece portion28within a range of the pivoting operation of the finder pivot portion41as a pivoting unit. Thus, a photographing user can check a subject image to be captured and a reproducing display of a captured image from the top camera surface.

A diopter adjustment lever120is disposed under the eyepiece portion28when viewed from the eyepiece window22in a state where the image capturing apparatus1is oriented as illustrated inFIG. 2B. Thus, the diopter adjustment lever120is exposed in a state where the eyepiece portion28of the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended and the finder pivot portion41is rotated by about 90 degrees. A user can adjust the diopter of the finder20by rotating the diopter adjustment lever120.

(Description of Configuration of Finder20)

A configuration of the finder20will be described below with reference toFIGS. 3A to 3C. As illustrated inFIG. 3A, the finder20includes the electronic viewfinder unit21and a popup mechanism portion51configured to move upward and downward between the retracted state and the extended state.

FIG. 3Ais an exploded perspective view illustrating the popup mechanism portion51of the finder20. A base plate32as a fixing member includes a metal plate, and two guide bars33made of a metal material are swaged on the base plate32. Further, the base plate32includes a latch pin32a. A flange-formed portion33ais around a portion of each guide bar33to increase the diameters of a portion of the guide bars33. An EVF holder30is made of a resin material, and the two guide bars33swaged on the base plate32are inserted in the EVF holder30and held so that the two guide bars33are vertically slidable. At this time, the flange-formed portion33aof the guide bars33is in contact with the EVF holder30so that a slide position in the extended state is determined.

The EVF holder30is positioned and fixed relative to the front cover9illustrated inFIG. 1. Each extending spring38is retracted in the EVF holder30and biases the guide bars33upward. A spring holder35is made of a plate metal material and fixed to the EVF holder30to hold each end portion of the extending springs38. A lock lever36is held by a swaged pin37so that the lock lever36is rotatable relative to the spring holder35. The lock lever36includes a latch claw portion36a. A bias spring34includes one end latched by the lock lever36and another end by the spring holder35, and biases the lock lever36in one direction. The lock lever36is rotated centering on the swaged pin37by operating the release lever14illustrated inFIG. 1. When the finder is retracted, the latch claw portion36aof the lock lever36latches the latch pin32aof the base plate32so that the finder20is maintained in the retracted state. When the finder20is in use, an extending operation is performed by operating the release lever14to rotate the lock lever36so that the latch pin32ais unlatched.

Next, a configuration of the electronic viewfinder unit21will be described below.

FIG. 3Bis an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic viewfinder unit21. The electronic viewfinder unit21includes the finder pivot portion41as a pivoting unit and a finder cover49covering the finder pivot portion41. The electronic viewfinder unit21is provided with a finder top cover31. The finder top cover31forms an external surface of the top surface together with the top cover16. The electronic viewfinder unit21further includes the finder cover49including a side surface49a. In the extended state, the side surface49abecomes two surfaces parallel a movable direction.

The side surface49aof the finder cover49includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface is situated to the left of an optical axis of the finder lens, whereas the second side surface is situated to the right of the optical axis of the finder lens. The finder pivot portion41of the electronic viewfinder unit21includes a lens holder42, a finder guide tube43, and a flange portion43aof the finder guide tube43. The lens holder42holds the finder lens, and the finder guide tube43holds the lens holder42such that the lens holder42can make a translational movement in the optical axis direction of the finder lens.

The diopter adjustment lever120is provided with a cam shape portion121integrated with the diopter adjustment lever120. If the diopter adjustment lever120is rotated, the cam shape portion121causes the lens holder42to make the translational movement within the finder guide tube43. A guide shaft44configured to guide the finder guide tube43so that the finder guide tube43is moved directly is passed through the flange portion43a. One end of the guide shaft44is fixed to a finder fixing tube45.

The eyepiece portion28is latched to the finder guide tube43by latch claws43cof side surfaces of the finder guide tube43. The eyepiece portion28is extended to the front, so that the finder guide tube43supported by the guide shaft44makes a translational movement together with the lens holder42situated in the finder guide tube43and the eyepiece portion28becomes available for use. Around the flange portion43aof the finder guide tube43is a seal member43b. The seal member43bseals a space between the finder fixing tube45and the finder guide tube43to form a dust-proof structure.

A display unit holder47holds an electronic display unit46. A side surface of the display unit holder47includes a latch claw47aconfigured to be joined by a latch portion45fof the finder fixing tube45. Arm portions48aof a display panel bias plate48are fixed to the finder fixing tube45and bias a display unit46to the display unit holder47. An end48bof each arm portion48aalso serves as a click portion with respect to the finder guide tube43that is configured to be operated integrally when the eyepiece portion28is extended to the front. The display panel bias plate48is rotated together with the finder pivot portion41.

A substrate base60is provided at a bottom of the electronic viewfinder unit21and in the popup mechanism portion51configured to move upward and downward between the retracted state and the extended state. The substrate base60is fixed to the base plate32together with the finder cover49by a plurality of fastening screws. A finder substrate24is fixed to the substrate base60. The finder substrate24is connected with a flexible substrate (not illustrated) configured to transmit an image signal from the main substrate in the image capturing apparatus1.

Further, a flexible substrate61connected with the electronic the display unit46transmits the signal. A flexible substrate cover62is fixed to the substrate base60. The flexible substrate61is disposed in a space between a connecting surface49bof the finder cover49and the flexible substrate cover62.

A pivot latch member130is biased by a bias spring132. A pivot latch shaft131is passed through the pivot latch member130and held by the substrate base60. Specifically, the pivot latch member130is a member configured to pivot about the pivot latch shaft131. The pivot latch shaft131may be integrated with the pivot latch member130. The pivot latch member130latches the finder fixing tube45. In the state where the pivot latch member130latches the finder fixing tube45, the pivot latch member130is closer to the optical axis of the finder lens than to the surface49aof the finder cover49. Consequently, the pivot latch member130prevents interference with nearby members while a state of the electronic viewfinder unit21is shifted from the state of being retracted in the image capturing apparatus1to the state of being extended upward. Thus, the finder pivot portion41is reliably latched without shifting to an improper state while the electronic viewfinder unit21is shifted from the state of being retracted in the image capturing apparatus1to the state of being extended upward.

A cam shape portion121is integrated with the diopter adjustment lever120, The cam shape portion121integrated with the diopter adjustment lever120is slidably fitted in the finder guide tube43. If the diopter adjustment lever120is rotated, the lens holder42makes a translational movement in the finder guide tube43by the cam shape portion121. Thus, a user can adjust the diopter of the finder20by rotating the diopter adjustment lever120.

Next, a finder pivoting operation will be described below with reference toFIG. 3C.FIG. 3Cillustrates a relationship between the finder cover49and the finder fixing tube45.

The finder cover49includes first and second surfaces49aparallel to the optical axis direction of the finder lens and the movable direction of the electronic viewfinder unit21. Finder unit pivot shafts50are respectively held by opening portions49cof the first and second surfaces49a. The finder unit pivot shaft50is divided into a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft is passed through the first surface49a, and the second shaft is passed through the second surface49a. While the finder unit pivot shaft50is divided into two members, the finder unit pivot shaft50can be a single member.

The first and second surfaces49aare connected by a third surface49bthat is situated closer to the subject than the first and second surfaces49a. The first and second surfaces49aand the third surface49bare substantially in U shape on a cross-section F orthogonal to a movable direction V between the retracted state and the extended state.

The finder unit pivot shaft50is pivotally fitted in a shaft opening portion45bof a fixing tube45that constitutes the finder pivot portion41and held by the first and second surfaces49aof the finder cover49. The finder unit pivot shaft50is connected to the finder cover49having rigidity so that the finder unit pivot shaft50has strength as a pivot shaft. A portion of the finder unit pivot shaft50is pivotally fitted in the shaft opening portion45bof the finder fixing tube45. The finder unit pivot shaft50is provided on the side opposite to the eyepiece portion28relative to the lens holder42with respect to the optical axis of the finder lens and on the side where the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended from the optical axis of the finder lens. Thus, the finder fixing tube45is rotatable relative to the finder cover49. Further, the finder cover49includes a pivot stopper portion49d.

If the finder fixing tube45is rotated by about 90 degrees, a contact portion45dis brought into contact with the pivot stopper portion49d. The finder pivot portion41is rotatable between 0 and 90 degrees between which the optical axis of the finder lens is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the photographing optical system.

The finder pivot portion41includes the electronic the display unit46, the eyepiece portion28, the eyepiece window22covering the eyepiece portion28, and the lens holder42holding the finder lens that guides light emitted from the electronic display unit46to the eyepiece portion28.

On the outside of the finder fixing tube45is a latch portion145. The pivot latch member130is biased to the tinder fixing tube45by the bias spring132. The pivot latch member130is engaged with the latch portion145of the finder fixing tube45by the biasing force of the bias spring132. The pivot latch member130is situated diagonally to the finder unit pivot shaft50when viewed from a direction vertical to the surface49aof the finder cover49. Thus, the finder fixing tube45is latched to the finder unit pivot shaft50at a farthest position. Consequently, the finder fixing tube45is reliably latched. Thus, the finder pivot portion41is reliably latched until the state of the finder20is shifted from being retracted in the image capturing apparatus1to being extended upward.

(Description of Details of Configuration of Finder Unit21)

Next, details of the configuration of the electronic viewfinder unit21will be described below with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 4Aillustrates the lens barrel unit2and the finder20in the state where the electronic viewfinder unit21in the image capturing apparatus1is retracted in the image capturing apparatus1, as viewed from the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus1. The finder20is on the left side of the lens barrel unit2and next to lens barrel unit2. Further, in the state where the electronic viewfinder unit21is retracted in the image capturing apparatus1, the lens barrel unit2is disposed on the lower right side of the eyepiece portion28. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the sensor window23is provided above the eyepiece window22.

FIG. 4Billustrates the finder guide tube43of the finder pivot portion41. The guide shaft44configured to guide the finder guide tube43so that the finder guide tube43is movable directly is passed through an upper left corner of the flange portion43aof the finder guide tube43. A lens holder bias spring146is disposed in an upper right corner of the lens holder42, which makes a translational movement within the finder guide tube43. In other words, the guide shaft44and the lens holder bias spring146are disposed in different upper corners of the finder guide tube43. The latch claws43cof the finder guide tube43latch the eyepiece portion28and the finder guide tube43. The latch claws43care respectively at the lower right and the lower left of the finder guide tube43. The diopter adjustment lever120is disposed on the lower surface side of the eyepiece portion28when viewed from the eyepiece window22and is slidably fitted in the finder guide tube43. The surface of the finder guide tube43in which the diopter adjustment lever120is slidably fitted is adjacent to the surface that includes the latch claws43c. Specifically, the positional relationship centering on the finder lens when viewed from the eyepiece window22is as follows. The lens holder bias spring146is in the upper right corner of the lens holder42, the guide shaft44is in the upper left corner of the finder guide tube43, and the latch claws43care at the lower right and the lower left of the finder guide tube43.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the lens barrel unit2is disposed at the lower right of the eyepiece portion28in the state where the electronic viewfinder unit21is retracted in the image capturing apparatus1when viewed from the eyepiece window22side. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 3C, it is most suitable to situate the finder fixing tube45diagonally to the finder unit pivot shaft50. Thus, the pivot latch member130, which is a latch unit configured to regulate a pivoting operation of the finder pivot portion41illustrated inFIG. 3B, is disposed in the lower left of the finder pivot portion41when viewed from the eyepiece window22side. Consequently, the finder pivot portion41is reliably latched while prevented from shifting to an improper state without an increase in the size of the image capturing apparatus1.

(Description of Regulation of Pivoting Operation of Electronic Viewfinder Unit21)

Next, the regulation of an operation of pivoting the electronic viewfinder unit21after the electronic viewfinder unit21is shifted to the extended state will be described below with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B.FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate the electronic viewfinder unit21with the eyepiece portion28in the retracted state.

InFIG. 5A, a grip portion157is configured to be gripped to extend the eyepiece portion28. Thus, the grip portion157is partially thicker than the other part of the eyepiece portion28. A regulation shape portion153is integrated with the eyepiece portion28. The regulation shape portion153is thinner than the grip portion157. The pivot latch member130is inside the regulation shape portion153when the eyepiece portion28is in the retracted state.

FIG. 5Billustrates a cross-section orthogonal to an optical axis of the finder20inFIG. 5A. On the cross-section orthogonal to the pivot latch shaft131, the pivot latch member130includes a latch contact surface154, an inviting surface155, and a pivot regulation surface156. The latch contact surface154is in contact with the latch portion145of the fixing tube45. Thus, the finder pivot portion41of the electronic viewfinder unit21is latched in a state parallel to the optical axis of the finder lens and the image capturing lenses (not illustrated). When the eyepiece portion28is in the retracted state, the pivot latch member130is inside the regulation shape portion153of the eyepiece portion28. Thus, even if the pivot latch member130is to be rotated against the biasing force of the bias spring132, the pivot regulation surface156interferes with the regulation shape portion153, which regulates the rotating. Specifically, when the eyepiece portion28is in the retracted state, the fixing tube45is not released from the latched state and cannot be rotated.

When viewed from the surface49aof the finder cover49as a holding cover, an intersection point P of the inviting surface155as a tapered surface and the pivot regulation surface156is within a projection of the grip portion157. The grip portion157is thick to ensure strength. Therefore, even if the pivot regulation surface156interferes with the regulation shape portion153, the regulation shape portion153is unlikely to undergo elastic deformation. Thus, when the eyepiece portion28is in the retracted state, the fixing tube45is reliably latched and the finder pivot portion41is unlikely to pivot improperly to shift to an improper state.

FIG. 6Aillustrates the electronic viewfinder unit21in a state where the eyepiece portion28is extended to a use position.FIG. 6Billustrates a cross-section orthogonal to a finder optical axis inFIG. 6A.FIG. 6Cillustrates a state where pivoting of the finder pivot portion41is started in the state where the eyepiece portion28is extended to the use position inFIG. 6A.FIG. 6Dillustrates a cross-section orthogonal to an optical axis direction G of the photographing lens of the image capturing apparatus1inFIG. 6C.

InFIG. 6A, the regulation shape portion153integrated with the eyepiece portion28includes a notch shape158in an extended portion of the eyepiece portion28in the optical axis direction of the finder20. In the state where the eyepiece portion28is extended to the use position, since there is the notch shape158, the pivot regulation surface156is exposed from the eyepiece portion28. Thus, the pivot regulation surface156of the pivot latch member130is prevented from interfering with the regulation shape portion153. Next,FIG. 6Cillustrates a state where pivoting of the pivot latch member130is started. The latch contact surface154is pushed to a direction opposite to the bias direction by the latch portion145of the fixing tube45and rotated. Since there is the notch shape158, when the pivot latch member130starts pivoting, the pivot regulation surface156is prevented from interfering with the regulation shape portion153. Thus, the pivot latch member130is rotatable against the biasing force of the bias spring132.

FIG. 6Dillustrates a cross-section ofFIG. 6Cthat is orthogonal to the optical axis direction G of the photographing lens of the image capturing apparatus1. As illustrated inFIG. 6D, as the fixing tube45is rotated, the pivot latch member130is rotated centering on the pivot latch shaft131. The intersection point P of the inviting surface155as a tapered surface and the pivot regulation surface156moves to a position outside an outermost portion of the eyepiece portion28. Consequently, the latch contact surface154of the pivot latch member130is separated from the latch portion145of the fixing tube45and the latch is released. In other words, the fixing tube45is rotatable up to a predetermined angle.

FIG. 6Eillustrates a cross-section orthogonal to a finder optical axis of the electronic viewfinder unit21when the fixing tube45is being shifted from a predetermined angle of rotation to the retracted state of 0 degree. The pivot latch member130is biased by the biasing force of the bias spring132. When the fixing tube45is shifted from the predetermined angle of the rotation to the retracted state of 0 degree, the inviting surface155is brought into contact with the latch portion145as illustrated inFIG. 6E. The inviting surface155is brought into contact with the latch portion145so that the pivot latch member130is rotated centering on the pivot latch shaft131in a direction against the bias direction. In other words, the latch portion145rotates the pivot latch member130. The inviting surface155as a tapered surface is restored to the state illustrated inFIG. 6Cwhile being in contact with the latch portion145. Thus, the electronic viewfinder unit21is shifted from the predetermined angle of rotation to the retracted state of 0 degree and is latched again.

The latch contact surface154, the inviting surface155, and the pivot regulation surface156are adjacent to each other. Thus, the size of the pivot latch member130is reduced. As a result, the pivot latch member130latches the fixing tube45inside the finder cover49. Thus, in the state where the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended, the eyepiece portion28is extended and shifted to a use state, so that the electronic viewfinder unit21becomes rotatable. Further, when the eyepiece portion28is in the retracted state, the pivot latch member130is regulated by the regulation shape portion153so that the eyepiece portion28cannot be easily rotated, and an improper state shift of the finder pivot portion41is prevented.

The electronic viewfinder unit21in the extended state will be described below, where the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended from the main body portion, viewed from the eyepiece window22side. The pivot latch member130configured to latch a pivoting operation of the finder pivot portion41is disposed centering on the optical axis of the finder lens, on a side of the optical axis of the finder lens opposite to the finder unit pivot shafts50of the finder pivot portion41and centering on the optical axis of the finder lens on a side opposite to the lens barrel unit2. The electronic viewfinder unit21can make a translational movement between the retracted state, in which the electronic viewfinder unit21is retracted in the main body portion, and the extended state, in which the electronic viewfinder unit21is extended from the main body portion. The finder pivot portion41includes the finder guide tube43configured to hold the lens holder42and the diopter adjustment lever120configured to translate the lens holder42relative to the optical axis of the finder lens within the finder guide tube43. The finder pivot portion41further includes a detection sensor for switching a display to the display apparatus15of the image capturing apparatus1and the sensor window23situated on an optical path of the detection sensor.

When viewed from the eyepiece window22side, the sensor window23is disposed centering on the eyepiece window22on the side of the finder unit pivot shaft50of the finder pivot portion41in the translational direction of the electronic viewfinder unit21. The diopter adjustment lever120is disposed centering on the eyepiece window22on the side opposite to the finder unit pivot shaft50of the finder pivot portion41in the translational direction of the electronic viewfinder unit21. The finder pivot portion41includes the fixing tube45which accommodates the finder guide tube43such that the finder guide tube43is movable directly relative to the optical axis of the finder lens. The eyepiece portion28is latched to the finder guide tube43and makes a translational movement in the optical axis direction of the finder lens together with the finder guide tube43.

A view from the eyepiece window22side will be described below.

The finder guide tube43includes the guide shaft44, and the lens holder bias spring146, which biases the lens holder42. The guide shaft44guides the lens holder42, centering on the eyepiece window22, on the side of the finder unit pivot shafts50of the finder pivot portion41in the translational direction of the electronic viewfinder unit21. When viewed from the eyepiece window22side, the finder guide tube43includes the plurality of latch claws43cfor the eyepiece portion28on the side opposite to the tinder unit pivot shafts50of the electronic viewfinder unit21centering on the eyepiece window22, in the translational direction of the electronic viewfinder unit21.

The finder cover49includes the two surfaces49aof flat plates extending in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis direction G of the photographing optical system and is parallel to the movable direction between the retracted state and the extended state relative to the main body portion of the image capturing apparatus1. In the extended state, the finder pivot portion41is pivotally supported by the finder unit pivot shafts50of the finder pivot portion41within the finder cover49. When viewed from a vertical direction to the surfaces49aof the finder cover49, the pivot latch member130is disposed diagonally centering on the fixing tube45relative to the finder unit pivot shafts50of the finder pivot portion41.

The fixing tube45includes the latch portion145for the pivot latch member130. The substrate base60is fixed to the base plate32together with the finder cover49. The pivot latch member130is pivotally supported by the substrate base60and is rotatable centering on the pivot latch shaft131extending in the optical axis direction of the finder lens. The pivot latch member130is biased by the bias spring132in a direction that brings the pivot latch member130into contact with the latch portion145. When viewed from the eyepiece window22side, the pivot latch member130is closer to the optical axis of the finder lens than to the surfaces49aof the finder cover49in the state where the latch portion145of the fixing tube45is latched. When the finder pivot portion41is being rotated, the pivot latch member130regulates the retracting movement of the electronic viewfinder unit21into the main body portion of the image capturing apparatus1.

The pivot latch member130is pivotally supported by the pivot latch shaft131extending in the optical axis direction of the finder lens on the base plate32to which the finder cover49is fixed. The pivot latch member130is biased by the bias spring132. The pivot latch member130is moved to a regulation position the movement of the electronic viewfinder unit21to the retracted state is regulated in a pivoting direction of the finder pivot portion41. Thereafter, the pivot latch member130is rotatable to a latch position, at which a pivoting operation of the finder pivot portion41is latched, and a release position, at which a pivoting operation of the finder pivot portion41is unlatched, in this order.

One end of the pivot latch member130includes an abutment portion137that engages with the main body portion of the image capturing apparatus1at the regulation position. The latch contact surface154is provided at another end of the pivot latch member130to latch the finder pivot portion41and regulate a pivoting operation. When viewed from the eyepiece window22side, the latch contact surface154and the abutment portion137are respectively on the opposite sides of the pivot latch shaft131. A pivoting regulation portion including the latch contact surface154of the other end of the pivot latch member130includes the inviting surface155as a tapered surface to return the finder pivot portion41from the rotated state to the latched position.

(Description of Slide Prevention Mechanism)

Next, a mechanism of preventing sliding to the position of the retracted state during a pivoting operation of the electronic viewfinder unit21will be described below with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B.FIG. 7Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the pivot latch member130in the state where the finder pivot portion41is rotated.FIG. 7Bis an enlarged view illustrating details of the pivot latch member130.

InFIG. 7A, the finder pivot portion41is rotated by 90 degrees as inFIG. 2C, and the pivot latch member130is rotated centering on the pivot latch shaft131by the bias spring132and is stopped in the state of being in contact with the substrate base60. A top portion of the pivot latch member130inFIG. 7Bincludes the latch contact surface154, and the latch contact surface154is latched to engage with the fixing tube45and regulates a pivoting operation. On the opposite side of the pivot latch shaft131, the abutment portion137is formed. InFIGS. 7A and 7B, the pivot latch member130is biased from the latch position (the state inFIG. 5B) at which a pivoting operation of the electronic viewfinder unit21is regulated. Thus, the pivot latch member130is further rotated to an overstroke position. At this time, the abutment portion137at a part of the pivot latch member130is also rotated further from the latch position (the state inFIG. 5B) to a position outside the latch position and stopped.

As described above with reference toFIG. 3A, the spring holder35is fixed relative to the EVF holder30(illustrated inFIG. 3A). An abutment portion35aof the spring holder35is provided to face the abutment portion137when the pivot latch member130is stopped at the overstroke position. Thus, the electronic viewfinder unit21in the state of being rotated, will move to the retracted state in the main body portion of the image capturing apparatus1. In this case, the abutment portion137is brought into contact with the abutment portion35aof the spring holder35so that a sliding movement to the retracted state is prevented. Thus, the pivot latch member130is biased from the latch position and rotated to the overstroke position.

The abutment portion137is brought into contact with the abutment portion35aof the spring holder35, so that a sliding movement to the retracted state is prevented. The pivot latch member130latches a pivoting operation of the fixing tube45with a single member to thereby prevent both the pivoting of the electronic viewfinder unit21and a movement of the electronic viewfinder unit21in the retracted state direction. Specifically, the electronic viewfinder unit21is prevented from improperly shifting to an unintended state (for example, not predetermined), using a smaller number of parts. Thus, when the camera is in use, the electronic viewfinder unit21is prevented from improperly lowering in the retracted state direction after the pivoting operation of the electronic viewfinder unit21, and an error that a finder display image cannot be observed is prevented.

As described above, the latch contact surface154of the pivot latch member130is in contact with the latch portion145of the fixing tube45. When the eyepiece portion28is in the retracted state, the pivoting of the pivot regulation surface156of the pivot latch member130is regulated by the regulation shape portion153of the eyepiece portion28. Thus, the finder pivot portion41of the electronic viewfinder unit21is latched in a state where it is parallel to the finder lens optical axis and the image capturing lenses (not illustrated). Further, the abutment portion137of the pivot latch member130is brought into contact with the abutment portion35aof the spring holder35to thereby prevent a sliding movement to the retracted state. An improper shift of the finder20to an unintended state depending on the state of the eyepiece portion28is prevented, so that a decrease in convenience is prevented and the camera is prevented from being damaged.

In another exemplary embodiment, another member may have a function of preventing the pivoting of the electronic viewfinder unit21and a function of preventing a movement in the retracted state direction. The pivoting regulation portion of the pivot latch member130includes the pivot regulation surface156, and the eyepiece portion28includes the regulation shape portion153. When the finder pivot portion41is in the state where it is retracted in the finder cover49, the regulation shape portion153is engaged with the pivot regulation surface156, so that a pivoting operation of the finder pivot portion41is regulated.

The regulation shape portion153includes the notch shape158, and when the eyepiece portion28is in the state of being extended to the use position, the pivot regulation surface156of the pivot latch member130is placed at the notch shape158in the optical axis direction of the finder lens. Thus, the regulation shape portion153is not engaged with the pivot regulation surface156.

The finder pivot portion41includes the finder guide tube43configured to hold the lens holder42and the fixing tube45which accommodates the tinder guide tube43such that the finder guide tube43is movable directly relative to the optical axis of the finder lens. At the latch position where a pivoting operation of the finder is latched, the latch contact surface154is in contact with the latch portion145of the fixing tube45. The inviting surface155as a tapered surface is brought into contact with the latch portion145of the fixing tube45when the finder pivot portion41is returned from the rotated state to the latch position. When viewed from the eyepiece window22side, the inviting surface155as a tapered surface and the pivot regulation surface156are adjacent to each other, and the inviting surface155as a tapered surface and the latch contact surface154are adjacent to each other.

The finder cover49includes the two surfaces49aof flat plates extending in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis direction G of the photographing optical system and is parallel to the movable direction between the retracted state and the extended state relative to the main body portion of the image capturing apparatus1. When viewed from the surfaces49aof the finder cover49, the intersection point P formed in a direction of extension of the inviting surface155as a tapered surface and the pivot regulation surface156, which are adjacent to each other, is within a projection of the thick portion of the regulation shape portion153. The thick portion of the regulation shape portion153is the grip portion157, which is gripped to extend the eyepiece portion28.

While various exemplary embodiments have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the spirit of the disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image capturing apparatus includes a small, rotatable finder that does not extend from a main body portion of an image capturing apparatus when the finder is not in use. Thus, an image capturing apparatus including a finder that is prevented from improperly shifting to an unintended state is provided, so that a decrease in convenience is prevented and a camera is prevented from being damaged.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-165456, filed Sep. 11, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.