Lens device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a lens device capable of switching between a state in which a click feeling is imparted to the rotation of an operation ring and a state in which the click feeling is prevented from being imparted to the rotation of the operation ring. The lens device includes: an operation ring having a first surface on which a plurality of recesses arranged in a direction around an optical axis are formed, the operation ring being provided so as to be rotatable in the direction around the optical axis; a first member facing the first surface and provided so as to be movable in a direction around the optical axis; and a convex member that selectively fits into the plurality of recesses according to the rotation of the operation ring when the movement position of the first member is the first position, and that comes into contact with the first member from the side opposite to the first surface when the movement position of the first member is the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a lens device. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a lens barrel is disclosed, which includes: a diaphragm portion capable of changing the size of the opening diameter; a fixed barrel portion that houses the diaphragm portion; and a diaphragm ring configured to be rotatably mounted on the fixed barrel portion to adjust the opening diameter of the diaphragm portion. The lens barrel is configured as follows: when a portion of the diaphragm ring facing the fixed barrel portion or a portion of the fixed barrel portion facing the diaphragm ring is defined as the "first facing portion", and a portion of the fixed barrel portion or the diaphragm ring facing the first facing portion is defined as the "second facing portion", the lens barrel includes: first and second protrusion portions disposed at two positions along the circumferential direction of the diaphragm portion to apply a force from the diaphragm portion toward the diaphragm ring side; a fitting portion formed on the diaphragm ring side to selectively fit the first and second protrusion portions according to the rotational position of the diaphragm ring so that the diaphragm ring rotates integrally with the diaphragm portion; a connection release portion configured to release the fitting of the first and second protrusion portions into the fitting portion to allow the diaphragm ring to rotate in a state separated from the diaphragm portion; and a click mechanism formed or disposed at the first facing portion and the second facing portion to give a click feeling to the rotation of the diaphragm ring. The click mechanism includes: a click spring member mounted on the first facing portion; a locking member biased toward the second facing portion by the click spring member; and a locked portion formed or disposed on the second facing portion side to lock the locking member. The second facing portion has: a locked surface formed with a plurality of locked portions in the circumferential direction; and a substantially flat surface having no such locked portion. When rotating the diaphragm ring in a state where the first protrusion portion is fitted into the fitting portion, the locking member slides on the locked surface, and when rotating the diaphragm ring in a state where the second protrusion portion is fitted into the fitting portion, the locking member slides on the substantially flat surface.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, a lens barrel is disclosed, which has: a changeover switch; a switch base fixed to the changeover switch; a rotatable cylindrical ring member; and a stopper spring fixed to a fixed barrel. The ring member has concavo-convex portions and flat portions adjacent to the concavo-convex portions along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion. The switch base has a through hole, and a biasing member having one end in contact with a spherical member and the other end in contact with the stopper spring is inserted into the through hole.

[0004] A lens barrel is disclosed in Patent Document 3, which includes: a lens barrel main body that houses a diaphragm; a diaphragm operation ring that is rotatably mounted on the lens barrel main body and can be set to a plurality of first rotation positions where the AV value of the diaphragm becomes a specified integer value and a plurality of second rotation positions where the AV value becomes a specified fractional value; first and second spheres that are provided between the lens barrel main body and the diaphragm operation ring and are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the diaphragm operation ring; a first fitting portion that is formed on one of the lens barrel main body and the diaphragm operation ring corresponding to each of the first rotation positions and fits the first sphere when the diaphragm operation ring is set to each of the first rotation positions; and a second fitting portion that is formed on one of the lens barrel main body and the diaphragm operation ring corresponding to each of the second rotation positions and fits the second sphere when the diaphragm operation ring is set to each of the second rotation positions.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2016 / 039294

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-129046

[0007] Patent Document 3: Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2017 / 047592 Summary of the Invention

[0008] An embodiment of the technology of the present invention provides a lens device that can be switched between a state in which a click feeling is imparted to the rotation of an operation ring and a state in which a click feeling is not imparted to the rotation of the operation ring.

[0009] The lens device according to the first aspect of the technology of the present invention includes: an operation ring having a first surface formed with a plurality of concave portions arranged along a direction around the optical axis and provided so as to be rotatable along the direction around the optical axis; a first member opposed to the first surface and provided so as to be movable along the direction around the optical axis; and a convex member that selectively engages with the plurality of concave portions according to the rotation of the operation ring when the moving position of the first member is a first position, and contacts the first member from the side opposite to the first surface when the moving position of the first member is a second position.

[0010] The second aspect of the technology of the present invention, in the lens device according to the first aspect, includes a biasing member that biases the convex member toward the first surface side.

[0011] The third aspect of the technology of the present invention, in the lens device according to the second aspect, the plurality of concave portions, the convex member, and the biasing member constitute a click mechanism that imparts a click feeling to the rotation of the operation ring.

[0012] In the fourth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to the second or third aspect, a plurality of concave portions, convex members, and biasing members constitute a locking mechanism for a locking operation ring.

[0013] In the fifth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to any one of the first to fourth aspects, it includes: a switching member connected to the first member, which switches the moving position of the first member to a first position and a second position; and a second member that movably supports the switching member.

[0014] In the sixth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to the fifth aspect, the second member supports the switching member so that it can move along a direction around the optical axis.

[0015] In the seventh aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to the fifth or sixth aspect, when viewed from the direction of the optical axis, the inner angle formed by a first line segment connecting the convex member and the optical axis and a second line segment connecting the switching member and the optical axis is set to an acute angle.

[0016] In the eighth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first member is formed in a ring shape along a direction around the optical axis.

[0017] In the ninth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first member has an opening. When the first member moves to the first position, the convex member is selectively engaged via a plurality of concave portions and the opening according to the rotation of the operation ring.

[0018] In the tenth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to the ninth aspect, the convex member is a spherical member, and the opening is formed with a gradient that expands in a direction opposite to the first surface.

[0019] In the eleventh aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the operation ring has a second surface that faces the side opposite to the first surface in the direction of the optical axis, and a groove is formed on the second surface. The lens device includes an engaging member that engages with the groove when the rotation position of the operation ring is a first rotation position.

[0020] In the twelfth aspect related to the technology of the present invention, in the lens device related to the eleventh aspect, it includes a diaphragm, the operation ring is a diaphragm operation ring connected to the diaphragm, and the first rotation position is a position corresponding to an identifier indicating a first mode related to the diaphragm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view of a lens device related to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the lens device.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a side view of the cam cylinder assembly including the cam cylinder, the first linear sensor, and the substrate.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the first linear sensor.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a transverse sectional view of the lens device.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the second linear sensor.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the outer cylinder assembly including the outer cylinder, the aperture ring, and the second linear sensor.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the aperture ring and the second linear sensor.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the aperture ring and the second linear sensor.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the aperture ring.

[0031] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the rear cover assembly including the rotating part, the rear cover, the slide switch, the connecting part, and the first click mechanism.

[0032] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the rotating part.

[0033] Figure 13 It is an enlarged perspective view of the peripheral part of the opening in the rotating part.

[0034] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the rear cover assembly, showing the first state where the slide switch is moved to the first moving position.

[0035] Figure 15 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly including the outer cylinder, the aperture ring, the rotating part, the rear cover, and the first click mechanism, showing the first state.

[0036] Figure 16 It is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the peripheral part (X part) of the first click mechanism in the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly, showing the first state.

[0037] Figure 17It is a perspective view of the rear cover assembly, showing the second state where the slide switch is moved to the second movement position.

[0038] Figure 18 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly, showing the second state.

[0039] Figure 19 It is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the peripheral part (X part) of the first click mechanism in the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly, showing the second state.

[0040] Figure 20 It is a front view of the rear cover.

[0041] Figure 21 It is an enlarged perspective view of the peripheral part of the second click mechanism in the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly.

[0042] Figure 22 It is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the peripheral part of the second click mechanism in the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly.

[0043] Figure 23 It is an enlarged perspective view of the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder - rear cover assembly. Detailed implementation mode

[0044] Hereinafter, an example of the lens device 10 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, sometimes it will be described with multiple figures below.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a lens device that can be applied to various cameras such as digital cameras. The arrow A1 side represents the objective lens side, and the arrow A2 side represents the imaging side. The lens device 10 has an optical axis OA. In the following description, the direction of the optical axis OA (hereinafter, referred to as the "optical axis direction") means the direction parallel to the optical axis OA. And, the direction around the optical axis OA (hereinafter, referred to as the "direction around the optical axis") means the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis OA.

[0046] The lens device 10 includes a lens hood 12, an outer cylinder 14, a focusing ring 16, a zoom ring 18, an aperture ring 20, a rear cover 22, and a bayonet 24. The lens hood 12 is disposed on the objective lens side of the outer cylinder 14, and the rear cover 22 is disposed on the imaging side of the outer cylinder 14. The bayonet 24 is disposed at the imaging - side end of the rear cover 22.

[0047] The lens hood 12 has a hood portion 26. The focusing ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the aperture ring 20 are disposed between the hood portion 26 and the rear cover 22. The focusing ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the aperture ring 20 are arranged in order from the objective lens side toward the imaging side as the focusing ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the aperture ring 20.

[0048] The focusing ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the aperture ring 20 are rotatably disposed on the outer cylinder 14 along the direction around the optical axis. Specifically, the focusing ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the aperture ring 20 are formed in a ring shape along the direction around the optical axis. The focusing ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the aperture ring 20 are disposed on the radially outer side of the outer cylinder 14 and are rotatably supported by the outer cylinder 14 along the direction around the optical axis.

[0049] As Figure 2 shown, the lens device 10 includes a plurality of lenses 28 and an aperture 30. As an example, the plurality of lenses 28 are classified into a first group G1, a second group G2, a third group G3, and a fourth group G4. The lenses 28 of the first group G1 are, for example, objective lenses, the lenses 28 of the second group G2 are, for example, focusing lenses, the lenses 28 of the third group G3 are, for example, zoom lenses, and the lenses 28 of the fourth group G4 are, for example, imaging lenses.

[0050] The lens device 10 includes a first holding frame 32A, a second holding frame 32B, a third holding frame 32C, a fourth holding frame 32D, a fifth holding frame 32E, and a sixth holding frame 32F. The first holding frame 32A, the second holding frame 32B, the third holding frame 32C, the fourth holding frame 32D, the fifth holding frame 32E, and the sixth holding frame 32F are all formed in a ring shape along the direction around the optical axis. The first holding frame 32A, the second holding frame 32B, the third holding frame 32C, the fourth holding frame 32D, the fifth holding frame 32E, and the sixth holding frame 32F are arranged in order from the objective lens side toward the imaging side as the first holding frame 32A, the second holding frame 32B, the third holding frame 32C, the fourth holding frame 32D, the fifth holding frame 32E, and the sixth holding frame 32F.

[0051] The lens hood 12 has a cylindrical portion 34. The cylindrical portion 34 is disposed between a cam cylinder 38 to be described later and the outer cylinder 14 and is movably supported by the outer cylinder 14 along the optical axis. The first holding frame 32A is disposed on the radially inner side of the light-shielding portion 26 and is held by the light-shielding portion 26. The second holding frame 32B, the third holding frame 32C, the fourth holding frame 32D, and the fifth holding frame 32E are disposed on the radially inner side of an inner cylinder 36 to be described later and are movably supported by the inner cylinder 36 along the optical axis. The sixth holding frame 32F is fixed to the imaging-side end portion of the outer cylinder 14.

[0052] The lenses 28 of the first group G1 are held by the first holding frame 32A, and the lenses 28 of the second group G2 are held by the second holding frame 32B. The objective lens side lenses 28 and the aperture 30 among the lenses 28 of the third group G3 are held by the third holding frame 32C, and the remaining lenses 28 among the lenses 28 of the third group G3 are held by the fourth holding frame 32D and the fifth holding frame 32E. The lenses 28 of the fourth group G4 are held by the sixth holding frame 32F.

[0053] The lens device 10 includes an outer cylinder 14, an inner cylinder 36, and a cam cylinder 38. The outer cylinder 14, the inner cylinder 36, and the cam cylinder 38 are all formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer cylinder 14, the inner cylinder 36, and the cam cylinder 38 are arranged concentrically with the optical axis OA as the center. The cam cylinder 38 is disposed radially outside the inner cylinder 36, and the outer cylinder 14 is disposed radially outside the cam cylinder 38. The outer cylinder 14, the inner cylinder 36, and the rear cover 22 are fixed to the bayonet 24, and the cam cylinder 38 is rotatably supported by the outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 36 along the direction around the optical axis.

[0054] The zoom ring 18 is connected to the cam cylinder 38 via a first connecting mechanism (not shown). When the zoom ring 18 rotates, the cam cylinder 38 rotates. The aperture 30 is an aperture capable of adjusting the size of the opening, and has a plurality of blades (not shown) capable of adjusting the size of the opening. The aperture ring 20 is connected to the plurality of blades via a second connecting mechanism (not shown). When the aperture ring 20 rotates, the plurality of blades operate, thereby adjusting the size of the opening of the aperture 30.

[0055] As Figure 3 shown, the cam cylinder 38 has a first groove 40A, a second groove 40B, a third groove 40C, and a fourth groove 40D. The first groove 40A is a groove for moving the lens 28 of the first group G1 along the optical axis. The second groove 40B is a groove for moving the lens 28 of the second group G2 along the optical axis. The third groove 40C and the fourth groove 40D are grooves for moving the lens 28 of the third group G3 along the optical axis.

[0056] A first roller 42A is provided on the cylindrical portion 34 of the lens hood 12, and the first roller 42A is movably inserted into the first groove 40A. A second roller (not shown) is provided on the second holding frame 32B, and the second roller is movably inserted into the second groove 40B. A third roller 42C is provided on the third holding frame 32C and the fourth holding frame 32D, and the third roller 42C is movably inserted into the third groove 40C. A fourth roller 42D is provided on the fifth holding frame 32E, and the fourth roller 42D is movably inserted into the fourth groove 40D.

[0057] When the cam cylinder 38 rotates, the first roller 42A moves relative to the first groove 40A. Thus, the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a linear thrust force of the lens hood 12 in the optical axis direction, and the lens hood 12 moves along the optical axis. Further, when the cam cylinder 38 rotates, the second roller moves relative to the second groove 40B. Thus, the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a linear thrust force of the second holding frame 32B in the optical axis direction, and the second holding frame 32B moves along the optical axis.

[0058] Similarly, if the cam cylinder 38 rotates, the third roller 42C moves relative to the third groove 40C, whereby the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a linear thrust of the third holding frame 32C and the fourth holding frame 32D in the optical axis direction, and the third holding frame 32C and the fourth holding frame 32D move along the optical axis. Further, if the cam cylinder 38 rotates, the fourth roller 42D moves relative to the fourth groove 40D, whereby the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a linear thrust of the fifth holding frame 32E in the optical axis direction, and the fifth holding frame 32E moves along the optical axis.

[0059] As Figure 3 shown, the lens device 10 includes a first linear sensor 50. The first linear sensor 50 is a sensor that detects the rotation amount of the zoom ring 18 (specifically, the rotation amount of the cam cylinder 38 corresponding to the rotation of the zoom ring 18). The zoom ring 18 is an example of the "first operation ring" in the technology of the present invention. The lens 28 of the third group G3 that moves in the optical axis direction as the zoom ring 18 rotates is an example of the "first lens" and the "zoom lens" in the technology of the present invention. The first linear sensor 50 is an example of the "first sensor" in the technology of the present invention.

[0060] The first linear sensor 50 is provided at an end portion in the axial direction of the cam cylinder 38 (as an example, the imaging side end portion of the cam cylinder 38). As described above, the cam cylinder 38 has a first groove 40A, a second groove 40B, a third groove 40C, and a fourth groove 40D. The first linear sensor 50 is disposed, as an example of the imaging side end portion of the cam cylinder 38, in a region closer to the imaging side than the groove (as an example, the fourth groove 40D) located at the position closest to the imaging side among the first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D. The first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D are an example of the "multiple grooves" in the technology of the present invention.

[0061] More specifically, the first linear sensor 50 is provided on the end face in the axial direction of the cam cylinder 38 (as an example, the imaging side end face of the cam cylinder 38). That is, the first linear sensor 50 is arranged side by side with the cam cylinder 38 in the optical axis direction on the imaging side of the cam cylinder 38.

[0062] As Figure 4 shown, as an example, the first linear sensor 50 is an arc-shaped linear sensor and is provided along the circumferential direction at the imaging side end portion of the cam cylinder 38. As an example, a resistive linear position sensor is used for the first linear sensor 50. Generally, a resistive linear position sensor is a sensor having a resolution higher than that of an absolute encoder.

[0063] The first linear sensor 50 has a first substrate member 52 and a first movable member 54. The first substrate member 52 is arranged in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. The first substrate member 52 has a conductor (not shown) extending along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. A first connecting member 56 is connected to the first substrate member 52. The first substrate member 52 and the first connecting member 56 are formed of, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The first connecting member 56 extends along the axial direction of the cam cylinder 38 from one end of the first substrate member 52. A substrate 58 is arranged on the imaging side with respect to the cam cylinder 38, and the first connecting member 56 is connected to the substrate 58.

[0064] The first substrate member 52 is fixed to an inner cylinder 36 provided on the radially inner side of the cam cylinder 38 (see Figure 2 ). The first movable member 54 is movably mounted on the first substrate member 52. The first movable member 54 is connected to the cam cylinder 38. When the cam cylinder 38 rotates relative to the inner cylinder 36, the first movable member 54 moves relative to the first substrate member 52 as the cam cylinder 38 rotates. When the first movable member 54 moves relative to the first substrate member 52, the resistance between the first movable member 54 and the first substrate member 52 changes. The first linear sensor 50 detects the resistance corresponding to the change in the rotation amount of the cam cylinder 38 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected resistance.

[0065] As an example, the first substrate member 52 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 36, and the first movable member 54 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first substrate member 52. That is, the first linear sensor 50 is a sensor of an outer sliding type in which the first movable member 54 slides on the outer peripheral side of the first substrate member 52. The inner cylinder 36 is an example of the "first cylinder member" in the technology of the present invention. The first substrate member 52 is a member having the radial direction of the inner cylinder 36 as its plate thickness.

[0066] An outer cylinder 14 provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38 has a bottom wall portion 60 (see Figure 2 ). The bottom wall portion 60 is provided at the imaging-side end of the outer cylinder 14. The bottom wall portion 60 is located on the imaging side with respect to the cam cylinder 38 and faces the cam cylinder 38 in the optical axis direction. A first dead zone 62 is provided between the cam cylinder 38 and the bottom wall portion 60, and the first linear sensor 50 is arranged in the first dead zone 62. The outer cylinder 14 is an example of the "second cylinder member" in the technology of the present invention. The bottom wall portion 60 is an example of the "opposing wall" in the present invention. The first dead zone 62 is an example of the "first region" in the present invention.

[0067] As Figure 5As shown, the lens device 10 includes a second linear sensor 70. The second linear sensor 70 is a sensor for detecting the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20. The second linear sensor 70 is provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38. The aperture ring 20 is an example of the "second operation ring" in the technology of the present invention. The second linear sensor 70 is an example of the "second sensor" in the technology of the present invention.

[0068] As Figure 6 shown, as an example, the second linear sensor 70 is an arc-shaped linear sensor and is provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38 along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. As an example, a resistive linear position sensor is used in the second linear sensor 70.

[0069] The second linear sensor 70 has a second substrate member 72 and a second movable member 74. The second substrate member 72 is arranged in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. The second substrate member 72 has a conductor (not shown) extending along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. A second connecting member 76 is connected to the second substrate member 72. The second substrate member 72 and the second connecting member 76 are formed of a flexible substrate, for example. The second connecting member 76 extends from one end of the second substrate member 72 along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. The second connecting member 76 is connected to the substrate 58 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0070] The second substrate member 72 is fixed to the outer cylinder 14 (refer to Figure 2 ) provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38. The second movable member 74 is movably mounted on the second substrate member 72. The second movable member 74 is connected to the aperture ring 20 via a connecting portion 78. If the aperture ring 20 rotates relative to the outer cylinder 14, the second movable member 74 moves relative to the second substrate member 72 as the aperture ring 20 rotates. If the second movable member 74 moves relative to the second substrate member 72, the resistance between the second movable member 74 and the second substrate member 72 changes. The second linear sensor 70 detects the resistance corresponding to the change in the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected resistance.

[0071] As an example, the second substrate member 72 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 14, and the second movable member 74 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the second substrate member 72. That is, the second linear sensor 70 is a sensor of an inner sliding type in which the second movable member 74 slides on the inner peripheral side of the second substrate member 72. The second substrate member 72 is a member having a plate thickness in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 14.

[0072] The outer cylinder 14 (refer to Figure 2) It has a portion with an outer diameter having a first diameter (hereinafter referred to as "first diameter portion 80") and a portion with an outer diameter having a second diameter (hereinafter referred to as "second diameter portion 82"). The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The light-shielding portion 26 of the lens hood 12 is provided inside the first diameter portion 80, and the second diameter portion 82 of the outer cylinder 14 is located on the imaging side with respect to the light-shielding portion 26. A second dead zone 84 is provided between the imaging-side end of the light-shielding portion 26 and the second diameter portion 82, and the second linear sensor 70 is disposed in the second dead zone 84. The lens 28 provided on the lens hood 12 is an example of the "second lens" related to the technology of the present invention. The light-shielding portion 26 of the lens hood 12 is an example of the "moving member" related to the technology of the present invention. The second dead zone 84 is an example of the "second region" in the present invention. As Figure 7 shown, the second linear sensor 70 is disposed on the objective lens side with respect to the aperture ring 20.

[0073] In addition, the second linear sensor 70 may also be a sensor of an outer sliding type in which the second movable member 74 slides on the outer peripheral side of the second substrate member 72. Moreover, for example, the second substrate member 72 may be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 36, and the second movable member 74 may be provided on the outer peripheral side of the second substrate member 72.

[0074] As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, a plurality of concave portions 90 arranged in the rotation direction of the aperture ring 20 are formed on the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20. The plurality of concave portions 90 all open toward the imaging side. The imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 is an example of the "first surface" related to the technology of the present invention.

[0075] As Figure 11 shown, a first holding portion 92 is formed on the rear cover 22. The first holding portion 92 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axis parallel to the optical axis direction. A first spring 94 is accommodated inside the first holding portion 92, and a first ball member 96 as a spherical member is provided on the objective lens side of the first spring 94. As an example, the first spring 94 is a helical spring. The first ball member 96 is biased by the first spring 94 toward one side (i.e., the objective lens side) of the plurality of concave portions 90 and is selectively fitted into the plurality of concave portions 90 according to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0076] The first ball member 96 is selectively fitted into a plurality of recesses 90 according to the rotation of the aperture ring 20, whereby a click feeling can be obtained with respect to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. That is, the plurality of recesses 90, the first ball member 96, and the first spring 94 constitute a first click mechanism 98 that imparts a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. In a state where the first ball member 96 is fitted into any one of the plurality of recesses 90, the aperture ring 20 is locked to the rear cover 22. Therefore, the first click mechanism 98 constitutes a locking mechanism that locks the operation ring to the rear cover 22. The aperture ring 20 is an example of the "operation ring" related to the technology of the present invention. The first ball member 96 is an example of the "protruding member" related to the technology of the present invention. The first spring 94 is an example of the "biasing member" related to the technology of the present invention. The first click mechanism 98 is an example of the "click mechanism" and the "locking mechanism" related to the technology of the present invention.

[0077] In addition, the first spring 94 can be various springs other than a coil spring. Also, a biasing member such as a rubber material can be used instead of the first spring 94. Also, a protruding member having a shape other than a spherical shape, for example, can be used instead of the first ball member 96.

[0078] A rotating member 100 is provided on the objective lens side of the rear cover 22. The rotating member 100 is formed in a ring shape (as an example, a circular ring shape) along the direction around the optical axis. The rotating member 100 is rotatably supported by the rear cover 22 along the direction around the optical axis. The rotating member 100 is disposed opposite to the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20. The rotating member 100 is an example of the "first member" related to the technology of the present invention. In addition, the rotating member 100 can also be formed in an arc shape along the direction around the optical axis.

[0079] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the rotating member 100 has an opening 102 that penetrates along the optical axis direction. As an example, the opening 102 is a through hole. In addition, the opening 102 can also be a notch. The opening 102 has a size that allows the first ball member 96 to be inserted inside the opening 102. The opening 102 has a gradient that expands in diameter toward the side of the aperture ring 20 opposite to the imaging-side surface 20A (that is, the imaging side). And the rotating member 100 has a locked portion 104. The locked portion 104 is formed in a concave shape.

[0080] A slide switch 110 is provided on the rear cover 22. The slide switch 110 is movably supported by the rear cover 22 along the direction around the optical axis (that is, the circumferential direction of the rear cover 22). The slide switch 110 is connected to the rotating member 100 via a connecting member 112. Specifically, the connecting member 112 is fixed to the slide switch 110, and a locking portion 114 that locks to the locked portion 104 is formed on the connecting member 112. The locking portion 114 is formed in a convex shape.

[0081] The slide switch 110 is a component for switching the rotational position of the rotating member 100 to the first position and the second position. The slide switch 110 is an example of the "switching component" involved in the technology of the present invention. The rotational position of the rotating member 100 is an example of the "moving position" involved in the technology of the present invention. The rear cover 22 is an example of the "second component" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0082] As Figures 14 to 16 shown, when the slide switch 110 moves to the first moving position, the rotational position of the rotating member 100 becomes the first position, and the opening 102 moves to a position corresponding to the first ball member 96. In a state where the opening 102 has moved to a position corresponding to the first ball member 96, the first ball member 96 is inserted inside the opening 102, and a portion on the objective side of the first ball member 96 protrudes from the opening 102 (hereinafter, referred to as the "first state"). In the first state, according to the rotation of the aperture ring 20, the first ball member 96 is selectively engaged with a plurality of concave portions 90 via the opening 102, thereby imparting a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0083] As Figures 17 to 19 shown, when the slide switch 110 moves to the second moving position on the side opposite to the first moving position, the rotational position of the rotating member 100 becomes the second position different from the first position, and a region of the rotating member 100 other than the opening 102 (hereinafter, referred to as the "stop region 100A") moves to a position corresponding to the first ball member 96. In a state where the stop region 100A has moved to a position corresponding to the first ball member 96, a state is formed in which the first ball member 96 contacts the stop region 100A from the side of the aperture ring 20 opposite to the imaging-side surface 20A (i.e., the imaging side) (hereinafter, referred to as the "second state"). In the second state, even if the aperture ring 20 rotates, by maintaining the state where the first ball member 96 contacts the stop region 100A, the first ball member 96 is not engaged with the concave portion 90, so that a click feeling is not imparted to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0084] For example, when shooting a moving image with a imaging device equipped with the lens device 10, it is preferable not to generate a click sound accompanied by a click feeling. Therefore, when shooting a moving image, it is only necessary to move the slide switch 110 to the second moving position.

[0085] As Figure 20As shown, when viewed from the optical axis direction, the inner angle θ formed by the first line segment L1 connecting the first spherical member 96 and the optical axis OA and the second line segment L2 connecting the sliding switch 110 and the optical axis OA is set as an acute angle. More specifically, the first line segment L1 is the line segment connecting the center of the first spherical member 96 and the optical axis OA. More specifically, the second line segment L2 is the line segment connecting the center of the sliding switch 110 in the first state (as an example, the center along the entire length direction of the sliding switch 110 in the direction around the optical axis) and the optical axis. The angle θ is set to be, for example, 30° or more and less than 90°.

[0086] As Figure 21 and Figure 22 shown, a groove 120 is formed on the objective lens side surface 20B of the aperture ring 20. The objective lens side surface 20B of the aperture ring 20 is an example of the "second surface" related to the technology of the present invention. The groove 120 opens to the objective lens side and is formed in a V shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the optical axis OA.

[0087] A second holding portion 122 is formed on the outer cylinder 14. The second holding portion 122 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axis parallel to the optical axis direction. A second spring 124 is accommodated inside the second holding portion 122, and a second spherical member 126 as a spherical member is provided on the imaging side of the second spring 124. As an example, the second spring 124 is a helical spring. The second spherical member 126 is biased toward the groove 120 side (i.e., the imaging side) by the second spring 124. When the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is a specific rotational position (hereinafter referred to as the "first rotational position"), the groove 120 moves to a position corresponding to the second spherical member 126, whereby the second spherical member 126 is fitted into the groove 120.

[0088] By fitting the second spherical member 126 into the groove 120, a click feeling can be obtained with respect to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. That is, the groove 120, the second spherical member 126, and the second spring 124 constitute a second click mechanism 128 that imparts a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. In a state where the second spherical member 126 is fitted into the groove 120, the aperture ring 20 is locked to the outer cylinder 14, and thus the second click mechanism 128 constitutes a locking mechanism that locks the operation ring to the outer cylinder 14. The second spherical member 126 is an example of the "fitting member" related to the technology of the present invention.

[0089] In addition, the second spring 124 can be various springs other than the helical spring. Also, a biasing member such as a rubber material can be used instead of the second spring 124. Also, a convex member having a shape other than a spherical shape, for example, can be used instead of the second spherical member 126.

[0090] The imaging device equipped with the lens device 10 has a first mode and a second mode related to the aperture 30. For example, the first mode is a mode in which the aperture value is automatically set (i.e., the automatic mode), and the second mode is a mode in which the aperture value is manually set (i.e., the manual mode).

[0091] As Figure 23 shown, as an example of the identifier 130 indicating the first mode, the character "A" indicating the automatic mode is marked on the outer peripheral surface of the aperture ring 20. As an example of the identifier 132 indicating the rotational position of the aperture ring 20, a bar-shaped line is marked on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 14. The first rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is set at a position corresponding to the identifier 130. That is, when the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position, the identifier 130 moves to a position corresponding to the identifier 132. When the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position, the imaging device equipped with the lens device 10 becomes the first mode (i.e., the automatic mode). On the other hand, when the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is a rotational position other than the first rotational position, the imaging device equipped with the lens device 10 becomes the second mode (i.e., the manual mode), and the aperture value corresponding to the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is set. The numerical value 134 indicating the aperture value is shown on the outer peripheral surface of the aperture ring 20.

[0092] If the slide switch 110 is moved to the second movement position (refer to Figures 17 to 19 ), then even if the aperture ring 20 is rotated, the click feeling based on the first click mechanism 98 will not be generated. However, if the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 becomes the first rotational position (refer to Figures 21 to 23 ), then the click feeling based on the second click mechanism 128 is generated. Therefore, the user can be notified that the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position through the click feeling based on the second click mechanism 128. Furthermore, the imaging device equipped with the lens device 10 becomes the automatic mode in which the aperture value is automatically set.

[0093] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0094] As described in detail above, in the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment, the first linear sensor 50 that detects the rotation amount of the zoom ring 18 is an arc-shaped linear sensor along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38 and is provided at the axial end of the cam cylinder 38. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first linear sensor 50 is a direct-acting linear sensor extending along the axial direction of the cam cylinder 38 and is provided on the radial outer side of the cam cylinder 38, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0095] That is, when the first linear sensor 50 is a linear sensor of a direct-acting type and is provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38, it is necessary to configure the outer cylinder 14 provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38 to have a special shape (for example, a shape of a circle plus a rectangle) for avoiding the direct-acting linear sensor, or to be enlarged in the radial direction in order to avoid interference with the direct-acting linear sensor. In contrast, in the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment, the first linear sensor 50 is an arc-shaped linear sensor along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38 and is provided at the axial end of the cam cylinder 38. Therefore, it is possible to avoid configuring the outer cylinder 14 provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38 to have a special shape for avoiding the first linear sensor 50, or to be enlarged in the radial direction in order to avoid interference with the first linear sensor 50.

[0096] Moreover, the first linear sensor 50 is disposed in a region closer to the imaging side than the groove (as an example, the fourth groove 40D) that is the closest to the imaging side among the first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D formed in the cam cylinder 38. Therefore, it is possible to avoid interference between the first roller 42A, the second roller (not shown), the third roller 42C, and the fourth roller 42D respectively inserted into the first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D and the first linear sensor 50.

[0097] Moreover, the first linear sensor 50 includes: a first substrate member 52 that is arranged in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38; and a first movable member 54 that is connected to the cam cylinder 38 and is movably mounted on the first substrate member 52. The first substrate member 52 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 36 provided on the radially inner side of the cam cylinder 38, and the first movable member 54 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first substrate member 52. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first substrate member 52 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cam cylinder 38 and the first movable member 54 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the first substrate member 52, it is possible to avoid the first movable member 54 protruding toward the lens 28 side provided on the radially inner side of the inner cylinder 36, and thus it is possible to miniaturize the lens device 10 in the radial direction.

[0098] Moreover, the first substrate member 52 is a member having a plate thickness in the radial direction of the inner cylinder 36. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first substrate member 52 is a member having a plate thickness in the axial direction of the inner cylinder 36, it is possible to miniaturize the lens device 10 in the radial direction.

[0099] Moreover, the first linear sensor 50 is disposed in the first dead zone 62, which is provided between the bottom wall portion 60 of the outer cylinder 14 and the cam cylinder 38, and the outer cylinder 14 is disposed radially outside the cam cylinder 38. Thus, for example, compared with the case where a dedicated space for disposing the first linear sensor 50 is provided, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the axial direction.

[0100] Moreover, a resistive linear position sensor can be used in the first linear sensor 50. Thus, for example, compared with the case where an absolute encoder can be used, the resolution in detecting the rotation amount of the zoom ring 18 can be improved.

[0101] Moreover, a second linear sensor 70 for detecting the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20 is provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38. The second linear sensor 70 includes: a second substrate member 72, which is arranged in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38; and a second movable member 74, which is connected to the aperture ring 20 and is movably mounted on the second substrate member 72. The second substrate member 72 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 14 provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38, and the second movable member 74 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the second substrate member 72. Thus, for example, compared with the case where the second linear sensor 70 is disposed on the radially inner side of the cam cylinder 38, the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20 can be detected by a simplified structure.

[0102] Moreover, the second substrate member 72 is a member having a plate thickness in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 14. Thus, for example, compared with the case where the second substrate member 72 is a member having a plate thickness in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 14, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0103] Moreover, the second linear sensor 70 is disposed in the second dead zone 84, which is provided between the imaging-side end of the light-shielding hood portion 26 and the second diameter portion 82 of the outer cylinder 14. Thus, for example, compared with the case where a dedicated space for disposing the second linear sensor 70 is provided, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the axial direction.

[0104] Moreover, the second linear sensor 70 is disposed on the objective lens side with respect to the aperture ring 20. Here, there is more space structurally on the objective lens side with respect to the aperture ring 20 than on the imaging side with respect to the aperture ring 20. Thus, for example, compared with the case where the second linear sensor 70 is disposed on the imaging side with respect to the aperture ring 20, the degree of freedom in disposing the second linear sensor 70 can be improved.

[0105] Moreover, a resistive linear position sensor can be used in the second linear sensor 70. Thus, for example, compared with the case where an absolute encoder can be used, the resolution in detecting the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20 can be improved.

[0106] Further, in the rear cover 22, the rotating member 100 is arranged to be rotatable about the optical axis. When the rotational position of the rotating member 100 is at the first position, the first ball member 96 selectively engages with the plurality of concave portions 90 according to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. Thereby, a click feeling can be imparted to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. Further, in a state where the first ball member 96 is engaged with any one of the plurality of concave portions 90, the aperture ring 20 can be locked to the rear cover 22.

[0107] Further, when the rotational position of the rotating member 100 is at the second position, the first ball member 96 contacts the stop region 100A which is the region of the rotating member 100 other than the opening 102 from the imaging side. Thereby, it is possible to avoid imparting a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0108] Further, the rotating member 100 faces the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 and is rotatably arranged about the optical axis on the rear cover 22. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where a moving member that moves axially along the rear cover 22 instead of the rotating member 100 is arranged on the radially inner side of the rear cover 22, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0109] That is, when a moving member that moves axially along the rear cover 22 instead of the rotating member 100 is arranged on the radially inner side of the rear cover 22, in order to avoid interference with the moving member, it is necessary to enlarge the rear cover 22 in the radial direction. In contrast, in the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment, the rotating member 100 faces the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 and is rotatably arranged about the optical axis on the rear cover 22. Therefore, it is possible to avoid enlarging the rear cover 22 in the radial direction to avoid interference with the rotating member 100.

[0110] Further, a slide switch 110 connected to the rotating member 100 is provided on the rear cover 22. Therefore, by moving the slide switch 110, the rotational position of the rotating member 100 can be switched between the first position and the second position.

[0111] Further, the slide switch 110 is movably supported on the rear cover 22 about the optical axis. Therefore, the moving direction of the slide switch 110 is the same as the rotational direction of the aperture ring 20. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the slide switch 110 is movably supported on the rear cover 22 along the optical axis direction, the operability of the slide switch 110 can be improved. And compared with the case where the slide switch 110 is movably supported on the rear cover 22 along the optical axis direction, the connection structure between the slide switch 110 and the rear cover 22 can be simplified. Therefore, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0112] Further, the rotating member 100 is formed in a ring shape along the direction around the optical axis. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the rotating member 100 is formed in an arc shape along the direction around the optical axis, the rigidity of the rotating member 100 can be improved.

[0113] Further, when viewed from the optical axis direction, the inner angle θ formed by the first line segment L1 connecting the first ball member 96 and the optical axis OA and the second line segment L2 connecting the slide switch 110 and the optical axis OA is set to an acute angle. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 are set to an obtuse angle, the first ball member 96 and the slide switch 110 can be brought closer. Thus, when the rotating member 100 is rotated by pressing the slide switch 110 with a finger, the first ball member 96 contacts the peripheral portion of the opening 102, and thus the torque acting on the first ball member 96 can be reduced.

[0114] Further, the opening 102 has a gradient of increasing diameter toward the imaging side. Therefore, as the slide switch 110 is moved to the first movement position, the first ball member 96 can be guided to the inside of the opening 102. Thus, for example, compared with the case where the diameter of the opening 102 is constant, the first ball member 96 can be smoothly inserted into the inside of the opening 102.

[0115] Further, a groove 120 is formed in the aperture ring 20. When the rotation position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotation position, the second ball member 126 is fitted into the groove 120. Thus, it is possible to notify the user that the rotation position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotation position through the click feeling based on the second click mechanism 128.

[0116] Further, the first rotation position of the aperture ring 20 is a position corresponding to the identifier 130 (for example, the character "A" indicating the automatic mode) indicating the first mode related to the aperture 30. Thus, it is possible to notify that the imaging device equipped with the lens device 10 has become an automatic mode for automatically setting the aperture value through the click feeling based on the second click mechanism 128.

[0117] In addition, the above-described description and illustrated content are detailed descriptions of parts related to the technology of the present invention and are only examples of the technology of the present invention. For example, the descriptions of the above structures, functions, actions, and effects are examples of the structures, functions, actions, and effects of parts related to the technology of the present invention. Therefore, within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present invention, it is of course possible to delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or make replacements to the above-described description and illustrated content. And, in order to avoid complexity and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present invention, in the above-described description and illustrated content, descriptions of common technical knowledge that do not require special explanation are omitted on the basis of being able to implement the technology of the present invention.

[0118] Symbolic Explanation

[0119] 10 - Lens device, 12 - Lens hood, 14 - Outer cylinder, 16 - Focusing ring, 18 - Zoom ring, 20 - Aperture ring, 20A - Imaging - side surface of the aperture ring, 20B - Objective - side surface of the aperture ring, 22 - Rear cover, 24 - Bayonet mount, 26 - Hood part, 28 - Lens, 32A - First holding frame, 32B - Second holding frame, 32C - Third holding frame, 32D - Fourth holding frame, 32E - Fifth holding frame, 32F - Sixth holding frame, 34 - Cylindrical part, 36 - Inner cylinder, 38 - Cam cylinder, 40A - First groove, 40B - Second groove, 40C - Third groove, 40D - Fourth groove, 42A - First roller, 42C - Third roller, 42D - Fourth roller, 50 - First linear sensor, 52 - First substrate component, 54 - First movable part, 56 - First connecting part, 58 - Substrate, 60 - Bottom wall part, 62 - First dead zone, 70 - Second linear sensor, 72 - Second substrate component, 74 - Second movable part, 76 - Second connecting part, 78 - Connecting part, 80 - First diameter part, 82 - Second diameter part, 84 - Second dead zone, 90 - Recess, 92 - First holding part, 96 - First spherical part, 98 - First click mechanism, 100 - Rotating part, 100A - Stop area, 102 - Opening, 104 - Locked part, 110 - Slide switch, 112 - Connecting component, 114 - Locking part, 120 - Groove, 122 - Second holding part, 126 - Second spherical part, 128 - Second click mechanism, 130 - Mark, 132 - Mark, 134 - Numerical value, θ - Angle, G1 - First group, G2 - Second group, G3 - Third group, G4 - Fourth group, L1 - First line segment, L2 - Second line segment, OA - Optical axis.

Claims

1. A lens device, comprising: An operation ring having a first surface formed with a plurality of concave portions arranged along a direction around the optical axis, and being arranged to be rotatable along the direction around the optical axis; A first member facing the first surface and being arranged to be movable along the direction around the optical axis; And A convex member that selectively engages with the plurality of concave portions according to the rotation of the operation ring when the moving position of the first member is a first position, and contacts the first member from the side opposite to the first surface when the moving position of the first member is a second position.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, comprising: A biasing member that biases the convex member toward the first surface side.

3. The lens device according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of concave portions, the convex member, and the biasing member constitute a click mechanism that gives a click feeling to the rotation of the operation ring.

4. The lens device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The plurality of concave portions, the convex member, and the biasing member constitute a locking mechanism that locks the operation ring.

5. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: A switching member connected to the first member, which switches the moving position of the first member to the first position and the second position; and A second member that movably supports the switching member.

6. The lens device according to claim 5, wherein The second member supports the switching member to be movable along the direction around the optical axis.

7. The lens device according to claim 5, wherein When viewed from the direction of the optical axis, the inner angle formed by a first line segment connecting the convex member and the optical axis and a second line segment connecting the switching member and the optical axis is set to an acute angle.

8. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first member is formed in a ring shape along the direction around the optical axis.

9. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first member has an opening, When the first member moves to the first position, the convex member selectively engages via the plurality of concave portions and the opening according to the rotation of the operation ring.

10. The lens device according to claim 9, wherein The convex member is a spherical member, The opening is formed with a gradient that expands in diameter toward the side opposite to the first surface.

11. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The operation ring has a second surface facing the side opposite to the first surface in the direction of the optical axis, A groove is formed on the second surface, The lens device includes an engaging member that engages with the groove when the rotation position of the operation ring is a first rotation position.

12. The lens device according to claim 11, comprising a diaphragm, The operation ring is a diaphragm operation ring connected to the diaphragm, The first rotation position is a position corresponding to an identifier indicating a first mode related to the diaphragm.

Images