Imaging device

Abstract

This invention provides an imaging device that prevents the screws of interchangeable lenses from loosening while allowing for easy attachment and detachment of interchangeable lenses, using a screw-in type lens mount. [Solution] The imaging device 200 is a device having a lens mount to which a screw-in type interchangeable lens 100 can be attached. The lens mount 201 comprises a mount screw member 220 having a first screw portion 221 into which the interchangeable lens 100 is screwed and engages with the interchangeable lens 100, and a mount surface member 230 having a mount surface 231 into which the interchangeable lens 100 abuts. The mount screw member 220 is movably supported with respect to the mount surface member 230.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] In a lens-exchangeable imaging device, a lens mount is known that connects a camera body and an interchangeable lens by screwing screw portions provided on the camera body and the interchangeable lens, respectively. Such a screw-in type lens mount is generally standardized in terms of the shape of the screw portion, flange back, etc., such as a C mount or a CS mount. With an imaging device equipped with a standardized mount structure, any interchangeable lens conforming to the standard can be attached, so the user has a wider range of lens selection.

[0003] Imaging devices employing a screw-in type mount are used in various applications such as surveillance and in-vehicle use. In particular, in imaging devices that require high robustness and vibration resistance, loosening of the screws of the interchangeable lens becomes an issue. If the screws of the interchangeable lens loosen even slightly, the focal length of the interchangeable lens will shift, and if the loosening progresses, the interchangeable lens will fall off the camera body.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing loosening of the screws of an interchangeable lens in an imaging device equipped with a screw-in type mount. In Patent Document 1, a locking portion is provided on the camera body and an engaging claw portion is provided on the interchangeable lens (alternatively, an engaging claw portion is provided on the camera body and a locking portion is provided on the interchangeable lens), and a lens loosening prevention member that covers the locking portion and the engaging claw portion is used to prevent loosening of the interchangeable lens.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the anti-loosening effect is not achieved unless the interchangeable lens is equipped with an engaging claw portion (or locking portion) that matches the shape of the anti-loosening member. Therefore, general-purpose interchangeable lenses that are simply shaped to match a common mount standard cannot prevent the screws from loosening. In addition, when removing the interchangeable lens from the camera body, the anti-loosening member must be destroyed, making it unsuitable for applications where interchangeable lenses are frequently changed.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a highly versatile imaging device that can use standard interchangeable lenses, which prevents loosening of the interchangeable lens threads in a screw-in type lens mount and allows for easy attachment and detachment of the interchangeable lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The imaging device of this disclosure is an imaging device having a lens mount to which a screw-in type interchangeable lens can be attached. The lens mount comprises a mounting screw member having a first threaded portion into which the interchangeable lens is screwed and engages with the interchangeable lens, and a mounting surface member having a mounting surface into which the interchangeable lens abuts. The mounting screw member is movably supported with respect to the mounting surface member.

[0009] The imaging device of this disclosure is an imaging device having a lens mount to which a screw-in type interchangeable lens can be attached. The lens mount adjusts the increase or decrease of the axial force generated at the fastening portion that is screwed into the attached interchangeable lens. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, a highly versatile imaging device is realized that uses a screw-in type lens mount, prevents loosening of the interchangeable lens threads, and allows for easy attachment and detachment of the interchangeable lens, and is compatible with standard interchangeable lenses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from an imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the lens mount provided in the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the imaging device when attaching or detaching an interchangeable lens in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of a lens mount provided in an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a right side view of an imaging device equipped with a lens mount according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the third embodiment, taken from the line A-A. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the ratchet mechanism in an imaging device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing an imaging device equipped with a lens mount according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment, cut by a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and passing through the central axis of the pin. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth embodiment, where an interchangeable lens has been attached to the lens mount and the hand-crank ring has been turned to lock it in place. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing a hand-crank ring in the lens mount of an imaging device according to the fifth embodiment of the first embodiment (or the third or fourth embodiment applied to the first embodiment). [Figure 13] This is a front view showing a hand-cranked ring in the lens mount of an imaging device according to the fifth embodiment, specifically the second embodiment (or the third embodiment applied to the second embodiment).

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] -Basic Configuration of Imaging Device in Various Embodiments- Specifically, when disclosing various embodiments, the basic configuration of the imaging device in the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] The imaging device of the present disclosure is an imaging device having a lens mount that enables attachment of a screw-in interchangeable lens. The lens mount includes a mount screw member having a first screw portion into which the interchangeable lens is screwed and engaged with the interchangeable lens, and a mount surface member having a mount surface against which the interchangeable lens abuts. The mount screw member is supported so as to be movable with respect to the mount surface member.

[0014] When the interchangeable lens is screwed into the mount screw member and attached, and the mount screw member is moved away from the subject with respect to the mount surface member, the interchangeable lens abutting against the mount surface is strongly pressed by the mount surface. At this time, at the fastening portion where the screw portion of the interchangeable lens is screwed with the first screw portion of the mount screw member, the axial force, which is a force (tensile force) extending in the axial direction, increases and the fastening state becomes stronger. Thus, by increasing the axial force generated in the screw portion of the interchangeable lens, loosening of the interchangeable lens is prevented even if the imaging device receives unexpected vibration or shock.

[0015] On the other hand, when the interchangeable lens is screwed into the mount screw member and attached, and the mount screw member is moved closer to the subject with respect to the mount surface member, the pressing force of the interchangeable lens against the mount surface is relaxed. At this time, at the fastening portion where the screw portion of the interchangeable lens is screwed with the first screw portion of the mount screw member, the axial force decreases and the fastening state becomes weaker. Thus, by decreasing the axial force generated in the screw portion of the interchangeable lens, the interchangeable lens becomes in a state where it is easily loosened, and the interchangeable lens can be easily removed.

[0016] In the imaging device of this disclosure, there are two modes of movement of the mounting screw member relative to the mounting surface member: translational movement (first mode) and rotational movement (second mode). In a first embodiment, the mounting screw member is configured to be supported so as to be able to move translationally relative to the mounting surface member. Specifically, the lens mount further includes a rotating member that is rotatable around the optical axis, the mounting screw member has a second threaded portion, and the rotating member has a third threaded portion that screws into the second threaded portion. The mounting screw member moves translationally relative to the mounting surface member as the rotating member rotates. In this case, the mounting surface member may have a first engaging portion, and the mounting screw member may have a second engaging portion. The mounting screw member is supported so as to be unable to rotate and able to move translationally relative to the mounting surface member by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. In this configuration, when the rotating member rotates in the direction of tightening the third threaded portion, the tightening between the second threaded portion and the third threaded portion increases, causing the mounting screw member to move translationally away from the mounting surface member. On the other hand, when the rotating member rotates the mounting screw member in a direction that loosens the third screw portion, the tightening between the second and third screw portions decreases, causing the mounting screw member to translate in a direction that moves closer to the mounting surface member. As an example of realizing such movement, the first screw portion, the second screw portion, and the third screw portion are made to have a reverse thread relationship. In this case, when the mounting screw member translates in a direction that moves away from the mounting surface member, the distance between the mounting surface and the tip of the mounting screw member increases, pressing the interchangeable lens more firmly against the mounting surface, increasing the axial force and making the fastening state stronger. When the mounting screw member translates in a direction that moves closer to the mounting surface member, the distance between the mounting surface and the tip of the mounting screw member decreases, reducing the pressing force between the interchangeable lens and the mounting surface, decreasing the axial force and relaxing the fastening state. By enabling the first embodiment in this way, a highly versatile imaging device is realized that prevents the interchangeable lens from loosening in a screw-in type lens mount, while also allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the interchangeable lens, and is compatible with ordinary interchangeable lenses.

[0017] As a specific example of the second embodiment, the mounting screw member is configured to be supported so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the mounting surface member. When the mounting screw member is rotated in the direction of tightening the first screw portion with an interchangeable lens attached, the interchangeable lens is pressed more firmly against the mounting surface, increasing the axial force and strengthening the fastening state with the first screw portion. On the other hand, when the mounting screw member is rotated in the direction of loosening the first screw portion, the pressing force between the interchangeable lens and the mounting surface decreases, reducing the axial force and relaxing the fastening state with the first screw portion. By enabling the second embodiment in this way, a highly versatile imaging device is realized that prevents the interchangeable lens from loosening in a screw-in type lens mount, while also allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the interchangeable lens, and is compatible with ordinary interchangeable lenses.

[0018] From another perspective, the imaging device configured as described above can also be said to embody an imaging device having a mechanism for increasing or decreasing the axial force generated at the fastening portion where the lens mount and the interchangeable lens are screwed together. Axial force is generally a quantitative value that can be measured using, for example, an ultrasonic force meter. Therefore, the imaging device of this disclosure can also be described as follows.

[0019] The imaging device of this disclosure has a lens mount to which a screw-in interchangeable lens can be attached, and the lens mount adjusts the increase or decrease of the axial force generated at the fastening portion that is screwed into the attached interchangeable lens. By adjusting to increase the axial force at the fastening portion, the fastening state of the interchangeable lens to the lens mount becomes stronger, preventing the interchangeable lens from loosening even if the imaging device is subjected to unexpected vibrations or shocks. By adjusting to decrease the axial force at the fastening portion, the fastening state of the interchangeable lens to the lens mount becomes weaker, making the interchangeable lens more likely to loosen and allowing the interchangeable lens to be easily removed.

[0020] In the imaging device of this disclosure, as described above, there are two modes of movement of the mount screw member relative to the mount surface member: translational movement (first mode) and rotational movement (second mode). In the first mode, the lens mount increases the axial force generated at the fastening portion by pulling the attached interchangeable lens in a translational direction away from the subject and pressing it against the lens mount. In the second mode, the lens mount increases the axial force generated at the fastening portion by rotating the portion that screws into the interchangeable lens (mount screw member) in a rotational direction that strengthens the screwing at the fastening portion and pressing the interchangeable lens against the lens mount.

[0021] -Specific Description of Various Embodiments- The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0022] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of this disclosure will be described below.

[0023] (Configuration of imaging device 200) First, let me explain the configuration of the imaging device 200. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the imaging device 200 according to the first embodiment, where (a) shows the front side and (b) shows the rear side. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the interchangeable lens 100 that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device 200.

[0024] The imaging device 200 comprises a camera body 202 and a lens mount 201. The lens mount 201 is a ring-shaped member with a first opening 210 formed in its central part for optically coupling with an interchangeable lens, and has a first threaded portion 221 cut into the inner wall of the first opening 210 and a body-side mounting surface 231. The interchangeable lens 100 has a lens threaded portion 110 for attachment to the imaging device 200 and a lens-side mounting surface 120. The interchangeable lens 100 can be attached to the imaging device 200 by screwing the lens threaded portion 110 into the first threaded portion 221 and, for example, bringing the lens-side mounting surface 120 into contact with the body-side mounting surface 231.

[0025] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lens mount 201 provided on the imaging device 200, where (a) shows the front side and (b) shows the rear side. The lens mount 201 comprises a mount surface member 230, a mount screw member 220, a rotating member 240, and a hand-crank ring 250. The mount surface member 230, which has a body-side mount surface 231, is fixed to the camera body 202 and has a cylindrical inner wall 232 and a protrusion 233 (first engaging portion) on its inner wall. The mount screw member 220, which has a first screw portion 221, has a cylindrical surface portion 222 and a recess 223 (second engaging portion) on its outer circumference. The cylindrical inner wall 232 and the cylindrical surface portion 222, and the protrusion 233 and the recess 223 are fitted together. Therefore, the mount screw member 220 cannot rotate relative to the mount surface member 230, but is supported in a way that allows for translational movement in the optical axis direction.

[0026] The rotating member 240 has a third threaded portion 241 which screws into a second threaded portion 224 formed on the outer circumference of the mounting screw member 220. Here, both the second threaded portion 224 and the third threaded portion 241 are reverse threads. The arms 251A and 251B provided on the hand crank ring 250 fit into recesses 242 formed on the rotating member 240. Therefore, when the user of the imaging device 200 rotates the hand crank ring 250 around the optical axis, the rotating member 240 also rotates together with the hand crank ring 250.

[0027] The mounting surface member 230 has wall portions 234A and 234B, and when the hand-crank ring 250 is rotated beyond a certain angle, it comes into contact with the arm portions 251A and 251B, respectively. Therefore, the hand-crank ring 250 can only be rotated within a range where the arm portions 251A and 251B do not interfere with the wall portions 234A and 234B. The mounting surface member 230 and the camera body 202 are fitted with O-rings 260 and 261, respectively, and by coming into contact with the inner wall of the hand-crank ring 250, they can be waterproofed to prevent water from entering the inside of the imaging device 200.

[0028] (Axial force increase / decrease mechanism in imaging device 200) The axial force increase / decrease mechanism in the imaging device 200 will be described below. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the imaging device 200 when attaching or detaching interchangeable lenses, with the imaging device 200 cut across the plane including the optical axis. Figure 4(a) shows the release state when removing the interchangeable lens, and Figure 4(b) shows the locked state when attaching the interchangeable lens.

[0029] When viewing the imaging device 200 from the front, the state in which the hand-cranked ring 250 is rotated to its maximum counterclockwise position is defined as the release state, and the state in which the hand-cranked ring 250 is rotated to its maximum clockwise position is defined as the locked state. Here, the left side of each figure is the direction of the subject. Note that since Figure 4(b) shows the same location as Figure 4(a), the reference numerals have been omitted.

[0030] Let d be the distance between the mounting surface 231 on the main body and the tip of the mounting screw member 220, and in the released state d(=d a ), d(=d) in the locked state b ) is shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), respectively. Here, since both the second threaded portion 224 and the third threaded portion 241 are reverse threads, the second threaded portion 224 and the third threaded portion 241 are screwed in more in the locked state compared to the released state. Therefore, d a <d bThe following relationship holds true: When the hand-crank ring 250 is turned clockwise when viewed from the front, the first screw portion 221 is translated and pulled in away from the subject.

[0031] When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the imaging device 200, the lens-side mount surface 120 comes into contact with the body-side mount surface 231 of the mount surface member 230. With the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the imaging device 200 in the released state, turning the hand-tightening ring 250 clockwise when viewed from the front causes the interchangeable lens 100, along with the first screw portion 221, to translate and be pulled away from the subject. As a result, the lens-side mount surface 120 is pressed more firmly against the body-side mount surface 231. At this time, the axial force, which is a force extending in the axial direction (tensile force), increases at the screwed fastening portion between the lens screw portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100 and the first screw portion 221 of the mount screw member 220, making the fastening state stronger. In this way, the increase in axial force generated in the lens screw portion 110 prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening even if the imaging device 200 is subjected to unexpected vibrations or shocks.

[0032] To remove the interchangeable lens 100 from the imaging device 200, the hand-operated ring 250 is turned counterclockwise when viewed from the front to release it. At this time, the interchangeable lens 100 moves translationally toward the subject together with the first screw portion 221, and the pressure on the lens-side mount surface 120 against the main body-side mount surface 231 is relieved. As a result, the axial force generated in the lens screw portion 110 is reduced. The interchangeable lens 100 becomes easier to loosen, making it easier to remove.

[0033] In this embodiment, as described above, when using the imaging device 200, it is assumed that the lens screw portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100 is screwed into the first screw portion 221 of the mount screw member 220. However, even if the interchangeable lens 100 is screwed in as intended, it is possible that there is some looseness in the screw connection between the lens screw portion 110 and the first screw portion 221 at the time of installation. In this embodiment, even in such cases, the axial force increase / decrease mechanism described above can be applied as long as the looseness in the screw connection is not significant. That is, as the interchangeable lens 100 moves translationally toward the subject together with the first screw portion 221, the lens-side mount surface 120 comes into contact with the main body-side mount surface 231 and receives pressure, increasing the axial force generated in the lens screw portion 110 and strengthening the fastening. This prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening.

[0034] As described above, according to this embodiment, a screw-in type lens mount 201 prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening, while also allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the interchangeable lens 100. This enables a highly versatile imaging device 200 that can use a standard interchangeable lens 100.

[0035] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Note that for configurations identical to those of the first embodiment, the same figures and numbers will be used, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0036] (Configuration of imaging device 300) First, let me explain the configuration of the imaging device 300. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a lens mount 301 provided on an imaging device 300 according to the second embodiment, where (a) shows the front side and (b) shows the rear side.

[0037] The lens mount 301 comprises a mount surface member 230, a mount screw member 220, and a hand-crank ring 250. The mount surface member 230 in the lens mount 301 is fixed to the main body 202. The cylindrical inner wall 232 formed on the inner wall of the mount surface member 230 engages with the cylindrical surface portion 222 formed on the outer circumference of the mount screw member 220. Therefore, the mount screw member 220 is supported so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the mount surface member 230. The mount screw member 220 in the lens mount 301 has a recess 225 which engages with arms 251A and 251B provided on the hand-crank ring 250. Therefore, when the hand-crank ring 250 is rotated around the optical axis, the mount screw member 220 also rotates.

[0038] (Axial force increase / decrease mechanism in imaging device 300) The axial force increase / decrease mechanism in the imaging device 300 will be described below. When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the imaging device 300, turning the hand-crank ring 250 counterclockwise when viewed from the front causes the mount screw member 220 to rotate in a direction that further screws the lens thread portion 110 around the optical axis. As a result, the first thread portion 221 of the mount screw member 220 is screwed more tightly into the lens thread portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100. This causes the lens-side mount surface 120 to be pressed more firmly against the main body-side mount surface 231, increasing the axial force generated at the screwed fastening point between the lens thread portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100 and the first thread portion 221 of the mount screw member 220, thereby strengthening the fastening. In this way, the increased axial force generated in the lens thread portion 110 prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening even if the imaging device 300 is subjected to unexpected vibrations or shocks.

[0039] When removing the interchangeable lens 100 from the imaging device 300, turning the hand-operated ring 250 clockwise when viewed from the front causes the mount screw member 220 to rotate in a direction that loosens the threading of the lens screw portion 110 around the optical axis. This reduces the pressure on the main body-side mount surface 231 of the lens-side mount surface 120, and decreases the axial force generated in the lens screw portion 110. The interchangeable lens 100 becomes easier to loosen, making it easier to remove.

[0040] In this embodiment, as described above, when using the imaging device 300, it is assumed that the lens screw portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100 is screwed into the first screw portion 221 of the mount screw member 220 for attachment. However, even if the interchangeable lens 100 is intended to be screwed in as intended, it is possible that there is some looseness in the screwing between the lens screw portion 110 and the first screw portion 221 at the time of attachment. In this embodiment, even in such cases, if the loosening of the screwing is not significant, the axial force increase / decrease mechanism described above can be applied. That is, the mount screw member 220 rotates in the direction in which the lens screw portion 110 is screwed in more around the optical axis, thereby eliminating the loosening of the screwing. Furthermore, the lens-side mount surface 120 comes into contact with the main body-side mount surface 231 and receives pressure, increasing the axial force generated in the lens screw portion 110 and strengthening the fastening state. This prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening.

[0041] As described above, according to this embodiment, a screw-in type lens mount 201 prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening, while also allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the interchangeable lens 100. This enables a highly versatile imaging device 300 that can use a standard interchangeable lens 100.

[0042] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. This embodiment can be applied to the imaging apparatus of the first or second embodiment described above. Note that the same figures and numbers as in the first or second embodiment will be used, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0043] Figure 6 is a right side view of an imaging device 400 equipped with a lens mount 401 according to the third embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 400 taken along plane A-A. Figure 7 illustrates the case where this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment. The imaging device 400 comprises a camera body 402 and a lens mount 401. The hand-crank ring 250 on the lens mount 401 has an inner hand-crank ring 252 and an outer hand-crank ring 253. The inner hand-crank ring 252 and the outer hand-crank ring 253 are supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other around the optical axis. The arms 251A and 251B (shown in Figures 3 and 5) are provided on the inner hand-crank ring 252.

[0044] An engaging claw 254 is formed on the inner hand-operated ring 252, and the engaging claw 254 meshes with a pawl 255 supported by the outer hand-operated ring 253. When viewed from the front, the engaging claw 254 has a gently sloping left side and a steep vertical wall on the right side. The pawl 255 is rotatably supported around a central axis 256 and is biased by a spring (not shown) to tilt inward (rotate counterclockwise in Figure 7).

[0045] The engaging claw 254 and the engaged claw 255 form a ratchet mechanism between the inner hand-turning ring 252 and the outer hand-turning ring 253. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating this ratchet mechanism. Figure 8 illustrates the case where this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment.

[0046] To release the lens, consider the case where the outer hand-tightened ring 253 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front. At this time, a force is applied in the direction that engages the engaged claw 255 with the engaging claw 254. As a result, the inner hand-tightened ring 252 rotates together with the outer hand-tightened ring 253. This allows the interchangeable lens 100 to be easily removed.

[0047] Next, let's consider the case where the outer hand-tightened ring 253 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the front, in order to lock it in place. If the rotational torque of the outer hand-tightened ring 253 is below a certain level, the inner hand-tightened ring will rotate together with the outer hand-tightened ring 253, as shown in Figure 8(a). When the rotational torque of the outer hand-tightened ring 253 exceeds a certain level, the engaged pawl 255 will separate from the engaging pawl 254, as shown in Figure 8(b), and the inner hand-tightened ring 252 will stop rotating. In this way, the ratchet mechanism of the engaged pawl 255 and the engaging pawl 254 acts as a torque limiter.

[0048] Due to the structure of this torque limiter, even when the outer hand-tightening ring 253 is turned to pull in the first screw portion 221, if the torque exceeds a certain level, the outer hand-tightening ring 253 will spin freely and the first screw portion 221 will not be pulled in. If the first screw portion 221 is pulled in with excessive force when locking it, an excessive axial force will be applied to the lens screw portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100. In this case, there is a risk that the interchangeable lens 100 will become stuck or be damaged. In this embodiment, the ratchet mechanism described above prevents the first screw portion 221 from being pulled in with excessive force, thereby reducing the above risk.

[0049] When this embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, the gently sloping surface and the vertical wall surface of the engaging claw 254 are formed in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 7. In this case, when the outer hand-tightening ring 253 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the front, the inner hand-tightening ring 252 also rotates together with the outer hand-tightening ring 253. When the outer hand-tightening ring 253 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front, the same ratchet mechanism as described above operates and acts as a torque limiter. This prevents excessive axial force from being applied to the lens screw portion 110 of the interchangeable lens 100 due to excessive screwing of the lens screw portion 110. In this case, the risk of the interchangeable lens 100 becoming stuck or being damaged is reduced.

[0050] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. This embodiment can be applied to the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment described above. Note that the same figures and numbers as in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0051] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an imaging device 500 equipped with a lens mount 501 according to the fourth embodiment, where (a) shows the released state and (b) shows the locked state. Figure 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the imaging device 500 cut by a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and passing through the central axis of the pin member 520, where (a) shows the released state and (b) shows the locked state.

[0052] A second opening 510 is formed on the inner wall of the first opening 210 of the lens mount 501, communicating with the mount screw member 220 and the mount surface member 230 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and a pin member 520 is inserted through the second opening 510. In the release state, when the hand crank ring 250 is turned counterclockwise, the pin member 520 is contained within the second opening 510. In contrast, in the locked state, when the hand crank ring 250 is turned clockwise, the pin member 520 protrudes from the second opening 510 toward the first opening 210.

[0053] The pin member 520 includes a protruding member 521, a spring receiving member 522, a cam contact 523, a protruding spring 524, and a cam pressing spring 525. The protruding spring 524 is a compression spring that applies force to the protruding member 521 in the direction of protruding from the second opening 510. The cam pressing spring 525, via the spring receiving member 522, biases the entire pin member 520 with an elastic force in the direction away from the optical axis. A cam groove 257, which is a cam portion into which the cam contact 523 engages, is formed on the inside of the hand-crank ring 250. Because the cam contact 523 is pressed against the cam groove 257 by the cam pressing spring 525, the protruding member 521 is contained within the second opening 510 in the released state, and protrudes from the second opening 510 in the locked state.

[0054] In the first embodiment described above, if the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the lens mount 201 in the locked state, the first screw portion 221 cannot be pulled in any further. In this case, the function of preventing the interchangeable lens 100 from loosening will not work, and there is a risk that the effects achieved in the first embodiment will not be realized. In this embodiment, when the lens mount 501 is in the locked state, the pin member 520 protrudes from the second opening 510. In this case, if an attempt is made to attach the interchangeable lens 100, the lens screw portion 110 will interfere with the protruding member 521, making attachment impossible. This configuration prevents the interchangeable lens 100 from being accidentally attached in the locked state.

[0055] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the lens mount 501 and then locked in place by turning the hand-crank ring 250. The view is cut along a plane that includes both the optical axis and the central axis of the pin member 520. The protruding member 521 will come into contact with the lens screw portion 110, but the protruding spring 524, which is a pin retaining spring, compresses the protruding member 521, causing it to retract and remain contained within the second opening 510 without protruding from it. In this way, interference between the protruding member 521 and the lens screw portion 110 is prevented.

[0056] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This embodiment can be applied to the imaging apparatus of the first to fourth embodiments described above.

[0057] Figure 12 is a front view showing the hand-crank ring 250 in the lens mount of an imaging device according to the fifth embodiment of the first embodiment (or the third or fourth embodiment applied to the first embodiment). Figure 12(a) shows the locked state, and Figure 12(b) shows the released state. Note that this embodiment is characterized by the hand-crank ring 250, so only the hand-crank ring 250 is shown in Figure 12.

[0058] In this embodiment, the hand-operated ring 250 has projections 611 formed at, for example, two locations on its periphery. When the projections 611 are located on the upper part of the hand-operated ring 250, the left side (one side) when viewed from the front is a gently sloping surface 612 along the rotational direction that tightens (locks) the hand-operated ring 250, and the right side (the other side) is a steep vertical wall surface 613.

[0059] When a user operates the hand crank ring 250 to lock it in place on the lens mount, they rotate the hand crank ring 250 clockwise as shown by arrow A in Figure 12(a). At this time, the user's hand gripping the hand crank ring 250 rests on the gently sloping surface 612 of the projection 611, which allows the rotational force applied to the hand crank ring 250 to dissipate, preventing it from locking due to excessive rotational force.

[0060] On the other hand, to release the lens mount, the hand crank ring 250 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by arrow B in Figure 12(b). At this time, the user's hand gripping the hand crank ring 250 rests on the vertical wall surface 613 of the projection 611, so the rotational force is applied to the hand crank ring 250 without being lost, ensuring that the release state is achieved reliably. If an interchangeable lens is attached to the imaging device, the interchangeable lens can be easily removed.

[0061] Figure 13 is a front view showing the hand-crank ring 250 in the lens mount of an imaging device according to the fifth embodiment, the second embodiment (or the third embodiment applied to the second embodiment). Figure 13(a) shows the locked state, and Figure 13(b) shows the released state. Note that this embodiment is characterized by the hand-crank ring 250, so only the hand-crank ring 250 is shown in Figure 12.

[0062] The hand-crank ring 250 has projections 611 formed at, for example, two locations on its periphery. When the projection 611 is located on the upper part of the hand-crank ring 250, the right side when viewed from the front is a gently sloping surface 612 along the rotational direction that tightens (locks) the hand-crank ring 250, and the left side is a steep vertical surface 613. In Figure 13, the gently sloping surface 612 and the vertical surface 613 of the projection 611 are formed in the opposite direction to those in Figure 12.

[0063] When a user operates the hand crank ring 250 to lock it in place on the lens mount, they rotate the hand crank ring 250 counterclockwise as shown by arrow A in Figure 13(a). At this time, the user's hand gripping the hand crank ring 250 rests on the gently sloping surface 612 of the projection 611, which allows the rotational force applied to the hand crank ring 250 to dissipate, preventing it from locking due to excessive rotational force.

[0064] On the other hand, to release the lens mount, the hand crank ring 250 is rotated clockwise as shown by arrow B in Figure 13(b). At this time, the user's hand gripping the hand crank ring 250 rests on the vertical wall surface 613 of the projection 611, so the rotational force is applied to the hand crank ring 250 without being lost, ensuring that the release state is achieved reliably. If an interchangeable lens is attached to the imaging device, the interchangeable lens can be easily removed.

[0065] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its essence.

[0066] The disclosure of various embodiments includes the following configurations. (Composition 1) An imaging device having a lens mount that allows for the attachment of screw-in interchangeable lenses, The aforementioned lens mount is A mounting screw member having a first threaded portion into which the replacement lens is screwed and which engages with the replacement lens, A mounting surface member having a mounting surface that the aforementioned interchangeable lens contacts, It is equipped with, The mounting screw member is movably supported with respect to the mounting surface member. Imaging device. (Configuration 2) The mounting surface is such that the interchangeable lens comes into contact with the first screw portion when the interchangeable lens is screwed into the first screw portion. The imaging device described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) The mounting screw member is supported so as to be able to move translationally with respect to the mounting surface member. The imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2. (Composition 4) The aforementioned lens mount is It further includes a rotating member that is rotatable around the optical axis. The imaging device described in Configuration 3. (Composition 5) The aforementioned mounting screw member has a second threaded portion, The rotating member has a third threaded portion that engages with the second threaded portion, The mounting screw member moves translationally relative to the mounting surface member as the rotating member rotates. The imaging device described in Configuration 4. (Composition 6) The mounting surface member has a first engaging portion, The aforementioned mounting screw member has a second engaging portion, The mounting screw member is supported so as to be non-rotatable and translationally movable relative to the mounting surface member by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The imaging device described in Configuration 4. (Composition 7) When the rotating member rotates in the direction of tightening the third screw portion, the mounting screw member translates in a direction away from the mounting surface member as the tightening between the second screw portion and the third screw portion increases. The imaging device described in configuration 5. (Composition 8) When the rotating member rotates in a direction that loosens the third screw portion, the mounting screw member translates in a direction that moves closer to the mounting surface member as the tightening between the second screw portion and the third screw portion decreases. The imaging device described in configuration 5. (Composition 9) The first threaded portion, the second threaded portion, and the third threaded portion are in a reverse thread relationship. When the mounting screw member moves translationally away from the mounting surface member, the distance between the mounting surface and the tip of the mounting screw member increases. The imaging device described in Configuration 7. (Composition 10) The mounting screw member is supported so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the mounting surface member. The imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2. (Composition 11) When the mounting screw member is rotated in the direction of tightening the first screw portion with the interchangeable lens attached, The replacement lens increases the tightening with the first screw portion. The imaging device described in configuration 10. (Composition 12) The aforementioned lens mount is It further features a hand-cranked ring that is rotatably supported around the optical axis, The hand-cranked ring is positioned to rotate together with the rotating member. An imaging device as described in any one of configurations 4 to 9. (Composition 13) The aforementioned lens mount is It further features a hand-cranked ring that is rotatably supported around the optical axis, The hand-operated ring is positioned to rotate together with the mounting screw member. An imaging apparatus as described in configuration 10 or 11. (Composition 14) The aforementioned hand-cranked ring is The inner hand-crank ring, An outer hand-crank ring is supported so as to be rotatable around the optical axis via a torque limiter relative to the inner hand-crank ring, It has, When the outer hand-tightening ring is rotated with a torque exceeding a certain level in the direction of tightening the interchangeable lens, the torque limiter causes the outer hand-tightening ring to spin freely relative to the inner hand-tightening ring. The imaging apparatus described in configuration 12 or 13. (Composition 15) The torque limiter is configured by a ratchet mechanism. The imaging device described in configuration 14. (Composition 16) An opening is formed in the inner wall of the aforementioned lens mount. It has a pin member that is positioned to pass through the aforementioned opening, A cam portion is formed on the inner wall of the aforementioned hand-cranked ring, which engages with the aforementioned pin member. When the hand-operated ring is turned in the direction of tightening the interchangeable lens, the pin member protrudes from the opening due to engagement with the cam portion. When the hand-operated ring is turned in the direction that loosens the interchangeable lens, the pin member engages with the cam portion and settles into the opening. The imaging device described in configuration 12. (Composition 17) The pin member is held in a state where it is pressed by the pin retaining spring in a direction that protrudes from the opening. With the interchangeable lens attached to the lens mount, when the interchangeable lens is rotated in the tightening direction, The pin member that would otherwise protrude from the opening comes into contact with the threaded portion of the interchangeable lens, and the pin retaining spring compresses it, causing it to settle into the opening without protruding. The imaging device described in configuration 16. (Composition 18) The aforementioned hand-cranked ring has a projection formed on its periphery. The aforementioned protrusion is One side is a gently sloping surface along the rotational direction for tightening the hand-operated ring. The other side is designated as a vertical wall surface. The imaging apparatus described in configuration 12 or 13. (Composition 19) An imaging device having a lens mount that allows for the attachment of screw-in interchangeable lenses, The aforementioned lens mount is Adjusts the increase or decrease of axial force generated at the fastening portion that is screwed into the attached replacement lens. Imaging device. (Composition 20) The aforementioned lens mount is The attached interchangeable lens is pulled in a translational direction away from the subject and pressed against the lens mount, thereby increasing the axial force generated at the fastening portion. The imaging device described in configuration 19. (Composition 21) The aforementioned lens mount is The screw portion that engages with the replacement lens is rotated in a rotational direction that strengthens the threading of the fastening portion, thereby increasing the axial force generated at the fastening portion. The imaging device described in configuration 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 200, 300, 400, 500 Imaging devices 201, 301, 401, 501 lens mounts 220 Mounting screw component 230 Mounting surface member 240 Rotating Member 250 Hand-cranked rings 254 Engaging claws 255 Engaged claw 520 Pin component

Claims

1. An imaging device having a lens mount that allows for the attachment of screw-in interchangeable lenses, The aforementioned lens mount is A mounting screw member having a first threaded portion into which the replacement lens is screwed and which engages with the replacement lens, A mounting surface member having a mounting surface that the aforementioned interchangeable lens contacts, It is equipped with, The mounting screw member is movably supported with respect to the mounting surface member. Imaging device.

2. The mounting surface is such that the interchangeable lens comes into contact with the first screw portion when the interchangeable lens is screwed into the first screw portion. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The mounting screw member is supported so as to be able to move translationally with respect to the mounting surface member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned lens mount is It further includes a rotating member that is rotatable around the optical axis. The imaging device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned mounting screw member has a second threaded portion, The rotating member has a third threaded portion that engages with the second threaded portion, The mounting screw member moves translationally relative to the mounting surface member as the rotating member rotates. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The mounting surface member has a first engaging portion, The aforementioned mounting screw member has a second engaging portion, The mounting screw member is supported so as to be non-rotatable and translationally movable relative to the mounting surface member by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The imaging device according to claim 3.

7. When the rotating member rotates in the direction that tightens the third screw portion, the mounting screw member translates in a direction away from the mounting surface member as the tightening between the second screw portion and the third screw portion increases. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5.

8. When the rotating member rotates in a direction that loosens the third screw portion, the mounting screw member translates in a direction that moves closer to the mounting surface member as the tightening between the second screw portion and the third screw portion decreases. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5.

9. The first threaded portion, the second threaded portion, and the third threaded portion are in a reverse thread relationship. When the mounting screw member moves translationally away from the mounting surface member, the distance between the mounting surface and the tip of the mounting screw member increases. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The mounting screw member is supported so as to be rotatable around the optical axis relative to the mounting surface member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

11. When the mounting screw member is rotated in the direction of tightening the first screw portion with the interchangeable lens attached, The replacement lens increases the tightening with the first screw portion. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned lens mount is It further features a hand-cranked ring that is rotatably supported around the optical axis, The hand-cranked ring is positioned to rotate together with the rotating member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4.

13. The aforementioned lens mount is It further features a hand-cranked ring that is rotatably supported around the optical axis, The hand-operated ring is positioned to rotate together with the mounting screw member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10.

14. The aforementioned hand-cranked ring is The inner hand-crank ring, An outer hand-crank ring is supported so as to be rotatable around the optical axis via a torque limiter relative to the inner hand-crank ring, It has, When the outer hand-tightening ring is rotated with a torque exceeding a certain level in the direction of tightening the interchangeable lens, the torque limiter causes the outer hand-tightening ring to spin freely relative to the inner hand-tightening ring. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The torque limiter is configured by a ratchet mechanism. The imaging apparatus according to claim 14.

16. An opening is formed in the inner wall of the aforementioned lens mount. It has a pin member that is positioned to pass through the aforementioned opening, A cam portion is formed on the inner wall of the aforementioned hand-cranked ring, which engages with the aforementioned pin member. When the hand-operated ring is turned in the direction of tightening the interchangeable lens, the pin member protrudes from the opening due to engagement with the cam portion. When the hand-operated ring is turned in the direction that loosens the interchangeable lens, the pin member engages with the cam portion and settles into the opening. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12.

17. The pin member is held in a state where it is pressed by the pin retaining spring in a direction that protrudes from the opening. With the interchangeable lens attached to the lens mount, when the interchangeable lens is rotated in the tightening direction, The pin member that would otherwise protrude from the opening comes into contact with the threaded portion of the interchangeable lens, and the pin retaining spring compresses it, causing it to settle into the opening without protruding. The imaging device according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned hand-cranked ring has a projection formed on its periphery. The aforementioned projection is One side is a gently sloping surface along the rotational direction for tightening the hand-operated ring. The other side is designated as a vertical wall surface. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.

19. An imaging device having a lens mount that allows for the attachment of screw-in interchangeable lenses, The aforementioned lens mount is Adjusts the increase or decrease of axial force generated at the fastening portion that is screwed into the attached replacement lens. Imaging device.

20. The aforementioned lens mount is The attached interchangeable lens is pulled in a translational direction away from the subject and pressed against the lens mount, thereby increasing the axial force generated at the fastening portion. The imaging device according to claim 19.

21. The aforementioned lens mount is The screw portion that engages with the interchangeable lens is rotated in a direction that strengthens the threading of the fastening portion, and the interchangeable lens is pressed against the lens mount, thereby increasing the axial force generated at the fastening portion. The imaging device according to claim 19.

Images