Lens cover

Abstract

To provide a lens cover that has a simple configuration and is designed for various sizes of interchangeable lenses mounted on an imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: A lens cover 1 comprises: a first stationary barrel member 42 and a second stationary barrel member 43 that constitute a stationary member removably fixed to an imaging apparatus 100; a rotational operation member 40 that has engagement parts 44a to an engagement part 44c engaging with a zoom ring 11 of an interchangeable lens 10, and is rotationally operated around an optical axis O10 with respect to the stationary member; a conversion member (replacement member) 60 that has a male screw 61 engaging with a front end of the interchangeable lens 10, and is replaced according to the size of the interchangeable lens 10; a movable member 20 that has a magnetic part 23 rotatably supporting the conversion member 60 around the optical axis O10, and covers the interchangeable lens 10 from the front side; and a third stationary barrel member 31 and a movable barrel member 32 that connect the movable member 20 and the second stationary barrel member 43 to constitute a connection member extendable and contractible in the direction of the optical axis O10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens cover. [Background technology]

[0002] Some imaging devices are used with various interchangeable lenses. When using an imaging device, a lens cover may be placed over the interchangeable lens. This protects the interchangeable lens from rainwater and other elements when using the imaging device outdoors in bad weather, even if the interchangeable lens is not waterproof. Some interchangeable lenses change their overall length when zooming. Depending on the overall length of the interchangeable lens, interference between the interchangeable lens and the lens cover or vignetting may occur. Patent Document 1 therefore discloses a mechanism that allows the lens cover to expand and contract in response to changes in the overall length of the interchangeable lens. This expansion and contraction mechanism includes a cam groove and a cam follower guided by the cam groove. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-250418 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the lens cover (waterproof case) described in Patent Document 1 has a limit to its extension and contraction that depends on the shape and length of the cam groove, making it unable to adequately accommodate changes in the overall length of the interchangeable lens and lacking in versatility. Furthermore, the lens cover described in Patent Document 1 is unable to adequately accommodate interchangeable lenses with a variety of lens diameters, meaning it can only be used with interchangeable lenses of one type of lens diameter. Furthermore, the lens cover described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration that includes cam grooves and cam followers, which complicates the configuration and increases the number of parts.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lens cover that is compatible with interchangeable lenses of various sizes that are attached to an imaging device and has a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the lens cover of the present invention is a lens cover that is attached to an imaging device that captures images and that houses an interchangeable lens having a zoom ring that is rotated around the optical axis of the imaging device when adjusting the zoom, and is characterized by comprising: a fixed member that is detachably fixed to the imaging device; an operating member that has a ring engagement portion that engages with the zoom ring and is rotated around the optical axis relative to the fixed member; an interchangeable member that has a lens engagement portion that engages with the front end of the interchangeable lens and is interchangeable depending on the size of the interchangeable lens; a movable member that has a support portion that supports the interchangeable member so that it can be rotated around the optical axis and covers the interchangeable lens from the front side; and a connecting member that connects the movable member and the fixed member and is extendable and contractible in the optical axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to accommodate interchangeable lenses of various sizes that are attached to an imaging device, and the configuration is simple. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device and the interchangeable lens as viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device with the lens cover attached thereto, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the lens cover as viewed from the front side. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the lens cover as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5A] 10A to 10C are perspective views showing the steps of attaching the lens cover in sequence. [Figure 5B] 10A to 10C are perspective views showing the steps of attaching the lens cover in sequence. [Figure 6] FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area [D] surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area [E] surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 6. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof lens cover as viewed from the front side. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof lens cover as viewed from the rear side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 10. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0010] <Configuration of imaging device and interchangeable lens> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device and an interchangeable lens as seen from the front. FIG. 1(a) shows the imaging device in a state before the interchangeable lens is attached. FIG. 1(b) shows the imaging device with the interchangeable lens attached and in a retracted state. FIG. 1(c) shows the imaging device with the interchangeable lens attached and in an extended state. In the following description, the direction from which the interchangeable lens attached to the imaging device faces will be referred to as the "front (front side)," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear (back side)." The vertically upper side of the imaging device will be referred to as the "top," and the vertically lower side will be referred to as the "bottom." The X, Y, and Z directions are set to be orthogonal to each other. The X direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the imaging device, the Y direction is the height direction (up-down direction) of the imaging device, and the Z direction is the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the imaging device.

[0011] The imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 1 captures images. The imaging device 100 has a ring-shaped mount 101 provided at the front thereof and a mount ring 102 provided on the outer periphery of the mount 101. An interchangeable lens 10 is detachably attached to the mount 101. Hereinafter, the state in which the interchangeable lens 10 is attached to the mount 101 will be referred to as the "lens-attached state." The mount ring 102 is rotatable around the optical axis O10 of the interchangeable lens 10 (imaging device 100). In this embodiment, to achieve the lens-attached state, the mount ring 102 is first rotated counterclockwise around the optical axis O10 as viewed from the front. Then, the interchangeable lens 10 is inserted into the mount 101, and the mount ring 102 is rotated in the opposite direction. This causes the claws (not shown) of the interchangeable lens 10 to retract toward the rear (image sensor side), achieving the lens-attached state. The configuration for setting the lens in the attached state is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a bayonet type in which the interchangeable lens 10 is fixed by rotating it around the optical axis O10.

[0012] The imaging device 100 also has a ring-shaped lens cover attachment portion 103 provided concentrically with the mount 101 on the outer periphery of the mount 101. A lens cover 1 is detachably attached to the lens cover attachment portion 103. Hereinafter, the state in which the lens cover 1 is attached to the lens cover attachment portion 103 will be referred to as the "covered state." The lens cover 1 is a member that houses the interchangeable lens 10 in the lens-attached state. This allows the interchangeable lens 10 to be protected in the covered state. The lens cover attachment portion 103 has a female thread 104 provided on its inner periphery. A male thread 45 of the lens cover 1, which will be described later, is threadedly engaged with the female thread 104.

[0013] The interchangeable lens 10 has a zoom ring 11, a fixed barrel 12, and a movable barrel 13. The interchangeable lens 10 also has at least one lens (not shown). The fixed barrel 12 is a cylindrical member that is inserted into and fixed in a mount ring 102. The zoom ring 11 is supported on the outer periphery of the fixed barrel 12 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis O10. The movable barrel 13 is supported on the inner periphery of the fixed barrel 12 so as to be movable along the optical axis O10. By rotating the zoom ring 11, the movable barrel 13 and the lens can be moved back and forth along the optical axis O10. This allows zoom adjustment. The overall length of the interchangeable lens 10 changes, i.e., it expands and contracts, as the movable barrel 13 is moved back and forth in response to the rotation of the zoom ring 11. A filter screw 14, consisting of a female thread, is provided at the front end of the inner periphery of the movable barrel 13. The filter screw 14 can be fitted with various accessories.

[0014] <Lens cover configuration> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lens cover attached to the imaging device, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2(a) shows the lens cover in a contracted state, and FIG. 2(b) shows the lens cover in an extended state. FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the lens cover as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the lens cover as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2(a).

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the lens cover 1 is attached to the imaging device 100 when in use. An interchangeable lens 10 is stored inside the lens cover 1. The lens cover 1 can be in a contracted state shown in Fig. 2(a) or an extended state shown in Fig. 2(b) while storing the interchangeable lens 10. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the lens cover 1 has a first cover 2, a second cover 3, and a conversion member (replacement member) 60, and is a cylindrical assembly formed by assembling these members.

[0016] The first cover 2 has a first fixed cylinder member 42, a rotary operation member (operation member) 40, and a second fixed cylinder member 43, arranged in this order from the imaging device 100 side. The first fixed cylinder member 42 and the second fixed cylinder member 43 are each cylindrical (annular) members, and are fastened in the direction of the optical axis O10 by a plurality of fixing screws (bolts) 48 to constitute fixed members that are detachably fixed to the imaging device 100. A male thread 45 is formed on the outer periphery of the first fixed cylinder member 42 at its rear end. The male thread 45 can be threadably engaged with a female thread 104 of the lens cover attachment portion 103. This allows the lens cover 1 to be detachably fixed to the imaging device 100.

[0017] The rotation operation member 40 is slidably disposed between the first fixed barrel member 42 and the second fixed barrel member 43, fitted from the outer periphery thereof. The rotation operation member 40 is cylindrical (annular) and rotated in the direction of arrow α in FIG. 2(a), i.e., around the optical axis O10 relative to the first fixed barrel member 42 and the second fixed barrel member 43 (fixed members). As will be described later, this rotation operation changes the lens cover 1 between a contracted state and an extended state. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation operation member 40 has engagement portions (ring engagement portions) 44a, 44b, and 44c that engage with the zoom ring 11 of the interchangeable lens 10. The engagement portions 44a to 44c are disposed at equal angular intervals around the optical axis O10, i.e., at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotation operation member 40. The engagement portions 44a to 44c are formed by bolts that are screwed into the rotary operation member 40 from the inside. As a result, the engagement portions 44a to 44c protrude toward the optical axis O10. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree to which the engagement portions 44a to 44c are screwed, the amount of protrusion toward the optical axis O10, i.e., the radial protrusion length of the rotary operation member 40, can be varied. As a result, the engagement portions 44a to 44c can press against and engage with the outer peripheral surface of the zoom ring 11, regardless of the outer diameter of the zoom ring 11. When the rotary operation member 40 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the zoom ring 11. This allows the zoom ring 11 to rotate. Note that in this embodiment, the engagement between the engagement portions 44a to 44c and the zoom ring 11 is by pressure contact, but is not limited to this. Various engagement structures can be adopted, such as engagement by recesses and protrusions or engagement by meshing of tooth surfaces. In addition, although there are a total of three engagement portions 44a to 44c in this embodiment, the number of arrangements is not limited to this. Furthermore, the protrusion amounts of engagement portions 44a to 44c are adjusted by, for example, the user's fingertips.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second cover 3 includes, in order from the imaging device 100 side, a third fixed cylinder member (first cylinder member) 31, a movable cylinder member (second cylinder member) 32, and a movable member 20. The movable member 20 includes an annular frame 22 and a transparent plate (transparent portion) 21 supported inside the frame 22. The transparent plate 21 covers the interchangeable lens 10 from the front and is transparent enough to transmit visible light incident on the interchangeable lens 10 during imaging. The transparent plate 21 is preferably fixed to the frame 22 by adhesive. This firmly fixes the transparent plate 21 to the frame 22 and effectively prevents it from coming off the frame 22. As shown in FIG. 3B, the movable member 20 includes a magnetic portion 23 provided on the rear side of the frame 22. The magnetic portion 23 is made of an annular permanent magnet arranged concentrically with the frame 22. The magnetic portion 23 functions as a support portion that supports the conversion member 60 rotatably around the optical axis O10 by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. Note that the support portion is not limited to a support structure using magnetic force, and may be a support structure using fitting such as a lock structure or a snap fit structure.

[0019] The third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32 are each a cylindrical member. The rear end of the third fixed barrel member 31 is connected to the front end of the second fixed barrel member 43 (fixed member). The front end of the movable barrel member 32 is connected to the rear end of the movable member 20. In this way, the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32 form a connecting member that connects the movable member 20 and the second fixed barrel member 43. The movable barrel member 32 is fitted inside the third fixed barrel member 31 and is slidable relative to the third fixed barrel member 31 in the direction of the optical axis O10. This sliding allows the connecting member formed by the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32 to expand and contract in the direction of the optical axis O10. This changes the overall length of the lens cover 1. In this embodiment, the extension and contraction of the connecting member is caused by the relative movement of two members, but this is not limited thereto. For example, it may be caused by the relative movement of three or more members, or the connecting member may be formed of a bellows-shaped cylindrical body and may be caused by the extension and contraction of this cylindrical body. As described above, the movable cylindrical member 32 is fitted inside the third fixed cylindrical member 31. Therefore, the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the third fixed cylindrical member 31 is larger than the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the movable cylindrical member 32, and the outer diameter of the lens cover 1 as a whole increases toward the rear end. This improves operability when screwing the lens cover 1 onto the imaging device 100 and performing the attachment operation.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the conversion member 60 is an annular member. The conversion member 60 is a member (adapter member) that is replaced depending on the size of the interchangeable lens 10. Therefore, a plurality of conversion members 60 are provided for the lens cover 1 according to the lens diameter of the interchangeable lens 10. These conversion members 60 have different inner and outer diameters. This allows an interchangeable lens 10 corresponding to the size of the interchangeable lens 10 to be appropriately selected and used from among the plurality of conversion members 60. The conversion member 60 also has an annular protrusion 63 on its back surface, the annular protrusion 63 being centered on the optical axis O10. A male thread (lens engagement portion) 61 is formed on the outer periphery of this protrusion 63. The male thread 61 is threadedly engaged with a female thread 141 formed on the front end of the inner periphery of the filter screw 14 (interchangeable lens 10) (see FIG. 8 ). This threaded engagement allows the conversion member 60 to engage with the filter screw 14. The conversion member 60 is made of, for example, martensitic or phyllitic stainless steel. As a result, the contact surface 62, which is the front surface of the conversion member 60, is attracted to the magnetic portion 23 of the movable member 20, and the conversion member 60 becomes rotatable around the optical axis O10.

[0021] <Attaching (mounting) the lens cover to the imaging device> Next, the operation of attaching the lens cover 1 to the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, and 7. FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views sequentially showing the process of attaching the lens cover. FIG. 5A(a) is a front perspective view showing the process of attaching the first cover. FIG. 5A(b) is a front perspective view showing the process of attaching the conversion member. FIG. 5B(c) is a front perspective view showing the process of attaching the second cover. FIG. 5B(d) is a rear perspective view showing the process of attaching the second cover. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 2(b).

[0022] To attach the lens cover 1 to the imaging device 100, first, the lens cover 1 is disassembled into the first cover 2, the second cover 3, and the conversion member 60. A conversion member 60 that can be attached to the interchangeable lens 10 is selected from the multiple conversion members 60. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A(a), the male thread 45 of the first fixed barrel member 42 of the first cover 2 is screwed into the female thread 104 of the lens cover attachment portion 103 of the imaging device 100. This allows the first cover 2 to be attached to the lens cover attachment portion 103 of the imaging device 100. During this attachment, the user adjusts the protrusion amounts of the engagement portions 44a to 44c by operating the engagement portions 44a to 44c from the front inside of the first cover 2. This allows the engagement portions 44a to 44c to be pressed against the zoom ring 11, thereby engaging the rotation operation member 40 of the first cover 2 with the zoom ring 11 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0023] 5A(b), the male thread 61 of the conversion member 60 is screwed into the female thread 141 of the filter thread 14 of the interchangeable lens 10. This makes it possible to attach the conversion member 60 to the interchangeable lens 10 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0024] Next, as shown in FIGS. 5B(c) and 5B(d), the male threads 34 of the third fixed barrel member 31 of the second cover 3 are threaded into the female threads 41 of the second fixed barrel member 43 of the first cover 2. This allows the second cover 3 to be connected to the first cover 2, resulting in a covered state. Furthermore, the lens cover 1 (second cover 3) can expand and contract along the optical axis O10 due to relative movement between the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32. This allows the lens cover 1 to cover the interchangeable lens 10 regardless of the overall length of the interchangeable lens 10. Furthermore, when the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 are connected, the abutment surface 62 of the conversion member 60 abuts against and is attracted to the magnetic portion 23 of the second cover 3. This allows the conversion member 60 to rotate around the optical axis O10 relative to the second cover 3.

[0025] As described above, the lens cover 1 can accommodate interchangeable lenses 10 of various diameters or overall lengths by replacing the conversion member 60 or adjusting the extension and retraction of the lens cover 1. Therefore, the lens cover 1 can accommodate interchangeable lenses 10 of various sizes that are attached to the imaging device 100. Furthermore, the extension and retraction configuration of the lens cover 1 is achieved by the relative linear movement of the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32. This simplifies the configuration of the lens cover 1 compared to, for example, a cam configuration having a cam groove and a cam follower. Furthermore, because the extension and retraction configuration of the lens cover 1 does not use a cam mechanism, it can accommodate interchangeable lenses with various extensions and retractions.

[0026] <Zooming the interchangeable lens with the cover attached> Next, the operation of the zoom ring 11 of the interchangeable lens 10 with the cover attached will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] When operating the lens cover 1 for zooming, the user first rotates the rotary operation member 40 of the lens cover 1 in the direction of the arrow α in Figure 2(a). As a result, the rotational force of the rotary operation member 40 is transmitted to the zoom ring 11 of the interchangeable lens 10, which is engaged with the rotary operation member 40. The transmission of this rotational force allows the zoom ring 11 to rotate around the optical axis O10 together with the rotary operation member 40. Then, depending on the direction of rotation, the movable barrel portion 13 and the lenses of the interchangeable lens 10 move back and forth along the optical axis O10, allowing zoom adjustment to be performed.

[0028] For example, when the user rotates the rotary operation member 40 to change the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 7, the movable barrel portion 13 of the interchangeable lens 10 advances by a length L. Furthermore, a conversion member 60 is engaged with the filter screw 14 located in front of the movable barrel portion 13. When the movable barrel portion 13 advances by the length L, the conversion member 60 presses the movable member 20 forward by an amount equal to the length L. As a result, the movable barrel portion 32 moves forward relative to the third fixed barrel member 31, and the lens cover 1 enters an extended state. Note that when the movable barrel portion 13 advances by the length L (as well as when it retreats), it also rotates about the optical axis O10. As a result, the conversion member 60 also rotates about the optical axis O10 together with the movable barrel portion 13. As described above, the conversion member 60 is supported by the magnetic portion 23 of the movable member 20 so as to be rotatable about the optical axis O10. This allows the conversion member 60 and the movable barrel portion 13 to rotate smoothly.

[0029] 6 by rotating the rotary operation member 40 by the user, the movable barrel portion 13 of the interchangeable lens 10 retracts by a length L. When the movable barrel portion 13 retracts by the length L, the conversion member 60 pulls the movable member 20 rearward by an amount equal to the length L. This pulling is possible because the conversion member 60 and the movable member 20 are attracted to each other by the magnetic portion 23. Then, the movable barrel member 32 moves rearward relative to the third fixed barrel member 31, causing the lens cover 1 to enter a contracted state.

[0030] As described above, with the lens cover 1, the zoom ring 11 of the interchangeable lens 10 can be easily and smoothly operated even when the cover is attached. Furthermore, as the interchangeable lens 10 is extended, the overall length of the lens cover 1 changes by the same amount as the extension of the interchangeable lens 10. This prevents, for example, the interchangeable lens 10 from being excessively retracted relative to the lens cover 1, thereby preventing a portion of the lens cover 1 from being included in the angle of view of the imaging device 100. Furthermore, even when the interchangeable lens 10 is fully extended, interference between the front end of the interchangeable lens 10 and the transparent plate 21 of the lens cover 1 can be prevented. This, for example, can prevent damage to either or both of the lens cover 1 and the interchangeable lens 10.

[0031] <Waterproof function with lens cover> Next, the waterproof function of the lens cover will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, 10A, and 10B. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the area [D] surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 6. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area [E] surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 6. Figure 10A is an exploded perspective view of the waterproof lens cover as seen from the front side. Figure 10B is an exploded perspective view of the waterproof lens cover as seen from the back side.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 8, a transparent plate 21 is fixed to the front side of the frame body 22 of the movable member 20 via an adhesive 25. This provides a liquid-tight seal between the transparent plate 21 and the frame body 22, thereby preventing liquids such as water (e.g., rainwater) from penetrating between them. A sealing member (sealing member) 24 is provided between the movable member 20 (frame body 22) and the movable cylindrical member 32. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the sealing member 24 has an annular shape and is disposed concentrically with the movable member 20. The sealing member 24 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber and is compressed between the movable member 20 and the movable cylindrical member 32. This provides a liquid-tight seal between the movable member 20 and the movable cylindrical member 32, thereby preventing liquids from penetrating between them. A sealing member (sealing member) 33 is provided between the inner periphery of the third fixed cylindrical member 31 and the outer periphery of the movable cylindrical member 32. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the sealing member 33 has an annular shape and is arranged concentrically with the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32. Like the sealing member 24, the sealing member 33 is made of, for example, an elastic material and is compressed between the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32. This creates a liquid-tight seal between the third fixed barrel member 31 and the movable barrel member 32, thereby preventing liquid from entering between them. The sealing member 24 is fixed to the third fixed barrel member 31. In this case, the movable barrel member 32 moves in the direction of the optical axis O10 while abutting against the sealing member 33. The elastic material forming the sealing member 24 is preferably a material that can reduce friction between the sealing member 24 and the movable barrel member 32, such as nitrile rubber or silicone rubber.

[0033] 9, a sealing member (sealing member) 49 is provided between the second fixed cylinder member 43 (fixed member) and the third fixed cylinder member 31 (connecting member). As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the sealing member 49 is annular and is arranged concentrically with the second fixed cylinder member 43 and the third fixed cylinder member 31. Like the sealing member 24, this sealing member 49 is made of, for example, an elastic material, and is compressed between the second fixed cylinder member 43 and the third fixed cylinder member 31. This creates a liquid-tight seal between the second fixed cylinder member 43 and the third fixed cylinder member 31, thereby preventing liquid from entering between them.

[0034] A first sealing member (sealing member) 46 is provided between the first fixed cylinder member 42 and the rotation operation member 40, and a second sealing member (sealing member) 47 is provided between the second fixed cylinder member 43 and the rotation operation member 40. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first sealing member 46 and the second sealing member 47 are annular and arranged concentrically with the rotation operation member 40. The first sealing member 46 and the second sealing member 47 are made of, for example, an elastic material, similar to the sealing member 24. The first sealing member 46 is compressed between the first fixed cylinder member 42 and the rotation operation member 40. This provides a liquid-tight seal between the first fixed cylinder member 42 and the rotation operation member 40, thereby preventing liquid from entering between them. Similarly, the second sealing member 47 is compressed between the second fixed cylinder member 43 and the rotation operation member 40. This creates a liquid-tight seal between the second fixed cylinder member 43 and the rotation operation member 40, thereby preventing liquid from entering between them. As described above, the rotation operation member 40 rotates around the optical axis O10. In this case, the rotation operation member 40 rotates while abutting against the first sealing member 46 and the second sealing member 47. The elastic material forming the first sealing member 46 and the second sealing member 47 is preferably a material that can reduce friction between them and the rotation operation member 40, and examples thereof include nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, etc., similar to the sealing member 24.

[0035] With this configuration, the lens cover 1 has a waterproof function, which makes it possible to protect the interchangeable lens 10 from rainwater and the like.

[0036] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the adjustment of the protrusion amounts of the engagement portions 44a to 44c is configured to be performed from the inside of the rotation operation member 40, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the adjustment may be performed from the outside of the rotation operation member 40. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engagement between the rotation operation member 40 and the zoom ring 11 is performed using the engagement portions 44a to 44c formed by bolts, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the rotation operation member 40 may be provided with a pair of clamping members that clamp the zoom ring 11, thereby engaging the rotation operation member 40 and the zoom ring 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1 Lens cover 10 Interchangeable Lenses 11 Zoom ring 20 Movable parts 31 third fixed cylindrical member (first cylindrical member) 32 Movable cylindrical member (second cylindrical member) 40 Rotation operating member 42 first fixed cylinder member 43 second fixed cylinder member 60 Conversion parts (replacement parts)

Claims

1. A lens cover that houses an interchangeable lens that is attached to an imaging device that captures images and has a zoom ring that is rotated around an optical axis of the imaging device during zoom adjustment, a fixing member that is detachably fixed to the imaging device; an operating member that has a ring engaging portion that engages with the zoom ring and is rotated around the optical axis relative to the fixed member; an exchange member having a lens engagement portion that engages with a front end portion of the exchange lens and that is exchanged according to the size of the exchange lens; a movable member that has a support portion that supports the exchange member so that the exchange member is rotatable around the optical axis and that covers the exchange lens from the front side; a connecting member that connects the movable member and the fixed member and is extendable and contractible in the optical axis direction.

2. 2. The lens cover according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member has a first cylindrical member connected to the fixed member, and a second cylindrical member connected to the movable member and slidable in the optical axis direction relative to the first cylindrical member.

3. The lens cover according to claim 2 , wherein the second cylindrical member slides inside the first cylindrical member.

4. 4. The lens cover according to claim 2, wherein a sealing member is provided between the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member to seal the gap.

5. 5. The lens cover according to claim 1, wherein the lens engaging portion is configured to be engageable with a front end portion of the interchangeable lens by being screwed onto the front end portion.

6. 6. The lens cover according to claim 1, wherein the ring engagement portion protrudes toward the optical axis, and the amount of protrusion is variable.

7. 7. The lens cover according to claim 6, wherein the ring engagement portion is a bolt.

8. 8. The lens cover according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is configured to rotatably support the replacement member by magnetic force.

9. 9. The lens cover according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the replacement members are prepared according to the lens diameter of the replacement lens.

10. 9. The lens cover according to claim 1, wherein the movable member has a transparent portion that covers the interchangeable lens from the front side.

11. 11. A lens cover according to claim 1, wherein sealing members are provided between the fixed member and the operating member, between the movable member and the connecting member, and between the fixed member and the connecting member, respectively, to seal the gaps between the fixed member and the operating member, the movable member and the connecting member, and the fixed member and the connecting member.

Images