Lens device

Abstract

To provide 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 imparting of the click feeling to the rotation of the operation ring is avoided.SOLUTION: A lens device comprises: an operation ring which has a first surface in which a plurality of recesses arranged in a direction around an optical axis are formed and is provided to be rotatable in the direction around the optical axis; a first member which faces the first surface and is provided to be movable in the direction around the optical axis; and a projection member which is selectively engaged with the plurality of recesses in accordance with the rotation of the operation ring when a movement position of the first member is a first position, and contacts the first member from a side opposite to the first surface when the movement position of the first member is a second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens barrel having an aperture section whose aperture diameter can be changed, a fixed cylinder section that houses the aperture section, and an aperture ring that is rotatably attached to the fixed cylinder section and is configured to adjust the aperture diameter of the aperture section. When the part of the aperture ring that faces the fixed cylinder section or the part of the fixed cylinder section that faces the aperture ring is defined as a "first opposing part," and the part of the fixed cylinder section that faces the first opposing part or the part of the aperture ring is defined as a "second opposing part," the lens barrel has first and second protrusions that are arranged at two locations along the circumferential direction of the aperture section so as to be biased from the aperture section toward the aperture ring, fitting parts that are formed on the side of the aperture ring so that the first and second protrusions are selectively fitted into one of the fitting parts depending on the rotation position of the aperture ring, and the aperture ring rotates integrally with the aperture section, and when the first and second protrusions are released from being fitted into the fitting parts and the aperture ring is separated from the aperture section, and a click mechanism formed or arranged on a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion so as to give a clicking sensation to the rotation of the aperture ring, the click mechanism having a click spring member attached to the first opposing portion, a locking member urged toward the second opposing portion by the click spring member, and a locked portion formed or arranged on the second opposing portion so as to lock the locking member, the second opposing portion having a locked surface on which a plurality of locked portions are formed in the circumferential direction, and a substantially flat surface on which the locked portion is not formed, the lens barrel being configured such that when the aperture ring is rotated with the first protrusion fitted in the fitting portion, the locking member slides on the locked surface, and when the aperture ring is rotated with the second protrusion fitted in the fitting portion, the locking member slides on the substantially flat surface.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a lens barrel having a switching switch, a switch base fixed to the switching switch, a rotatable cylindrical ring member, and a pressing spring fixed to a fixed cylinder. The ring member has uneven portions along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion and flat portions adjacent to the uneven portions. The switch base has a through hole, and a biasing member is inserted into the through hole, one end of which is in contact with a spherical member and the other end of which is in contact with the pressing spring.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a lens barrel body for housing a diaphragm, a diaphragm operation ring rotatably attached to the lens barrel body, which can be set to a plurality of first rotation positions where the AV value of the diaphragm becomes a predetermined integer value and a plurality of second rotation positions where the AV value becomes a predetermined fractional value, first and second spheres provided between the lens barrel body and the diaphragm operation ring and arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the diaphragm operation ring, a first fitting portion formed on one of the lens barrel body and the diaphragm operation ring corresponding to each first rotation position and into which the first sphere fits when the diaphragm operation ring is set to each first rotation position, and a second fitting portion formed on one of the lens barrel body and the diaphragm operation ring corresponding to each second rotation position and into which the second sphere fits when the diaphragm operation ring is set to each second rotation position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the technology according to the present disclosure provides a lens device that can be switched between a state in which a clicking feeling is imparted to the rotation of an operation ring and a state in which the clicking feeling is avoided for the rotation of the operation ring.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure includes a first surface having a plurality of recesses arranged in a direction around an optical axis, an operation ring rotatably provided in a direction around the optical axis, a first member provided to be movable in a direction around the optical axis and facing the first surface, and when the moving position of the first member is a first position, selectively fitting with the plurality of recesses in response to the rotation of the operation ring, and when the moving position of the first member is a second position, a convex member that contacts the first member from the side opposite to the first surface.

[0008] A second aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is the lens device according to the first aspect, further including a biasing member that biases the convex member toward the first surface side.

[0009] A third aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is the lens device according to the second aspect, wherein the plurality of recesses, the convex member, and the biasing member constitute a click mechanism that imparts a clicking feeling to the rotation of the operation ring.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is the lens device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the plurality of recesses, the convex member, and the biasing member constitute a locking mechanism that locks the operation ring.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is the lens device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including a switching member connected to the first member and switching the moving position of the first member between a first position and a second position, and a second member that movably supports the switching member.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to the fifth aspect, in which the second member supports the switching member so as to be movable in a direction around the optical axis.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, in which, 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.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, in which the first member is formed in an annular shape along a direction around the optical axis.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, in which the first member has an opening, and when the first member moves to the first position, the convex member is selectively fitted through a plurality of concave portions and the opening in response to the rotation of the operation ring.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to the ninth aspect, in which the convex member is a ball-shaped member, and the opening is formed with a gradient that expands in diameter toward the side opposite to the first surface.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, in which 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 in the second surface, and the lens device includes a fitting member that is fitted into the groove when the rotational position of the operation ring is the first rotational position.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the technology according to the present disclosure is a lens device according to the eleventh aspect, which includes a diaphragm, the operation ring is a diaphragm operation ring connected to the diaphragm, and the first rotational position is a position corresponding to an index indicating a first mode related to the diaphragm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an example of the lens device 10 according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, there may be cases where the description is made over a plurality of figures.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment is a lens device applicable to various cameras such as digital still cameras. The arrow A1 side indicates the object side, and the arrow A2 side indicates 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") refers to a direction parallel to the optical axis OA. Also, the direction around the optical axis OA (hereinafter referred to as the "direction around the optical axis") refers to the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis OA.

[0022] The lens device 10 includes a lens hood 12, an outer cylinder 14, a focus ring 16, a zoom ring 18, a diaphragm ring 20, a rear cover 22, and a mount 24. The lens hood 12 is disposed on the object side of the outer cylinder 14, and the rear cover 22 is disposed on the imaging side of the outer cylinder 14. The mount 24 is disposed at the imaging-side end of the rear cover 22.

[0023] The lens hood 12 has a hood portion 26. The focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the diaphragm ring 20 are disposed between the hood portion 26 and the rear cover 22. The focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the diaphragm ring 20 are arranged in the order of the focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the diaphragm ring 20 from the object side toward the imaging side.

[0024] The focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the diaphragm ring 20 are provided rotatably with respect to the outer cylinder 14 in a direction around the optical axis. Specifically, the focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the diaphragm ring 20 are formed annularly along the direction around the optical axis. The focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the diaphragm ring 20 are disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 14 and are rotatably supported with respect to the outer cylinder 14 in a direction around the optical axis.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the lens device 10 includes a plurality of lenses 28 and a diaphragm 30. 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 as an example. The lenses 28 of the first group G1 are, for example, object lenses, the lenses 28 of the second group G2 are, for example, focus 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.

[0026] 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 an annular 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 the order of 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 from the object side toward the imaging side.

[0027] The lens hood 12 has a cylindrical portion 34. The cylindrical portion 34 is disposed between a cam cylinder 38 and an outer cylinder 14, which will be described later, and is supported so as to be movable along the optical axis with respect to the outer cylinder 14. The first holding frame 32A is disposed inside the hood portion 26 in the radial direction and is held by the hood 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 inside the inner cylinder 36, which will be described later, in the radial direction and are supported so as to be movable along the optical axis with respect to the inner cylinder 36. The sixth holding frame 32F is fixed to the imaging-side end portion of the outer cylinder 14.

[0028] 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. Among the lenses 28 of the third group G3, the object-side lens 28 and the aperture 30 are held by the third holding frame 32C, and the remaining lenses 28 of 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.

[0029] 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 around the optical axis OA. The cam cylinder 38 is arranged on the radially outer side of the inner cylinder 36, and the outer cylinder 14 is arranged on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38. The outer cylinder 14, the inner cylinder 36, and the rear cover 22 are fixed to the mount 24, and the cam cylinder 38 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 36 in the direction around the optical axis.

[0030] The zoom ring 18 is connected to the cam cylinder 38 via a first coupling mechanism (not shown). When the zoom ring 18 rotates, the cam cylinder 38 rotates. The aperture 30 is an aperture whose opening size can be adjusted, and has a plurality of blades (not shown) whose opening size can be adjusted. The aperture ring 20 is connected to the plurality of blades via a second coupling mechanism (not shown). When the aperture ring 20 rotates, the plurality of blades operate, thereby adjusting the opening size of the aperture 30.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] When the cam cylinder 38 rotates, as the first roller 42A moves with respect to the first groove 40A, the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a rectilinear force in the optical axis direction of the lens hood 12, and the lens hood 12 moves along the optical axis. Also, when the cam cylinder 38 rotates, as the second roller moves with respect to the second groove 40B, the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a rectilinear force in the optical axis direction of the second holding frame 32B, and the second holding frame 32B moves along the optical axis.

[0034] Similarly, when the cam cylinder 38 rotates, as the third roller 42C moves with respect to the third groove 40C, the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a rectilinear force in the optical axis direction of the third holding frame 32C and the fourth holding frame 32D, and the third holding frame 32C and the fourth holding frame 32D move along the optical axis. Also, when the cam cylinder 38 rotates, as the fourth roller 42D moves with respect to the fourth groove 40D, the rotational force of the cam cylinder 38 is converted into a rectilinear force in the optical axis direction of the fifth holding frame 32E, and the fifth holding frame 32E moves along the optical axis.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the lens device 10 includes a first linear sensor 50. The first linear sensor 50 is a sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the zoom ring 18 (specifically, the amount of rotation 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 disclosure. 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 disclosure. The first linear sensor 50 is an example of the "first sensor" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0036] The first linear sensor 50 is provided at the axial end of the cam barrel 38 (for example, the imaging side end of the cam barrel 38). As described above, the cam barrel 38 has the first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D. The first linear sensor 50 is arranged in a region closer to the imaging side than the groove (for example, the fourth groove 40D) that is located closest to the imaging side among the first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D, as an example of the imaging side end of the cam barrel 38. The first groove 40A, the second groove 40B, the third groove 40C, and the fourth groove 40D are an example of the "plurality of grooves" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] More specifically, the first linear sensor 50 is provided on the axial end face of the cam barrel 38 (for example, the imaging side end face of the cam barrel 38). That is, the first linear sensor 50 is arranged side by side with the cam barrel 38 in the optical axis direction on the imaging side of the cam barrel 38.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the first linear sensor 50 is, for example, an arc-shaped linear sensor, and is provided along the circumferential direction of the cam barrel 38 at the imaging side end of the cam barrel 38. For example, a resistive linear position sensor is used for the first linear sensor 50. Generally, a resistive linear position sensor is regarded as a sensor with higher resolution than an absolute encoder.

[0039] The first linear sensor 50 has a first substrate member 52 and a first movable member 54. The first substrate member 52 is provided in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam barrel 38. The first substrate member 52 has a conductor (not shown) extending along the circumferential direction of the cam barrel 38. A first connection member 56 is connected to the first substrate member 52. The first substrate member 52 and the first connection member 56 are formed by, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The first connection member 56 extends in the axial direction of the cam barrel 38 from one end of the first substrate member 52. A substrate 58 is arranged on the imaging side with respect to the cam barrel 38, and the first connection member 56 is connected to the substrate 58.

[0040] The first substrate member 52 is fixed to an inner cylinder 36 (see FIG. 2) provided inside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction. The first movable member 54 is movably attached to the first substrate member 52. The first movable member 54 is connected to the cam cylinder 38. When the cam cylinder 38 rotates with respect to the inner cylinder 36, the first movable member 54 moves with respect to the first substrate member 52 as the cam cylinder 38 rotates. When the first movable member 54 moves with respect to the first substrate member 52, the electrical resistance between the first movable member 54 and the first substrate member 52 changes. The first linear sensor 50 detects the electrical resistance that changes corresponding to the rotation amount of the cam cylinder 38 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected electrical resistance.

[0041] 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 an outer sliding type sensor 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 cylindrical member" in the technology of the present disclosure. The first substrate member 52 is a member having the radial direction of the inner cylinder 36 as its plate thickness.

[0042] The outer cylinder 14 provided outside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction has a bottom wall portion 60 (see FIG. 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 space 62 is provided between the cam cylinder 38 and the bottom wall portion 60, and the first linear sensor 50 is disposed in the first dead space 62. The outer cylinder 14 is an example of the "second cylindrical member" in the technology of the present disclosure. The bottom wall portion 60 is an example of the "opposing wall" in the present disclosure. The first dead space 62 is an example of the "first region" in the present disclosure.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the lens device 10 includes a second linear sensor 70. The second linear sensor 70 is a sensor that detects the amount of rotation 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 disclosure. The second linear sensor 70 is an example of the "second sensor" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the second linear sensor 70 is, as an example, an arc-shaped linear sensor, and is provided along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38 on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38. As an example, a resistive linear position sensor is used for the second linear sensor 70.

[0045] The second linear sensor 70 has a second substrate member 72 and a second movable member 74. The second substrate member 72 is provided 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 connection member 76 is connected to the second substrate member 72. The second substrate member 72 and the second connection member 76 are formed of, for example, a flexible substrate. The second connection member 76 extends from one end of the second substrate member 72 in the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38. The second connection member 76 is connected to the substrate 58 (see FIG. 3).

[0046] The second substrate member 72 is fixed to an outer cylinder 14 (see FIG. 2) provided on the radially outer side of the cam cylinder 38. The second movable member 74 is movably attached to the second substrate member 72. The second movable member 74 is connected to the aperture ring 20 via a connecting portion 78. When the aperture ring 20 rotates with respect to the outer cylinder 14, the second movable member 74 moves with respect to the second substrate member 72 as the aperture ring 20 rotates. When the second movable member 74 moves with respect to the second substrate member 72, the electrical resistance between the second movable member 74 and the second substrate member 72 changes. The second linear sensor 70 detects the electrical resistance that changes corresponding to the amount of rotation of the aperture ring 20, and outputs a signal according to the detected electrical resistance.

[0047] 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 the radial direction of the outer cylinder 14 as its plate thickness.

[0048] The outer cylinder 14 (see FIG. 2) has a portion having an outer diameter with a first diameter (hereinafter referred to as "first diameter portion 80") and a portion having an outer diameter with a second diameter (hereinafter referred to as "second diameter portion 82"). The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The hood 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 hood portion 26. A second dead space 84 is provided between the imaging-side end of the hood portion 26 and the second diameter portion 82, and the second linear sensor 70 is disposed in the second dead space 84. The lens 28 provided on the lens hood 12 is an example of the "second lens" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The hood portion 26 of the lens hood 12 is an example of the "moving member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The second dead space 84 is an example of the "second region" in the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the second linear sensor 70 is disposed on the object side with respect to the aperture ring 20.

[0049] Note that the second linear sensor 70 may 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. And the second substrate member 72 may be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 36, for example, and the second movable member 74 may be provided on the outer peripheral side of the second substrate member 72.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a plurality of recesses 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 recesses 90 all open to the imaging side. The imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 is an example of the "first surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 11, 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. Inside the first holding portion 92, a first spring 94 is accommodated, and on the object side of the first spring 94, a first ball member 96, which is a ball-shaped member, is provided. The first spring 94 is, for example, a coil spring. The first ball member 96 is biased by the first spring 94 toward the side of the plurality of recesses 90 (i.e., the object side), and is selectively fitted into the plurality of recesses 90 in accordance with the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0052] As the first ball member 96 is selectively fitted into one of the plurality of recesses 90 in accordance with the rotation of the aperture ring 20, a click feeling is 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" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The first ball member 96 is an example of the "protrusion member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The first spring 94 is an example of the "biasing member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The first click mechanism 98 is an example of the "click mechanism" and the "locking mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0053] Note that the first spring 94 may be various springs other than a coil spring. Also, instead of the first spring 94, a biasing member such as a rubber material may be used. Further, instead of the first ball member 96, for example, a protrusion member having a shape other than a ball shape may be used.

[0054] On the object side of the rear cover 22, a rotating member 100 is provided. The rotating member 100 is formed in an annular shape (for example, a circular ring shape) along the direction around the optical axis. The rotating member 100 is rotatably supported with respect to the rear cover 22 in the direction around the optical axis. The rotating member 100 is disposed to face the imaging side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20. The rotating member 100 is an example of the "first member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Note that the rotating member 100 may be formed in an arc shape along the direction around the optical axis.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rotating member 100 has an opening 102 that penetrates along the optical axis direction. The opening 102 is, for example, a through hole. Note that the opening 102 may be a notch. The opening 102 has a size into which the first ball member 96 can be inserted inside the opening 102. The opening 102 has a gradient of increasing diameter toward the side opposite to the imaging side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 (that is, the imaging side). Further, the rotating member 100 has a locked portion 104. The locked portion 104 is formed in a concave shape.

[0056] The rear cover 22 is provided with a slide switch 110. The slide switch 110 is movably supported with respect to the rear cover 22 in 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 is locked to the locked portion 104 is formed on the connecting member 112. The locking portion 114 is formed in a convex shape.

[0057] The slide switch 110 is a member for switching the rotation position of the rotating member 100 between a first position and a second position. The slide switch 110 is an example of the "switching member" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The rotation position of the rotating member 100 is an example of the "moving position" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The rear cover 22 is an example of the "second member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, 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 opposite side of the first ball member 96 protrudes from the opening 102 (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"). In the first state, as the aperture ring 20 rotates, the first ball member 96 is selectively fitted with a plurality of recesses 90 through the opening 102, thereby imparting a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, 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 a 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 "closing region 100A") moves to a position corresponding to the first ball member 96. In a state where the closing region 100A has moved to a position corresponding to the first ball member 96, the first ball member 96 is in a state of contacting the closing region 100A from the side opposite to the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 (i.e., the imaging side) (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"). In the second state, even when the aperture ring 20 rotates, the first ball member 96 is maintained in a state of contacting the closing region 100A, so that the first ball member 96 is not fitted into the recess 90, thereby avoiding the imparting of a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0060] For example, when shooting a moving image with an imaging device equipped with the lens device 10, it is desirable that no click sound associated with the click feeling is generated. Therefore, when shooting a moving image, the slide switch 110 may be moved to the second moving position.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 20, when viewed from the optical axis direction, the inner angle θ formed by a first line segment L1 connecting the first ball member 96 and the optical axis OA and a second line segment L2 connecting the slide switch 110 and the optical axis OA is set to an acute angle. More specifically, the first line segment L1 is a line segment connecting the center of the first ball member 96 and the optical axis OA. More specifically, the second line segment L2 is a line segment connecting the center of the slide switch 110 in the first state (for example, the center in the entire length direction of the slide switch 110 along the direction around the optical axis) and the optical axis. The angle θ is set, for example, to be 30° or more and less than 90°.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a groove 120 is formed in the object side surface 20B of the aperture ring 20. The object side surface 20B of the aperture ring 20 is an example of the "second surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The groove 120 opens to the object side and is formed in a V shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the optical axis OA.

[0063] A second holding portion 122 is formed in 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 ball member 126, which is a ball-shaped member, is provided on the imaging side of the second spring 124. The second spring 124 is, for example, a coil spring. The second ball member 126 is biased by the second spring 124 toward the side of the groove 120 (that is, the imaging side). 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 ball member 126, and the second ball member 126 is fitted into the groove 120.

[0064] When the second ball member 126 is fitted into the groove 120, a click feeling is obtained with respect to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. That is, the groove 120, the second ball member 126, and the second spring 124 constitute a second click mechanism 128 that imparts a click feeling with respect to the rotation of the aperture ring 20. In a state where the second ball member 126 is fitted into the groove 120, the aperture ring 20 is locked with respect to the outer cylinder 14. Therefore, the second click mechanism 128 constitutes a locking mechanism that locks the operation ring with respect to the outer cylinder 14. The second ball member 126 is an example of the "fitting member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0065] Note that the second spring 124 may be various springs other than a coil spring. Further, instead of the second spring 124, a biasing member such as a rubber material may be used. Further, instead of the second ball member 126, for example, a convex member having a shape other than a ball shape may be used.

[0066] The imaging device to which the lens device 10 is attached 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 (that is, the auto mode), and the second mode is a mode in which the aperture value is manually set (that is, the manual mode).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 23, on the outer peripheral surface of the aperture ring 20, as an example of an index 130 representing the first mode, the letter "A" representing the auto mode is attached. On the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 14, as an example of an index 132 representing the rotational position of the aperture ring 20, a bar line is attached. The first rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is set to a position corresponding to the index 130. That is, when the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position, the index 130 moves to a position corresponding to the index 132. When the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position, the imaging device to which the lens device 10 is attached becomes the first mode (i.e., the auto 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 to which the lens device 10 is attached becomes the second mode (i.e., the manual mode), and the aperture value is set according to the rotational position of the aperture ring 20. On the outer peripheral surface of the aperture ring 20, a numerical value 134 indicating the aperture value is shown.

[0068] When the slide switch 110 is moved to the second movement position (see FIGS. 17 to 19), no click feeling is generated by the first click mechanism 98 even if the aperture ring 20 is rotated. However, when the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 becomes the first rotational position (see FIGS. 21 to 23), a click feeling is generated by the second click mechanism 128. Therefore, the user can be notified by the click feeling of the second click mechanism 128 that the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position, and thus the imaging device to which the lens device 10 is attached has entered the auto mode in which the aperture value is automatically set.

[0069] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0070] 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 linear sensor that extends in the axial direction of the cam cylinder 38 and is provided outside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0071] That is, when the first linear sensor 50 is a linear sensor that extends in a straight line and is provided outside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction, the outer cylinder 14 disposed outside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction has a non-circular shape (for example, a shape obtained by adding a rectangle to a circle) that avoids the linear sensor that moves in a straight line, or it is necessary to expand it in the radial direction to avoid interference with the linear sensor that moves in a straight line. On the other hand, in the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment, since 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, it is possible to avoid making the outer cylinder 14 disposed outside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction have a non-circular configuration having a shape that avoids the first linear sensor 50, or expanding it in the radial direction to avoid interference with the first linear sensor 50.

[0072] Further, the first linear sensor 50 is disposed in a region closer to the imaging side than the groove (for example, the fourth groove 40D) located 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.

[0073] Further, the first linear sensor 50 includes a first substrate member 52 provided in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38, and a first movable member 54 connected to the cam cylinder 38 and movably attached to the first substrate member 52. The first substrate member 52 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 36 provided inside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction, 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, the first movable member 54 can be prevented from protruding toward the lens 28 provided inside the inner cylinder 36 in the radial direction, so that the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0074] Further, the first substrate member 52 is a member having the radial direction of the inner cylinder 36 as its plate thickness. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the first substrate member 52 is a member having the axial direction of the inner cylinder 36 as its plate thickness, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0075] Further, the first linear sensor 50 is disposed in a first dead space 62 provided between the bottom wall portion 60 of the outer cylinder 14 provided outside the cam cylinder 38 in the radial direction and the cam cylinder 38. Therefore, 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.

[0076] Further, a resistive linear position sensor is used for the first linear sensor 50. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where an absolute encoder is used, the resolution in detecting the rotation amount of the zoom ring 18 can be increased.

[0077] Further, 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 provided in an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 38, and a second movable member 74 connected to the aperture ring 20 and movably attached to 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. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the second linear sensor 70 is provided on the radially inner side of the cam cylinder 38, the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20 can be detected with a simpler structure.

[0078] Further, the second substrate member 72 is a member having the radial direction of the outer cylinder 14 as its plate thickness. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the second substrate member 72 is a member having the axial direction of the outer cylinder 14 as its plate thickness, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0079] Further, the second linear sensor 70 is disposed in a second dead space 84 provided between the imaging-side end of the hood portion 26 and the second diameter portion 82 of the outer cylinder 14. Therefore, 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.

[0080] Further, the second linear sensor 70 is disposed on the object side with respect to the aperture ring 20. Here, the object side with respect to the aperture ring 20 has more structural space than the imaging side with respect to the aperture ring 20. Therefore, 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 increased.

[0081] Further, a resistive linear position sensor is used for the second linear sensor 70. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where an absolute encoder is used, the resolution in detecting the rotation amount of the aperture ring 20 can be increased.

[0082] Further, a rotating member 100 is provided rotatably around the optical axis on the rear cover 22. When the rotational position of the rotating member 100 is the first position, the first ball member 96 is selectively fitted with a plurality of recesses 90 in accordance with 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 fitted into any one of the plurality of recesses 90, the aperture ring 20 can be locked to the rear cover 22.

[0083] Further, when the rotational position of the rotating member 100 is the second position, the first ball member 96 contacts the closing region 100A, which is a region other than the opening 102 in the rotating member 100, from the imaging side. Thereby, it is possible to avoid imparting a click feeling to the rotation of the aperture ring 20.

[0084] Further, the rotating member 100 faces the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 and is provided rotatably around the optical axis on the rear cover 22. Therefore, for example, compared with a case where a moving member that moves in the axial direction of the rear cover 22 is provided inside the rear cover 22 in the radial direction, the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0085] That is, when a moving member that moves in the axial direction of the rear cover 22 is provided inside the rear cover 22 in the radial direction instead of the rotating member 100, it is necessary to expand the rear cover 22 in the radial direction to avoid interference with the moving member. On the other hand, in the lens device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the rotating member 100 faces the imaging-side surface 20A of the aperture ring 20 and is provided rotatably around the optical axis on the rear cover 22, it is possible to avoid expanding the rear cover 22 in the radial direction to avoid interference with the rotating member 100.

[0086] In addition, the rear cover 22 is provided with a slide switch 110 connected to the rotating member 100. 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.

[0087] Further, the slide switch 110 is supported by the rear cover 22 so as to be movable in a direction around the optical axis. Therefore, since the moving direction of the slide switch 110 and the rotating direction of the aperture ring 20 are the same direction, for example, compared with the case where the slide switch 110 is supported by the rear cover 22 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, the operability of the slide switch 110 can be improved. In addition, compared with the case where the slide switch 110 is supported by the rear cover 22 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, the connection structure between the slide switch 110 and the rear cover 22 can be simplified, so that the lens device 10 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0088] Further, the rotating member 100 is formed in an annular 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 increased.

[0089] In addition, 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 to each other. Thereby, when the rotating member 100 is rotated by hooking a finger on the slide switch 110, the moment acting on the first ball member 96 due to the contact between the first ball member 96 and the peripheral edge of the opening 102 can be reduced.

[0090] Further, the aperture 102 has a gradient that expands in diameter toward the imaging side. Therefore, as the slide switch 110 is moved to the first moving position, the first ball member 96 can be guided inside the aperture 102. Thus, for example, compared with the case where the diameter of the aperture 102 is constant, the first ball member 96 can be smoothly inserted inside the aperture 102.

[0091] Further, a groove 120 is formed in the aperture ring 20. When the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position, the second ball member 126 is fitted into the groove 120. Thereby, the user can be notified by the click feeling by the second click mechanism 128 that the rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is the first rotational position.

[0092] Further, the first rotational position of the aperture ring 20 is a position corresponding to an index 130 (for example, the letter "A" representing the auto mode) representing the first mode related to the aperture 30. Thereby, the user can be notified by the click feeling by the second click mechanism 128 that the imaging device to which the lens device 10 is attached has entered the auto mode in which the aperture value is automatically set.

[0093] Note that the description and illustration shown above are detailed descriptions of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the description regarding the above configuration, function, operation, and effect is an example of the description regarding the configuration, function, operation, and effect of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustration shown above may be modified by deleting unnecessary parts, adding new elements, or replacing them. Further, in order to avoid complication and facilitate the understanding of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description regarding common technical knowledge that does not particularly require explanation for implementing the technology of the present disclosure is omitted from the description and illustration shown above.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10 Lens device 12 Lens hood 14 Outer cylinder 16 Focus ring 18 Zoom ring 20 Diaphragm ring 20A Image-forming side surface of the diaphragm ring 20B Object side surface of the diaphragm ring 20 22 Rear cover 24 Mount 26 Hood portion 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 portion 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 member 54 First movable member 56 First connecting member 58 Substrate 60 Bottom wall portion 62 First dead space 70 Second linear sensor 72 Second substrate member 74 Second movable member 76 Second connecting member 78 Connecting portion 80 First diameter portion 82 Second diameter portion 84 Second dead space 90 Recessed portion 92 First holding portion 96 First ball member 98 First click mechanism 100 Rotating member 100A Closed Region 102 Opening 104 Locked Part 110 Slide Switch 112 Connecting Member 114 Locking Part 120 Groove 122 Second Holding Part 126 Second Ball Member 128 Second Click Mechanism 130 Indicator 132 Indicator 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. An operation ring having a first surface formed with a plurality of recesses arranged in a direction around the optical axis and provided rotatable around the optical axis, a first member facing the first surface and provided movable in a direction around the optical axis, when the moving position of the first member is a first position, selectively fitting with the plurality of recesses in response to rotation of the operation ring, and when the moving position of the first member is a second position, a convex member contacting the first member from the side opposite to the first surface, A lens device comprising:

2. Comprising a biasing member for biasing the convex member toward the first surface side, The lens device according to claim 1.

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

4. The plurality of recesses, the convex member, and the biasing member constitute a locking mechanism for locking the operation ring, The lens device according to claim 2.

5. A switching member connected to the first member and switching the moving position of the first member between the first position and the second position, a second member movably supporting the switching member, Comprising: The lens device according to claim 1.

6. The second member movably supports the switching member in a direction around the optical axis, The lens device according to claim 5.

7. 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, The lens device according to claim 5.

8. The first member is formed annularly along a direction around the optical axis, The lens device according to claim 1.

9. The first member has an opening, When the first member moves to the first position, the convex member is selectively fitted with the plurality of recesses through the opening in response to rotation of the operation ring, The lens device according to claim 1.

10. The convex member is a ball-shaped member, The opening is formed with a gradient of increasing diameter toward the side opposite to the first surface, The lens device according to claim 9.

11. 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 in the second surface, The lens device includes a fitting member that fits into the groove when the rotational position of the operation ring is a first rotational position. The lens device according to claim 1.

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

Images