JP3237253B2 - Lens barrel and lens driving device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lens barrel and a lens driving device, and more particularly, to a lens barrel used in a single-lens reflex camera or the like and a lens driving device for controlling the driving of the lens barrel. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally known lens barrels include:
There is known an endless rotating operation ring which performs only power focus. The rotation amount of the operation ring is detected by using both a brush and a pattern on a substrate, or by detecting a magnetic pattern on the outer peripheral surface or end surface of a cylinder with a sensor. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-85411 proposes a device that performs power focusing using a magnetizing ring provided outside an operating ring and a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field from the magnetizing ring. Regarding the production of this magnetized ring, see
JP-A-63-35153 proposes a method of manufacturing a cylindrical magnet in which a sheet-like rubber magnet is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical base.

In the above-described lens barrel, the rotation speed and rotation direction of the operation ring are detected by a signal generated from a pulse generator when the operation ring is rotated. The rotation speed is detected by the number of pulses input from the pulse generation means within a certain sample time, and the rotation direction is
It is detected by the rotation direction signal. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 344 is configured such that when the signal from the rotation direction detecting means changes to a signal indicating the opposite direction, the driving direction of the lens is immediately reversed. Also, U.S. Pat.
No. 869, in a lens driving device that controls motor drive with a pulse generated from an operation member, when a signal indicating that the rotation direction of the operation member is reversed is output, the motor is immediately stopped. .

[0004]

As described above, the conventional lens barrel has a structure in which the operation ring performs only the power focus, so that the power zoom must be performed by another operation means. Therefore, there is a problem that the operability is poor.

Further, it is difficult for the above-described conventional lens driving device to determine whether the photographer has actually turned the operation ring. This is because even if a signal indicating that the operation ring is reversed and the rotation direction is changed during a certain sample time is detected, the operation of reversing the operation ring is not necessarily performed. For example, the rotation direction may not change even if the operation ring vibrates only slightly. Therefore,
When the operation ring is rotated, careless reversal as in the case of manual operation causes a problem that a malfunction occurs in the power zoom / power focus.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and the power focus and the power zoom are close to the feeling of manual operation, and the power focus and the power zoom have high operability.
An object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrel capable of performing power zoom and a lens driving device for driving the lens barrel.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a first lens barrel according to the present invention comprises a fixed barrel having an optical system therein, and the optical system being fitted to the fixed barrel. An operating ring capable of moving along the optical axis direction and rotating around the optical axis, and any one of the operating ring and the fixed cylinder.
One is provided with a magnetized part and the other is provided with a magnetism detecting means.
The magnetized part and the magnetism detecting means are connected to the light of the operating ring.
By moving along the axial direction
And the magnetism detecting means is paired with the magnetized portion.
When in the state of facing, the magnetic field from the magnetized part is detected,
The operation ring rotates around the optical axis depending on whether a magnetic field is detected.
Power zoom operation or power focus operation
Is output .

[0008]

Further, the second lens barrel according to the present invention comprises:
An operating ring having a magnetized portion on the inner peripheral surface, a magnetic sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a power zoom operation or a power focus operation depending on whether or not a magnetic field from the magnetized portion is detected; An operation ring that holds a magnetic sensor mounted on the coated flexible substrate on an outer peripheral surface and has an optical system inside, and elastically presses the magnetic sensor against an inner peripheral surface of the operation ring. And a fixed cylinder fitted therein.

Further, the lens driving device of the present invention comprises a fixed cylinder having an optical system therein, an operating ring capable of rotating the optical system around the optical axis when the fixed cylinder is fitted to the fixed cylinder, Pulse generating means for generating a pulse signal according to a rotation amount and a rotation direction when the ring rotates, and rotation amount detection for detecting the rotation amount of the operation ring from the pulse signal and outputting an operation ring rotation amount detection signal Means for detecting the rotational direction of the operating ring from the pulse signal, and outputting a rotational direction detecting signal for the operating ring; driving means for driving the optical system; When the inversion is detected based on the rotation direction detection signal, a predetermined number of the operation ring rotation amount detection signals are generated within a predetermined time after the detection of the inversion. The above operation It has a control means for controlling said drive means so as to correspond to the inversion of the ring, the configuration with.

[0011]

According to the construction of the first lens barrel according to the present invention, for example , it is provided on one of the operation ring and the fixed barrel.
When the operating ring moves along the optical axis,
When they face each other, the magnetic detection means provided on the other side
As the magnetic field is detected, the operating ring moves around the optical axis.
Power zoom operation or power focus when rotating
A signal to specify the operation is output,
Only power zoom and power focus can be selected .

[0012]

Further, according to the second lens barrel of the present invention, the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field from the magnetized portion when the operating ring is moved in the fitting state with the fixed cylinder,
A signal corresponding to the power zoom operation or the power focus operation is output according to the presence or absence of the detection, so that the power zoom and the power focus can be selected only by operating the operation ring. In addition, the fixed cylinder is inserted into the operation ring so as to press the magnetic sensor against the inner peripheral surface of the operation ring via a flexible board for the magnetic sensor in which a sliding material is coated on a non-mounting surface for the magnetic sensor. Since the fitting operation is performed, the operation ring is smoothly rotated.

Further, according to the lens driving device of the present invention,
The control means controls the driving means for driving the optical system with the operation ring rotation amount detection signal and the operation ring rotation direction detection signal, and further, when inversion is detected based on the rotation direction detection signal,
When a predetermined number of operation ring rotation amount detection signals and a predetermined number of operation ring rotation direction detection signals are generated within a predetermined time after the detection of inversion, the driving unit is controlled to correspond to the inversion of the operation ring. The reversal control is not affected by the vibration.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a structure of a camera to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and shows a camera body B.
3 shows a state in which the lens L is mounted. In the figure, the hatched portions indicate the lens barrel.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a flow of control of the camera.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an operation ring which is rotated by a human finger. Reference numeral 2 denotes a fixed cylinder, and reference numeral 3 denotes an operation ring state detection unit that detects rotation and forward and backward movement of the operation ring 1.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a focal length detecting unit for detecting the focal length of the lens L, 5 denotes an arithmetic control unit on the lens L side, 6 denotes a zoom motor for performing a zoom operation of the lens L, Reference numeral 7 denotes a zoom motor monitor (for example, a photo interrupter) that detects the rotation state of the zoom motor 6, and 1
00 denotes an arithmetic control unit on the camera body B side, 101 denotes a focus detection unit, and 102 denotes an AF motor. Reference numeral 10 denotes an AF coupler that transmits the rotation of the AF motor 102 on the camera body B side to the lens L side.

The operation ring 1 is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,
The lens L is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder 2 so that the lens L can rotate around the optical axis (AX) and move back and forth along the optical axis (AX) direction. The operation ring 1 has a configuration described below.
When the operation ring 1 is rotated while is located on the side closer to the subject, a power zoom (hereinafter, also referred to as “PZ”) operation is performed. Conversely, when the operation ring 1 is rotated while the operation ring 1 is positioned closer to the camera body B, a power focus (hereinafter, also referred to as “PF”) operation is performed.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4,
The operation ring 1 is integrally formed with a lead piece 1a. The lead piece 1a has a projection 1b protruding toward the inside of the operation ring 1 on its free end side.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4,
Grooves 2a and 2b are formed in the fixed cylinder 2 corresponding to the positions during the PZ operation and the PF operation, respectively. The grooves 2a and 2b and the protrusion 1b of the lead piece 1a of the operation ring 1 constitute a click stop. That is, the lead piece 1
When the protrusion 1b of a is dropped into the groove 2a or 2b of the fixed cylinder 2, it functions as a click in the optical axis (AX) direction, and in this state, the operating ring 1 rotates in the rotation direction around the optical axis (AX). Is ready to rotate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the fixed cylinder 2 substantially restricts a moving range when the operation ring 1 is slid in the direction of the optical axis (AX). A concave portion 2c that also serves as a retaining member that is rotatably held in the inside may be formed. Also, on the inner peripheral surface of the operation ring 1,
As shown in FIG. 5, there is provided a magnetized portion M in which N poles and S poles are formed alternately along the circumferential direction.

Here, the configuration of the magnetized portion M provided on the operation ring 1 will be described. The operation ring 1 itself is formed of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin containing ferrite-based magnetic powder, and then magnetized on the inner peripheral surface as shown in FIG. The ferrite-based magnetic powder is more suitable for minute magnetization than the rare-earth-based magnetic powder and is inexpensive. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ferrite-based magnetic powder is used. As a base resin, a PA (polyamide) resin is generally used, but the PA resin has a property of being highly hygroscopic and causing a dimensional change. Therefore,
In this embodiment, as an alternative resin, a PPS resin having a small hygroscopicity and excellent dimensional stability is adopted.

In this embodiment, the magnetized portion M (FIG. 5) is formed by magnetizing a part of the operation ring 1.
As shown in FIG. 14, a rubber magnet sheet 1b may be bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the operation ring 1a. The magnetization may be performed after the sheet 1b is attached to the operation ring 1a, or the magnetized sheet 1b may be attached to the operation ring 1a. Reference numeral 1c denotes a metal foil made of a non-magnetic material attached to the surface of the rubber magnet, which can prevent wear of the rubber magnet due to contact with the operation ring state detection unit 3 and increase durability. Also,
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the operating ring 1d and the magnetized ring 1e made of a rubber magnet or the like may be separately manufactured, fitted into the operating ring 1d, and integrated with an adhesive or the like. .

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the end face when the lens L is cut in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis AX. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation ring state detection unit 3 uses the fixed cylinder 2 to operate the operation ring 1.
It is attached and fixed in a state where it is pressed through the flexible substrate 30 by the force of the elastic deformation of the portion 40 of the fixed cylinder 2 toward the inner peripheral surface. At this time, the positioning portion 3c is, as shown in FIG.
Within c, it fits into a groove 2d formed in the fixed cylinder 2. FIG. 20B shows the operation ring state detector 3.
FIG. The side of the flexible substrate 30 on which the operation ring state detector 3 is not mounted (that is, the operation ring 1).
) Is coated with a sliding material, the corners 35 of the operation ring state detection unit 3 are processed into a round shape, and the operation ring 1 can be moved smoothly. .

The operating ring state detecting section 3 comprises a pulse detecting section 3a and a magnetic field detecting section 3b as shown in FIG. 12, and is positioned with respect to the fixed cylinder 2 by the positioning section 3c as described above. . Each of these detectors 3a and 3b has four magnetic resistors (Magnetic Resistors) shown in FIG.
ance) elements (hereinafter referred to as “MR elements”) MR1 to MR4
have. The circuit configuration of the detection unit 3a is shown in FIG. 10, and the circuit configuration of the detection unit 3b is shown in FIG. The MR element has a characteristic that the resistance changes when a magnetic field is applied. FIG. 7 shows a rate of change in resistance with respect to a change in the magnetic field of the MR element.

As shown in FIG. 8, the four MR elements MR1 to MR4 in each of the detectors 3a and 3b face the magnetized portion M of the operating ring 1 and have an interval of 1/4 of the magnetized pitch (d). (1/4) d
(= (1/8) λ)) and connected as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, the sine wave output voltages V1 and V2 as shown in FIG. can get. This 2
The output voltages V1 and V2 of the paired MR elements (MR1 and MR2, MR3 and MR4) have a phase difference of 90 °. The phase relationship between the output voltages V1 and V2 is reversed depending on the rotation direction while maintaining the phase difference of 90 °. Accordingly, the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 can be detected by using this. The output voltages V1 and V2 change in frequency in accordance with the rotation speed of the operating ring 1 while maintaining a phase difference of 90 °.

Here, the pulse detector 3a will be described with reference to FIG. MR elements MR1 and MR2 are connected in series between power supply voltage VCC and ground, and
The elements MR3 and MR4 are similarly connected in series between the power supply voltage VCC and the ground point. The voltage V1 generated at the midpoint 160 between MR1 and MR2 is coupled to the inverting input terminal (-) of the first comparator 180, and the voltage V2 generated at the midpoint 170 between MR3 and MR4 is connected to the inverting input terminal (-) of the second comparator 190. -). First and second comparators 180,
The reference voltage Vref set by the variable resistor 150 is applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of 190.

In this manner, the first and second comparators 180 and 190 generate output voltages V3 and V4 converted into pulses from sine waves {see FIG. 8} as shown in FIG. The outputs of the first and second comparators 180 and 190 are output to an edge detector 20 for detecting the amount of rotation of the operation ring 1.
0 and the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 are supplied to a direction detection unit 210 for detecting the rotation direction.

The direction detector 210 is, for example, a D shown in FIG.
It can be configured with a flip-flop. In that case,
The first comparator 180 is connected to the D terminal of the D flip-flop.
Is applied and the output voltage V4 of the second comparator is applied to the timing terminal. When the output voltages V3 and V4 shown in FIG. 9 are applied from the first and second comparators 180 and 190, respectively. Is the direction detector 2
The output of 10 becomes low level.

When the operating ring 1 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction in which the output voltages V3 and V4 shown in FIG. 9 are generated, the output voltages of the first and second comparators 180 and 190 become V3 'and V4' in FIG. Therefore, the output of the D flip-flop (therefore, the output of the direction detection unit 210) becomes high level. Thus, the operation direction of the operation ring 1 is detected.
Even if the rotation speed of the operation ring 1 changes, the points 160, 1 in FIG.
Since the frequencies of the voltages V1 and V2 generated at 70 change, and the repetition periods of the output pulses of the comparators 180 and 170 change only in accordance therewith, the phase relationship between the two does not change. Has no effect. The rotation direction detection signal of the operation ring 1 obtained as described above is supplied to the arithmetic and control unit 5 shown in FIG.

The edge detector 200 generates pulses in synchronization with the rising and falling edges of the output pulses V3 and V4 of the first and second comparators 180 and 190 (V in FIG. 9).
5). This pulse is applied to the arithmetic and control unit 5 shown in FIG. 2 through the output terminal 220, where it is counted.
The number of pulses depends on the amount of rotation of the operation ring 1 and is independent of the rotation speed of the operation ring 1. The rotation speed is detected by counting the number of pulses in a predetermined period.

The operation when the operating ring 1 is operated has been described above. When the operating ring 1 is not operated, no sine wave voltage is generated at points 160 and 170 in FIG.
Therefore, no output pulse is generated from the first and second comparators 180 and 190. Therefore, when the operation ring 1 is not operated, no output pulse is generated from the edge detection unit 200, and no detection output is generated from the direction detection unit 210.

Next, the magnetic field detecting section 3b will be described. As shown in FIG.
To MR4 are the same as those in FIG. 10, but the signal processing circuit is different. That is, the voltage V obtained from the connection circuit 300 of the MR elements MRI to MR4
1 and V2 are amplified by the signal processing units 301 and 302 to become VA and VB, respectively.
The absolute value is converted to VC and VD at 4. These VCs,
After VD is added by the signal addition unit 305, it is input to the PZ / PF detection unit 306. The PZ / PF detection unit 306 outputs a signal of a level according to the addition voltage VE.

The operation of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the waveform diagram of FIG. First, when the operating ring 1 is rotated at the position of PZ (the left half (a) in FIG. 19), as shown in FIG. 19, a sine wave amplified output voltage VA having a phase difference of 90 ° from each other, VB is obtained. The voltages VB and VA have voltage waveforms VD and VC only in the positive direction as shown by the negative part being inverted in the absolute value converter. Further, VD and VC are added by the signal addition unit 305 and become voltages that change little by little at a positive voltage level as shown in FIG. In this case, the detection unit 306 outputs a high-level DC voltage as shown in FIG. In the circuit of FIG. 11, a high-level voltage is output at the position PZ even when the operation ring 1 is not rotated.

Next, when the operating ring 1 is rotated at the position PF, the magnetized portion of the operating ring 1 does not face the MR1 to MR4, so that the connection circuit 300 does not receive a magnetic effect, and
Since V2 is 0, as shown in the right half (b) of FIG. 19, in, VA, VB, VC, VD, and VF are all 0, and the detection unit 306 outputs a low level.
The output of the magnetic field detector 3b is PF / PZ as described later.
Is used as information for determining the switching of. A low-level voltage is output even when the operation ring 1 is not rotated.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show P
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a positional relationship between the operation ring 1 and the operation ring state detection unit 3 at the time of Z and PF. Even if the operation ring 1 is moved back and forth along the optical axis (AX), the pulse detection unit 3a always keeps the magnetized unit M
Oppose. However, when the operation ring 1 is moved back and forth along the optical axis (AX), the magnetic field detection unit 3b may or may not face the magnetized unit M. As a result, the magnetic field detection unit 3b can detect the presence or absence of a magnetic field from the magnetized unit M, and can determine whether to switch PZ / PF based on the detection result.

The circuits shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively incorporated in the state detecting section 3, and the MR element M
R <b> 1 to MR <b> 4 are arranged on the surface, and face the magnetized portion M of the operation ring 1 via the flexible substrate 30.

At the time of PZ, the operation ring 1 is located on the subject side.
(State of FIG. 12A). At this time, both the pulse detection unit 3a and the magnetic field detection unit 3b face the magnetized unit M. When the operating ring 1 is rotated in this state, a pulse signal is output from the edge detection unit 200 shown in FIG. 10 and a direction signal is output from the direction detection unit 210. FIG.
Outputs a high-level voltage.

At the time of PF, the operation ring 1 is located on the camera body B side (the state of FIG. 12B). At this time, the pulse detector 3
a faces the magnetized portion M, but the magnetic field detecting portion 3b
Will not be opposed. When the operating ring 1 is rotated in this state, a pulse signal is output from the edge detection unit 200 of the pulse detection unit 3a, and a direction signal is output from the direction detection unit 210. Further, a low-level voltage is output from the magnetic field detection unit 3b. When a high-level voltage is output from the magnetic field detection unit 3b, it can be determined that the request is a PZ request, and when a low-level voltage is output, a PF request can be determined.

Next, an outline of a control flow during the PZ operation will be described with reference to FIGS. When performing PZ operation,
First, the operation ring 1 is closer to the subject {the state of FIG. 12A}.
Make sure it is on and rotate. Camera body B side
When the camera is in a position near the (film surface side) {the state in FIG. 12B}, the camera is moved to the subject side {the state in FIG. 12A} and rotated. Then, the operation ring state detection unit 3 outputs the pulse signal and the direction signal proportional to the rotation speed and the rotation amount of the operation ring 1 obtained from the pulse detection unit 3a, and the operation ring 1 obtained from the magnetic field detection unit 3b to the subject side. Is close (PZ required) or close to camera body B
(PF request) is sent to the arithmetic and control unit 5.

The arithmetic control unit 5 calculates the rotation speed, the rotation amount, and the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 based on the signal sent from the operation ring state detection unit 3 and determines whether the operation ring 1 is PZ or PF.
In the case of a PZ request, the zoom motor 6 is driven. At this time, while the rotation speed and the rotation amount of the zoom motor 6 are received from the zoom motor monitor 7, the driving is performed in accordance with the movement of the operation ring 1. The rotation operation of the zoom motor 6 is controlled by the lens driving means 8 to control the optical axis (AX) of the zoom lens ZL.
This is converted into a motion in the direction, and a zoom operation is performed. In conjunction with this zoom operation, focal length information of the lens L is sent from the focal length detector 4 to the arithmetic and control unit 5. The arithmetic control unit 5 appropriately converts the focal length information of the lens L sent from the focal length detecting unit 4 into the arithmetic control unit 10 on the camera body B side.
0 through the electrical contacts.

Next, an outline of a control flow during the PF operation will be described with reference to FIGS. When performing PF operation,
First, it is confirmed that the operation ring 1 is located at a position close to the camera body B side, and is rotated. If it is located near the subject, it is moved to the camera body B side and then rotated. Then, the operation ring state detection unit 3 outputs a pulse signal and a direction signal proportional to the rotation speed and the rotation amount of the operation ring 1 and whether the operation ring 1 is on the side close to the subject side or on the side close to the camera body B side. A signal indicating whether or not there is is sent to the arithmetic and control unit 5.

The operation control unit 5 calculates the rotation speed, rotation amount and rotation direction of the operation ring 1 from the signal sent from the operation ring state detection unit 3 and determines whether the operation ring is PZ or PF.
In the case of a request, the rotation speed of the operation ring 1 is converted into AF coupler rotation speed information, and the rotation direction information is also transferred to the arithmetic and control unit 100 on the camera body B side via the electric contact. The arithmetic control unit 100 drives the AF motor 102 based on the information transferred from the arithmetic control unit 5 on the lens L side.

The rotation of the AF motor 102 is transmitted to the focusing lens driving means 9 via the AF coupler 10, and the focusing lens FL is driven in the direction of the optical axis (AX) to perform the PF operation. At this time, the arithmetic control unit 10
In the case of 0, the rotation state of the AF motor 102 is detected by the AF motor monitor 103, and the AF motor 102 is controlled so as to match the AF coupler rotation speed information from the arithmetic control unit 5.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a focus detection unit for AF. The arithmetic control unit 100 inputs data from the focus detecting unit 101 during AF, and inputs data from the arithmetic processing unit 5 on the lens side during PF.

The switching operation from PZ to PF will be described with reference to FIG. The operation ring 1 is moved toward the camera body B along the optical axis (AX) direction. The protrusion 1b of the lead piece 1a that has fallen into the groove 2a on the subject side of the fixed barrel 2 rides on the fixed barrel 2 from the groove 2a on the subject side of the fixed barrel 2. The protrusion 1b slides on the fixed cylinder 2 as it is, drops into the groove 2b on the camera body B side, and is clicked to be positioned in the optical axis direction. At this time, the pulse detector 3a,
The magnetized portion M facing both the magnetic field detecting portions 3b comes to face only the pulse detecting portion 3a.

Next, the switching operation from PF to PZ is performed by moving the operation ring 1 to the subject side along the optical axis (AX) direction. At this time, the groove of the fixed barrel 2 on the camera body B side. The protrusion 1b of the lead piece 1a that has fallen into 2b rides on the fixed cylinder 2 from the groove 2b of the fixed cylinder 2 on the camera body B side. The protrusion 1b slides on the fixed cylinder 2 as it is, drops into the groove 2a on the subject side, and is clicked to be positioned in the optical axis (AX) direction. At this time, the magnetized portion M, which has been opposed only to the pulse detector 3a, comes to be opposed to both the pulse detector 3a and the magnetic field detector 3b. Thus, the switching operation of PF / PZ is performed.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, in this embodiment, when performing PF, the drive control of the focusing lens FL is performed from the camera body side. PF and PZ
Camera body B for focusing during PF
In the camera system performed from the side, data communication between the camera body B and the lens L has already been proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-153992. In the present embodiment, data communication between the camera body and the lens is performed while following the method described in the above-mentioned application.
One operating member for each of Z / PF
The present invention proposes a camera system having an operation ring 1 which is also used as the (operation ring 1), is further movable back and forth along the optical axis (AX) direction, and is rotatable endlessly around the optical axis (AX). It can be said that.

The rotation speed and the rotation amount when operating the operation ring 1 are periodically detected while counting a pulse signal generated by rotating the operation ring 1 on the lens L side in real time. In the case of PF, this detection result is obtained by data communication between the camera body and the lens.
And focuses from the camera body B side. In the case of PZ, information such as permission / non-permission of zoom operation is transmitted / received by data communication between the camera body and lens,
A zoom operation is performed by the zoom motor 6 on the lens L side according to the information.

Now, when the arithmetic control unit 5 on the lens L side is activated by some means (a signal from the camera body B side, a signal for detecting that the operation ring 1 is held, or the like), the operation ring 1 is periodically turned on. Start detecting the operation state of. When the operation ring 1 is rotated in this state, a pulse signal and a rotation direction signal are output from the operation ring state detection unit 3 to the arithmetic and control unit 5. The arithmetic control unit 5 counts these signals each time it is input, integrates the rotation amount of the operation ring 1, and determines PF / PZ. Then, the rotation speed of the operation ring is periodically calculated, and in the case of a PF request, the rotation speed information of the operation ring 1 is converted into AF coupler rotation speed information. To perform focusing through the AF coupler 10. Also, in the case of a PZ request, the rotational speed information of the operation ring 1 is converted into zoom drive speed information, and information of zoom permission / non-permission is obtained by data communication between the camera body and the lens, and the information for zooming on the lens L side Driving of the motor 6,
Controls stopping.

Next, according to the flowchart of FIG.
Conversion to AF coupler rotation speed information at the time of PF request and PZ
The zoom drive at the time of request will be described. First, when the operation control unit 5 on the lens L side is activated by some activation means, a count operation for a predetermined time (sampling cycle) is started.
(# 30). Here, the timer counter TCNT is incremented by one, and a count value C4 corresponding to a predetermined time is obtained.
The counting operation is performed up to. During this period, when the various detection signals described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 are input from the operation ring state detection unit 3, counting of the number of pulses, determination of the rotation direction of the operation ring 1, and the like are performed by interrupt processing described later.

After the lapse of the predetermined time, the flow advances to step # 31, where it is determined whether or not the operation of the operation ring 1 is a PF request.
(# 31). When the request is a PF request (that is, when the output of the magnetic field detection unit 3b in FIG. 11 is at a low level), the count value (MRP) of the number of input pulses and the rotation speed conversion table of the AF coupler 10
From (Table 1), the rotation speed (PFSP1) and the table number (TB
L) is calculated (# 32).

When the rotational speed (PFSP1) is 0 in step # 33, various variables and flags are reset (# 4).
1) The process proceeds to step # 52. If the calculated rotation speed is other than 0, it is determined whether or not the difference between the table number (TBLM) obtained at the previous sampling and the current table number (TBL) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (C5) (# 34). When the difference between the table numbers (TBL to TBLM) is less than the predetermined value (C5), the speed (PFSPM) obtained at the time of the previous sampling is used.
Is set to the AF coupler rotation speed (PFSPD) (# 3
5). Also, the difference between the table numbers (TBL to TBLM)
Is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (C5), the AF coupler rotation speed
The rotation speed (PFSP1) calculated this time is set to (PFSPD) (# 36).

Next, the rotation speed (PFSP1) and the table number (TBL) obtained this time are stored in memory variables (PFSPM, TB).
LM) (# 37). In step # 38, the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is determined. If the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is clockwise (CW = 1), the process proceeds to step # 39. If the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is counterclockwise (CW ≠ 1), the process proceeds to step # 40 to change the focusing direction. Indicate flag
(PFNEAR, PFINF) is set. If the operation of the operation ring 1 is continued at step # 52, the sampling time counter (TCNT) and the input pulse counter (MRP) are reset (# 53), and the count loop (# 30) for a predetermined time is performed. Return to). When the operation is completed, the process ends.

In step # 31, if the operation of the operation ring 1 after the lapse of the predetermined time is a PZ request (ie, FIG.
1 when the output of the magnetic field detector 3b is at a high level), the rotation speed (PZSP) from the count value (MRP) of the input pulse number and the rotation speed conversion table (Table 2) of the PZ motor (zoom motor 6).
1) and a table number (TBL) are calculated (# 42).

When the rotation speed (PFSP1) is 0 in step # 43, various variables and flags are reset (# 5).
1) The process proceeds to step # 54. If the calculated rotation speed is other than 0, it is determined whether the difference between the table number (TBLM) obtained at the previous sampling and the current table number (TBL) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (C6) (# 44). When the difference between the table numbers (TBL to TBLM) is less than the predetermined value (C6), the speed (PZSP1) calculated this time is set as the PZ motor rotation speed (PZSPD) (# 45). When the difference between the table numbers (TBL to TBLM) is smaller than the predetermined value (C6), the speed (PZS) obtained at the previous sampling is used.
PM) to the PZ motor rotation speed (PZSPD) (#
46).

Next, the rotational speed (FZSP1) and the table number (TBL) obtained this time are stored in memory variables (PZSPM, TB).
LM) (# 47). In step # 48, the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is determined. If the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is clockwise (CW = 1), the process proceeds to step # 49. If the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is counterclockwise (CW ≠ 1), the process proceeds to step # 50 to change the zooming direction. Flag (P
ZW, PZT).

Communication between the camera body and the lens is performed asynchronously with this processing. At step # 54, the lens L determines whether or not the zooming operation may be performed. If permission on the camera body B has been issued, the process proceeds to step # 56, where P
When the Z motor rotation speed (PZSPD) is other than 0, the rotation of the zoom motor is controlled based on the obtained information (PZSPD, PZW, PZT) (# 57). In addition, camera body B
If the PZ motor rotation speed is 0 even if permission has not been issued from the side or the permission has been issued, the zoom motor is stopped.
(# 55).

Proceeding to step # 52, if the operation of the operation ring 1 is continued, the sampling time counter
(TCNT) and the input pulse counter (MRP) are reset, and the process returns to the count loop (# 30) for a predetermined time (# 52).
To # 53), when the operation is terminated, the process is terminated.

Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 18, the direction of rotation of the operating ring 1 and the integration of the amount of rotation, and PF / P
The determination of Z will be described. The rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the operation ring 1 are integrated based on a pulse signal generated from the operation ring state detection unit 3 when the operation ring 1 is rotated and an operation ring rotation direction detection signal. The determination as to whether or not it is PF is made based on the PZ / PF detection signal from the operation ring state detection unit 3.

First, every time a pulse signal from the pulse detection section 3a of the operation ring state detection section 3 is input to the arithmetic and control section 5, the flow shifts to the processing of the flow shown in FIG. 18 as interruption processing. When the signal from the pulse detection unit 3a is input and the process proceeds to this flow, first, the PZ / PF detection unit 306
It is determined whether the signal from FIG. 11 is low level "L" (PF) or high level "H" (PZ) (# 1). If this signal is low level, the PF request flag (PF
REQ) is set (PFREQ = 1), and if it is at a high level, the PF request flag (PFREQ) is reset in step # 3 (PFREQ = 0).

Next, it is determined whether or not the request has been changed from the PF request to the PZ request (or vice versa) (# 4, # 5, # 7). Flag (PF
MODE) is set / reset (# 6, # 8), various flags and variables are reset (# 24 to # 27), and this interrupt processing is terminated.

If the request has not been changed, it is determined in step # 9 whether the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is clockwise or counterclockwise. From the operation ring rotation direction detection signal from the pulse detection unit 3a of the operation ring state detection unit 3, the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is determined, and a real-time rotation direction determination flag (CWRT, CCWRT) is set / set according to the rotation direction. It is reset (# 10, # 11).

It is determined whether or not the rotation directions match at the time of the previous pulse signal input and the current pulse signal input.
(# 12) If the match or the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is not determined, the rotation direction flags (CW, CCW) of the operation ring 1 are set (CW ← CWRT, CCW ← CCWRT; # 13), and the input pulse The number counter (MRP) is incremented by 1 (# 14), and the chattering prevention variable for the rotation of the operation ring 1 is reset (CH
ATA ← C1, # 15).

Then, it is determined whether there is a PF request (# 1).
6) In the case of a PF request, A corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation ring 1
A predetermined value (C2) is added to the drive rotation amount (REVPF) of the F coupler (# 17), and in the case of a PZ request, a predetermined value (C3) is added to the zoom movement amount (REVPZ) corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation ring 1. (# 18), and this interrupt processing ends.

The description will be continued at step # 12. When it is determined that the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is reversed, the anti-chattering variable (CATA) is subtracted, and it is determined whether or not the result becomes 0 (# 19). If the result becomes 0, it is determined that the operation ring 1 is about to be rotated in the reverse direction, and various flags and variables are reset (# 24 to # 24).
27). As described above, in this embodiment, when the rotation direction of the operation ring 1 is reversed, it is not determined that the operation ring 1 is about to rotate immediately, but a chattering prevention variable (expressed by the number of pulses) is provided. The variable is subtracted (decremented), and as a result, only when the chattering prevention variable becomes 0, it is determined that the rotation is to be performed in the reverse direction. In this way, a distinction is made between reverse rotation based on subtle vibration during operation and reverse rotation in the case of true reverse rotation.

If the result is not 0 in step # 19, it is determined that the operation ring 1 is not going to rotate in the reverse direction, and in step # 20, the input pulse number counter (MR
P) is subtracted (MRP-1). Then, it is determined whether the request is a PF request (# 21). If the request is a PF request, a predetermined value (C2) is subtracted from the drive rotation amount (REVPF) of the AF coupler corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation ring 1 (# 23). , PZ request, operation ring 1
The predetermined value (C3) is subtracted from the zoom movement amount (REVPZ) corresponding to the rotation amount (# 22), and this interrupt processing ends.

[0067]

[Table 1]

[0068]

[Table 2]

[0069]

As described above, according to the first lens barrel of the present invention, a fixed cylinder having an optical system therein,
Any of the mobile and the optical axis of the rotation is possible operation ring along the optical axis of the optical system in a fitting state between the fixed tube
One is provided with a magnetized part, and the other is provided with a magnetism detecting means.
The magnetized part and the magnetic detecting means are in the optical axis direction of the operating ring.
State of opposition and non-opposition due to movement along
Be in a state. And the magnetism detecting means is opposed to the magnetized portion.
In this state, the magnetic field from the magnetized part is detected,
Depending on the presence or absence, the power when the operation ring rotates around the optical axis
Signal to specify zoom operation or power focus operation
Since the power focus and the power zoom are provided , the power focus and the power zoom are close to the feeling of manual operation, and it is possible to perform the power focus and the power zoom with high operability and high accuracy . Moreover, the movement of the operation ring along the optical axis direction
Switch between power focus and power zoom
Since it is possible, downsizing of the entire lens barrel is allowed <br/> ability.

[0070]

Further, according to the second lens barrel of the present invention, the power zoom operation or the power zoom operation is determined by the operation ring having the magnetized portion on the inner peripheral surface and whether or not the magnetic field from the magnetized portion is detected. A magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a power focus operation, and a magnetic sensor mounted on a flexible substrate coated with a sliding material, which is held on an outer peripheral surface and has an optical system therein, and the magnetic sensor is A fixed cylinder fitted in the operation ring so as to elastically press against the inner peripheral surface of the operation ring, so that the power focus / power zoom is close to the feeling of manual operation. Thus, a compact lens barrel capable of performing power focus and power zoom with high operability can be realized.
In addition, since the flexible substrate is disposed between the operation ring and the fixed cylinder, there is no need to manage the gap length between the magnetic sensor and the magnetized surface, and there is also an effect that no component is required.

Further, the lens driving device of the present invention comprises a fixed cylinder having an optical system therein, an operating ring capable of rotating around the optical axis of the optical system when the fixed cylinder is fitted, and an operating ring that rotates. Pulse generating means for generating a pulse signal corresponding to the rotation amount and the rotation direction when the rotation is performed, rotation amount detection means for detecting the rotation amount of the operating ring from the pulse signal and outputting an operation ring rotation amount detection signal, and pulse signal Since it is composed of a rotation direction detecting means for detecting the rotation direction of the operation ring and outputting a detection signal for the operation ring rotation direction, and a driving means for driving the optical system, power focus and power zoom are performed with high operability. be able to.

Further, the control means controls the driving means with the operation ring rotation amount detection signal and the operation ring rotation direction detection signal, and furthermore, when inversion is detected based on the rotation direction detection signal, a predetermined time after the inversion is detected. When a predetermined number of operation ring rotation amount detection signals are generated within time, the driving means is controlled so as to correspond to the inversion of the operation ring, so that the lens is not affected by delicate vibration when rotating the operation ring. Driving can be performed, and no hunting phenomenon occurs during focusing and zooming. As a result, there is an effect that the operation feeling of the power focus / power zoom is close to the operation feeling of the manual operation. In addition, since power focus and power zoom can be switched by operating one operation ring, the size of the lens driving device can be reduced. Further, since the mechanical structure is simpler than the operation means composed of a brush and a pattern on a substrate as conventionally known, it is easy to assemble and the like, and it can be realized at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a camera to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control flow in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an operation ring and a fixed cylinder constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing an operation of engaging an operation ring and a fixed cylinder constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an operation ring used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a positional relationship between the operation ring and the fixed cylinder and the operation ring state detection unit which constitute the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a relationship between a magnetic field intensity and a resistance change rate of an MR element included in an operation ring state detection unit used in an example of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a magnetized portion M of the operating ring used in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the horizontal magnetic field strength and the MR element and its output waveform.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an output waveform of a signal obtained based on a pulse signal from an MR element.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a pulse detection unit of the operation ring state detection unit used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic field detection unit of the operation ring state detection unit used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a magnetized unit M and an operation ring state detection unit.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an operation ring applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing an operation ring applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an operation ring applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing an operation ring applicable to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process in control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a graph showing a P value of a magnetic field detector used in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a waveform chart showing the operation at the time of Z and PF.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a structure of an operation ring state detection unit used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing a D flip-flop that can be used for the configuration of the direction detection unit used in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation ring 2 ... Fixed cylinder 3 ... Operation ring state detection part 4 ... Focal length detection part 5 ... Calculation control part 6 ... Zoom motor 7 ... Zoom motor monitor 8 ... Lens driving means 9 ... Focusing lens driving means 10 ... AF coupler 100: arithmetic control unit 101: focal length detecting unit 102: AF motor 103: AF motor monitor

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-236008 (JP, A) JP-A-2-200072 (JP, A) JP-A-3-185411 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int) .Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B ^7/ 04-7/10

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A fixed cylinder having an optical system therein; and an operating ring capable of moving along the optical axis direction and rotating about the optical axis of the optical system in a fitted state with the fixed cylinder, Either the operating ring or the fixed cylinder is magnetized
Section, the other side is provided with magnetic detection means,
The part and the magnetic detection means are arranged along the optical axis direction of the operation ring.
Moving between the opposing and non-opposing states
The magnetism detecting means is provided in a state facing the magnetized portion.
Sometimes the magnetic field from the magnetized part is detected,
Depending on the presence or absence, the operation ring rotates around the optical axis.
Signal to specify power zoom operation or power focus operation
A lens barrel characterized by outputting a signal. 2. An operating ring having a magnetized portion on an inner peripheral surface, and power is determined based on whether a magnetic field from the magnetized portion is detected.
Signal corresponding to zoom operation or power focus operation
A magnetic sensor for output and a magnetic sensor mounted on a flexible substrate coated with a sliding material
Holds the air sensor on the outer peripheral surface and has an optical system inside.
Having the elasticity of the magnetic sensor against the inner peripheral surface of the operation ring.
Lens barrel, characterized in that it and a fixed cylinder which is fitted in the operation ring so as to sexually pressed. 3. A fixed cylinder having an optical system therein, and rotation of the optical system around the optical axis when the fixed cylinder is fitted to the fixed cylinder.
Depending on the possible operating ring and the amount and direction of rotation when said operating ring is rotated
Pulse generating means for generating a pulse signal, and detecting the amount of rotation of the operating ring from the pulse signal,
A rotation amount detection means for outputting a ring rotation amount detection signal, and detecting a rotation direction of the operating ring from the pulse signal,
Rotation direction detection means for outputting a ring rotation direction detection signal; drive means for driving the optical system; and driving means for detecting the operation ring rotation amount detection signal and the operation ring rotation.
Control by a direction detection signal, and further, the rotation direction detection signal
If inversion is detected based on
When a predetermined number of the operation ring rotation amount detection signals are generated within a time period,
The driving means so as to correspond to the inversion of the operation ring.
Control means for controlling the lens driving device .