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US4192598A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Mirror driving device for use in a single lens reflex camera

Assignee: Nikon Corp
•
Filing: 1978-04-12
•
Granted: 1980-03-11
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Expires: 1998-04-12
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Abstract

Abstract A mirror driving device for use in a single lens reflex camera comprises a driving lever pivotally mounted to the body of the camera, a mirror pin movable integrally with the mirror, and biasing means provided on the driving lever. The mirror pin is surrounded by a bent portion provided at one end of the driving lever and two springs of the biasing means. One of the two springs has relatively strong biasing force and engages the bent portion, while the other spring has relatively weak biasing force and always biases the mirror pin in such a direction that the mirror may descend. Upon forwarding motion of the driving lever the mirror pin is moved by the end of said lever, thereby raising the mirror. Upon returning motion of said lever the mirror pin is moved by the two springs, thereby lowering the mirror. When the lever is in its original position the mirror is pressed in a viewing-focusing position solely with the biasing force of the other spring.

Inventors

  • 👤 Akihiko Sato
  • 👤 Yoshitaka Araki

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-30 01:57
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim 225 words
A mirror driving device for use in a single lens reflex camera for controlling ascension and descension of a mirror, said device comprising a driving member pivotally mounted to a body of said camera and having an engaging portion, means for holding the mirror, said holding means being operated by means of reciprocating motion of said driving member to control the ascension and descension of the mirror, and biasing means consisting of a first biasing member and a second biasing member both of which are provided on said driving member, said holding means having a portion surrounded by said first and second biasing members and said engaging portion, said first biasing member having relatively strong biasing force and engaging said engaging portion, said second biasing member having relatively weak biasing force and always biasing said holding means so as to cause the mirror to descend, whereby the mirror is raised when said holding means is moved by said driving member upon forward motion of said driving member and the mirror is lowered when said holding means is moved by said first and second biasing members upon returning motion of said driving member and the mirror is stationed in a viewing-focusing position by pressing said holding means solely with the biasing force of said second biasing member when said driving member returns to its original position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 225 words
A mirror driving device for use in a single lens reflex camera for controlling ascension and descension of a mirror, said device comprising a driving member pivotally mounted to a body of said camera and having an engaging portion, means for holding the mirror, said holding means being operated by means of reciprocating motion of said driving member to control the ascension and descension of the mirror, and biasing means consisting of a first biasing member and a second biasing member both of which are provided on said driving member, said holding means having a portion surrounded by said first and second biasing members and said engaging portion, said first biasing member having relatively strong biasing force and engaging said engaging portion, said second biasing member having relatively weak biasing force and always biasing said holding means so as to cause the mirror to descend, whereby the mirror is raised when said holding means is moved by said driving member upon forward motion of said driving member and the mirror is lowered when said holding means is moved by said first and second biasing members upon returning motion of said driving member and the mirror is stationed in a viewing-focusing position by pressing said holding means solely with the biasing force of said second biasing member when said driving member returns to its original position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 18 words
A mirror driving device according to claim 1, wherein a damping mechanism is provided on said driving member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 22 words
A mirror driving device according to claim 1, wherein a damping mechanism is provided on a member moving integrally with the mirror.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 25 words
A mirror driving device according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said holding means consists of a pin fixedly provided on said holding means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 44 words
A mirror driving device according to claim 4, further comprising: means for causing said driving member to take said forward motion in cooperation with a shutter release operation of said camera, and to take said returning motion when the shutter release has been completed.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

GB1077126A Cited
US3891992A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1983-03-11 1983-09-10 1984-03-11 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1987-03-11 1987-09-10 1988-03-11 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1991-03-11 1991-09-10 1992-03-11 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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