US4427277A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Structure for mounting cover for automatic focus detecting device
Assignee: Pentax Corp
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Filing: 1981-09-10
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Granted: 1984-01-24
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Expires: 2001-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A single-lens reflex camera is provided with a cover member having an aperture therein for limiting the light incident to an automatic focus detecting element. A light intercepting member is movable in conjunction with the raising of the mirror to block the opening to prevent unwanted reflections from the focus detecting element to the film surface, and the lower surface of the light intercepting member may carry a soft material of felt or the like for cleaning the upper surface of the focus detecting element during movement of the light intercepting member. The focus detecting element is elastically and adjustably mounted underneath the cover, and adjustment of the position of the focus detecting element can be accomplished through the lens mount opening after removal of the cover through the lens mount opening.
Inventors
- 👤 Keisuke Haraguchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:18
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A single-lens reflex camera of the type having an automatic focus detecting device including an automatic focus detecting element, the improvement comprising: a cover member disposed over said focus detecting element and having an opening therein for limiting light incident to said automatic focus detecting element; and a light intercepting member for covering said opening during a photographing operation, wherein said light intercepting member includes a confronting surface which faces the upper surface of said automatic focus detecting element when said opening is covered by said light intercepting member, and cleaning means on said confronting surface for contacting said upper surface of said automatic focus detecting element during movement of said light intercepting member to clean said upper surface of said automatic focus detecting element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A single-lens reflex camera of the type having an automatic focus detecting device including an automatic focus detecting element, the improvement comprising: a cover member disposed over said focus detecting element and having an opening therein for limiting light incident to said automatic focus detecting element; and a light intercepting member for covering said opening during a photographing operation, wherein said light intercepting member includes a confronting surface which faces the upper surface of said automatic focus detecting element when said opening is covered by said light intercepting member, and cleaning means on said confronting surface for contacting said upper surface of said automatic focus detecting element during movement of said light intercepting member to clean said upper surface of said automatic focus detecting element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
84 words
The camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera includes a mirror movable between a downward position for viewing and an upward position for a photographing operation and mirror driving means for moving said mirror upwardly and downwardly, the improvement further comprising: control means coupled to said mirror driving means for moving said light intercepting member to uncover said opening when said mirror is moved downwardly and for moving said light intercepting member to cover said opening when said mirror is moved upwardly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cleaning means comprises a soft member of felt or the like.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The camera as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said camera includes a camera body having an aperture therein and a body mount surrounding said aperture for mounting an interchangeable lens to said camera body, the improvement further characterized in that said cover member is removable through said aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
The camera as defined in claim 4, wherein said automatic focus detecting element is mounted on a substrate, the improvement further comprising means disposed beneath said cover for adjustably and elastically supporting said substrate within said camera, whereby adjustment of the position of said automatic focus detecting element to achieve focus adjustment can be achieved through said aperture after removal of said cover.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
149 words
A single-lens reflex camera of the type having an automatic focus detecting device including an automatic focus detecting element, said camera including a camera body having an aperture therein and a body mount surrounding said aperture for mounting an interchangeable lens to said camera body, said automatic focus detecting element being mounted on a substrate within said camera body, the improvement comprising: a cover member disposed over said focus detecting element and having an opening therein for limiting light incident to said automatic focus detecting element, said cover member being removable through said aperture; means disposed beneath said cover member for adjustably and elastically supporting said substrate within said camera, whereby adjustment of the position of said automatic focus detecting element to achieve focus adjustment can be achieved through said aperture after removal of said cover; and a light intercepting member for covering said opening during a photographing operation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
149 words
A single-lens reflex camera of the type having an automatic focus detecting device including an automatic focus detecting element, said camera including a camera body having an aperture therein and a body mount surrounding said aperture for mounting an interchangeable lens to said camera body, said automatic focus detecting element being mounted on a substrate within said camera body, the improvement comprising: a cover member disposed over said focus detecting element and having an opening therein for limiting light incident to said automatic focus detecting element, said cover member being removable through said aperture; means disposed beneath said cover member for adjustably and elastically supporting said substrate within said camera, whereby adjustment of the position of said automatic focus detecting element to achieve focus adjustment can be achieved through said aperture after removal of said cover; and a light intercepting member for covering said opening during a photographing operation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
125 words
A single-lens reflex camera of the type having an automatic focus detecting device including an automatic focus detecting element, said camera including a camera body having an aperture therein and a body mount surrounding said aperture for mounting an interchangeable lens to said camera body, the improvement comprising: a cover member disposed over said focus detecting element and having an opening therein for limiting light incident to said automatic focus detecting element; fastening means for fastening said cover member to said camera body, said fastening means being accessible through said aperture and said cover member being small enough to fit through said aperture whereby said cover member is removable through said aperture; and a light intercepting member for covering said opening during a photographing operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
125 words
A single-lens reflex camera of the type having an automatic focus detecting device including an automatic focus detecting element, said camera including a camera body having an aperture therein and a body mount surrounding said aperture for mounting an interchangeable lens to said camera body, the improvement comprising: a cover member disposed over said focus detecting element and having an opening therein for limiting light incident to said automatic focus detecting element; fastening means for fastening said cover member to said camera body, said fastening means being accessible through said aperture and said cover member being small enough to fit through said aperture whereby said cover member is removable through said aperture; and a light intercepting member for covering said opening during a photographing operation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a camera of the type having an optical system for passing light received from an object to an image pick-up surface along an optical path, an automatic focus detecting device comprising: an optical member for diverting at least a portion of said light from said optical path; a focus detecting element for receiving said diverted light from said optical element; and adjustable support means for adjustably supporting said focus detecting element, whereby said focus detecting element can be positioned at a position optically equivalent to that of said image pick-up surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a camera of the type having an optical system for passing light received from an object to an image pick-up surface along an optical path, an automatic focus detecting device comprising: an optical member for diverting at least a portion of said light from said optical path; a focus detecting element for receiving said diverted light from said optical element; and adjustable support means for adjustably supporting said focus detecting element, whereby said focus detecting element can be positioned at a position optically equivalent to that of said image pick-up surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
An automatic focus detecting device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said adjustable support means comprises a substrate for supporting said focus detecting element, and a plurality of mounting screws for adjusting the position of said substrate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
An automatic focus detecting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of said mounting screws includes a retaining portion, said adjustable support means further comprising spring means for urging said substrate against said retaining portions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
An automatic focus detecting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of mounting screws includes at either end thereof a recess for engagement by an adjustment tool.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
An automatic focus detecting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said camera is of the interchangeable lens type having a lens mount opening therein, and wherein said plurality of mounting screws are accessible for adjustment through said lens mount opening from the exterior of said camera.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-23 | 1987-07-25 | 1988-01-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-23 | 1991-07-25 | 1992-01-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-23 | 1995-07-25 | 1996-01-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |