Operation ring, lens device, and production method for operation ring

Abstract

Provided are an operation ring that makes it possible for the rotational position thereof to be detected at high resolution and suppresses increases in cost, a lens device, and a production method for the operation ring.　A lens barrel (12) comprises a zoom ring (23), an optical system, and an electric zoom mechanism that drives a zoom lens group in accordance with the rotation of the zoom ring (23). The zoom ring (23) has a ring member (41) and a pattern part (42). The pattern part (42) has a first pattern part that has a first light reflectance and a second pattern part that has a second light reflectance. The first light reflectance is greater than the second light reflectance. An inner circumferential surface of the ring member (41) has a first surface part that is parallel to the rotational axis of the ring member (41) and a second surface part that is inclined relative to the rotational axis. The pattern part (42) is printed on the first surface part.

Description

Operation ring, lens device, and method of manufacturing the operation ring

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation ring, a lens device, and a method for manufacturing an operation ring.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a lens device that includes a rotationally operated operation ring, a light-emitting element that emits light, and multiple light-receiving elements, and is provided with a detection pattern section that has reflective and non-reflective surfaces that are arranged alternately in the rotation direction of the operation ring and move with the rotation of the operation ring. The light-emitting element emits light to the detection pattern section, and the multiple light-receiving elements are arranged on the same substrate as the light-emitting element and receive light reflected from the reflective surfaces.

[0003] The imaging device described in Patent Document 2 has an optical element, a focus motor for moving the optical element, a lens CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the focus motor, an operating member that includes a reflective portion that constitutes a circuit and a low-reflectivity portion that has a lower reflectivity than the reflective portion, and a photoreflector that receives light reflected by the reflective portion, and the lens CPU controls the focus motor in accordance with the output from the photoreflector.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6973398 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-071541

[0005] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides an operation ring, a lens device, and a method for manufacturing an operation ring that can detect the rotational position with high resolution when rotated and can suppress cost increases.

[0006] An operation ring according to one aspect of the disclosed technology includes a ring member and a pattern portion, wherein the pattern portion has a first pattern portion having a first light reflectivity and a second pattern portion having a second light reflectivity, the first light reflectivity being higher than the second light reflectivity, and the inner peripheral surface of the ring member has a first surface portion parallel to the rotation axis of the ring member and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis, and the first surface portion is printed to form the pattern portion. The ring member includes a resin member. The pattern portion serves as an indicator for rotating the ring member.

[0007] Preferably, the first surface portion has a first pattern portion formed thereon by applying paint. The paint preferably contains a metal material, and the mixing ratio of the metal material in the paint is preferably 25% or more and 45% or less.

[0008] The second surface portion has a one-end side second surface portion located on one end side in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and an other-end side second surface portion located on the other end side, and it is preferable that the first surface portion is located between the one-end side second surface portion and the other-end side second surface portion in the axial direction.

[0009] It is preferable that the first inclination angle at which the one-end second surface portion is inclined with respect to the axial direction is larger than the second inclination angle at which the other-end second surface portion is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

[0010] The ring member preferably has a stepped portion located radially outward or inward from the first surface portion. When the stepped portion is located radially inward from the first surface portion, the one-end second surface portion and the other-end second surface portion are preferably located radially outward from the stepped portion.

[0011] When the step portion is located radially outward from the first surface portion, it is preferable that the innermost diameter portion where the inner diameter of the ring member is smallest is located radially inward from the first surface portion, and that the second surface portion on the other end side is arranged in a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion.

[0012] It is preferable that the ring member has a step portion located radially inward of the second surface portion, the step portion having a first surface portion, and the first pattern portion being printed on the first surface portion.

[0013] The material of the operation ring is preferably a carbon fiber composite material. The pattern portion is preferably arranged such that first pattern portions and second pattern portions are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the operation ring. The first pattern portions and second pattern portions are preferably arranged with the same width. The width is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less.

[0014] A lens device according to one aspect of the disclosed technique includes the above-described operation ring, an optical system, and an electric zoom mechanism that drives a zoom lens group that is part of the optical system in response to rotation of the operation ring.

[0015] The optical system preferably includes at least a zoom lens group, a first lens group, a filter, and an aperture, the filter having a maximum outer diameter larger than that of the first lens group and positioned closer to the subject than the first lens group, the zoom lens group being positioned between the first lens group and the aperture and closer to the subject than the aperture, and the pattern portion being positioned between the maximum outer diameter of the first lens group and that of the filter.

[0016] A manufacturing method of one embodiment of an operating ring according to the technology of the present disclosure includes the steps of: forming a ring member including a resin member, the ring member having, on its inner peripheral surface, a first surface portion parallel to the rotation axis of the ring member and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis; and printing on the first surface portion to form a pattern portion having a first pattern portion having a first light reflectivity and a second pattern portion having a second light reflectivity.

[0017] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a digital camera; a side view of a digital camera; a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a lens barrel; a perspective view of an electric zoom mechanism; a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a lens barrel taken along the circumferential direction; a circuit diagram showing an example of a sensor that detects the rotational position and rotation direction of an operation ring; a perspective view of an operation ring and a sensor; a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a ring member taken along the rotation axis direction; an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a ring member; a cross-sectional view of a main portion for explaining the arrangement of a pattern formed on the operation ring; a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a digital camera; a flowchart showing a process of manufacturing an operation ring; a perspective view of a ring member before printing a pattern portion; a perspective view showing the configuration of a pad and a pad plate; an explanatory view showing a process of transferring a pattern from a pad plate to a pad; an explanatory view showing a state in which the pad has been released from the pad plate and paint has been transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the pad; an explanatory view showing a process of pressing the pad against the inner peripheral surface of the ring member to print a pattern portion; an explanatory view showing a state in which the pad is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the ring member; a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an operation ring in a second embodiment; a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an operation ring in a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an operation ring according to a fourth embodiment.

[0018] [First Embodiment] [Configuration of Digital Camera] As shown in Fig. 1, a digital camera 10 includes a camera body 11 and an interchangeable lens barrel 12. A lens mount 13, a release switch 14, a power switch (not shown), and the like are provided on the front of the camera body 11. The lens mount 13 has a circular imaging opening 13A. A lens barrel 12 is detachably attached to the lens mount 13. The lens barrel 12 is an example of a lens device according to the present invention.

[0019] The camera body 11 has a built-in image sensor 16. The image sensor 16 is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, or an organic thin-film image sensor. The lens mount 13 has a body-side signal contact 17 (see FIG. 13 ) inside the imaging opening 13A for electrically connecting with the lens barrel 12 for communication. The camera body 11 also has a grip portion 11A.

[0020] 2, the lens barrel 12 includes a lens barrel body 21, an imaging optical system 22, a zoom ring 23, a focus ring 24, an electric zoom mechanism 25 (see FIG. 3), and a focus mechanism 26 (see FIG. 3). The zoom ring 23 corresponds to the operation ring in the claims.

[0021] The lens barrel body 21 has a cylindrical shape and holds therein an imaging optical system 22, a zoom ring 23, a focus ring 24, an electric zoom mechanism 25, and a focus mechanism 26, and is provided at its rear end with a lens mount 27 (see FIGS. 3 and 13) and a lens-side signal contact 28 (see FIG. 13). When the lens barrel 12 is attached to the camera body 11, the imaging optical system 22 forms an image of subject light on the imaging element 16.

[0022] The imaging optical system 22 includes a filter 22A, a first lens group 22B, a second lens group 22C, an aperture 22D, a third lens group 22E, a fourth lens group 22F, and a fifth lens group 22G, which are arranged in order from the subject side toward the imaging element side along the optical axis OA.

[0023] Among the first lens group 22B, the second lens group 22C, the third lens group 22E, the fourth lens group 22F, and the fifth lens group, the first lens group 22B has the largest outer diameter. The filter 22A is an optical filter such as a polarizing filter or a light intensity adjustment filter. The filter 22A has a larger maximum outer diameter than the first lens group 22B. The filter 22A and the first lens group 22B are fixed to the tip of the lens barrel body 21.

[0024] The second lens group 22C corresponds to the zoom lens in the claims. In the lens barrel 12, the magnification is changed by moving the second lens group 22C along the optical axis OA. The second lens group 22C is moved by the electric zoom mechanism 25. The electric zoom mechanism 25 drives the second lens group 22C in accordance with the rotation of the zoom ring 23. The second lens group 22C moves between a wide-angle position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 ) and a telephoto position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line).

[0025] Aperture 22D is a fixed aperture with a fixed maximum aperture value, and aperture opening 22H is formed in the center of a thin plate member. Aperture 22D is fixed inside lens barrel body 21. However, aperture 22D is not limited to this, and may be a variable aperture configured with an aperture mechanism that varies the maximum aperture value. Third lens group 22E is a relay lens group fixed inside lens barrel body 21.

[0026] The fourth lens group 22F is a focus lens. In the lens barrel 12, focus adjustment is performed by moving the fourth lens group 22F in the direction of the optical axis OA. The fourth lens group 22F is moved by a focus mechanism 26. The focus mechanism 26 drives the fourth lens group 22F in accordance with the rotation of the focus ring 24. The fifth lens group 22G is a relay lens group fixed to the rear end of the lens barrel body 21. The fifth lens group 22G forms a real image transmitted by the filter 22A, the first lens group 22B, the second lens group 22C, the aperture 22D, the third lens group 22E, and the fourth lens group 22F onto the image sensor.

[0027] The electric zoom mechanism 25 is disposed inside the lens barrel 12. The electric zoom mechanism 25 drives the second lens group 22C, which is part of the imaging optical system 22. The electric zoom mechanism 25 is attached to the lens barrel body 21 via a mounting member 29 or the like. As described above, the second lens group 22C is located between the first lens group 22B and the aperture 22D, and is located closer to the subject than the aperture 22D. In other words, the second lens group 22C can move between the first lens group 22B and the aperture 22D.

[0028] 4, the second lens group 22C is held by a lens holding frame 31. The lens holding frame 31 is connected to a zoom carriage 35, which will be described later. The electric zoom mechanism 25 includes two guide shafts 32, a lead screw 33, a motor 34, and the zoom carriage 35. A lens control unit 51 controls the supply of electricity to the motor 34 via a motor driver 52. In addition, as will be described later, the lens control unit 51 controls each part of the lens barrel 12.

[0029] The guide shaft 32 is a cylindrical shaft made of metal or resin. The tip and base ends of the guide shaft 32 are attached to the lens barrel body 21 directly or via attachment members 29. The lens holding frame 31 is attached to the guide shaft 32 so as to be movable along the optical axis OA.

[0030] The lead screw 33 is made of metal or resin and is a generally cylindrical shaft having a thread 33A on its outer periphery. The lead screw 33 is connected to the rotation shaft of a motor 34 and is rotated in both directions by the motor 34. The motor 34 is, for example, a stepping motor.

[0031] The zoom carriage 35 is connected to the lens holding frame 31 and moves along the guide shaft 32, i.e., in the direction of the optical axis OA, together with the second lens group 22C and the lens holding frame 31. A rack gear 35A is formed on the surface of the zoom carriage 35 that faces the lead screw 33. The zoom carriage 35 is biased against the thread 33A of the lead screw 33 by a spring member (not shown). The rack gear 35A meshes with the thread 33A. As a result, the rotation of the lead screw 33 is converted into linear motion by the thread 33A and the rack gear 35A, and the second lens group 22C moves along the direction of the optical axis OA together with the lens holding frame 31.

[0032] The lens control unit 51 detects the rotational position of the zoom ring 23 using a sensor 36 (see FIGS. 5 to 7 and 13), and moves the second lens group 22C in accordance with the information on the rotational direction and rotational position. The sensor 36 is a sensor capable of high-resolution detection, and may use, for example, a photoreflector.

[0033] The focus mechanism 26 is composed of a voice coil motor (hereinafter referred to as VCM) and includes a magnetic circuit and a coil (not shown). The fourth lens group 22F is held by a lens holding frame 37. A magnetic circuit or a coil is connected to the lens holding frame 37. In the focus mechanism 26, the lens holding frame 37 and the fourth lens group 22F are driven by a magnetic force generated by energizing the coil.

[0034] Lens control unit 51 detects the rotational position of focus ring 24 using sensor 38 (see FIG. 13 ), and moves fourth lens group 22F in accordance with information on the direction and amount of rotation. Note that the configuration of focus mechanism 26 is not limited to this, and it may also be equipped with a lead screw, a motor, etc., similar to electric zoom mechanism 25, and the rotation of the lead screw may be converted into linear motion to move fourth lens group 22F in the direction of optical axis OA.

[0035] 5, the sensor 36 is attached to an opening 21A formed in the lens barrel body 21. The sensor 36 is disposed in a position facing the inner peripheral surface of the zoom ring 23. A pattern portion 42, which will be described later, is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the zoom ring 23, and by obtaining a signal based on the pattern portion 42 by the sensor 36, the rotation direction and rotation position of the zoom ring 23 can be detected.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows an example of a circuit constituting the sensor 36. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the sensor 36 includes an LED (light-emitting diode) 36A and three light-receiving ICs (integrated circuits) 36B, 36C, and 36D on a substrate. The sensor 36 is arranged such that the phase differences between the output signals of the light-receiving ICs 36B, 36C, and 36D are 90° in this order.

[0037] By using the sensor 36 configured as described above to emit and receive light to and from a pattern portion having a first pattern portion with a first light reflectance and a second pattern portion with a second light reflectance, digital two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 with a phase P shifted by 90° can be output. These two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 can detect the rotation direction and rotation position. Furthermore, by detecting the rising and falling edges of the two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 of the sensor 36, a resolution of 1 / 4 of the pattern period can be obtained. Note that the reflectance of the first light is higher than the reflectance of the second light.

[0038] [Configuration of Operation Ring] As shown in Fig. 7, the zoom ring 23 includes a ring member 41 and a pattern portion 42. The pattern portion 42 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 41A of the ring member 41 and serves as an indicator for rotating the ring member 41. The ring member 41 includes a resin member, and is made of, for example, a carbon fiber composite material or a polycarbonate reinforced resin. The ring member 41 is formed in an annular shape, and a knurled outer circumferential surface 41B is formed.

[0039] 8, the inner peripheral surface 41A of the ring member 41 has a first surface 43, second surfaces 44A and 44B, and a flange portion 45. The first surface 43 is parallel to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 41. When the ring member 41 is fitted onto the lens barrel body 21, the rotation axis CL coincides with the optical axis OA of the imaging optical system 22. The parallelism described in this specification may include a degree of error that does not cause any problems in design or manufacturing.

[0040] The second surfaces 44A and 44B are inclined with respect to the rotation axis CL. The second surface 44A is located on one end side with respect to the direction of the rotation axis CL, and the second surface 44B is located on the other end side. The second surface 44A corresponds to the one-end second surface in the claims, and the second surface 44B corresponds to the other-end second surface in the claims. Note that in this embodiment, when the ring member 41 is incorporated into the lens barrel body 21, the one end side refers to the subject side, and the other end side refers to the image sensor side.

[0041] The first surface 43 is located between the second surface 44A and the second surface 44B with respect to the direction of the rotation axis CL. The first inclination angle α1 at which the second surface 44A is inclined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis CL is larger than the second inclination angle α2 at which the second surface 44B is inclined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis CL. This makes it easier to insert a pad into the ring member 41 during pad printing, which will be described later.

[0042] The ring member 41 has a first surface 43 printed to form a pattern portion 42. Specifically, the pattern portion 42 has a first pattern portion 42A and a second pattern portion 42B. The first pattern portion 42A is formed by applying paint. The paint used to form the first pattern portion 42A contains a metal material, and the mixing ratio of the metal material in the paint is 25% to 45%. The paint used to form the first pattern portion 42A is, for example, aluminum paste as a metal material diluted with an organic solvent. The aluminum paste is a metal pigment containing aluminum particles.

[0043] As described above, the mixing ratio of the metal material in the paint is set to 25% or more and 45% or less because if the mixing ratio of the metal material is less than 25%, the proportion of metal material will be low and the light reflectance will be insufficient, and on the other hand, if the mixing ratio of the metal material exceeds 40%, the proportion of organic solvent will be low and the adhesive strength to the ring member 41 will be reduced.

[0044] As described above, the first pattern portion 42A has a first light reflectivity because it is printed with paint containing a metallic material. The second pattern portion 42B is an unprinted portion of the ring member 41, and the ring member 41 contains a resin material as described above. Therefore, the second pattern portion 42B has a second light reflectivity that is different from the first light reflectivity. Because metallic materials are glossier than resin materials, the first light reflectivity is higher than the second light reflectivity. That is, the pattern portion 42 alternates between the first pattern portion 42A having the first light reflectivity and the second pattern portion 42B having the second light reflectivity. As described above, by combining the pattern portion 42 with the sensor 36, the rotation direction and amount of the zoom ring 23 can be detected.

[0045] 9 , the pattern portion 42 has first pattern portions 42A and second pattern portions 42B arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction R of the zoom ring 23. That is, the width T1 of the first pattern portion 42A and the width T2 of the second pattern portion 42B in the circumferential direction R are the same. Note that the interval between the widths T1 and T2 is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less. By forming the pattern portion 42 in this manner, the rotational position of the zoom ring 23 can be detected with high resolution.

[0046] In conventional operation rings, the inner peripheral surface has a draft angle, so a pattern for detection by a sensor is formed on a surface inclined relative to the rotation axis. When a pattern is formed on a surface inclined relative to the rotation axis, the inner diameter of the operation ring differs at different positions in the central axis direction, making it impossible to form a pattern with high precision on such a surface.

[0047] In contrast, the zoom ring 23 of this embodiment has a first surface 43 that is parallel to the rotation axis CL and second surfaces 44A, 44B that are inclined relative to the rotation axis CL, and the pattern portion 42 is formed by printing on the first surface 43, so that the pattern portion 42 can be formed with high precision while ensuring a draft angle for release from the mold. The manufacturing method for printing the pattern portion 42 will be described later.

[0048] The flange portion 45 is located more inward than the first surface portion 43 in the radial direction V of the ring member 41. Furthermore, the second surface portions 44A and 44B are located more outward than the flange portion 45 in the radial direction V. Note that the radial direction V here refers to the radial direction of the ring member 41, and is a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis CL and the optical axis OA when the zoom ring 23 is incorporated into the lens barrel body 21, and the same applies hereinafter. The flange portion 45 also corresponds to a step portion in the claims.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10 , the pattern portion 42 is located between the maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group 22B and the maximum outer diameter portion of the filter 22A. The symbol S denotes the space between the maximum outer diameter portions of the first lens group 22B and the filter 22A, and the pattern portion 42 is disposed in the space S. As described above, the second lens group 22C and the power zoom mechanism 25 that drives the second lens group 22C are disposed on the proximal end side (image sensor side) of the first lens group 22B, leaving little space for component placement. Therefore, the pattern portion 42 is disposed in a position that does not interfere with the second lens group 22C and the power zoom mechanism 25, improving component placement efficiency. The filter 22A has a larger maximum outer diameter than the first lens group 22B and is located closer to the subject than the first lens group 22B. In other words, the space S described above provides relatively ample space for component placement within the lens barrel 12. By arranging the pattern portion 42 in such a space S, the efficiency of component arrangement is improved, and the lens barrel 12 can be made smaller, particularly in terms of its outer diameter.

[0050] [Electrical Configuration of Digital Camera] As shown in FIG. 11, the lens barrel 12 includes an imaging optical system 22, a zoom ring 23, a focus ring 24, an electric zoom mechanism 25, a focus mechanism 26, a sensor 36, a sensor 38, a lens control unit 51, a motor driver 52, and a VCM driver 53.

[0051] Lens control unit 51 is made up of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (none of which are shown) used as a work memory for the CPU, and controls each part of lens barrel 12. Lens control unit 51 is connected to motor driver 52, VCM driver 53, sensor 36, and sensor 38.

[0052] The lens control unit 51 controls the driving of the second lens group 22C based on a control signal from a camera body control unit 61 (described later). The lens control unit 51 detects the rotational position of the zoom ring 23 using a sensor 36, and moves the second lens group 22C in accordance with information on the rotation direction and amount.

[0053] As described above, the imaging optical system 22 includes multiple lens groups, including the second lens group 22C and the fourth lens group 22F. However, in FIG. 13 , lens groups other than the second lens group 22C and the fourth lens group 22F are omitted to avoid cluttering the drawing. The second lens group 22C moves along the optical axis OA when the motor driver 52 energizes the motor 34 that constitutes the power zoom mechanism 25, thereby varying the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22. The lens control unit 51 transmits a control signal to the motor driver 52 to move the second lens group 22C in accordance with information on the direction and amount of rotation of the zoom ring 23. The motor driver 52 energizes the motor 34 based on the control signal.

[0054] The fourth lens group 22F moves in the direction of the optical axis OA when the VCM driver 53 energizes a coil that constitutes the focus mechanism 26, thereby adjusting the focus of the imaging optical system 22. The lens control unit 51 transmits a control signal to the VCM driver 53 to move the fourth lens group 22F, in accordance with information on the direction and amount of rotation of the focus ring 24. The VCM driver 53 energizes the coil based on the control signal.

[0055] The camera body control unit 61 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (none of which are shown) that is used as work memory for the CPU. The camera body control unit 61 controls the camera body 11 and various components of the lens barrel 12 connected to the camera body 11. A release signal is input to the camera body control unit 61 from the release switch 14. A body-side signal contact 17 is also connected to the camera body control unit 61.

[0056] The lens-side signal contact 28 comes into contact with the body-side signal contact 17 when the lens mount 27 of the lens barrel 12 is attached to the lens mount 13 of the camera body 11, electrically connecting the lens barrel 12 and the camera body 11.

[0057] The shutter unit 62 is a so-called focal plane shutter, and is disposed between the lens mount 13 and the image sensor 16. The shutter unit 62 is provided so as to be able to block the optical path between the image sensor 16 and the image sensor 16, and changes between an open state and a closed state. The shutter unit 62 is in the open state when capturing live view images and moving images. The shutter unit 62 temporarily changes from the open state to a closed state when capturing still images. The shutter unit 62 is driven by a shutter motor 63. A motor driver 64 controls the driving of the shutter motor 63.

[0058] The imaging element 16 is driven and controlled by the camera body control unit 61. The imaging element 16 has a light-receiving surface made up of a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, and photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the light-receiving surface by the imaging optical system 22 to generate an imaging signal.

[0059] The image sensor 16 also includes signal processing circuits (none of which are shown), such as a noise reduction circuit, an auto-gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit. The noise reduction circuit performs noise reduction processing on the image signal. The auto-gain controller amplifies the level of the image signal to an optimal value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the image signal into a digital signal and outputs it from the image sensor 16 to the bus line 66. The output signal from the image sensor 16 is image data (so-called RAW data) with one color signal for each pixel.

[0060] The image memory 65 stores one frame of image data output to the bus line 66. The image data processing unit 67 reads one frame of image data from the image memory 65 and performs known image processing such as matrix calculation, demosaic processing, gamma correction, luminance / color difference conversion, and resizing.

[0061] The display driver 68 sequentially inputs one frame's worth of image data that has been image-processed by the image data processing unit 67 to the image display unit 69. The image display unit 69 is provided, for example, on the rear surface of the camera body 11, and sequentially displays live view images at a regular interval. A card I / F (Interface) 71 is incorporated in a card slot (not shown) provided in the camera body 11, and is electrically connected to a memory card 72 inserted into the card slot. The card I / F 71 stores the image data that has been image-processed by the image data processing unit 67 in the memory card 72. When playing back and displaying the image data stored in the memory card 72, the card I / F 71 reads the image data from the memory card 72.

[0062] [Manufacturing Process of Operation Ring] The manufacturing process of the zoom ring 23 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 and the explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. 13 to 18. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the ring member 41 is first formed by injection molding (S11). As described above, the ring member 41 has a first surface 43 parallel to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 41. Surfaces parallel to the axial direction, such as the first surface 43, are not suitable for injection molding. This is because, after the injection molding process, when the mold is axially removed from the injection-molded product, a so-called forced removal occurs, and the surface parallel to the axial direction creates resistance and hinders the mold's movement. For this reason, conventional methods for manufacturing operation rings use, for example, a slide mold that can move radially relative to the main mold. However, this method complicates the mold structure and increases costs. Alternatively, if the entire inner peripheral surface of the ring member is inclined relative to the rotation axis, the increase in injection molding costs can be suppressed, but the accuracy of printing the pattern portion 42 decreases.

[0063] In contrast, in this embodiment, the ring member 41 has, in addition to the first surface 43, second surfaces 44A and 44B that are inclined relative to the rotation axis CL, so that these second surfaces 44A and 44B form a draft. That is, after the injection molding process, when the mold is axially removed from the ring member 41, the first surface 43 creates resistance between the mold and the ring member 41, requiring a pulling force to move the mold. However, the draft of the second surfaces 44A and 44B allows the mold to be removed. As a result, when the ring member 41 is formed by the injection molding process, the mold can be moved with the pulling force typically used to remove the mold from an injection-molded product. Therefore, a slide mold is not required.

[0064] Before the pattern portion 42 is formed, when the ring member 41 is formed from a resin material by an injection molding process or the like, no printing is applied to the first surface portion 43. In this embodiment, pad printing is used to form the pattern portion 42. Pad printing is also called tampon printing.

[0065] 14, as a step prior to forming the pattern portion 42, a step of pouring paint into a pad plate 82 is performed (S12). The pad plate 82 has a recess 82A formed therein that corresponds to the pattern portion 42. The recess 82A is a recess formed on one surface of the pad plate 82 by etching, laser irradiation, or the like. Any paint spilling out of the recess 82A is removed by scraping it off the surface of the pad plate 82 with a spatula or the like. In other words, only the paint that has entered the recess 82A is transferred to the pad 81.

[0066] As described above, the pattern portion 42 of the zoom ring 23 is printed on the first surface 43, which is the inner circumferential surface 41A of the ring member 41 and parallel to the rotation axis CL, so the pattern 83 (see FIGS. 16 and 17 ) must be painted at a position facing the first surface 43, i.e., on the outer circumferential surface of the pad 81. The pattern 83 transferred to the pad 81 is aligned in the circumferential direction of the pad 81 and is arranged along the axial direction. In order to transfer such a pattern 83, the recess 82A is composed of a plurality of grooves arranged radially.

[0067] As shown in Figure 15, a step is performed in which the pad 81 is pressed against the pad plate 82 to transfer the paint that has entered the recesses 82A to the pad 81 (S13). The pad 81 is made of silicon and is pressed against the pad plate 82 to become crushed. As the pad 81 becomes crushed, it is pressed against the pad plate 82 up to the portion that will become the outer periphery of the pad 81, and the paint adheres to it. As shown in Figure 16, when the pad 81 is released from the pad plate 82, the pad 81 returns from the crushed state to its original state. As a result, the paint is transferred to the outer periphery of the pad 81.

[0068] Furthermore, as described above, the pad 81 is made of silicon, and therefore the corner portions 81A have a rounded shape (curved surface shape), so that the pattern 83 transferred to the pad 81 is transferred at a fixed interval from the corner portions 81A.

[0069] 17 , a step is performed in which pad 81 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of ring member 41 and pattern portion 42 is printed on first surface 43 (S14). That is, printing is performed on first surface 43 to form pattern portion 42 having first pattern portion 42A having a first light reflectance and second pattern portion 42B having a second light reflectance. When performing this step, ring member 41 is fixed in its axial and radial positions by jig 85, and pad 81 is pressed against ring member 41 with its central axis aligned with rotation axis CL of ring member 41.

[0070] 18 , because the first surface 43 is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 faces the first surface 43 and is pressed against the first surface 43 with uniform force. The outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is then smoothly inserted along the first surface 43. As a result, the paint adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is precisely transferred to the first surface 43, forming the first pattern portion 42A. Furthermore, the jig 85 positions the ring member 41 in the axial and radial directions by abutting against the flange portion 45.

[0071] Furthermore, since the pattern 83 transferred to the pad 81 is transferred at a fixed interval from the corner portion 81A of the pad 81, if the flange portion 45 and the first surface portion 43 were in contact with each other, the paint of the pattern 83 would not reach the first surface portion 43. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the first surface portion 43 is located between the second surfaces 44A and 44B, and the second surface portion 44B is located on the rear side (other end side) of the first surface portion 43. This allows the pad 81 to be inserted further rearward (other end side) than the first surface portion 43 on which printing is performed, allowing the paint of the pattern 83 to reach the first surface portion 43 and perform printing.

[0072] [Operation of Lens Device] The following describes the operation of the lens barrel 12 of this embodiment. When the lens barrel 12 is attached to the camera body 11 and a power switch (not shown) is operated by a user who is taking the picture, power is supplied to each part of the digital camera 10.

[0073] When the digital camera 10 is powered on, the image sensor 16, camera body control unit 61, lens control unit 51, etc. are activated. As described above, the rotational position of the zoom ring 23 is detected by the sensor 36, and the lens control unit 51 moves the second lens group 22C in accordance with the information on the rotational direction and rotational position.

[0074] As described above, in the zoom ring 23, the pattern portion 42 is printed on the first surface portion 43, which is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, so that the paint adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the pad 81 is precisely transferred to the first surface portion 43. This improves the accuracy with which the pattern portion 42 is printed, and makes it possible to form a pattern portion 42 having fine first pattern portions 42A and second pattern portions 42B. As a result, when the zoom ring 23 is rotated, the sensor 36 can detect the rotational position of the zoom ring 23 with high resolution.

[0075] For example, if the width of the first pattern portion 42A and the second pattern portion 42B constituting the pattern portion 42 is 0.25 mm, i.e., the pattern period is 0.5 mm, the above-mentioned sensor 36 emits and receives light to and from the pattern portion 42 to obtain phase signals Vout1 and Vout2, and the rotation direction and rotation position can be detected from these two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2. Furthermore, as described above, by detecting the rising and falling edges of the two-phase signals Vout1 and Vout2 of the sensor 36, it is possible to detect a change in rotation position equivalent to a resolution of ¼ of the pattern period, i.e., 0.125 mm.

[0076] Furthermore, because the pattern portion 42 formed on the zoom ring 23 is formed by printing, it is possible to reduce the thickness and outer diameter of the zoom ring 23. This allows the lens barrel 12 to be made smaller and its outer diameter to be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, by forming the pattern portion 42 by printing, it is no longer necessary to provide the pattern as a separate part from the zoom ring 23, which simplifies the assembly process and reduces the number of parts and costs.

[0078] As described above, the zoom ring 23 has the first surface 43, which is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, and the second surfaces 44A and 44B, which are inclined relative to the rotation axis CL, eliminating the need for a slide mold. This reduces costs in the manufacturing process of the zoom ring 23. Furthermore, when a slide mold is used, unevenness due to panel lines and errors in the radius of curvature between the main mold and the slide mold occur, reducing the printing accuracy of the pattern portion 42. However, this does not occur in this embodiment because a slide mold is not used.

[0079] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the flange portion 45 as a step portion is located radially inward from the first surface portion 43, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the second embodiment described below illustrates a configuration in which the step portion is located radially outward from the first surface portion.

[0080] As shown in Figure 19, the zoom ring 90 in this embodiment includes a ring member 91 and a pattern portion 42. The zoom ring 90 corresponds to the operation ring in the claims. Note that, other than the zoom ring 90, the configuration of the lens device, such as the imaging optical system 22 and the power zoom mechanism 25, is the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The same also applies to the pad 81, pad plate 82, etc., when the pattern portion 42 is printed on the ring member 91.

[0081] The ring member 91 includes a resin member and is made of the same material as the ring member 41 of the first embodiment. The inner peripheral surface 91A of the ring member 91 has a first surface 43, second surfaces 44A and 44B, a step portion 92, and an innermost diameter portion 93. The first surface 43 and the second surfaces 44A and 44B are similar to the ring member 41 of the first embodiment, i.e., the first surface 43 is parallel to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 91, and the second surfaces 44A and 44B are inclined relative to the rotation axis CL. The first surface 43 is located between the second surfaces 44A and 44B with respect to the rotation axis CL. The first inclination angle α1 of the second surface 44A relative to the rotation axis CL is greater than the second inclination angle α2 of the second surface 44B relative to the rotation axis CL.

[0082] Similar to the zoom ring 23 of the first embodiment, the pattern portion 42 is formed by printing on the first surface portion 43. The pattern portion 42 has a first pattern portion 42A and a second pattern portion 42B, and the configurations of the first pattern portion 42A and the second pattern portion 42B, as well as the configuration of the paint used to apply the first pattern portion 42A, are also similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0083] The step portion 92 is located further outward in the radial direction V than the first surface portion 43. The ring member 91 has an innermost diameter portion 93, where the inner diameter of the ring member 91 is smallest, located further inward in the radial direction V than the first surface portion 43. The second surface portion 44B is located at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion 93.

[0084] The process for manufacturing the zoom ring 90 is the same as the process for manufacturing the zoom ring 23 in the first embodiment, and the process for printing the pattern portion 42 on the first surface portion 43 involves pad printing, as in the first embodiment. When the pattern 83 is transferred from the pad 81, a jig is fitted into the step portion 92 for alignment. If the step portion 92 and the first surface portion 43 were in contact, the jig would interfere and prevent the paint for the pattern 83 from reaching the first surface portion 43. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the first surface portion 43 is located between the second surfaces 44A and 44B, and the second surface portion 44B is positioned adjacent to the innermost diameter portion 93. This allows the pad 81 to be inserted further back (toward the other end) than the first surface portion 43 where printing is performed, allowing the paint for the pattern 83 to reach the first surface portion 43 and perform printing. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the printing accuracy on the first surface portion 43 and form a fine pattern portion 42. As a result, when the zoom ring 90 is rotated, the sensor 36 can detect the rotational position of the zoom ring 90 with high resolution.

[0085] Furthermore, by forming the pattern portion 42 on the zoom ring 90 by printing, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, such as miniaturization of the lens barrel 12, cost reduction, simplification of the process, and reduction in the number of processes.

[0086] [Third embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the flange portion 45 as a step portion is provided separately from the first surface portion 43, and the first pattern portion 42A is printed on the first surface portion 43, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in the third embodiment described below, the step portion has a first surface portion, and the first pattern portion is printed on the first surface portion.

[0087] As shown in Figure 20, the zoom ring 95 in this embodiment includes a ring member 96 and a pattern portion 42. The zoom ring 95 corresponds to the operation ring in the claims. Other than the zoom ring 95, the configuration of the lens device, including the imaging optical system 22 and the power zoom mechanism 25, is the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The same also applies to the pad 81, pad plate 82, etc., when the pattern portion 42 is printed on the ring member 96.

[0088] The ring member 96 includes a resin member, similar to the ring member 41 of the first embodiment, and is made of the same material. An inner peripheral surface 96A of the ring member 96 has a first surface 97, a second surface 98, and a flange 99. In this embodiment, the second surface 98 is located on one end side and the flange 99 is located on the other end side with respect to the direction of the rotation axis CL of the ring member 96. Note that, as in the first embodiment, when the ring member 96 is incorporated into the lens barrel body 21, the one end side refers to the subject side and the other end side refers to the image sensor side.

[0089] The second surface portion 98 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis CL of the ring member 96, similar to the second surfaces 44A and 44B in the first embodiment. The flange portion 99 corresponds to the stepped portion in the claims. The flange portion 99 is located more inward in the radial direction V of the ring member 96 than the second surface portion 98. The flange portion 99 has a first surface portion 97. Specifically, the first surface portion 97 is located at a position where the inner diameter of the flange portion 99 is smallest. The first surface portion 97 is a surface parallel to the rotation axis CL, similar to the first surface portion 43 in the first embodiment, and the first pattern portion 42A is printed thereon, similar to the first surface portion 43.

[0090] The manufacturing process for the zoom ring 95 is the same as that for the zoom ring 23 in the first embodiment, and the process for printing the pattern portion 42 on the first surface 97 involves pad printing, as in the first embodiment. When the pattern 83 is transferred from the pad 81, a jig 85 contacts the flange 99 for alignment. In this case, the jig 85 is positioned radially outward of the first surface 97 (as indicated by the two-dot chain line). In this case, the pad 81 can be inserted further back (toward the other end) than the first surface 97 where printing is performed, passing through the flange 99. This allows the paint for the pattern 83 to reach the first surface 97 and perform printing. This achieves the same effects as the first and second embodiments, i.e., improves the printing accuracy on the first surface 97 and allows the formation of a fine pattern portion 42. As a result, when the zoom ring 95 is rotated, the sensor 36 can detect the rotational position of the zoom ring 95 with high resolution.

[0091] Furthermore, by forming the pattern portion 42 on the zoom ring 95 by printing, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the first and second embodiments, such as miniaturization of the lens barrel 12, cost reduction, simplification of the process, and reduction in the number of processes.

[0092] [Fourth embodiment] In the above-described embodiments, a pattern portion is formed on the ring member that constitutes the zoom ring, and a sensor 36 is attached to the lens barrel body 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the fourth embodiment described below, a pattern portion is formed on the lens barrel body 21, and a sensor is attached to the ring member.

[0093] 21 , the lens barrel 100 of this embodiment includes a lens barrel body 101 and a zoom ring 102. Other than the lens barrel body 101 and the zoom ring 102, the configuration of the lens device, such as the imaging optical system 22 and the power zoom mechanism 25, is the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The zoom ring 102 includes a ring member 103 and a sensor 104. The sensor 104 is a component similar to the sensor 36 of the first embodiment. The sensor 104 is attached to an opening 103A formed in the ring member 103. The sensor 104 is disposed in a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101.

[0095] A pattern portion 105 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101. Like the pattern portion 42 of the first embodiment, the pattern portion 105 is formed by printing on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101. The pattern portion 105 has a first pattern portion having a first light reflectance and a second pattern portion having a second light reflectance, the first light reflectance is higher than the second light reflectance, the configurations of the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, and the configuration of the paint used to apply the first pattern portion are also similar to the pattern portion 42 of the first embodiment. In the process of printing the pattern portion 105 on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 101, pad printing is performed as in the first embodiment.

[0096] In each of the above embodiments, the hardware structure of processing units that execute various processes, such as the lens control unit 51 and the camera body control unit 61, is the following various processors. The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electrical circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing various processes.

[0097] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). Multiple processing units may also be configured with a single processor. Examples of multiple processing units configured with a single processor include: a first configuration, as typified by client or server computers, in which a single processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units; and a second configuration, as typified by SoCs (System On Chips), in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, the various processing units are configured with one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0098] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit in the form of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0099] In the above embodiments, the operating ring is a zoom ring, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a focus ring or an aperture adjustment ring that operates an aperture mechanism. Furthermore, the lens device according to the present invention can be applied to the lens barrels of smartphones, video cameras, etc. in addition to the lens barrels of digital cameras.

[0100] 10 Digital camera 11 Camera body 11A Grip portion 12 Lens barrel 13 Lens mount 13A Imaging aperture 14 Release switch 16 Imaging element 17 Body-side signal contact 21 Lens barrel main body 21A Opening 22 Imaging optical system 22A Filter 22B First lens group 22C Second lens group 22D Aperture 22E Third lens group 22F Fourth lens group 22G Fifth lens group 22H Aperture aperture 23, 90, 95, 102 Zoom ring 24 Focus ring 25 Electric zoom mechanism 26 Focus mechanism 27 Lens mount 28 Lens-side signal contact 29 Mounting member 31 Lens holding frame 32 Guide shaft 33 Lead screw 33A Screw 34 Motor 35 Zoom carriage 35A Rack gear 36 Sensor 36A LED (light-emitting diode) 36B, 36C, 36D Light-receiving IC (Integrated Circuit) 37 Lens holding frame 38 Sensor 41, 91, 96, 103 Ring member 41A Inner peripheral surface 41B Outer peripheral surface 42 Pattern portion 42A First pattern portion 42B Second pattern portion 43 First surface portion 44A Second surface portion 44B Second surface portion 45 Flange portion 51 Lens control portion 52 Motor driver 53 Driver 61 Camera body control portion 62 Shutter unit 63 Shutter motor 64 Motor driver 65 Image memory 66 Bus line 67 Image data processing portion 68 Display driver 69 Image display portion 71 Card I / F (Interface) 72 Memory card 81 Pad 81A Corner portion 82 Pad plate 82A Recess 83 Pattern 85 Jig 91A Inner peripheral surface 92 Step portion 93 Innermost diameter portion 96 Ring member 96A Inner peripheral surface 97 First surface portion 98 Second surface portion 99 Flange portion 100 Lens barrel 101 Lens barrel main body 102 Zoom ring 103 Ring member 103A Opening 104 Sensor 105 Pattern portion CL Rotation axis OA Optical axis P Phase R Circumferential direction S Space S11 to S14 Processes T1, T2 Width V Radial direction Vout1, Vout2 Two-phase signal α1, α2 Tilt angle

Claims

1. a ring member including a resin member; A pattern portion serving as an indicator for a rotation operation of the ring member, The pattern portion is A first pattern portion having a first light reflectance and a second pattern portion having a second light reflectance, the reflectance of the first light is higher than the reflectance of the second light, The inner peripheral surface of the ring member has a first surface portion parallel to a rotation axis of the ring member and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis, Printing is applied to the first surface portion to form the pattern portion; the second surface portion has a one-end second surface portion located on one end side and an other-end second surface portion located on the other end side with respect to an axial direction of the rotation shaft, the first surface portion is located between the one end side second surface portion and the other end side second surface portion in the axial direction, the ring member has a step portion located radially outward or inward from the first surface portion, When the step portion is located radially outward from the first surface portion, an innermost diameter portion where the inner diameter of the ring member is smallest is located radially inward from the first surface portion, The other end side second surface portion is an operation ring disposed at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion.

2. The operating ring according to claim 1 , wherein the first surface portion is formed with the first pattern portion by applying paint.

3. The paint contains a metallic material, 3. The operating ring according to claim 2, wherein a mixing ratio of said metal material in said paint is 25% or more and 45% or less.

4. 2 . The operating ring according to claim 1 , wherein a first inclination angle at which the one-end second surface portion is inclined with respect to the axial direction is larger than a second inclination angle at which the other-end second surface portion is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

5. The operating ring according to claim 1 , wherein when the step portion is located radially inward from the first surface portion, the one end side second surface portion and the other end side second surface portion are located radially outward from the step portion.

6. the ring member has a stepped portion located radially inward from the second surface portion, The operating ring according to claim 1 , wherein the step portion has the first surface portion, and the first pattern portion is printed on the first surface portion.

7. 2. The operating ring according to claim 1, wherein the operating ring is made of a carbon fiber composite material.

8. The operation ring according to claim 1 , wherein the first pattern portions and the second pattern portions are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the operation ring.

9. The operating ring according to claim 8 , wherein the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion are arranged to have the same width.

10. The operating ring according to claim 9 , wherein the width is equal to or greater than 0.2 mm and equal to or less than 0.3 mm.

11. 11. A lens device comprising: an operating ring according to claim 1; an optical system; and an electric zoom mechanism that drives a zoom lens group that is a part of the optical system in response to rotation of the operating ring.

12. the optical system includes at least the zoom lens group, a first lens group, a filter, and a diaphragm; the filter has a maximum outer diameter larger than that of the first lens group and is located closer to an object than the first lens group; the zoom lens group is located between the first lens group and the aperture and on the subject side of the aperture, The lens device according to claim 11 , wherein the pattern portion is located between a maximum outer diameter portion of the first lens group and a maximum outer diameter portion of the filter.

13. forming a ring member including a resin member, the ring member having an inner circumferential surface having a first surface portion parallel to a rotation axis of the ring member and a second surface portion inclined with respect to the rotation axis; and printing the first surface portion to form a pattern portion having a first pattern portion having a first light reflectance and a second pattern portion having a second light reflectance, the reflectance of the first light is higher than the reflectance of the second light, the second surface portion has a one-end second surface portion located on one end side and an other-end second surface portion located on the other end side with respect to an axial direction of the rotation shaft, the first surface portion is located between the one end side second surface portion and the other end side second surface portion in the axial direction, the ring member has a step portion located radially outward or inward from the first surface portion, When the step portion is located radially outward from the first surface portion, an innermost diameter portion where the inner diameter of the ring member is smallest is located radially inward from the first surface portion, A method for manufacturing an operating ring, wherein the other end side second surface portion is disposed at a position continuous with the innermost diameter portion.