Rotary Ring Detection Stability via Click Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image pickup apparatuses with rotatable operating rings face instability in detection due to rattles caused by clearance gaps between components, leading to variable detection timing and rotation amounts, making stable detection of rotation direction and amount difficult.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a rotary ring on the lens barrel with a holding member, a rotation detecting member, and an urging member that are aligned parallel to each other, ensuring stable detection by maintaining consistent distance and reducing rattles through a click mechanism with groove portions and a steel ball.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clearance is provided between the rotary ring and holding member for smooth rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but detection stability deteriorates due to rattles and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
A click mechanism comprising a click member with groove portions and a ball member is introduced as an intermediary between the rotary ring and holding member. The ball member engages with the groove portions to provide click feel during rotation while the click member maintains consistent positioning, eliminating rattles caused by clearance gaps without impeding smooth rotation operation
Solution Approach 2:
The click mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the click member with groove portions that engage with the rotary ring, and the ball member that provides the clicking action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, maintaining detection stability while preserving operational smoothness
2Measurement precision
If the photo interrupter is placed within 90 degrees angle to minimize displacement effect, then detection precision is improved, but detection stability deteriorates because position varies with rattle amount
Solution Approach 1:
The click mechanism performs preliminary positioning action by engaging the ball member with the groove portions before rotation detection occurs. This preliminary engagement pre-compensates for any displacement or rattle, ensuring that the photo interrupter consistently detects the same positional reference point regardless of variations in rattle amount
Solution Approach 2:
The click mechanism provides positional feedback through the engagement of the ball member with the groove portions, creating a reference system that compensates for displacement variations. This feedback mechanism ensures that detection timing and rotation amounts remain stable despite changes in operating ring position due to rattle
3Device complexity
If conventional optical encoder is used without click mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability deteriorates due to unstable detection timing and rotation amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The click mechanism is merged with the rotation detection system by integrating the click member and ball member into the existing optical encoder structure. The click member is positioned to engage with the rotary ring while the ball member interacts with the groove portions, combining positioning and detection functions into a unified system that maintains simplicity while improving reliability
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 allows for stable detection of rotating operations of the rotary ring, minimizing detection errors and maintaining consistent operation despite variations in component tolerances and assembly clearances.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member urging the rotary ring against the holding member in an urging direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotary ring
Implementation Method 2
What is called an optical encoder which detects rotating operations is sometimes used for this operating ring. In the optical encoder, when the operating ring is rotated, a photo reflector or a photo interrupter which is a photo sensor is switched between an on state and an off state
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of stably detecting rotating operations of a rotary ring provided on an outer periphery of a lens barrel or the like. A holding member is provided on an inner periphery of the rotary ring to hold the rotary ring. A rotation detecting member detects a rotation direction and a rotation amount of the rotary ring when the rotary ring has been rotated. An urging member urges the rotary ring against the holding member in an urging direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotary ring. A detecting direction of the rotation detecting member and the urging direction of the urging member are parallel to each other.