Interchangeable lens

Abstract

This interchangeable lens comprises: a fixed collar formed in the shape of a cylinder; an operation ring to be operated in a manner of rotating in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed collar; an adjustment slider capable of moving with respect to the fixed collar; an adjustment dial that is rotatably supported on the fixed collar with an eccentric rotation shaft as the fulcrum and is rotated to cause the adjustment slider to move; and a friction member that is elastically deformed in accordance with the movement of the adjustment slider and applies a load corresponding to the movement position of the adjustment slider to the operation ring. The rotational torque of the operation ring can be adjusted in accordance with the magnitude of the load applied to the operation ring by the friction member.

Description

Interchangeable lenses

[0001] The present technology relates to a technical field regarding an interchangeable lens that is detachable from an imaging device.

[0002] Interchangeable lenses that are detachably attached to various imaging devices such as video cameras and still cameras are provided with an operating ring for performing zooming, focusing, etc. The operating ring is rotatable relative to a fixed ring, and by manually or automatically rotating the operating ring, optical elements such as lenses arranged inside the ring are moved in the direction of the optical axis, thereby performing zooming, focusing, etc.

[0003] In such an interchangeable lens, if the rotational torque of the operation ring is small, there is a risk that the operation ring will rotate unintentionally due to its own weight when used, for example, with the optical axis direction oblique to the horizontal. On the other hand, if the rotational torque of the operation ring is set high to prevent unintentional rotation of the operation ring, there is a risk that the operation ring will not be able to be operated quickly when manually operated, resulting in reduced operability. Furthermore, in such an interchangeable lens, variations in the rotational torque of the operation ring may occur during manufacturing. One method for addressing variations in rotational torque is to allow for such variations by previously setting the rotational torque to a high value, but this still results in a risk of reduced operability of the operation ring.

[0004] Therefore, in the case of interchangeable lenses such as those described above, adjustment work is performed before the product is completed to keep the rotational torque of the operating ring within a predetermined range. However, this adjustment work must be performed under strict control, taking into account manufacturing variations and the like, which results in increased manufacturing costs.

[0005] Therefore, some conventional interchangeable lenses are provided with a torque adjustment mechanism that adjusts the rotation torque of the operation ring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] The torque adjustment mechanism described in Patent Document 1 has a load adjustment ring that is rotated to move in the optical axis direction and an annular leaf spring that applies a load to the operation ring, and is configured so that when the load adjustment ring is rotated to move in the optical axis direction, the amount of deformation of the leaf spring changes, thereby adjusting the rotational torque of the operation ring. The load adjustment ring is arranged alongside the operation ring in the optical axis direction and is screwed into a groove provided in the fixed ring.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-207709

[0008] Incidentally, since interchangeable lenses such as those described above have various components, it is desirable to simplify the structure and make it possible to easily adjust the rotational torque using a torque adjustment mechanism.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide an interchangeable lens with a simplified structure and an easier adjustment of the rotational torque applied to the operation ring.

[0010] The interchangeable lens according to the present technology includes a fixed ring formed in a cylindrical shape, an operation ring that is rotated circumferentially relative to the fixed ring, an adjustment slider that is movable relative to the fixed ring, an adjustment dial that is rotatably supported on the fixed ring with an eccentric rotation axis as a fulcrum and that rotates to move the adjustment slider, and a friction member that is elastically deformed as the adjustment slider moves and applies a load to the operation ring according to the movement position of the adjustment slider, making it possible to adjust the rotational torque of the operation ring according to the magnitude of the load applied to the operation ring from the friction member.

[0011] As a result, the adjustment slider is moved by rotation of the adjustment dial, and the load applied from the friction member to the operation ring is changed.

[0012] 10 is a perspective view of an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment of the present technology, taken together with FIGS. 2 to 13 . FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an interchangeable lens shown in a state where a cover ring is removed ...

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] In the following description, the optical axis direction of the interchangeable lens is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the lens mount side is referred to as the rear.

[0015] It should be noted that the directions of front, back, up, down, left and right shown below are for the convenience of explanation, and the implementation of the present technology is not limited to these directions.

[0016] <General Structure of Interchangeable Lens> First, the general structure of the interchangeable lens 1 will be described (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0017] Interchangeable lens 1 is detachably attached to an imaging device such as a video camera or a still camera. Interchangeable lens 1 has a cylindrical fixed ring 2, a photographic lens 3 that functions as one of a lens group, a movable lens group (not shown) that moves inside the fixed ring 2, and an operating ring 4 rotatably supported by the fixed ring 2.

[0018] The rear end of the interchangeable lens 1 is provided as a lens mount 1a, and the lens mount 1a is coupled to a mount portion of the imaging device, for example, by bayonet connection.

[0019] The fixed ring 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction, and this axial direction coincides with the optical axis direction along which the movable lens group is moved.

[0020] The photographic lens 3 is a fixed lens or a fixed lens group, and is attached in a fixed state to the front end of the fixed ring 2. The interchangeable lens 1 is provided with, for example, a plurality of lens groups that are movable or immovable in the optical axis direction, and the photographic lens 3 is provided as the first lens group that is positioned at the forefront of the lens groups.

[0021] The second lens group and subsequent lens groups are arranged inside the fixed ring 2, and at least one of these lens groups is provided as a movable lens group.

[0022] The operation ring 4 is formed in an annular shape and is supported on the outer peripheral surface side of the fixed ring 2. The operation ring 4 is manually rotated, for example, in the circumferential direction relative to the fixed ring 2, and by rotating the operation ring 4, the movable lens group is moved in the optical axis direction, thereby performing, for example, zooming or focusing.

[0023] The operation ring 4 is configured by joining a ring body 5 and a cover ring 6, and the ring body 5 is positioned inside the cover ring 6, so that the ring body 5 is covered from the outside by the cover ring 6. The ring body 5 is made of a resin material or a metal material, and the cover ring 6 is made of, for example, an opaque material such as rubber.

[0024] <Configuration of Torque Adjustment Mechanism, etc.> Next, the configuration of the torque adjustment mechanism, etc. provided in the interchangeable lens 1 will be described (see FIGS. 2 to 11).

[0025] The fixed ring 2 has a mounting recess 7 that opens to the outer circumferential surface, except for at least the front end (see FIG. 3). The fixed ring 2 has a shaft support hole 8 that opens to the outer circumferential surface. The upper surface of the fixed ring 2 around the shaft support hole 8 is formed as a receiving surface 2a. The fixed ring 2 has guide grooves 9 that open to the outer circumferential surface, respectively, at the front and rear of the shaft support hole 8. The guide grooves 9 are formed in a shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0026] The fixed ring 2 is provided with mounting bosses 10 at positions on opposite sides in the circumferential direction across the shaft support hole 8, and the mounting bosses 10 are formed with threaded holes 10a.

[0027] The shaft support hole 8, guide groove 9 and mounting boss 10 are formed at positions corresponding to the positioning recess 7.

[0028] In the interchangeable lens 1, a shaft support hole 8, two guide grooves 9, and a mounting boss 10 are formed in pairs, for example, at positions 180 degrees opposite in the circumferential direction. However, in the interchangeable lens 1, one shaft support hole 8, two guide grooves 9, and one mounting boss 10 may be formed, or three or more combinations of a shaft support hole 8, two guide grooves 9, and a mounting boss 10 may be formed in the circumferential direction. When three or more combinations of a shaft support hole 8, two guide grooves 9, and a mounting boss 10 are formed, it is desirable that they are formed at equal intervals.

[0029] The ring body 5 has, for example, two insertion holes 11 formed circumferentially spaced apart (see FIG. 2 ). The two insertion holes 11 are formed, for example, at positions 180 degrees apart. Note that it is sufficient that at least one insertion hole 11 is formed in the ring body 5, and three or more insertion holes 11 may be formed. When three or more insertion holes 11 are formed in the ring body 5, it is desirable that the three or more insertion holes 11 be formed at equal intervals.

[0030] Screw insertion holes 12 are formed in the ring body 5 at positions on opposite sides in the circumferential direction with the insertion hole 11 interposed therebetween. The screw insertion hole 12 has a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the screw member 50, and the screw member 50 can be inserted into the screw insertion hole 12.

[0031] The ring body 5 has a downwardly protruding actuated protrusion 13 near the rear end (see FIG. 4). The inner peripheral surface of the actuated protrusion 13 is gently curved to fit the outer peripheral surface of the fixed ring 2. The front surface of the actuated protrusion 13 is formed as a pressed surface 13a, and the pressed surface 13a is formed as a uniform flat surface in the front-to-rear direction.

[0032] The ring body 5 is rotated relative to the fixed ring 2 with the inner peripheral surface of the acted projection 13 in contact with or close to the outer peripheral surface of the fixed ring 2 .

[0033] The interchangeable lens 1 is provided with a torque adjustment mechanism 14 (see FIGS. 4 to 7). For example, a pair of torque adjustment mechanisms 14 are provided. However, the number of torque adjustment mechanisms 14 provided corresponds to the number of shaft support holes 8, insertion holes 11, etc., and one torque adjustment mechanism 14 is provided when there is one shaft support hole 8, insertion hole 11, etc., and the same number of torque adjustment mechanisms are provided when there are multiple shaft support holes 8, insertion holes 11, etc.

[0034] The torque adjustment mechanism 14 has an adjustment slider 15 , a friction member 16 , and an adjustment dial 17 .

[0035] The adjustment slider 15 is formed into a horizontally elongated shape overall, and is gently curved so as to fit along the outer circumferential surface of the fixed ring 2 (see FIGS. 6 to 8). The adjustment slider 15 is integrally formed with a plate-shaped main body 18, a plurality of pressing portions 19 protruding rearward from the outer circumferential surface side end of the rear end of the main body 18, receiving protrusions 20 protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the main body 18, and guided protrusions 21 protruding from the main body 18 or receiving protrusions 20.

[0036] An arrangement hole 22 is formed in the center of the main body 18. The arrangement hole 22 is formed, for example, in an oval shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment slider 15. The portion of the main body 18 surrounding the arrangement hole 22 is provided as an inner flange-shaped anti-detachment portion 18a that protrudes inward. Note that a plurality of indicators (scales, not shown) may be formed around the arrangement hole 22 on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 18.

[0037] The main body 18 is formed with, for example, two acted surfaces 23 on the inner side of the arrangement hole 22. The two acted surfaces 23 are, for example, positioned spaced apart from each other in the front and rear directions, with the front acted surface 23 facing backward and the rear acted surface 23 facing forward.

[0038] The main body 18 has screw insertion holes 18b formed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the arrangement hole 22. Screw members 50 are inserted into the screw insertion holes 18b and threaded into the threaded holes 10a of the mounting bosses 10 in the fixed ring 2, thereby fixing the adjustment slider 15 to the fixed ring 2.

[0039] The holding portions 19 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) of the main body portion 18. Note that the holding portions 19 do not need to be provided in a state where they are separated into multiple portions, and may be provided as a single portion as a whole.

[0040] The receiving protrusion 20 protrudes from the front portion of the pressing portion 19 on the main body 18 and is gently curved so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the main body 18. The rear surface of the receiving protrusion 20 is partially positioned differently from the front and rear.

[0041] Two guided protrusions 21 are provided, positioned at a distance from each other in the front and rear. The front guided protrusion 21 protrudes from the center of the main body 18 in the longitudinal direction, and the rear guided protrusion 21 protrudes from the center of the receiving protrusion 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] The friction members 16 are made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber and are formed in the shape of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped, and five of them are provided (see FIGS. 4 to 7). The five friction members 16 are formed to the same size and shape, and are lined up in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring 2 (the longitudinal direction of the adjustment slider 15), and are positioned, for example, symmetrically in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring 2. However, it is sufficient that at least one friction member 16 is provided.

[0043] In the friction member 16, the direction corresponding to the radial direction of the fixed ring 2 is defined as the thickness direction, the direction corresponding to the circumferential direction of the fixed ring 2 is defined as the width direction, and the direction corresponding to the axial direction of the fixed ring 2 is defined as the length direction. In the friction member 16, the surface positioned on the outer side in the thickness direction is formed as a first pressed surface 16a, the surface positioned on the front side in the length direction is formed as a second pressed surface 16b, and the surface positioned on the rear side in the length direction is formed as a pressing surface 16c (see FIG. 4).

[0044] The friction member 16 has a first pressed surface 16a and a second pressed surface 16b which are respectively joined to the inner surface 19a of the pressing portion 19 of the adjustment slider 15 and the rear surface 20a of the receiving protrusion 20, for example, by adhesive, and the surface located on the opposite side of the first pressed surface 16a in the thickness direction is kept out of contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fixed ring 2.

[0045] The five friction members 16 are designated as friction members 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 9 ). For example, the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16C is located at the frontmost position, the pressing surfaces 16c of the friction members 16B and 16D are located at the rearmost position, and the pressing surfaces 16c of the friction members 16A and 16E are located between the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16C and the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16B (friction member 16D). The distance L1 between the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16C and the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16B (friction member 16D) is, for example, 0.15 mm, and the distance L2 between the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16C and the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16A (friction member 16E) is, for example, 0.15 mm.

[0046] The adjustment dial 17 has a base portion 24 formed in a disk shape, an operated portion 25 protruding from one side of the base portion 24, and a shaft portion 26 protruding from the other side of the base portion 24 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0047] The outer peripheral surface of the base portion 24 is formed as a sliding surface 24 a, and both surfaces in the thickness direction are formed as a first surface 27 and a second surface 28 , respectively.

[0048] The operated portion 25 protrudes from the first surface 27 of the base portion 24 except for the outer periphery thereof, and is formed in a shape having a slot 25a. The slot 25a is formed, for example, in a linear shape, but may also have another shape such as a cross shape.

[0049] The shaft portion 26 is formed in a columnar or cylindrical shape and protrudes from a second surface 28 of the base portion 24. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 26 is smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion 24, and a rotation axis 26a is located eccentrically with respect to a central axis 24b of the base portion 24.

[0050] The second surface 28 is formed as a contact surface 28a in a portion surrounding the shaft portion 26 that protrudes slightly more toward the tip of the shaft portion 26 than the other portions. The surface of the contact surface 28a may be treated to have high slip properties, or a highly slippery sheet or the like may be attached thereto.

[0051] In the torque adjustment mechanism 14 configured as described above, the adjustment dial 17 is rotatably supported by the fixed ring 2 (see FIGS. 4 to 8). The shaft portion 26 of the adjustment dial 17 is inserted into the shaft support hole 8 of the fixed ring 2, and the adjustment dial 17 is rotated relative to the fixed ring 2 around the rotation axis 26a of the shaft portion 26 as a fulcrum.

[0052] The adjustment slider 15 has two guided protrusions 21 inserted into two guide grooves 9 of the fixed ring 2, and is movably supported by the fixed ring 2. The guided protrusions 21 are guided by the guide grooves 9, allowing the adjustment slider 15 to move in the optical axis direction (front-to-back direction) relative to the fixed ring 2. When the adjustment slider 15 is movably supported by the fixed ring 2, the operated portion 25 of the adjustment dial 17 is arranged in the arrangement hole 22 of the adjustment slider 15, and the base portion 24 of the adjustment dial 17 is positioned between the two actuated surfaces 23 of the adjustment slider 15. When the adjustment slider 15 is supported by the fixed ring 2, the sliding surface 24a of the adjustment dial 17 is slidable on the actuated surface 23 of the adjustment slider 15. At this time, a detachment prevention portion 18a is positioned on the outer periphery of the actuated portion 25, preventing the adjustment dial 17 from detaching from the fixed ring 2.

[0053] When the adjustment slider 15 is supported by the fixed ring 2, the operating ring 4 is rotatably supported by the fixed ring 2, and the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16 joined to the adjustment slider 15 is made capable of contacting the pressed surface 13a of the acted-on protrusion 13 on the ring main body 5.

[0054] <Operations in Adjusting Rotational Torque> The operations of the various components when adjusting the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 will be described below (see FIGS. 4, 9, 12, and 13).

[0055] The rotational torque of the operation ring 4 is adjusted with the cover ring 6 removed from the ring body 5 (see FIG. 4). The cover ring 6 is made of rubber or the like and can be easily removed from the ring body 5. Furthermore, if the adjustment slider 15 is fixed to the fixed ring 2 by the screw member 50, the screw member 50 is released from its threaded state in the mounting boss 10 and the screw member 50 is removed from the screw insertion hole 12 of the operation ring 4, allowing the adjustment slider 15 to move relative to the fixed ring 2.

[0056] The rotational torque of the operating ring 4 is adjusted by inserting the tip of a jig 100 such as a flat-head screwdriver into the insertion hole 11 of the operating ring 4 and rotating the adjustment dial 17 with the jig 100 (see FIG. 12).

[0057] The rotational torque adjustment is performed, for example, by inserting the tip of the jig 100 into the slotted groove 25a of the adjustment dial 17 and rotating the jig 100.

[0058] As described above, the operating ring 4 has an insertion hole 11 through which the jig 100 for rotating the adjustment dial 17 is inserted, so that operation of the adjustment dial 17 can be performed from outside the operating ring 4, and adjustment of the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 can be easily performed.

[0059] Furthermore, since a slotted groove 25a is formed in the operated portion 25 of the adjustment dial 17, it is possible to insert a jig 100 into the slotted groove 25a and perform rotational operations on the adjustment dial 17, making it even easier to adjust the rotational torque of the operating ring 4.

[0060] When the adjustment dial 17 is rotated, the sliding surface 24a slides on the acted surface 23. At this time, because the rotation axis 26a of the adjustment dial 17 is eccentric with respect to the central axis 24b, a moving force is applied from the adjustment dial 17 to the adjustment slider 15, and the guided protrusion 21 is guided by the guide groove 9, moving the adjustment slider 15 in the optical axis direction (front-to-back direction) (see FIG. 13 ).

[0061] Furthermore, when the adjustment dial 17 is rotated, the contact surface 28a is pressed against the receiving surface 2a of the fixed ring 2 by the pressing force applied to the adjustment dial 17 from the jig 100. However, since the surface of the contact surface 28a has been treated to have high slip properties or a highly slippery sheet or the like attached thereto, the adjustment dial 17 rotates smoothly relative to the fixed ring 2.

[0062] When the adjustment slider 15 is moved in the optical axis direction, the pressing state of the friction member 16 against the acted protrusion 13 changes. At this time, the pressing surface 16c of the friction member 16 is pressed against the pressed surface 13a of the acted protrusion 13, causing the friction member 16 to be elastically deformed. By changing the pressing state of the friction member 16 against the acted protrusion 13, the load applied from the friction member 16 to the operation ring 4 changes, and the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 is adjusted.

[0063] It is desirable that the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 be adjusted by both of the two torque adjustment mechanisms 14 .

[0064] If an index is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 18, the user can check the rotation position of the adjustment dial 17 by looking at the index.

[0065] After the rotational torque adjustment is completed, the cover ring 6 is attached to the ring body 5 so as to cover it.

[0066] As described above, the torque adjustment mechanism 14 is provided with five friction members 16, and the positions of the pressing surfaces 16c of the friction members 16 are different in the front and rear (see FIG. 9). By varying the positions of the pressing surfaces 16c of the friction members 16, the amount of fluctuation in the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 is approximately proportional to the rotation angle of the adjustment dial 17.

[0067] 9, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the adjustment dial 17, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the rotation torque of the operation ring 4. In the rotation angle on the horizontal axis, the positive direction with 0 degrees as the reference is the rotation angle of the adjustment dial 17 in the direction in which the pressing surface 16c moves away from the pressed surface 13a of the operation ring 4, and the negative direction is the rotation angle of the adjustment dial 17 in the direction in which the pressing surface 16c moves closer to the pressed surface 13a of the operation ring 4.

[0068] As is clear from Fig. 9, by making the front and rear positions of the pressing surfaces 16c of the multiple friction members 16 different, the amount of fluctuation in the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 is approximately proportional to the rotation angle of the adjustment dial 17. In Fig. 9, when the rotation angle is in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees, none of the friction members 16 is in contact with the pressed surface 13a.

[0069] As described above, since the positions of the pressing surfaces 16c relative to the pressed surfaces 13a differ for the multiple friction members 16, the amount of fluctuation in the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 becomes approximately proportional to the rotation angle of the adjustment dial 17, making it possible to easily adjust the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 to the desired magnitude, and enabling rotational torque adjustment to be performed with high precision.

[0070] Furthermore, since the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 changes depending on the number of contacts and the contact pressure of the friction member 16 with the pressed surface 13a, the adjustment range of the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 can be widened.

[0071] Furthermore, since the multiple friction members 16 are positioned symmetrically in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring 2, the load applied to the adjustment slider 15 is equalized in the circumferential direction, allowing for smooth rotation of the operating ring 4 relative to the fixed ring 2.

[0072] <Summary> As described above, the interchangeable lens 1 is equipped with the adjustment slider 15 that is movable relative to the fixed ring 2, the adjustment dial 17 that moves the adjustment slider 15 by rotating around the eccentric rotation axis 26a as a fulcrum, and the friction member 16 that applies a load to the operation ring 4 according to the movement position of the adjustment slider 15, and it is possible to adjust the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 according to the magnitude of the load applied to the operation ring 4 from the friction member 16.

[0073] Therefore, the load applied to the operating ring 4 from the friction member 16 changes as the adjustment slider 15 is moved by rotating the adjustment dial 17, thereby simplifying the structure and facilitating the adjustment of the rotational torque on the operating ring 4.

[0074] Furthermore, there is no need to perform rotational torque adjustment work under strict control before shipping the interchangeable lens 1 as a product, which makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing costs of the interchangeable lens 1.

[0075] Furthermore, during maintenance, the rotational torque of the operation ring 4 can be adjusted without disassembling each part of the interchangeable lens 1, which also improves maintainability.

[0076] Furthermore, since the torque adjustment mechanism 14 occupies only a portion of the circumferential space of the interchangeable lens 1, the torque adjustment mechanism 14 requires less space, making it possible to easily adjust the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 without increasing the size of the interchangeable lens 1.

[0077] Furthermore, since the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 can be adjusted to the desired magnitude when the interchangeable lens 1 is in use, good rotational operability of the operating ring 4 can be ensured for the user, and unintentional rotation of the operating ring 4 due to its own weight based on the orientation of the interchangeable lens 1 can be prevented, thereby avoiding malfunctions.

[0078] Furthermore, a torque adjustment mechanism 14 that adjusts the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 is formed by an adjustment slider 15, an adjustment dial 17, and a friction member 16, and a pair of torque adjustment mechanisms 14 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring 2.

[0079] Therefore, the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 can be adjusted using two torque adjustment mechanisms 14 positioned at a distance circumferentially of the fixed ring 2, making it less likely that the rotation axis of the operating ring 4 will tilt relative to the central axis of the fixed ring 2, allowing for smooth rotation of the operating ring 4 relative to the fixed ring 2.

[0080] Furthermore, since the torque adjustment mechanism 14 is positioned inside the operation ring 4 and is covered by the operation ring 4, the interchangeable lens 1 can be made smaller.

[0081] In particular, by using an adjustment dial 17 having a disk-shaped base portion 24 and an operated portion 25 having a smaller diameter than the base portion 24, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the insertion hole 11 in the operating ring 4, making it easier to close the insertion hole 11 with the cover ring 6 and improving the design of the interchangeable lens 1.

[0082] Furthermore, since the insertion hole 11 is smaller, it is difficult for the user to notice the presence of the insertion hole 11 when placing his / her finger on the outer surface side of the cover ring 6, and a good operating feel can be ensured when rotating the operating ring 4.

[0083] In addition, the adjustment slider 15 is formed with an acted surface 23 , and the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment dial 17 is formed as a sliding surface 24 a that slides on the acted surface 23 .

[0084] Therefore, when operating the adjustment dial 17, the sliding surface 24a slides against the acted-on surface 23, moving the adjustment slider 15, so that the rotational torque of the operating ring 4 can be easily adjusted while simplifying the structure.

[0085] Furthermore, the adjustment slider 15, friction member 16, and adjustment dial 17 that make up the torque adjustment mechanism 14 can be formed from a resin material or a rubber material, making it easy to mold each part and facilitating the adjustment of the rotational torque on the operating ring 4 without increasing the manufacturing costs of the interchangeable lens 1.

[0086] <Present Technology> The present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0087] (1) An interchangeable lens comprising: a fixed ring formed in a cylindrical shape; an operation ring that is operated to rotate in a circumferential direction relative to the fixed ring; an adjustment slider that is movable relative to the fixed ring; an adjustment dial that is rotatably supported on the fixed ring with an eccentric rotation axis as a fulcrum and that is rotated to move the adjustment slider; and a friction member that is elastically deformed as the adjustment slider moves and applies a load to the operation ring according to the movement position of the adjustment slider, wherein the rotational torque of the operation ring can be adjusted according to the magnitude of the load applied to the operation ring from the friction member.

[0088] (2) The interchangeable lens according to (1), wherein the adjustment slider, the adjustment dial, and the friction member constitute a torque adjustment mechanism that adjusts the rotational torque of the operation ring, and a pair of the torque adjustment mechanisms are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring.

[0089] (3) The interchangeable lens according to (1) above, wherein the operation ring is formed with an insertion hole through which a jig for rotating the adjustment dial is inserted.

[0090] (4) The interchangeable lens according to (3), wherein the torque adjustment mechanism is positioned inside the operation ring.

[0091] (5) The interchangeable lens according to (3), wherein an acted surface is formed on the adjustment slider, and an outer peripheral surface of the adjustment dial is formed as a sliding surface that slides on the acted surface.

[0092] (6) An interchangeable lens according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a plurality of the friction members are provided, a pressed surface is formed on the operation ring, a pressing surface that is pressed against the pressed surface is formed on the friction member, and the positions of the pressing surface relative to the pressed surface are different in at least two of the friction members.

[0093] (7) The interchangeable lens according to (6), wherein a plurality of the friction members are positioned symmetrically in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring.

[0094] (8) The interchangeable lens according to (1), wherein the adjustment dial is provided with an operated portion, and a slotted groove is formed in the operated portion.

[0095] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 interchangeable lens 2 fixed ring 4 operation ring 11 insertion hole 13a pressed surface 14 torque adjustment mechanism 15 adjustment slider 16 friction member 16c pressing surface 17 adjustment dial 23 acted surface 24a sliding surface 25 operated portion 25a slotted groove 100 jig

Claims

1. An interchangeable lens comprising: a fixed ring formed in a cylindrical shape; an operating ring that is rotatable in a circumferential direction relative to said fixed ring; an adjustment slider that is movable relative to said fixed ring; an adjustment dial that is rotatably supported on said fixed ring with an eccentric rotation axis as a fulcrum and that is rotated to move said adjustment slider; and a friction member that is elastically deformed as said adjustment slider moves, and that applies a load to said operating ring according to the movement position of said adjustment slider, wherein the rotational torque of said operating ring can be adjusted according to the magnitude of the load applied to said operating ring from said friction member.

2. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment slider, the adjustment dial, and the friction member constitute a torque adjustment mechanism that adjusts the rotational torque of the operation ring, and a pair of the torque adjustment mechanisms are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the fixed ring.

3. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the operation ring has an insertion hole through which a jig for rotating the adjustment dial is inserted.

4. The interchangeable lens according to claim 2, wherein the torque adjustment mechanism is located inside the operation ring.

5. The interchangeable lens according to claim 3, wherein an acted surface is formed on the adjustment slider, and the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment dial is formed as a sliding surface that slides on the acted surface.

6. An interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the friction members are provided, a pressed surface is formed on the operation ring, a pressing surface is formed on each of the friction members that is pressed against the pressed surface, and the positions of the pressing surfaces relative to the pressed surface differ in at least two of the friction members.

7. The interchangeable lens according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of said friction members are positioned symmetrically in the circumferential direction of said fixed ring.

8. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment dial is provided with an operated portion, and a slot is formed in the operated portion.

Images