JP7786602B2 - Lens barrel and imaging device - Google Patents

Description

Related to lens barrels and imaging devices.

Lens barrels are equipped with a rotating ring that is operated by the user, and there is a demand for improved operability of the rotating ring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-75912 A

According to a first aspect, the lens barrel comprises a lens, a rotating ring that is rotatable around the optical axis of the lens and has an uneven surface and a flat surface on its inner circumference, an operating unit operated by a user, and a movable member that has a first protrusion that contacts the uneven surface or the flat surface and is movable in response to operation of the operating unit between a first position where the first protrusion contacts the uneven surface and a second position where the first protrusion contacts the flat surface; and when the movable member is in the first position, when the rotating ring rotates, the first protrusion slides on the uneven surface, producing a clicking sensation.

According to a second aspect, an imaging device is provided with the above-mentioned lens barrel.

The configuration of the embodiments described below may be modified as appropriate, and at least some of the components may be replaced with other components. Furthermore, components that are not particularly limited in their placement may be placed in any location that achieves their function, not limited to the placement disclosed in the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera including a lens barrel and a camera body. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lens barrel of FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the switch and the control ring in FIG. 1 and its vicinity, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the switching mechanism including the switch taken out from FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the switching mechanism. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the switch as seen from the −Z direction. FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the switch and control ring when set to smooth mode, and FIG. 6(b) is a view of the state of FIG. 6(a) as seen from the -Z side. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the switch and control ring when set to click mode, and FIG. 7B is a view of the state of FIG. 7A as seen from the -Z side.

The following describes a lens barrel and imaging device (camera) according to one embodiment, with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the shapes, lengths, thicknesses, etc. of the various parts shown in the embodiment do not necessarily correspond to the actual objects, and parts not necessary for the explanation have been omitted or simplified as appropriate.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera 100 including a lens barrel 20 according to this embodiment and a camera body 10. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lens barrel 20 of Figure 1. In this embodiment, the lens barrel 20 is detachable from the camera body 10 via a lens mount 22 (see Figure 2). Note that the lens barrel 20 and the camera body 10 may be integrated.

The camera body 10 is equipped with an internal image sensor and control unit. The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system (the lens barrel 20 attached to the camera body 10) into an electrical signal.

The control unit is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and other components, and provides overall control over the operation of the camera 100 related to photography, including zoom operation, focusing drive, aperture adjustment, and image blur correction for captured images caused by camera shake, etc., in the camera body 10 and the attached lens barrel 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lens barrel 20 according to this embodiment includes a fixed barrel 21, a focus ring FR, a zoom ring ZR, and a control ring CR. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the interior of the lens barrel 20 includes multiple lens groups L1-Ln (n is, for example, 11) arranged in sequence along a common optical axis OA. Lens groups L1-Ln include lens groups known as zoom lens groups, vibration reduction (VR) lens groups, and focus lens groups. Each of lens groups L1-Ln may consist of a single lens or multiple lenses.

The focus ring FR is rotatable around the optical axis OA and is the rotating ring that the user rotates when manually adjusting the focus (bringing the lens into focus). The zoom ring ZR is rotatable around the optical axis OA and is the rotating ring that the user rotates when zooming.

The control ring CR is rotatable around the optical axis OA and is rotated by the user when using functions that the user has previously set. The user can pre-set the functions to be assigned to the control ring CR by operating the camera body 10. For example, the control ring CR can be assigned functions for adjusting various imaging conditions such as focus, aperture, exposure compensation, and ISO sensitivity.

As shown in FIG. 1, a switch SW is provided near the control ring CR. This switch SW is an operating member for switching the operability of the control ring CR. In this embodiment, the user can slide the switch SW to switch between a mode (click mode) in which a click feeling is generated each time the control ring CR is rotated a predetermined angle, and a mode (smooth mode) in which the control ring CR can be rotated smoothly without a click feeling.

Figure 3(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the switch SW and control ring CR in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the fixed barrel 21 is composed of multiple components, and in Figure 3(a), the components of the fixed barrel 21 are shown with the same hatching. Figure 3(b) shows an enlarged view of the switching mechanism 110, including the switch SW, taken out from Figure 3(a). Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the switching mechanism 110.

As shown in Figure 3(a), the switching mechanism 110 is engaged with a slide groove 25 formed in the fixed barrel 21. Here, the slide groove 25 is a rectangular stepped opening that extends in the X-axis direction (the direction of the optical axis OA) when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the switch SW of the switching mechanism 110 is slidable in the X-axis direction along the slide groove 25.

As shown in Figures 3(b) and 4, the switching mechanism 110 comprises a movable member 30, a plate member 40, a switch SW, a screw 50, and a protruding member 60. Note that in Figure 3 and subsequent figures, the longitudinal direction of the movable member 30 (the direction of movement of the switch SW) is the X-axis direction, the axial direction of the screw 50 is the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis is the Y-axis direction.

(Moving member 30)
As shown in Fig. 4, the moving member 30 is a member whose longitudinal direction is in the X-axis direction. A housing portion 31 that houses the protruding member 60 is formed at the end on the -X side of the moving member 30. The housing portion 31 has an opening 131 (see Fig. 3(b)) formed on the -Z side, and the protruding member 60 is inserted through the opening 131.

Here, the protruding member 60 is made of a metal or alloy such as iron or aluminum, and has a bowl-shaped first protrusion 61 that contacts the control ring CR, and a leaf spring portion 62 integrally molded with the first protrusion 61. The first protrusion 61 is capable of protruding from an opening 32 formed on the upper surface (+Z surface) of the movable member 30. Furthermore, the leaf spring portion 62 constantly biases the protruding member 60 in the direction of arrow A, so that the first protrusion 61 is constantly in contact with the inner surface of the control ring CR (see Figure 3(a)). The first protrusion 61 and leaf spring portion 62 of the protruding member 60 do not have to be integrally molded. Furthermore, the first protrusion 61 and leaf spring portion 62 may each be formed from different materials.

A cylindrical second protrusion 33 that protrudes in the +Z direction is formed near the storage section 31 of the moving member 30. The function of this second protrusion 33 will be described later.

As shown in Figure 4, a through hole 35 that penetrates in the Z-axis direction is formed near the +X side end of the movable member 30. Two recesses 34a, 34b are formed near the through hole 35. Note that the through hole 35 is a stepped through hole that combines two holes of different diameters, as shown in Figure 3(b).

(Plate member 40)
The plate member 40 is formed by cutting out and bending a metal plate made of a metal or alloy such as iron or aluminum, and has through holes 43, 45 and through holes 44a, 44b as shown in Fig. 4. The second protrusion 33 of the movable member 30 is inserted into the through hole 43. When the plate member 40 is combined with the movable member 30 (fixed state), the position of the through hole 45 coincides with the position of the through hole 35 of the movable member 30, and the positions of the through holes 44a, 44b coincide with the positions of the recesses 34a, 34b of the movable member 30.

The plate member 40 also has an arm-like biasing portion 47. Near the +X end of the biasing portion 47, there is a bent portion 147 that is bent in a mountain shape. Details will be described later, but as shown in Figure 6(b), the inner surface of the fixed barrel 21 is provided with a ridge portion 24 that protrudes toward the -Z side, and the bent portion 147 is in contact with the ridge portion 24 while applying a predetermined biasing force.

The plate member 40 is placed on top of the movable member 30 from above (in the +Z direction). The plate member 40 is then fixed to the movable member 30 by engaging the engagement holes 46 provided in the plate member 40 with the claws 36 provided on the Y-side surfaces (the +Y and -Y surfaces) of the movable member 30. When the plate member 40 is fixed to the movable member 30, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the plate member 40 blocks the upper opening of the accommodating portion 31. This prevents the +X end of the leaf spring portion 62 from jumping out of the accommodating portion 31, even if a force in the -Z direction is applied to the first protrusion 61 of the protruding member 60.

(Switch SW)
As shown in Fig. 4, the switch SW has an operating portion 71 that is touched by the user's finger, and a block portion 72 provided on the -Z side of the operating portion. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the switch SW as viewed from the -Z direction. A screw hole 172 is formed in the block portion 72 from the -Z side. In addition, two protrusions 74a and 74b are provided on the -Z side surface of the block portion 72.

The spacing between the two protrusions 74a, 74b matches the spacing between the two through holes 44a, 44b formed in the plate member 40 and the spacing between the two recesses 34a, 34b formed in the movable member 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, by fitting the protrusions 74a, 74b of the switch SW into the through holes 44a, 44b of the plate member 40 and the recesses 34a, 34b of the movable member 30, the switch SW, plate member 40, and movable member 30 can be precisely positioned. Once positioned in this manner, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the switch SW, plate member 40, and movable member 30 can be fixed in place by threading a screw 50 into the screw hole 172 from the -Z side through the through holes 35, 45. This reduces the number of parts required compared to fixing each component using separate screws, etc.

During actual assembly, the protruding member 60 is incorporated into the movable member 30, and the structure with the plate member 40 fixed to the movable member 30 is positioned as shown in Figure 3(a). The switch SW is then brought close to the fixed barrel 21 from the outside, and the switch SW is positioned relative to the plate member 40 and movable member 30 in the slide groove 25 of the fixed barrel 21. The positioned switch SW is then fixed to the plate member 40 and movable member 30 with screws 50.

When the user applies force to the switch SW in the X-axis direction, the switching mechanism 110 slides along the X-axis direction. At this time, the second protrusion 33 of the movable member 30 moves along the groove 26 (see FIG. 3(a)) formed on the inner surface of the fixed barrel 21. The groove 26 is formed along the optical axis OA direction (X-axis direction), and the width of the groove 26 in the Y-axis direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the second protrusion 33 in the Y-axis direction (the diameter of the cylindrical second protrusion 33). This prevents the switching mechanism 110 from shifting (shaking) in the Y-axis direction or circumferential direction, even if force is applied to the switching mechanism 110 in the Y-axis direction or circumferential direction. Furthermore, a restricting portion 23 is provided on the -Z side (the side closer to the optical axis OA) of the movable member 30. This restricting portion 23 is part of the fixed barrel 21. The restricting portion 23 can restrict deformation even when a force in the −Z direction is applied to the first protrusion 61 of the protruding member 60 and the switching mechanism 110 (moving member 30) is about to bend. Note that the restricting portion 23 and the moving member 30 may or may not be in constant contact with each other. For example, the restricting portion 23 and the moving member 30 may come into contact with each other only when slight deformation (bending) occurs in the switching mechanism 110.

(Control Ring CR)
As described above, the control ring CR is mounted on the fixed barrel 21 and is rotatable about the optical axis OA. As shown in FIG. 3A, the inner periphery of the control ring CR is provided with an uneven surface 90, in which recesses and protrusions are repeatedly formed along the inner periphery. Furthermore, a flat surface (hereinafter referred to as a sliding surface) 91 without any recesses and protrusions is provided on the +X side of the uneven surface 90 on the inner periphery of the control ring CR. As shown in FIG. 6B, the uneven surface 90 has a plurality of protrusions 90a that protrude toward the inner periphery and recesses 90b that are recessed further than the protrusions 90a.

(Operation of the switching mechanism 110)
Next, the operation of the switching mechanism 110 will be described.

Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the switch SW and control ring CR when the user moves the switch SW to the +X side (second position) and the control ring CR is set to smooth mode. Figure 6(b) is a view of the state of Figure 6(a) from the -Z side.

When set to smooth mode, as shown in Figure 6 (b), the bent portion 147 of the urging portion 47 provided on the plate member 40 of the switching mechanism 110 is located on the +X side of the ridge portion 24 provided on the inner surface of the fixed barrel 21.

In this smooth mode, the first protrusion 61 of the protruding member 60 is in contact with the sliding surface 91 of the control ring CR. This allows the control ring CR to be rotated smoothly without any clicking sensation, with an appropriate level of sliding resistance. In this mode, the first protrusion 61 is always in contact with the sliding surface 91 with the same force (the biasing force of the leaf spring portion 62), which allows the torque sensation (operation load) when rotating the control ring CR to be kept approximately constant.

To change from smooth mode to click mode, the user moves the switch SW to the -X side (first position) (see arrow B in Figure 6(a)). Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state when set to click mode. Figure 7(b) is a view of the state of Figure 7(a) from the -Z side. When changing from smooth mode to click mode, as shown in Figure 7(b), the bent portion 147 of the biasing portion 47 provided on the plate member 40 of the switching mechanism 110 climbs over the ridge portion 24 provided on the fixed barrel 21 and moves from the +X side of the ridge portion 24 to the -X side. In this way, by having the bent portion 147 climb over the ridge portion 24, a clicking sensation can be imparted to the user's finger operating the switch SW.

When the click mode is selected, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the first protrusion 61 of the protruding member 60 contacts the uneven surface 90 of the control ring CR. Therefore, when the user rotates the control ring CR, a large force is required each time the first protrusion 61 of the protruding member 60 overcomes the convex portion 90a. Therefore, a clicking sensation is imparted to the finger each time the first protrusion 61 overcomes the convex portion 90a (each time the first protrusion 61 fits into the concave portion 90b). Note that, as the first protrusion 61 moves along the uneven surface 90, a force in the Y-axis direction (or a circumferential force about the optical axis) is applied to the switching mechanism 110. However, as described above, because the second protrusion 33 is engaged with the groove portion 26, movement of the switching mechanism 110 in the Y-axis direction (or the circumferential direction) is suppressed (limited). Therefore, the switching mechanism 110 can slide along the uneven surface 90 without wobbling in the Y-axis direction or the circumferential direction.

When changing from click mode to smooth mode, the user operates the switch SW to move to the +X side (second position). At this time, the bent portion 147 of the biasing portion 47 provided on the plate member 40 of the switching mechanism 110 climbs over the ridge 24 provided on the fixed barrel 21 and moves from the -X side to the +X side of the ridge 24, thereby providing a clicking sensation to the user's finger operating the switch SW.

The user can switch between click mode and smooth mode, for example, according to the functions pre-set on the control ring CR or according to their preference. They can also use click mode when capturing still images and smooth mode, which does not produce click sounds, when capturing video.

As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the lens barrel 20 is equipped with a control ring CR that is rotatable around the optical axis OA of the lenses L1-Ln and has an uneven surface 90 and a flat sliding surface 91 on its inner circumference, a switch SW that is operated by the user, and a moving member 30. When the user operates the switch SW to rotate the control ring CR, the lens barrel 20 can be configured so that the first protrusion 61 provided on the moving member 30 slides along the uneven surface 90, producing a clicking sensation. In this way, in this embodiment, the user can easily switch to a mode (click mode) in which a clicking sensation is imparted to the finger operating the control ring CR by operating the switch SW. This improves the usability of the lens barrel 20.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the user can operate switch SW to switch to smooth mode, in which the first protrusion 61 slides on the sliding surface 91 when the control ring CR is rotated, without producing a clicking sensation. In this smooth mode, the first protrusion 61 is in constant contact with the sliding surface 91 due to the biasing force of the leaf spring portion 62, so the torque sensation (operation load) when rotating the control ring CR can be kept approximately constant.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 61 is biased against the uneven surface 90 or the sliding surface 91 by the leaf spring portion 62, so the first protrusion 61 can be kept in constant contact with the uneven surface 90 or the sliding surface 91. This allows the presence or absence of a click feeling to be switched depending on the shape of the surface with which the first protrusion 61 comes into contact.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 61 and the leaf spring portion 62 are molded as a single unit. This reduces the number of parts compared to when the first protrusion 61 and the leaf spring portion 62 are separate components.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fixed barrel 21 has a groove portion 26 that has a length in the optical axis direction, and the movable member 30 has a second protrusion 33 that engages with the groove portion 26. This makes it possible to prevent positional deviation in the Y axis direction or the circumferential direction even if the switching mechanism 110 is subjected to force in the Y axis direction or the circumferential direction.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fixed barrel 21 has a ridge 24 formed along the optical axis direction, and the plate member 40 is provided with a biasing portion 47 that slides while biasing the surface of the ridge 24 in response to the operation of the switch SW. This makes it possible to give the operating finger a clicking sensation when the switch SW is operated.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching mechanism 110 has a screw 50 that secures the switch SW, the plate member 40, and the movable member 30. This allows the number of parts to be reduced compared to when the switch SW, the plate member 40, and the movable member 30 are secured separately.

In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusions 74a, 74b of the switch SW are fitted into the through holes 44a, 44b of the plate member 40 and the recesses 34a, 34b of the moving member 30, and then fixed with screws 50. This allows the switch SW, plate member 40, and moving member 30 to be fixed in a precisely positioned state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fixed barrel 21 is provided with a restricting portion 23 that restricts deformation of the movable member 30 toward the optical axis. This restricts deformation of the switching mechanism 110 (movable member 30) and prevents bending, even when a force in the -Z direction is applied to the first protrusion 61 of the protruding member 60. This therefore extends the life of the lens barrel 20.

In the above embodiment, the protruding member 60 has a first protrusion 61 and a leaf spring portion 62 integrally molded with the first protrusion 61, but this is not limited to this. A compression coil spring that biases the first protrusion 61 in the +Z direction may be used instead of the leaf spring portion 62. Furthermore, any elastic member other than a compression coil spring may be used as long as it is a biasing member that can bias the first protrusion 61 in the +Z direction. In this case, the shape of the first protrusion 61 may be spherical, etc. For example, a ball may be used instead of the first protrusion 61, and a coil spring may be used instead of the leaf spring portion 62, to stop the plate member 40 from the opening 131 side.

In the above embodiment, a restricting portion 23 is provided on the fixed barrel 21 to restrict deformation of the switching mechanism 110 (moving member 30), but this is not limited to this. For example, the movement of the second protrusion 33 in the Z-axis direction relative to the groove 26 may be restricted by changing the shapes of the groove 26 and the second protrusion 33. In this case, the restricting portion 23 may be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the switch SW is fixed to the plate member 40 and the movable member 30 with screws, but this is not limited to this, and the switch SW may also be fixed to the plate member 40 and the movable member 30 using other methods (for example, adhesive, etc.).

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the control ring CR is provided with a concave-convex surface 90 and a sliding surface 91, and the operational feel of the control ring CR is switched by the switching mechanism 110. However, this is not limited to this, and the focus ring FR or the zoom ring ZR may be provided with a concave-convex surface and a sliding surface, and the operational feel of the focus ring FR or the zoom ring ZR may be switched by the switching mechanism 110. Furthermore, if the lens barrel 20 is provided with other rotating rings such as an aperture ring, the operational feel of those rotating rings may be switched by the switching mechanism 110.

The above-described embodiment is a preferred example of implementation. However, it is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist, and any constituent elements may be combined.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Camera body 20 Lens barrel 21 Fixed barrel 23 Restricting portion 24 Ridge portion 26 Groove portion 30 Moving member 33 Second protrusion 34a, 34b Recessed portion 44a, 44b Through hole 47 Urging portion 50 Screw 60 Protruding member 61 First protrusion 62 Leaf spring portion 74a, 74b Convex portion 90 Concave/convex surface 91 Sliding surface 100 Camera 110 Switching mechanism CR Control ring L1 to Ln Lens OA Optical axis SW Switch

Claims (10)

Lenses and
a fixed cylinder having a groove having a length in the direction of the optical axis of the lens and not rotating around the optical axis of the lens;
a rotating ring that is rotatable around the optical axis of the lens and has an uneven surface and a flat surface on its inner periphery;
an operation unit operated by a user;
a moving member having a first protrusion that comes into contact with the uneven surface or the flat surface, and that is movable in response to operation of the operating unit between a first position where the first protrusion comes into contact with the uneven surface and a second position where the first protrusion comes into contact with the flat surface, and that has a second protrusion that engages with the groove of the fixed barrel ;
Equipped with
When the movable member is in a first position, when the rotary ring rotates, the first protrusion slides on the uneven surface, generating a clicking sensation.
Lens barrel. When the movable member is in the second position, when the rotary ring rotates, the first protrusion slides on the flat surface, and no clicking sensation is generated.
The lens barrel according to claim 1 . a first biasing portion that biases the first protrusion against the uneven surface or the flat surface;
The lens barrel according to claim 1 . The first protrusion and the first biasing portion are integrally molded.
The lens barrel according to claim 3 . The movement of the moving member in a circumferential direction around the optical axis is limited by the engagement between the second protrusion and the groove.
The lens barrel according to claim 1 . the fixed barrel has a ridge formed along the optical axis direction ,
a plate member provided on the moving member and having a second biasing portion that slides while biasing the surface of the hill portion in response to operation of the operating portion, and that gives the operating portion a clicking sensation;
The lens barrel according to claim 1 . a fixing portion that fixes the operation portion, the plate member, and the moving member;
The lens barrel according to claim 6 . Lenses and
a fixed barrel having a ridge formed along the direction of the optical axis of the lens and not rotating around the optical axis of the lens;
a rotating ring that is rotatable around the optical axis of the lens and has an uneven surface and a flat surface on its inner periphery;
an operation unit operated by a user;
a moving member having a first protrusion that comes into contact with the uneven surface or the flat surface, and that is movable in response to operation of the operating unit between a first position where the first protrusion comes into contact with the uneven surface and a second position where the first protrusion comes into contact with the flat surface;
a plate member provided on the moving member and having a second biasing portion that slides while biasing the surface of the hill portion in response to operation of the operating portion, thereby giving the operating portion a clicking sensation;
a fixing portion that fixes the operation portion, the plate member, and the moving member;
Equipped with
When the movable member is in a first position, when the rotary ring rotates, the first protrusion slides on the uneven surface, producing a clicking sensation;
a protrusion is provided on a first member among the operation unit, the plate member, and the moving member, and a fitting portion that fits into the protrusion is formed on a member other than the first member among the operation unit, the plate member, and the moving member,
the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted together, and the operation portion, the plate member, and the moving member are fixed by the fixing portion in a positional relationship.
Lens barrel. a restricting portion disposed on a side of the movable member closer to the optical axis and restricting deformation of the movable member in a direction closer to the optical axis;
The lens barrel according to claim 1 . An imaging device comprising the lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 9 .