Patent Publication Number: US-7722263-B2

Title: Imager apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention contains subject manner related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2005-297903 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Oct. 12, 2005, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an imager apparatus including a lens cover capable of moving between a first position to cover an imaging lens and a second position to open the imaging lens. When capturing images, the imaging lens is exposed by moving the lens cover to the second position, and other than capturing images, the imaging lens is protected by moving the lens cover to the first position. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-115109 discloses this kind of imager apparatus in related art, for example. This patent document discloses a slide cover capable of stably performing smooth opening-and-closing action, which is thin and easy to be installed in a main body portion, and an electronic apparatus including the slide cover (hereinafter referred to as a first related-art example). The slide cover relating to this first related-art example includes: a covering outer plate, a structural member fixed to the back surface of the covering outer plate, a holding member positioned in space between the covering outer plate and the structural member in a movable manner, and a toggle mechanism provided between the holding member and the covering outer plate or the structural member. The holding member is provided with two racks extending parallel to each other and a guide portion extending in the same direction as the racks at both ends. Further, the holding member includes a holding plate, an even number of pinion gears supported by the holding plate in a freely rotatable manner and fitted to each other, and a guide body supported by the holding plate in such a position that the even number of pinion gears are held in between. The pinion gears positioned at both ends among the even number of pinion gears are fitted to the racks and the guide body engages with the guide portion in a freely slidable manner, and so the direction in which the toggle mechanism forces the holding member is reversed at approximately the midpoint of the moving range of the holding member. 
   According to the slide cover with the above-described structure of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-115109, the following effectiveness can be obtained. Specifically, all the necessary members are supported by the covering outer plate and the structural member fixed to the back surface of the covering outer plate, and so there are no members provided on the main body portion side where the slide cover is attached, and there is no need to provide the main body portion side with a space for arranging members for the slide cover. Therefore, the main body portion can be small-sized (see paragraph [0016] in specification). 
   Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-305131 discloses another example of this kind of imager apparatus in related art, for example. This patent document discloses a lens cover opening-and-closing mechanism which opens and closes a lens cover for protecting a lens of a camera or the like when not being used (hereinafter referred to as a second related-art example). The lens cover opening-and-closing mechanism according to this second related-art example includes: a slide lid, a pair of pinion gears, a lever and a forcing member. The slide lid is supported in a slidable manner and has a pair of rack portions at parts on both sides with respect to the slidable direction. The pair of pinion gears are fitted in such a manner as to correspond to the rack portions of the slide lid. The lever is attached to one of the pinion gears in a rotatable manner. The forcing member forces the lever in one direction. 
   According to the lens cover opening-and-closing mechanism with the above-described structure of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-305131, the following effectiveness and the like are expected. Specifically, main mechanical components can be stored in a space portion of the moving cover, and so a compact toggle-type opening-and-closing mechanism can be provided. Hence, the lens cover opening-and-closing mechanism can be assembled into a housing without greatly modifying the size of an optical apparatus itself that is a camera or the like (see paragraph [0026] in specification). 
   Further, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-180137 discloses a third example of this kind of imager apparatus in related art, for example. This patent document discloses an imager apparatus such as a digital camera in which a subject display portion that displays the subject is arranged in the vicinity of an imaging lens, and this subject display portion can be used as a finder (hereinafter referred to as a third related-art example). The imager apparatus described in this patent document includes: a housing in which an objective lens of an imaging lens is provided at the front surface facing a subject; a lid attached to the housing in a movable manner in several stages between a position to cover the objective lens and a position to open the objective lens; and a subject display device which displays the subject. The objective lens is opened at a first stage when the lid is opened, and the subject display device is opened at a second, third or further stage when the lid is opened. 
   According to the imager apparatus with the above-described structure of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-180137, the following effectiveness and the like can be obtained. Normal shooting can be performed at the first stage at the time of opening, and self-shooting can be performed at the second, third or further stage at the time of opening. Therefore, both the objective lens and the subject display device can be protected with one lid, and a camera capable of performing self-shooting can be made simplified in appearance, and so operability can be prevented from being impaired (see paragraph [0076] in specification). 
   However, in both the cases regarding the first and second related-art examples, there is a gear mechanism provided to open and close the lens cover, and the gear mechanism is arranged inside the lens cover. Typically, the extent of power transmitted by a gear mechanism varies depending on the strength of the gears used, and so in order to transmit power of some degree, it has been necessary to make the thickness of gears thick, correspondingly. For that reason, there has been a disadvantage that the lens cover incorporating the gear mechanism is made thick, and so the whole of the imager apparatus may be made not sufficiently thin. 
   Further, regarding the third related-art example, a plurality of semicircular convex portions are provided on the inner surface of the lid, a foreign-material removal member made of unwoven fabric and formed into ring shape is installed on each semicircular convex portion, and the foreign material removal member is made to slide in contact with the front surface of the housing. Therefore, in this third related-art example as well as in the first and second related-art examples, there has been a disadvantage that the lens cover is made thick, and so the whole of the imager apparatus may be made not sufficiently thin. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present inventors have recognized that regarding an imager apparatus in related art, a lens cover is made thick, and the whole of an apparatus is enlarged, and so the whole of an imager apparatus is prevented from being made thin or small. 
   An imager apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing in which a lens device is stored with an imaging lens exposed to the front surface facing a subject; and a lens cover attached to the housing in a movable manner between a first position to cover the imaging lens and a second position to open the imaging lens. The lens device includes a lens barrel that supports a lens system including the imaging lens in a fixed and/or movable manner, whose forefront part protrudes forward compared with the imaging lens. A stepped portion corresponding to a level difference between the forefront part of the lens barrel and the imaging lens is provided at part where the lens device is stored in the front surface of the housing. A peaked portion that protrudes into the stepped portion to eliminate a gap between the lens cover and the housing is provided on the lens cover. 
   According to an embodiment of an imager apparatus, since a stepped portion corresponding to a level difference between the forefront part of a lens barrel and an imaging lens is provided at the front surface of a housing where a lens device is stored, a lens cover can be made thin and light in weight. Moreover, the whole of the imager apparatus can be made excellent in terms of design by making the upper part of the housing thinner than the lower part thereof, and so a sense of stability can be proposed to users in addition to the stylish appearance. Therefore, there is provided a user-friendly imager apparatus in which the whole of the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing in an exploded manner a digital still camera according to a first embodiment of an imager apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lens device, a flat display panel and the like of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , as seen from the rear side; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing in an exploded manner a lens device, a front case, a lens cover and the like of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a digital still camera according to the first embodiment of an imager apparatus as seen from the front side, when a lens cover has been moved to a first position to cover an imaging lens; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the digital still camera shown in  FIG. 4 , in which an imaging lens has been opened (exposed) by moving a lens cover to a second position; 
       FIG. 6  is a rear view of the digital still camera in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of the digital still camera in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 8  is an explanatory diagram in which the digital still camera in  FIG. 4  is shown in cross section in a lateral direction; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a lens device of the digital still camera in  FIG. 4 , as seen from the front side; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the lens device in  FIG. 9 , as seen from the rear side; 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view in which the lens device in  FIG. 9  is shown in cross section in a vertical direction perpendicular to an optical axis of an imaging lens; 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional view in which the lens device in  FIG. 9  is shown in cross section in a vertical direction parallel to an optical axis of an imaging lens; 
       FIG. 13  is an explanatory diagram for explaining a lens system of the lens device in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view in which the lens device in  FIG. 9  is shown in an exploded manner; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a camera shake correcting device relating to the lens device in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a front view of a front case of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a front case of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , as seen from the rear side; 
       FIG. 18  is a rear view of a lens cover of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 19  is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between a front case and a lens cover of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , in which the lens cover is in a second position; 
       FIG. 20  is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between a front case and a lens cover of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , in which the lens cover is in a first position; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an arm member of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a guide member of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 23  is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a guide member has been attached to a front case of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 24  is an explanatory diagram of a state in which an arm member is engaged with the guide member in  FIG. 23 ; 
       FIG. 25  is an explanatory diagram in which a lens cover is in a second position, when the guide member in  FIG. 23  is engaged with an arm member; 
       FIG. 26  is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a lens cover has been moved to a first position by moving an arm member from the state shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a plan view of the front case and the like in  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIG. 28  is a bottom view of the front case and the like in  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIGS. 29A and 29B  show the front case in  FIG. 24 , in which  FIG. 29A  is a left side view and  FIG. 29B  is a right side view; 
       FIG. 30  is a sectional view showing the enlarged E-E line part in  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIGS. 31A and 31B  explain the relationship between a front case and a lens cover of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , in which  FIG. 31A  is an explanatory diagram of a state where, regarding a first part, the lens cover is in a second position and  FIG. 31B  is an explanatory diagram of a state where, regarding the first part, the lens cover-is in a first position; 
       FIGS. 32A  to.  32 C explain the relationship between a front case and a lens cover of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , in which  FIG. 32A  is an explanatory diagram of a state where, regarding a second part, the lens cover is in a second position,  FIG. 32B  is an explanatory diagram of a state where, regarding the second part, the lens cover is in a first position, and  FIG. 32C  is an explanatory diagram of a state where, regarding a third part, the lens cover is in the first position; and 
       FIGS. 33A to 33C  explain the relationship between a front case and a lens cover of the digital still camera in  FIG. 1 , in which  FIG. 33A  is an explanatory diagram of a part of a front case, where a stepped portion is provided,  FIG. 33B  is an explanatory diagram of a part of a front case, where no stepped portion is provided and  FIG. 33C  is an explanatory diagram of a case where a front case is not provided with a stepped portion. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A user-friendly imager apparatus also excellent in design is obtained with a simplified structure. A stepped portion corresponding to a level difference between the forefront part of a lens barrel and an imaging lens is provided at a portion in the front surface of a housing, where a lens device is stored. Further, a peaked portion which protrudes into the stepped portion to eliminate a gap between a lens cover and the housing is provided on the lens cover. 
   An embodiment of the present invention is explained with referring to the attached drawings.  FIGS. 1 to 33  show an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a digital still camera showing a first embodiment of an imager apparatus according to the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lens device, a flat display panel and the like, as seen from the rear side.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a housing, a lens cover and the like in an exploded manner.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a digital still camera when an imaging lens is covered with a lens cover, as seen from the front side.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view in which an imaging lens has been exposed by moving a lens cover.  FIG. 6  is a rear view,  FIG. 7  is a plan view, and  FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view. 
     FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a first example of a lens device relating to an imager apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view, as seen from the rear side.  FIG. 11  is a vertically sectional view shown in section as regards the surface direction of an imaging lens.  FIG. 12  is a vertically sectional view shown in cross section as regards the direction perpendicular to the surface direction of an imaging lens.  FIG. 13  is an explanatory diagram of a lens system.  FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view.  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a camera shake correcting device of a lens device.  FIG. 16  is a front view of a front case of a housing.  FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a front case, as seen from the rear side.  FIG. 18  is a rear view of a lens cover.  FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing a state in which an imaging lens opening hole in a front case is opened by moving a lens cover.  FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing a state in which an imaging lens opening hole is covered. 
     FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing a first example of an arm member relating to an imager apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a guide member.  FIG. 23  is a rear view showing a state in which a guide member is attached to a front case.  FIG. 24  is a rear view showing a state in which an arm member is further attached.  FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing a state in which an imaging lens opening hole is opened.  FIG. 26  is a perspective view showing a state in which an imaging lens opening hole is closed.  FIG. 27  is a plan view of a front case.  FIG. 28  is a bottom view of a front case.  FIGS. 29A and 29B  are left and right side views.  FIG. 30  is an E-E line sectional view of  FIG. 24 .  FIGS. 31A and 31B  are explanatory diagrams of a lens cover and the like shown in cross section as regards the part of an imaging lens.  FIGS. 32A ,  32 B and  32 C are explanatory diagrams of a lens cover and the like shown in cross section as regards the part of a bracket of a lens cover.  FIGS. 33A ,  33 B and  33 C are explanatory diagrams of the shape of a front case. 
     FIGS. 1 to 8  show a digital still camera  1  that is a first embodiment of an imager apparatus according to the present invention. The digital still camera  1  uses a semiconductor recording medium as an information recording medium. Using a CCD (solid-state imaging device), an optical image obtained from a subject is converted to an electric signal to be recorded in the semiconductor recording medium and to be displayed on a flat display panel  2  that is a display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1  and other figures, the digital still camera  1  includes: a housing  3 , a lens device  5 , a flat display panel  2 , a control device  6 , a lens cover  8 , a battery power source not shown in the drawings and the like. The lens device  5  captures an image of a subject as light to be sent to a CCD  4  serving as an imager. The flat display panel  2  is a display apparatus including a liquid crystal display and the like that displays an image based upon an image signal output from the CCD  4 . The control device  6  controls action of the lens device  5  and display of the flat display panel  2  and the like. The lens cover  8  opens and closes an imaging lens  7  of the lens device  5 . 
   Formed of a flat container which is rectangular in shape, the housing  3  includes: a front case  10  and a rear case  11  fitted together in an anteroposterior direction, a main frame  12  which divides a space portion formed by the front and rear cases  10  and  11  into front and rear portions, and the like. The lens cover  8  is attached to the front surface of the front case  10  in a slidable manner in an up-and-down direction. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 16 ,  17  and other figures, the front case  10  is formed of approximately a rectangular shallow container extending in lateral direction. Specifically, the front case  10  has approximately a rectangular front surface portion  10   a , an upper surface portion  10   b  and a lower surface portion  10   c  being continuous with the top and bottom of the front surface portion  10   a  respectively, being erected by 90 degrees. Further, the front case  10  has left and right side surface portions  10   d  and  10   e  being continuous with the left and right of the front surface portion  10   a , with the top and bottom of the lower surface portion  10   c , being erected by 90 degrees. In the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10  are provided a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) opening portions  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c  and  14   d  extending in the up-and-down direction. The four opening portions  14   a  to  14   d  are disposed at appropriate intervals in the left-and-right direction approximately in the middle of the front surface portion  10   a  in the up-and-down direction. 
   Further, at the side of the opening portions  14   a  to  14   d  in the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10  are provided projecting portions  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  and  15   d  extending in the up-and-down direction. The projecting portions  15   a  to  15   d  are provided to support members on the side of the lens cover  8 , thereby preventing the surface of the front surface portion  10   a  from being scratched by the members on the lens cover  8 . Each of the projecting portions  15   a  to  15   d  is formed of an arc-shaped protruding portion, the top part of which is linearly contacted by the members on the lens cover  8  in a slidable manner. Further, the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10  is formed as a cylindrical curved surface by making a middle part thereof in a lateral direction slightly protrude in the form of an arc. 
   In an upper-right part of the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10  are provided: a lens opening hole  16  for exposing the imaging lens  7  of the lens device  5 , a flash opening hole  18  for exposing a light-emitting portion  17   a  of a flash apparatus  17 , an opening hole  19  for exposing light-emitting/light-receiving portions of an autofocus mechanism and a roller opening hole  20  for passing a later-mentioned supporting roller. The lens opening hole  16  is set in the vicinity of the upper-right corner of the front surface portion  10   a , and on the inner side thereof are arranged the flash opening hole  18 , opening hole  19  and roller opening hole  20  in this order as seen from above, in such a manner as to surround the peripheral edge of the lens opening hole  16 . In relation to these opening holes  16 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 , a stepped portion  21  whose surface is one step lower than the surface of the other parts is provided at the upper-right part of the front surface portion  10   a.    
   The stepped portion  21  of the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10  is provided corresponding to the shape on the side of the imaging lens  7  of the lens device  5 . The stepped portion  21 , whose size corresponds to a transfer amount of the lens cover  8  and the size of the light-emitting portion  17   a , is formed as a recess approximately rectangular in shape extending in a lateral direction. On the bottom surface portion of the stepped portion  21  are provided the whole of the lens opening hole  16 , the whole of the opening hole  19 , and the most of the flash opening hole  18 . On slanting slope portions  21   a  and  21   b , which is continuous from the surface of the front surface portion  10   a  to the bottom surface portion of the stepped portion  21 , are provided a part of the flash opening hole  18  and the whole of the roller opening hole  20 . Further, the upper part of the first opening portion  14   a  and the upper part of the second opening portion  14   b  reach the slope portion  21   b  of the stepped portion  21 , and a notch  14   e  for passing through a supporting roller is provided at the upper part of the first opening portion  14   a.    
   In the upper surface portion  10   b  of the front case  10  is provided an upper notch portion  24   a  which has been cut away in the form of an arc to hold a switch holder  23 . Further, in the lower surface portion  10   c  are provided a first lower notch portion  24   b  for exposing a tripod screw hole and a second lower notch portion  24   c  for exposing a connector electrically connecting to an external electronic apparatus or the like. In addition, in the left side surface portion  10   d  is provided a lateral notch portion  24   d  engaged with a lid that opens and closes a battery storage portion where a battery of a power source is stored. 
   A guide member  26  is fixed to the inner surface of the front case  10  and integrally formed. The guide member  26  has a structure shown in  FIG. 22 . Specifically, the guide member  26  includes: a rail portion  26   a  extending in the up-and-down direction, fixed portions  26   b  continuous with the rail portion  26   a  in the left-and-right direction being formed in several positions, and an arm portion  26   c  continuous with the upper part of the rail portion  26   a , protruding in the lateral direction. Between the rail portion  26   a  and each fixed portion  26   b  is provided a level difference of suitable size, thereby raising the rail portion  26   a  to a predetermined height and setting a gap between the rail portion  26   a  and the front case  10 . 
   The rail portion  26   a  of the guide member  26  is provided with two guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b  extending in the up-and-down direction at a predetermined interval in the up-and-down direction. The two guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b  are parallel to each other and are arranged being slightly shifted in the left-and-right direction. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 17 ,  27  and  28 , the tip of the arm portion  26   c  protrudes backward passing beyond the left side surface portion  10   d  of the front case  10 , and an engagement piece  26   d  on the left side is formed by the protruding portion. A joint plate  28  extending in the up-and-down direction is fixed to the right side surface portion  10   e  of the front case  10 , corresponding to the engagement piece  26   d.    
   Engagement pieces  28   a  are each provided at both ends of the joint plate  28  in the lengthwise direction. The rear case  11  is engaged with the front case  10  in a detachable manner by means of the two right engagement pieces  28   a  and  28   a  and the left engagement piece  26   d . Thus, the front case  10  and the rear case  11  are assembled in a detachable manner by fastening and fixing each engagement portion with a fastening mechanism of fixing screws. 
   An arm member  29  is engaged with the guide member  26  fixed to the inner surface of the front case  10  in a slidable manner in the up-and-down direction. The arm member  29  has a structure shown in  FIG. 21 . Specifically, the arm member  29  includes: a fixed portion  29   a , a first arm portion  29   b , a second arm portion  29   c , a forcing piece  29   d  and an auxiliary arm portion  29   e . The fixed portion  29   a  is fixed to the lens cover  8 . The first arm portion  29   b  is continuous with the fixed portion  29   a  and extends upward. The second arm portion  29   c  is continuous with the fixed portion  29   a  and extends downward. The forcing piece  29   d  is similarly continuous with the fixed portion  29   a  and extends downward. The auxiliary arm portion  29   e  extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two arm portions  29   b  and  29   c  extend. 
   In the fixed portion  29   a  of the arm member  29  are provided two insertion holes  30   a  and  30   b  through which fixing screws are inserted and a retainer hole  31  to which one end of a torsion spring is retained. The two insertion holes  30   a  and  30   b  are provided with a predetermined interval in between in the lateral direction, and the retainer hole  31  is arranged on the outer side of the first insertion hole  30   a . At the tip of the first arm portion  29   b  of the arm member  29  is provided a first engagement pin  32   a  protruding toward the side of a surface, and at the tip of the second arm portion  29   c  is similarly provided a second engagement pin  32   b  protruding toward the side of a surface. The length T of the first engagement pin  32   a  and the second engagement pin  32   b  in the direction in which the lens cover  8  moves is set greater than the length (height) H of the lens cover  8  in that moving direction. 
   The forcing piece  29   d  of the arm member  29  generates spring force with which the arm member  29  is forced toward the guide member  26 . At the tip of the forcing piece  29   d  is provided a pressed portion  33  sliding in contact with members on the main frame  12 . Further, at the end of the auxiliary arm portion  29   e  is provided a third insertion hole  30   c  through which a fixing screw is inserted. Arranged on the inner side of the front case  10 , the arm member  29  with such structure is joined to the lens cover  8  at the arranged position to be slidable integrally with the lens cover  8 . 
   A metal such as stainless steel is suitable for a material of the front case  10 , later-mentioned rear case  11 , guide member  26  and arm member  29 , for example. It should be appreciated that other metals can also be used, and engineering plastic and the like can be used as well. Particularly, regarding the arm member  29  a leaf spring having excellent spring characteristic is preferably used as an embodiment. 
   The lens cover  8  has a structure shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  31 ,  32  and other figures. Specifically, the lens cover  8  includes: a decorative plate  35 , an adhesive sheet  36 , a frame  37 , a wiping member  38  and the like. Formed of a rectangular flat plate, the decorative plate  35  includes: approximately a rectangular front surface portion  35   a , and a frame portion  35   b  surrounding the four sides of the front surface portion  35   a . Further, at the lower side of the front surface portion  35   a  is provided a skirt-like control portion  8   a  continuous in the lengthwise direction. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the control portion  8   a  of the decorative plate  35  has the function of enhancing ornamental quality and has the function of serving as a knob or handle for sliding the lens cover  8 . 
   In the upper side of the frame portion  35   b  of the decorative plate  35  is provided a peaked portion  39  which eliminates a gap between the decorative plate  35  and the front case  10  by protruding toward the stepped portion  21 . The peaked portion  39  has the shape corresponding to the shape of the stepped portion  21  of the front case  10 . Specifically, the peaked portion  39  is shaped such that while the lens cover  8  moves from a first position that covers the imaging lens  7  to a second position that opens the imaging lens  7 , the peaked portion  39  moves along inside the stepped portion  21 , and thus the peaked portion  39  eliminates a gap between the lens cover  8  and the stepped portion  21  of the front case  10 . 
   Further, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  18  and other figures, two supporting rollers  40  and  40  are supported in a freely rotatable manner on the inner side of the peaked portion  39  of the decorative plate  35 . The two supporting rollers  40  and  40  are provided to prevent the lens cover  8  from falling at the stepped portion  21  of the front case  10  and have the function of preventing change in the posture of the lens cover  8  by rolling in contact with the bottom surface portion of the stepped portion  21 . The two supporting rollers  40  and  40  are provided in a symmetrical manner with the lens opening hole  16  in between. Each supporting roller  40  has a turning shaft portion which penetrates through the center part with a bearing portion  41 , which supports both ends of the turning shaft portion in a freely turnable manner, being provided on the decorative plate  35 . 
   An engineering plastic is suitable for the material of the decorative plate  35  having such structure in terms of weight reduction. However, it should be appreciated that aluminum alloy and other metal materials can also be used. The frame  37  and the wiping member  38  are stored in the back of the front surface portion  35   a  and inside the frame portion  35   b  of the decorative plate  35 . The frame  37  of the lens cover  8  is fastened to the back surface of the decorative plate  35  by means of the adhesive sheet  36  to be integrally formed. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  18  and other figures, the frame  37  is formed of approximately a rectangular plate slightly smaller than the front surface portion  35   a  of the decorative plate  35 , and approximately in the middle in the height direction are provided three bracket pieces  43   a ,  43   b  and  43   c  and one bracket convex portion  44  showing a specific example of brackets. The bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the bracket convex portion  44  are provided at intervals approximately similar to those regarding the four opening portions  14   a  to  14   d  provided in the front case  10 . The three bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  are formed by notching the frame  37  in U-shape at predetermined positions and by bending the inner parts thereof into L-shape to be erected. Further, the bracket convex portion  44  is formed by providing a shaft-like convex portion in an upright position on the inner surface of the frame  37 . 
   A screw hole  45  is provided at the tip surfaces of the three bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the end surface of the bracket convex portion  44 . At the time of assembly, these three bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the bracket convex portion  44  are inserted into the corresponding four opening portions  14   a  to  14   d  in the front case  10  respectively, and each end part protrudes toward the inner side of the front case  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 24 to 26 , a fastening plate  47  is fixed to the first bracket piece  43   a  by means of a fixing screw  48 . Also, the fixed portion  29   a  of the arm member  29  is fixed to the second bracket piece  43   b  and the third bracket piece  43   c  by means of fixing screws  48 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the auxiliary arm portion  29   e  is fixed to the bracket convex portion  44  by means of a fixing screw  48 . 
   Hereupon, the first engagement pin  32   a  provided at the first arm portion  29   b  of the arm member  29  is engaged with the first guide groove  27   a  of the guide member  26  held on the inner side of the front case  10  in a slidable manner. Further, the second engagement pin  32   b  provided at the second arm portion  29   c  of the arm member  29  is engaged with the second guide groove  27   b  of the guide member  26  in a slidable manner. Further, a resilient piece on one side of a torsion spring  49  is locked in the retainer hole  31  of the arm portion  29   b . A resilient piece on the other side of the torsion spring  49  is locked on a spring receiving pin  51  erected on the inner surface of the front case  10 . The torsion spring  49  has the function of giving a clicking feeling to the sliding motion of the lens cover  8 , and applying toggle force at the end of the motion. 
   Four sliding sheets  52  are provided on the surface of the frame  37 , where the bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the bracket convex portion  44  protrude, in the vicinity of those brackets. Extended in the up-and-down direction, the four sliding sheets  52  are fixed to the frame  37  by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive. The four sliding sheets  52  are provided in positions corresponding to the four projecting portions  15   a  to  15   d  provided in the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10 . PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheets are suitable for the material of the sliding sheets  52 , for example, however, the material is not limited thereto, provided that skin friction resistance is low. 
   Thus, when the lens cover  8  is moved, the projecting portions  15   a  to  15   d  linearly slide in contact with the sliding sheets  52 , thereby reducing friction resistance and preventing the surface of the front case  10  from being scratched. On the surface of the frame  37 , where the bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the like protrude, is fixed the wiping sheet  38  by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive. 
   The wiping sheet  38  is brought in soft contact with the surface of the front case  10  to wipe off foreign particles, dust and the like on the surface thereof. The wiping sheet  38  has outer shape approximately similar to the frame  37 , however, on the inner side of the wiping sheet  38  are provided through-holes  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c ,  53   d  and  53   e  for exposing the bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the bracket convex portion  44  of the frame  37  and the sliding sheets  52 . Accordingly, the whole surface of the wiping sheet  38  is in contact with the surface of the front case  10 , while passing through necessary brackets and the like and exposing the sliding sheets  52 . Therefore, when the lens cover  8  is in sliding motion, the front case  10  is wiped by the whole surface of the wiping sheet  38 . 
   The two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  and the two guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b , which have been mentioned earlier, constitute a slide joining mechanism which joins the arm member  29  and the guide member  26  in a slidable manner. In this embodiment, an example is explained in which the arm member  29  is provided with the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b , and the guide member  26  is provided with the two guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b . However, it should be appreciated that the arm member  29  may be provided with guide grooves, and the guide member  26  may be provided with engagement pins. Further, the number of engagement pins and guide grooves provided may be one each, and may be three or more each. Furthermore, the three bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  and the bracket convex portion  44 , the opening portions  14   a  to  14   d  provided in the front case  10 , the arm member  29  and the guide member  26 , and the slide joining mechanism, which have been mentioned earlier, constitute a cover moving mechanism. 
   Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  20 ,  24  and  26 , when the lens cover  8  is in the first position on the upper side, the imaging lens  7  is completely closed, thereby protecting the imaging lens  7 . On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  19  and  25 , when the lens cover  8  is moved to the second position on the lower side, the imaging lens  7  is completely exposed and the power switch is turned on, enabling shooting. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  8 , a square opening window  61  for exposing the display surface of the flat display panel  2 , which is a display apparatus, is provided in the rear case  11 . A large opening is made in the back surface of the rear case  11  to provide the opening window  61 , and the flat display panel  2  is arranged therein. The flat display panel  2  includes a liquid crystal display having a size corresponding to the opening window  61  and a back light fitted onto the inner surface of the liquid crystal display. A protection board  63  is arranged on the display surface side of the flat display panel  2  with a seal frame  62  in between, and the peripheral edge of the protection board  63  is in contact with the inner surface of the opening window  61 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 2 , an LCD frame  64  which holds the flat display panel  2  is arranged on the back surface side of the flat display panel  2 . 
   Further, various operational switches are provided in the rear case  11 . In appropriate positions are arranged: a mode selection knob  65 , a zoom button  66 , a screen display button  67 , a menu button  68 , a direction key  69 , a screen button  70  and the like. The mode selection knob  65  selects a function mode (still image, moving image, playback and the like). The zoom button  66  performs zooming operation. The screen display button  67  performs screen display. The menu button  68  selects various menus. The direction key  69  moves a menu-selecting cursor and the like. The screen button  70  switches screen sizes and delete a screen. Further, a loudspeaker hole  71  with a loudspeaker being incorporated inside is made at an end on the side of the flat display panel  2  of the rear case  11 . Also, a supporting metal piece  72  for a strap is attached to an end on the side opposite to the loudspeaker hole  71  of the rear case  11 . 
   The lens device  5 , with the CCD  4  being arranged below and an optical axis L extending in the up-and-down direction, is stored in one side portion on the front surface of the main frame  12  dividing the space between the rear case  11  and the front case  10 . Further, to the main frame  12  are attached: the control device  6  prepared by mounting a predetermined microcomputer, resistance, capacitor, other electronic components and the like on a printed circuit board; a flash apparatus  74  and the like. 
   The control device  6  is arranged side by side with the lens device  5 , and the flash apparatus  74  is arranged above these. The flash apparatus  74  includes: a light-emitting portion  74   a  exposed on the front surface of the front case  10 , a driving unit  74   b  which drives the light-emitting portion  74   a  to be controlled, a capacitor  74   c  which supplies predetermined electric power to the driving unit  74   b , and the like. The light-emitting portion  74   a  of the flash apparatus  74  and the imaging lens  7  of the lens device  5  are fitted into the lens opening hole  16  and the flash opening hole  18  respectively, provided in corresponding positions in the front case  10 . 
   Further, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  7  and other figures, on the upper surface of the housing  3  are provided: a power button  75  to turn on/off power, a shooting button  76  to start and end shooting, a camera shake correction control button  77  to stabilize an image by operating an image stabilizer of the lens device  5  when a camera shake occurs, and the like. Further, a microphone hole  78  is prepared approximately at the center of the upper surface of the housing  3  with a microphone being incorporated inside. The power button  75 , shooting button  76  and camera shake correction control button  77  are all attached to a switch holder  79  installed on the housing  3 . Further, the microphone hole  78  is also made in the switch holder  79 , and the built-in microphone is fixed to this switch holder  79 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  9  to  15 , the lens device  5  relating to an imager apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lens system  81 , a lens barrel  82 , a CCD (solid-state imaging device)  4 , an image stabilizer  83  and the like. The lens system  81  has five-group lenses in which a plurality of lenses are disposed on the same optical axis L. The lens barrel  82  supports the lenses of this lens system  81  in a fixed or movable manner. The CCD (solid-state imaging device)  4  is a specific example of an imager arranged on the optical axis L of the lens system  81  and fixed to the lens barrel  82 . The image stabilizer  83  is attached to the lens barrel  82  and stabilizes images of the lens system  81 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 13 , the lens system  81  of the lens device  5  is constructed as a collapsible lens having five-group lenses  85  to  89  in which five lens groups are disposed on the same optical axis L. Of the five-group lenses  85  to  89 , the first-group lens  85  positioned at the end includes: a first lens  7  which is an imaging lens facing a subject; a prism  85 A which is arranged opposing a subject of this imaging lens  7 ; and a second lens  85 B which faces this prism  85 A. The prism  85 A is formed of a triangular prism whose cross section is shaped to be an isosceles right triangle; one of the two sides which are adjacent to each other and rotationally displaced by 90° is faced by the imaging lens  7 , and the other side is faced by the second lens  85 B. 
   As regards this first-group lens  85 , light passing through the imaging lens  7  enters the prism  85 A from one surface. The light is then reflected on a reflection surface inclined  450  with respect to the optical axis L and so is made to advance in a direction that is bent by 90°. Subsequently, the light passes through the second lens  85 B after being emitted from the other surface; and eventually advances toward the second-group lens  86  along the optical axis L. The second-group lens  86  is a combination of a third lens  86 A and fourth lens  86 B, and is constructed in such a manner as to be movable on the optical axis L. Light passing through the second-group lens  86  enters a third-group lens  87 . 
   The third-group lens  87  is formed of a fifth lens fixed to the lens barrel  82 . Behind the third-group lens  87  is arranged the fourth-group lens  88  formed of a sixth lens. Between the fourth-group lens  88  and the third-group lens  87  is arranged an iris mechanism  90  capable of adjusting the amount of light which passes through the lens system  81 . The fourth-group lens  88  is constructed in such a manner as to be movable on the optical axis L. Behind the fourth-group lens  88  is arranged the fifth-group lens  89  formed of a seventh lens  89 A and a correcting lens  89 B described later on. Of the components of the fifth-group lens  89 , the seventh lens  89 A is fixed to the lens barrel  82 , the correcting lens  89 B is arranged behind this seventh lens  89 A in a movable manner, and further, the CCD  4  is arranged behind the correcting lens  89 B. 
   The second-group lens  86  and the fourth-group lens  88  are movable in an optical axis direction independently and separately along the optical axis L. By moving the second-group lens  86  and the fourth-group lens  88  in predetermined directions, zoom adjustment and focus adjustment can be performed. Specifically, at the time of zooming, by moving the second-group lens  86  and the fourth-group lens  88  from wide to telephoto, zoom adjustment is carried out. Also, at the time of focusing, by moving the fourth-group lens  88  from wide to telephoto, focus adjustment can be carried out. 
   The CCD  4  is fixed to a CCD adaptor and is attached to the lens barrel  82  by means of this CCD adaptor. In front of the CCD  4  is arranged an optical filter  91 , and between this optical filter  91  and the seventh lens  89 A is arranged the image stabilizer  83  having the correcting lens  89 B. The image stabilizer  83  that is explained later on stabilizes picked-up images blurred by vibration of the lens system  81  or the like. In its normal state, the correcting lens  89 B is installed such that the optical axis thereof coincides with the optical axis L of the lens system  81 . And when an image is blurred on the focusing screen of the CCD  4  owing to vibration of a camera body or the like, the image blurred on the focusing screen is stabilized by the image stabilizer  83  which moves the correcting lens  89 B in two directions (a first direction X and a second direction Y) perpendicular to the optical axis L. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 9 to 12  and  14 , the lens barrel  82  holding the lens system  81  with the above-described structure includes: an upper barrel  93 , a middle barrel  94  and a lower barrel  95  which are combined and assembled by arranging one on top of the other in the up-and-down direction. The upper barrel  93  is formed of a housing having an opening window  96  provided in the upper part at the front and an opening portion provided in its lower surface. To the opening window  96  is attached the imaging lens  7  of the first-group lens  85 , and by means of a decorative plate  97  attached to the front surface thereof, the imaging lens  7  is attached to the upper barrel  93 . Inside the upper barrel  93  are fixed the prism  85 A arranged on the rear surface of the imaging lens  7  with a light-shielding plate  98  in between, and the second lens  85 B arranged on the lower surface of this prism  85 A. 
   Inside the upper barrel  93  is supported a first movable holding frame  101  in a movable manner in the direction parallel with the optical axis L of the lens system  81  extended in the up-and-down direction of the lens barrel  82 . In the first movable holding frame  101  is provided a through-hole which penetrates in the up-and-down direction, and the second-group lens  86  is fixed to the through-hole. The first movable holding frame  101  is constructed to be movable back and forth in the direction of the optical axis L of the lens system  81  within a predetermined range, by means of a zoom driving mechanism  102  attached to the upper barrel  93 . 
   The zoom driving mechanism  102  includes: a zoom motor  103 , a feed screw shaft  104  provided as a rotary shaft of this zoom motor  103 , a feed nut  105  which engages with this feed screw shaft  104 , and the like. The zoom motor  103  is fixed to a first bracket  106  which is U-shaped, and both ends of the feed screw shaft  104  protruding into one end thereof are supported in a freely turnable manner by the first bracket  106 . The first bracket  106  is attached to the upper barrel  93  by means of a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) fixing screws  107  showing a specific example of a fastening mechanism. 
   In the installed state of the first bracket  106 , the feed nut  105  engages with the feed screw shaft  104  in a slidable manner. The feed nut  105  is held by the first movable holding frame  101 , with its movement restricted as regards the direction in which its screw grooves extend. Further, two guide shafts  108   a  and  108   b  penetrate into the first movable holding frame  101  in a direction parallel with the optical axis L in a slidable manner. Ends of both the guide shafts  108   a  and  108   b  on one side are held by the upper barrel  93 , and ends thereof on the other side are held by the middle barrel  94 . 
   Thus, when the zoom motor  103  is driven, the rotating force of the feed screw shaft  104  is transmitted to the first movable holding frame  101  via the feed nut  105 . At that time, the feed nut  105  is relatively moved in the axial direction with respect to the feed screw shaft  104  driven and rotating in a predetermined position. As a result, the first movable holding frame  101  moves in combination with the feed nut  105 , thereby making the second-group lens  86  selectively move either in a direction approaching the first-group lens  85  or in a direction approaching the third-group lens  87 , in accordance with the rotating direction of the zoom motor  103 . On this occasion, the first movable holding frame  101  holding the second-group lens  86  is guided in the direction parallel with the optical axis L by the two guide shafts  108   a  and  108   b , and therefore can be moved on the optical axis L with accuracy. 
   The iris mechanism  90  arranged below the third-group lens  87  fixed to and held by the middle barrel  94  includes: a blade member  111  which freely adjusts the area of an aperture, a blade pressing plate  112  which supports this blade member  111  in a movable manner, a step motor  113  which opens and closes the blade member  111 , and the like. The step motor  113  is fixed to the side of the upper surface of the middle barrel  94 , with a motor base  114  arranged in between. The lower barrel  95  is fitted under the middle barrel  94 , and the upper barrel  93  is fitted onto the middle barrel  94 ; these three barrels are fastened and fixed by a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) fixing screws  115  which penetrate these in the up-and-down direction, and so assembled in combination, thereby constituting the lens barrel  82 . 
   The lower barrel  95  is formed of a housing which has openings in its upper surface, side surface and lower surface, and inside the housing is supported a second movable holding frame  116  in a movable manner in the up-and-down direction which is parallel with the optical axis L of the lens system  81 . In the second movable holding frame  116  is provided a through-hole which penetrates in the up-and-down direction, and the fourth-group lens  88  is fixed to the through-hole. The second movable holding frame  116  is constructed to be movable back and forth in the direction of the optical axis L of the lens system  81  within a predetermined range, by means of a focus driving mechanism  117  attached to the lower barrel  95 . 
   The focus driving mechanism  117  includes: a focusing motor  118 , a feed screw shaft  119  provided as a rotary shaft of this focusing motor  118 , a feed nut  120  which engages with this feed screw shaft  119 , and the like. The focusing motor  118  is fixed to a second bracket  121  which is U-shaped, and both ends of the feed screw shaft  119  protruding into one end thereof are supported in a freely turnable manner by the second bracket  121 . The second bracket  121  is attached to the lower barrel  95  by means of a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) fixing screws  122  being a fastening mechanism. 
   In the installed state of the second bracket  121 , the feed nut  120  engages with the feed screw shaft  119  in a slidable manner. The feed nut  120  is held by the second movable holding frame  116 , with its movement restricted as regards the direction in which its screw grooves extend. Further, two guide shafts  123  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 11 ) penetrate into the second movable holding frame  116  in a direction parallel with the optical axis L in a slidable manner. Ends of the two guide shafts  123  on one side are held by the middle barrel  94 , and ends thereof on the other are held by the lower barrel  95 . 
   Thus, when the focusing motor  118  is driven, the rotating force of the feed screw shaft  119  is transmitted to the second movable holding frame  116  via the feed nut  120 . At that time, the feed nut  120  is relatively moved in the axial direction with respect to the feed screw shaft  119  driven and rotating in a predetermined position. As a result, the second movable holding frame  116  moves in combination with the feed nut  120 , thereby making the fourth-group lens  88  selectively move either in a direction which approaching the third-group lens  87  or in a direction approaching the fifth-group lens  89 , in accordance with the rotation direction of the focusing motor  118 . On this occasion, the second movable holding frame  116  holding the fourth-group lens  88  is guided in the direction parallel with the optical axis L by the two guide shafts  123 , and therefore can be moved on the optical axis L with accuracy. 
   The CCD  4  is attached to the lower surface of the lower barrel  95  by means of a CCD adaptor  125 . The CCD adaptor  125  is formed of a board which has a square opening hole in the middle, and to one surface thereof is integrally fixed the CCD  4  by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive through a seal rubber  126  which is shaped like a square frame. On the other surface of the CCD adaptor  125  is arranged a light-shielding plate  127  in which optical filters  91  are stacked on top of each other, and these are fixed, being pressed by a filter pressing plate  128 . And, with the optical filters  91  arranged inside, the CCD adaptor  125  is attached to the lower barrel  95  by a fastening mechanism such as fixing screws. 
   In an opening portion  130  made in a side surface of the lower barrel  95  is installed the image stabilizer  83  in a detachable manner. The image stabilizer  83  has a structure shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The image stabilizer  83  includes: the above-mentioned correcting lens  89 B, a first moving frame  131 , a second moving frame  132 , a fixed base board  133 , an actuator  134 , a position detector and the like. The first moving frame  131  supports the correcting lens  89 B. The second moving frame  132  supports the first moving frame  131  in a movable manner in a first direction X perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens system  81 . The fixed base board  133  supports the second moving frame  132  in a movable manner in a second direction Y perpendicular to the optical axis L and perpendicular to the first direction X. The actuator  134  showing a specific example of a driver moves the first moving frame  131  in the first direction X and moves the second moving frame  132  in the second direction Y. The position detector detects the position of the correcting lens  89 B; 
   When vibration or shake of the hands is given to the housing  3  of the above-described digital still camera  1 , the correcting lens  89 B stabilizes an image blurred by its position being moved in the first direction X and/or second direction Y corresponding to the image blur amount at that time. This correcting lens  89 B is fixed to the first moving frame  131 . The first moving frame  131  includes: a ring-shaped lens fixed portion  131   a  into which the correcting lens  89 B is fitted, a yoke fixed portion  131   b  which is formed continuously to one side of this lens fixed portion  131   a , being folded into the form of a crank and to which a yoke  136  is fixed, and the like. 
   The lens fixed portion  131   a  has a shape corresponding to the shape of the correcting lens  89 B, and a stepped portion which engages with the stepped portion  15   a  of the correcting lens  89 B and two-surface width portions which correspond to the two-surface width portions of the correcting lens  89 B are provided on the peripheral edge of a fitting hole into which the correcting lens  89 B is fitted. On the outside of the two-surface width portions of the lens fixed portion  131   a  are provided a first main bearing portion  141  and first sub bearing portion  142 . The first main bearing portion  141  has two bearing pieces provided with a predetermined amount of space in between in the first direction X, and a first main guide shaft  143  penetrates into both bearing pieces in the first direction X. The first main guide shaft  143  is fixed to both the bearing pieces in a press-fit manner, and both the ends thereof protrude from the bearing pieces to the outside. 
   The first sub bearing portion  142  is provided with a bearing groove made on its side, and a first sub guide shaft  144  engages with the bearing groove in a slidable manner. Also, the yoke  136  constituting a part of the actuator  134  is fixed to the yoke fixed portion  131   b  of the first moving frame  131  by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive or fixing screws. The yoke  136  includes: an upper piece and a lower piece, which are parallel and opposed to each other with a predetermined amount of space in between, and a joint piece, which joins the upper and lower pieces together. To the inner surfaces of the upper and lower pieces of the yoke  136  are fixed flat magnets  137  and  137  which are formed into the shape of rectangles having approximately the same size as the inner surfaces, by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive. 
   These two magnets  137  and  137  vertically opposed to each other and the yoke  136  constitute a magnetic circuit for the actuator  134 . Specifically, one magnetic circuit member having one yoke  136  and two magnets  137  and  137  serves as a magnetic circuit for a first driver and a magnetic circuit for a second driver. 
   The second moving frame  132  is formed of a flat plate slightly wider than the first moving frame  131 . The second moving frame  132  is assembled facing the first moving frame  131  in such a manner as to fit under it. At the position of the second moving frame  132  corresponding to the fitting hole of the first moving frame  131  is provided a through-hole which has approximately the same size as the fitting hole. On the upper surface of the second moving frame  132  is provided a second bearing portion for supporting the first moving frame  131  in a slidable manner in the first direction X. 
   The second bearing portion includes: a second main bearing portion  145  which supports the first main guide shaft  143  fixed to the first moving frame  131  in a freely slidable manner, and a second sub bearing portion  146  which supports the first sub guide shaft  144  in a fixed manner. In the state in which the first moving frame  131  has been fitted onto the second moving frame  132 , the second main bearing portion  145  is provided in such a position capable of supporting both ends of the first main guide shaft  143 . Specifically, the second main bearing portion  145  includes two bearing pieces which support both ends of the first main guide shaft  143 , and is provided on the upper surface of the second moving frame  132  in such a manner as to protrude upward. Both ends of the first main guide shaft  143  are inserted in bearing holes of the two bearing pieces of the second main bearing portion  145  in a slidable manner. 
   Also, in the state in which the first moving frame  131  has been fitted onto the second moving frame  132 , the second sub bearing portion  146  is provided at such a position as to correspond to the first sub bearing portion  142 . Specifically, the second sub bearing portion  146  includes two bearing pieces which support both ends of the first sub guide shaft  144 , and both ends of the first sub guide shaft  144  are fixed to bearing holes provided in those bearing pieces in a press-fit manner. The first sub guide shaft  144  is inserted in the bearing groove provided in the first sub bearing portion  142  of the first moving frame  131  in a freely slidable manner. The first sub guide shaft  144  and first main guide shaft  143  are so set that their shaft center lines become parallel to each other, and the first moving frame  131  is guided by both guide shafts  143  and  144  to be movable in the first direction X. 
   On the lower surface of the second moving frame  132  is provided a third bearing portion for supporting the second moving frame  132  in a slidable manner in the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The third bearing portion includes a third main bearing portion  147  and third sub bearing portion  148 , only the main parts of which are shown in  FIG. 15  and other figures. The third main bearing portion  147  is on one end of the second moving frame  132  in the first direction X, includes two bearing pieces provided a predetermined amount of space away from each other in the second direction Y, and is provided on the lower surface of the second moving frame  132  in such a manner as to protrude downward. The two bearing pieces of the third main bearing portion  147  are each provided with a bearing hole, and both ends of a second main guide shaft  151  extended in the second direction Y are inserted in those bearing holes in a slidable manner. 
   Also, the third sub bearing portion  148  is provided approximately at the center of the other end of the second moving frame  132  in the first direction X. The third sub bearing portion  148  is provided with a bearing groove made on its side. A second sub guide shaft  152  extending in the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X is engaged with the bearing groove of the third sub bearing portion  148  in a slidable manner. Both the second main guide shaft  151  and second sub guide shaft  152  are fixed to the fixed base board  133 . The second moving frame  132  is assembled facing this fixed base board  133  in such a manner as to fit over it. 
   The fixed base board  133  includes: a moving frame supporting portion  133   a  which corresponds to the second moving frame  132  in size, a coil fixed portion  133   b  continuously formed as one body with this moving frame supporting portion  133   a , and the like. The moving frame supporting portion  133   a  is formed of a flat plate which has approximately the same size as the second moving frame  132 , and the coil fixed portion  133   b  is continuous with one end of this moving frame supporting portion  133   a  in the first direction X. At the position of the moving frame supporting portion  133   a  corresponding to the through-hole of the second moving frame  132  is provided a through-hole which has approximately the same size. A fourth bearing portion which supports the second moving frame  132  in a slidable manner in the second direction Y by means of a second guide shaft is provided at both ends of the upper surface of the moving frame supporting portion  133   a  in the first direction X. 
   The fourth bearing portion includes a fourth main bearing portion  153  arranged on one side in the first direction X, and a fourth sub bearing portion  154  arranged on the other side in the first direction X. The fourth main bearing portion  153  includes two bearing pieces provided with a certain amount of space away from each other in the second direction Y, and is provided on the upper surface of the moving frame supporting portion  133   a  in such a manner as to protrude upward. The two bearing pieces of the fourth main bearing portion  153  are each provided with a bearing hole, and two positions in the middle of the second main guide shaft  151  in its axial direction are pressed into those bearing holes to be fixed. Thus, both ends of the second main guide shaft  151  protrude to the outside of the two bearing pieces, respectively. 
   The two bearing pieces of the third main bearing portion  147  provided on the second moving frame  132  are fitted to the protruding portions at both ends of the second main guide shaft  151  in a slidable manner. The two bearing pieces of the third main bearing portion  147  are apart from each other by the distance which is the total of the length between the two bearing pieces and the length necessary for the second moving frame  132  to move in the second direction Y. Therefore, the third main bearing portion  147  of the second moving frame  132  is supported in a movable manner outside the two bearing pieces, with respect to the second main guide shaft  151  fixed to the fourth main bearing portion  153  of the fixed base board  133 . 
   Also, the fourth sub bearing portion  154  includes two bearing pieces provided with a certain amount of space away from each other in the second direction Y, and is provided on the upper surface of the moving frame supporting portion  133   a  in such a manner as to protrude upward. The two bearing pieces of the fourth sub bearing portion  154  are each provided with a bearing hole, and the second sub guide shaft  152  is pressed into those bearing holes to be supported with both the ends thereof fixed in its axial direction. Between those two bearing pieces of the fourth sub bearing portion  154 , the bearing groove of the third sub bearing portion  148  provided on the second moving frame  132  is engaged with the second sub guide shaft  152  in a slidable manner. Therefore, it is possible for the third sub bearing portion  148  to move between the two bearing pieces by a predetermined distance in the second direction Y, guided by the second sub guide shaft  152 . 
   The coil fixed portion  133   b  of the fixed base board  133  is formed of a roughly square flat part which has a supporting wall  156  protruding upward, and the supporting wall  156  is arranged on one side in the second direction Y. A coil supporting stand  157  is fixed to the coil fixed portion  133   b , and a coil assembly body  160  is attached to the coil supporting stand  157 . The coil supporting stand  157  is provided for keeping the coil assembly body  160  at a predetermined height, and is formed as a frame whose plane is U-shaped. This coil supporting stand  157  is mounted on the coil fixed portion  133   b  to be set along the supporting wall  156 , and integrally fixed to the fixed base board  133  by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive or fixing screws. On the lower surface of the fixed base board  133  is provided an attachment boss portion  133   c  for fixing this to the lens barrel  82 . 
   The upper surface of the coil supporting stand  157  is formed as a level surface, and on the upper surface are provided two positioning convex portions  157   a  and  157   a  for deciding the position of a flexible reinforcing plate  161 . The two positioning convex portions  157   a  and  157   a  are disposed with a predetermined amount of space away from each other in the second direction Y, and the flexible reinforcing plate  161  whose position has been decided by both positioning convex portions  157   a  and  157   a  is fixed on the upper surface of the coil supporting stand  157 . A flexible printed circuit board  162  with predetermined electric circuits printed on its upper and lower surfaces is fixed to the flexible reinforcing plate  161  by a fastening mechanism such as adhesive tape. 
   A flat coil  164  wound flatly is installed on the upper surface of the flexible reinforcing plate  161 , being electrically connected to a predetermined wiring pattern provided on the upper surface of the flexible printed circuit board  162 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the flat coil  164  is formed of two elliptical coil portions  164   a  and  164   b  disposed side by side. The two coil portions  164   a  and  164   b  are approximately equal in length in the widthwise direction, but are different in length in the lengthwise direction. The two coil portions  164   a  and  164   b  are formed by winding one coil wire around. Further, the direction in which the coil wire is wound is set such that at the time of supplying power, an electric current is made to flow in the same direction at thrust-generating portions extending straight on the long side adjacent to each other in the widthwise direction. 
   Regarding the flat coil  164 , each of the coil portions  164   a  and  164   b  is fixed to the flexible reinforcing plate  161  by a fastening mechanism which is adhesive, with the lengthwise direction of the two coil portions  164   a  and  164   b  facing in the second direction Y. Thus, when an electric current is applied to the two coil portions  164   a  and  164   b , magnetic force generated by the magnets  137  and  137  acts in the direction perpendicular to the flat coil  164 , and so force directed in the first direction X acts on the side of the magnets  137  and  137  according to Fleming&#39;s left-hand rule. 
   Also, a cylindrical coil  165  is attached to the lower surface of the flexible reinforcing plate  161 . Both ends of the cylindrical coil  165  are electrically connected to a predetermined wiring pattern provided on the lower surface of the flexible printed circuit board  162 . The cylindrical coil  165  is provided with a rectangular space portion at its center so as to become a rectangular cylindrical body as a whole, and is formed into the shape of an angular cylinder by winding coil wire by a predetermined amount so as to have a predetermined thickness in the direction of a stack. Regarding the cylindrical coil  165 , a thrust-generating portion is fixed to the flexible printed circuit board  162  by a fastening mechanism which is adhesive, with the direction in which its coil wire extends facing in the first direction X. 
   The lower piece of the yoke  136  and the lower magnet  137  integrally fixed thereto are inserted in the space portion at the center of the cylindrical coil  165 . Thus, when an electric current is applied to the cylindrical coil  165 , magnetic force generated by the magnets  137  and  137  acts in the direction perpendicular to the thrust-generating portion, and so force directed in the second direction Y acts on the side of the magnets  137  and  137  according to Fleming&#39;s left-hand rule. The flexible reinforcing plate  161 , the flexible printed circuit board  162 , the flat coil  164  and the cylindrical coil  165  constitute a coil assembly body  158 . 
   Also, although not shown in the drawings, to the lower surface of the flexible reinforcing plate  161  are attached a first hall element and a second hall element, showing a specific example of a position detector for detecting the position of the correcting lens  89 B. The first hall element detects the position of the correcting lens  89 B in the first direction X, by means of the first moving frame  131 . Also, the second hall element detects the position of the correcting lens  89 B in the second direction Y, by means of the second moving frame  132 . The first hall element is arranged at one side of the cylindrical coil  165 , and the second hall element is arranged at the other side of the cylindrical coil  165 . At predetermined positions the first hall element and second hall element detect the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet  137 , and then output detection signals in accordance with the strength of the magnetic force. Based upon the detection signals from the two hall elements, a control device calculates the position of the correcting lens  89 B by arithmetic operation. 
   The functions of the image stabilizer  83  with the above-described structure are as follows. The movement of the correcting lens  89 B of the image stabilizer  83  is performed by selectively or simultaneously supplying a driving current of an appropriate value to the flat coil  164  and the cylindrical coil  165  of the actuator  134  via the flexible printed circuit board  162 . 
   The flat coil  164  and the cylindrical coil  165  of the image stabilizer  83  are fixed to the coil supporting stand  157  by means of the flexible reinforcing plate  161 , and further are fixed to the fixed base board  133  by means of the coil supporting stand  157 . On this occasion, the thrust-generating portions of the flat coil  164  are extended in the second direction Y, and the thrust-generating portion of the cylindrical coil  165  is extended in the first direction X. Also, since the two magnets  137  and  137  fixed to both ends of the yoke  136  are arranged above and below both coils  164  and  165 , the magnetic flux of a magnetic circuit formed by the yoke  136  and the two magnets  137  and  137  acts in such a manner as to vertically pass through the thrust-generating portions of the flat coil  164  and the thrust-generating portion of the cylindrical coil  165 . 
   Meanwhile, the yoke  136  and the two magnets  137  and  137  are fixed to the first moving frame  131  holding the correcting lens  89 B. The correcting lens  89 B is supported by a first guide, which has the first moving frame  131 , in a movable manner in the first direction X with respect to the second moving frame  132 . Further, the correcting lens  89 B is supported by a second guide, which has the second moving frame  132 , in a movable manner in the second direction Y with respect to the fixed base board  133 . Therefore, with the action of the first guide and the second guide, the correcting lens  89 B is freely movable both in the first direction X and the second direction Y within a predetermined range. 
   If an electric current is applied to the flat coil  164  at present, the electric current flows in the second direction Y at the thrust-generating portions, because the thrust-generating portions are extended in the second direction Y. On this occasion, since the magnetic flux of the magnetic circuit acts in the up-and-down direction perpendicular to the thrust-generating portions, force directed in the first direction X acts on the magnets  137 ,  137  and the yoke  136  according to Fleming&#39;s left-hand rule. Thus, the first moving frame  131  to which the yoke  136  and the like are fixed moves in the first direction X. As a result, the correcting lens  89 B held by the first moving frame  131  moves in the first direction X, guided by the first guide, in accordance with the magnitude of the electric current applied to the flat coil  164 . 
   On the other hand, if an electric current is applied to the cylindrical coil  165 , the electric current flows in the first direction X at the thrust-generating portion, because the thrust-generating portion is extended in the first direction X. On this occasion, since the magnetic flux of the magnetic circuit acts in the up-and-down direction perpendicular to the thrust-generating portion, force directed in the second direction Y acts on the magnets  137 ,  137  and the yoke  136  according to Fleming&#39;s left-hand rule. Thus, the second moving frame  132  moves in the second direction Y by means of the first moving frame  131  to which the yoke  136  and the like are fixed. As a result, the correcting lens  89 B moves in the second direction Y, with the first moving frame  131  and the second moving frame  132  guided by the second guide, in accordance with the magnitude of the electric current applied to the cylindrical coil  165 . 
   Also, if electric currents are simultaneously applied to the flat coil  164  and the cylindrical coil  165 , the movement by the flat coil  164  and the movement by the cylindrical coil  165 , both of which have been mentioned above, are performed in a combined manner. Specifically, the correcting lens  89 B moves in the first direction X due to the action of the electric current which flows through the flat coil  164 , and at the same time the correcting lens  89 B moves in the second direction Y due to the action of the electric current which flows through the cylindrical coil  165 . As a result, the correcting lens  89 B moves in a diagonal direction, thereby stabilizing images of the lens system  81 . 
   The image stabilizer  83  having the above-described structure and functions is attached to the lens device  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 to 14 . The image stabilizer  83  is inserted into and pulled out of the opening portion  130 , provided in the lower barrel  95  of the lens barrel  82 , from the lateral direction, and is attached to the lower barrel  95  in a detachable manner. The reference numeral  170  shown in  FIG. 14  denotes a cover member which opens and closes the opening portion  130 . This cover member  170  is attached to the lens barrel  82 , enabling the image stabilizer  83  to be covered. 
   The function of the lens system  81  of the lens device  5  in which the image stabilizer  83  has been installed are explained, referring to  FIG. 13 . When the imaging lens  7  of the lens device  5  is aimed at a subject, light from the subject is input from the imaging lens  7  to the inside of the lens system  81 . On this occasion, light passed through the imaging lens  7  is refracted by 90° in the prism  85 A, and after that, moves toward the CCD  4  along the optical axis L of the lens system  81 . Specifically, light reflected in the prism  85 A and then passed through the second lens  85 B of the first-group lens  85  passes through the second-group lens  86 , the third-group lens  87  and the fourth-group lens  88 . Then the light passes through the seventh lens  89 A and the correcting lens  89 B of the fifth-group lens  89 , subsequently passes through the optical filter  91 , and eventually reaches the focusing screen of the CCD  4 , thereby forming an image corresponding to the subject on the focal plane of the CCD  4 . 
   In this regard, at the time of shooting, when camera shake and vibration are not given to the lens device  5 , light from the subject moves through the center parts of the first-group to fifth-group lenses along the optical axis L like a light  200 A as shown by the solid line. Therefore, an image is formed at a predetermined position on the focal plane of the CCD  4 , and an excellent image can therefore be obtained without an image blur being caused. 
   On the other hand, at the time of shooting, when camera shake or vibration is applied to the lens device  5 , light from the subject is input to the first-group lens in an inclined state as shown by the chain line of light  200 B or as shown by the broken line of light  200 C. At each of the first-group to fifth-group lenses, the incident lights  200 B and  200 C pass through the lenses, deviating from the optical axis L, however, it is possible to correct the camera shake or the like by moving the correcting lens  89 B by a predetermined amount in accordance with the camera shake or the like. This makes it possible to form an image at a predetermined position on the focal plane of the CCD  4 , and an excellent image can be obtained by eliminating image blurring. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the lens device  5  including the image stabilizer  83  with such structure is attached to the front case  10  with a protector  180  arranged in between. The protector  180  is formed of a frame member having a size with which approximately the whole of the surface projected to the front side of the lens device  5  can be covered. The protector  180  includes: a first opening hole  181 , a second opening hole  182 , a third opening hole  183 , a fourth opening hole  184  and the like. The first opening hole  181  exposes the imaging lens  7  of the lens device  5 . The second opening hole  182  exposes the light-emitting portion  74   a  of the flash apparatus  74 . The third opening hole  183  is provided for the light-receiving and light-emitting portions of the autofocus mechanism. The fourth opening hole  184  stores the protruding portion at the front of the lens barrel  82 . 
   Since the fourth opening hole  184  is provided in the protector  180  and the stepped portion  21  is provided at a part of the front surface portion  10   a  of the front case  10  corresponding to the imaging lens  7 , a level difference between the forefront part of the lens barrel  82  and the front surface of the imaging lens  7  can be eliminated. Further, there is a supporting structure in which the back surface of the flat display panel  2  is in contact with the lens barrel  82  having high rigidity (strength) with the LCD frame  64  arranged in between. Therefore, the flat display panel  2  can be prevented from being broken or the like, which is caused by force applied from the outside when operating the apparatus by touching the display surface thereof. 
   The reference numeral  186  shown in  FIG. 3  denotes a pressing plate which prevents the arm member  29  from being lifted. The pressing plate  186  is formed of a wide plate extending in the up-and-down direction and has a size with which the first and second arm portions  29   b  and  29   c  can be covered with respect to the whole stroke of the arm member  29 . The pressing plate  186  is fastened to be fixed to the guide member  26  by four fixing screws  187 . 
   The flat display panel  2  can be prevented from being broken or the like as follows. As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  and other figures, the lens device  5  includes the above-described image stabilizer  83  attached thereto, and so at the bottom of the lens barrel  82  are formed a front protruding portion  82   a , a rear protruding portion  82   b  and the like. Among those, the front protruding portion  82   a  of the lens barrel  82  is stored in a predetermined position by being fitted in the fourth opening hole  184  of the protector  180  as described above. On the other hand, in the back of the lens device  5  the rear protruding portion  82   b  protrudes backward, and so the rear protruding portion  82   b  is used to reduce an elastically-deformed amount of the flat display panel  2 . Therefore, the flat display panel  2  can be prevented from being broken or the like as well as the increase in thickness of the whole of a camera being minimized. 
   As regards an imager apparatus in related art, the whole of the back surface of the flat display panel  2  is supported by the main frame  12 , however, because of demand for the weight reduction and miniaturization of the imager apparatus, the board thickness of the main frame  12  may be required to be small as well. Thus, the strength (rigidity) of the main frame  12  lowers as the board thickness decreases, and so if force greater than necessary is applied from the outside to the operational surface of the flat display panel  2 , it is feared that the main frame  12  may be elastically-deformed similarly by the external force, and so the flat display panel  2  may be greatly elastically-deformed as well. 
   Different from the main frame  12 , the lens barrel  82  of the lens device  5  is formed strong by block-shaped members, and with external force being applied to some degree, the lens barrel  82  may not be elastically-deformed and has sufficiently high strength (rigidity). Since the rear protruding portion  82   b  of the lens barrel  82  is in contact with the back surface of the flat display panel  2  with the LCD frame  64  arranged in between, the lens barrel  82  receives great external force given to the operational surface. Accordingly, the flat display panel  2  can be prevented from being elastically-deformed excessively. 
   Accordingly, the main frame  12  is provided with an opening window  190  having a size allowing the rear protruding portion  82   b  of the lens barrel  82  to be penetrated. The rear protruding portion  82   b  is penetrated through the opening window  190 , the end surface of which is in contact with the LCD frame  64 . It should be noted that though the lens device  5  is also fixed to the main frame  12 , the flat display panel  2  can be prevented from being elastically-deformed greatly as described earlier, because the rigidity of the lens barrel  82  is higher than that of the main frame  12 . In addition, the rear protruding portion  82   b  of the lens barrel  82  may be directly in contact with the back surface of the flat display panel  2  without the LCD frame  64  being arranged in between. 
   The housing  3  and the lens cover  8  with the aforementioned structures can easily be assembled as follows, for example. First, an assembly process of the lens cover  8  is explained. The adhesive sheet  36  is attached to the inside of the frame portion  35   b  on the inner side of the decorative plate  35 . Next, the frame  37  is fitted and stuck onto the adhesive sheet  36 . Hereupon, a plurality of protrusions may be provided in advance on the inner surface of the front surface portion  35   a  of the decorative plate  35 . After passing those protrusions through a plurality of holes provided in the frame  37 , caulking may be carried out to fix the protrusions simultaneously. 
   After that, the wiping sheet  38  is stuck and fitted onto the frame  37  with adhesive. On this occasion, the brackets  43   a  to  43   c  and  44  of the frame  37  are made to protrude from the through-holes  53   a  to  53   e  in the wiping sheet  38 . And the four sliding sheets  52  are attached to the surface of the frame  37 , from which the brackets protrude, in the positions corresponding to the projecting portions  15   a  to  15   d  provided at four positions on the front case  10 . With this, the assembly process of the lens cover  8  is completed. In addition, the two supporting rollers  40  are attached beforehand to the peaked portion  39  of the decorative plate  35  in a freely rotatable manner. 
   Next, an assembly process of the housing  3  is explained. First, as shown in  FIG. 23  and other figures, the guide member  26  is installed in a predetermined position on the inner surface of the front case  10 . As an attaching mechanism, a melting mechanism such as resistance welding may be used, and also a fastening mechanism such as adhesive may be used. Further, a fixing mechanism such as caulking may be used. Next, the lens cover  8  is faced to the front side of the front case  10 , the brackets  43   a  to  43   c  and  44  of the frame  37  are inserted into the four opening portions  14   a  to  14   d , and each of the ends is made to protrude inward. In this state, the arm member  29  is faced to the inner side of the front case  10 , and three screw holes are positioned at the tips of the three bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c , respectively. 
   Next, the arm member  29  is fastened and fixed to the three bracket pieces  43   a  to  43   c  with three fixing screws  48 . Further, the fastening plate  47  is fastened and fixed to the bracket convex portion  44  in the frame  37  with a fixing screw  48 . Then, a resilient piece on one side of the torsion spring  49 , whose resilient piece on the other side is locked in the insertion hole  30   c  of the arm member  29 , is locked on the spring receiving pin  51  projecting on the inner surface of the front case  10 . On this occasion, the first engagement pin  32   a  of the arm member  29  is engaged with the first guide groove  27   a  of the guide member  26 , and the second engagement pin  32   b  of the arm member  29  is engaged with the second guide groove  27   b  of the guide member  26 . 
   Next, the lens device  5  is attached to the protector  180 , and the lens device  5  integrated is fitted into a predetermined position on the inner surface of the front case  10 . On this occasion, the front protruding portion  82   a  of the lens device  5  is fitted into the fourth opening hole  184  of the protector  180 . Next, the pressing plate  186  is fastened and fixed to the guide member  26  with the fixing screws  187 . On this occasion, the protector  180  is pressed by means of part of the pressing plate  186  to be fastened and fixed by the pressing plate  186 . The main frame  12  is arranged on the back surface of the lens device  5  held by the protector  180 . On this occasion, the rear protruding portion  82   b  of the lens device  5  is fitted into the opening window  190  in the main frame  12 . 
   The rear case  11  to which the flat display panel  2 , control buttons and the like have been attached in advance is fitted onto the back surface of the front case  10  to which the lens device  5  has been thus attached. Hence, the rear protruding portion  82   b  of the lens barrel  82  of the lens device  5  held by the front case  10  softly touches the back surface of the LCD frame  64  arranged on the back surface of the flat display panel  2  held by the rear case  11 . On this occasion, by putting the front case  10  and the rear case  11  together, both the cases  10  and  11  are fitted together in a detachable manner by the engagement pieces  26   d  and  28   a  provided at three positions. Subsequently, the front and rear cases  10 ,  11  are reliably fastened and fixed together by fastening joints using fixing screws. Accordingly, the assembly process of the housing  3  and the like is completed. 
   The digital still camera  1  with the aforementioned structure can be used as follows, for example.  FIGS. 4 ,  31 B,  32 B,  32 C,  33 A and  33 B show a state in which the imaging lens  7  is covered with the lens cover  8 .  FIGS. 5 ,  31 A and  32 A show a state in which the imaging lens  7  is exposed by sliding the lens cover  8  downward. In order to change the lens cover  8  from the state shown, for example, in  FIG. 4  to the state shown, for example, in  FIG. 5 , a user pushes the lens cover  8  down by applying force to the lens cover  8  from above. 
   On this occasion, when force directed downward is applied to the lens cover  8 , the arm member  29  has been integrally fixed to the lens cover  8 , and the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  provided on the arm member  29  have been engaged in a slidable manner with the two guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b  of the guide member  26  fixed to the front case  10 . The two guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b  are extended in the up-and-down direction in which the lens cover  8  should be moved, and therefore, the lens cover  8  can be moved from the first position to the second position with ease by the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  sliding in the up-and-down direction being guided by the guide grooves  27   a  and  27   b.    
   In particular, as is obvious from  FIGS. 19 ,  24  and other figures, since the length T of the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  in the sliding direction is made longer than the length (height) H of the lens cover  8  in the sliding direction (T&gt;H), the lens cover  8  can slide smoothly. This point will be explained in detail in the followings. As is obvious from  FIG. 18  and other figures, the lens cover  8  according to the present embodiment is approximately rectangular in shape being laterally long. Therefore, at the time of sliding, there is no disadvantage when external force acts approximately on the center portion in the lengthwise direction. However, when external force acts on a position shifted to one side in the left-and-right direction, torque which causes the lens cover  8  to rotate acts on the lens cover  8  as well as force directed in the up-and-down direction. 
   However, in the present embodiment, since the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  are arranged in the sliding direction, and the length T of the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  is greater than the length (height) H of the lens cover  8  in the sliding direction, these two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  act so as to reduce the aforementioned torque. Therefore, the two engagement pins  32   a  and  32   b  reduce the occurrence of torque, allowing the lens cover  8  to smoothly move in a sliding direction. Furthermore, the arm member  29  is provided with the auxiliary arm portion  29   e  extending in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the auxiliary arm portion  29   e  is fixed to the lens cover  8 , reliably preventing external force from causing the lens cover  8  to rotate. 
   Also, in this present embodiment, since the stepped portion  21  is provided at the upper part of the housing  3 , particularly at the part where the imaging lens  7  faces, and only that part is made thin, a digital still camera  1  having favorably thin appearance when seen from above can be provided. Therefore, a digital still camera  1  excellent in terms of design can be provided, enabling users to have a sense of stability, which proves that the digital still camera  1  is user-friendly. Moreover, since the stepped portion  21  of the housing  3  is reliably covered by the peaked portion  39  provided on the decorative plate  35  of the lens cover  8 , foreign particles, dust and the like can be prevented from entering inside the lens cover  8  from the gap thereof. Also, if the surface of the front case  10  is coated with foreign particles or the like, those particles are wiped off by the wiping sheet  38  provided on the inner side of the lens cover  8 , and so the surface of the front case  10  is not scratched, and foreign particles, dust and the like can reliably be prevented from entering. 
   In particular, as shown in  FIG. 33A , regarding the housing  3  according to the present embodiment, the stepped portion  21  is provided on the housing  3 , making the thickness M 1  of the upper surface smaller than the thickness M 2  of the lower surface (M 1 &lt;M 2 ). Therefore, gap is eliminated by allowing the peaked portion  39  of the lens cover  8  to be engaged with the stepped portion  21 . Accordingly, at the time of shooting, eclipse is not caused with respect to light from a subject by the lens opening hole  16  of the front case  10 , and excellent shooting can be performed. On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 33C , if the front surface portion of the front case  10  is not provided with a stepped portion, and the thickness M of the upper surface is equal to the thickness M of the lower surface, a lens opening hole  16   a  may protrude forward and the gap N between the lens opening hole  16   a  and the imaging lens  7  is enlarged. Hence, it is feared that eclipse may be caused at the time of shooting, which makes excellent shooting difficult. 
   As explained above, according to an imager apparatus of an embodiment, a digital still camera includes a housing in which a level difference is provided at an imaging lens portion to make the housing thinner, where a lens cover including a peaked portion having inverted L-shaped cross section is provided, and an imaging lens is opened and closed by the lens cover. Therefore, the whole of the housing can be made thin, though a lens device which has protruding portions such as a camera shake correcting device at the lower part of the imaging lens is stored in the housing. Further, a lens barrel is in contact with the back surface of a flat display panel without a main frame being arranged in between. Therefore, external force given to the operational surface of the flat display panel is received by the lens barrel, preventing the flat display panel from being elastically-deformed greatly, preventing the flat display panel from being broken or the like. 
   The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described earlier and shown in the drawings, but various modified embodiments are possible without deviating from the gist of the present invention. For example, although examples in which a digital still camera is used as an imager apparatus have been explained in the aforementioned embodiment, the present invention can be applied to digital video cameras, camera-incorporated personal computers, camera-incorporated mobile phones and other imager apparatuses as well. Further, although examples in which five-group lenses are used as a lens device  1  have been explained, it should be appreciated that four or fewer group lenses and also six or more group lenses can be used as well. 
   It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.