Multi-Exposure Device for Camera

The invention relates to a multi-exposure device for a camera, and more specifically, to a device for allowing a double exposure or more to be applied to one frame of a film which is loaded in a camera of a self-cocking type in which a shutter charging takes place in conjunction with a film winding operation.

A multi-exposure device for camera is already known which permits a single frame of film loaded in a camera to be subjected to a multiple exposure. A conventional multi-exposure device, in particular, for a camera a self-cocking type in which a shutter charging takes place in interlocked relationship with a film winding operation includes a multi-exposure switching member externally mounted on the camera and which be operated to accomplish a shutter charging without accompanying a film winding operation when a film winding lever is operated. To provide a shutter charging in response to an operation of the film winding lever, a clutch has been interposed between the film winding lever and a film winding shaft, for example, a sprocket shaft, in a camera which employs a perforated film, so that the operative connection between the film winding lever and the sprocket shaft can be interrupted when the multi-exposure switching member is operated. From the standpoint of operating procedure, this requires an initial switching operation, followed by a shutter charging by the film winding lever before a multi-exposure can be effected. In an arrangement in which the multi-exposure switching member is not automatically reset after each multi-exposure, it must be manually reset in order to enable a normal exposure. On the other hand, as considered from the standpoint of construction, the conventional device incorporates a clutch interposed between the film winding member in the form of a lever, for example, and the film winding shaft, which results in a complex mechanism. In addition, an added adjustment of the mechanism is required during assembly in order to assure a proper functioning of the clutch. Finally, a resetting mechanism must be separately provided to return the camera to a normal exposure in order to avoid failures.

It is an object of the invention to provide a multi-exposure device which is substantially simpler in construction than conventional ones and which achieves the intended function in one step.

It is a feature of the invention that a shutter charging member is provided separately from a self-cocking member which is usually provided to achieve a shutter charging in interlocked relationship with a film winding operation, and is operable independently from the self-cocking member. During a multi-exposure, the shutter can be charged by the charging member independently from the film winding member. A single step operation of the charging member conditions a camera for a multi-exposure, and the switching construction is greatly simplified. It is to be noted that the invention is applicable to any camera of a self-cocking type, including cameras having either a bladed shutter or a focal place shutter. pg,4

FIG. 1 is a front view, partially broken away, of one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a bottom view, partially broken away, of the embodiment.

Rotatably disposed about the optical axis of an exposure lens 1 is a shutter charging member 2, which is urged by a spring, not shown, to rotate clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1. Normally the charging membr 2 assumes a position shown in FIG. 1 and functions to charge a shutter by rotating counterclockwise to the bottom of the camera, and a self-cocking member 5 is slidably supported on the base plate 3 by means of a headed bolt 4. The self-cocking member 5 is interconnected with a film winding lever 6 so that it moves through one reciprocatory stroke in response to a single actuation of the film winding lever 6, as is well known in the art. An ear 5a extends from a lateral edge of the self-cocking member 5 toward the front of the camera, and is located adjacent to an arm 2a projecting radially outward from the shutter charging member 2. As the self-cocking member 5 reciprocates when the film winding lever 6 is operated, the shutter charging member 2 is driven by the ear in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 1, thus charging the shutter.

An operating member 8 is slidably supported on a front plate of the camera by means or a headed bolt 7, and has its one end 8a located adjacent to the arm 2a of the charging member 2 in a similar manner as the ear 5a. A multi-exposure operating member 9 is mounted on the front surface of the camera and is fixedly mounted on a pin 12 which is fixedly mounted on the operating member 8 and which extends through an elongate slot 11 formed in the front plate of the camera. A tension spring 14 is disposed between a pin 13 on the right-hand end of the operating member 8 and the bolt 7 and tends to pull the operating member 8 to the left.

When it is desired to effect a multi-exposure, the operating member 9 is moved to the right, as viewed in the drawing, against the resilience of the spring 14. The end 8a engages and moves the arm 2a of the charging member 2, so that the shutter is charged. The charging of the shutter by the operating member 9 takes place independently from the film winding lever and the self-cocking member 5.

When the operating member 9, which has been moved to the right in order to charge the shutter, is released, the operating member 8 is moved to the position shown under the forces of the spring 14. The spring 14 may be eliminated, and still the operating member 9 will return under due to the bias applied to the charging member 2. Subsequently, or after a single motion of the operating member 9, a shutter button 15 may be depressed to effect a multi-exposure, in the usual manner as in a normal photographing operation.