JP4029131B2 - Binoculars with distance meter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to binoculars, and more particularly, to a binocular with a distance meter having a function of measuring a distance to a target object.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As conventional binoculars with a distance meter, those described in Utility Model Registration No. 3074643 are known. The binoculars with a distance meter described in this publication has an erecting telephoto optical system for both left and right eyes in a housing, and a laser distance measuring means including a laser light transmitting part and a laser light receiving part, The laser beam transmitted from the laser beam transmitter is received by the laser beam receiver, and the distance from the observation point to the target object is calculated from the round trip time of the laser beam from the laser beam transmitter to the laser beam receiver. .
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional binoculars with a distance meter, it is necessary to separately arrange a beam splitter in the erecting telephoto optical system in order to emit laser light for distance measurement to the outside of the binoculars. For this reason, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated and the weight is increased, and the arrangement of other parts is restricted in order to balance left and right. Further, since the beam splitter is disposed in the optical path of the erect telephoto optical system, there is a problem that astigmatism occurs in the central portion of the observation image.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a binocular with a distance meter that is not only simple and lightweight, but also capable of obtaining a better observation image as compared with the prior art. The purpose is to do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A binocular with a distance meter according to the present invention includes a first erecting telephoto optical system and a second objective lens, each of which includes a first objective lens, a first erecting prism, a first eyepiece, and a second erecting lens. A binocular main body in which a second erect telephoto optical system including a prism and a second eyepiece is arranged in parallel in the housing, a light emitting means provided in the housing and emitting distance measuring light, and provided in the housing And the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting means and sent out of the binocular main body through the first objective lens is reflected by the target object, and then the second objective lens is Calculating means for calculating the distance between the binocular main body and the target object based on the time until the light is received by the light receiving means and the distance value calculated by the calculating means Comprising display means for displaying In rangefinder binoculars to be, The first erecting prism and the second erecting prism are composed of a plurality of optically equivalent reflecting surfaces and are arranged symmetrically. Ranging light emitted from the light emitting means is emitted from the first erecting prism. One reflective surface Is incident on the first erecting prism through the wavelength-selective semi-permeable membrane provided on the first erecting prism, then exits from the first erecting prism and reaches the outside of the binocular main body from the first objective lens. The distance measuring light that has entered the second erecting prism from the second objective lens after being reflected by the second objective lens is reflected in the second erecting prism. Equivalent to the one reflecting surface of the first upright prism Provided on the reflective surface Same After exiting the second erecting prism through the wavelength-selective semi-permeable membrane and reaching the light receiving means Composed .
[0006]
In the binoculars with a distance meter according to the present invention, the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting means, A first having a plurality of reflective surfaces; Erecting prism One reflective surface From a semi-permeable membrane with wavelength selectivity First Includes upright prism First Incident into the erect telephoto system, First Use the erecting telephoto optical system to emit light outside the binocular body, and after reflecting off the target object, Second Ranging light that enters the binoculars body using the erecting telephoto optical system Second Erect telephoto optical system A second erecting prism composed of a plurality of reflecting surfaces that are optically equivalent to the first erecting prism provided on the first erecting prism, equivalent to the one reflecting surface. Provided on the reflective surface Same By separating from visible light (observation light) through a wavelength-selective semipermeable membrane, the light receiving means can receive light. For this reason, a beam splitter for sending the distance measuring light out of the binocular main body as in the past or for separating the distance measuring light entering the binoculars from the visible light (observation light) is in the optical path of the erecting telephoto optical system. Therefore, it is possible to realize a simple and lightweight configuration. In addition, the compact configuration makes it look good and is convenient to carry. Furthermore, since the beam splitter is not provided in the optical path of the erecting telephoto optical system as in the prior art, astigmatism does not occur in the central portion of the observed image, and a better observed image than in the past is obtained. Obtainable.
[0007]
In the binoculars with a distance meter according to the present invention, the erecting prism is preferably a roof prism. The erecting prism may be a polo-shaped prism, but by using it as a roof prism, binoculars with a smarter and more attractive appearance can be obtained. Further, distance measurement performed on the reflecting surface of the erecting prism by using infrared light as the distance measurement light and also having the property of reflecting the visible light but transmitting the infrared light through the semipermeable membrane. Incident light into the erect telephoto optical system or separation of the ranging light from the observation light can be easily performed.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a binocular with a distance meter according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a main part of the configuration of the binoculars with a distance meter according to the first embodiment, and the left side of the figure corresponds to the target object side (hereinafter referred to as the front for convenience of explanation). The right side of the figure corresponds to the observer side (hereinafter referred to as the rear for convenience of explanation). The upper part of the figure corresponds to the right side for the observer, and the lower part of the figure corresponds to the left side for the observer. The binoculars 10 with a distance meter according to the first embodiment includes a right-side erecting telephoto optical system 20 (first erecting telephoto optical system in claims) comprising an objective lens 22, an erecting prism 24, and an eyepiece 28. And the left erect telephoto optical system 30 (corresponding to the second erect telephoto optical system in the claims) formed of the objective lens 32, the erecting prism 34, and the eyepiece 38 in the housing 14. The binoculars main body 12 arranged side by side is used as a base.
[0009]
The right objective lens 22 and the left objective lens 32 are both positive and negative lens cemented lenses, and the right eyepiece lens 28 and the left eyepiece lens 38 are both negative and positive lens cemented lenses and positive lenses. It is a combination lens consisting of lenses. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 2 in which only the right and left erecting prisms 24 and 34 are taken out from the binoculars 10 with a distance meter, the right erecting prism 24 has a first surface 25a which is an inclined surface and a right and left side. The right horizontal prism 25 composed of a right-angle prism installed so as to extend in the direction and the right-side vertical prism 26 composed of a right-angle prism installed so that the first surface 26a that is a slope extends vertically and vertically are combined. The left erecting prism 34 is a left-side horizontal prism 35 that is a right-angle prism that is installed so that a first surface 35a that is a slope extends vertically and in the left-right direction, and a first slope that is a slope. A left-side vertical prism 36 composed of a right-angle prism, which is installed so that the surface 36a extends vertically and vertically, is combined. It is in the form prism.
[0010]
Here, a third surface 25c which is one right-angle surface of the right horizontal prism 25 constituting the right-side erecting prism 24 and a first right-angle surface which is one left-side horizontal prism 35 constituting the left-side erecting prism 34. The three surfaces 35c are coated with a semipermeable membrane that reflects visible light but transmits infrared light, that is, has wavelength selectivity. In FIG. 2, the right horizontal prism 25 and the right vertical prism 26 are drawn separately, and the left horizontal prism 35 and the left vertical prism 36 are also drawn separately. The right horizontal prism 25 and the right vertical prism 26 are actually close to each other on the first surfaces 25a and 26a, and the left horizontal prism 35 is on the left side. The vertical prism 36 also brings the first surfaces 35a and 36a closer to each other.
[0011]
If both eyes are placed on the eyepieces 15 and 16 of the binocular 10 with a distance meter and the target object located outside the binocular main body 12 is seen through the right and left erect telephoto optical systems 20 and 30, reflected light from the target object That is, the observation light enters the both erect telephoto optical systems 20 and 30 from the right and left objective lenses 22 and 32. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the observation light incident from the right objective lens 22 reaches the first surface 25 a of the right horizontal prism 25, passes through this to the rear (eyepiece lens 28 side), and passes through the first horizontal prism 25. After being totally reflected to the left on the second surface 25b, which is one right-angled surface, it is totally reflected on the objective lens 22 side on the third surface 25c, which is the other right-angled surface. In addition, it is coated with a semi-permeable film that reflects visible light but transmits infrared light), and goes out of the right horizontal prism 25 from the first surface 25a on which the light is incident. Further, the observation light emitted from the right horizontal prism 25 in this way reaches the first surface 26a of the right vertical prism 26 and is transmitted to the objective lens 22 side, and is one of the right-angle surfaces of the right vertical prism 26. After being totally reflected downward on the second surface 26b, it is totally reflected backward on the third surface 26c, which is the other right-angled surface, and goes out of the right vertical prism 26 from the first surface 26a.
[0012]
On the other hand, the observation light incident from the left objective lens 32 reaches the first surface 35a of the left horizontal prism 35 and is transmitted rearward (to the eyepiece 38 side), and is a second right-angle surface of the left horizontal prism 35. After being totally reflected to the right on the surface 35b, it is totally reflected on the objective lens 32 side on the third surface 35c which is the other right-angle surface (although the visible light is reflected on the third surface 35c as described above). Infrared light is coated with a semi-transmissive film having a property of transmitting light), and goes out of the left horizontal prism 35 from the first surface 35a on which the light is incident. Further, the observation light emitted from the left horizontal prism 35 in this way reaches the first surface 36a of the left vertical prism 36 and is transmitted to the objective lens 32 side, and is one right-angle surface of the left vertical prism 36. After being totally reflected downward on the second surface 36b, it is totally reflected backward on the third surface 36c, which is the other right-angled surface, and goes out of the left vertical prism 36 from the first surface 36a.
[0013]
Here, since the right objective lens 22 and the left objective lens 32 are both positive lenses, the image of the target object formed by these objective lenses 22 and 32 is essentially an inverted real image. The images that entered the horizontal prisms 25 and 35 come out of the prisms 25 and 35 with the left and right sides turned over, and the images that entered the right and left vertical prisms 26 and 36 are upside down. Since it goes out from the prisms 26 and 36 in the returned state, the image of the target object viewed through the erecting prisms 24 and 34 becomes an erecting real image as a result. The right eyepiece lens 28 and the left eyepiece lens 38 are both positive lenses. However, the erecting real images formed through the erecting prisms 24 and 34 are arranged to be the focal points of the both eyepiece lenses 28 and 38, respectively. Therefore, when the target object is viewed through the both eyepiece lenses 28 and 38, the observer sees an upright enlarged virtual image of the target object as an observation image.
[0014]
Further, in the housing 14 of the binoculars 10 with the distance meter, a light emitting element 42, a light receiving element 44 for receiving distance measuring light emitted by the light emitting element 42, and distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 42 on the right side. A distance measuring light transmitting optical system 50 that is sent out of the binocular main body 12 from the objective lens 22, and is sent out of the binocular main body 12 and reflected by the target object, and then enters the binocular main body 12 through the left objective lens 32. A distance measuring light receiving optical system 60 for receiving the distance measuring light by the light receiving element 44 is provided. Here, the light emitting element 42 is a semiconductor laser that emits infrared light as distance measuring light, and the light receiving element 44 is a photosensor that receives infrared light as distance measuring light. Further, the distance measuring light transmitting optical system 50 receives the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 42 and the third surface 25c and the second surface 25b of the right horizontal prism 25 constituting the right erecting prism 24. The ranging light receiving optical system 60 includes a first reflecting mirror 52 that reflects the second surface 25 b of the horizontal prism 25, and the ranging light receiving optical system 60 includes a second surface 35 b of the left horizontal prism 35 that constitutes the left erecting prism 34, and Ranging light reflected from the third surface 35c and a target object located outside the binocular main body 12 and incident on the binocular main body 12 from the left objective lens 32 and reflected by the second surface 35b of the left horizontal prism 35 is reflected. The second reflecting mirror 62 reflects the light receiving element 44. In this way, the light emitting element 42 and the light receiving element 44 are disposed close to each other between the right erect telephoto optical system 20 and the left erect telephoto optical system 30, thereby simplifying wiring. There is also an advantage that the light emitting element 42 and the light receiving element 44 can be arranged on the same electric substrate.
[0015]
In the housing 14 of the binoculars 10 with the distance meter, an arithmetic device (microcomputer) 72 connected to the light emitting element 42 and the light receiving element 44 and a distance display device 74 connected to the arithmetic device 72 are provided. The arithmetic unit 72 reflects the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 42 and sent out of the binocular main body 12 through the distance measuring light transmitting optical system 50 on the target object, and then uses the distance measuring light receiving optical system 60. The distance between the binocular main body 12 and the target object is calculated based on the time until the light receiving element 44 receives the light. The distance display device 74 is provided in front of the right eyepiece 28, and the distance value calculated by the calculation device 72 (the distance between the binocular main body 12 and the target object) is displayed in the liquid crystal in the field of view. Digital display on the screen.
[0016]
In front of the left eyepiece lens 38, a glass plate 82 is provided for correcting the deviation of the left and right optical path lengths caused by the distance display device 74 being provided in front of the right eyepiece lens 28. In addition, reflection at the position between the right eyepiece 28 and the distance display device 74 and the position between the left eyepiece 38 and the glass plate 82 on the inner surface of the housing 14 or a target object having high reflectivity. Protection filters 85 and 86 are provided to protect the observer's eyes from the harmful light.
[0017]
In order to measure the distance to the target object using the binoculars 10 with the distance meter, the observer first looks into the eyepieces 28 and 38 with both eyes, and collimates appearing in the field of view (for example, “+” mark). ) Overlaps the target object to be measured. A measurement start button 70 is provided on the housing 14, and when the observer presses it, a measurement start signal is output to the arithmetic unit 72. When the arithmetic unit 72 recognizes the input of the measurement start signal, it outputs a command signal to the light emitting element 42, whereby the light emitting element 42 emits distance measuring light (infrared light). The distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 42 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 52 and reaches the third surface 25c of the right horizontal prism 25. The third surface 25c of the right horizontal prism 25 has the above-described semipermeable membrane. Therefore, the distance measuring light passes through the third surface 25c and enters the right horizontal prism 25. Then, after total reflection on the second surface 25 b of the right horizontal prism 25, the light passes through the first surface 25 a of the right horizontal prism 25 and the right objective lens 22 and reaches the outside of the binocular main body 12.
[0018]
The distance measuring light emitted outside the binocular main body 12 is reflected by the target object and enters the binocular main body 12 from the left objective lens 32. The distance measuring light entering the binocular main body 12 is transmitted through the first surface 35a of the left horizontal prism 35, then totally reflected by the second surface 35b of the prism 35, and reaches the third surface 35c of the prism 35. Since the third surface 35c of the left horizontal prism 35 is coated with the above-described semipermeable membrane, the distance measuring light passes through the third surface 35c and is emitted to the outside of the left horizontal prism 25. Then, the light is reflected by the second reflecting mirror 62 and reaches the light receiving element 44.
[0019]
The computing device 72 is the time from when the light-emitting element 42 emits light and the distance measuring light emitted from the binocular main body 12 is reflected by the target object and then returns to the binocular main body 12 and is received by the light-receiving element 44. That is, the distance between the binocular main body 12 and the target object is calculated based on the round trip time of the ranging light. The distance data obtained in the computing device 72 is sent to the distance display device 74, and the distance display device 74 displays the distance value on the liquid crystal screen in the field of view. For this reason, the observer can know the distance to the target object while observing the scenery near the target object through the binoculars 10 with the distance meter.
[0020]
As described above, in the binoculars 10 with the distance meter, the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 42 is provided on one of the reflecting surfaces of the erecting prism 24 (the third surface 25c of the right horizontal prism 25). The light enters the erecting telephoto optical system (the erecting telephoto optical system 20 on the right side) including the erecting prism 24 from the semi-transmissive film having selectivity, and the outside of the binocular main body 12 using the erecting telephoto optical system 20. The distance measuring light incident on the binocular main body 12 using the other erect telephoto optical system (left erect telephoto optical system 30) after being reflected by the target object Separating from visible light (observation light) through a wavelength-selective semi-transmissive film provided on one of the reflecting surfaces of the erecting prism 34 (third surface 35c of the left horizontal prism 35) constituting the telephoto optical system. As a result, the light receiving element 44 receives light. Is it possible to Rukoto. For this reason, a beam splitter for sending the distance measuring light out of the binocular main body as in the past or for separating the distance measuring light entering the binoculars from the visible light (observation light) is in the optical path of the erecting telephoto optical system. Therefore, it is possible to realize a simple and lightweight configuration. In addition, the compact configuration makes it look good and is convenient to carry. Furthermore, since the beam splitter is not provided in the optical path of the erecting telephoto optical system as in the prior art, astigmatism does not occur in the central portion of the observed image, and a better observed image than in the past is obtained. Obtainable.
[0021]
Next, a binocular with a distance meter according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 shows the main part of the configuration of the binoculars with a distance meter according to the second embodiment. As in the case of the first embodiment, the left side of the figure is the target object side (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation). The right side of the figure corresponds to the observer side (hereinafter referred to as the rear for convenience of explanation). The upper part of the figure corresponds to the right side for the observer, and the lower part of the figure corresponds to the left side for the observer. A binocular 110 with a distance meter according to the second embodiment includes a right erect telephoto optical system 120 including an objective lens 122, an erecting prism 124, and an eyepiece lens 128, an objective lens 132, an erecting prism 134, and an eyepiece lens 138. The binocular main body 112 in which the left erect telephoto optical system 130 is formed in parallel in the housing 114 is used as a base. Here, the right and left objective lenses 122 and 132 have the same configuration as the right and left objective lenses 22 and 32 in the first embodiment, and the right and left eyepieces 128 and 138 are respectively the first embodiment. It has the same configuration as the right and left eyepieces 28 and 38 in the embodiment.
[0022]
FIG. 4 shows right and left erect prisms 124 and 134 in binoculars 110 with a distance meter according to the second embodiment (however, in this figure, roof prisms 125 and 135, which will be described later, are shown in the upper part of the figure. Is drawn to be). As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 3, the right erecting prism 124 has a right roof prism 125 with the roof edge 125f being horizontal (in the vertical plane in FIG. 4), and the right roof prism 125. The right plate prism 126 is installed with a small air gap (this air gap is drawn extremely large in FIG. 4), and the right auxiliary prism 127 is bonded to one surface of the right plate prism 126. The left-side erecting prism 134 is a left-side roof prism 135 placed so that the roof edge is horizontal (in the vertical plane in FIG. 4), and the left-side roof prism 135 has a very small air gap. It is composed of an installed left flat prism 136 and a left auxiliary prism 137 bonded to one surface of the left flat prism 136. A roof-shaped prisms. Here, the third surface 126c which is one reflecting surface of the right plate prism 126 constituting the right erecting prism 124 and the first reflecting surface which is one reflecting surface of the left plate prism 136 constituting the left erecting prism 134. The three surfaces 136c are coated with a semi-transmissive film that reflects visible light but transmits infrared light (having wavelength selectivity).
[0023]
When both eyes are placed on the eyepieces 115 and 116 of the binoculars 110 with the distance meter and the target object is viewed through the right and left erect telephoto optical systems 120 and 130, reflected light from the target object, that is, observation light is on the right side. In addition, the light enters the both erect telephoto optical systems 120 and 130 from the left objective lenses 122 and 132. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the observation light incident from the right objective lens 122 is incident from the first surface 126a of the right plate prism 126, totally reflected leftward on the second surface 126b, and then the third surface. The light is totally reflected rearward at 126c (the third surface 126c is coated with the above-described semipermeable membrane), and goes out of the right plate prism 126 from the second surface 126b. The observation light exiting the right flat prism 126 passes through a thin air layer between the right flat prism 126 and the right roof prism 125, and then enters from the first surface 125a of the right roof prism 125, and then enters the second surface 125b. And then totally reflected on the third surface 125c and the fourth surface 125d, which are roof surfaces, and reach the first surface 125a. The first surface 125a is totally reflected backward, and then comes out of the right roof prism 125 from the second surface 125b.
[0024]
On the other hand, the observation light incident from the left objective lens 32 is incident from the first surface 136a of the left plate prism 136, totally reflected rightward on the second surface 136b, and then totally reflected left rearward on the third surface 136c. (This third surface 136c is coated with the above-described semipermeable membrane), and goes out of the left side plate prism 136 from the second surface 136b. The observation light exiting from the left plate prism 136 passes through a thin air layer between the left plate prism 136 and the left roof prism 135, and then enters the first surface 135a of the left roof prism 135, and then enters the second surface 135b. And then totally reflected at the third surface 135c and the fourth surface 135d, which are roof surfaces, and reach the first surface 135a. The first surface 135a is totally reflected backward, and then comes out of the left roof prism 135 from the second surface 135b.
[0025]
Here, since both the right objective lens 122 and the left objective lens 132 are positive lenses, the images formed by these objective lenses 122 and 132 are essentially inverted real images. The image of the target object viewed through the prisms 124 and 134 is an erect real image. The right eyepiece lens 128 and the left eyepiece lens 138 are both positive lenses, but are arranged so that erecting real images formed through the erecting prisms 124 and 134 are the focal points of the both eyepiece lenses 128 and 138, respectively. Therefore, when the target object is viewed through the both eyepieces 128 and 138, the observer sees the upright magnified virtual image of the target object as an observation image with the distance meter according to the first embodiment described above. This is the same as in the case of the binoculars 10.
[0026]
Further, light emitting elements 142 and 144 having the same configuration as the light emitting elements 42 and the light receiving elements 44 used in the first embodiment and the light emitting elements 142 are emitted into the housing 114 of the binoculars 110 with a distance meter. A distance measuring light transmitting optical system 150 for sending distance measuring light from the right objective lens 122 to the outside of the binocular main body 112 and a binocular after being sent out of the binocular main body 112 and reflected by the target object, and then through the left objective lens 132. A distance measuring light receiving optical system 160 is provided for allowing the light receiving element 144 to receive the distance measuring light incident in the main body 112. Here, the distance measuring light transmitting optical system 150 outputs the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 142 and the second surface 126b and the third surface 126c of the right plate prism 126 constituting the right erecting prism 124. The distance measuring light receiving optical system 160 includes a first reflecting mirror 152 that reflects the second surface 126b of the right plate prism 126, and the second surface 136b of the left plate prism 136 constituting the left erecting prism 134. And a third surface 136c and a second reflecting mirror 162 that reflects the distance measuring light incident on the binocular main body 112 from the left objective lens 132 and reflected by the second surface 136b of the left plate prism 136 to the light receiving element 144. It is made up of.
[0027]
Further, in the housing 114 of the binoculars 110 with the distance meter, an arithmetic device 172 connected to the light emitting element 142 and the light receiving element 144 and a distance display device 174 connected to the arithmetic device 172 are provided. Since this is the same as the case of the binoculars 10 with the distance meter according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In addition, a glass plate 182 for correcting a deviation in the left and right optical path lengths caused by providing the distance display device 174 in front of the right eyepiece lens 128 is provided in front of the left eyepiece lens 138. In addition, protective filters 185 and 186 are provided at a position between the right eyepiece lens 128 and the distance display device 174 and at a position between the left eyepiece lens 138 and the glass plate 182, respectively. This is the same as the case of the binoculars 10 with a distance meter according to the embodiment.
[0028]
In order to measure the distance to the target object using the binoculars 110 with the distance meter, the observer looks into the eyepiece lenses 128 and 138 with both eyes, and the collimation appearing in the field of view overlaps the target object to be measured. In the same manner, when the measurement start button 170 provided on the housing 114 is pressed, distance measuring light (infrared light) is emitted from the light emitting element 142 via the arithmetic unit 172. The distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 142 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 152, passes through the surface 127a of the right auxiliary prism 127, and reaches the third surface 126c of the right plate prism 126. Since the third surface 126c is coated with the above-described semipermeable membrane, the distance measuring light passes through the third surface 126c and enters the right flat plate prism 126. After the total reflection on the second surface 126 b of the right plate prism 126, the light passes through the first surface 126 a of the right plate prism 126 and the right objective lens 122 and reaches the outside of the binocular main body 112.
[0029]
The distance measuring light emitted outside the binocular main body 112 is reflected by the target object and enters the binocular main body 112 from the left objective lens 132. The distance measuring light that has entered the binocular main body 112 passes through the first surface 136a of the left plate prism 136, then is totally reflected by the second surface 136b of the prism 136, and reaches the third surface 136c of the prism 136. The third surface 136c of the left flat prism 136 is coated with the above-described semipermeable membrane, so that the distance measuring light passes through the third surface 136c and is emitted to the outside of the left flat prism 136. Then, after passing through the surface 137 a of the left auxiliary prism 137, it is reflected by the second reflecting mirror 162 and reaches the light receiving element 144.
[0030]
Also in the binoculars 110 with a distance meter according to the second embodiment having such a configuration, the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting element 142 is transmitted to one of the reflecting surfaces of the erecting prism 124 (the third of the right plate prism 126). The light is incident on the erecting telephoto optical system (right erecting telephoto optical system 120) including the erecting prism 124 from the wavelength-selective semi-transmissive film provided on the surface 126c), and the erecting telephoto optical system is used. Then, the light is emitted to the outside of the binocular main body 112 and after being reflected by the target object, it is made to enter the binocular main body 112 using the other erect telephoto optical system (the erect telephoto optical system 130 on the left side). Visible light is transmitted through a wavelength-selective semi-transmissive film provided on one of the reflecting surfaces of the erecting prism 134 (the third surface 136c of the left plate prism 136) constituting the erecting telephoto optical system. (View By separating from light) is it possible to light the light receiving element 144. For this reason, the same effect as the binoculars 10 with the distance meter according to the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and since the roof prisms 124 and 134 are made of roof prisms, the distance meter according to the first embodiment. A smarter and more attractive external shape than the attached binoculars 10 can be obtained.
[0031]
Next, a modification of the binoculars with a distance meter according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows a main part of the configuration of the binoculars with a distance meter according to the modification of the second embodiment, and as in the case of the second embodiment, the left side of the figure corresponds to the target object side, The right side of the figure corresponds to the observer side. The upper part of the figure corresponds to the right side for the observer, and the lower part of the figure corresponds to the left side for the observer. A binocular 110 ′ with a distance meter according to a modification of the second embodiment is based on the binocular 110 with a distance meter according to the second embodiment described above, and is the same as the binocular 110 with a distance meter according to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the components.
[0032]
In the binoculars 110 ′ with a distance meter according to the modification of the second embodiment, a condensing lens 146 composed of a positive lens is provided between the light emitting element 142 and the first reflecting mirror 152, and the second lens Between the reflection mirror 162 and the light receiving element 144, a Barlow lens 147 and a band pass filter 148 which are negative lenses are provided. Here, the condensing lens 146 is used to send more distance measuring light (infrared light) emitted from the light emitting element 142 to the objective lens 122, and the Barlow lens 147 plays another role of the objective lens 132. This is used to increase the S / N ratio by increasing the focal length of a light receiving lens and reducing the light receiving field of the light receiving element 144 to suppress the incidence of disturbance light. The band-pass filter 148 is used to block disturbance light mixed in the distance measuring light reflected from the target object and incident on the light receiving element 144, and improve the S / N ratio. Here, although the Barlow lens 147 and the band pass filter 148 are used together, the S / N ratio is significantly improved even when only one of the Barlow lens 147 and the band pass filter 148 is used.
[0033]
Further, the binoculars 110 ′ with a distance meter according to the modification of the second embodiment is different from the distance display device 174 in place of the glass plate 182 provided in front of the left eyepiece lens 138 in the second embodiment. The display device 176 is provided so that data other than distance data (for example, data such as time and remaining battery level) can be digitally displayed on the liquid crystal screen in the field of view.
[0034]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to those shown in the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the arithmetic device and the distance display device (including the display device different from the distance display device shown in the modification of the second embodiment) are provided inside the housing. This may be provided outside the housing. In the above-described embodiment, the distance measuring light transmitting optical system is provided on the right side and the distance measuring light receiving optical system is provided on the left side. Good.
[0035]
Further, the erecting prism is not limited to a combination of a right-angle prism and a roof prism as shown in the above-described embodiment, and may be a combination of other prisms such as a pentaprism. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, infrared light is used as the distance measuring light and a semiconductor laser is used as the light emitting means. However, this is not necessarily a semiconductor laser, and the distance measuring light is not infrared light. May be. However, as shown in the above embodiment, the distance measuring light is infrared light, and the semi-permeable membrane has a property of reflecting visible light but transmitting infrared light, so that the right side Erecting of distance measuring light performed on the reflecting surface of the erecting prism (the third surface 25c of the right horizontal prism 25 in the first embodiment, and the third surface 126c of the right plate prism 126 in the second embodiment and its modifications). Incident to the telephoto optical system, or the reflecting surface of the left erecting prism (the third surface 35c of the left horizontal prism 35 in the first embodiment, the third surface 136c of the right plate prism 136 in the second embodiment and its modifications) ) Can be easily separated from the observation light.
[0036]
In the binoculars with a distance meter according to the present invention, the erecting prism is preferably a roof prism. The erecting prism may be a polo-shaped prism, but by using it as a roof prism, binoculars with a smarter and more attractive appearance can be obtained. Further, distance measurement performed on the reflecting surface of the erecting prism by using infrared light as the distance measurement light and also having the property of reflecting the visible light but transmitting the infrared light through the semipermeable membrane. Incident light into the erect telephoto optical system or separation of the ranging light from the observation light can be easily performed.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the binoculars with a distance meter according to the present invention, the distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting means, A first having a plurality of reflective surfaces; Erecting prism One reflective surface From a semi-permeable membrane with wavelength selectivity First Includes upright prism First Incident into the erect telephoto system, First Use the erecting telephoto optical system to emit light outside the binocular body, and after reflecting off the target object, Second Ranging light that enters the binoculars body using the erecting telephoto optical system Second Erect telephoto optical system A second erecting prism composed of a plurality of reflecting surfaces that are optically equivalent to the first erecting prism provided on the first erecting prism, equivalent to the one reflecting surface. Provided on the reflective surface Same By separating from visible light (observation light) through a wavelength-selective semipermeable membrane, the light receiving means can receive light. For this reason, a beam splitter for sending the distance measuring light out of the binocular main body as in the past or for separating the distance measuring light entering the binoculars from the visible light (observation light) is in the optical path of the erecting telephoto optical system. Therefore, it is possible to realize a simple and lightweight configuration. In addition, the compact configuration makes it look good and is convenient to carry. Furthermore, since the beam splitter is not provided in the optical path of the erecting telephoto optical system as in the prior art, astigmatism does not occur in the central portion of the observed image, and a better observed image than in the past is obtained. Obtainable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main part of a configuration of a binocular with a distance meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the left and right erecting prisms extracted from the binoculars with distance meters.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main part of a configuration of a binocular with a distance meter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing only the left and right erect prisms taken out from the binoculars with distance meters.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main part of a configuration of a binocular with a distance meter according to a modification of the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Binoculars with rangefinder
12 Binoculars body
14 Housing
20, 30 Erect telephoto optical system
22, 32 Objective lens
24, 34 Upright prism
25, 35 Horizontal prism
25c, 35c Reflective surface provided with a wavelength-selective semipermeable membrane
26, 36 Vertical prism
28,38 eyepiece
42 Light Emitting Element
44 Light receiving element
72 Arithmetic unit
74 Distance display device

Claims (3)

The first objective lens, the first erecting prism, the first erecting telephoto optical system including the first eyepiece lens, the second objective lens, the second erecting prism, and the second eyepiece including the second eyepiece lens. A binocular main body in which two upright telephoto optical systems are arranged in parallel in the housing;
A light emitting means provided in the housing for emitting distance measuring light;
A light receiving means provided in the housing for receiving distance measuring light;
Ranging light emitted from the light emitting means and sent out of the binocular main body through the first objective lens is reflected on the target object, and then enters the binocular main body through the second objective lens. Calculating means for calculating a distance between the binocular main body and the target object based on a time until light is received by the light receiving means;
In binoculars with a distance meter configured to include display means for displaying the value of the distance calculated by the computing means,
The first erecting prism and the second erecting prism are configured by a plurality of optically equivalent reflecting surfaces and arranged symmetrically,
The distance measuring light emitted from the light emitting means is incident on the first erecting prism through a wavelength-selective semi-transmissive film provided on one reflecting surface of the first erecting prism. Exits from the first erecting prism and reaches the outside of the binocular body from the first objective lens;
After being reflected by the target object, the distance measuring light incident on the second erecting prism from the second objective lens is the one of the first erecting prisms in the second erecting prism. It is configured such that the light is emitted to the outside of the second erecting prism through the same wavelength-selective semipermeable membrane provided on a reflection surface equivalent to the reflection surface, and then reaches the light receiving means. Binoculars with a distance meter to do.   2. The binoculars with a distance meter according to claim 1, wherein the erecting prism is a roof prism.   3. The binoculars with a distance meter according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring light is infrared light, and the semi-transmissive film reflects visible light but transmits infrared light.

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