Lens barrel

Abstract

Provided is a lens barrel whereby smooth operation of an optical system in a lens barrel body can be achieved. A lens barrel (1) comprises a variable-speed zoom lever (40) provided along the outer periphery of a lens barrel body (10), and a fixed protruding part (50) provided along the outer periphery of the lens barrel body (10), the variable-speed zoom lever (40) having a first surface (43), the fixed protruding part (50) having a second surface (51), the first surface (43) and the second surface (51) being flush when the variable-speed zoom lever (40) is positioned at a reference position, and the variable-speed zoom lever (40) and the fixed protruding part (50) being capable of moving relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens barrel, and particularly to the structure of members provided on the lens barrel body.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a video camera has been proposed in which a ring-shaped electric zoom switch is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the lens barrel body (Patent Document 1).

[0003] This electric zoom switch is connected to the movable contact of a variable resistor, and continuously changes the resistance value of the variable resistor according to the rotation angle of the electric zoom switch. By changing the resistance value of the variable resistor, the current supplied to the motor that drives the zoom lens is controlled, and the zoom speed of the zoom lens is continuously changed. Further, the electric zoom switch is pulled in opposite directions by a pair of self-return springs, so that it can automatically return to the neutral position (the position where the zoom speed is zero). Furthermore, the electric zoom switch is integrally provided with a protrusion for a finger hold.

[0004] In addition, a lens barrel has been proposed in which a zoom lever switch is provided as a zoom operation member on the outer periphery of the outer frame of the lens barrel body (Patent Document 2). This zoom lever switch is a momentary operation type (self-return type) switch provided movably in the circumferential direction of the outer frame, and is a zoom operation member that continuously changes the zoom speed according to the amount of movement of the lever.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, in recent years, cinema cameras with new video recording formats and interchangeable-lens digital cameras specifically designed for movies have been proposed. These cameras do not offer the same smooth zoom operation as ENG (Electronic News Gathering) cameras with zoom demand for broadcasting stations.

[0007] Furthermore, unlike still photography, when shooting video, the zoom operation records not only the final enlarged or reduced image, but also the entire process of enlargement and reduction. When viewing video, the zoom speed during zooming and the way the subject is filmed in conjunction with panning play a crucial role in the overall expression. Therefore, if the zoom speed is jerky or if the zoom speed is increased too much and then reduced, it not only makes the video difficult to watch, but it also prevents the intended expression from being conveyed.

[0008] Because it is difficult to maintain a stable zoom speed when manually zooming in video recording, variable-speed zoom is often used.

[0009] On the other hand, a problem with variable-speed zoom is that while shooting, the photographer looks at the viewfinder image, so they cannot visually confirm the amount of movement of the variable-speed zoom control mechanism. Instead, they have to rely on the feel of how much they moved the variable-speed zoom control mechanism by hand and the change in the angle of view in the viewfinder to confirm the change.

[0010] However, relying on the viewfinder to check for changes in the field of view meant that by the time you realized the speed was too fast, the speed had already increased, and you could only perform a feedback operation to slow it down. As mentioned earlier, this resulted in jerky movements, making the image difficult to watch and failing to fully convey the intended visual expression.

[0011] Conversely, if you slow it down too much, you'll reach the dead zone (zero speed) of the variable speed, resulting in jerky video with repeated stops, slow speeds, and stops.

[0012] Experienced cameramen, such as those at broadcasting stations, rely on the feel of the zoom control mechanism (that is, the amount of movement of the zoom control mechanism) to remember how much the zoom speed will be when the zoom control mechanism is moved, and they are skilled at making fine adjustments to the zoom speed.

[0013] However, in recent years, with the increase in online platforms for sharing creative content, there has been a growing demand for creators to perform advanced camera shooting themselves. In such cases, instead of professional broadcast equipment, they often use readily available, commercially available digital cameras, and sometimes less skilled individuals operate them to perform variable-speed zoom shooting. Even in such applications, there is a desire to achieve smooth variable-speed zoom that does not appear unsightly to a large audience, but no equipment has been able to meet this requirement. The same problem exists when changing the movement speed of the focus lens according to the amount of movement of the focus control mechanism, although the nature and degree of the unsightly image may differ.

[0014] One embodiment of the technology described herein provides a lens barrel that enables smooth operation of the optical system within the lens barrel body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The invention according to the first embodiment is a lens barrel comprising a first member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body and a second member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, wherein the first member has a first surface and the second member has a second surface, the first surface and the second surface are flush when the position of the first member is a reference position, and the first member and the second member are relatively movable.

[0016] In the lens barrel according to a second aspect of the present invention, the first member is preferably cylindrical or arc-shaped.

[0017] In a lens barrel according to a third aspect of the present invention, the first member is preferably rotatably provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, and when the first member is rotated, the position of the first surface of the first member is preferably rotated in the circumferential direction.

[0018] In the lens barrel according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the second member is fixed to the lens barrel body.

[0019] In the lens barrel according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the second member is adjacent to the first member and constitutes a part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body.

[0020] In the lens barrel according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first member is provided rotatably along the outer periphery of the lens barrel body. When the first member rotates in the first direction from the reference position, a first step corresponding to the amount of rotation occurs between the first surface and the second surface. When the first member rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction from the reference position, it is preferable that a second step opposite to the first step corresponding to the amount of rotation occurs between the first surface and the second surface.

[0021] In the lens barrel according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to include a return member that returns the first member to the reference position.

[0022] In the lens barrel according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first member has a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion, and it is preferable that the first surface is constituted by a surface connecting the step of the diameters of the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion.

[0023] In the lens barrel according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the second member constitutes a part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body. A part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body has a first outer shape corresponding to the small-diameter portion of the first member. The second member has a second outer shape corresponding to the large-diameter portion of the first member. It is preferable that the second surface is constituted by a surface connecting the step between the first outer shape of the lens barrel body and the second outer shape of the second member.

[0024] In the lens barrel according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first member and the second member are provided adjacent to each other in the lens optical axis direction, and it is preferable that the first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member can be simultaneously contacted by the same finger.

[0025] In the lens barrel according to the 11th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to include a zoom speed command device that commands the zoom speed of the electric zoom according to the relative movement between the first member and the second member.

[0026] In the lens barrel according to the 12th aspect of the present invention, the first member is provided rotatably along the outer periphery of the lens barrel main body, and the zoom speed command device has a dead zone where the step between the first surface and the second surface occurs when the first member rotates in the first direction or the second direction opposite to the first direction from the reference position, but the commanded zoom speed does not change from zero. It is preferable to have.

[0027] In the lens barrel according to the 13th aspect of the present invention, the first member rotates within the range of the first stroke angle, and it is preferable that the second stroke angle set in the dead zone is smaller than the first stroke angle.

[0028] In the lens barrel according to the 14th aspect of the present invention, the step between the first surface and the second surface at the boundary of the dead zone is greater than or equal to the unevenness that can be detected by the tactile sensation of a finger, and the unevenness is within the range including the manufacturing error and the total error including individual differences in detection. It is preferable.

[0029] In the lens barrel according to the 15th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first surface and the second surface are composed of inclined surfaces.

[0030] In the lens barrel according to the 16th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to include a third member that performs a zoom operation at a fixed speed.

[0031] In the lens barrel according to the 17th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the third member is a zoom switch provided on the second member for instructing zoom-in and zoom-out.

[0032] In the lens barrel according to the 18th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to include a cylindrical fourth member rotatably disposed along the outer periphery of the lens barrel main body, and a zoom position command device that commands the zoom position of the electric zoom according to the rotation amount of the fourth member.

[0033] In the lens barrel according to the 19th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first member, the third member, and the fourth member are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of fourth member, first member, and third member from the objective side of the lens barrel body.

[0034] In the lens barrel according to the 20th aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first member and the fourth member have outer diameters that are similar to each other to the extent that they can be perceived as equivalent by the touch of the fingers gripping them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a lens barrel according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in that side view of the main part. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in that side view of the main part. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 after the variable-speed zoom lever has been rotated, and a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in that side view of the main part. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 after the variable-speed zoom lever has been rotated, and a cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 in that side view of the main part. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram in which an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever has been added to the main side view and cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device when the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated in the telephoto direction, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device when the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated in the wide-angle direction, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device with the variable-speed zoom lever rotated by a predetermined angle in the telephoto direction, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever and the commanded zoom speed. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the step difference between the first surface formed on the variable-speed zoom lever and the second surface formed on the fixed projection, and the zoom speed. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a fixed projection that forms part of the outer shape of the lens barrel. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, with an added illustration of a hand operating a zoom switch. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, with an added illustration of a hand operating a variable-speed zoom lever. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, with an added illustration of a hand operating a zoom ring. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the drive control unit of the optical system in the lens barrel according to the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a handle for a pan / tilt head on which a broadcast television camera is mounted, which has a thumb ring, a conventional zoom operating component. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows a top view of the handle shown in Figure 19 and the movement of the thumb when operating the thumb ring. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] A preferred embodiment of the lens barrel according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] First, using Figures 19 and 20, we will explain the conventional zoom operation member, and then explain the principle of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a handle for a pan / tilt head on which a broadcast television camera is mounted, which has a thumb ring, a conventional zoom operating component.

[0039] Television camera operators pan or tilt the broadcast television camera (tripod head) by operating the left and right handles on the tripod head, and adjust the zoom and focus of the broadcast television camera by operating the zoom demand and focus demand controls attached to the left and right handles, respectively.

[0040] Figure 19 shows the case where a thumb ring 110, which constitutes the zoom demand, is attached to the right-hand handle 100.

[0041] Figure 20 shows a top view of the handle shown in Figure 19 and the movement of the thumb when operating the thumb ring.

[0042] As shown in 20-1 of Figure 20, the thumb ring 110 is operated by the thumb. One advantage of the thumb ring 110 is that it can rotate at a relatively large angle, and the zoom curve is variable according to user selection. Also, when adjusting the minute angle of the thumb ring 110, it is important to grip the handle 100 so that the finger is naturally straight at the center position (zoom speed ±0). As a result, as shown in 20-2 of Figure 20, the amount the thumb is moved left or right can be perceived by the user as the difference from straight (= amount of tilt), and for experienced users, the current amount of operation of the minute variable speed zoom can be known by the feel of the finger without having to reset to zero each time to check.

[0043] The zoom demand used in broadcasting station video production sites, as shown in Figure 20, is configured such that when the thumb (thumb ring 110) is moved relative to the hand gripping the handle 100, the variable-speed zoom is activated, and the zoom speed changes according to a preset zoom curve in relation to the rotation angle of the thumb ring 110. At this time, the cameraman operating the zoom demand operates it without looking at their hands while looking through the viewfinder. For small angles (slow zoom), the thumb ring 110 is operated by slightly tilting the angle of the thumb left or right while keeping the grip position fixed, and for large angles (fast zoom), the thumb ring 110 is rotated by rotating the entire hand holding the grip. The thumb ring 110 is particularly excellent for operating small angles (slow zoom).

[0044] The reason for this is that, as shown in 20-2 of Figure 20, the amount of thumb movement that rotates the thumb ring 110 can be accurately grasped by feeling the inclination of the thumb based on experience, using the position where the thumb is straight as a reference, while keeping the wrist position fixed relative to the grip and swinging only the thumb from side to side.

[0045] This applies an ergonomically sound principle based on the idea that while humans have a low ability to perceive absolute quantities, they have a high ability to perceive relative differences. Furthermore, the zoom curve, which shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the thumb ring 110 and the zoom speed of the variable-speed zoom, can be custom-adjusted to suit the photographer's operating feel.

[0046] As can be seen from this, the operation of the Zoom Demand thumb ring 110 requires delicate handling.

[0047] However, adopting a thumb ring in digital movie cameras, mirrorless cameras, and interchangeable-lens cinema cameras, which are primarily used by people outside the broadcasting industry for movie shooting, is difficult in terms of size and cost.

[0048] Therefore, the inventor focused on the following paper 1. Paper 1: "Study on the characteristics of surface texture perception based on fingertip tactile sensation" (Tokyo Institute of Technology: Paper by Masatsugu Shinmeimae et al.) https: / / tachilab.org / content / files / publication / tp / shinmeimae200803TVRSJ.pdf Paper 1 describes experimental results showing that human fingertips can detect bumps with a height of 0.2 mm and depressions with a depth of 0.2 mm by placing the fingertips on uneven surfaces on a horizontal surface (without sliding the fingertips).

[0049] This invention applies the principle of a natural law that the human fingertip's ability to perceive unevenness is far greater than that of other perceptual abilities such as sight, enabling the user to accurately perceive minute amounts of manipulation of an operating component by allowing the user's fingertip to detect irregularities.

[0050] Using this, it is possible to operate the control element while understanding the relative difference (step) of the amount of operation (=difference) relative to the reference position of zero speed, without increasing the external dimensions like mirrorless cameras without thumb rings or the control elements of digital movie cameras, without any sense of incongruity in design, and without a significant increase in cost. In other words, even inexperienced users can achieve smooth operation of the optical system inside the lens barrel.

[0051] [Embodiments of the present invention] <Overall configuration of the lens barrel> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a lens barrel according to the present invention.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the lens barrel 1 is provided with a focus ring 20, a zoom ring 30 (fourth member), a variable-speed zoom lever 40 (first member), and a fixed projection 50 (second member) along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body 10, and the fixed projection 50 is provided with zoom switches 53 and 54 (third member).

[0053] The focus ring 20 and zoom ring 30 are cylindrical operating members that are rotatably mounted along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body 10, and they rotate 360 ​​degrees endlessly. The amount of rotation of the focus ring 20 and zoom ring 30 is read by encoders (not shown).

[0054] Furthermore, the lens barrel 1 is provided with a plurality of lens groups (not shown), and the plurality of lens groups include a focusing optical system that focuses by operating the focus ring 20, and a zoom optical system that zooms by operating the zoom ring 30, the variable-speed zoom lever 40, or the zoom switches 53, 54. The focusing optical system and the zoom optical system may include the same lens group.

[0055] When the focus ring 20 is rotated, the amount of rotation is read by the encoder. The focus optical system (focus lens) inside the lens barrel body 10 is moved by the focus drive unit according to the amount of rotation read by the encoder.

[0056] Similarly, when the zoom ring 30 is rotated, the amount of rotation is read by the encoder. The variable magnification lens and corrector lens that make up the zoom optical system (zoom lens) are moved by the zoom drive unit according to the amount of rotation read by the encoder, thereby changing the zoom magnification.

[0057] The variable-speed zoom lever 40 is a cylindrical operating member that is rotatably mounted along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body 10 and rotates within a predetermined first stroke angle range. In this example, the variable-speed zoom lever 40 rotates within a predetermined first stroke angle range (±12 degrees in this example) with respect to the position (reference position) shown in Figure 1. Note that the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is not limited to a cylindrical shape; it may also be arc-shaped.

[0058] Furthermore, the lens barrel 1 is equipped with a return member (not shown) that returns the variable-speed zoom lever 40 to its reference position. The return member has pins that are spring-biased in opposite directions, and the variable-speed zoom lever 40 engages with the pins of the return member. When the hand is released from the variable-speed zoom lever 40, the pins of the return member return to a position where the spring biasing forces are balanced (reference position), and the variable-speed zoom lever 40 also moves with the pins and returns to its reference position.

[0059] Furthermore, the lens barrel 1 is not limited to having a return member that returns the variable-speed zoom lever 40 to its reference position. For example, any configuration is acceptable as long as a neutral position exists, such as by providing a neutral position to the user through a method other than a return force (such as providing a click sensation).

[0060] The rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is detected by a linear sensor (not shown).

[0061] The lens barrel 1 is equipped with a zoom speed commander 70 (Figure 18) that commands the zoom speed of the electric zoom according to the rotation angle of the variable speed zoom lever 40. Therefore, when the variable speed zoom lever 40 is rotated and the rotation angle of the variable speed zoom lever 40 is detected by the linear sensor, the zoom lens (magnification lens and corrector lens) is driven to a zoom speed according to the zoom speed command corresponding to the rotation angle of the variable speed zoom lever 40 detected by the linear sensor, thereby realizing variable speed zoom.

[0062] Furthermore, a fixed projection 50 (second member) that constitutes a part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body 10 (the outer shape on the lens mount side) is integrally formed. The variable-speed zoom lever 40 and the fixed projection 50 are provided adjacent to each other in the direction of the lens optical axis.

[0063] The fixed projection 50 is provided with zoom switches 53 and 54 (third members) for controlling the zoom at a fixed speed.

[0064] Zoom switch 53 is a switch that instructs a fixed-speed zoom operation (zoom up) in the telephoto direction, and zoom switch 54 is a switch that instructs a fixed-speed zoom operation (zoom down) in the wide-angle direction. The fixed speed can be customized by the user.

[0065] Therefore, when performing zoom operations in the telephoto or wide-angle direction at a fixed speed, it is preferable to use the zoom switches 53 and 54.

[0066] Furthermore, the fixed projection 50 is provided with a focus lock switch 55 for locking and unlocking the focus, and a display unit 56 is provided adjacent to the focus lock switch 55 to display the focus lock state or the focus unlock state.

[0067] <Shape of variable-speed zoom lever and fixed projection> Next, the shapes of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, the fixed projection 50, etc., will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0068] Figure 2 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in that side view of the main part.

[0069] Figure 3 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in that side view of the main part.

[0070] The side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 2-1 and the side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 3-1 are identical. Furthermore, the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2-2 is a cross-sectional view at the position of the fixed projection 50, while the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3-2 is a cross-sectional view at the position of the variable-speed zoom lever 40; therefore, the cross-sectional positions of the two cross-sectional views are different.

[0071] Figure 4 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 after the variable-speed zoom lever has been rotated, and a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in that side view of the main part.

[0072] Figure 5 is a side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in Figure 1 after the variable-speed zoom lever has been rotated, and a cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 in that side view of the main part.

[0073] The side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in 4-1 of Figure 4 and the side view of the main part of the lens barrel shown in 5-1 of Figure 5 are identical. Furthermore, the cross-sectional view shown in 4-2 of Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view at the position of the fixed projection 50, while the cross-sectional view shown in 5-2 of Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view at the position of the variable-speed zoom lever 40; therefore, the cross-sectional positions of the two cross-sectional views are different.

[0074] Note that the contents of the lens barrel body 10 are omitted in the cross-sectional views shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the variable-speed zoom lever 40 has a small-diameter portion 41 and a large-diameter portion 42, and is equipped with a surface (first surface) 43 that connects the small-diameter portion 41 and the large-diameter portion 42 and the difference in diameter. When the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated, the position of the first surface 43 is rotated in the circumferential direction.

[0076] The variable-speed zoom lever 40 (upper surface of the large-diameter portion 42) and the zoom ring 30 each have outer diameters that are similar enough to be perceived as equivalent by the touch of the fingers gripping them. Alternatively, the variable-speed zoom lever 40 (upper surface of the large-diameter portion 42) may have a larger outer diameter than the zoom ring 30, within a range that is perceived as equivalent by the touch of the fingers gripping it.

[0077] This allows the user to recognize that the lever with the larger outer diameter is the variable-speed zoom lever 40. Furthermore, the user can smoothly move their finger from the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 to the zoom ring 30, or from the zoom ring 30 to the movable projection 42.

[0078] The large-diameter portion 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 protrudes relative to the small-diameter portion 41 and has knurling formed on it for anti-slip purposes, making it easy to grip and rotate the variable-speed zoom lever 40. Hereinafter, the large-diameter portion 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 will also be referred to as the "movable projection portion 42".

[0079] As shown in the cross-sectional view 3-2 in Figure 3 and the cross-sectional view 5-2 in Figure 5, the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is provided at two locations symmetrically with respect to the rotation center of the variable-speed zoom lever 40.

[0080] The small-diameter portion 41 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 has the same diameter as the outer diameter of the lens barrel body 10 on which the fixed projection portion 50 is provided, and the two are flush with each other.

[0081] On the other hand, the fixed projection 50 that constitutes part of the outer shape of the lens mount side of the lens barrel body 10 has almost the same shape as the movable projection 42 of the variable speed zoom lever 40.

[0082] In other words, a part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body 10 on the lens mount side is the small diameter portion 41 of the variable speed zoom lever 40 Same diameter The fixed projection 50 has an outer shape (first outer shape), and the fixed projection 50 has an outer shape (second outer shape) with the same diameter as the large-diameter portion (movable projection 42) of the variable-speed zoom lever 40. Furthermore, the fixed projection 50 has an upper surface 52 that is flush with the upper surface of the movable projection 42, and the height of the fixed projection 50 is the same as the height of the movable projection 42.

[0083] Furthermore, the fixed projection 50 has a surface (second surface) 51 that connects the step between the first outer shape of the lens barrel body 10 and the upper surface 52 (second outer shape) of the fixed projection 50. This second surface 51 has the same shape as the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, and when the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is in the reference position, the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 are substantially flush (zero step difference) (see Figures 1 to 3).

[0084] The first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface of the fixed projection 50 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 in this example 51 Each of these is composed of an inclined surface. As a result, the movable projection 42 and the fixed projection 50 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 are formed to have an aesthetic appearance and to prevent injury. Note that the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 It does not necessarily have to be an inclined surface.

[0085] When the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated, a step corresponding to the amount of rotation of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is generated between the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50, as shown by reference numeral 60 in Figure 4 and reference numeral 62 in Figure 5.

[0086] Figures 4 and 5 show the case where the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is slightly rotated from the reference position in the first direction (clockwise direction on the cross-sectional view shown in 4-2 of Figure 4 and 5-2 of Figure 5).

[0087] In this case, if the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is used as a reference, the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 becomes lower than the second surface 51, resulting in a concave step (first step).

[0088] On the other hand, when the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated from the reference position in a second direction (opposite to the first direction), the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 becomes higher than the second surface 51, creating a convex step (second step). In this example, the first direction is the telephoto direction, and the second direction is the wide-angle direction.

[0089] <Function of the lens barrel> Next, the operation of the lens barrel 1 with the above configuration will be explained.

[0090] Figure 6 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 5, with the addition of an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever.

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, when rotating the variable-speed zoom lever 40 from its reference position, the fingertip (tip of the thumb) is positioned so that it contacts the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 (6-1 in Figure 6). That is, the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 are made contactable simultaneously by the same finger (thumb). Before the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated, the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 are flush, so the fingertip can perceive that there is no step.

[0092] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, when the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated in the telephoto direction (clockwise direction on the cross-sectional view shown in 6-2 of Figure 6), a step S is created between the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50, and the fingertip can perceive this step.

[0093] According to the experimental results in the aforementioned paper 1, it has been shown that when a human fingertip is placed on an uneven surface on a horizontal surface, it can perceive a protrusion of 0.2 mm in height and a depression of 0.2 mm in depth. However, it is also possible to perceive irregularities smaller than 0.2 mm, and in particular, the step created by rotating the variable-speed zoom lever 40 can be perceived even if the step is smaller than 0.2 mm because the step gradually increases from a zero state (because the step changes dynamically). The amount of step that can be perceived at this time corresponds to a very small angle relative to the total rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, so it is possible to obtain very important information when performing the minute angle operation required to operate the variable-speed zoom lever 40.

[0094] Furthermore, the experiment in Paper 1 showed that when a fingertip was placed on a 3mm wide concave or convex shape formed on a horizontal surface, most people could perceive a concave shape with a depth of 0.2mm and a convex shape with a height of 0.2mm. However, these concave and convex shapes are not the same as the steps between the two surfaces (first surface 43, second surface 51). Nevertheless, since the concave or convex shape used in the experiment in Paper 1 is 3mm wide, it is thought that placing the finger on the edge (step) of the concave or convex shape makes it easier to perceive the concave or convex shape than placing the finger in the middle of the 3mm wide concave or convex shape.

[0095] In other words, a step difference of 0.2 mm between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 can be perceived by the fingertips if the step difference is 0.2 mm or close to 0.2 mm.

[0096] 1) Slow zoom range Figure 7 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and in particular includes a perspective view of the imaging device before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever.

[0097] When rotating the variable-speed zoom lever 40 within a very slow zoom range of about 0 to 3 degrees, the thumb is placed between the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 in order to feel the subtle amount of rotation of the variable-speed zoom lever 40.

[0098] Although not clearly shown in Figure 7, the pad of the thumb is in contact with both the first surface 43 and the second surface 51. Furthermore, if there is a step between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51, the pad of the thumb is in contact with at least the edge corresponding to the step between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51.

[0099] When performing extremely slow zoom operations using the variable-speed zoom lever 40 without abrupt screen changes, the slight difference in height between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 can be confirmed by touch, allowing for more precise adjustment of the variable-speed zoom lever 40's rotation than adjustment by visual inspection of scales or other markings.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7, before the variable-speed zoom lever 40 rotates (when it is in the reference position), the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 are flush (there is no step difference), and the fingertip cannot perceive the step difference. In this case, the user can perceive that the variable-speed zoom lever 40 has not rotated, or that the step difference is less than 0.2 mm and it has not rotated substantially.

[0101] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and in particular, it is a perspective view of the imaging device when the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated in the telephoto direction, and includes an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever.

[0102] As shown in Figure 8, when the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated in the telephoto direction, a step is created between the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50, as explained in Figure 6, etc. In this case, the step is a step (first step) in which the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 is lower than the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42.

[0103] When the step between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 becomes 0.2 mm or more, the user can perceive the step with their fingertips. Within the small range of rotation of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, a step corresponding to (essentially proportional to) the amount of rotation occurs. Once the user becomes somewhat accustomed to using the imaging device equipped with the lens barrel 1, they can recognize the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, and consequently the zoom speed command in the telephoto direction, from the step perceived with their fingertips (first step).

[0104] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and in particular, it is a perspective view of the imaging device when the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated in the wide-angle direction, and includes an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever.

[0105] As shown in Figure 9, when the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated in the wide-angle direction, a step is created between the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50, similar to when it is rotated in the telephoto direction. In this case, the step is a second step (the second surface of the fixed projection 50 is higher than the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42).

[0106] The user can perceive a step (second step) with their fingertips, which allows them to recognize the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and, consequently, the zoom speed command in the wide-angle direction.

[0107] 2) High-speed zoom area Figure 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device before the variable-speed zoom lever is rotated, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever. Figure 10 also shows the position of the thumb relative to the variable-speed zoom lever 40 when performing zoom operation in the high-speed zoom range.

[0108] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, and includes a perspective view of the imaging device with the variable-speed zoom lever rotated by a predetermined angle in the telephoto direction, and an illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever.

[0109] Figure 11 shows the state in which the variable-speed zoom lever 40 has been rotated in the telephoto direction by an amount corresponding to the high-speed zoom range, compared to the state shown in Figure 10. The position of the thumb relative to the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is the same as in Figure 10.

[0110] When the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is rotated from its reference position as shown in Figure 10, the thumb touches the second surface 51 of the end of the fixed projection 50 at the rotation position shown in Figure 11. This allows the user to perceive a specific amount of rotation in the high-speed zoom range by touch. Thus, even with a large operating angle, the amount of operation can be felt by the fingertips depending on where the fingers are placed.

[0111] Whether performing a zoom operation in the slow-speed or high-speed zoom range, the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 are aligned (smooth) when not in operation. When zooming is performed, the amount of zoom operation of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 can be determined by feeling the difference in height between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 with the fingertips, enabling subtle zoom operations in video without the need for back-and-forth movements.

[0112] <Zoom Curve> The rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and the zoom speed are not proportional, but rather follow a logarithmic or sine curve. This is because controlling the zoom speed in the low-speed zoom range is extremely important.

[0113] Figure 12 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever and the commanded zoom speed.

[0114] As shown in Figure 12, the variable-speed zoom lever 40 rotates within a predetermined first stroke angle range (±12 degrees) relative to a reference position (zero angle). Beyond the predetermined first stroke angle, the rotation of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is prevented by a stopper (not shown).

[0115] The 12-degree first stroke angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is one embodiment, and the first stroke angle is arbitrary within the range permitted by operability.

[0116] figure 12 In the zoom curve shown, a dead zone DZ is set within the range of a second stroke angle smaller than the first stroke angle, relative to the reference position. When the rotation angle of the variable speed zoom lever 40 is within the dead zone DZ, the commanded zoom speed is zero.

[0117] In this zoom curve, the angular range from the second stroke angle in the dead zone DZ to a small rotation angle (for example, an angle within the absolute value range of |1 to 2 degrees|) is assigned as the slow zoom region R1. Additionally, the range from the second stroke angle in the dead zone DZ to an angle where the rotation angle is 10% of the maximum rotation angle can be assigned as another slow zoom region R2. The slow zoom regions R1 and R2 are set to have small zoom speed changes (the slope of the zoom curve). This is to allow for fine adjustment of the variable speed zoom in the slow zoom regions R1 and R2.

[0118] Furthermore, the zoom curve shows a significant change in zoom speed (slope of the zoom curve) from the intermediate rotation angle (±6 degrees) to the maximum rotation angle (±12 degrees), reaching the maximum zoom speed at the maximum rotation angle (±12 degrees). The range from the intermediate rotation angle to the maximum rotation angle corresponds, for example, to the high-speed zoom region.

[0119] The zoom speed command unit 70 (Figure 18), described later, outputs a zoom speed command according to the zoom curve shown in Figure 12, based on the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 detected by the linear sensor.

[0120] Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the step difference between the first surface formed on the variable-speed zoom lever and the second surface formed on the fixed projection, and the zoom speed, and is a graph that particularly shows the slow-speed zoom region.

[0121] According to paper 1, most people can feel a 0.2 mm unevenness with their fingertips, but as the unevenness becomes smaller than 0.2 mm, the proportion of people who can feel it decreases proportionally.

[0122] Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, it is preferable that the rotation angle (second stroke angle) of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 until the step difference between the first surface 43 of the movable projection 42 and the second surface 51 of the fixed projection 50 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 becomes 0.2 mm be set to the dead zone region where the zoom speed is zero. That is, it is preferable that the step difference between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 at the boundary of the dead zone region is greater than or equal to the unevenness that can be detected by touch.

[0123] Furthermore, the unevenness that can be detected by touch (the difference in height between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51) can be within a range that includes the sum of manufacturing tolerances and individual differences in detection. In addition, the dead zone can be detected by feeling the difference in height between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 with the fingertip.

[0124] When the variable-speed zoom lever 40 rotates further beyond the dead zone, the step difference between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 increases in approximately proportion to the angle of rotation.

[0125] Furthermore, the rotational range of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 in which the step difference between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm can be assigned to the micro-zoom region. Note that the step difference between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 corresponding to the micro-zoom region is not limited to 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm; for example, the step difference is generated approximately proportionally to the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, and this step difference can be arbitrarily set within a range that can be felt with the fingertips.

[0126] Furthermore, by feeling the difference in height between the first surface 43 and the second surface 51 with their fingertips, the user can recognize the amount of rotation of the variable-speed zoom lever 40, and consequently the zoom speed command in the slow-speed zoom range.

[0127] <Zoom Switch> Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a fixed projection that forms part of the outer shape of the lens barrel.

[0128] As shown in Figure 14, the fixed projection 50 is equipped with a zoom switch 53 that zooms in the telephoto direction at a fixed speed, and a zoom switch 54 that zooms in the wide-angle direction at a fixed speed.

[0129] The keytops 53A and 54A of the zoom switches 53 and 54 are each rotatably mounted on the fixed projection 50 by a hinge, and switches 53B and 54B are provided opposite the keytops 53A and 54A. In addition, the keytops 53A and 54A are constantly pushed up by coil springs 53C and 54C.

[0130] Zoom switches 53 and 54 are activated when keytops 53A and 54A are pressed against the biasing force of coil springs 53C and 54C, causing switches 53B and 54B to be pressed and turned ON. When the fingers are released from keytops 53A and 54A, the keytops 53A and 54A return to their original position due to the biasing force of coil springs 53C and 54C, and switches 53B and 54B turn OFF.

[0131] Furthermore, the fixed projection 50 is provided with a focus lock switch 55 for locking or unlocking the focus. The focus lock switch 55 is a non-locking type push-button switch in which the switch 55B turns ON or OFF each time the keytop 55A is pressed.

[0132] A display unit 56 is provided adjacent to the focus lock switch 55. The display unit 56 is configured with a display element 56B arranged inside a transparent window cover 56A.

[0133] The switches 53B, 54B and the display element 56B are mounted on a single flexible printed circuit board 57 and integrated together. The flexible printed circuit board 57 is positioned by a reference boss (not shown) integrated with the structure 58 and a reference hole (not shown) provided on the flexible printed circuit board 57. The back surface of the flexible printed circuit board 57 and the structure 58 are attached with double-sided tape to prevent peeling or misalignment. The structure 58 is screw-fastened to the lens barrel body 10 by screw holes (not shown).

[0134] Thus, when zoom switches 53 and 54 are provided on the lens barrel body 10, it is necessary to provide switch components and wiring that constitute the switch function inside. On the other hand, since the internal structure of the lens barrel body 10 is cylindrical, when such switches are provided on the outer circumference, a trapezoidal protrusion (fixed projection 50) is often provided to accommodate the switch components, wiring, and structure that receives the pressing force of the switch, and the switch components, wiring, and structure are placed inside it. Furthermore, in addition to the zoom switches 53 and 54, the focus lock switch 55 and the display unit 56 are mounted on the same flexible printed circuit board 57 and provided within the same fixed projection 50, thereby further improving space efficiency.

[0135] In this embodiment, a variable-speed zoom lever 40 is provided adjacent to a fixed projection 50 that houses several functional components, including zoom switches 53 and 54, and has a movable projection 42 that has the same shape as the fixed projection 50. This eliminates the need to provide a new convex fixed projection to allow the user to feel the rotation angle of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 with their fingers, and also makes effective use of the internal space of the fixed projection 50, resulting in a configuration with minimal cost and size.

[0136] <Operation of the variable-speed zoom lever, zoom switch, and zoom ring> Figures 15 to 17 are perspective views of an imaging device having a lens barrel according to the present invention, with Figure 15 being a diagram with an added illustration of a hand operating a zoom switch. Figure 16Figure 17 is a diagram with an added illustration of a hand operating the variable-speed zoom lever, and Figure 17 is a diagram with an added illustration of a hand operating the zoom switch.

[0137] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the zoom ring 30, variable-speed zoom lever 40, and zoom switches 53 and 54 are arranged adjacent to each other in the direction of the lens optical axis, starting from the objective side.

[0138] Since users operate the zoom while looking through the viewfinder or monitor, they are required to distinguish and operate the three zoom control components (variable-speed zoom lever 40, zoom switches 53 and 54, and zoom ring 30) by touch.

[0139] In Figure 15, the zoom switches 53 and 54 closest to the user can be identified by their location on the front side and the absence of anti-slip processing such as knurling on their surface. Furthermore, the upper surface 52 of the fixed projection 50 on which the zoom switches 53 and 54 are mounted is smooth, and the variable-speed zoom lever 40 can also be identified by the unevenness of the keytops 53A and 54A of the zoom switches 53 and 54.

[0140] In Figure 16, the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is the second closest to the user, and it can be distinguished from the zoom switches 53 and 54 by feeling the knurling or other anti-slip treatment on the surface of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 with the fingertips.

[0141] On the other hand, although the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and the zoom ring 30 have the same anti-slip surface treatment, as mentioned above, the diameter of the movable projection 42 of the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is slightly larger than the diameter of the zoom ring 30, and since the variable-speed zoom lever 40 has a convex-shaped movable projection 42, it is possible to distinguish it from the zoom ring 30 with your fingertips.

[0142] In particular, the starting point of the movable projection 42 is the rising portion (first surface 43) of the protrusion of the movable projection 42 that the user is accustomed to touching with their finger, so the presence or absence of the movable projection 42 can be easily identified by the user.

[0143] In Figure 17, the zoom ring 30, which is furthest from the user, has the same surface anti-slip treatment as the variable-speed zoom lever 40, but can be distinguished by the presence or absence of the movable projection 42. As mentioned above, the user is accustomed to touching the first surface 43, which is the starting point of the rise of the movable projection 42, in order to control the slow zoom of the variable-speed zoom, so they can quickly find it by touch alone, enabling speedy operation changes.

[0144] Furthermore, the variable-speed zoom lever 40 and zoom ring 30 are related operating components, and their close proximity allows for quick operation changes without requiring visual confirmation. This is a significant advantage in terms of operability, especially for movie shooting lenses where operation must be performed without taking one's eye off the viewfinder, and is effective for product differentiation. Moreover, in a configuration where zoom switches 53 and 54 are provided on the upper surface of the fixed projection 50, the three zoom operations—variable-speed zoom operation with the variable-speed zoom lever 40, zoom operation corresponding to the amount of rotation with the zoom ring 30, and constant-speed zoom operation with the zoom switches 53 and 54—can be changed as needed without taking one's eye off the viewfinder and with minimal hand movement, resulting in an unprecedented improvement in operability.

[0145] <Optical System Drive Control> Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the drive control unit for the optical system inside the lens barrel according to the present invention, and in particular shows the drive control unit for driving the zoom lens.

[0146] In Figure 18, zoom switches 53 and 54 are switches that output fixed-speed zoom commands, respectively. Zoom switch 53 is a switch that commands a fixed-speed zoom up, and zoom switch 54 is a switch that commands a fixed-speed zoom down.

[0147] The zoom speed command unit 70 includes a linear sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation angle of the variable speed zoom lever 40, and outputs a zoom speed command according to the zoom curve as shown in Figure 12, according to the rotation angle of the variable speed zoom lever 40 detected by the linear sensor.

[0148] Fixed-speed zoom commands from zoom switches 53 and 54, and variable-speed zoom commands from zoom speed commander 70 are applied to the first changeover switch 72.

[0149] When the zoom switches 53 and 54 are operated, the first changeover switch 72 outputs a fixed-speed zoom command from the zoom switches 53 and 54 to the positive input of the adder 73, and when the variable-speed zoom lever 40 is operated, it outputs a variable-speed zoom command from the zoom speed command unit 70 to the positive input of the adder 73.

[0150] The negative input of the adder 73 is supplied with the current zoom speed detection signal of the zoom lens inside the lens barrel 1 from the zoom speed detector 78, and the adder 73 outputs a signal showing the difference between these two inputs as a manipulated variable to the driver 74.

[0151] The driver 74 drives the zoom motor 80 via the second changeover switch 76 so that the zoom speed of the zoom lens matches the zoom speed indicated by the zoom switch 53, 54 or the zoom speed command from the zoom speed commander 70, according to the input amount.

[0152] The zoom motor 80 can change the zoom magnification by, for example, rotating the zoom cam ring to move the variable magnification lens and corrector lens that constitute the zoom lens in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the zoom speed can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the zoom cam ring according to the zoom speed command.

[0153] Furthermore, it is not limited to cases where the zoom cam ring is rotated to drive the variable magnification lens and the corrective lens; the zoom motor 80 may be used to rotate the ball nut screw to move the variable magnification lens, and the corrective lens may be controlled by a separate drive unit to prevent the focal position from changing according to the position of the variable magnification lens.

[0154] Furthermore, the zoom speed detector 78 can be configured with an encoder that detects the rotation direction and rotation position of the zoom motor 80, and the rotation speed of the zoom motor 80 (current zoom speed) can be detected by differentiating the signal indicating the rotation position with respect to time.

[0155] The zoom position commander 82 is composed of an encoder (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation of the zoom ring 30, and outputs a zoom position command that indicates the zoom position relative to the current zoom position, according to the amount of rotation of the zoom ring 30 detected by the encoder.

[0156] The zoom position command output from the zoom position commander 82 is output to the driver 84, where a drive signal corresponding to the zoom position command is generated. The drive signal corresponding to the zoom position command generated by the driver 84 is output to the zoom motor 80 via the second changeover switch 76, and the zoom motor 80 moves the variable magnification lens and corrector lens that constitute the zoom lens. In other words, the variable magnification lens and corrector lens that constitute the zoom lens are moved to the position corresponding to the zoom position command output from the zoom position commander 82.

[0157] Furthermore, the second selector switch 76 can be switched to select the drive signal from driver 74 when controlling the zoom speed of the zoom lens, and to select the drive signal from driver 84 when controlling the zoom position of the zoom lens.

[0158] The zoom operation, which uses fixed-speed control by operating zoom switches 53 and 54, the zoom operation, which uses variable-speed control by operating the variable-speed zoom lever 40 (zoom speed commander 70), and the zoom operation, which uses zoom position control by operating the zoom ring 30 (zoom position commander 82), are not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 18, and various drive control systems can be applied.

[0159] [others] The lens barrel in this embodiment is a detachable interchangeable lens attached to the main body of an interchangeable lens imaging device, but it is not limited to this and may be integrated with the imaging device.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical system subject to speed control within the lens barrel is a zoom optical system (zoom lens), but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a focus optical system (focus lens) may also be subject to speed control.

[0161] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 1. Lens barrel 10 Telescope Tube Body 20 Focus Ring 30 Zoom Ring 40 Variable-speed zoom lever 41 Small diameter section 42 Large diameter section (movable projection) 43 Page 1 50 Fixed protrusion 51 Side 2 52 Top side 53, 54 Zoom Switch 53A, 54A, 55A Keycaps 53B, 54B, 55B switches 53C, 54C coil springs 55 Focus lock switch 56 Display section 56A Window Cover 56B Display element 57 Flexible Printed Circuit Boards 58 Structures 70 Zoom Speed ​​Commander 72. First changeover switch 73 Adder 74, 84 drivers 76. Second changeover switch 78 Zoom Speed ​​Detector 80 Zoom Motor 82 Zoom position commander DZ (Dead Zone) R1, R2: Slow zoom range

Claims

1. A first member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The lens barrel body comprises a second member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The first member has a first surface, The second member has a second surface, When the position of the first member is the reference position, the first surface and the second surface are substantially flush, and the first member and the second member are relatively movable. The first member is rotatably mounted along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, When the first member rotates in the first direction from the reference position, a first step difference is generated between the first surface and the second surface. When the first member rotates from the reference position in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a second step difference is generated between the first surface and the second surface in the opposite direction to the first step difference. Lens barrel.

2. A first member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The lens barrel body comprises a second member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The first member has a first surface, The second member has a second surface, When the position of the first member is the reference position, the first surface and the second surface are substantially flush, and the first member and the second member are relatively movable. The first member has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, The first surface is formed by a surface that connects the difference in diameter between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. When the first member and the second member move relative to each other, a step is created between the first surface and the second surface. Lens barrel.

3. A first member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The lens barrel body comprises a second member provided along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The first member has a first surface, The second member has a second surface, When the position of the first member is the reference position, the first surface and the second surface are substantially flush, and the first member and the second member are relatively movable. The system includes a zoom speed commander that commands the zoom speed of the electric zoom in accordance with the relative movement of the first member and the second member, The first member is rotatably mounted along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The step difference between the first surface and the second surface caused by the relative movement has a first step difference range from the reference position to a predetermined position and a second step difference range beyond the predetermined position. The first step range is a dead zone region where the zoom speed is zero, and the second step range is a region where the zoom speed changes according to the step. Lens barrel.

4. The first member is cylindrical or arc-shaped. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first member is rotatably mounted along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, When the first member is rotated, the position of the first surface of the first member is rotated in the circumferential direction. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The second member is fixed to the lens barrel body. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The second member is adjacent to the first member and constitutes a part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The first member is provided with a return member for returning it to the reference position. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The second member constitutes a part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body, A part of the outer shape of the lens barrel body has a first outer shape that corresponds to the small diameter portion of the first member, The second member has a second outer shape corresponding to the large diameter portion of the first member, The second surface is formed by a surface that connects the step between the first outer shape of the lens barrel body and the second outer shape of the second member. The lens barrel according to claim 2.

10. The first member and the second member are provided adjacent to each other in the direction of the lens optical axis, The first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member can be simultaneously contacted by the same finger. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The device includes a zoom speed commander that commands the zoom speed of the electric zoom in accordance with the relative movement of the first member and the second member. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The first member rotates within the range of a first stroke angle, and the second stroke angle set in the dead zone region is smaller than the first stroke angle. The lens barrel according to claim 3.

13. The step difference between the first surface and the second surface at the boundary of the dead zone region is greater than or equal to the irregularities detectable by the touch of a finger. The aforementioned irregularities are within the range of the sum of manufacturing tolerances and individual differences in detection. The lens barrel according to claim 3.

14. The first and second surfaces are composed of inclined surfaces. A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. It includes a third member that performs zoom operation at a fixed speed, A lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. The third member is a zoom switch provided on the second member that instructs zooming up and zooming down. The lens barrel according to claim 15.

17. A cylindrical fourth member is rotatably disposed along the outer circumference of the lens barrel body, The system includes a zoom position commander that commands the zoom position of the electric zoom according to the amount of rotation of the fourth member, The lens barrel according to claim 15.

18. The first member, the third member, and the fourth member are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of the fourth member, the first member, and the third member from the objective side of the lens barrel body. The lens barrel according to claim 17.

19. The first and fourth members have outer diameters that are similar to each other to the extent that they can be perceived as equivalent by the touch of the fingers gripping them. The lens barrel according to claim 17.

Images