Lens device

Abstract

This invention relates to a lens device, comprising: an operating ring including a first tooth and a second tooth; a first unit including a light-emitting portion emitting light toward the first tooth and a light-receiving portion receiving light passing through a slit in the first tooth; and a second unit including a light-emitting portion emitting light toward the second tooth and a light-receiving portion receiving light passing through a slit in the second tooth. Rotation of the operating ring is detected based on the detection results of the first and second units. The operating ring has a groove formed in its circumferential direction at a first period and formed between the first and second teeth in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the operating ring. The device further includes a sliding member biased in the radial direction of the operating ring and sliding on the groove as the operating ring rotates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lens device including an operating ring. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, lens devices are known to include a locking mechanism that provides a click-locking feel at a predetermined angle when the operating ring is rotated. In cases where the operating ring of the lens device is an aperture ring for operating the aperture, the operator can quickly operate the aperture to obtain the desired aperture value because the predetermined number of aperture segments can be felt via the operating ring using the locking mechanism.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-173227 discusses a locking mechanism for a lens device, wherein a plurality of locking slots are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in the inner circumferential surface of an aperture ring, and locking balls pressed by leaf springs are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of a retaining ring. The lens device discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-173227 allows an operator to set a specified aperture value at each locked position by operating the aperture ring during image capture.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 5166597 discusses an aperture device comprising a coupling body elastically supported by one of a fixed cylinder or an aperture ring, and a coupling surface located on the other of the fixed cylinder or aperture ring. The coupling surface has a plurality of coupling portions, and when the aperture ring is rotated, the coupling body can engage with the coupling portions at positions corresponding to each aperture value.

[0005] In order to construct an operating ring capable of circular rotation using the engaging mechanism discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-173227 or Japanese Patent No. 5166597, multiple engaging slots are provided throughout the entire circumferential region. Furthermore, rotation throughout the entire circumferential region is detected at positions in the direction of the rotation axis that differ from the positions where the engaging slots are provided.

[0006] Rotational detection equipment using tooth patterns and light interruptors is known.

[0007] The rotation detection device uses two light interruptors to detect the amount and direction of rotation of the operating ring. These two light interruptors are arranged at predetermined distances in the circumferential direction relative to a toothed pattern that includes light-blocking portions and slits periodically arranged on the inner circumference of the operating ring. Additionally, to synchronize the engagement mechanism with the rotation detection signal of the rotation detection device for the operating ring, the rotation detection device includes a synchronization toothed pattern with slits arranged in the circumferential direction at the same period as the engagement groove. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the apparatus includes: an operating ring comprising a first tooth and a second tooth, wherein a light-shielding portion and a slit are arranged at the first tooth with a first period, and the light-shielding portion and the slit are arranged at the second tooth with a second period different from the first period; a first detection unit comprising a light-emitting portion configured to emit light toward the first tooth and a light-receiving portion configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the first detection unit and having passed through the slit of the first tooth; and a second detection unit comprising a light-emitting portion configured to emit light toward the second tooth and a light-receiving portion configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the second detection unit and having passed through the slit of the second tooth. Rotation of the operating ring is detected based on the detection results of the first and second detection units. The operating ring has a groove formed at a first period in the circumferential direction of the operating ring, and the groove is formed between the first and second teeth in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the operating ring. The apparatus further includes a sliding member configured to be biased along the radial direction of the operating ring and to slide on the groove as the operating ring rotates.

[0009] Further features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating the construction of a lens device and camera body according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a lens device in wide-angle and telephoto modes according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the construction of an operating ring according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 This is another cross-sectional view illustrating the construction of the operating ring according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of an operating ring according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a front view of the flexible substrate and flexible retaining member as viewed from the object side according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a view of the tooth pattern of the operating ring as seen from the object side, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8This is a view of the tooth pattern of the operating ring as seen from the camera side, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a view of the engagement groove in the operating ring as seen from the camera side, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the construction of an operating ring according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0021] <Construction of Lens Equipment>

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging device 1000 in which a lens device 1 (lens barrel) is attached to a camera 2 (camera body). The lens device 1 includes a means having an operating ring 9 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The camera 2 (camera body) includes an image sensor 3 such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and is configured to capture images formed by the lens device 1. The lens device 1 includes a mounting portion 4 and is detachably attached to the camera 2, which includes the mounting portion (not shown).

[0023] The imaging device 1000 according to this exemplary embodiment is not limited to an imaging system, but includes, for example, an interchangeable lens camera and an integrated lens camera. Examples of camera 2 include imaging devices such as digital still cameras and video cameras.

[0024] Lens device 1 includes lenses or optical elements arranged sequentially from the object (-X direction) side. Lens device 1 includes a camera optical system comprising a first lens unit 100, a second lens unit 200, a third lens unit 300, a fourth lens unit 400, a fifth lens unit 500, and a sixth lens unit 600 arranged sequentially from the object side. The camera optical system forms an image of the object on the image sensor 3 of the camera 2 by focusing light from the object (not shown). Rotating the manual zoom ring 5 changes the positional relationship between the individual lens units along the optical axis, thereby changing the focal length of lens device 1.

[0025] The first lens unit 100 includes a first lens cam follower (not shown). When the manual zoom ring 5 is rotated, the cam cylinder 7, which has a cam groove inclined relative to the optical axis, rotates to cause the first lens unit 100 to move linearly along the optical axis. The first lens cam follower engages with the cam groove in the cam cylinder 7 and the linear groove parallel to the optical axis in the guide cylinder 6. The rotation of the cam cylinder 7 changes the position of the first lens cam follower in the optical axis direction. The guide cylinder 6 is configured not to move relative to the mounting portion 4 in the optical axis direction and is arranged in the hole of the cam cylinder 7.

[0026] The second lens unit 200 is an optical image stabilization unit. The second lens unit 200 is configured such that the main central processing unit (CPU) 8 (control unit) moves the optical elements in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis based on jitter information about the lens device 1 obtained by a gyroscope sensor (not shown).

[0027] The fifth lens unit 500 is a focusing unit and moves along the optical axis via an actuator (not shown) described below. The actuator (not shown) is driven by the main CPU 8.

[0028] The structure of the operation ring 9 will now be described in detail. The operation ring 9 is capable of rotating around the optical axis while remaining in a fixed position. The operation ring 9 includes a rotation detection unit inside, and the main CPU 8 controls the drive of a predetermined mechanism in the lens device 1 based on the amount and direction of rotation of the operation ring 9. The main CPU 8 performs the above control by communicating with the main CPU (not shown) arranged in the camera 2.

[0029] Figure 2 The upper part is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the lens unit in the wide-angle state (wide-angle side) of the lens device 1. Figure 2 The lower part is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the lens unit in the telephoto state (telephoto side) of the lens device 1. The movement of the lens unit will be described next.

[0030] As described above, when the manual zoom ring 5 is rotated to rotate the cam cylinder 7, the first lens unit 100 moves linearly along the optical axis.

[0031] The second lens unit 200 is fixed to the object-side end of the guide tube 6 by a second lens cam follower (not shown). The second lens unit 200 is thus configured to remain unchanged in the optical axis direction whether in wide-angle or telephoto mode.

[0032] The movement of the third lens unit 300, the fourth lens unit 400, the fifth lens unit 500, and the sixth lens unit 600 will be described. The third lens unit 300 moves differently from the sixth lens unit 600 during zoom operations. The fourth lens unit 400 is fixed to the sixth lens unit 600 and moves in the same manner as the sixth lens unit 600 along the optical axis. The fifth lens unit 500 is driven relative to the sixth lens unit 600 along the optical axis by an actuator (not shown) arranged on the sixth lens unit 600. The third lens unit 300, the fourth lens unit 400, the fifth lens unit 500, and the sixth lens unit 600 are arranged inside the guide tube 6.

[0033] <Structure of the device>

[0034] Next, the construction of the device included in the lens device 1 will be described. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operating ring 9. Figure 4 This is another cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operating ring 9. Figure 4 It shows the relationship with Figure 3 Cross-sections at different phases. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of the operating ring 9.

[0035] The operating ring 9 is clamped between the front frame 10 and the fixed cylinder 11 in the optical axis direction, its movement in the optical axis direction is restricted, and it is radially assembled to the front frame 10. The operating ring 9 includes a first tooth 9a and a second tooth 9b in the shape of a flange on its inner circumference. The first tooth 9a and the second tooth 9b have slits periodically opened in the circumferential direction at their respective different periods. The operating ring 9 is a component formed by injection molding with resin. Although the operating ring 9 is described as including the first tooth 9a and the second tooth 9b integrally formed, the first tooth 9a, the second tooth 9b, and the click groove 9c can be formed as separate components.

[0036] The device included in the lens assembly 1 includes a light-blocking device 12a (first detection unit) for detecting periodic slits in the first toothed portion 9a. The light-blocking device 12a includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. The direction from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion (the axis connecting the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion) is parallel to the rotation axis of the operating ring 9 (the optical axis of the lens unit 1). Slits and light-blocking portions in the first toothed portion 9a, which have slits opening at a first period, alternately pass between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the light-blocking device 12a. The light-blocking device 12a is fixed to a fixing member, and the light-emitting portion emits light towards the first toothed portion 9a along the rotation axis of the operating ring 9. The light-receiving portion receives the light that has passed through the slits arranged in the first toothed portion 9a.

[0037] The device included in the lens apparatus 1 also includes a light-blocking device 12b and a light-blocking device 12c (second detection unit) for detecting the periodic slits in the second toothed portion 9b. Each of the light-blocking devices 12b and 12c includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. The direction from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion (the axis connecting the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion) is parallel to the optical axis of the lens apparatus 1. The slits and light-blocking portions in the second toothed portion 9b, which have slits at a second period, alternately pass between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the light-blocking device 12b (light-blocking device 12c). The light-blocking devices 12b and 12c are fixed to a fixing member, and the light-emitting portion emits light towards the second toothed portion 9b along the optical axis of the operating ring 9. The light-receiving portion receives the light that has passed through the slits arranged in the second toothed portion 9b. The light-blocking devices 12b and 12c are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the operating ring 9, thereby generating signals for detecting the amount and direction of rotation of the operating ring 9.

[0038] Optical interruptors 12a, 12b, and 12c are mounted on the flexible substrate 13. The flexible substrate 13, electrically connected to the optical interruptors 12a, 12b, and 12c, is connected to the main CPU 8. A flexible retaining member 14 is fixed from the inside of the front frame 10 and the fixing cylinder 11, thereby fixing the position of the flexible substrate 13 in the height direction (radial direction). The main CPU 8 can determine the rotation of the operating ring 9 based on the detection results of optical interruptors 12a (first detection unit) and optical interruptors 12b and 12c (second detection units). The main CPU 8 can also use one type of detection unit to determine the amount of rotation of the operating ring 9 and another type to detect the amount of rotation of the operating ring 9 in order to synchronize with the engagement mechanism described below.

[0039] The flexible retaining member 14 uses a retaining part 14a (retaining part) to hold the retaining pin 15 (sliding member) and the compression coil spring 16. The retaining pin 15 is made of metal and has a conical surface that protrudes radially from the center of the optical axis of the lens device 1. Therefore, the retaining part 14a (retaining part) that holds the retaining mechanism (retaining pin 15 and compression coil spring 16) in an elastically deformable manner is arranged on the fixing member. The engaging groove 9c is periodically provided in the inner circumference of the operating ring 9 in the circumferential direction at a position between the first tooth 9a and the second tooth 9b in the optical axis direction (along the direction of rotation axis of the operating ring 9). The engaging groove 9c is a recess formed in the circumferential direction of the operating ring 9 in a first period. The inclined surface of each engaging groove 9c engages with the conical surface of the retaining pin 15 when the operating ring 9 rotates about the optical axis to periodically provide a clicking engagement feel.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a front view of the flexible substrate 13 and the flexible retaining member 14, viewed from the object side. Figure 4As shown, the light interruptor 12c for detecting the rotation of the second tooth 9b disposed on the inner circumference of the operating ring 9 partially overlaps with the locking pin retaining portion 14a disposed on the flexible retaining member 14 serving as a fixing member in the optical axis direction. Similarly, the light interruptor 12b for detecting the rotation of the second tooth 9b partially overlaps with the locking pin retaining portion 14a disposed on the flexible retaining member 14 serving as a fixing member in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the light interruptor 12a for detecting the rotation of the first tooth 9a partially overlaps with the locking pin retaining portion 14a disposed on the flexible retaining member 14 serving as a fixing member in the optical axis direction.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the optical interruptors 12b and 12c are arranged with different phases in the circumferential direction compared to the locking pin retainer 14a. Therefore, as long as the movement of the second tooth 9b is not affected, the optical interruptors 12b and 12c and the locking pin retainer 14a can be arranged to overlap in the optical axis direction. Similarly, the optical interruptors 12a and the locking pin retainer 14a are arranged with different phases in the circumferential direction. Therefore, as long as the movement of the first tooth 9a is not affected, the optical interruptors 12a and the locking pin retainer 14a can be arranged to overlap in the optical axis direction.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a front view of the operating ring 9 as viewed from the object side, and specifically a detailed view of the first tooth 9a as viewed from the object side. Figure 8 This is a rear view of the operating ring 9 as seen from the camera side, specifically a detailed view of the second tooth 9b as seen from the camera side. Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the operating ring 9 taken at the position of the locking groove 9c, and it is a cross-sectional view viewed from the camera side.

[0043] The first cycle of the slit (or light-shielding part) arranged in the first toothed portion 9a is the same as the cycle of the engaging groove 9c. On the other hand, the first cycle of the slit (or light-shielding part) arranged in the first toothed portion 9a and the second cycle of the slit (or light-shielding part) arranged in the second toothed portion 9b are different from each other.

[0044] As described above, the engaging groove 9c, which engages with the engaging pin 15 protruding radially from the center of the optical axis, is arranged in the inner circumference of the operating ring 9 between the first tooth 9a and the second tooth 9b in the optical axis direction. The operating ring 9 is a mechanism capable of rotating in a ring at a fixed position. The size of the operating ring 9, which integrally includes the first tooth 9a, the second tooth 9b, and the engaging groove 9c, can be reduced in the radial direction. Therefore, the size of the lens device 1 including the operating ring 9 can be reduced.

[0045] Optical devices such as cameras and interchangeable-lens cameras have the function of detecting the rotation of an operating ring and performing various operations. Some such operating rings are capable of circular rotation (rotating around the entire circumference without end), and this exemplary embodiment provides a means for detecting the rotation of such an operating ring. It is known that even for such circularly rotatable operating rings, optical devices include an engagement mechanism to provide a click-locking sensation at a predetermined rotation angle.

[0046] At least one of the plurality of light interruptors 12a, 12b, and 12c included in the device and the locking pin retaining portion 14a can be arranged to overlap each other in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the size of the space used in the optical axis direction by the locking mechanism and the light interruptor, which serves as a detection unit for detecting the rotation of the operating ring 9, can be reduced. As a result, the size of the lens device 1 including the device according to this exemplary embodiment can be reduced.

[0047] <Other configurations>

[0048] In this exemplary embodiment, it is described that the locking pin 15 and the compression coil spring 16 are held by a locking pin retaining portion 14a formed on the flexible retaining member 14. However, it will be understood that the above description also applies to cases where the locking pin 15 and the compression coil spring 16 are held by other fixing members. The fixing member is capable of being fixed against rotational operation of the operating ring 9, and is not limited to the flexible retaining member 14 or the locking pin retaining portion 14a formed thereon.

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, the locking pin 15 is described as being made of metal and having a conical surface. However, this is not limiting. For example, a ball bearing or a hemispherical pull portion of a leaf spring could be used. In this exemplary embodiment, the compression coil spring 16 is described as an example of an elastic member. However, this is not limiting. For example, a leaf spring could slide as an elastic member.

[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, an example has been described where the locking pin 15 and the locking pin retaining portion 14a are shaped to protrude radially inward from the first tooth 9a or the second tooth 9b. Alternatively, a leaf spring can be used in a thin construction. Furthermore, alternatively, the locking pin 15 and the locking pin retaining portion 14a can be arranged radially at the same height as the light interrupters 12a, 12b, and 12c. For a more stable operating feel, a biasing unit (not shown) for biasing the operating ring 9 along the optical axis can be arranged between the end face of the operating ring 9 in the optical axis direction and the front frame 10 or the retaining cylinder 11.

[0051] <Structure of the device>

[0052] Next, we will refer to Figure 10The construction of the apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment is described. Similarities to the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the first exemplary embodiment will be primarily described. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operating ring 9 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0053] like Figure 10 As shown, the optical interruptor 12a, used to detect the rotation of the first tooth 9a disposed on the inner circumference of the operating ring 9, and the optical interruptor 12b, used to detect the rotation of the second tooth 9b, partially overlap each other in the optical axis direction. Similarly, the optical interruptor 12a and the optical interruptor 12c (not shown), used to detect the rotation of the second tooth 9b, also partially overlap each other in the optical axis direction.

[0054] Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, a locking groove 9c is periodically provided in the inner circumference of the operating ring 9 at a position between the first tooth 9a and the second tooth 9b in the optical axis direction. The locking pin retaining portion 14a is arranged in the circumferential direction with a different phase from the light interruptors 12a, 12b, and 12c, and is positioned where the movement of the first tooth 9a and the second tooth 9b is not affected. Similarly, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the light interruptor 12c is also arranged in the circumferential direction with a different phase from the light interruptor 12b.

[0055] In this exemplary embodiment, since the plurality of light interruptors 12a, 12b, and 12c and the locking pin retaining portion 14a are arranged with different phases relative to each other in the circumferential direction, the distance between the first tooth portion 9a and the second tooth portion 9b in the optical axis direction can be reduced. Therefore, compared to the first exemplary embodiment, the space for the rotation detection and locking mechanism in the optical axis direction can be reduced in this exemplary embodiment. Consequently, the size of the lens device 1 can be further reduced.

[0056] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the device including the operating ring provided with the engagement mechanism can be reduced, and the size of the lens device can also be reduced. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0057] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A lens device, comprising: An operating ring includes a first tooth and a second tooth. In the first tooth, the light-shielding part and the slit are arranged in a first cycle, and in the second tooth, the light-shielding part and the slit are arranged in a second cycle different from the first cycle. The first detection unit includes a light-emitting part configured to emit light toward the first tooth and a light-receiving part configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting part of the first detection unit and having passed through the slit of the first tooth. and The second detection unit includes a light-emitting part configured to emit light toward the second tooth, and a light-receiving part configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting part of the second detection unit that has passed through the slit of the second tooth. The rotation of the operating ring is detected based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit. The operating ring has a groove formed in the circumferential direction of the operating ring at a first period, and the groove is formed between a first tooth and a second tooth in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the operating ring. The lens assembly further includes a sliding member configured to be biased in the radial direction of the operating ring and slide on the groove as the operating ring rotates.

2. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The groove is formed at a position where it at least partially overlaps with the first detection unit and the second detection unit in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

3. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The sliding member is arranged at a position that at least partially overlaps with the first detection unit and the second detection unit in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

4. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the first detection unit is arranged at a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the second detection unit in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

5. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The sliding member, the first detection unit, and the second detection unit are arranged at positions that do not overlap with each other in the circumferential direction.

6. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The rotation amount of the operating ring is detected based on the detection results of the second detection unit.

7. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising optical elements.

8. The lens assembly of claim 7, further comprising a control unit configured to control the optical elements based on the amount of rotation of the operating ring.

9. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an image sensor.

Images