Operation ring, lens device, and method for manufacturing operation ring

Abstract

The invention provides an operation ring, a lens device and a manufacturing method of the operation ring, wherein the rotation position can be detected with high resolution and the cost increase can be inhibited under the condition that rotation operation is carried out. A lens barrel (12) is provided with a zoom ring (23), an optical system, and an electric zoom mechanism that drives a zoom lens group in accordance with the rotation of the zoom ring (23). The zoom ring (23) includes a ring member (41) and a pattern portion (42), the pattern portion (42) includes a first pattern portion having a reflectivity of first light and a second pattern portion having a reflectivity of second light, the reflectivity of the first light is higher than the reflectivity of the second light, and the inner peripheral surface of the ring member (41) includes a first surface portion parallel to the rotation axis of the ring member (41) and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis. Printing is performed on the first surface portion to form a pattern portion (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an operating ring, a lens device and a manufacturing method of the operating ring. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a lens device that includes an operating ring that is rotated, a light-emitting element that emits light, and a plurality of light-receiving elements, and is provided with a detection pattern portion that has a reflective surface and a non-reflective surface that are alternately arranged in the rotation direction of the operating ring and move with the rotation of the operating ring. The light-emitting element emits light to the detection pattern portion, and the plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged on the same substrate as the issuing element and receive reflected light from the reflective surface.

[0003] The camera device described in Patent Document 2 includes: an optical component; a focus motor for moving the optical component; a lens CPU (Central Processing Unit) for controlling the focus motor; an operating component including a reflection portion constituting a circuit and a low reflection portion having a reflectivity lower than that of the reflection portion; and a light reflector for receiving light reflected by the reflection portion, wherein the lens CPU controls the focus motor based on an output from the light reflector.

[0004] Previous technical literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6973398

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-071541 Summary of the invention

[0008] One embodiment of the technology according to the present invention provides an operation ring, a lens device, and a method for manufacturing an operation ring that can detect a rotational position with high resolution when a rotational operation is performed while suppressing an increase in cost.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] An operation ring according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ring member and a pattern portion, wherein the pattern portion includes a first pattern portion having a reflectivity of a first light and a second pattern portion having a reflectivity of a second light, wherein the reflectivity of the first light is higher than the reflectivity of the second light, and wherein the inner circumference of the ring member includes a first face portion parallel to the rotation axis of the ring member and a second face portion inclined relative to the rotation axis, and the pattern portion is formed by printing on the first face portion. The ring member includes a resin member. The pattern portion serves as an indicator of the rotation operation of the ring member.

[0011] Preferably, the first surface portion is formed with a first pattern portion to which paint is applied. Preferably, the paint contains a metal material, and a mixing ratio of the metal material in the paint is 25% or more and 45% or less.

[0012] Preferably, the second surface portion includes a first end second surface portion located at one end side and a second end second surface portion located at the other end side in the axial direction of the rotation axis, and the first surface portion is located between the first end second surface portion and the second end second surface portion in the axial direction.

[0013] It is preferable that a first inclination angle at which the second surface portion on the one end side is inclined with respect to the axial direction is larger than a second inclination angle at which the second surface portion on the other end side is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

[0014] The ring member preferably has a step portion located radially outward or inward of the first face portion. When the step portion is located radially inward of the first face portion, the second face portion on one end and the second face portion on the other end are preferably located radially outward of the step portion.

[0015] Preferably, when the step portion is located radially outward from the first surface portion, an innermost diameter portion having the smallest inner diameter of the ring member is located radially inward from the first surface portion, and the second surface portion on the other end side is arranged at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion.

[0016] Preferably, the ring member has a step portion located radially inward of the second surface portion, the step portion has a first surface portion, and the first pattern portion is printed on the first surface portion.

[0017] The material of the operating ring is preferably a carbon fiber composite material. The first pattern portion and the second pattern portion are preferably arranged alternately relative to the circumference of the operating ring. The first pattern portion and the second pattern portion are preferably arranged with the same width. The thickness is preferably greater than 0.2 mm and less than 0.3 mm.

[0018] A lens device according to one aspect of the technology of the present invention includes the above-described operation ring, an optical system, and an electric zoom mechanism that drives a zoom lens group that is a part of the optical system according to the rotation of the operation ring.

[0019] Preferably, the optical system comprises at least a zoom lens group, a first lens group, a filter and an aperture, the maximum outer diameter portion of the filter is larger than the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group and is located closer to the subject than the first lens group, the zoom lens group is located between the first lens group and the aperture and is located closer to the subject than the aperture, and the pattern portion is located between the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group and the maximum outer diameter portion of the filter.

[0020] A method for manufacturing an operating ring according to one aspect of the technology of the present invention includes: a process of forming a ring component, the ring component includes a resin component, and has a first surface portion parallel to the rotation axis of the ring component and a second surface portion inclined relative to the rotation axis on the inner circumference; and a process of printing on the first surface portion to form a pattern portion, the pattern portion having a first pattern portion with a reflectivity of a first light and a second pattern portion with a reflectivity of a second light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view of a digital camera.

[0022] Figure 2 is a side view of a digital camera.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the lens barrel.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the electric zoom mechanism.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the lens barrel cut along the circumference.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram showing an example of a sensor that detects the rotational position and rotational direction of the operating ring.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the operating ring and the sensor.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the ring component cut along the rotation axis direction.

[0029] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view in which a part of the ring member is enlarged.

[0030] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining the arrangement of a pattern formed on the operation ring.

[0031] Fig.11 This is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a digital camera.

[0032] Fig.12 is a flow chart showing the process of manufacturing the operating ring.

[0033] Fig.13 This is a perspective view of the ring member before the pattern portion is printed.

[0034] Fig.14 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of a pad and a pad plate.

[0035] Fig.15It is an explanatory diagram showing the process of transferring a pattern from a pad plate to a pad.

[0036] Fig.16 This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the pad is separated from the pad plate and the paint is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the pad.

[0037] Fig.17 This is an explanatory diagram showing a process of printing a pattern portion by pressing a pad against the inner peripheral surface of a ring member.

[0038] Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the pad is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the ring member.

[0039] Fig.19 It is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the operating ring in the second embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the operating ring in the third embodiment.

[0041] Fig.21 It is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the operating ring in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] [First embodiment]

[0043] [Structure of a digital camera]

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the digital camera 10 includes a camera body 11 and an interchangeable lens barrel 12. A lens mount 13, a release switch 14, a power switch (not shown), etc. are provided on the front surface of the camera body 11. The lens mount 13 has a circular camera opening 13A. The lens barrel 12 is detachably mounted on the lens mount 13. The lens barrel 12 is an example of the lens device involved in the present invention.

[0045] The camera body 11 has an imaging element 16 built in. The imaging element 16 is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, or an organic thin film imaging element. The lens mount 13 is provided with a body-side signal contact 17 (see FIG. 1 ) on the inner side of the imaging opening 13A for electrically connecting to the lens barrel 12 for communication. Fig.13 ). In addition, the camera body 11 has a handle portion 11A.

[0046] [Structure of the lens unit]

[0047] like Figure 2As shown, the lens barrel 12 includes a lens barrel body 21, an imaging optical system 22, a zoom ring 23, a focus ring 24, and an electric zoom mechanism 25 (see Figure 3 ) and focusing mechanism 26 (reference Figure 3 ). The zoom ring 23 is equivalent to the operation ring in the claims.

[0048] The lens barrel body 21 is cylindrical in shape, and holds an imaging optical system 22, a zoom ring 23, a focus ring 24, an electric zoom mechanism 25, and a focus mechanism 26 inside, and a lens mount 27 is provided at the rear end (refer to FIG. Figure 3 and Fig.13 ) and lens side signal contact 28 (reference Fig.13 ). When the lens barrel 12 is mounted on the camera body 11 , the imaging optical system 22 forms an image of subject light on the imaging element 16 .

[0049] The imaging optical system 22 includes a filter 22A, a first lens group 22B, a second lens group 22C, an aperture 22D, a third lens group 22E, a fourth lens group 22F and a fifth lens group 22G which are arranged in sequence along the optical axis OA from the subject side toward the imaging element side.

[0050] Among the first lens group 22B, the second lens group 22C, the third lens group 22E, the fourth lens group 22F, and the fifth lens group, the first lens group 22B has the largest outer diameter. The optical filter 22A is a filter such as a polarizing filter or a light quantity adjustment filter. The maximum outer diameter of the optical filter 22A is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first lens group 22B. The optical filter 22A and the first lens group 22B are fixed to the front end of the lens barrel body 21.

[0051] The second lens group 22C is equivalent to the zoom lens in the claims. In the lens barrel 12, the second lens group 22C is moved along the optical axis OA to perform magnification change. The second lens group 22C is moved by the electric zoom mechanism 25. The electric zoom mechanism 25 drives the second lens group 22C according to the rotation of the zoom ring 23. The second lens group 22C is in the position on the wide-angle side ( Figure 3 The lens moves between the position indicated by the solid line on the left and the position on the telephoto side (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line).

[0052] The aperture 22D is a fixed aperture with a fixed open aperture value, and an aperture opening 22H is formed in the center of the thin plate member. The aperture 22D is fixed inside the lens barrel body 21. In addition, the aperture 22D is not limited to this, and can also be a variable aperture composed of an aperture mechanism that makes the open aperture value variable. The third lens group 22E is a relay lens group fixed inside the lens barrel body 21.

[0053] The fourth lens group 22F is a focusing lens. In the lens barrel 12, the focus is adjusted by moving the fourth lens group 22F in the direction of the optical axis OA. The fourth lens group 22F is moved by the focusing mechanism 26. The focusing mechanism 26 drives the fourth lens group 22F according to the rotation of the focusing ring 24. The fifth lens group 22G is a relay lens group fixed to the rear end of the lens barrel body 21. The fifth lens group 22G forms a real image transmitted by the filter 22A, the first lens group 22B, the second lens group 22C, the aperture 22D, the third lens group 22E and the fourth lens group 22F on the imaging element.

[0054] The electric zoom mechanism 25 is arranged inside the lens barrel 12. The electric zoom mechanism 25 drives the second lens group 22C, which is a part of the imaging optical system 22. The electric zoom mechanism 25 is mounted on the lens barrel main body 21 via the mounting member 29 or the like. As described above, the second lens group 22C is located between the first lens group 22B and the aperture 22D, and is located closer to the subject side than the aperture 22D. That is, the second lens group 22C can move between the first lens group 22B and the aperture 22D.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the second lens group 22C is held by a lens holding frame 31. The lens holding frame 31 is connected to a zoom slide 35 described later. The electric zoom mechanism 25 includes two guide shafts 32 and a lead screw 33, a motor 34, and a zoom slide 35. The lens control unit 51 controls the power supply to the motor 34 via a motor driver 52. In addition, as described later, the lens control unit 51 controls various parts of the lens barrel 12.

[0056] The guide shaft 32 is a cylindrical shaft made of metal or resin. The front end and the base end of the guide shaft 32 are attached to the lens barrel body 21 directly or via the attachment member 29. The lens holding frame 31 is attached to the guide shaft 32 so as to be movable along the optical axis OA direction.

[0057] The lead screw 33 is a substantially cylindrical shaft formed of metal or resin and having a screw 33A on the outer periphery. The lead screw 33 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 34 and rotated in two directions by the motor 34. The motor 34 is, for example, a stepping motor.

[0058] The zoom slide 35 is connected to the lens holding frame 31, and moves along the guide shaft 32, that is, the optical axis OA direction together with the second lens group 22C and the lens holding frame 31. The zoom slide 35 has a rack gear 35A formed on the surface facing the lead screw 33. The zoom slide 35 applies force to the screw 33A of the lead screw 33 through a spring member (not shown). The rack gear 35A meshes with the screw 33A. As a result, the rotation of the lead screw 33 is converted into a linear motion through the screw 33A and the rack gear 35A, and the second lens group 22C moves along the optical axis OA direction together with the lens holding frame 31.

[0059] The lens control unit 51 uses the sensor 36 (reference Figure 5 to Figure 7 and Fig.13 ) detects the rotational position of the zoom ring 23, and moves the second lens group 22C based on the information of the rotational direction and the rotational position. The sensor 36 is a sensor capable of high-resolution detection, and a photo reflector is used, for example.

[0060] The focusing mechanism 26 is composed of a voice coil motor (hereinafter referred to as VCM) and has a magnetic circuit and a coil (not shown). The fourth lens group 22F is held by a lens holding frame 37. The magnetic circuit and the coil are connected to the lens holding frame 37. In the focusing mechanism 26, the lens holding frame 37 and the fourth lens group 22F are driven by the magnetic force generated by energizing the coil.

[0061] The lens control unit 51 uses the sensor 38 (reference Fig.13 ) detects the rotation position of the focus ring 24, and moves the fourth lens group 22F according to the information of the rotation direction and the rotation amount. In addition, the structure of the focus mechanism 26 is not limited to this, and it can also be equipped with a lead screw and a motor, etc., similar to the electric zoom mechanism 25, and the rotation of the lead screw is converted into a linear motion to move the fourth lens group 22F along the optical axis OA.

[0062] [Sensor structure]

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the sensor 36 is mounted on the opening 21A formed on the lens barrel body 21. The sensor 36 is arranged at a position opposite to the inner circumference of the zoom ring 23. A pattern portion 42 described later is formed on the inner circumference of the zoom ring 23, and the rotation direction and rotation position of the zoom ring 23 can be detected by obtaining a signal based on the pattern portion 42 from the sensor 36.

[0064] Figure 6 An example of a circuit constituting the sensor 36 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the example shown, the sensor 36 includes an LED (light-emitting diode) 36A and three light receiving ICs (Integrated Circuits) 36B, 36C, and 36D on a substrate. The sensor 36 is arranged so that the phase difference of the output signals of the light receiving ICs 36B, 36C, and 36D is 90 degrees each.

[0065] The sensor 36 of the above structure can output digital two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 whose phase P deviates by 90° by emitting and receiving light on the pattern portion having the first pattern portion having the reflectivity of the first light and the second pattern portion having the reflectivity of the second light. The rotation direction and the rotation position can be detected by these two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2. Moreover, by detecting the rise / fall of the two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 of the sensor 36, a resolution of 1 / 4 of the pattern period can be obtained. In addition, the reflectivity of the first light is higher than the reflectivity of the second light.

[0066] [Structure of the operating ring]

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the zoom ring 23 includes a ring member 41 and a pattern portion 42. The pattern portion 42 is formed on an inner peripheral surface 41A of the ring member 41 and serves as an indicator of the rotation operation of the ring member 41. The ring member 41 includes a resin member, for example, a carbon fiber composite material or a polycarbonate reinforced resin. The ring member 41 is formed in an annular shape, and knurling is formed on an outer peripheral surface 41B.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner circumferential surface 41A of the ring member 41 includes a first surface 43, a second surface 44A, a second surface 44B, and a flange 45. The first surface 43 is parallel to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 41. In addition, when the ring member 41 is assembled by being externally fitted to the lens barrel body 21, the rotation axis CL is consistent with the optical axis OA of the imaging optical system 22. In addition, the parallelism described in this specification may include an error to the extent that there is no problem in design or manufacturing.

[0069] The second surface 44A and the second surface 44B are inclined relative to the rotation axis CL. The second surface 44A is located at one end side relative to the rotation axis CL direction, and the second surface 44B is located at the other end side. The second surface 44A is equivalent to the second surface at one end side in the claims, and the second surface 44B is equivalent to the second surface at the other end side in the claims. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the ring member 41 is assembled to the lens barrel body 21, the one end side represents the subject side, and the other end side represents the imaging element side.

[0070] The first surface 43 is located between the second surface 44A and the second surface 44B with respect to the rotation axis CL. The first inclination angle α1 of the second surface 44A with respect to the rotation axis CL is greater than the second inclination angle α2 of the second surface 44B with respect to the rotation axis CL. Thus, when pad printing is performed as described later, the pad can be easily inserted into the inside of the ring member 41.

[0071] The ring member 41 is printed on the first surface 43 to form the pattern portion 42. Specifically, the pattern portion 42 includes a first pattern portion 42A and a second pattern portion 42B. The first pattern portion 42A is formed by applying a coating. The coating for forming the first pattern portion 42A includes a metal material, and the mixing ratio of the metal material in the coating is 25% or more and 45% or less. The coating for forming the first pattern portion 42A is, for example, a coating obtained by diluting aluminum paste as a metal material with an organic solvent. The aluminum paste is a metal pigment containing aluminum particles.

[0072] As described above, the mixing ratio of the metal material in the coating is set to be greater than 25% and less than 45% because, when the mixing ratio of the metal material is less than 25%, the proportion of the metal material becomes smaller and the light reflectivity is insufficient. On the other hand, when the mixing ratio of the metal material exceeds 40%, the proportion of the organic solvent becomes smaller and the bonding strength to the ring component 41 is reduced.

[0073] As described above, the first pattern portion 42A is printed with a coating material including a metal material, and therefore has a reflectivity of the first light. The second pattern portion 42B is a portion on which the ring member 41 is not printed, and as described above, the ring member 41 includes a resin member. Therefore, the second pattern portion 42B has a reflectivity of the second light that is different from the reflectivity of the first light. The metal material is more glossy than the resin material, and therefore the reflectivity of the first light is higher than the reflectivity of the second light. That is, the pattern portion 42 is alternately configured with the first pattern portion 42A having a reflectivity of the first light and the second pattern portion 42B having a reflectivity of the second light. As described above, by combining the pattern portion 42 with the sensor 36, the rotation direction and rotation amount of the zoom ring 23 can be detected.

[0074] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, the pattern portion 42 is arranged with the first pattern portion 42A and the second pattern portion 42B at equal intervals relative to the circumferential direction R of the zoom ring 23. That is, the width T1 of the first pattern portion 42A and the width T2 of the second pattern portion 42B in the circumferential direction R are the same size. In addition, it is preferable to set the widths T1 and T2 to an interval of 0.2 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less. In this way, by forming the fine pattern portion 42, the rotation position of the zoom ring 23 can be detected with high resolution.

[0075] In the conventional operating ring, a draft gradient is provided on the inner circumferential surface, so a pattern for detection by a sensor is formed on the surface inclined relative to the rotation axis. When a pattern is formed on the surface inclined relative to the rotation axis, the inner diameter of the operating ring is different at different positions relative to the central axis direction, so the pattern cannot be formed on such a surface with good accuracy.

[0076] In contrast, the zoom ring 23 of the present embodiment has a first surface portion 43 parallel to the rotation axis CL and second surfaces 44A and 44B inclined relative to the rotation axis CL, and the pattern portion 42 is formed by printing on the first surface portion 43, so that the pattern portion 42 can be formed with high precision while ensuring a draft gradient for release from the mold. The manufacturing method of the printed pattern portion 42 will be described later.

[0077] The flange portion 45 is located at a position further inside the radial direction V of the ring member 41 than the first surface portion 43. Furthermore, the second surface portions 44A and 44B are located at a position further outside the radial direction V than the flange portion 45. In addition, the radial direction V referred to herein refers to the radial direction of the ring member 41, and when the zoom ring 23 is assembled to the lens barrel body 21, it is a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis CL and the optical axis OA, and the same applies hereinafter. Furthermore, the flange portion 45 is equivalent to the step portion in the claims.

[0078] like Fig.10 As shown, the pattern portion 42 is located between the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group 22B and the maximum outer diameter portion of the filter 22A. Symbol S is the space between the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group 22B and the maximum outer diameter portion of the filter 22A, and the pattern portion 42 is arranged in the space S. As described above, the second lens group 22C and the electric zoom mechanism 25 for driving the second lens group 22C are arranged on the base end side (imaging element side) of the first lens group 22B, and there is little space for arranging components. Therefore, the pattern portion 42 is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the second lens group 22C and the electric zoom mechanism 25, etc., to improve the efficiency of component arrangement. The maximum outer diameter portion of the filter 22A is larger than the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group 22B, and is located at a position closer to the subject side than the first lens group 22B. That is, the above-mentioned space S is inside the lens barrel 12, and the component arrangement is relatively loose. By arranging the pattern portion 42 in such a space S, it is possible to improve the efficiency of component arrangement and achieve miniaturization of the lens barrel 12 , particularly miniaturization of the outer diameter.

[0079] [Electrical structure of digital camera]

[0080] like Fig.11 As shown, the lens barrel 12 includes an imaging optical system 22 , a zoom ring 23 , a focus ring 24 , an electric zoom mechanism 25 , a focus mechanism 26 , a sensor 36 , a sensor 38 , a lens control unit 51 , a motor driver 52 , a VCM driver 53 , and the like.

[0081] The lens control unit 51 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs and parameters used in the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working memory of the CPU (none of which are shown in the figure), and controls various parts of the lens barrel 12. The lens control unit 51 is connected to a motor driver 52, a VCM driver 53, and sensors 36 and 38.

[0082] The lens control unit 51 controls the driving of the second lens group 22C based on a control signal from the camera body control unit 61 described later. The lens control unit 51 detects the rotation position of the zoom ring 23 through the sensor 36, and moves the second lens group 22C based on information on the rotation direction and rotation amount.

[0083] As described above, the imaging optical system 22 includes a plurality of lens groups including the second lens group 22C and the fourth lens group 22F. Fig.13 In order to prevent the drawing from being complicated, lens groups other than the second lens group 22C and the fourth lens group 22F are omitted. The second lens group 22C is moved in the direction of the optical axis OA by energizing the motor 34 constituting the electric zoom mechanism 25 from the motor driver 52, and the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 is magnified. The lens control unit 51 sends a control signal for moving the second lens group 22C to the motor driver 52 based on information on the rotation direction and rotation amount of the zoom ring 23. The motor driver 52 energizes the motor 34 based on the control signal.

[0084] The fourth lens group 22F moves in the direction of the optical axis OA by energizing the coil constituting the focus mechanism 26 from the VCM driver 53, and performs focus adjustment of the imaging optical system 22. The lens control unit 51 sends a control signal for moving the fourth lens group 22F to the VCM driver 53 based on information on the rotation direction and rotation amount of the focus ring 24. The VCM driver 53 energizes the coil based on the control signal.

[0085] The camera body control section 61 includes a CPU, a ROM storing programs and parameters used in the CPU, and a RAM used as a work memory of the CPU (none of which is shown in the figure). The camera body control section 61 controls the camera body 11 and each part of the lens barrel 12 connected to the camera body 11. A release signal is input to the camera body control section 61 from the release switch 14. In addition, the camera body control section 61 is connected to the body side signal contact 17.

[0086] When the lens mount 27 of the lens barrel 12 is mounted on the lens mount 13 of the camera body 11 , the lens-side signal contact 28 contacts the body-side signal contact 17 , and the lens barrel 12 and the camera body 11 are electrically connected.

[0087] The shutter unit 62 is a so-called focal plane shutter, and is arranged between the lens mount 13 and the imaging element 16. The shutter unit 62 is set in a manner that can block the optical path between the imaging optical system 22 and the imaging element 16, and changes between an open state and a closed state. The shutter unit 62 is set to an open state when shooting live view images and dynamic images. The shutter unit 62 temporarily changes from an open state to a closed state when shooting still images. The shutter unit 62 is driven by a shutter motor 63. The motor driver 64 controls the drive of the shutter motor 63.

[0088] The imaging element 16 is driven and controlled by the camera body control unit 61. The imaging element 16 has a light receiving surface composed of a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, and performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image formed on the light receiving surface by the imaging optical system 22 to generate an imaging signal.

[0089] In addition, the imaging element 16 includes a signal processing circuit such as a noise elimination circuit, an automatic gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit (none of which is shown in the figure). The noise elimination circuit performs noise elimination processing on the image signal. The automatic gain controller amplifies the level of the image signal to an optimal value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the image signal into a digital signal and outputs it from the imaging element 16 to the bus 66. The output signal of the imaging element 16 is image data (so-called RAW data) having one color signal per pixel.

[0090] The image memory 65 stores one frame of image data output to the bus 66. The image data processing unit 67 reads one frame of image data from the image memory 65 and performs known image processing such as matrix operation, demosaicing, gamma correction, brightness / color difference conversion, and resizing.

[0091] The display driver 68 sequentially inputs the image data of one frame processed by the image data processing unit 67 to the image display unit 69. The image display unit 69 is provided, for example, on the back of the camera body 11, and sequentially displays the real-time preview image at a constant period. The card I / F (Interface) 71 is assembled in a card slot (not shown) provided in the camera body 11, and is electrically connected to the memory card 72 inserted into the card slot. The card I / F 71 stores the image data processed by the image data processing unit 67 in the memory card 72. When the image data stored in the memory card 72 is reproduced and displayed, the card I / F 71 reads the image data from the memory card 72.

[0092] [Manufacturing process of operating ring]

[0093] Below, follow Fig.12 The flowchart shown and Figures 13 to 18The process of manufacturing the zoom ring 23 is described in the following illustration. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, first, a process (S11) of forming the ring member 41 by an injection molding process is performed. As described above, the ring member 41 has a first face portion 43 parallel to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 41. Originally, a surface parallel to the axial direction such as the first face portion 43 is not suitable for being formed by injection molding. This is because, after the injection molding process, when the mold is axially separated from the injection molded product, it becomes a so-called forced demolding state, and the surface parallel to the axial direction becomes a resistance and hinders the movement of the mold. Therefore, in the previous method of manufacturing the operating ring, for example, a slider mold that can move in the radial direction relative to the main mold is used, but in this case, the structure of the mold becomes complicated and the cost increases. Alternatively, if the inner circumferential surface of the ring member is set to a surface that is completely inclined relative to the rotation axis, the increase in the cost of injection molding can be suppressed, but the accuracy of the printed pattern portion 42 is reduced.

[0094] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the ring member 41 has the second face 44A and the second face 44B tilted relative to the rotation axis CL together with the first face 43, so the second face 44A and the second face 44B serve as a draft gradient. That is, after the injection molding process, when the mold is axially separated from the ring member 41, there is resistance between the first face 43 and the mold, and a pulling force is required to move the mold, but since the second face 44A and the second face 44B serve as a draft gradient, the mold can be separated. Thus, when the ring member 41 is formed by the injection molding process, the mold can be moved by the usual pulling force when the mold is separated from the injection molded product. Therefore, a slider mold is not required.

[0095] Before forming the pattern portion 42, the ring member 41 is formed of a resin material by an injection molding process or the like, and no printing is performed on the first surface portion 43. In the present embodiment, pad printing is performed as printing to form the pattern portion 42. Pad printing is also called rubbing printing.

[0096] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , as a process before forming the pattern portion 42, a process (S12) of flowing the paint into the pad plate 82 is performed. A concave portion 82A corresponding to the pattern portion 42 is formed on the pad plate 82, and the concave portion 82A is a concave portion formed on one surface of the pad plate 82 by etching or laser irradiation. The paint overflowing from the concave portion 82A is removed by scraping off the surface of the pad plate 82 with a scraper or the like. That is, only the paint entering the concave portion 82A is transferred to the pad 81.

[0097] As described above, the pattern portion 42 of the zoom ring 23 is printed on the inner peripheral surface 41A of the ring member 41 and the first surface portion 43 parallel to the rotation axis CL, so the pattern 83 (refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 ) The coating material must be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 at a position opposite to the first surface portion 43. The pattern 83 transferred to the pad 81 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the pad 81 and arranged along the axial direction. In order to transfer such a pattern 83, the concave portion 82A is composed of a plurality of grooves arranged in a radial pattern.

[0098] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the step (S13) of transferring the paint that has entered the concave portion 82A to the pad 81 is performed by pressing the pad 81 against the pad plate 82. The pad 81 is made of silicon and is pressed against the pad plate 82 to be flattened. When the pad 81 is flattened, the pad plate 82 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81, and the paint is attached. Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pad 81 is removed from the pad plate 82 , the pad 81 returns to its original state from the squashed state. Thus, the coating material is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 .

[0099] Furthermore, as described above, since the pad 81 is made of silicon, the corner portion 81A has an arc shape (curved surface shape). Thus, the pattern 83 transferred to the pad 81 is transferred at a certain distance from the corner portion 81A.

[0100] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the solder pad 81 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 41, and a process (S14) of printing the pattern portion 42 on the first surface portion 43 is performed. That is, the pattern portion 42 is printed on the first surface portion 43, and the pattern portion 42 includes a first pattern portion 42A having a reflectivity of the first light and a second pattern portion 42B having a reflectivity of the second light. When this process is performed, the axial and radial positions of the ring member 41 are fixed by the clamp 85, and the solder pad 81 is pressed in a state where the central axis of the solder pad 81 is aligned with the rotation axis CL of the ring member 41.

[0101] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first surface 43 is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, so the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is opposite to the first surface 43 and is pressed against the first surface 43 with an even force. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is smoothly inserted along the first surface 43. Thus, the paint attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is finely transferred to the first surface 43, forming the first pattern portion 42A. In addition, the jig 85 is in contact with the flange portion 45 to position the ring member 41 in the axial direction and the radial direction.

[0102] Furthermore, the pattern 83 transferred to the pad 81 is transferred at a certain interval from the corner portion 81A of the pad 81, so if the flange portion 45 is in contact with the first face portion 43, the paint of the pattern 83 cannot reach the first face portion 43. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first face portion 43 is located between the second face portions 44A and the second face portion 44B, and the second face portion 44B is located on the inner side (the other end side) of the first face portion 43. Thus, the pad 81 can be inserted further to the inner side (the other end side) than the first face portion 43 to be printed, so that the paint of the pattern 83 reaches the first face portion 43 and printing can be performed.

[0103] [Lens device movement]

[0104] The operation of the lens barrel 12 of this embodiment will be described. When the lens barrel 12 is attached to the camera body 11 and a power switch (not shown) is operated by a user who is taking a photo, power is supplied to each unit of the digital camera 10 .

[0105] When the power of the digital camera 10 is turned on, the imaging element 16, the camera body control unit 61, the lens control unit 51, etc. are activated. As described above, the sensor 36 detects the rotational position of the zoom ring 23, and the lens control unit 51 moves the second lens group 22C based on the information of the rotational direction and the rotational position.

[0106] As described above, in the zoom ring 23, the pattern portion 42 is printed on the first surface portion 43 which is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, so the paint attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is finely transferred to the first surface portion 43. As a result, the accuracy of printing the pattern portion 42 can be improved, and the pattern portion 42 having fine first pattern portion 42A and second pattern portion 42B can be formed. As a result, when the zoom ring 23 is rotated, the rotation position of the zoom ring 23 can be detected with high resolution by the sensor 36.

[0107] For example, when the width of the first pattern portion 42A and the second pattern portion 42B constituting the pattern portion 42 is 0.25 mm, that is, when the pattern period is 0.5 mm, the sensor 36 emits light and receives light relative to the pattern portion 42 to obtain phase signals Vout1 and Vout2. The rotation direction and rotation position can be detected by these two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2. Moreover, as described above, by detecting the rise / fall of the two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 of the sensor 36, a resolution of 1 / 4 of the pattern period, that is, a change in the rotation position equivalent to 0.125 mm, can be detected.

[0108] Furthermore, since the pattern portion 42 formed on the zoom ring 23 is formed by printing, it is possible to reduce the thickness and outer diameter of the zoom ring 23. Thus, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and miniaturization of the outer diameter of the lens barrel 12.

[0109] Furthermore, by forming the pattern portion 42 by printing, it is not necessary to use a component arrangement pattern different from that of the zoom ring 23 , thereby simplifying the assembly process, reducing the number of components, and reducing costs.

[0110] Furthermore, as described above, the zoom ring 23 has the second surface 44A and the second surface 44B inclined with respect to the rotation axis CL together with the first surface 43 which is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, so that a slider mold is not required. Thus, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost in the manufacturing process of the zoom ring 23. In addition, when a slider mold is used, the printing accuracy of the pattern portion 42 is reduced due to the unevenness caused by the panel line and the error in the curvature radius between the main mold and the slider mold. However, in the present embodiment, since the slider mold is not used, this does not occur.

[0111] [Second embodiment]

[0112] In the first embodiment described above, the flange portion 45 as a step portion is located radially inwardly of the first surface portion 43, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the second embodiment described below, a structure in which the step portion is located radially outwardly of the first surface portion is exemplified.

[0113] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the zoom ring 90 in this embodiment includes a ring member 91 and a pattern portion 42. The zoom ring 90 is equivalent to the operating ring in the claims. In addition, the structure of the lens device such as the imaging optical system 22 and the electric zoom mechanism 25 is the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment except for the zoom ring 90, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the pad 81, the pad plate 82, etc. in the case where the pattern portion 42 is printed on the ring member 91 are also the same.

[0114] The ring member 91 includes a resin member similarly to the ring member 41 of the first embodiment, and the material is also the same. The inner circumferential surface 91A of the ring member 91 includes a first surface portion 43, a second surface portion 44A, a second surface portion 44B, a step portion 92, and an innermost diameter portion 93. The first surface portion 43 and the second surface portions 44A, 44B are similar to the ring member 41 of the first embodiment, that is, the first surface portion 43 is parallel to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 91, and the second surface portions 44A, 44B are inclined relative to the rotation axis CL. Furthermore, the first surface portion 43 is located between the second surface portions 44A and the second surface portions 44B relative to the rotation axis CL direction, and the first inclination angle α1 of the second surface portion 44A inclined relative to the rotation axis CL direction is greater than the second inclination angle α2 of the second surface portion 44B inclined relative to the rotation axis CL direction.

[0115] Similar to the zoom ring 23 of the first embodiment, the pattern portion 42 is formed by printing on the first surface portion 43. The pattern portion 42 includes the first pattern portion 42A and the second pattern portion 42B, and the structure of the first pattern portion 42A and the second pattern portion 42B, the structure of applying the paint to the first pattern portion 42A, etc. are also the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0116] The step portion 92 is located outside the first surface portion 43 in the radial direction V. The ring member 91 has an innermost diameter portion 93 having the smallest inner diameter, located inside the first surface portion 43 in the radial direction V. The second surface portion 44B is disposed at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion 93.

[0117] The manufacturing process of the zoom ring 90 is the same as the manufacturing process of the zoom ring 23 in the first embodiment. In the process of printing the pattern portion 42 on the first face portion 43, pad printing is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the pattern 83 is transferred from the pad 81, a jig is fitted on the step portion 92 to perform alignment. If the step portion 92 is in contact with the first face portion 43, the paint of the pattern 83 cannot reach the first face portion 43 due to interference from the jig. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first face portion 43 is located between the second face portion 44A and the second face portion 44B, and the second face portion 44B is arranged at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion 93. As a result, the pad 81 can be inserted further to the inner side (the other end side) than the first face portion 43 to be printed, so that the paint of the pattern 83 reaches the first face portion 43 and printing can be performed. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the printing accuracy of the first face portion 43 can be improved, and a fine pattern portion 42 can be formed. Thus, when the zoom ring 90 is rotated, the rotational position of the zoom ring 90 can be detected with high resolution by the sensor 36 .

[0118] Furthermore, the pattern portion 42 formed on the zoom ring 90 is formed by printing, thereby achieving the same effects as those of the first embodiment, such as miniaturization of the lens barrel 12 , cost reduction, simplification of the process, and reduction in the number of processes.

[0119] [Third embodiment]

[0120] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the flange portion 45 serving as the step portion is separately provided from the first face portion 43, and the first pattern portion 42A is printed on the first face portion 43, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the third embodiment described below, the step portion has a first face portion, and the first pattern portion is printed on the first face portion.

[0121] like Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the zoom ring 95 in this embodiment includes a ring member 96 and a pattern portion 42. The zoom ring 95 is equivalent to the operation ring in the claims. In addition, the structure of the lens device such as the imaging optical system 22 and the electric zoom mechanism 25 is the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment except for the zoom ring 95, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the pad 81, the pad plate 82, etc. in the case where the pattern portion 42 is printed on the ring member 96 are also the same.

[0122] The ring member 96 includes a resin member similarly to the ring member 41 of the first embodiment, and the material is also the same. The inner peripheral surface 96A of the ring member 96 has a first surface portion 97, a second surface portion 98, and a flange portion 99. In this embodiment, the second surface portion 98 is located at one end side and the flange portion 99 is located at the other end side relative to the rotation axis CL direction of the ring member 96. In addition, as for the one end side and the other end side, similarly to the first embodiment, when the ring member 96 is assembled to the lens barrel body 21, the one end side represents the subject side, and the other end side represents the imaging element side.

[0123] The second surface portion 98 is inclined relative to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 96, similarly to the second surface portions 44A and the second surface portions 44B in the first embodiment. The flange portion 99 corresponds to the step portion in the claims. The flange portion 99 is located at a position closer to the inside of the radial direction V of the ring member 96 than the second surface portion 98. The flange portion 99 has a first surface portion 97. Specifically, the flange portion 99 has the first surface portion 97 at a position where the inner diameter is the smallest. The first surface portion 97 is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, similarly to the first surface portion 43 in the first embodiment, and is printed with the first pattern portion 42A, similarly to the first surface portion 43.

[0124] The manufacturing process of the zoom ring 95 is the same as the manufacturing process of the zoom ring 23 in the first embodiment. In the process of printing the pattern portion 42 on the first surface portion 97, pad printing is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the pattern 83 is transferred from the pad 81, the jig 85 is in contact with the flange portion 99 for alignment. In addition, at this time, the jig 85 is located at a position (a position indicated by a double-dashed line) further outside the radial direction V than the first surface portion 97. In this case, the pad 81 can be inserted to the inner side (the other end side) of the first surface portion 97 printed by the flange portion 99, so that the paint of the pattern 83 can reach the first surface portion 97 and be printed. As a result, the same effect as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained, that is, the printing accuracy of the first surface portion 97 can be improved and a fine pattern portion 42 can be formed. As a result, when the zoom ring 95 is rotated, the rotation position of the zoom ring 95 can be detected with high resolution by the sensor 36.

[0125] Furthermore, the pattern portion 42 formed on the zoom ring 95 is formed by printing, thereby achieving the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments, such as miniaturization of the lens barrel 12 , cost reduction, simplification of processes, and reduction in the number of processes.

[0126] [Fourth embodiment]

[0127] In the above-mentioned embodiments, a pattern portion is formed on the ring component constituting the zoom ring, and the sensor 36 is mounted on the lens barrel body 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the fourth embodiment described below, a pattern portion is formed on the lens barrel body 21, and the sensor is mounted on the ring component.

[0128] like Fig.21 As shown, the lens barrel 100 in this embodiment includes a lens barrel body 101 and a zoom ring 102. In addition, except for the lens barrel body 101 and the zoom ring 102, the structure of the lens device such as the imaging optical system 22 and the electric zoom mechanism 25 is the same as that of the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0129] The zoom ring 102 includes a ring member 103 and a sensor 104. The sensor 104 is the same member as the sensor 36 of the first embodiment. The sensor 104 is attached to an opening 103A formed in the ring member 103. The sensor 104 is disposed at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101.

[0130] A pattern portion 105 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101. The pattern portion 105 is formed by printing on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101, similarly to the pattern portion 42 of the first embodiment. The pattern portion 105 includes a first pattern portion having a reflectivity of the first light and a second pattern portion having a reflectivity of the second light, the reflectivity of the first light is higher than the reflectivity of the second light, the structures of the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, the structure of the coating applied to the first pattern portion, etc., which are also the same as the pattern portion 42 of the first embodiment. In the process of printing the pattern portion 105 on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101, pad printing is performed similarly to the first embodiment.

[0131] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes such as the lens control unit 51 and the camera body control unit 61 is various processors as shown below. The various processors include general-purpose processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and other processors whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, such as PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and processors having circuit structures specially designed to execute various processes, such as dedicated circuits.

[0132] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU, etc.). In addition, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor, first, there is a method in which a processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, such as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is the following method: as represented by SoC (System On Chip), a processor that uses one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip to implement the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units. In this way, various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors.

[0133] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit in the form of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0134] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, an example of an operation ring being applicable to a zoom ring is given, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a focus ring, and can also be applied to an aperture adjustment ring that actuates an aperture mechanism. Furthermore, the lens device involved in the present invention can be applied to lens barrels of smartphones, video cameras, etc. in addition to lens barrels of digital cameras.

[0135] Explanation of symbols

[0136] 10-digital camera, 11-camera body, 11A-handle, 12-lens barrel, 13-lens mount, 13A-camera opening, 14-release switch, 16-imaging element, 17-body side signal contact, 21-lens barrel main body, 21A-opening, 22-camera optical system, 22A-filter, 22B-first lens group, 22C-second lens group, 22D-aperture, 22E-third lens group, 22F-fourth lens group, 22G-third 5 lens group, 22H-aperture opening, 23, 90, 95, 102-zoom ring, 24-focus ring, 25-electric zoom mechanism, 26-focus mechanism, 27-lens mount, 28-lens side signal contact, 29-mounting component, 31-lens holding frame, 32-guide shaft, 33-lead screw, 33A-screw, 34-motor, 35-zoom slide, 35A-rack gear, 36-sensor, 36A-LED (light-emitting diode), 36B, 36C, 36D-light receiving IC (Integrated Circuit: integrated circuit), 37-lens holding frame, 38-sensor, 41, 91, 96, 103-ring component, 41A-inner peripheral surface, 41B-outer peripheral surface, 42-pattern portion, 42A-first pattern portion, 42B-second pattern portion, 43-first surface portion, 44A-second surface portion, 44B-second surface portion, 45-flange portion, 51-lens control portion, 52-motor driver, 53-driver, 61-camera body control portion, 62-shutter unit, 63-shutter motor, 64-motor driver, 65-image memory, 66-bus, 67-image data processing portion, 68-display driver, 69-image display portion, 71-card I / F (Interface: interface), 72-memory card, 81-pad, 81A-corner part, 82-pad plate, 82A-recess, 83-pattern, 85-clamp, 91A-inner circumference, 92-step part, 93-innermost diameter part, 96-ring part, 96A-inner circumference, 97-first face part, 98-second face part, 99-flange part, 100-lens barrel, 101-lens barrel body, 102-zoom ring, 103-ring part, 103A-opening part, 104-sensor, 105-pattern part, CL-rotation axis, OA-optical axis, P-phase, R-circumferential direction, S-space, S11~S14-process, T1, T2-width, V-radial, Vout1, Vout2-two-phase signal, α1, α2-tilt angle.

Claims

1. An operating ring, comprising: a ring member comprising a resin member; and The pattern portion serves as an indicator of the rotation operation of the ring member. The pattern portion includes a first pattern portion having a reflectivity for the first light and a second pattern portion having a reflectivity for the second light. The reflectivity of the first light is higher than the reflectivity of the second light, The inner peripheral surface of the ring member includes a first surface portion parallel to the rotation axis of the ring member and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis. Printing is performed on the first surface portion to form the pattern portion.

2. The operating ring according to claim 1, wherein: The first surface portion is formed with the first pattern portion to which paint is applied.

3. The operating ring according to claim 2, wherein: The coating comprises a metallic material, The mixing ratio of the metal material in the coating material is 25% or more and 45% or less.

4. The operating ring according to claim 1, wherein: The second surface portion includes a first end side second surface portion located at one end side and a second end side second surface portion located at the other end side with respect to the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The first surface portion is located between the one end side second surface portion and the other end side second surface portion with respect to the axial direction.

5. The operating ring according to claim 4, wherein: A first inclination angle at which the second surface portion on the one end side is inclined with respect to the axial direction is larger than a second inclination angle at which the second surface portion on the other end side is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

6. The operating ring according to claim 5, wherein: The ring member has a step portion located radially outward or inward of the first surface portion.

7. The operating ring according to claim 6, wherein: When the step portion is located further inward in the radial direction than the first surface portion, the one end side second surface portion and the other end side second surface portion are located further outward in the radial direction than the step portion.

8. The operating ring according to claim 6, wherein: When the step portion is located radially outward from the first surface portion, an innermost diameter portion of the ring member having the smallest inner diameter is located radially inward from the first surface portion. The second surface portion on the other end side is arranged at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion.

9. The operating ring according to claim 1, wherein: The ring member has a step portion located radially inward of the second surface portion. The step portion has the first surface portion, and the first pattern portion is printed on the first surface portion.

10. The operating ring according to claim 1, wherein: The operating ring is made of carbon fiber composite material.

11. The operating ring according to claim 1, wherein: The pattern portion includes the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the operation ring.

12. The operating ring according to claim 11, wherein: The first pattern portion and the second pattern portion are arranged to have the same width.

13. The operating ring according to claim 12, wherein: The width is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.3 mm. 14 . A lens device comprising the operating ring according to claim 1 , an optical system, and an electric zoom mechanism, wherein the electric zoom mechanism drives a zoom lens group which is a part of the optical system, according to the rotation of the operating ring.

15. The lens device according to claim 14, wherein: The optical system at least comprises the zoom lens group, the first lens group, a filter and an aperture. The maximum outer diameter of the filter is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first lens group and is located closer to the subject than the first lens group. The zoom lens group is located between the first lens group and the aperture and is located closer to the subject than the aperture. The pattern portion is located between the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group and the maximum outer diameter portion of the filter.

16. A method for manufacturing an operating ring, comprising: a step of forming a ring member, the ring member including a resin member and having a first surface portion parallel to a rotation axis of the ring member and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis on an inner peripheral surface; and A step of printing and forming a pattern portion is performed on the first surface portion, the pattern portion including a first pattern portion having a reflectivity of the first light and a second pattern portion having a reflectivity of the second light.

Images