JP2004191604A

JP2004191604A - Diaphragm mechanism, imaging apparatus using the same and pulsation pump

Info

Publication number: JP2004191604A
Application number: JP2002358785A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Akira Hirata; 晃平田
Original assignee: Nat Agric & Bio Oriented Res; National Agriculture and Bio Oriented Research Organization NARO
Current assignee: Nat Agric & Bio Oriented Res; National Agriculture and Bio Oriented Research Organization NARO
Priority date: 2002-12-10
Filing date: 2002-12-10
Publication date: 2004-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-10
Also published as: JP4224540B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diaphragm mechanism having inexpensive and simple constitution realizing consecutive control while realizing an ideal circle. <P>SOLUTION: A doughnut-shaped circular sheet 11 having a circular aperture part 11a at its center is used, and is pressed by a doughnut type ring-shaped member 12 whose center axis is aligned with the center axis of the aperture part 11a. Thus, the sheet 11 is equally relaxed around the aperture part 11a as shown by a figure 2(b). The aperture of the aperture part 11a is elongated and contracted with the relaxation of the sheet 11. Namely, the diaphragm mechanism 10 where the aperture part 11a is elongated and contracted in a state where the circle is maintained is realized. A figure 2(a) shows the plan and the Y-Y' cross section of the mechanism 10 obtained before the sheet 11 is extended, and the figure 2(b) shows the plan and the Y-Y' cross section of the mechanism 10 obtained after the sheet 11 is extended. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、絞り機構及びそれを用いた撮像装置並びに拍動ポンプに関し、特に、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な絞り機構及びそれを用いた撮像装置並びに拍動ポンプに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、カメラ等で使用される光学的な絞り機構やその他、流体（気体，液体等）の流量を制御するための絞り機構には、図１に示すような構成が用いられていた（例えば特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
図１に示すように、従来の絞り機構１００は、複数の羽状の板（絞り羽根１０１）が交互に重ね合わされ、これを連動的に滑動させることで開口部１０５を開閉する。尚、折り重ねられた絞り羽根１０１はそれぞれ長穴１０３とピン１０２とが係合されており、固定点１０４を軸として滑動する。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−２０２５４３号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記のような絞り機構では、構成上、開口部を理想的な円形とすることが困難であった。また、複数の絞り羽根を同様に滑動させなければならないため、構成及びその制御が煩雑化し、コストが増大するという問題も存在する。更に、開口部の開け閉めが機械的制御により行われるため、構成上、連続的な制御が困難であるという問題も存在する。
【０００６】
本発明は、このような問題に鑑みてなされたもので、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構を提供することを目的とする。また、これを用いた撮像装置並びに拍動ポンプを提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
かかる目的を達成するために、本発明は、請求項１記載のように、中央に円形状の開口部を有する伸縮自在なシートと、前記シートを固定する固定手段と、前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで変形させる変形手段とを有し、前記変形手段により前記シートを弛張させることで前記開口部を伸縮させるように構成される。このように、円形の開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【０００８】
また、請求項１記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項２記載のように、前記変形手段は前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に前記押圧力を加えるリング状部材を有するように構成されても良い。このように開口部と相似のリング状部材を用いることで簡素な構成で開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることが可能となる。
【０００９】
また、請求項１記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項３記載のように、前記変形手段が、前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に前記押圧力を加える第１のリング状部材と、該第１のリング状部材が配置された側と前記シートに関して反対側に設けられた該第１のリング状部材の内径よりも外形が小さい第２のリング状部材とを有し、前記第１のリング状部材を変位させることで前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に前記押圧力を加えるように構成されても良い。このように、シートを押圧するリング状部材と該シートを介して反対側にこれを保定するリング状部材を設けることで、開閉時に開口部が変位しない絞り機構を実現できる。
【００１０】
また、請求項２記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項４記載のように、前記変形手段が、前記リング状部材を支持するリング状の支持部材と、該支持部材に形成された凸状のツメと係合され、前記支持部材の中心軸を中心として回動可能に形成された押圧部材とを有し、前記押圧部材を回動させることで前記ツメを介して前記支持部材及び前記リング状部材が押動されるように構成されても良い。このような構成を有することで、支持部材を回動させるだけで、開口部を簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【００１１】
また、請求項２記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項５記載のように、上面及び下面が円状又は楕円状であって、側面で前記リング状部材を支持する支持部材と、該支持部材の前記上面又は下面であって該支持部材の中心軸と異なる位置に固定された回転部材とを有し、前記回転部材を回転させることで前記支持部材を介して前記リング状部材が押動されるように構成されても良い。このような構成を有することで、支持部材に取り付けられた回転部材を回転させるだけで、開口部を簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【００１２】
また、請求項２記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項６記載のように、上面及び下面が楕円状であって側面で前記リング状部材を支持する支持部材と、該支持部材の前記上面又は下面であって該支持部材の中心軸と合致する位置に固定された回転部材とを有し、前記回転部材を回転させることで前記支持部材を介して前記リング状部材が押動されるように構成されても良い。このような構成を有することで、支持部材に取り付けられた回転部材を回転させるだけで、開口部を簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【００１３】
また、請求項２記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項７記載のように、前記リング状部材が内部圧力によって膨張収縮可能な中空チューブで構成され、前記変形手段が前記リング状部材の前記内部圧力を変化させることで前記シートを弛張させて前記開口部を伸縮させるように構成されても良い。このような中空チューブを用いて構成することで、この中空チューブの内圧を変化させるだけで、開口部を簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【００１４】
また、請求項１から８の何れか１項に記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項８記載のように、前記開口部の中心軸が合致された複数の前記シートを有し、前記変形手段が複数の前記シートをそれぞれ変形させるように構成されても良い。このように、本発明による絞り機構は、複数のシートを同時に制御可能に構成することができる。
【００１５】
また、請求項１記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項９記載のように、前記シートが前記開口部を取り囲むように形成されたリング状凸部を有し、前記固定手段が前記リング状凸部と合致するように形成されたリング状凹部を有し、前記リング状凸部と前記リング状凹部とを嵌合させることで前記シートを固定するように構成されても良い。このようにシートの開口部周囲にリング状の凸部を設け、これを凹部で係合して固定することで、開口部周囲をより確実に固定することが可能となる。
【００１６】
また、請求項１記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項１０記載のように、前記シートが周縁に折り返し部を有し、前記固定手段が前記折り返し部を両側から挟持することで前記シートを固定するように構成されても良い。このようにシートの周縁に折り返し部を設け、これを両端から挟持するように固定することで、開口部周囲をより確実に固定することが可能となる。
【００１７】
また、請求項２記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項１１記載のように、前記リング状部材における前記シートへ付勢される側が、弁により開閉可能な穴を有する平板で覆われており、前記開口部の伸縮により前記穴が掩覆又は露出されるように構成されてもよい。これにより、弁を状況に応じて掩覆又は露出させることが可能な絞り機構が実現される。
【００１８】
また、本発明は、請求項１２記載のように、中央に開口部を有する伸縮自在なシートと、前記シートを固定する固定手段と、前記シートに押圧力を加えることで変形させる変形手段とを有し、前記変形手段が前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲を均等に吸引することで該シートを弛張させて前記開口部を伸縮させるように構成される。このように、円形の開口部の周囲を均等に吸引してシートを弛張させることで、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【００１９】
また、本発明は、請求項１３記載のように、複数の制御穴を有する円柱部と、前記円柱部と同心円の開口部を有する伸縮自在なシートと、前記シートを固定する固定手段と、前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで変形させる変形手段とを有し、前記変形手段により前記シートを弛張させることで前記開口部を同心円状に伸縮させて前記制御穴を掩覆又は露出させるように構成されても良い。このように本発明では、開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な絞り機構を用いて所定のパターンに基づいて配列された制御穴を掩覆又は露出させるように制御することで、これをデータ伝達手段として使用することも可能となる。
【００２０】
また、請求項１から１３の何れか１項に記載の前記絞り機構は、例えば請求項１４記載のように、前記シートが天然ゴム，スチレンゴム，ニトリルゴム，クロロプレンゴム，ネオプレンゴム，エチレン・プロピレングム，ハイパロン，アクリルゴム，ウレタンゴム，シリコンゴム，フッ素ゴム，Ｈ−ＮＢＲ，ＳＥＰゴム，フロロシリコンの何れかで形成されていてもよい。これらのような材料を用いることで、弾性変形範囲での復元性（ヒステリシスが小さい）が良く、引き裂きに比較的強く、耐候性や耐薬品性や無毒性であり、製品寿命が長くこの間の特性変化が小さいシートが実現される。
【００２１】
また、本発明は、請求項１５記載のように、中央に円形状の開口部を有する伸縮自在なシートと、前記シートを固定する固定手段と、前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで変形させる変形手段と、前記開口部の中心軸と光軸が合致するように設けられた光ピックアップとを有し、前記変形手段により前記シートを弛張させることで前記開口部を伸縮させるように構成される。このように、円形の開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構と光ピックアップとを組み合わせることで、無段階に焦点合わせが可能な撮像装置を安価に提供することが可能となる。
【００２２】
また、本発明は、請求項１６記載のように、平行に配置され、中央に円形状の開口部を有する伸縮自在な２つのシートと、前記シートを固定する固定手段と、前記シートにおける前記開口部の周囲に均等に前記押圧力を加え、該シートへ付勢される側が弁により開閉可能な穴を有する平板で覆われた２つのリング状部材と、上面及び下面が楕円状であって側面で前記２つのリング状部材を支持する支持部材と、該支持部材の前記上面又は下面であって該支持部材の中心軸と合致する位置に固定された回転部材とを有し、前記支持部材を前記回転部材を中心として回転させることで前記２つのシートを弛張させて、前記開口部の伸縮により前記穴を掩覆又は露出させるように構成される。このように、円形の開口部の周囲に均等に押圧力を加えることで、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構を利用して、簡素で安価な拍動ポンプを実現することが可能である。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の好適な実施形態について図面を用いて詳細に説明する。
【００２４】
〔第１の実施形態〕
まず、本発明の第１の実施形態について図面を用いて詳細に説明する。図２は、本実施形態による絞り機構１０の基本構成を示す上面図及び断面図である。
【００２５】
図２（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すように、本実施形態では中心に円形の開口部１１ａを有するドーナツ状の円形シート１１を使用し、これを中心軸が開口部１１ａの中心軸と一致するドーナツ型のリング状部材１２で押圧する。これにより、図２（ｂ）に示すように、開口部１１ａの周囲で均等に円形シート１１が弛張し、これに伴い、開口部１１ａの口径が伸縮する。即ち、円形を維持した状態で開口部１１ａが伸縮する絞り機構１０が実現される。尚、図２（ａ）は円形シート１１を伸張させる前の絞り機構１０の上面図及びＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示し、（ｂ）は円形シート１１を伸張させた後の絞り機構１０の上面図及びＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示す。
【００２６】
次に、本実施形態において使用する円形シート１１とこれを固定する固定部材１３Ａ，１３Ｂとの構成例を以下に図面を用いて詳細に説明する。尚、以下の説明では、図３から図５を用いて円形シート１１Ａ，１１Ｂ，１１Ｃの３つの例を挙げて説明する。
【００２７】
本実施形態において円形シート１１には、弾性変形範囲での復元性（ヒステリシスが小さい）が良いことと、引き裂きに比較的強いことと、耐候性や耐薬品性や無毒性であることと、製品寿命が長くこの間の特性変化が小さいこと等が要求される。このような条件を満足する材料としては、例えば、天然ゴム，スチレンゴム，ニトリルゴム，クロロプレンゴム，ネオプレンゴム，エチレン・プロピレングム，ハイパロン，アクリルゴム，ウレタンゴム，シリコンゴム，フッ素ゴム，Ｈ−ＮＢＲ，ＳＥＰゴム，フロロシリコン等が挙げられる。
【００２８】
・第１の例（円形シート１１Ａ）
まず、第１の例である円形シート１１Ａは、図３（ａ）に示すように、中心に円形の開口部１１ａが設けられたドーナツ状の形状をしており、外縁付近に図示しないビスを貫通させるためのビス穴１１ｂが設けられている。尚、図３（ａ）ではビス穴１１ｂを８つ設けているが、これより多くとも又は少なくとも構わない。このような円形シート１１Ａは例えば板状に形成されたシートを切り出すことで形成されるが、これに限定されるものではない。また、円形シート１１Ａを固定する固定部材１３Ａ−１，１３Ｂ−１は、図３（ｂ）に示すようにドーナツ状の形状を有しており、これの中心軸を円形シート１１Ａの中心軸と合致させつつ、ビス穴１３ａ及びビス用螺子切１３ｂをビス穴１１ｂに合致させて、両者（１３Ａ−１，１３Ｂ−１）で円形シート１１Ａを挟持するようにビスで固定する。この際、円形シート１１Ａに弛みや片寄った張力が発生しないようにする。
【００２９】
・第２の例（円形シート１１Ｂ）
次に、第２の例である円形シート１１Ｂは、図４（ａ）に示すように、中心に円形の開口部１１ａが設けられたドーナツ状の形状を有しており、外縁付近に図示しないビスを貫通させるためのビス穴１１ｂと、開口部１１ａと同心円をなすリング状の凸部１１ｃとが設けられている。尚、ビス穴１１ｂの数や凸部１１ｃは、図４（ａ）に示す形状に限定されず、開口部１１ａの形状を維持したまま伸縮させ得る形状であれば如何様にも変形できる。このような円形シート１１Ｂは凝固前のゲル状の材料を射出又は型に流し込み、これを固化させることで形成される。また、円形シート１１Ｂを固定する固定部材１３Ａ−２，１３Ｂ−２は、図４（ｂ）に示すようにドーナツ状の形状を有している。固定部材１３Ａ−２，１３Ｂ−２には、円形シート１１Ｂにおけるリング状の凸部１１ｃを係合させるためリング状の凹部１３ｅが設けられている。従って、固定部材１３Ａ−２，１３Ｂ−２の中心軸を開口部１１ａの中心軸と合致させつつ、ビス穴１３ａ及びビス用螺子切１３ｂをビス穴１１ｂに合致させ、且つ凹部１３ｅを凸部１１ｃに合致させて、両者（１３Ａ−２，１３Ｂ−２）で円形シート１１Ｂを挟持するようにビスで固定する。この際、円形シート１１Ｂに弛みや片寄った張力が発生しないようにする。
【００３０】
・第３の例（円形シート１１Ｃ）
次に、第３の例である円形シート１１Ｃは、図５に示すように、中心に円形の開口部１１ａが設けられたドーナツ状の形状を有しており、その外縁が筒状に折り曲げられた折り返し部１１ｄを有している。このような円形シート１１Ｃは凝固前のゲル状の材料を射出又は型に流し込み、これを固化させることで形成される。また、円形シート１１Ｃは、図５（ｂ）に示すように、円形シート１１Ｃの折り返し部１１ｄを内側から支持する固定部材１３Ａ−３と、これを外側から押圧する固定部材１３Ｂ−３とにより挟持されて固定される。この際、円形シート１１Ｃに弛みや片寄った張力が発生しないようにする。
【００３１】
上記のような円形シート１１及び固定部材１３Ａ，１３Ｂの設計理念を用いて実現された絞り機構１０の具体例について、その幾つかを以下に例を挙げて説明する。但し、以下の説明では同様の構成に同一の符号を付して説明する。
【００３２】
・第１の例（絞り機構２０）
図６は、本実施形態による絞り機構１０の第１の例である絞り機構２０の構成を示す図である。図６に示すように、絞り機構２０は、固定部材１３Ａの機能を備えたシリンダ２３Ａと、シリンダ２３Ａと共に円形シート１１を固定する固定部材１３Ｂと、シリンダ２３Ａの内部側から円形シート１１の開口部１１ａの周囲に均等に押圧力を加えるためのリング状部材１２と、このリング状部材１２を押圧するための押圧部材１５とを有して構成されている。この構成において、押圧部材１５におけるリング状部材１２と接触する側と反対側には、これをシリンダ２３Ａの内壁に沿って移動させるための力を加える柄１５Ａが設けられており、これがシリンダ２３Ａにおける円形シート１１が設置された開口部と反対側に設けられた柄１５Ａ用の穴を介してシリンダ２３Ａ外部へ導出されている。従って、絞り機構２０では、柄１５Ａに人為的，機械的又は電磁的に力を加えることで、この力がリング状部材１２を介して円形シート１１に押圧力として加わり、円形シート１１が伸張される。即ち、柄１５Ａを介して押圧部材１５を移動制御することで開口部１１ａの口径を制御することが可能である。尚、この他、流体の圧力（浮力，陽力，陰力，蒸気圧，浸透圧等）や熱膨張や形状記憶合金などの復元力等を利用して発生させた力を柄１５Ａに加えるように構成しても良い。このように第１の例によれば、シリンダと押圧部材とを組み合わせたボールスクリュー等の簡単な構成で絞り機構２０が実現される。
【００３３】
・第２の例（絞り機構３０）
また、図７は、本実施形態による絞り機構１０の第２の例である絞り機構３０の構成を示す図である。図７（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すように、絞り機構３０は、上部に蓋状の平板を有する固定部材３３Ａと、この固定部材３３Ａと共に円形シート１１を固定する固定部材１３Ｂと、固定部材３３Ａの内側から円形シート１１の開口部１１ａの周囲に均等に押圧力を加えるためのリング状部材１２と、このリング状部材１２を支持するための支持部材（カムリング等）１８と、この支持部材１８に設けられた凸状の爪１８ａを押すことでリング状部材１２を押圧する回転部材１６とを有して構成されている。尚、図７（ａ）は絞り機構３０の上面図を示し、（ｂ）はそのＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示す。この構成において、回転部材１６は支持部材１８の中心軸を中心として回転可能に構成されている。また、回転部材１６には、これを人為的，機械的又は電磁的に回転させるための把手１６ｂが設けられている。更に、回転部材１６には、自身の回転により支持部材１８に設けられた爪１８ａを押すためのボール１７を回転可能に保持するためのボール用爪１６ａが設けられている。また、支持部材１６はリング状部材１２を均等に支持するように、例えばリング状部材１２と同心円状に構成されている。従って、絞り機構３０では、把手１６ｂを用いて回転部材１６を回転させることで、回転部材１６に設けられたボール１７が支持部材１８の爪１８ａを押し、これによりリング状部材１２が押され、円形シート１１に押圧力が加わる。即ち、把手１６ｂを制御することで開口部１１ａの口径を制御することが可能である。尚、この他、流体の圧力（浮力，陽力，陰力，蒸気圧，浸透圧等）や熱膨張や形状記憶合金などの復元力等を利用して発生させた力を把手１６ｂに加えるように構成しても良い。このように第２の例によれば、把手１６ｂを操作するだけで、開口部１１ａを簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構３０が実現される。
【００３４】
・第３の例（絞り機構４０）
また、図８は、本実施形態による絞り機構１０の第３の例である絞り機構４０の構成を示す図である。図８（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すように、絞り機構４０は、固定部材４３Ａ及び１３Ｂで円形シート１１を挟持するように構成されている。尚、図８（ａ）は絞り機構４０の上面図を示し、（ｂ）はそのＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示す。この構成において、固定部材４３Ａには円形シート１１の開口部１１ａと中心軸が合致したリング状の溝１３ｆが形成されており、この溝１３ｆの底部には吸気孔１３ｇが形成されている。従って、吸気孔１３ｇから溝１３ｆ内の気体（又は液体）を吸引することにより、円形シート１１で封止された溝１３ｆ内部の圧力が減少し、円形シート１１が溝１３ｆ内に引き込まれる。これにより、円形シート１１が伸張し、開口部１１ａが広がる。即ち、溝１３ｆ内部の圧力を制御することにより、開口部１１ａの口径を制御することが可能である。このように第３の例によれば、圧力を制御するだけで開口部１１ａを簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構４０が実現される。
【００３５】
・第４の例（絞り機構５０）
また、図９は、本実施形態による絞り機構１０の第４の例である絞り機構５０の構成を示す図である。図９に示すように、絞り機構５０は、固定部材５３Ａ及び１３Ｂで円形シート１１を挟持するように構成されている。この構成において、リング状部材１２は、上面及び下面が円状又は楕円状である支持部材５８の側面で支持されている。また、この支持部材５８の上面（又は下面）には、これを回転させるための回転部材５６が、上面及び下面の中心軸とは異なる位置に取り付けられている。従って、絞り機構５０では、支持部材５８を回転部材５６を中心として回転させることで、リング状部材１２の支持位置が変化し、これにより、円形シート１１が弛張され、開口部１１ａの口径が伸縮する。尚、回転部材５６は固定部材５３Ａの側壁を貫通して回転可能に保持される。従って、外部よりこれを人為的，機械的，電磁的、この他、流体の圧力（浮力，陽力，陰力，蒸気圧，浸透圧等）や熱膨張や形状記憶合金などの復元力等を利用して回転させることで、開口部１１ａの口径が制御される。このように第４の例によれば、回転部材５６を操作するだけで、開口部１１ａを簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構３０が実現される。
【００３６】
・第５の例（絞り機構６０）
また、図１０は、本実施形態による絞り機構１０の第５の例である絞り機構６０の構成を示す図である。図１０に示すように、絞り機構６０は、２つの円形シート１１が固定部材６３Ａ及び２つの固定部材１３Ｂにより平行な状態で固定された構成を有している。この構成において、リング状部材１２はそれぞれの円形シート１１に対して設けられており、この２つのリング状部材１２が、上面及び下面が楕円形の支持部材６８の側面で支持されている。また、この支持部材６８の上面（又は下面）には、これを回転させるための回転部材５６が、上面及び下面の中心軸と合致する位置に取り付けられている。従って、絞り機構６０では、支持部材６８を回転部材５６を中心として回転させることで、２つのリング状部材１２の支持位置がそれぞれ変化し、これにより、２つの円形シート１１が連動して弛張され、それぞれの開口部１１ａの口径が伸縮する。尚、回転部材５６は、第４の例による絞り機構５０と同様に、固定部材６３Ａの側壁を貫通して回転可能に保持される。従って、外部よりこれを人為的，機械的，電磁的、この他、流体の圧力（浮力，陽力，陰力，蒸気圧，浸透圧等）や熱膨張や形状記憶合金などの復元力等を利用して回転させることで、開口部１１ａの口径が制御される。このように第５の例によれば、回転部材５６を操作するだけで、開口部１１ａを簡単に開閉可能な簡素な構成の絞り機構３０が実現される。
【００３７】
・他の例
この他、例えばリング状部材１２を、内部圧力により断面が膨張収縮可能な中空のチューブで構成し、この内部圧力を制御することで、円形シート１１の開口部１１ａの口径を制御するように構成しても良い。
【００３８】
以上のように、本実施形態によれば、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構が実現される。
【００３９】
〔第２の実施形態〕
次に、本発明の第２の実施形態について図面を用いて詳細に説明する。上記した第１の実施形態では、１つのリング状部材１２を用いて円形シート１１に押圧力を加えることで、この開口部１１ａの口径を伸縮させるように構成していた。このため、第１の実施形態では制御時に開口部１１ａの位置が押圧方向に変位する。そこで、本実施形態では、少なくとも２つのリング状部材を使用することで、制御時に開口部１１ａの位置が変位しないように構成した場合について例を挙げて説明する。
【００４０】
図１１は、本実施形態による絞り機構７０の基本構成を示す上面図及び断面図である。尚、以下の説明において、第１の実施形態と同一の構成には同一の符号を付す。
【００４１】
図１１（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すように、本実施形態では、第１の実施形態と同様に、中心に円形の開口部１１ａを有するドーナツ状の円形シート１１を使用し、これを中心軸が開口部１１ａの中心軸と一致するドーナツ状のリング状部材１２で押圧する。また、本実施形態では、円形シート１１に関してリング状部材１２が設けられた側と反対側に、開口部１１ａと中心軸が一致するリング状部材１４を設けている。尚、リング状部材１４の外径は、リング状部材１２の内径よりも小さい。これにより、リング状部材１２により円形シート１１が押圧された場合でも、開口部１１ａの位置がリング状部材１４により支保される。尚、他の構成は、第１の実施形態と同様であるため、ここでは説明を省略する。
【００４２】
以上のような構成は、第１の実施形態で例を挙げた絞り機構２０〜６０のそれぞれに適用することが可能である。従って、以下では、この他の例について説明する。
【００４３】
・第１の例（絞り機構８０）
図１２は、本実施形態による絞り機構７０の第１の例である絞り機構８０の構成を示す図である。図１２に示すように、絞り機構８０は、２つの円形シート１１が固定部材６３Ａ及び２つの固定部材１３Ｂにより平行な状態で固定された構成を有している。この構成において、リング状部材１２及び１４はそれぞれの円形シート１１に対して設けられている。尚、他の構成は、第１の実施形態における第５の例である絞り機構６０と同様であるため、ここでは説明を省略する。このような構成において、リング状部材１２を回転部材６８で変位させた際に、円形シート１１の開口部１１ａ周囲はリング状部材１４により支保されているため、開口部１１ａの位置が変化せずに口径だけが伸縮する。
【００４４】
・第２の例（撮像装置９０）
また、本実施形態のように、制御時に開口部１１ａの位置が変化しない構成は、図１３に示す絞り機構７０の第２の例である撮像装置９０のような光ピックアップ９１と組み合わされた構成に適用することも可能である。尚、図１３に示す例では、リング状部材１４が固定部材１３Ｂとしての機能を有する下部筐体９３Ｂに支持されており、リング状部材１２が固定部材１３Ａとしての機能を有する上部筐体９３Ａ側から押圧部材９５により押圧されるように構成されている。これにより、本実施形態による絞り機構７０を利用してカメラ等の光学装置が実現される。
【００４５】
〔第３の実施形態〕
また、上記におけるリング状部材１２の他の構成例について以下に第３の実施形態として図面を用いて詳細に説明する。
【００４６】
図１４は、本実施形態によるリング状部材１２Ａの構成を示す上面図及び断面図である。尚、図１４（ａ）はリング状部材１２Ａの上面図を示し、（ｂ）はその断面図を示す。図１４（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すように、リング状部材１２Ａは、リング状部材１２における円形シート１１へ付勢される側に平板２２が設けられており、この平板の中央付近に弁２２ｂによる開閉が可能な穴２２ａが設けられている。この穴２２ａは円形シート１１の開口部１１ａを伸縮させるさせることで掩覆又は露出される。従って、開口部１１ａの収縮時には穴２２ａが掩覆されて、これを介する気体や液体等の流動が抑止される。これに対し、開口部１１ａの伸張時には穴２２ａが露出されて、弁２２ｂによる制限を受けない方向への気体又は液体等の流れが許容される。
【００４７】
尚、このリング状部材１２Ａを用いた絞り機構の構成例は、上述の各実施形態と同様であるため、ここでは説明を省略する。
【００４８】
〔第４の実施形態〕
また、本発明の第４の実施形態について図面を用いて詳細に説明する。本実施形態は、上述した絞り機構を用いてデータ伝達手段やその他の流体のフィルタ手段を実現した場合の例である。
【００４９】
・第１の例（データ伝達手段）
第１の例では、図１５（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すような、円形シート１１に接触するように面する上面に所定のパターンに従って配列された複数の制御穴４２が設けられた円柱部材４１を用いる。尚、図１５（ａ）は円柱部材４１の上面図を示し、（ｂ）はそのＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示す。この構成において、制御穴４２の配列は例えば２次元コードに基づいて設計される。従って、円柱部材４１を例えば第２の実施形態で例示したような撮像装置９０と組み合わせることで、円形シート１１の弛張に基づいて制御穴４２を介する情報の伝達が可能となる。即ち、光ピックアップ９１へ円柱部材４１を介して例えば平行光（レーザ光やコリメートされた自然光等）を入射させた状態において、図１６（ａ）又は（ｂ）に示すように、円形シート１１の開口部１１ａを開閉することで、光ピックアップ９１へ入射される光のパターンが制御され、データの入力が達成される。尚、図１６（ａ）は開口部１１ａを伸張した状態を示し、（ｂ）は開口部１１ａを縮小した状態を示す。また、他の構成は、上記した各実施形態と同様であるため、ここでは説明を省略する。
【００５０】
・第２の例（フィルタ手段）
また、第１の例で示したような制御穴４２の代りに、例えば図１７（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示すような、円形でない所定の形状（図１７では扇型）を有する制御穴５２が形成されても良い。このような制御穴５２を有する円柱部材５１を上述した各実施形態に適用することで、この制御穴５２と円形シート１１の開口部１１ａとの組み合わせにより形成された形状の穴に基づいて流体の流量を制御したり、固体の大きさを選別したりするためのフィルタ手段が実現される。尚、図１７（ａ）は開口部１１ａを伸張した状態を示し、（ｂ）は開口部１１ａを縮小した状態を示す。また、他の構成は、上述した各実施形態と同様であるため、ここでは説明を省略する。
【００５１】
〔他の実施形態〕
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、伸縮自在な材料の円形状穴口径を簡単な原理で無段階に変化させることができるため、あらゆる場面に応用することができる。例えば、光学的絞り機構への利用を初めとして、可変口径ノズル，可変オリフィス，ソフトな把持機構，大きさの無段階選別機構，断面径が連続して変化する棒状表面での無接触移動と接触後の作用，薬液等の塗布，汚れや水分等の拭き取り等である。また、本発明による絞り機構を複数組み合わせて使用したり、簡単な構成と組み合わせることで、気体や液体等の流体の遮断・移動・保持・方向切り換え等やポンプやバルブ機能，センシング・フィードバック機能或いは移動機能等の実現手段としても適用可能である。その具体的な適用例を以下に示す。
【００５２】
・第１の適用例（ソフトハンドリング用エンドエフェクタ）
まず、第１の適用例としては、ソフトハンドリング用エンドエフェクタが挙げられる。このソフトハンドリング用エンドエフェクタは、例えば図９で示したような絞り機構５０を用いて実現され、放し飼いの鶏が産み落とした卵を地上から採取するときのような、物体を開口部１１ａを通過させて拾い上げるために利用される。また、このソフトハンドリング用エンドエフェクタは、例えば図１０に示す絞り機構６０を用いても容易に実現できる。尚、絞り機構６０を用いて実現したソフトハンドリング用エンドエフェクタは、例えば傷つき易い果実や果菜類の収穫や、その他壊れ易いもののソフトハンドリング等に利用すると好適である。
【００５３】
・第２の適用例（大きさ選別用スケール）
また、第２の適用例としては、大きさ選別用のスケールが挙げられる。この大きさ選別スケールは、例えば図９又は図１０で示すような絞り機構５０，６０を用いて実現され、卵や果実等を大きさ別に選別するために利用される。
【００５４】
・第３の適用例（投受光器の光束無段階絞り機構）
また、第３の適用例としては、投受光器の光束無段階絞り機構が挙げられる。この投受光器の光束無段階絞り機構は、例えば図９又は図１０で示すような絞り機構５０，６０を用いて実現され、投影器等から射出された光束を投影面までの距離に応じて的確に投影するために利用される。
【００５５】
・第４の適用例（薬液塗布又は汚れや水分の除去用フィルタ）
また、第４の適用例としては薬液塗布又は汚れや水分の除去用フィルタが挙げられる。この薬液塗布又は汚れや水分の除去用フィルタは、例えば図１２に示すような絞り機構８０を用いて実現され、断面形状が略円形の対象物の外形に倣って絞り機構８０本体を移動させながら開口部１１ａの口径を制御し、上下間の円形フィルタ１１の隙間から対象物へ薬液等を塗布するために利用される。或いは、断面形状が略円形の対象物の外形に倣って絞り機構８０本体を移動させながら開口部１１ａの口径を制御することで、対象物に付着した汚れや水分等を拭き取りながら隙間から吸引するために利用される。
【００５６】
・第５の適用例（ソフトチャック）
また、第５の適用例としてはソフトチャックが挙げられる。このソフトチャックは、例えば図１０又は図１２に示すような絞り機構６０，８０を、１つ又は複数用い、それぞれの開口部１１ａの中心軸を一致させて組み合わせることで実現される。このソフトチャックは、断面の径が変化するような、ショックに弱く且つ汚れ易い物体を保定するために利用される。また、このソフトチャックを回転させて使うことも可能である。
【００５７】
・第６の適用例（移動機構）
また、第６の適用例としては移動機構が挙げられる。この移動機構は、例えば図１０又は図１２に示すような絞り機構６０，８０を複数組、一列に配列し、それぞれを伸縮する蛇腹或いはシリンダ等で連結することで実現される。従って、この移動機構は、ミミズや尺取り虫のような動きでパイプ等を把持しながら移動するために利用される。
【００５８】
・第７の適用例（拍動ポンプ）
また、第７の適用例としては拍動ポンプが挙げられる。この拍動ポンプは、例えば図１０に示すような絞り機構６０のリング状部材１２に、図１４で示したリング状部材１２Ａを適用し、固定部材６３Ａとしての機能を有する円筒ケースの側面に逆止弁付き吐出口を設けることで実現される。この拍動ポンプは支持部材６８によって下死点から上死点に向かうリング状部材１２によって２つの円形シート１１で形成されたチャンバの容積を広げると同時に開口部１１ａを拡張し、弁２２ｂを露出させて流体をチャンバ内に取り込むように構成される。尚、リング状部材１２Ａが上死点から下死点に向かうに従い内圧によって弁２２ｂが閉じ、上記の吐出口から流体が吐出される。その際、開口部１１ａが収縮し、弁２２ｂをカバーすることで、穴２２ａからの流体の漏れを防止する。
【００５９】
・第８の適用例（制御バルブ）
また、第８の適用例としては制御バルブが挙げられる。この制御バルブは図１５で説明したような円形シート１１Ｄを各実施形態で説明した絞り機構１０，７０に適用することで実現される。このように構成することで、リング状部材１２を円形シート１１Ｄに押しつける圧力変化を制御穴１１ｅの開度として捉え、制御穴１１ｅの径が拡大するに連れて貫通した制御穴が順次露出していく制御バルブが実現される。尚、制御穴１１ｅは光，気体，液体等を通し、制御穴１１ｅの大きさや形，配列は制御対象に応じて設計可能で、これらによってシーケンシャル制御，フィードバック制御或いはバーどー度パターンやドットパターンを出力し、直接に情報伝達制御を行うことも可能である。
【００６０】
また、以上説明した形態は本発明の好適な一実施形態にすぎず、本発明はその趣旨を逸脱しない限り種々変形して実施可能である。
【００６１】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、理想的な円形を実現しつつ且つ連続的な制御が可能な、安価で簡素な構成の絞り機構及びそれを用いた撮像装置並びに拍動ポンプが実現される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】従来技術による絞り機構１００の構成を示す上面図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施形態による絞り機構１０の構成を示す図であり、（ａ）はシート１１を伸張させる前の絞り機構１０の上面図及びＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示し、（ｂ）はシート１１を伸張させた後の絞り機構１０の上面図及びＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示す。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施形態における第１の例である円形シート１１Ａの構成及びこれを固定する固定部材１３Ａ−１，１３Ｂ−１の構成を示す図である。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施形態における第２の例である円形シート１１Ｂの構成及びこれを固定する固定部材１３Ａ−２，１３Ｂ−２の構成を示す図である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施形態における第３の例である円形シート１１Ｃの構成及びこれを固定する固定部材１３Ａ−３，１３Ｂ−３の構成を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施形態による絞り機構１０の第１の例である絞り機構２０の構成を示す図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施形態による絞り機構１０の第２の例である絞り機構３０の構成を示す図である。
【図８】本発明の第１の実施形態による絞り機構１０の第３の例である絞り機構４０の構成を示す図である。
【図９】本発明の第１の実施形態による絞り機構１０の第４の例である絞り機構５０の構成を示す図である。
【図１０】本発明の第１の実施形態による絞り機構１０の第５の例である絞り機構６０の構成を示す図である。
【図１１】本発明の第２の実施形態による絞り機構７０の構成を示す図であり、（ａ）はシート１１を伸張させる前の絞り機構７０の上面図及びＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示し、（ｂ）はシート１１を伸張させた後の絞り機構７０の上面図及びＹ−Ｙ’断面図を示す。
【図１２】本発明の第２の実施形態による絞り機構７０の第１の例である絞り機構８０の構成を示す図である。
【図１３】本発明の第２の実施形態による絞り機構７０の第２の例である撮像装置９０の構成を示す図である。
【図１４】本発明の第３の実施形態によるリング状部材１２Ａの構成を示す図であり、（ａ）はその上面図を示し、（ｂ）はその断面図を示す。
【図１５】本発明の第４の実施形態の第１の例において使用する円柱部材４１の構成を示す図であり、（ａ）はその上面図を示し、（ｂ）はその断面図を示す。
【図１６】図１５に示す円柱部材４１に円形シート１１を組み合わせた場合の概略構成を示す図であり、（ａ）は開口部１１ａを伸張した状態を示し、（ｂ）は開口部１１ａを縮小した状態を示す。
【図１７】本発明の第４の実施形態の第２の例において使用する円柱部材５１に円形シート１１を組み合わせた場合の概略構成を示す図であり、（ａ）は開口部１１ａを伸張した状態を示し、（ｂ）は開口部１１ａを縮小した状態を示す。
【符号の説明】
１０、２０、３０、４０絞り機構
１１、１１Ａ、１１Ｂ、１１Ｃ円形シート
１１ａ開口部
１１ｂビス穴
１１ｃ凸部
１１ｄ折り返し部
１２、１２Ａ、１４リング状部材
１３Ａ、１３Ｂ、１３Ａ−１、１３Ｂ−１、１３Ａ−２、１３Ｂ−２、１３Ａ−３、１３Ｂ−３、３３Ａ、４３Ａ、５３Ａ、６３Ａ固定部材
１３ａビス穴
１３ｂビス用螺子切
１３ｅ凹部
１３ｆ溝
１３ｇ吸気孔
１５押圧部材
１５Ａ柄
１６、５６回転部材
１６ａボール用爪
１６ｂ把手
１７ボール
１８、５８、６８支持部材
１８ａ爪
２２平板
２２ａ穴
２２ｂ弁
２３Ａシリンダ
４１、５１円柱部材
４２、５２制御穴
９０撮像装置
９１光ピックアップ
９３Ａ上部筐体
９３Ｂ下部筐体
９５押圧部材[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an aperture mechanism, an imaging device using the same, and a pulsation pump, and more particularly, to an aperture mechanism realizing an ideal circular shape and capable of continuous control, and an imaging device and a pulsation pump using the same. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a configuration as shown in FIG. 1 has been used for an optical diaphragm mechanism used in a camera or the like, or for a diaphragm mechanism for controlling the flow rate of a fluid (gas, liquid, or the like) (for example, see Patent Reference 1).
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the conventional aperture mechanism 100, a plurality of wing-shaped plates (aperture blades 101) are alternately superimposed, and the opening 105 is opened and closed by sliding the same in an interlocking manner. The folded aperture blades 101 each have an elongated hole 103 and a pin 102 engaged with each other, and slide around a fixed point 104 as an axis.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-202543
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with the above-described diaphragm mechanism, it is difficult to make the opening an ideal circular shape due to the configuration. In addition, since a plurality of aperture blades must be slid similarly, there is a problem that the configuration and the control thereof are complicated and the cost is increased. Furthermore, since the opening and closing of the opening are performed by mechanical control, there is a problem that continuous control is difficult due to the configuration.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and simple diaphragm mechanism capable of realizing an ideal circular shape and performing continuous control. It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging device and a pulsation pump using the same.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a stretchable sheet having a circular opening in the center, fixing means for fixing the sheet, and the opening in the sheet, as described in claim 1. And a deforming means for deforming the sheet by uniformly applying a pressing force to the periphery of the sheet. The opening is expanded and contracted by relaxing the sheet by the deforming means. In this way, by applying a pressing force evenly around the circular opening, an inexpensive and simple diaphragm mechanism capable of continuous control while realizing an ideal circular shape is realized.
[0008]
Further, the diaphragm mechanism according to claim 1 is configured such that the deforming means has a ring-shaped member that uniformly applies the pressing force around the opening in the sheet, as described in claim 2. May be. As described above, by using the ring-shaped member similar to the opening, it is possible to uniformly apply a pressing force around the opening with a simple configuration.
[0009]
Further, in the aperture mechanism according to claim 1, as in claim 3, for example, the first ring-shaped member, wherein the deforming unit applies the pressing force evenly around the opening in the sheet, A first ring-shaped member having a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the first ring-shaped member provided on an opposite side with respect to the sheet; The pressing force may be evenly applied around the opening in the sheet by displacing the ring-shaped member. Thus, by providing the ring-shaped member for pressing the sheet and the ring-shaped member for holding the sheet on the opposite side via the sheet, it is possible to realize a diaphragm mechanism in which the opening is not displaced during opening and closing.
[0010]
Further, in the diaphragm mechanism according to claim 2, as in claim 4, for example, the deforming means includes a ring-shaped support member for supporting the ring-shaped member, and a convex shape formed on the support member. A pressing member engaged with the claw and rotatably formed about a central axis of the support member; and the support member and the ring-shaped member being rotated via the claw by rotating the pressing member. The member may be configured to be pushed. With such a configuration, an aperture mechanism with a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening by simply rotating the support member is realized.
[0011]
Further, in the diaphragm mechanism according to claim 2, for example, as in claim 5, the upper surface and the lower surface are circular or elliptical, and the side surface supports the ring-shaped member; A rotating member fixed to a position different from the center axis of the supporting member on the upper surface or the lower surface of the supporting member, and the ring-shaped member is pushed through the supporting member by rotating the rotating member. You may be comprised so that it may be. With this configuration, an aperture mechanism with a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening by simply rotating the rotating member attached to the support member is realized.
[0012]
Further, the diaphragm mechanism according to claim 2 is, for example, as described in claim 6, a support member that has an elliptical upper surface and a lower surface and supports the ring-shaped member on a side surface, and the upper surface of the support member or A rotating member fixed to a position that coincides with the central axis of the supporting member on the lower surface, and the ring-shaped member is pushed through the supporting member by rotating the rotating member. It may be configured. With this configuration, an aperture mechanism with a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening by simply rotating the rotating member attached to the support member is realized.
[0013]
Further, in the throttle mechanism according to claim 2, as in claim 7, for example, the ring-shaped member is formed of a hollow tube that can be expanded and contracted by an internal pressure, and the deforming means is configured to be the inside of the ring-shaped member. The sheet may be relaxed by changing pressure to expand and contract the opening. By using such a hollow tube, an aperture mechanism with a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening can be realized only by changing the internal pressure of the hollow tube.
[0014]
Further, the aperture mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8 has a plurality of sheets whose central axes of the openings are aligned with each other, for example, as described in claim 8, wherein the deformation means May be configured to deform each of the plurality of sheets. As described above, the aperture mechanism according to the present invention can be configured so that a plurality of sheets can be simultaneously controlled.
[0015]
Further, the diaphragm mechanism according to claim 1 has a ring-shaped convex portion formed so that the sheet surrounds the opening, for example, as in claim 9, and the fixing means includes the ring-shaped convex portion. The seat may be configured to have a ring-shaped recess formed so as to match the portion, and to fit the ring-shaped protrusion and the ring-shaped recess to fix the sheet. Thus, by providing the ring-shaped convex portion around the opening of the sheet and engaging and fixing the convex portion with the concave portion, the periphery of the opening can be more reliably fixed.
[0016]
In addition, in the squeezing mechanism described in claim 1, as in claim 10, the sheet has a folded portion on a peripheral edge, and the fixing means fixes the sheet by sandwiching the folded portion from both sides. May be configured. By providing the folded portion at the peripheral edge of the sheet and fixing the folded portion from both ends in this manner, it is possible to more reliably fix the periphery of the opening.
[0017]
Further, in the throttle mechanism according to claim 2, as in claim 11, for example, the side of the ring-shaped member that is urged toward the sheet is covered with a flat plate having a hole that can be opened and closed by a valve. The hole may be covered or exposed by expansion and contraction of the opening. This realizes a throttle mechanism that can cover or expose the valve depending on the situation.
[0018]
Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 12, a stretchable sheet having an opening in the center, fixing means for fixing the sheet, and deformation means for deforming the sheet by applying a pressing force. The deformation means uniformly sucks the periphery of the opening in the sheet to relax the sheet and expand and contract the opening. In this way, by uniformly suctioning the periphery of the circular opening and relaxing the sheet, an inexpensive and simple aperture mechanism that realizes an ideal circular shape and can be continuously controlled is realized. Is done.
[0019]
Further, according to the present invention, as set forth in claim 13, a cylindrical portion having a plurality of control holes, a stretchable sheet having a concentric opening with the cylindrical portion, a fixing means for fixing the sheet, Deforming means for uniformly deforming the periphery of the opening in the sheet by applying a pressing force, and causing the opening to concentrically expand and contract by relaxing the sheet by the deforming means, thereby forming the control hole. It may be configured to cover or expose. As described above, in the present invention, an ideal circular shape is realized by uniformly applying a pressing force to the periphery of the opening, and they are arranged based on a predetermined pattern using a diaphragm mechanism capable of continuous control. By controlling the control hole so as to cover or expose it, it can be used as a data transmission means.
[0020]
Further, in the squeezing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, for example, as in claim 14, the sheet is made of natural rubber, styrene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene. It may be formed of any one of gum, hypalon, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, H-NBR, SEP rubber, and fluorosilicone. By using these materials, good resilience (small hysteresis) in the range of elastic deformation, relatively strong resistance to tearing, weather resistance, chemical resistance and non-toxicity, long product life, A sheet with a small change is realized.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, a stretchable sheet having a circular opening in the center, a fixing means for fixing the sheet, and a uniform pressing around the opening in the sheet. A deforming means for deforming by applying pressure, and an optical pickup provided so that the central axis of the opening coincides with the optical axis, the opening is formed by relaxing the sheet by the deforming means. It is configured to expand and contract. As described above, by applying a pressing force evenly around the circular opening, an inexpensive and simple configuration of the aperture mechanism and the optical pickup that can realize an ideal circular shape and can be continuously controlled. By combining them, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of performing stepless focusing at low cost.
[0022]
Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 16, two stretchable sheets which are arranged in parallel and have a circular opening in the center, fixing means for fixing the sheet, and the opening in the sheet Two ring-shaped members covered with a flat plate having a hole that can be opened and closed by a valve on the side biased to the sheet by uniformly applying the pressing force to the periphery of the portion, and the upper surface and the lower surface are elliptical, and the side surface is A supporting member that supports the two ring-shaped members, and a rotating member that is fixed to a position on the upper surface or the lower surface of the supporting member that coincides with the center axis of the supporting member. The two sheets are relaxed by rotating about the rotating member, and the hole is covered or exposed by expansion and contraction of the opening. In this way, by applying a pressing force evenly around the circular opening, an ideal circular shape can be realized and continuous control is possible, using an inexpensive and simple diaphragm mechanism, It is possible to realize a simple and inexpensive pulsating pump.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a top view and a sectional view showing the basic configuration of the aperture mechanism 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the present embodiment, a donut-shaped circular sheet 11 having a circular opening 11a at the center is used, and the center axis of the sheet 11 coincides with the center axis of the opening 11a. The donut-shaped ring-shaped member 12 is pressed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2B, the circular sheet 11 is uniformly relaxed around the opening 11a, and the diameter of the opening 11a expands and contracts accordingly. That is, the aperture mechanism 10 in which the opening 11a expands and contracts while maintaining the circular shape is realized. 2A shows a top view and a YY ′ cross-sectional view of the drawing mechanism 10 before the circular sheet 11 is expanded, and FIG. 2B shows a top view of the drawing mechanism 10 after the circular sheet 11 is expanded. FIG.
[0026]
Next, a configuration example of the circular sheet 11 used in the present embodiment and the fixing members 13A and 13B for fixing the circular sheet 11 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, three examples of the circular sheets 11A, 11B, and 11C will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
In this embodiment, the circular sheet 11 has good resilience (small hysteresis) in an elastic deformation range, is relatively resistant to tearing, has weather resistance, chemical resistance, and is non-toxic. It is required that the life is long and the characteristic change during this period is small. Materials satisfying such conditions include, for example, natural rubber, styrene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene gum, hypalone, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, H-NBR , SEP rubber, fluorosilicone, and the like.
[0028]
・ First example (circular sheet 11A)
First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the circular sheet 11A of the first example has a donut shape having a circular opening 11a at the center, and a screw (not shown) is provided near the outer edge. A screw hole 11b for penetrating is provided. Although eight screw holes 11b are provided in FIG. 3A, more or less screw holes 11b may be provided. Such a circular sheet 11A is formed, for example, by cutting out a sheet formed in a plate shape, but is not limited to this. Further, the fixing members 13A-1 and 13B-1 for fixing the circular sheet 11A have a donut shape as shown in FIG. 3B, and the central axis of the donut is set to the central axis of the circular sheet 11A. While matching, the screw hole 13a and the screw threading 13b are matched with the screw hole 11b, and the circular sheet 11A is fixed with screws so as to sandwich the circular sheet 11A between both (13A-1, 13B-1). At this time, looseness and offset tension are not generated in the circular sheet 11A.
[0029]
-2nd example (circular sheet 11B)
Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, the circular sheet 11B of the second example has a donut shape having a circular opening 11a at the center, and is not shown near the outer edge. A screw hole 11b for allowing a screw to pass therethrough, and a ring-shaped protrusion 11c concentric with the opening 11a are provided. Note that the number of the screw holes 11b and the protrusions 11c are not limited to the shapes shown in FIG. 4A, and can be deformed in any way as long as they can be expanded and contracted while maintaining the shape of the openings 11a. Such a circular sheet 11B is formed by injecting or pouring a gel-like material before solidification into a mold and solidifying the same. The fixing members 13A-2 and 13B-2 for fixing the circular sheet 11B have a donut shape as shown in FIG. 4B. The fixing members 13A-2 and 13B-2 are provided with a ring-shaped concave portion 13e for engaging the ring-shaped convex portion 11c of the circular sheet 11B. Therefore, the screw holes 13a and the screw threading 13b are aligned with the screw holes 11b while the central axes of the fixing members 13A-2 and 13B-2 are aligned with the central axis of the opening 11a, and the concave portions 13e are formed with the convex portions 11c. And the screws (13A-2, 13B-2) are fixed with screws so as to sandwich the circular sheet 11B. At this time, looseness and offset tension are not generated in the circular sheet 11B.
[0030]
・ Third example (circular sheet 11C)
Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the circular sheet 11C of the third example has a donut shape having a circular opening 11a at the center, and its outer edge is bent into a cylindrical shape. It has a folded part 11d. Such a circular sheet 11C is formed by injecting or pouring a gel-like material before solidification into a mold, and solidifying this. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the circular sheet 11C is sandwiched between a fixing member 13A-3 that supports the folded portion 11d of the circular sheet 11C from the inside and a fixing member 13B-3 that presses this from outside. Being fixed. At this time, slack and offset tension are not generated in the circular sheet 11C.
[0031]
Some specific examples of the aperture mechanism 10 realized using the design philosophy of the circular sheet 11 and the fixing members 13A and 13B as described above will be described below with reference to some examples. However, in the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and described.
[0032]
First example (throttle mechanism 20)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 20 which is a first example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the aperture mechanism 20 includes a cylinder 23A having the function of the fixing member 13A, a fixing member 13B for fixing the circular sheet 11 together with the cylinder 23A, and an opening of the circular sheet 11 from the inside of the cylinder 23A. It has a ring-shaped member 12 for uniformly applying a pressing force around the periphery of 11a, and a pressing member 15 for pressing the ring-shaped member 12. In this configuration, a handle 15A for applying a force to move the pressing member 15 along the inner wall of the cylinder 23A is provided on the side opposite to the side in contact with the ring-shaped member 12, and this is provided in the cylinder 23A. The circular sheet 11 is led out of the cylinder 23A through a hole for the handle 15A provided on the side opposite to the opening where the circular sheet 11 is provided. Therefore, in the squeezing mechanism 20, by applying a force to the handle 15A artificially, mechanically or electromagnetically, the force is applied as a pressing force to the circular sheet 11 via the ring-shaped member 12, and the circular sheet 11 is expanded. You. That is, by controlling the movement of the pressing member 15 via the handle 15A, the diameter of the opening 11a can be controlled. In addition, a force generated by utilizing a fluid pressure (buoyancy, positive force, negative force, vapor pressure, osmotic pressure, etc.), a thermal expansion, a restoring force of a shape memory alloy, or the like is applied to the handle 15A. May be configured. Thus, according to the first example, the throttle mechanism 20 is realized with a simple configuration such as a ball screw combining a cylinder and a pressing member.
[0033]
-2nd example (aperture mechanism 30)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 30 which is a second example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the diaphragm mechanism 30 includes a fixing member 33A having a lid-shaped flat plate on the upper part, a fixing member 13B for fixing the circular sheet 11 together with the fixing member 33A, and a fixing member. A ring-shaped member 12 for uniformly applying a pressing force from the inside of the opening 33a of the circular sheet 11 to the periphery of the circular sheet 11, a support member (cam ring or the like) 18 for supporting the ring-shaped member 12, and this support member And a rotating member 16 that presses the ring-shaped member 12 by pressing a convex claw 18a provided on the same. 7A shows a top view of the diaphragm mechanism 30, and FIG. 7B shows a sectional view taken along line YY '. In this configuration, the rotating member 16 is configured to be rotatable about the central axis of the support member 18. The rotating member 16 is provided with a handle 16b for rotating the rotating member 16 artificially, mechanically or electromagnetically. Further, the rotating member 16 is provided with a ball claw 16a for rotatably holding a ball 17 for pushing a claw 18a provided on the support member 18 by its own rotation. The support member 16 is configured, for example, concentrically with the ring-shaped member 12 so as to support the ring-shaped member 12 evenly. Therefore, in the aperture mechanism 30, by rotating the rotating member 16 using the handle 16b, the ball 17 provided on the rotating member 16 pushes the claw 18a of the support member 18, whereby the ring-shaped member 12 is pushed, A pressing force is applied to the circular sheet 11. That is, it is possible to control the diameter of the opening 11a by controlling the handle 16b. In addition, a force generated by utilizing the pressure of the fluid (buoyancy, positive force, negative force, vapor pressure, osmotic pressure, etc.), thermal expansion, restoring force of a shape memory alloy or the like is applied to the handle 16b. May be configured. As described above, according to the second example, the aperture mechanism 30 having a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening 11a by simply operating the handle 16b is realized.
[0034]
Third example (throttle mechanism 40)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 40 which is a third example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the aperture mechanism 40 is configured to hold the circular sheet 11 between the fixing members 43A and 13B. 8A shows a top view of the aperture mechanism 40, and FIG. 8B shows a sectional view taken along the line YY '. In this configuration, a ring-shaped groove 13f whose central axis coincides with the opening 11a of the circular sheet 11 is formed in the fixing member 43A, and an intake hole 13g is formed at the bottom of the groove 13f. Therefore, by sucking the gas (or liquid) in the groove 13f from the intake hole 13g, the pressure inside the groove 13f sealed by the circular sheet 11 decreases, and the circular sheet 11 is drawn into the groove 13f. Thereby, the circular sheet 11 expands, and the opening 11a expands. That is, the diameter of the opening 11a can be controlled by controlling the pressure inside the groove 13f. As described above, according to the third example, the aperture mechanism 40 having a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening 11a only by controlling the pressure is realized.
[0035]
-Fourth example (throttle mechanism 50)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 50 which is a fourth example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the aperture mechanism 50 is configured to sandwich the circular sheet 11 between the fixing members 53A and 13B. In this configuration, the ring-shaped member 12 is supported by a side surface of a support member 58 whose upper and lower surfaces are circular or elliptical. On the upper surface (or lower surface) of the support member 58, a rotating member 56 for rotating the support member 58 is attached at a position different from the center axis of the upper surface and the lower surface. Therefore, in the aperture mechanism 50, by rotating the support member 58 about the rotation member 56, the support position of the ring-shaped member 12 changes, whereby the circular sheet 11 is relaxed, and the diameter of the opening 11a expands and contracts. I do. The rotating member 56 is rotatably held through the side wall of the fixed member 53A. Therefore, it is necessary to control the fluid pressure (buoyancy, positive force, negative force, vapor pressure, osmotic pressure, etc.), thermal expansion, and the restoring force of shape memory alloy etc. By using and rotating, the aperture of the opening 11a is controlled. As described above, according to the fourth example, the diaphragm mechanism 30 having a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening 11a by simply operating the rotating member 56 is realized.
[0036]
-Fifth example (aperture mechanism 60)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 60 which is a fifth example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the aperture mechanism 60 has a configuration in which two circular sheets 11 are fixed in a parallel state by a fixing member 63A and two fixing members 13B. In this configuration, the ring-shaped members 12 are provided for the respective circular sheets 11, and the two ring-shaped members 12 are supported on the side surfaces of a support member 68 whose upper surface and lower surface are elliptical. Further, on the upper surface (or lower surface) of the support member 68, a rotation member 56 for rotating the support member 68 is attached at a position matching the central axes of the upper surface and the lower surface. Therefore, in the aperture mechanism 60, the support position of the two ring-shaped members 12 is changed by rotating the support member 68 about the rotation member 56, whereby the two circular sheets 11 are relaxed in conjunction with each other. The diameter of each opening 11a expands and contracts. The rotating member 56 is rotatably held through the side wall of the fixed member 63A, similarly to the diaphragm mechanism 50 according to the fourth example. Therefore, it is necessary to control the fluid pressure (buoyancy, positive force, negative force, vapor pressure, osmotic pressure, etc.), thermal expansion, and the restoring force of shape memory alloy etc. By using and rotating, the aperture of the opening 11a is controlled. As described above, according to the fifth example, the diaphragm mechanism 30 having a simple configuration that can easily open and close the opening 11a by simply operating the rotating member 56 is realized.
[0037]
・ Other examples
In addition, for example, the ring-shaped member 12 is configured by a hollow tube whose cross section can be expanded and contracted by internal pressure, and by controlling the internal pressure, the diameter of the opening 11a of the circular sheet 11 is controlled. You may.
[0038]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, an inexpensive and simple diaphragm mechanism capable of continuous control while realizing an ideal circular shape is realized.
[0039]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment described above, the pressing force is applied to the circular sheet 11 using one ring-shaped member 12 so as to expand and contract the diameter of the opening 11a. For this reason, in the first embodiment, the position of the opening 11a is displaced in the pressing direction during control. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which at least two ring-shaped members are used so that the position of the opening 11a is not displaced during control.
[0040]
FIG. 11 is a top view and a sectional view showing the basic configuration of the aperture mechanism 70 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0041]
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a donut-shaped circular sheet 11 having a circular opening 11a at the center is used, and this is used as a center. It is pressed by a donut-shaped ring-shaped member 12 whose axis coincides with the central axis of the opening 11a. Further, in the present embodiment, a ring-shaped member 14 whose central axis coincides with the opening 11a is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the ring-shaped member 12 is provided with respect to the circular sheet 11. The outer diameter of the ring-shaped member 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the ring-shaped member 12. Thus, even when the circular sheet 11 is pressed by the ring-shaped member 12, the position of the opening 11a is supported by the ring-shaped member 14. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted here.
[0042]
The configuration described above can be applied to each of the aperture mechanisms 20 to 60 exemplified in the first embodiment. Therefore, other examples will be described below.
[0043]
-First example (aperture mechanism 80)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 80 which is a first example of the diaphragm mechanism 70 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the aperture mechanism 80 has a configuration in which two circular sheets 11 are fixed in parallel by a fixing member 63A and two fixing members 13B. In this configuration, the ring-shaped members 12 and 14 are provided for the respective circular sheets 11. Note that other configurations are the same as those of the diaphragm mechanism 60 of the fifth embodiment of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated. In such a configuration, when the ring-shaped member 12 is displaced by the rotating member 68, the periphery of the opening 11a of the circular sheet 11 is supported by the ring-shaped member 14, so that the position of the opening 11a does not change. Only the caliber expands and contracts.
[0044]
-2nd example (imaging device 90)
Further, a configuration in which the position of the opening 11a does not change during control as in the present embodiment is a configuration in which the optical pickup 91 such as an imaging device 90 which is a second example of the diaphragm mechanism 70 shown in FIG. It is also possible to apply to. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the ring-shaped member 14 is supported by the lower housing 93B having the function as the fixing member 13B, and the ring-shaped member 12 is on the upper housing 93A side having the function as the fixing member 13A. From the pressing member 95. As a result, an optical device such as a camera is realized using the aperture mechanism 70 according to the present embodiment.
[0045]
[Third embodiment]
Further, another configuration example of the ring-shaped member 12 will be described in detail below as a third embodiment with reference to the drawings.
[0046]
FIG. 14 is a top view and a sectional view showing the configuration of the ring-shaped member 12A according to the present embodiment. 14A shows a top view of the ring-shaped member 12A, and FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the ring-shaped member 12A is provided with a flat plate 22 on the side of the ring-shaped member 12 that is urged toward the circular sheet 11, and a valve is provided near the center of the flat plate. A hole 22a that can be opened and closed by 22b is provided. The hole 22a is covered or exposed by expanding and contracting the opening 11a of the circular sheet 11. Therefore, when the opening 11a is contracted, the hole 22a is covered, and the flow of gas, liquid, and the like through the hole 22a is suppressed. On the other hand, when the opening 11a is extended, the hole 22a is exposed, and a flow of gas or liquid in a direction not restricted by the valve 22b is allowed.
[0047]
Note that an example of the configuration of the aperture mechanism using the ring-shaped member 12A is the same as in each of the above-described embodiments, and a description thereof will not be repeated.
[0048]
[Fourth embodiment]
Further, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an example in which data transmission means and other fluid filter means are realized by using the above-described throttle mechanism.
[0049]
.First example (data transmission means)
In the first example, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, a cylindrical member provided with a plurality of control holes 42 arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern on the upper surface facing the circular sheet 11. 41 is used. 15A shows a top view of the columnar member 41, and FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY '. In this configuration, the arrangement of the control holes 42 is designed based on, for example, a two-dimensional code. Therefore, by combining the cylindrical member 41 with the imaging device 90 exemplified in the second embodiment, information can be transmitted through the control holes 42 based on the relaxation of the circular sheet 11. That is, in a state where, for example, parallel light (such as laser light or collimated natural light) is incident on the optical pickup 91 via the cylindrical member 41, as shown in FIG. 16A or FIG. By opening and closing the opening 11a, the pattern of light incident on the optical pickup 91 is controlled, and data input is achieved. FIG. 16A shows a state where the opening 11a is expanded, and FIG. 16B shows a state where the opening 11a is reduced. In addition, other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, and thus description thereof is omitted here.
[0050]
.Second example (filter means)
Also, instead of the control hole 42 shown in the first example, a control hole 52 having a predetermined shape (a fan shape in FIG. 17) that is not circular, for example, as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b). May be formed. By applying the columnar member 51 having such a control hole 52 to each of the above-described embodiments, a fluid is formed based on a hole formed by a combination of the control hole 52 and the opening 11a of the circular sheet 11. Filter means for controlling the flow rate and for sorting the size of the solid are realized. 17A shows a state where the opening 11a is expanded, and FIG. 17B shows a state where the opening 11a is reduced. The other configuration is the same as in each of the above-described embodiments, and a description thereof will not be repeated.
[0051]
[Other embodiments]
As described above, according to the present invention, the diameter of a circular hole of a stretchable material can be changed steplessly based on a simple principle, so that the present invention can be applied to various situations. For example, use for optical aperture mechanism, variable diameter nozzle, variable orifice, soft gripping mechanism, stepless size sorting mechanism, non-contact movement and contact on rod-shaped surface with continuously changing cross-sectional diameter This includes later action, application of a chemical solution or the like, wiping of dirt or moisture, and the like. In addition, by using a plurality of throttle mechanisms according to the present invention in combination or with a simple configuration, it is possible to shut off, move, hold, or change the direction of a fluid such as a gas or a liquid, and perform a pump or valve function, a sensing feedback function, The present invention is also applicable as a means for realizing a moving function or the like. The specific application example is shown below.
[0052]
・ First application example (end effector for soft handling)
First, a first application example is an end effector for soft handling. This soft-handling end effector is realized, for example, by using a squeezing mechanism 50 as shown in FIG. Used to pick up. Further, this soft handling end effector can be easily realized by using, for example, a diaphragm mechanism 60 shown in FIG. Note that the end effector for soft handling realized using the squeezing mechanism 60 is preferably used for, for example, harvesting fragile fruits and fruits and vegetables, and soft handling of other fragile items.
[0053]
・ Second application example (size sorting scale)
Further, as a second application example, a scale for size selection can be cited. This size sorting scale is realized using, for example, squeezing mechanisms 50 and 60 as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, and is used to sort eggs, fruits, and the like by size.
[0054]
・ Third application example (light beam stepless aperture mechanism of light emitter / receiver)
In addition, as a third application example, a light beam stepless stop mechanism of the light emitting and receiving device is exemplified. The light beam stepless stop mechanism of the light emitting and receiving device is realized by using stop mechanisms 50 and 60 as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, for example, and the light beam emitted from the projector or the like is changed according to the distance to the projection surface. Used for accurate projection.
[0055]
・ Fourth application example (filter for applying chemicals or removing dirt and moisture)
A fourth application example is a filter for applying a chemical solution or removing dirt or moisture. This filter for applying a chemical solution or removing dirt and moisture is realized by using a diaphragm mechanism 80 as shown in FIG. 12, for example, while moving the diaphragm mechanism 80 body following the outer shape of a substantially circular object. It is used to control the diameter of the opening 11a and apply a chemical solution or the like to the target from the gap between the upper and lower circular filters 11. Alternatively, by controlling the diameter of the opening 11a while moving the diaphragm mechanism 80 in accordance with the outer shape of the object having a substantially circular cross section, the dirt, moisture, and the like attached to the object are sucked from the gap while being wiped. Used for
[0056]
・ Fifth application example (soft chuck)
A fifth application example is a soft chuck. This soft chuck is realized by, for example, using one or a plurality of aperture mechanisms 60 and 80 as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. This soft chuck is used to hold objects that are vulnerable to shock and easily contaminated, such as those having a variable cross-sectional diameter. It is also possible to rotate the soft chuck for use.
[0057]
.Sixth application example (moving mechanism)
As a sixth application example, there is a moving mechanism. This moving mechanism is realized by, for example, arranging a plurality of sets of squeezing mechanisms 60 and 80 as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. Therefore, this moving mechanism is used to move while grasping a pipe or the like with a movement like an earthworm or a scale insect.
[0058]
・ Seventh application example (pulsating pump)
A seventh application example is a pulsation pump. In this pulsating pump, for example, the ring-shaped member 12A shown in FIG. 14 is applied to the ring-shaped member 12 of the throttle mechanism 60 as shown in FIG. This is realized by providing a discharge port with a stop valve. This pulsating pump enlarges the volume of the chamber formed by the two circular sheets 11 by the ring-shaped member 12 from the bottom dead center to the top dead center by the support member 68, and at the same time expands the opening 11a to expose the valve 22b. And configured to draw fluid into the chamber. As the ring-shaped member 12A moves from the top dead center to the bottom dead center, the valve 22b is closed by the internal pressure, and the fluid is discharged from the discharge port. At this time, the opening 11a contracts and covers the valve 22b, thereby preventing leakage of fluid from the hole 22a.
[0059]
-Eighth application example (control valve)
An eighth application example is a control valve. This control valve is realized by applying the circular seat 11D as described in FIG. 15 to the throttle mechanisms 10 and 70 described in each embodiment. With this configuration, the change in pressure that presses the ring-shaped member 12 against the circular sheet 11D is regarded as the opening degree of the control hole 11e, and the control holes penetrating through the control hole 11e are sequentially exposed as the diameter of the control hole 11e increases. A number of control valves are realized. The control holes 11e allow light, gas, liquid, and the like to pass through, and the size, shape, and arrangement of the control holes 11e can be designed according to the control object. These can be used for sequential control, feedback control, or bar-degree patterns or dot patterns. It is also possible to output and directly control information transmission.
[0060]
Further, the above-described embodiment is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a diaphragm mechanism having an inexpensive and simple configuration, an imaging device using the same, and a pulsating pump, which can realize an ideal circular shape and can be continuously controlled, is realized. Is done.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view showing a configuration of a conventional diaphragm mechanism 100.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2A illustrates a top view and a YY ′ cross-sectional view of the diaphragm mechanism 10 before a sheet 11 is extended. (B) shows a top view and a YY ′ cross-sectional view of the drawing mechanism 10 after the sheet 11 is expanded.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circular sheet 11A as a first example according to the first embodiment of the present invention and configurations of fixing members 13A-1 and 13B-1 for fixing the same.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circular sheet 11B, which is a second example according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and configurations of fixing members 13A-2 and 13B-2 for fixing the same.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circular sheet 11C, which is a third example according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and configurations of fixing members 13A-3 and 13B-3 for fixing the same.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 20 which is a first example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 30 which is a second example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 40 which is a third example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 50 which is a fourth example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 60 which is a fifth example of the diaphragm mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 70 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11A illustrates a top view and a YY ′ cross-sectional view of the diaphragm mechanism 70 before a sheet 11 is extended. (B) shows a top view and a YY ′ cross-sectional view of the drawing mechanism 70 after the sheet 11 is expanded.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diaphragm mechanism 80 which is a first example of a diaphragm mechanism 70 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device 90 that is a second example of the diaphragm mechanism 70 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
14A and 14B are diagrams showing a configuration of a ring-shaped member 12A according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 14A is a top view and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view.
15A and 15B are diagrams showing a configuration of a cylindrical member 41 used in a first example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 15A shows a top view thereof, and FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view thereof. .
16A and 16B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration in a case where the circular sheet 11 is combined with the cylindrical member 41 shown in FIG. 15, where FIG. 16A shows a state where an opening 11a is extended, and FIG. Shows the reduced state.
17A and 17B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration in a case where a circular sheet 11 is combined with a cylindrical member 51 used in a second example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17A illustrates an expanded opening 11a. (B) shows a state where the opening 11a is reduced.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 20, 30, 40 aperture mechanism
11, 11A, 11B, 11C circular sheet
11a Opening
11b Screw hole
11c convex part
11d folded part
12, 12A, 14 ring-shaped member
13A, 13B, 13A-1, 13B-1, 13A-2, 13B-2, 13A-3, 13B-3, 33A, 43A, 53A, 63A Fixing member
13a Screw hole
13b Screw cutting for screw
13e recess
13f groove
13g intake hole
15 Pressing member
15A pattern
16, 56 Rotating member
16a Ball claw
16b handle
17 balls
18, 58, 68 Supporting member
18a nail
22 flat plate
22a hole
22b valve
23A cylinder
41, 51 cylindrical member
42, 52 control hole
90 Imaging device
91 Optical Pickup
93A Upper case
93B Lower case
95 Pressing member

Claims

An elastic sheet having a circular opening in the center,
Fixing means for fixing the sheet,
Deforming means for deforming by applying a pressing force evenly around the opening in the sheet,
An aperture mechanism wherein the opening is expanded and contracted by relaxing the sheet by the deforming means.

2. The aperture mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said deforming means has a ring-shaped member for uniformly applying said pressing force around said opening in said sheet.

The deforming means is provided on a first ring-shaped member that applies the pressing force evenly around the opening in the sheet, and is provided on a side on which the first ring-shaped member is arranged and on a side opposite to the sheet. A second ring-shaped member having an outer shape smaller than the inner diameter of the first ring-shaped member, and displacing the first ring-shaped member so as to evenly surround the opening in the sheet. The throttle mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a pressing force is applied.

The deforming means is engaged with a ring-shaped support member for supporting the ring-shaped member and a convex claw formed on the support member, and is formed so as to be rotatable about a central axis of the support member. Having a pressing member,
The aperture mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the rotation of the pressing member causes the support member and the ring-shaped member to be pushed through the claw.

An upper surface and a lower surface are circular or elliptical, and a supporting member that supports the ring-shaped member on a side surface,
A rotating member fixed to a position different from the central axis of the support member, which is the upper surface or the lower surface of the support member,
The aperture mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the ring-shaped member is pushed through the support member by rotating the rotating member.

A support member having an upper surface and a lower surface that is elliptical and supports the ring-shaped member at a side surface,
A rotating member fixed to a position corresponding to the central axis of the support member, which is the upper surface or the lower surface of the support member,
The aperture mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the ring-shaped member is pushed through the support member by rotating the rotating member.

The ring-shaped member is constituted by a hollow tube that can be expanded and contracted by internal pressure,
3. The aperture mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said deforming means relaxes said sheet by changing said internal pressure of said ring-shaped member to expand and contract said opening.

The aperture mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a plurality of the sheets whose central axes of the openings are aligned with each other, wherein the deforming unit deforms each of the plurality of sheets. .

The sheet has a ring-shaped convex portion formed to surround the opening,
The fixing unit has a ring-shaped recess formed to match the ring-shaped protrusion, and the sheet is fixed by fitting the ring-shaped protrusion and the ring-shaped recess. 3. The aperture mechanism according to claim 1, wherein

The sheet has a folded portion on the periphery,
2. The squeezing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit fixes the sheet by sandwiching the folded portion from both sides.

The side of the ring-shaped member that is biased toward the sheet is covered with a flat plate having a hole that can be opened and closed by a valve,
The aperture mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the hole is covered or exposed by expansion and contraction of the opening.

A telescopic seat having an opening in the center,
Fixing means for fixing the sheet,
Deforming means for deforming by applying a pressing force to the sheet,
A drawing mechanism, wherein the deforming means relaxes the sheet by uniformly sucking the periphery of the opening in the sheet to expand and contract the opening.

A cylindrical portion having a plurality of control holes,
A stretchable sheet having a concentric opening with the cylindrical portion;
Fixing means for fixing the sheet,
Deforming means for deforming by applying a pressing force evenly around the opening in the sheet,
The aperture mechanism, wherein the opening is concentrically expanded and contracted by relaxing the sheet by the deforming means to cover or expose the control hole.

The sheet is made of any one of natural rubber, styrene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene gum, hypalone, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, silicon rubber, fluorine rubber, H-NBR, SEP rubber, and fluorosilicone. The aperture mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aperture mechanism is formed.

An elastic sheet having a circular opening in the center,
Fixing means for fixing the sheet,
Deformation means for deforming by applying a pressing force evenly around the opening in the sheet,
Having an optical pickup provided so that the central axis and the optical axis of the opening coincide with each other,
An imaging apparatus, wherein the opening is expanded and contracted by relaxing the sheet by the deforming means.

Two stretchable seats arranged in parallel and having a circular opening in the center,
Fixing means for fixing the sheet,
Two ring-shaped members covered with a flat plate having a hole that can be opened and closed by a valve on a side that is urged to the sheet by applying the pressing force evenly around the opening in the sheet,
A support member that has an upper surface and a lower surface that are elliptical and support the two ring-shaped members on side surfaces;
A rotating member fixed to a position corresponding to the central axis of the support member, which is the upper surface or the lower surface of the support member,
A pulsating pump, wherein the two sheets are relaxed by rotating the support member about the rotating member, and the hole is covered or exposed by expansion and contraction of the opening.