Lens Barrel Play Reduction via Radial Operation Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatus designs face challenges in downsizing while minimizing play in the optical axis direction, which affects optical performance and operation torque, particularly due to the series arrangement of ball arrays and operation members.
Innovation Solution
The lens apparatus incorporates a contact member with rolling elements and a pressing member to reduce play and operation torque, allowing for a more compact design by positioning the operation member between rolling elements in the circumference, thereby reducing overall length in the optical axis direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball arrays are arranged in series with operation members in the optical axis direction, then play of the cam ring is reduced, but the lens apparatus becomes larger in the optical axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is repositioned from a series arrangement in the optical axis direction to a radial arrangement, passing through a space between two rolling elements in the circumferential direction. This dimensional change allows the operation member to penetrate the cam ring radially rather than axially, reducing the optical axis length while maintaining the play reduction function through the elastic pressing of rolling elements
2Power
If ball arrays are used to press against the cam ring, then operation torque is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is extracted and concentrated into a single elastic member that elastically presses multiple rolling elements, rather than using separate ball arrays for each pressing point. This extraction simplifies the structure while maintaining the low operation torque benefit through the elastic deformation mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively minimizes play and operation torque, enabling a more compact lens apparatus with improved optical performance and reduced size in the optical axis direction.
Implementation Method 1
a contact member including a plurality of rolling members respectively arranged at a plurality of positions about an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
each ball array is pressed against the cam ring by an elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes a fixed barrel, a first optical element, a rotary barrel configured to be rotated relative to the fixed barrel about an optical axis of the first optical element and move the first optical element; a contact member including rolling members respectively arranged at positions about the optical axis. The rolling members are in contact with the rotary barrel. The contact member is restricted in rotation relative to the fixed barrel about the optical axis. A pressing member presses the contact member toward the rotary barrel. A second optical element is different from the first optical element. An operation member is configured to be rotated relative to the fixed barrel about the optical axis and move the second optical element. A space, through which the operation member passes, is formed between two of the rolling elements in a circumference of the contact member.