JP2018005128A - Observation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an observation optical system that has no change due to posture and excellent in operation feeling.SOLUTION: An observation device has: a first member that supports a first optical element constituting a part of an observation optical system; a second member that supports a second optical element constituting other part of the observation optical system, and supports the first member movably in an optical axis direction of the first optical element via a plurality of rolling motion members; and urging means that generates urging force for cramping the plurality of rolling motion members by the first member and the second member. At least a part of the rolling motion members is: a first rolling motion cylinder that is configured to be one shaft; and a second rolling motion cylinder that is communicated with the first rolling motion cylinder, and outer diameters of the first and second rolling motion cylinders are composed of a different diameter, and the first and second rolling motion cylinders as well are cramped by the first member and the second member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an observation apparatus such as binoculars, and more particularly to an observation apparatus having a mechanism for moving a part of an observation optical system in an optical axis direction.

  An observation apparatus such as binoculars is an optical apparatus that can observe an optical image of an object to be observed formed by an objective optical system with an eyepiece optical system. Then, by changing an optical element constituting a part of the objective optical system or the eyepiece optical system in the optical axis direction, the observation magnification is changed or the object is focused.

  Patent Document 1 discloses binoculars that perform focusing by moving a pair of left and right objective lenses that are integrally attached to an objective table in the optical axis direction. A plurality of balls are arranged between the fixed member and the movable member, and configured by an urging means for generating an urging force for sandwiching the ball disposed between the fixed member and the movable member. Further, a focus screw that is rotatably held at a fixed position on the base is screwed with a female screw formed on the objective stand, and by rotating the focus screw, a pair of optical element units configured as a movable member is provided. Move in the direction of the optical axis.

JP 2010-54573 A

  However, in the binoculars disclosed in Patent Document 1, the second member that supports the plurality of balls so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first optical element, and the plurality of balls are connected to the first member and the first member. Since the urging means for generating the urging force to be sandwiched between the two members is provided, the driving load is light, and therefore the optical apparatus may move due to the weight of the optical system depending on the posture of the observation apparatus. . Further, in order to prevent the falling of its own weight, the friction between the feed screw and the rack is increased and prevented, resulting in an adjustment mechanism with a low operational feeling.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the positional accuracy of an optical element that can move in the optical axis direction, and to appropriately set the movement load of the optical element. An object of the present invention is to provide an observation apparatus in which no deviation occurs.

In order to achieve the above object, an observation apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An observation optical system, a first member that supports a first optical element that forms part of the observation optical system, and a second optical element that forms another part of the observation optical system, A differential shaft composed of a second member that supports the first member via a plurality of balls so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first optical element, and two cylinders fitted on one shaft. The differential shaft has a difference in outer diameter between the two cylinders, and biasing means for generating a biasing force for sandwiching the plurality of balls and the differential shaft between the first member and the second member; Have The plurality of balls include two first balls disposed at positions separated from each other in the optical axis direction, and a second ball disposed away from the two first balls in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis. . The two different diameters of the differential shaft are in contact with the first member and the second member, and the rotational direction of the shaft is the optical axis direction. The first and second members allow the two first balls to roll in the optical axis direction and prevent the first member from displacing in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the second member. As described above, two guide portions that respectively engage with the two first balls, and a ball holding portion that holds the second ball so as to allow the second ball to roll in the optical axis direction. In addition, the differential shaft is operated by the viscous resistance of the viscous material applied in the shaft, when the first member and the second member move relative to each other, a difference in rotation angle occurs in the shaft. It is characterized by being loaded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure a large amount of movement of the first optical element in a small space in the optical axis direction, and to prevent the movement of the first optical element due to the setting of a favorable operating force and the attitude of the observation apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to provide an observation apparatus that suppresses the movement of the moving first optical element according to the attitude and has a stable driving load.

Sectional drawing of the binoculars which are the Example of this invention The perspective view of the binoculars of an Example Exploded perspective view of the binoculars of the embodiment Partial sectional view of the binoculars of the embodiment Exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism in the embodiment Rear view of the drive mechanism in the embodiment Sectional drawing of the guide part and ball | bowl holding | maintenance part in an Example The figure explaining the movement of the guide part in an Example The figure explaining the movement of the ball | bowl holding | maintenance part in an Example. The top view which shows the mode of a guide part and a ball | bowl holding | maintenance part when a focus support plate is located in the eyepiece unit side most in an Example. The top view which shows the mode of a guide part and a ball | bowl holding | maintenance part when a focus support plate is located in the most object side in an Example. The figure explaining the optical axis adjustment mechanism in an Example Exploded perspective view of the vibration isolation unit in the embodiment

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Example]
1, 2 and 3 show the configuration of binoculars as an observation apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the binoculars on the plane including the left and right optical axes. However, the right and left erecting optical systems are not shown in cross section. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the binoculars, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view.

  The binoculars have left and right (a pair) objective optical systems, left and right (a pair) erecting optical systems, and left and right (a pair) eyepiece optical systems. 1 and 2, OL is the optical axis of the left objective optical system, OR is the optical axis of the right objective optical system, EL is the optical axis of the left eyepiece optical system, and ER is the right eyepiece optical system. The optical axis. In the following description, the direction in which the optical axes of the objective optical system and the eyepiece optical system extend is referred to as the optical axis direction, and the direction corresponding to the left-right direction among the directions orthogonal to the optical axis is referred to as the optical axis orthogonal direction.

  1 to 3, L1L and L1R are objective lens units that constitute part of the left and right objective optical systems. L2L and L2R are anti-vibration lens units that constitute another part of the left and right objective optical systems, and the object image formed by the objective optical system is displaced by shifting vertically and horizontally with respect to the objective lens units L1L and L1R. Let

  L3L and L3R are Polo II type erecting prisms which are left and right erecting optical systems. L4L and L4R are eyepiece lens units constituting left and right eyepiece optical systems. The Polo II type erecting prisms L3L and L3R erect the object image formed as an inverted image by the left and right objective optical systems, respectively, and set the optical axes OL and OR of the left and right objective optical systems to the left and right eyepiece optical systems. Shift to the optical axis EL, ER side. In place of the Polo II type erecting prism, a roof prism, a parallelogram prism, a mirror or the like may be used in combination.

  Reference numerals 1L and 1R denote objective barrels that hold the lens units L1L and L1R. Reference numeral 2 denotes an image stabilization unit including left and right image stabilization lens units L2L and L2R. The objective lens barrels 1L and 1R are integrally positioned and fixed to the left and right front ends of the image stabilizing unit 2 by bayonet coupling.

  The optical axes of the lens units L1L and L1R coincide with the optical axes of the anti-vibration lens units L2L and L2R at the center position within the vertical and horizontal movable ranges of the anti-vibration lens units L2L and L2R. The lens units L1L and L1R and the anti-vibration lens units L2L and L2R constitute a left and right objective optical system. The lens units L1L and L1R and the anti-vibration lens units L2L and L2R correspond to left and right (a pair) first optical elements.

  Reference numerals 4L and 4R denote eyepiece tubes that hold the eyepiece lens units L4L and L4R, respectively. Reference numerals 3L and 3R denote support frames for holding the Polo II type erecting prisms L3L and L3R and the eyepiece tubes 4L and 4R, respectively. The eyepiece units L4L and L4R and the Polo II type erecting prisms L3L and L3R correspond to the left and right (a pair) second optical elements. Reference numerals 5L and 5R denote eyepiece rubbers fixed to the eyepiece tubes 4L and 4R, respectively, and abut on the periphery of the eyes on the face of the observer.

  Male helicoids are formed on the outer peripheries of the eyepiece tubes 4L and 4R, and female helicoids are formed on the inner peripheral walls of the support frames 3L and 3R. By rotating the eyepiece tubes 4L and 4R in a state where the male helicoid and the female helicoid are engaged, the eyepiece units L4L and L4R can be moved in the optical axis direction to adjust the diopter. The support frames 3L and 3R, the Polo II type erecting prisms L3L and L3R, the eyepiece tubes 4L and 4R, and the eyepiece lens units L4L and L4R constitute left and right eyepiece units 6L and 6R.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a base member (second member) that supports the eyepiece units 6L and 6R so as to be rotatable around the optical axes OL and OR of the left and right objective optical systems. The base member 7 is a fixing member that serves as a base of a focus mechanism that performs focusing according to a distance to an object to be observed (hereinafter referred to as an observation distance) by moving left and right objective optical systems, which will be described later, in the optical axis direction. is there.

  Openings 7L and 7R are formed in the eyepiece unit fixing portion 7E perpendicular to the optical axes OL and OR of the left and right objective optical systems in the base member 7, and the support frames 3L are formed in the openings 7L and 7R. The cylindrical portions 3La and 3Ra formed in the 3R are fitted. Since the optical axes EL and ER of the left and right eyepiece optical systems are shifted from the optical axes OL and OR of the left and right objective optical systems, respectively, the left and right eyepiece units 6L and 6R are moved to the optical axes of the left and right objective optical systems. By rotating around OL and OR, the width between the optical axes EL and ER of the left and right eyepiece optical systems changes. This enables so-called eye width adjustment that matches the left and right eye widths of the observer with the width between the optical axes EL and ER of the left and right eyepiece optical systems.

  Further, the positions of the polo II type erecting prisms L3L and L3R are adjusted by the eyepiece units 6L and 6R so that the object images observed through the left and right eyepiece lens units L4L and L4R do not shift during eye width adjustment. . In this position adjustment, the rotation axes of the eyepiece units 6L and 6R and the optical axes of the eyepiece lens units L4L and L4R are made to coincide with each other.

  Hereinafter, the focus mechanism will be described.

  Reference numeral 7F denotes a base plate portion that extends parallel to the optical axes OL and OR of the left and right objective optical systems in the base member 7. Reference numeral 9 denotes a focus support plate (first member) to which the left and right objective optical systems are fixed. The focus support plate 9 is disposed on the upper side of the base plate portion 7F and is movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the base plate portion 7F. 10a and 10b are first balls, and 10c is a second ball. Reference numeral 10c denotes a third ball. These balls 10a to 10c have the same diameter, and ball bearing steel balls or the like are used.

  Reference numerals 7a and 7b denote guide groove portions that are formed in the base plate portion 7F at positions separated from each other in the optical axis direction so as to extend in the optical axis direction and hold the balls 10a and 10b so as to roll in the optical axis direction. 7c is formed to extend in the optical axis direction at a position away from the guide groove portions 7a and 7b in the base plate portion 7F in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and away from each other in the optical axis direction. It is a holding groove part hold | maintained so that rolling is possible.

  Further, 9a and 9b are guide groove portions that are formed in the focus support plate 9 at positions separated from each other in the optical axis direction so as to extend in the optical axis direction and hold the balls 10a and 10b so as to roll in the optical axis direction. It is. 9c is formed so as to extend in the optical axis direction at a position away from the guide groove portions 9a and 9b in the focus support plate 9 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis and away from each other in the optical axis direction. It is a holding groove part hold | maintained so that rolling to a direction is possible.

  The guide groove portions 7a, 7b and the guide groove portions 9a, 9b are respectively formed on the base plate portion 7F and the focus support plate 9 so as to face each other, and the guide groove portions 7a, 9a and the guide groove portions 7b, 9b are separated from each other in the optical axis direction. Two guide portions are formed.

  The holding groove portion 7c and the holding groove portion 9c are also formed on the base plate portion 7F and the focus support plate 9 so as to face each other. The holding groove portion 7c constitutes a ball holding portion that is separated from the two guide portions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

  As the focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the base plate portion 7F, each ball rolls in the optical axis direction in each guide portion and ball holding portion. Thereby, the load (frictional force) generated when the focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the base plate portion 7F can be reduced. The shapes and functions of the guide part and the ball holding part will be described later.

  Reference numeral 26 denotes a differential shaft a, 27 denotes a differential shaft b, and the differential shaft a26 includes an outer diameter contact portion 26a and an inner diameter fitting portion 26b. The differential shaft b27 is provided with an outer diameter contact portion 27a and an outer diameter fitting portion 27b. A differential shaft b27 is inserted into the differential shaft a26, and an inner diameter fitting portion 26b and an outer diameter fitting portion 27b are fitted together. The differential shaft b27 is provided with an oil groove portion 27c, the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft b27 are fitted together, and a viscous resistor is enclosed inside.

  The base plate portion 7F is provided with a differential shaft rolling surface 7h and a differential shaft rolling surface 7i. The focus support plate 9 is provided with a differential shaft rolling surface 9h and a differential shaft rolling surface 9i. The outer diameter contact portion 26a of the differential shaft a26, the differential shaft rolling surface 7h, and the differential shaft rolling surface 9h are in contact, and the differential shaft a26 is held. The outer diameter contact portion 27a of the differential shaft b27, the differential shaft rolling surface 7i, and the differential shaft rolling surface 9i are in contact, and the differential shaft b27 is held. The diameter φa of the outer diameter contact portion 26 a of the differential shaft a 26 and the outer diameter φb of the outer diameter contact portion 27 a of the differential shaft b 27 are larger than the diameter of the ball 10.

  The torque generated when the focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the base plate portion 7F will be described later. Reference numeral 11 denotes a leaf spring as an elastic member, which is disposed on the opposite side (lower side) of the focus support plate 9 with respect to the base plate portion 7F. The leaf spring is formed in an H shape with the optical axis direction as the longitudinal direction, and is coupled to the focus support plate 9 by a screw at the front side (object side) of the center. Reference numeral 12 denotes four balls, a holding groove portion 7e formed so as to extend in the optical axis direction at four locations separated from each other in the optical axis direction and the optical axis orthogonal direction in the base plate portion 7F, and the leaf spring 11 in the optical axis direction. It is sandwiched between two parts that extend to each other.

  The urging force generated by the elastic deformation of the leaf spring 11 is transmitted to the focus support plate 9 through the screw. Thereby, the focus support plate 9 presses the balls 10a to 10c against the guide groove portions 7a and 7b and the holding groove portion 7c of the base plate portion 7F in the guide groove portions 9a and 9b and the holding groove portion 9c. That is, the leaf spring 11 includes the balls 10a to 10c, the outer diameter contact portion 26a of the differential shaft a26, and the outer diameter contact portion 27a of the differential shaft b27 between the focus support plate 9 and the base plate portion 7F. Generates an urging force for pinching.

  Further, the ball 12 rolls in the optical axis direction between the plate spring 11 and the holding groove portion 7e as the plate spring 11 moves in the optical axis direction. Thereby, the load (friction force) generated when the leaf spring 11 moves integrally with the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction with respect to the base plate portion 7F can be reduced. The leaf spring 11 and the four balls 12 constitute an urging means. The ends of the plate spring 11 in the optical axis direction and the optical axis orthogonal direction are bent toward the base plate portion 7F (upper side), whereby the four balls 12 are held between the plate spring 11 and the holding groove portion 7e. .

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, reference numeral 13 denotes a feed screw as an input member that can rotate at a fixed position, and 14 is coupled to the rear end of the feed screw 13 and rotates integrally with the feed screw 13. It is an operation dial. Reference numeral 15 denotes a bearing that rotatably supports the operation dial 14 at a fixed position, and is fixed to the extension portion 7D extending upward from the eyepiece unit fixing portion 7E by screws. The feed screw 13 and the operation dial 14 constitute a drive member. In addition, although it is a figure used by description of Example 4 mentioned later, in FIG. 19, the feed screw 13, the operation dial 14, and the bearing 15 are decomposed | disassembled and shown.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a rack in which rack teeth 16 a that mesh with (engage with) the feed screw 13 are formed. Reference numeral 17 denotes a screw press, which is a member for maintaining the meshing of the feed screw 13 with the rack teeth 16a. The rack 16 and the screw retainer 17 constitute a driven member.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a rack biasing spring as a coupling member. The rack biasing spring 18 is formed in the following shape. That is, the rack teeth 16a have elasticity in the vertical direction so that an appropriate elastic force (biasing force) is generated in the vertical direction including the upward direction (engagement direction) with which the feed screw 13 is engaged. Further, the optical axis direction that is the axial direction of the feed screw 13 has higher rigidity than the engaging direction (or the vertical direction).

  A rack 16 and a screw retainer 17 are attached to the upper end surface of the rack urging spring 18 by screws 19 and nuts 20. The rack urging spring 18, the rack 16, the screw retainer 17, the feed screw 13, and the operation dial 14 constitute a drive mechanism as drive means. The rack urging spring 18 is coupled to the upper surface of the focus support plate 9 by screws 21.

  In the drive mechanism configured as described above, the rack teeth 16a are inclined in the lead direction of the feed screw 13, and as shown in FIG. 6, the upward elastic force generated by the downward elastic deformation of the rack biasing spring 18 is generated. And is engaged with the lower end portion of the feed screw 13.

  When the operation dial 14 is rotated and the feed screw 13 is rotated (operated), the driving force in the optical axis direction generated by the meshing action of the feed screw 13 and the rack teeth 16a causes the rack 16, the rack biasing spring 18, and The focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction.

  The anti-vibration unit 2 includes boss portions 2a and 2b fastened to the focus support plate 9 by screws, positioning pins 2c for determining the position in the left-right direction, and positioning pins 2d and 2e for determining the position in the optical axis direction. It has been. The boss portions 2a and 2b and the positioning pin 2c pass through openings 7f and 7g formed in the base plate portion 7F of the base member 7, and are fixed to the focus support plate 9 with two screws 22. The positioning pins 2d and 2e are inserted into long groove portions 9e and 9f formed on the focus support plate 9 so as to extend in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. As a result, the left and right objective optical systems are integrally fixed to the focus support plate 9.

  Therefore, when the focus support plate 9 is moved in the optical axis direction by the drive mechanism, the object can be focused according to the observation distance.

  Note that the screw retainer 17 is disposed slightly above the upper end of the feed screw 13, thereby preventing the meshing between the feed screw 13 and the rack teeth 16a due to external force. Further, the displacement of the feed screw 13 in the left-right direction is absorbed by allowing the displacement of the meshing position with the rack teeth 16a. Further, the vertical displacement of the feed screw 13 is absorbed by the vertical elastic deformation of the rack biasing spring 18. Therefore, even if the relative positional accuracy between the feed screw 13 and the rack 16 is not high, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frictional force generated by sliding between the feed screw 13 and the rack teeth 16a.

  Next, the shape and operation of the guide portion and ball holding portion formed on the focus support plate 9 and the base plate portion 7F (base member 7) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of the guide portion and the ball holding portion that sandwich the balls 10a and 10c, respectively, as viewed in the optical axis direction. Is continuous. The guide portion and the ball holding portion that sandwich the ball 10b have the same shape.

  In FIG. 7, the left and right slopes of the guide groove portion 9 a formed on the focus support plate 9 abut on the left and right portions of the ball 10 a that are at a distance r <b> 1 above the center. In addition, the left and right slopes of the guide groove portion 7a formed in the base plate portion 7F are in contact with the left and right portions of the ball 10a located at the distance r1 from the center to the lower side. The angle (opening angle) formed by the left and right slopes in each guide groove is θ. If the angle θ is 60 degrees, r1 is equal to half the radius of each ball.

  The guide portions (guide groove portions 7a, 9a) having such a shape allow the ball 10a to roll in the optical axis direction, and in the left-right direction (optical axis orthogonal direction) with respect to the base plate portion 7F of the focus support plate 9. The ball 10a is engaged in the left-right direction so as to prevent the displacement.

  In addition, left and right slopes of the holding groove portion 7c formed in the base plate portion 7F are in contact with left and right portions of the ball 10c that are at a distance r1 from the center to the lower side. That is, the holding groove portion 7c is engaged with the ball 10c in the left-right direction. The angle formed by the left and right slopes in the holding groove portion 7c is the same as that of the guide groove portion 7a. However, a flat surface portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the holding groove portion 7c having a concave cross-sectional shape having a width larger than the diameter of the ball 10c contacts the upper end of the ball 10c. The distance r2 from the center of the ball 10c of the flat portion is equal to the radius of the ball 10.

  The ball holding portions (holding groove portions 7c and 9c) having such a shape hold the ball 10c so as to allow the ball 10c to roll in the optical axis direction. The focus support plate 9 and the base plate portion 7F are maintained parallel to each other with a predetermined interval in a state where each guide portion and each ball holding portion sandwich the ball by the urging force of the leaf spring 11.

  FIG. 8 shows a change in the relative position of the guide groove portions 7a and 9a for holding the ball 10a when the focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction (from the right side to the left side in the drawing) with respect to the base plate portion 7F. The same applies to changes in the relative positions of the guide groove portions 7b and 9b that sandwich the ball 10b. The long horizontal line in the figure indicates the contact line with the ball 10a among the inclined surfaces of the guide groove portions 7a and 9a, and the short vertical lines at both ends of the long horizontal line indicate both ends (stoppers) of the guide groove portions 7a and 9a. Is shown.

  As the focus support plate 9 moves to the left in the figure, the ball 10a in contact with the guide groove portions 7a, 9a moves to the left while rolling counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow. At this time, the ball 10a rolls in contact with the guide groove portions 7a and 9a at the same distance r1. For this reason, the amount of movement of the ball 10a in the optical axis direction relative to the guide groove portion 7a on the fixed side is the same as the amount of movement of the guide groove portion 9a in the optical axis direction relative to the ball 10a. That is, the ratio of the amount of movement of the ball 10a in the optical axis direction relative to the base plate portion 7F to the amount of movement of the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction is 1: 2.

  In other words, the length in the optical axis direction of the guide groove portions 7a and 9a that hold the ball 10a so as to roll may be half of the movable amount of the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, even when the movable amount of the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction is increased, the length of the guide groove portions 7a and 9a formed in the base plate portion 7F and the focus support plate 9 can be shortened.

  FIG. 9 shows a change in the relative positions of the holding groove portions 7c and 9c for holding the ball 10c when the focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction (from the right side to the left side in the drawing) with respect to the base plate portion 7F. A long horizontal line in the figure indicates a contact line with the ball 10c on the inclined surfaces of the holding groove portions 7c and 9c, and a short vertical line at both ends of the long horizontal line indicates both ends (stoppers) of the holding groove portions 7c and 9c. Is shown.

  As the focus support plate 9 moves to the left in the figure, the ball 10c in contact with the holding grooves 7c, 9c moves to the left while rolling counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow. At this time, the ball 10c rolls in contact with the holding groove 7c at a distance r1, but rolls in contact with the holding groove 7c at a distance r2. When the angle θ formed by the both inclined surfaces of the holding groove portion 7c is 60 degrees, r1 is equal to half the radius of the ball 10c, r2 is the radius of the ball 10c, and the ratio is 1: 2.

  For this reason, the ratio of the movement amount of the ball 10c in the optical axis direction with respect to the holding groove portion 7c on the fixed side to the movement amount of the guide groove portion 9c in the optical axis direction with respect to the ball 10c is also 1: 2. Thereby, the ratio of the amount of movement of the ball 10c in the optical axis direction relative to the base plate portion 7F to the amount of movement of the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction is 1: 3.

  In other words, the length of the holding groove portion 7c in the optical axis direction of the holding groove portions 7c and 9c that hold the ball 10a so as to roll is 1/3 of the movable amount of the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction. Good. Therefore, even when the movable amount of the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction is increased, the length of the holding groove portion 7c formed in the base plate portion 7F can be shortened.

  When the four balls are configured to be clamped by the guide portion and the ball holding portion as described above, the four balls are hardly held at the same time due to a dimensional error. Is in a state where three balls are sandwiched. However, since the balls 10a and 10b play a role of guiding the focus support plate 9 in the optical axis direction, they must always be held. The balls 10a and 10b and the ball 10c are securely held.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 show the state of the guide portion and the ball holding portion when the focus support plate 9 is located closest to the eyepiece unit and when located closest to the object side, as viewed from above (the focus support plate 9 side). Show. Members not related to the description here are not shown.

  When the focus support plate 9 is positioned closest to the eyepiece unit and when positioned closest to the object, the balls 10a and 10b move (roll) in the optical axis direction, and the optical axes of the guide grooves 7a and 9a The positional relationship in the direction and the same positional relationship of the guide groove portions 7b and 9b are reversed. Since the balls 10a and 10b roll with the movement of the focus support plate 9, the length of the guide grooves 7a, 9a, 7b and 9b in the optical axis direction is made shorter than the movement amount of the focus support plate 9. Can do.

  As described above, the diameter φa of the outer diameter contact portion 26 a of the differential shaft a 26 and the outer diameter φb of the outer diameter contact portion 27 a of the differential shaft b 27 are larger than the diameter of the ball 10. Therefore, the movement amount of the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft b27 is smaller than the movement amount of the ball 10.

  As is apparent from the above description, the configuration in which the focus support plate 9 in this embodiment is guided in the optical axis direction via the balls 10a to 10c is a smaller space and a larger amount of focus support than the conventional configuration. The movement of the plate 9 can be realized. In addition, the balls 10a and 10b, the eyepiece unit side guide portions (guide groove portions 7a and 9a) sandwiching them, and the object side guide portions (guide groove portions 7b and 9b) are in contact (engaged) without play. .

  For this reason, even if the distance between the two guide portions in the optical axis direction is shortened, good positioning accuracy with respect to the base member 7 of the focus support plate 9 can be secured, and the focus support plate 9 can be lighted with a small load. It can be moved in the axial direction.

  Since the friction load is small with the above-described configuration, the focus support plate 9 can be moved in the optical axis direction with a small load. However, since the mass of the optical units (objective lens units L1L and L1R, anti-vibration lens units L2L and L2R) held on the focus support plate 9 is heavy, the optical axes OL and OR are directed upward and downward. In some cases, the force to hold the weight does not work.

  Therefore, when a force to turn the feed screw 13 is generated and L1L and L1R are directed downward, the optical unit (objective lens units 1L and 1R, anti-vibration lens units 2L and 2R) is connected to the objective lens unit L1L and L1R and the eyepiece. The units L4L and L4R move away from each other. On the contrary, when L1L and L1R face upward, the optical unit (objective lens units 1L and 1R, anti-vibration lens units 2L and 2R) approaches the objective lens units L1L and L1R and the eyepiece units L4L and L4R. Move in the direction.

  Next, a mechanism for preventing falling of its own weight will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft b27 on the rotating shaft.

  When the focus support plate 9 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the base member 7, torque is generated by the structure described below, and the falling of its own weight is suppressed. The outer diameter contact portion 26a of the differential shaft a26, the differential shaft rolling surface 7h, and the differential shaft rolling surface 9h are in contact, and the differential shaft a26 is held. The outer diameter contact portion 27a of the differential shaft b27, the differential shaft rolling surface 7i, and the differential shaft rolling surface 9i are in contact, and the differential shaft b27 is held.

  The feed screw 13 rotates, the rack 16 is pushed out, and the focus support plate 9 moves relative to the base member 7. At this time, the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft b27 are in contact with the differential shaft rolling surface 7h, the differential shaft rolling surface 9h, the differential shaft rolling surface 7i, and the differential shaft rolling surface 9i. Rotate. The outer diameter contact portion 26a of the differential shaft a26 and the outer diameter contact portion 27a of the differential shaft b27 are configured with different diameters. The contact diameter of the differential shaft a26 is φa, the contact diameter of the differential shaft b27 is φb, and the relationship is φa <φb.

If the amount of movement of the focus support plate 9 relative to the base member 7 in the optical axis direction is L,
The rotation angle of the differential axis a26 is θa = 360 ° × (L / φa × π)
The rotation angle of the differential shaft b27 is θb = 360 ° × (L / φb × π).
Since the relationship is φa <φb, the rotation angle of the differential shaft a increases.

  A differential shaft b27 is inserted into the differential shaft a26, and the inner diameter fitting portion a27 and the outer diameter fitting portion b27 are fitted together. The difference in rotational angle described above is the relative difference in the fitted portion φc. It becomes. Since the viscous resistor is enclosed in the oil groove 27c, if there is a difference in the rotation angle between the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft b27, the shear force of the viscous resistor becomes a load, and the focus support plate 9 It appears as a torque of movement in the optical axis direction with respect to the base member 7.

  The viscous resistor is a semi-fluid such as grease or gel. By changing the shearing force of the viscous resistor, it is possible to change the torque of movement of the focus support plate 9 relative to the base member 7 in the optical axis direction. It is. The differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft b27 are in contact with the differential shaft rolling surface 7h, the differential shaft rolling surface 9h, the differential shaft rolling surface 7i, and the differential shaft rolling surface 9i. The shearing force of the viscous resistor is represented by slip torque, the slip torque of the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft rolling surface 7h, the slip torque of the differential shaft rolling surface 9i, and the differential shaft b27 and differential shaft rolling. The slip torque of the moving surface 7h and the slip torque of the differential shaft rolling surface 9h have the following relationship.

The slip torque of the viscous resistor is q1
The slip torque of the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft rolling surface 7h is q2.
The slip torque between the differential shaft a26 and the differential shaft rolling surface 9i is q3.
The slip torque of the differential shaft b27 and the differential shaft rolling surface 7h is q4.
The slip torque of the differential shaft b27 and the differential shaft rolling surface 9h is q5.
When
q1 <q2≈q3≈q4≈q5
It is desirable to apply a lubricating oil having an appropriate viscosity between the guide part and the ball holding part and the ball.

  This is because when the lubricating oil having an appropriate viscosity is subjected to an external force (impact) on the binoculars, the positional relationship between the guide portion and the ball holding portion and the ball deviates from the predetermined relationship shown in FIGS. This is because it can be prevented to some extent. Further, even if the positional relationship is deviated, the sliding frictional force when the guide portion, the ball holding portion, and the ball slide can be reduced, and these can be easily returned to the predetermined positional relationship. . The above is the configuration of the focus mechanism.

  Next, the optical axis adjustment mechanism will be described. FIG. 12 shows a cross section along the plane A shown in FIG. The surface A is a surface that is orthogonal to the optical axes OL and OR of the left and right objective optical systems and penetrates the positioning pins 2d and 2e of the image stabilization unit 2. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the optical axis OL of the left objective optical system (shown on the right side in the figure) is positioned below the optical axis OR of the right objective optical system (shown on the left side in the figure). .

  Reference numeral 23 denotes an optical axis adjusting member fixed to the image stabilizing unit 2 with screws, and two optical axis adjusting members are arranged on the left and right. Each of the optical axis adjusting members 23 is formed with a female screw portion 23a as shown in FIG. An optical axis adjusting screw 24 is screwed into the left and right female screw portions 23a through a hole 24a formed in the focus support plate 9 (however, in the drawing, the male screw portion 23a on the left objective optical system side is shown. Only the optical axis adjusting screw 24 screwed into the is shown.

  In the state of FIG. 12, when the optical axis adjustment screw 24 on the left objective optical system side is screwed, the left objective optical system side portion of the optical axis adjustment member 23 approaches the focus support plate 9 (upper side). ). As a result, the image stabilization unit 2 is displaced so that the optical axis OL moves to the upper right and the optical axis OR moves to the lower right, with the portion fixed to the focus support plate 9 by the two screws 22 as the center. As a result, the optical axes OL and OR are adjusted so that the vertical positions of the object images observed by the left and right eyepiece units 6L and 6R coincide with each other. The position of the object image observed in each of the left and right eyepiece units 6L and 6R moves by the same amount.

  In the optical axis adjustment from the state in which the optical axis OL of the left objective optical system is positioned above the optical axis OR of the right objective optical system, the optical axis adjustment screw 24 on the right objective optical system side is screwed. That's fine. After the optical axis adjustment, it is better to fix the optical axis adjustment screw 24 to the focus support plate 9 or the optical axis adjustment member 23 with an adhesive in order to prevent the optical axis adjustment screw 24 from loosening due to vibration or impact.

  Reference numeral 25 shown in FIG. 1 denotes an objective-side exterior member that surrounds the left and right objective optical systems, the optical axis adjustment mechanism, the focus mechanism, and the like. The objective-side exterior member 25 is not shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 12.

  1 and 13 show the configuration of the image stabilization unit 2. Reference numeral 30 shown in FIG. 13 denotes a base member of the vibration isolation unit 2. Reference numeral 31 shown in FIGS. 1 and 13 denotes a movable member that holds the vibration-proof lens units L2L and L2R. By moving the movable member 31 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction without rotating with respect to the base member 30, the object image formed by the left and right objective optical systems is also shifted in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

  Reference numeral 32 denotes a guide member supported so as to be movable only in the left-right direction with respect to the base member 30. 33 and 34 are guide bars for guiding the movement of the guide member 32 in the left-right direction. Both end portions of the guide bar 33 are fixed by being press-fitted or bonded to the groove portions 30 a and 30 b of the base member 30. Both end portions of the guide bar 34 are fixed by being press-fitted or adhered to the groove portions 30 c and 30 d of the base member 30.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a drive coil, which is fixed to the center of the guide member 32 in the left-right direction by bonding. A drive magnet 36 is magnetized so that an N pole and an S pole are arranged in the left-right direction as shown. A yoke 37 is attracted to the back surface of the drive magnet 36 as shown in FIG. The yoke 37 closes the magnetic circuit on the back side of the drive magnet 36.

  The base member 30 is provided with four boss portions 30e, and the four boss portions 30e pass through four elongated holes 32f formed in the guide member 32 and extending in the left-right direction. Reference numeral 38 denotes a yoke, which is fixed to the end of the boss 30e passing through the four long holes 32f by screws. The yoke 38 closes the magnetic circuit on the eyepiece unit side with respect to the drive magnet 36. A slight gap is formed between the yoke 38 and the drive magnet 36. As described above, the drive coil 35 is disposed between the drive magnet 36 and the yoke 38.

  When the drive coil 35 is energized, Lorentz force is generated to shift the guide member 32 in the left-right direction. A Hall element 39 that is a magnetic sensor is attached to a position corresponding to the center of the drive coil 35 in the guide member 32. The hall element 39 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic flux density. As the guide member 32 shifts in the left-right direction and the hall element 39 moves in the left-right direction with respect to the drive magnet 36, the magnetic flux density detected by the hall element 39 changes, and an electric signal output from the hall element 39. Also changes. By using this electrical signal, the position of the guide member 32 in the left-right direction can be detected.

  Reference numerals 40 and 41 denote guide bars, which support the movable member 31 so as to be movable only in the vertical direction with respect to the guide member 32. Both end portions of the guide bar 40 are fixed to the groove portions 32a and 32b formed in the guide member 32 by press-fitting or bonding. Both ends of the guide bar 41 are fixed to grooves 32c and 32c formed in the guide member 32 by press-fitting or bonding.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a drive coil, which is fixed to the movable member 31 by adhesion. Reference numeral 43 denotes a drive magnet, which is the same as the drive magnet 36 and is held by the support member 45 such that the N pole and the S pole are arranged in the vertical direction with a 90-degree difference.

  A yoke 44 is attracted to the back side of the drive magnet 43. By using the yoke 38 as a yoke on the drive coil 42 side of the drive magnet 43, the magnetic circuit of the drive magnet 43 can be closed.

  The support member 45 is positioned with respect to the base member 30 and then fixed with screws. When the drive coil 42 is energized, Lorentz force is generated and the movable member 31 can be shifted in the vertical direction. Although not shown, a Hall element 46 that is a magnetic sensor is attached to a position corresponding to the center of the drive coil 42 in the movable member 31. When the movable member 31 shifts in the vertical direction and the Hall element 46 moves in the vertical direction with respect to the drive magnet 43, the magnetic flux density detected by the Hall element 46 changes, and the electrical signal output from the Hall element 46 Also changes. By using this electrical signal, the position of the movable member 31 in the vertical direction can be detected.

  Although not shown, an electric circuit board is integrally fixed to the vibration isolation unit 2. An angular velocity sensor (a shake sensor) that detects angular velocities in the pitch direction (vertical direction) and yaw direction (horizontal direction) of the binoculars is attached to the substrate. Examples of the angular velocity sensor include a vibration gyro.

  Also mounted on the electric circuit board are electronic components such as a microcomputer for processing the output from the Hall elements 39 and 46 and controlling the energization to the drive coils 35 and 42. Further, the substrate includes a power supply unit that is a power supply source of the image stabilization unit 2, an operation switch for the user to switch on / off the image stabilization function, an LED that indicates an operation state of the image stabilization unit 2, and the like. A display element is also mounted.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

  The present invention relates to an observation apparatus such as binoculars, and more particularly to an observation apparatus having a mechanism for moving a part of an observation optical system in an optical axis direction.

OL, OR Optical axis of objective optical system, EL, ER Optical axis of eyepiece optical system,
L1L, L1R objective lens unit, L2L, L2R anti-vibration lens unit,
L3L, L3R Polo II type erecting prism, L4L, L4R eyepiece unit,
1L, 1R objective tube, 2 anti-vibration unit, 3L, 3R support frame,
4L, 4R eyepiece tube, 6L, 6R eyepiece unit, 7 base member,
9 Focus support plate, 10a-10c ball, 11 leaf spring, 12 ball,
13 feed screw, 14 operation dial, 15 bearing, 16 rack,
18, 118, 218 Biasing spring, 26 Differential shaft a, 27 Differential shaft b, 116 Nut,
218 Follower, 213 Slide knob

Claims (3)

A first member for supporting a first optical element constituting a part of the observation optical system;
Supporting a second optical element constituting another part of the observation optical system,
The first member is supported by the second member through a plurality of rolling members so as to be movable, and the first optical element and the plurality of rolling members are movable in the optical axis direction. Biasing means for generating a biasing force for sandwiching between the first member and the second member;
At least a part of the rolling member is a first rolling cylinder formed on one shaft and a second rolling cylinder that is in communication with the first rolling cylinder.
The first and second rolling cylinders have different outer diameters, and the first and second rolling cylinders are sandwiched between the first member and the second member. An observation apparatus characterized by. The slip torque between the first member and the first rolling cylinder is greater than the differential torque between the first rolling cylinder and the second rolling cylinder,
The slip torque between the first member and the second rolling cylinder is greater than the differential torque between the first rolling cylinder and the second rolling cylinder,
The slip torque between the second member and the first rolling cylinder is greater than the differential torque between the first rolling cylinder and the second rolling cylinder,
The slip torque between the second member and the second rolling cylinder is greater than the differential torque between the first rolling cylinder and the second rolling cylinder,
The first member, the first rolling cylinder, the first member, the second rolling cylinder, the second member, the first rolling cylinder, the second member, and the first The observation device according to claim 1, wherein slip torques of the second rolling cylinder are the same. The observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a viscous resistor is enclosed in a fitting portion between the first rolling cylinder and the second rolling cylinder.