JP4508314B2

JP4508314B2 - Operating device and optical apparatus provided with the same

Info

Publication number: JP4508314B2
Application number: JP21276399A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 幹雄酒井
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1999-07-27
Filing date: 1999-07-27
Publication date: 2010-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-27
Also published as: JP2001042964A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、テレビジョン撮影用レンズ装置等の操作に用いられる操作装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
上記の操作装置の例として、図７〜図１１には、レンズ装置のフォーカス操作を行うための操作装置を示している。これらの図において、１０１は操作装置の本体である。この本体１０１内には、支持部材１１０によって固定支持された角度検出器（ポテンショメータやロータリーエンコーダ）１０９が設けられている。
【０００３】
また、この本体１０１の操作側端面には、図８に示すように、後述する回転規制部材１０３の回転範囲を規制するためのボール１０２を転動可能に受容する渦巻き溝１０１ａが形成されている。
【０００４】
回転規制部材１０３は、本体１０１に対して回転可能に支持された回転軸１０８に一体回転可能に取り付けられて、本体１０１の操作側端面に対向配置されている。回転軸１０８における本体側端部は、上記角度検出器１０９の入力軸に連結されている。
【０００５】
また、回転規制部材１０３の端面には、図８に示すように、本体１０１の渦巻き溝１０１ａの周方向に対して略直交するように（図では、上下方向に）延びる直線溝１０３ａが形成されており、この直線溝１０３ａと渦巻き溝１０１ａとの間でボール１０２を挟み込んでいる。このため、回転規制部材１０３が本体１０１に対して回転すると、ボール１０２は直線溝１０３ａによって上下方向にガイドされながら渦巻き溝１０１ａ内を転動する。
【０００６】
そして、ボール１０２が渦巻き溝１０１ａの端部に設けられたストッパー１１８，１１９に当接することによって、それ以上の回転規制部材１０３の回転が規制される。なお、回転規制部材１０３の回転範囲は、フォーカス操作に適した敏感度やフォーカス全域でのレンズ移動時間などを考慮した全域回転数に規制されている。
【０００７】
１０４は操作者の手によって回転操作されるノブであり、回転規制部材１０３およびこれに締結されてノブ１０４の抜けを防止する押え環１０７の外周にＯリング１０６を介して取り付けられている。１０５はノブ１０４の外周に３ヶ所程設けられた指掛けである。
【０００８】
Ｏリング１０６は、回転規制部材１０３とノブ１０４との間の相対的な回転に対する摩擦抵抗（スリップ抵抗）を与えるために設けられている。つまり、Ｏリング１０６によるスリップ抵抗より小さい操作トルクでノブ１０４を操作するときは回転規制部材１０３を一体的に回転させることができ、スリップ抵抗を超える操作トルクで操作するときはノブ１０４は回転規制部材１０３に対してスリップする。
【０００９】
１１１は、回転軸１０８に一体形成されたフランジ部１０８ａおよび回転軸１０８にピン１１２によって一体回転可能に取り付けられた押え板１１３と本体１０１との間に配置され、回転軸１０８（つまりは回転規制部材１０３およびノブ１０４）の本体１０１に対する回転摩擦抵抗（操作抵抗）を発生するための摩擦板である。押え板１１３は本体１０１との間で摩擦板１１１を均一な力で挟み付けるとともに、摩擦板１１１と接する面以外で回転が生じないようにするためのものである。
【００１０】
なお、押え板１１３には、図９に示すように、ピン１１２を挟み込むスリワリ溝１１３ａが形成されている。これにより、押え板１１３は、回転軸１０８と一体回転可能であるとともに、回転軸１０８の軸方向には移動可能となる。
【００１１】
１１４は押え板１１３の摩擦板１１１に対する押圧力を発生する波ワッシャである。１１７は、図１１にも示すように、ツマミ部１１７ａを有し、外部からの回転操作によって回転軸１０８に対する締め込み量調整可能な押しネジである。この押しネジ１１７のねじ部の先端は、図１０にも示すように、回転軸１０８に形成された長穴を貫通するよう配置されたピン１１６に当接し、ピン１１６はワッシャ押え１１５を介して波ワッシャ１１４に当接している。このため、押しネジ１１７の回転軸１０８に対する締め込み量を調節することにより、波ワッシャ１１４の圧縮変形量を変化させ、摩擦板１１１と回転規制部材１０３との間に発生する操作抵抗を調節することができる。
【００１２】
上記のように構成された操作装置において、ノブ１０４を回転操作すると、Ｏリング１０６のスリップ抵抗によって回転規制部材１０３が一体的に回転する。この回転は、回転軸１０８を介して角度検出器９に伝達される。角度検出器９により検出されたノブ１０４の回転操作角度は、電気信号に変換され、不図示の電気回路を介してレンズ装置に送られる。レンズ装置はこの信号に基づいてフォーカスレンズを駆動制御する。
【００１３】
操作者がノブ１０４を勢いよく回転操作して、ボール１０２がストッパー１１８，１１９に衝突すると、ノブ１０４はＯリング１０６のスリップ抵抗に抗して回転規制部材１０３に対してスリップする。これにより、ボール１０２のストッパー１１８，１１９への衝突による衝撃をある程度吸収し、大きな音の発生等を防止している。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしなから、上記のような構成の操作装置では、摩擦材１１１により発生されるノブ１０４および回転規制部材１０３の本体１０１に対する操作抵抗は調節定可能であるのに対し、Ｏリング１０６により発生されるノブ１０４の回転規制部材１０３に対するスリップ抵抗は一定である。そして、スリップ抵抗は、ノブ１０４の操作抵抗調整範囲のうち最も重い操作抵抗に合わせて、回転端以外（ボール１０２がストッパ１１８，１１９に当接していない場合）でノブ１０４が回転規制部材１０３に対してスリップしないように設定されている。
【００１５】
したがって、例えば、操作抵抗が軽く設定されていて、ノブ１０４が回転端まで勢いよく回転操作されると、重いスリップ抵抗によってボール１０２のストッパ１８，１９に衝突した際の衝撃吸収効果が薄れるという問題がある。
【００１６】
一方、このような場合の衝撃吸収効果を確保するために、スリップ抵抗を小さく設定すると、本来の操作機能を確保する上でノブ４の操作抵抗はスリップ抵抗以上に大きくすることができないので、操作抵抗の調整範囲が狭くなり、操作者の好みに応じた操作トルクの選択を妨げることになるという問題が生ずる。
【００１７】
さらに、操作装置を低温下で使用する場合、ゴム製のＯリング１０６の線膨張係数がノブ１０４や回転規制部材１０３（樹脂、金属）のそれよりも大きいため、スリップ抵抗が小さくなって、常温使用時にスリップが生じなかったにもかかわらず低温使用時に無用なスリップが生じるようになってしまったり、常温使用時よりも操作抵抗の調整範囲が狭くなったりするという問題もある。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために、本発明では、装置本体に対して操作移動が可能な操作部材と、装置本体と操作部材との間に配置され、操作部材との間のスリップ抵抗によりこの操作部材と一体的に連結されて装置本体に対する操作抵抗に抗した操作移動が可能であるとともに操作部材の上記スリップ抵抗に抗したスリップ移動を許容する中間部材とを有する操作装置において、上記スリップ抵抗を、操作抵抗よりも大きい範囲で可変設定するための抵抗設定手段を設け、操作抵抗が装置本体と中間部材との間に配置された摩擦部材により発生し、上記スリップ抵抗が中間部材と操作部材との間に配置された摩擦部材により発生し、中間部材および操作部材が装置本体に対して回転移動可能であり、中間部材および操作部材にそれぞれ装置本体の内方に延びる延長軸部を設けるとともに、一方の延長軸部を中空形状として他方の延長軸部を収容させ、これら延長軸部にそれぞれ設けられた軸直交面の間で上記スリップ抵抗を発生させる摩擦部材を挟み付ける構成とした。
【００２０】
これにより、操作部材の操作抵抗の大きさに合わせて、つまり操作抵抗に対して大きすぎて中間部材の可動範囲端での衝撃吸収効果が薄れないように、かつ操作部材の操作が中間部材を介して確実に装置本体に伝達されるように、スリップ抵抗の大きさを任意に設定することが可能となる。このため、操作抵抗の大きさが使用者により選択可能である場合には、その選択を妨げることなく衝撃吸収機能や操作伝達機能を確保することが可能となる。
【００２１】
また、低温下等で使用するような場合でも、スリップ抵抗を操作抵抗より大きく維持するための調整が可能となるため、スリップ抵抗の減少によって操作部材のスリップが生じ易くなり、操作性が悪化したり、操作抵抗の可変設定範囲が狭まったりすることを防止できる。
【００２２】
なお、中間部材と操作部材との間に配置された摩擦部材によりスリップ抵抗が発生され、かつ操作抵抗に可変設定に伴ってスリップ抵抗が可変設定される場合において、中間部材と操作部材とに摩擦部材を挟み付ける方向に予圧を付与しておくことにより、操作抵抗が小さく設定された場合でも、最低限必要なスリップ抵抗を確保することができ、操作部材の無用なスリップを防止することが可能となる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１実施形態）
図１〜図３には、本発明の第１実施形態である操作装置を示している。なお、ここでは、テレビジョン撮影用のレンズ装置のフォーカスをサーボコントロールするためのフォーカス操作装置について説明する。
【００２４】
同図において、２０はこの操作装置の本体である。この本体２０内には、支持部材１０によって固定支持された角度検出器（ポテンショメータやロータリーエンコーダ）９が設けられている。また、この本体２０の操作側端面には、図８に示した従来例と同様な渦巻き溝２０ａが形成されている。
【００２５】
２１は本体２０に対して、外軸２３に一体回転可能にキー２４により結合され、本体２０の操作側端面に対向配置された回転規制部材である。外軸２３は軸方向中間部分が回転可能に支持されている。なお、回転規制部材２１と外軸２３により請求の範囲にいう中間部材が構成される。
【００２６】
また、外軸２３における本体側端部は径が広げられ、上記角度検出器９の入力軸に取り付けられたジョイント３６に一体回転可能にビス止めされている。
【００２７】
また、回転規制部材２１の端面には、図８に示した従来例と同様に、本体２０の渦巻き溝１９の周方向に対して略直交するように（図では、上下方向に）延びる直線溝２１ａが形成されており、この直線溝２１ａと渦巻き溝２０ａとの間にボール２が挟み込まれている。
【００２８】
このため、回転規制部材２１が本体２０に対して回転すると、ボール２は直線溝２１ａによって上下方向にガイドされながら渦巻き溝２０ａ内を転動する。そして、ボール２が渦巻き溝２０ａの端部に設けられたストッパー１８，１９に当接することによって、それ以上の回転規制部材２１の回転が規制される。なお、回転規制部材２１の回転範囲は、フォーカス操作に適した敏感度やフォーカス全域での移動時間などを考慮した全域回転数に規制されている。
【００２９】
２２は操作者の手によって回転操作されるノブ（操作部材）であり、内軸２５のノブ側中間部分にキー２６により一体回転可能に結合されている。内軸２５は、軸方向における本体側中間部分が外軸２３の内周に回転自在に径嵌合している。５はノブ２２の外周に３ヶ所程設けられた指掛けである。
【００３０】
２７，２８はそれぞれ、内軸２５の本体側端部近傍に、内軸２５との二方取りにより一体回転可能に取り付けられた第１および第２内軸固定板であり、互いに軸方向に離れて配置されている。なお、第２内軸固定板２８は、図２に示すように、内軸２５の本体側端部に形成されたねじ部２５ａ上に取り付けられ、図１に示すように、ねじ部２５ａに螺合させたナット３１によって抜け止めされている。
【００３１】
２９，３０はそれぞれ、図３に示すように、外軸２３の本体側端部近傍（大径部分）の内側に、キー結合により一体回転可能に取り付けられた第１および第２外軸固定板であり、互いに軸方向に離れて配置されている。これら軸固定板２７〜３０は、外軸２３の大径部分の内側において、ノブ側から、第１内軸固定板２７、第１外軸固定板２９、第２内軸固定板２８および第２外軸固定板３０の順で軸方向に所定の隙間を有して重なるように配置されている。
【００３２】
そして、外軸２３の大径部分のノブ側内端面と第１内軸固定板２７との間、第１内軸固定板２７と第１外軸固定板２９との間および第１外軸固定板２９と第２内軸固定板２８との間には第１摩擦板３３ａが挟まれ、第２内軸固定板２８と第２外軸固定板３０との間には第２摩擦板３４が挟まれている。
【００３３】
また、第２外軸固定板３０とジョイント３６との間には、第２内軸固定板２８をノブ側に押圧して、各摩擦板３３ａ，３４の挟み込み予圧を付与する波ワッシャ３５が配置されている。
【００３４】
また、ノブ２２の本体側端面と回転規制部材２１のノブ側端面との間には、第１および第２摩擦板３３ａ，３４とほぼ同径の第３摩擦板３３ｂが配置されており、さらに本体２０のノブ側端面と回転規制部材２１の本体側端面との間および本体２０の内端面と外軸２３の大径部分のノブ側外端面との間には、第１および第２摩擦板３３ａ，３４とほぼ同径の第４摩擦板３２が配置されている。
【００３５】
ノブ２２の軸方向外側に形成された円形開口部には、ツマミ部を有するツマミ付ねじ（抵抗設定手段）３８が外部から調節操作可能に収容されている。このツマミ付ねじ３８の雌ねじ部は、内軸２５の先端部近傍に形成された雄ねじ部に螺合している。なお、ツマミ付ねじ３８は、内軸２５の最先端部に取り付けられたねじ３９によって抜けが防止されている。さらに、ツマミ付ねじ３８の本体側端面とノブ２２との間には、波ワッシャ３７が配置されている。
【００３６】
このように構成された操作装置において、ツマミ付ねじ３８の締め込み量を変化させると、波ワッシャ３７の圧縮量が変化し、ノブ２２、回転規制部材２１および外軸２３を本体側に押す力が増減する。これにより、上記各摩擦板３２，３３ａ，３３ｂ，３４とこれに接触する各部材との間の摩擦力が変化する。
【００３７】
このとき、外軸２３の大径部分内に配置された（つまり、回転規制部材２１と一体回転可能な外軸２３とノブ２２と一体回転可能な内軸２５との間に配置された）第１および第２摩擦板３３ａ，３４により発生される摩擦力と、ノブ２２と回転規制部材２１との間に配置された第３摩擦材３３ｂにより発生される摩擦力によって、ノブ２２の回転規制部材２１に対するスリップ抵抗の大きさが決まる。また、本体２０と回転規制部材２１との間および本体２０と外軸２３の大径部分との間に配置された第４摩擦板３２により発生される摩擦力により、非スリップ状態にあるノブ２２および回転規制部材２１の本体２０に対する操作抵抗の大きさが決まる。
【００３８】
ここで、第４摩擦板３２とこれに接触する部材との摩擦係数が、第１〜第３摩擦板３３とこれに接触する部材との摩擦係数と同じである場合、第１〜第３摩擦板３３の数が第４摩擦板３２の数よりも多いため、操作抵抗の大きさ設定にかかわらず、必ず、
スリップ抵抗＞操作抵抗
という関係になる。したがって、ボール２がストッパー１８，１９に当接する回転操作端の内側での操作範囲では、ノブ２２と回転規制部材２１とはスリップすることなく、本体２０に対して一体的に回転する。そして、この場合、ノブ２２と回転規制部材２１の本体２０に対する回転に対しては操作抵抗が作用するため、この操作抵抗に抗することができる大きさの操作トルクでをノブ２２を操作することによってノブ２２および回転規制部材２１の回転操作が可能となる。
【００３９】
ノブ２２および回転規制部材２１の回転は、外軸２３およびジョイント３６を介して角度検出器９に伝達される。角度検出器９により検出されたノブ２２の回転操作角度は、電気信号に変換され、不図示の電気回路を介してレンズ装置に送られる。レンズ装置はこの信号に基づいてフォーカスレンズを駆動制御する。
【００４０】
次に、ノブ２２および回転規制部材２１が、ボール２がストッパー１８，１９に当接する回転操作端を超えて回転されようとした場合について説明する。この場合、回転規制部材２１および外軸２３は、ボール２がストッパー１８，１９に当接することによってそれ以上回転できなくなる。
【００４１】
しかし、なおノブ２２に操作トルクが加えられたり、ノブ２２および回転規制部材２１が非常に速いスピードで回転してきたためにボール２が勢いよくストッパー１８，１９に衝突したりしたときなどは、ノブ２２および内軸２５の回転トルクがスリップ抵抗を上回り、ノブ２２および内軸２５が回転規制部材２１および外軸２３に対してスリップする。これにより、ボール２のストッパー１８，１９への衝突により生ずる衝撃や衝撃音の発生を緩和することができる。
【００４２】
そして、本実施形態では、ツマミ付ねじ３８の操作によって、操作抵抗の大きさが調節されるのに伴って（連動的に）、その操作抵抗に対して適切な、つまりノブ２２の無用なスリップを生じさせず、かつ回転操作端での衝撃吸収効果が薄くならない程度のスリップ抵抗の大きさが設定される。したがって、本実施形態によれば、操作者の好みに応じた重さの操作感を広い範囲で選択できるとともに、無用なスリップの防止や回転操作端での良好な衝撃吸収効果を保証することができる。また、各摩擦板３２，３３ａ，３３ｂ，３４として互いに同じ材質（膨張係数）のものを用いる等により、低温下で使用される場合でも、スリップ抵抗＞操作抵抗という関係を維持することができるので、ノブ２２の無用なスリップの発生を防止できるのはもちろん、操作感の選択範囲が狭まらないようにすることができる。
【００４３】
但し、非常に軽い操作感を得るために、波ワッシャ３７の圧縮量が非常に小さくなるようにツマミ付ねじ３８が操作された場合は、操作抵抗とスリップ抵抗との差が小さくなり過ぎて、回転操作端以外でもノブ２２が回転規制部材２１に対してスリップする場合が考えられる。
【００４４】
そこで、本実施形態では、波ワッシャ３５による予圧によってスリップ抵抗を発生させるための摩擦板３３ａ，３３ｂ，３４の挟み込み力を所定値以上確保しているため、上記のようなスリップの発生も確実に防止している。
【００４５】
（第２実施形態）
図４には、本発明の第２実施形態であるレンズ操作装置を示している。なお、本実施形態の基本構成は第１実施形態のものと同じであるので、共通構成要素には第１実施形態と同符号を付して説明に代える。
【００４６】
第１実施形態では、操作抵抗を発生する摩擦板の数よりもスリップ抵抗を発生する摩擦板の数を多くすることにより、ツマミ付ねじ３８によって設定される波ワッシャ３７からの同じ押圧力によって、スリップ抵抗が操作抵抗よりも大きくする場合について説明したが、本実施形態では、操作抵抗を発生する摩擦板（回転規制部材２１と本体４０との間および本体４０と外軸４３との間に挟まれた摩擦板）４１の摩擦係数よりも、スリップ抵抗を発生する摩擦板（内軸固定板２８と外軸４３との間およびノブ２２と回転規制部材２１との間に挟まれた摩擦板）４２の摩擦係数を高いものとして、同じ数の摩擦板でもスリップ抵抗が操作抵抗よりも大きくなるようにしている。
【００４７】
本実施形態でも、第１実施形態と同様に、ツマミ付ねじ３８の操作によって、操作抵抗の大きさが調節されるのに伴って（連動的に）、その操作抵抗に対して適切なスリップ抵抗の大きさが設定され、スリップ抵抗＞操作抵抗という関係が確保される。したがって、上記第１実施形態と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００４８】
なお、上記第１および第２実施形態では、操作抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の数よりもスリップ抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の数を多くする場合および操作抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の摩擦係数よりもスリップ抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の摩擦係数を大きくする場合（いずれも、同じ力で挟み付ける）について説明したが、操作抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の挟み付け力よりもスリップ抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の挟み付け力を大きくするような構成としてもよい。
【００４９】
また、操作抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の回転軸回りの断面２次半径よりもスリップ抵抗を発生させる摩擦板の回転軸回りの断面２次半径を大きくするようにしてもよい。
【００５０】
（第３実施形態）
図５および図６には、本発明の第３実施形態であるレンズ操作装置を示している。これらの図において、５１は操作装置の本体である。この本体５１内には、支持部材６０によって固定支持された角度検出器（ポテンショメータやロータリーエンコーダ）５９が設けられている。
【００５１】
また、この本体５１のノブ側端面には、図８に示した従来のものと同様に、後述する回転規制部材５３の回転範囲を規制するためのボール５２を転動可能に受容する渦巻き溝５１ａが形成されている。
【００５２】
回転規制部材５３は、本体５１に対して回転可能に支持された回転軸５８に一体回転可能に取り付けられて、本体５１のノブ側端面に対向配置されている。回転軸５８における本体側端部は、上記角度検出器５９の入力軸に連結されている。
【００５３】
また、回転規制部材５３の端面には、本体５１の渦巻き溝５１ａの周方向に対して略直交するように（図では、上下方向に）延びる直線溝５３ａが形成されており、この直線溝５３ａと渦巻き溝５１ａとの間でボール５２を挟み込んでいる。このため、回転規制部材５３が本体５１に対して回転すると、ボール５２は直線溝５３ａによって上下方向にガイドされながら渦巻き溝５１ａ内を転動する。そして、ボール５２が渦巻き溝５１ａの端部に設けられたストッパー６８，６９に当接することによって、それ以上の回転規制部材５３の回転が規制される。なお、回転規制部材５３の回転範囲は、フォーカス操作に適した敏感度やフォーカス全域でのレンズ移動時間などを考慮した全域回転数に規制されている。
【００５４】
５４は操作者の手によって回転操作されるノブであり、回転規制部材５３およびこれに締結されてノブ５４の抜けを防止する押え操作環７４の外周にゴム製のＯリング５６を介して取り付けられている。５５はノブ５４の外周に３ヶ所程設けられた指掛けである。
【００５５】
Ｏリング５６は、回転規制部材５３とノブ５４との間の相対的な回転に対する摩擦抵抗（スリップ抵抗）を与えるために設けられている。つまり、Ｏリング５６によるスリップ抵抗より小さい操作トルクでノブ５４を操作するときは回転規制部材５３を一体的に回転させることができ、スリップ抵抗を超える操作トルクで操作するときはノブ５４は回転規制部材５３に対してスリップする。
【００５６】
ここで、押え操作環７４は、外部からの操作によって回転規制部材５３に対する締め込み量を調整可能となっている。この点で図８に示した従来の操作装置と異なる。
【００５７】
つまり、本実施形態では、操作装置の使用中において、操作装置を分解することなく、押え操作環（抵抗設定手段）７４を操作して、Ｏリング５６のノブ５４に対する接触圧を変化させ、スリップ抵抗の大きさを任意に設定することができる。
【００５８】
６１は、回転軸５８に一体形成されたフランジ部５８ａおよび回転軸５８に一体回転可能に取り付けられた押え板６３と本体５１との間に配置され、回転軸５８（つまりは回転規制部材５３およびノブ５４）の本体５１に対する回転摩擦抵抗（操作抵抗）を発生するための摩擦板である。押え板６３は本体５１との間で摩擦板６１を均一な力で挟み付けるとともに、摩擦板６１と接する面以外で回転が生じないようにするためのものである。
【００５９】
なお、押え板６３には、回転軸５８に圧入されるピン６２を挟み込むスリワリ溝６３ａが形成されている。これにより、押え板６３は、回転軸５８と一体回転可能であるとともに、回転軸５８の軸方向には移動可能となる。
【００６０】
６４は押え板６３の摩擦板６１に対する押圧力を発生する波ワッシャである。７５は、図６にも示すように、押え操作環７４の内周側に配置され、ツマミ部を有し、外部からの回転操作によって回転軸５８に対する締め込み量を調整可能な押しネジである。
【００６１】
この押しネジ７５のねじ部の先端は、回転軸５８に形成された長穴を貫通するよう配置されたピン６６に当接し、ピン６６はワッシャ押え６５を介して波ワッシャ６４に当接している。このため、押しネジ７５の回転軸５８に対する締め込み量を調節することにより、波ワッシャ６４の圧縮変形量を変化させ、摩擦板６１と回転規制部材５３との間に発生する操作抵抗の大きさを調節することができる。
【００６２】
上記のように構成された操作装置において、ノブ５４を回転操作すると、Ｏリング５６のスリップ抵抗によって回転規制部材５３が一体的に回転する。この回転は、回転軸５８を介して角度検出器５９に伝達される。角度検出器５９により検出されたノブ５４の回転操作角度は、電気信号に変換され、不図示の電気回路を介してレンズ装置に送られる。レンズ装置はこの信号に基づいてフォーカスレンズを駆動制御する。
【００６３】
操作者がノブ５４を勢いよく回転操作して、ボール５２がストッパー６８，６９に衝突する（回転操作端に達する）と、ノブ５４はＯリング５６のスリップ抵抗に抗して回転規制部材５３に対してスリップする。
【００６４】
ここで、本実施形態では、上述したように、スリップ抵抗の大きさを外部からの押え操作環７４の操作によって任意に調整することができる。このため、ツマミ付ねじ７５の操作によって可変設定される操作抵抗の大きさに対してスリップ抵抗の大きさを適切に設定することによって、ノブ５４の無用なスリップを防止し、かつ回転操作端での良好な衝撃吸収効果を得ることができる。またこれにより、操作者の好みに応じた重さの操作感を広い範囲で選択できることにもなる。
【００６５】
さらに、ゴム製のＯリング５６の線膨張係数は樹脂製のノブ５４や金属製の回転規制部材５３のそれよりも大きいものの、スリップ抵抗の大きさを調整することができるため、本操作装置が低温下で使用される場合でも、スリップ抵抗＞操作抵抗という関係を維持することができ、ノブ５４の無用なスリップの発生を防止できるのはもちろん、操作感の選択範囲が狭まらないようにすることができる。
【００６６】
なお、上記各実施形態では、摩擦板やＯリングといった摩擦部材によって操作抵抗やスリップ抵抗を発生させる場合について説明したが、本発明は、このような摩擦部材を用いる以外の方法によって操作抵抗やスリップ抵抗を発生させるものにも適用可能である。
【００６７】
また、上記各実施形態では、テレビジョン撮影用のレンズ装置のフォーカス操作に用いられる操作装置について説明したが、レンズ装置のフォーカス操作以外の操作やレンズ装置以外の光学機器の操作にも用いることができる。
【００６８】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、操作部材の操作抵抗の大きさに合わせて、つまり操作抵抗に対して大きすぎて中間部材の可動範囲端での衝撃吸収効果が薄れないように、かつ操作部材の操作が中間部材を介して確実に装置本体に伝達されるように、スリップ抵抗の大きさを任意に設定することができる。このため、操作抵抗の大きさが使用者により選択可能である場合には、その選択を妨げることなく衝撃吸収機能や操作伝達機能を確保することができる。したがって、操作装置の素早い操作が可能となり、例えば撮影装置の操作に用いる場合には、多彩な撮影を可能とすることができる。
【００６９】
また、低温下等で使用するような場合でも、スリップ抵抗を操作抵抗より大きく維持するための調整が可能となるため、スリップ抵抗の減少によって操作部材のスリップが生じ易くなり、操作性が悪化したり、操作抵抗の可変設定範囲が狭まったりすることを防止できる。
【００７０】
なお、中間部材と操作部材との間に配置された摩擦部材によりスリップ抵抗が発生され、かつ操作抵抗に可変設定に伴ってスリップ抵抗が可変設定される場合において、中間部材と操作部材とに摩擦部材を挟み付ける方向に予圧を付与しておくことにより、操作抵抗が小さく設定された場合でも、最低限必要なスリップ抵抗を確保することができ、操作部材の無用なスリップを防止することができる。したがって、幅広い環境で、快適な操作が可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態である操作装置の断面図。
【図２】図１のＤ−Ｄ線断面図。
【図３】図１のＥ−Ｅ線断面図。
【図４】本発明の第２実施形態である操作装置の断面図。
【図５】本発明の第３実施形態である操作装置の断面図。
【図６】図５のＦ方向視図。
【図７】従来の操作装置の断面図。
【図８】図７のＡ−Ａ線断面図。
【図９】図７のＣ−Ｃ線断面図。
【図１０】図７のＤ−Ｄ線断面図。
【図１１】図７のＢ方向視図。
【符号の説明】
２０，５１，１０１本体
２０ａ，５１ａ，１０１ａ渦巻き溝
２，５２，１０２ボール
２１，５３，１０３回転規制部材
２１ａ，５３ａ，１０３ａ直線溝
２２，５４，１０４ノブ
５，５５，１０５指掛け
９，５９，１０９角度検出器
１０，６０，１１０支持部材
１８，１９，１１８，１１９ストッパ
２３，４３外軸
２５，４５内軸
２７，２８内軸固定板
２９，３０外軸固定板
３２，３３ａ，３３ｂ，４１，４２，６１摩擦板
３５，３７，６４，１１４波ワッシャ
３６ジョイント
３８，７５，１１７ツマミ付ねじ
３９抜け止め用ねじ
５６，１０６Ｏリング
５８，１０８回転軸
７４押え操作環
１０７押え環[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operating device used for operating a television photographing lens device or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an example of the above-described operation device, FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate an operation device for performing a focus operation of the lens device. In these drawings, reference numeral 101 denotes a main body of the operating device. In the main body 101, an angle detector (potentiometer or rotary encoder) 109 fixedly supported by a support member 110 is provided.
[0003]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a spiral groove 101a for receiving a ball 102 for restricting the rotation range of a rotation restricting member 103, which will be described later, is formed on the operation side end face of the main body 101. .
[0004]
The rotation restricting member 103 is attached to a rotation shaft 108 that is rotatably supported with respect to the main body 101 so as to be integrally rotatable, and is disposed to face the operation side end face of the main body 101. The main body side end of the rotation shaft 108 is connected to the input shaft of the angle detector 109.
[0005]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a linear groove 103 a is formed on the end surface of the rotation restricting member 103 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the spiral groove 101 a of the main body 101 (in the vertical direction in the figure). The ball 102 is sandwiched between the linear groove 103a and the spiral groove 101a. For this reason, when the rotation restricting member 103 rotates with respect to the main body 101, the ball 102 rolls in the spiral groove 101a while being guided in the vertical direction by the linear groove 103a.
[0006]
Further, when the ball 102 abuts against stoppers 118 and 119 provided at the end of the spiral groove 101a, further rotation of the rotation restricting member 103 is restricted. It should be noted that the rotation range of the rotation restricting member 103 is restricted to a rotational speed of the entire area in consideration of sensitivity suitable for the focus operation, lens movement time in the entire focus area, and the like.
[0007]
Reference numeral 104 denotes a knob that is rotated by the operator's hand, and is attached to the outer periphery of the rotation restricting member 103 and a presser ring 107 that is fastened to the knob 104 and prevents the knob 104 from coming off. Reference numeral 105 denotes finger hooks provided at three locations on the outer periphery of the knob 104.
[0008]
The O-ring 106 is provided to provide a frictional resistance (slip resistance) against relative rotation between the rotation restricting member 103 and the knob 104. That is, when the knob 104 is operated with an operation torque smaller than the slip resistance due to the O-ring 106, the rotation restricting member 103 can be integrally rotated, and when operated with an operation torque exceeding the slip resistance, the knob 104 is rotated. Slip against the member 103.
[0009]
111 is disposed between a main body 101 and a flange plate 108a formed integrally with the rotation shaft 108 and a press plate 113 attached to the rotation shaft 108 so as to be integrally rotatable with a pin 112, and the rotation shaft 108 (that is, rotation restriction). This is a friction plate for generating rotational friction resistance (operation resistance) of the member 103 and the knob 104) with respect to the main body 101. The presser plate 113 is used to sandwich the friction plate 111 with the main body 101 with a uniform force and prevent rotation except on the surface in contact with the friction plate 111.
[0010]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the holding plate 113 is formed with a groove 113 a that sandwiches the pin 112. Accordingly, the presser plate 113 can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft 108 and can move in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 108.
[0011]
  Reference numeral 114 denotes a wave washer that generates a pressing force of the pressing plate 113 against the friction plate 111. As shown also in FIG. 11, 117 is a push screw which has a knob part 117a and can adjust the amount of tightening with respect to the rotating shaft 108 by rotation operation from the outside. This push screw117As shown in FIG. 10, the tip of the threaded portion contacts the pin 116 arranged so as to pass through the long hole formed in the rotating shaft 108, and the pin 116 contacts the wave washer 114 via the washer presser 115. It is in contact. Because of this, the push screw117By adjusting the amount of tightening with respect to the rotating shaft 108, the amount of compression deformation of the wave washer 114 can be changed, and the operation resistance generated between the friction plate 111 and the rotation restricting member 103 can be adjusted.
[0012]
  In the operating device configured as described above, when the knob 104 is rotated, the rotation regulating member 103 is integrally rotated by the slip resistance of the O-ring 106. This rotation is transmitted to the angle detector 9 via the rotation shaft 108. The rotation operation angle of the knob 104 detected by the angle detector 9 is converted into an electric signal,Not shownIs sent to the lens device via the electrical circuit. The lens device drives and controls the focus lens based on this signal.
[0013]
When the operator rotates the knob 104 vigorously and the ball 102 collides with the stoppers 118 and 119, the knob 104 slips against the rotation restricting member 103 against the slip resistance of the O-ring 106. Thereby, the impact caused by the collision of the ball 102 with the stoppers 118 and 119 is absorbed to some extent, and the generation of a loud sound is prevented.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the operating device configured as described above, the operating resistance of the knob 104 and the rotation restricting member 103 generated by the friction material 111 with respect to the main body 101 can be adjusted, whereas the operating resistance is generated by the O-ring 106. The slip resistance of the knob 104 to the rotation restricting member 103 is constant. The slip resistance is adjusted to the heaviest operation resistance in the operation resistance adjustment range of the knob 104, and the knob 104 is connected to the rotation restricting member 103 at a position other than the rotation end (when the ball 102 is not in contact with the stoppers 118 and 119). It is set not to slip.
[0015]
Therefore, for example, if the operation resistance is set lightly and the knob 104 is vigorously rotated to the rotation end, the impact absorbing effect when colliding with the stoppers 18 and 19 of the ball 102 due to heavy slip resistance is reduced. There is.
[0016]
On the other hand, if the slip resistance is set to be small in order to ensure the shock absorbing effect in such a case, the operation resistance of the knob 4 cannot be increased beyond the slip resistance in order to ensure the original operation function. There arises a problem that the resistance adjustment range is narrowed and the selection of the operation torque according to the preference of the operator is hindered.
[0017]
Further, when the operating device is used at a low temperature, since the linear expansion coefficient of the rubber O-ring 106 is larger than that of the knob 104 or the rotation restricting member 103 (resin, metal), the slip resistance is reduced and the room temperature is increased. In spite of the fact that no slip occurs during use, there is a problem that useless slip occurs during low temperature use, or the adjustment range of the operating resistance becomes narrower than during normal temperature use.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an operation member that can be operated and moved with respect to the apparatus main body, and the operation member is disposed between the apparatus main body and the operation member, and slip operation between the operation member and the operation member. An operation device having an intermediate member integrally connected to a member and capable of operating movement against the operation resistance with respect to the apparatus main body and allowing slip movement of the operation member against the slip resistance of the operation member. A resistance setting means is provided to variably set a range larger than the operating resistance.The operation resistance is generated by the friction member disposed between the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and the slip resistance is generated by the friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member. The intermediate shaft and the operating member are provided with extension shaft portions extending inward of the device main body, and one extension shaft portion is formed in a hollow shape to accommodate the other extension shaft portion. The friction member that generates the slip resistance is sandwiched between the axis orthogonal surfaces provided on the extension shafts.
[0020]
Accordingly, in accordance with the magnitude of the operating resistance of the operating member, that is, the impact absorbing effect at the end of the movable range of the intermediate member is not reduced due to being too large with respect to the operating resistance, Thus, it is possible to arbitrarily set the magnitude of the slip resistance so as to be reliably transmitted to the apparatus main body. For this reason, when the magnitude | size of operation resistance is selectable by the user, it becomes possible to ensure an impact absorption function and an operation transmission function, without preventing the selection.
[0021]
In addition, even when used at low temperatures, etc., it is possible to adjust the slip resistance to be larger than the operating resistance. It is possible to prevent the operating resistance variable setting range from being narrowed.
[0022]
Note that when the slip resistance is generated by the friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member and the slip resistance is variably set in accordance with the variable setting of the operation resistance, the friction between the intermediate member and the operation member is caused. By applying a preload in the direction in which the member is sandwiched, even if the operating resistance is set to a small value, the minimum required slip resistance can be ensured and unnecessary slipping of the operating member can be prevented. It becomes.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
1 to 3 show an operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a focus operation device for servo-controlling the focus of a lens device for television shooting will be described.
[0024]
In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a main body of the operating device. An angle detector (potentiometer or rotary encoder) 9 fixed and supported by the support member 10 is provided in the main body 20. Further, a spiral groove 20a similar to that of the conventional example shown in FIG.
[0025]
Reference numeral 21 denotes a rotation restricting member that is coupled to the main body 20 by a key 24 so as to be integrally rotatable with the outer shaft 23, and is disposed to face the operation side end face of the main body 20. The outer shaft 23 is rotatably supported at an intermediate portion in the axial direction. The rotation restricting member 21 and the outer shaft 23 constitute an intermediate member referred to in the claims.
[0026]
Further, the main body side end portion of the outer shaft 23 is widened, and is screwed to a joint 36 attached to the input shaft of the angle detector 9 so as to be integrally rotatable.
[0027]
Further, as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 8, a linear groove extending on the end face of the rotation restricting member 21 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the spiral groove 19 of the main body 20 (in the vertical direction in the figure). 21a is formed, and the ball 2 is sandwiched between the linear groove 21a and the spiral groove 20a.
[0028]
For this reason, when the rotation restricting member 21 rotates with respect to the main body 20, the ball 2 rolls in the spiral groove 20a while being guided in the vertical direction by the linear groove 21a. Then, when the ball 2 comes into contact with the stoppers 18 and 19 provided at the end of the spiral groove 20a, further rotation of the rotation restricting member 21 is restricted. Note that the rotation range of the rotation restricting member 21 is restricted to a rotational speed of the entire region in consideration of sensitivity suitable for the focus operation, movement time in the entire focus region, and the like.
[0029]
Reference numeral 22 denotes a knob (operation member) that is rotated by an operator's hand, and is coupled to a knob-side intermediate portion of the inner shaft 25 by a key 26 so as to be integrally rotatable. The inner shaft 25 has a body-side intermediate portion in the axial direction that is radially fitted to the inner periphery of the outer shaft 23. Reference numeral 5 denotes a finger hook provided on the outer periphery of the knob 22 at three locations.
[0030]
Reference numerals 27 and 28 respectively denote first and second inner shaft fixing plates that are attached in the vicinity of the end of the inner shaft 25 on the main body side so as to be integrally rotatable with the inner shaft 25 and are separated from each other in the axial direction. Are arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, the second inner shaft fixing plate 28 is mounted on a screw portion 25a formed at the end of the inner shaft 25 on the main body side, and is screwed onto the screw portion 25a as shown in FIG. It is prevented from coming off by a combined nut 31.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, first and second outer shaft fixing plates 29 and 30 are attached to the inside of the outer shaft 23 near the main body side end portion (large diameter portion) so as to be integrally rotatable by key coupling. And are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction. The shaft fixing plates 27 to 30 are arranged on the inner side of the large-diameter portion of the outer shaft 23 from the knob side from the first inner shaft fixing plate 27, the first outer shaft fixing plate 29, the second inner shaft fixing plate 28, and the second inner shaft fixing plate 28. The outer shaft fixing plates 30 are arranged so as to overlap with each other with a predetermined gap in the axial direction.
[0032]
Then, between the knob-side inner end surface of the large-diameter portion of the outer shaft 23 and the first inner shaft fixing plate 27, between the first inner shaft fixing plate 27 and the first outer shaft fixing plate 29, and the first outer shaft fixing. A first friction plate 33 a is sandwiched between the plate 29 and the second inner shaft fixing plate 28, and a second friction plate 34 is interposed between the second inner shaft fixing plate 28 and the second outer shaft fixing plate 30. It is sandwiched.
[0033]
In addition, a wave washer 35 is provided between the second outer shaft fixing plate 30 and the joint 36 to press the second inner shaft fixing plate 28 toward the knob side and apply a preload to sandwich the friction plates 33a and 34. Has been.
[0034]
Further, a third friction plate 33b having substantially the same diameter as the first and second friction plates 33a and 34 is disposed between the main body side end surface of the knob 22 and the knob side end surface of the rotation restricting member 21, Between the knob side end surface of the main body 20 and the main body side end surface of the rotation restricting member 21, and between the inner end surface of the main body 20 and the knob side outer end surface of the large diameter portion of the outer shaft 23, the first and second friction plates are provided. A fourth friction plate 32 having substantially the same diameter as 33a and 34 is disposed.
[0035]
In a circular opening formed outside the knob 22 in the axial direction, a knob screw (resistance setting means) 38 having a knob portion is accommodated so as to be adjustable from the outside. The female screw portion of the knob screw 38 is screwed into a male screw portion formed near the tip of the inner shaft 25. The knob screw 38 is prevented from coming off by a screw 39 attached to the most distal end of the inner shaft 25. Further, a wave washer 37 is disposed between the main body side end face of the knob screw 38 and the knob 22.
[0036]
In the operating device configured as described above, when the tightening amount of the knob screw 38 is changed, the compression amount of the wave washer 37 is changed, and the force that pushes the knob 22, the rotation regulating member 21 and the outer shaft 23 toward the main body side. Increases or decreases. As a result, the frictional force between the friction plates 32, 33a, 33b, and 34 and the members in contact therewith changes.
[0037]
At this time, it is disposed within the large-diameter portion of the outer shaft 23 (that is, disposed between the outer shaft 23 that can rotate integrally with the rotation restricting member 21 and the inner shaft 25 that can rotate integrally with the knob 22). The rotation restricting member of the knob 22 is generated by the frictional force generated by the first and second friction plates 33a and 34 and the frictional force generated by the third friction member 33b disposed between the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21. The magnitude of the slip resistance with respect to 21 is determined. Further, the knob 22 is in a non-slip state due to the frictional force generated by the fourth friction plate 32 disposed between the main body 20 and the rotation restricting member 21 and between the main body 20 and the large diameter portion of the outer shaft 23. And the magnitude | size of the operation resistance with respect to the main body 20 of the rotation control member 21 is decided.
[0038]
Here, when the friction coefficient between the fourth friction plate 32 and the member in contact with the fourth friction plate 32 is the same as the friction coefficient between the first to third friction plates 33 and the member in contact therewith, the first to third frictions. Since the number of the plates 33 is larger than the number of the fourth friction plates 32, regardless of the magnitude setting of the operation resistance,
Slip resistance> Operation resistance
It becomes the relationship. Therefore, the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21 rotate integrally with the main body 20 without slipping in the operation range inside the rotation operation end where the ball 2 contacts the stoppers 18 and 19. In this case, since the operation resistance acts on the rotation of the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21 with respect to the main body 20, the knob 22 is operated with an operation torque having a magnitude that can resist the operation resistance. Thus, the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21 can be rotated.
[0039]
  The rotation of the knob 22 and the rotation regulating member 21 is transmitted to the angle detector 9 through the outer shaft 23 and the joint 36. The rotation operation angle of the knob 22 detected by the angle detector 9 is converted into an electric signal,Not shownIs sent to the lens device via the electrical circuit. The lens device drives and controls the focus lens based on this signal.
[0040]
Next, the case where the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21 are about to rotate beyond the rotation operation end where the ball 2 contacts the stoppers 18 and 19 will be described. In this case, the rotation restricting member 21 and the outer shaft 23 cannot be rotated any more as the ball 2 comes into contact with the stoppers 18 and 19.
[0041]
However, when an operating torque is applied to the knob 22 or when the ball 2 collides with the stoppers 18 and 19 vigorously because the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21 have rotated at a very high speed, the knob 22 The rotational torque of the inner shaft 25 exceeds the slip resistance, and the knob 22 and the inner shaft 25 slip with respect to the rotation restricting member 21 and the outer shaft 23. Thereby, it is possible to mitigate the occurrence of impact and impact sound caused by the collision of the ball 2 with the stoppers 18 and 19.
[0042]
In this embodiment, as the magnitude of the operating resistance is adjusted (in conjunction with) the operation of the screw 38 with the knob, the slipping that is appropriate for the operating resistance, that is, the unnecessary slip of the knob 22 is achieved. The slip resistance is set to such an extent that the shock absorbing effect at the rotating operation end is not reduced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select a feeling of operation with a weight according to the operator's preference in a wide range, and to prevent a useless slip and ensure a good shock absorbing effect at the rotating operation end. it can. Further, by using the same material (expansion coefficient) for the friction plates 32, 33a, 33b, and 34, the relationship of slip resistance> operation resistance can be maintained even when used at low temperatures. In addition to preventing unnecessary slip of the knob 22, it is possible to prevent the selection range of the operational feeling from being narrowed.
[0043]
However, when the knob screw 38 is operated so that the compression amount of the wave washer 37 becomes very small in order to obtain a very light operation feeling, the difference between the operation resistance and the slip resistance becomes too small. There may be a case where the knob 22 slips relative to the rotation restricting member 21 at a position other than the rotation operation end.
[0044]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pinching force of the friction plates 33a, 33b, 34 for generating the slip resistance by the preload by the wave washer 35 is secured to a predetermined value or more, so the occurrence of slip as described above is ensured. It is preventing.
[0045]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a lens operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.
[0046]
In the first embodiment, by increasing the number of friction plates that generate slip resistance than the number of friction plates that generate operation resistance, by the same pressing force from the wave washer 37 set by the screw 38 with the knob, Although the case where the slip resistance is made larger than the operation resistance has been described, in the present embodiment, a friction plate that generates the operation resistance (between the rotation restricting member 21 and the main body 40 and between the main body 40 and the outer shaft 43). A friction plate that generates a slip resistance more than the friction coefficient of the friction plate 41 (a friction plate sandwiched between the inner shaft fixing plate 28 and the outer shaft 43 and between the knob 22 and the rotation restricting member 21). Assuming that the friction coefficient of 42 is high, the slip resistance is larger than the operation resistance even with the same number of friction plates.
[0047]
Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as the magnitude of the operation resistance is adjusted by the operation of the knob screw 38 (in conjunction), the slip resistance appropriate for the operation resistance is adjusted. And the relationship of slip resistance> operation resistance is ensured. Therefore, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0048]
In the first and second embodiments described above, when the number of friction plates that generate slip resistance is larger than the number of friction plates that generate operation resistance, and the friction coefficient of the friction plate that generates operation resistance slips. The case where the friction coefficient of the friction plate that generates resistance is increased (both are clamped with the same force) has been explained. However, the friction plate that generates slip resistance rather than the clamping force of the friction plate that generates operation resistance. It is good also as a structure which enlarges attachment force.
[0049]
Further, the secondary radius of the section around the rotation axis of the friction plate that generates the slip resistance may be made larger than the secondary radius of the section around the rotation axis of the friction plate that generates the operating resistance.
[0050]
(Third embodiment)
5 and 6 show a lens operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, 51 is the main body of the operating device. In the main body 51, an angle detector (potentiometer or rotary encoder) 59 fixedly supported by a support member 60 is provided.
[0051]
In addition, on the knob side end surface of the main body 51, a spiral groove 51a that receives a ball 52 for restricting the rotation range of a rotation restricting member 53, which will be described later, in a rollable manner, like the conventional one shown in FIG. Is formed.
[0052]
The rotation restricting member 53 is attached to a rotating shaft 58 that is rotatably supported with respect to the main body 51 so as to be integrally rotatable, and is disposed to face the knob side end surface of the main body 51. The main body side end of the rotation shaft 58 is connected to the input shaft of the angle detector 59.
[0053]
Further, a linear groove 53a is formed on the end face of the rotation restricting member 53 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the spiral groove 51a of the main body 51 (in the vertical direction in the figure), and this linear groove 53a. And the spiral groove 51a sandwich the ball 52. For this reason, when the rotation restricting member 53 rotates with respect to the main body 51, the ball 52 rolls in the spiral groove 51a while being guided in the vertical direction by the linear groove 53a. Further, when the ball 52 abuts against stoppers 68 and 69 provided at the end of the spiral groove 51a, further rotation of the rotation restricting member 53 is restricted. Note that the rotation range of the rotation restricting member 53 is restricted to a rotational speed of the entire region in consideration of sensitivity suitable for the focus operation, lens moving time in the entire focus region, and the like.
[0054]
Reference numeral 54 denotes a knob that is rotated by an operator's hand. The knob 54 is attached to the outer periphery of a rotation restricting member 53 and a presser operation ring 74 that is fastened to the knob 54 and prevents the knob 54 from coming off via a rubber O-ring 56. ing. Reference numeral 55 denotes finger hooks provided at three positions on the outer periphery of the knob 54.
[0055]
The O-ring 56 is provided to provide a frictional resistance (slip resistance) against relative rotation between the rotation restricting member 53 and the knob 54. That is, when the knob 54 is operated with an operation torque smaller than the slip resistance due to the O-ring 56, the rotation restricting member 53 can be rotated integrally, and when operated with an operation torque exceeding the slip resistance, the knob 54 is restricted from rotating. Slip against the member 53.
[0056]
Here, the presser operation ring 74 can adjust the tightening amount with respect to the rotation restricting member 53 by an operation from the outside. This is different from the conventional operating device shown in FIG.
[0057]
That is, in this embodiment, while using the operating device, the presser operating ring (resistance setting means) 74 is operated without disassembling the operating device to change the contact pressure with respect to the knob 54 of the O-ring 56 and slip. The magnitude of the resistance can be arbitrarily set.
[0058]
61 is disposed between a main body 51 and a flange plate 58a formed integrally with the rotary shaft 58 and a pressing plate 63 attached to the rotary shaft 58 so as to be integrally rotatable, and the rotary shaft 58 (that is, the rotation restricting member 53 and This is a friction plate for generating a rotational frictional resistance (operation resistance) with respect to the main body 51 of the knob 54). The presser plate 63 is used to sandwich the friction plate 61 with the main body 51 with a uniform force and prevent rotation other than the surface in contact with the friction plate 61.
[0059]
The presser plate 63 is formed with a slot 63 a that sandwiches the pin 62 press-fitted into the rotary shaft 58. Accordingly, the presser plate 63 can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft 58 and can move in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 58.
[0060]
A wave washer 64 generates a pressing force of the pressing plate 63 against the friction plate 61. As shown in FIG. 6, 75 is a push screw that is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the presser operation ring 74, has a knob portion, and can adjust the tightening amount with respect to the rotary shaft 58 by an external rotation operation. .
[0061]
The tip of the threaded portion of the push screw 75 abuts on a pin 66 disposed so as to pass through a long hole formed in the rotating shaft 58, and the pin 66 abuts on a wave washer 64 via a washer presser 65. . For this reason, by adjusting the tightening amount of the push screw 75 with respect to the rotating shaft 58, the amount of compression deformation of the wave washer 64 is changed, and the magnitude of the operation resistance generated between the friction plate 61 and the rotation restricting member 53 is increased. Can be adjusted.
[0062]
  In the operating device configured as described above, when the knob 54 is rotated, the rotation regulating member 53 is integrally rotated by the slip resistance of the O-ring 56. This rotation is transmitted to the angle detector 59 via the rotation shaft 58. The rotation operation angle of the knob 54 detected by the angle detector 59 is converted into an electric signal,Not shownIs sent to the lens device via the electrical circuit. The lens device drives and controls the focus lens based on this signal.
[0063]
When the operator rotates the knob 54 vigorously and the ball 52 collides with the stoppers 68 and 69 (reaches the rotation operation end), the knob 54 is against the rotation restricting member 53 against the slip resistance of the O-ring 56. Slip against.
[0064]
Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the magnitude of the slip resistance can be arbitrarily adjusted by operating the presser operation ring 74 from the outside. Therefore, by appropriately setting the slip resistance with respect to the magnitude of the operation resistance variably set by the operation of the knob screw 75, unnecessary slip of the knob 54 can be prevented, and at the rotation operation end. It is possible to obtain a good impact absorbing effect. This also makes it possible to select an operational feeling with a weight according to the preference of the operator over a wide range.
[0065]
Furthermore, although the linear expansion coefficient of the rubber O-ring 56 is larger than that of the resin knob 54 and the metal rotation restricting member 53, the magnitude of the slip resistance can be adjusted. Even when used at low temperatures, the relationship of slip resistance> operation resistance can be maintained, and unnecessary slip of the knob 54 can be prevented, and the selection range of operation feeling is not narrowed. can do.
[0066]
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the operation resistance and the slip resistance are generated by a friction member such as a friction plate and an O-ring has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a method other than the use of such a friction member. It can also be applied to those that generate resistance.
[0067]
In each of the above embodiments, the operation device used for the focus operation of the lens device for television shooting has been described. However, the operation device can be used for operations other than the focus operation of the lens device and operations of optical devices other than the lens device. it can.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in accordance with the magnitude of the operating resistance of the operating member, that is, so as to be too large for the operating resistance, the impact absorbing effect at the end of the movable range of the intermediate member is not diminished. And the magnitude | size of a slip resistance can be arbitrarily set so that operation of an operation member may be reliably transmitted to an apparatus main body via an intermediate member. For this reason, when the magnitude | size of operation resistance is selectable by the user, an impact absorption function and an operation transmission function can be ensured, without preventing the selection. Therefore, the operation device can be operated quickly, and for example, when used for the operation of the image capturing device, various image capturing operations can be performed.
[0069]
In addition, even when used at low temperatures, etc., it is possible to adjust the slip resistance to be larger than the operating resistance. It is possible to prevent the operating resistance variable setting range from being narrowed.
[0070]
Note that when the slip resistance is generated by the friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member and the slip resistance is variably set in accordance with the variable setting of the operation resistance, the friction between the intermediate member and the operation member is caused. By applying a preload in the direction in which the member is sandwiched, even when the operation resistance is set to a small value, the minimum required slip resistance can be ensured and unnecessary slipping of the operation member can be prevented. . Therefore, comfortable operation is possible in a wide range of environments.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view in the F direction of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional operating device.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
9 is a sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.
10 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.
11 is a view in the B direction of FIG. 7;
[Explanation of symbols]
20, 51, 101 body
20a, 51a, 101a spiral groove
2,52,102 balls
21, 53, 103 Rotation restricting member
21a, 53a, 103a Straight groove
22, 54, 104 knob
5,55,105 finger rest
9, 59, 109 Angle detector
10, 60, 110 Support member
18, 19, 118, 119 Stopper
23, 43 Outer shaft
25, 45 Inner shaft
27, 28 Inner shaft fixing plate
29, 30 Outer shaft fixing plate
32, 33a, 33b, 41, 42, 61 Friction plate
35, 37, 64, 114 wave washer
36 joints
38,75,117 Screw with knob
39 Retaining screw
56,106 O-ring
58,108 Rotating shaft
74 Presser operation ring
107 Presser ring

Claims

An operation member capable of operating movement with respect to the apparatus main body, and disposed between the apparatus main body and the operation member, and integrally connected to the operation member by a slip resistance between the operation member and the apparatus In the operating device having an intermediate member capable of operating movement against the operating resistance with respect to the main body and allowing slip movement against the slip resistance of the operating member,
Providing a resistance setting means for variably setting the slip resistance in a range larger than the operation resistance;
The operation resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and the slip resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member;
The intermediate member and the operation member are rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body;
The intermediate member and the operation member are each provided with an extension shaft portion extending inward of the apparatus main body, and one extension shaft portion is formed in a hollow shape to accommodate the other extension shaft portion,
An operating device characterized in that a friction member for generating the slip resistance is sandwiched between axial orthogonal surfaces provided on the extension shaft portions.

After the intermediate member moves to the movable range end integrally with the operation member, the operation member slips relative to the intermediate member by being operated beyond the movable range end. The operating device according to claim 1.

The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance setting unit variably sets the operation resistance and variably sets the slip resistance.

The operation resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and the slip resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member. And
The resistance setting means variably sets a pinching force of the friction member by the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and variably sets a pinching force of the friction member by the intermediate member and the operation member. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein

5. The secondary radius of the section around the rotation axis of the friction member that generates the slip resistance is larger than the secondary radius of the section around the rotation axis of the friction member that generates the operation resistance. The operating device according to any one of the above.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the number of friction members that generate the slip resistance is greater than the number of friction members that generate the operation resistance. 6.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein a friction coefficient of the friction member that generates the slip resistance is larger than a friction coefficient of the friction member that generates the operation resistance. 6.

A pinching force between the intermediate member and the operation member of the friction member that generates the slip resistance is set larger than a pinching force between the apparatus main body and the intermediate member of the friction member that generates the operation resistance. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein a preload is applied to the intermediate member and the operating member in a direction in which a friction member therebetween is sandwiched.

An operation member capable of operating movement with respect to the apparatus main body, and disposed between the apparatus main body and the operation member, and integrally connected to the operation member by a slip resistance between the operation member and the apparatus In the operating device having an intermediate member capable of operating movement against the operating resistance with respect to the main body and allowing slip movement against the slip resistance of the operating member,
Providing a resistance setting means for variably setting the slip resistance in a range larger than the operation resistance;
The resistance setting means variably sets the operation resistance and variably sets the slip resistance,
The operation resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and the slip resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member;
The clamping force by the intermediate member and the operation member of the friction member that generates the slip resistance is larger than the clamping force by the device main body and the intermediate member of the friction member that generates the operation resistance,
A preload is applied to the intermediate member and the operation member in a direction in which a friction member therebetween is sandwiched,
The intermediate member and the operation member are rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body;
The intermediate member and the operation member are each provided with an extension shaft portion extending inward of the apparatus main body, and one extension shaft portion is formed in a hollow shape to accommodate the other extension shaft portion,
An operating device characterized in that a friction member for generating the slip resistance is sandwiched between axial orthogonal surfaces provided on the extension shaft portions.

An operation member capable of operating movement with respect to the apparatus main body, and disposed between the apparatus main body and the operation member, and integrally connected to the operation member by a slip resistance between the operation member and the apparatus In the operating device having an intermediate member capable of operating movement against the operating resistance with respect to the main body and allowing slip movement against the slip resistance of the operating member,
Providing a resistance setting means for variably setting the slip resistance in a range larger than the operation resistance;
The resistance setting means variably sets the operation resistance and variably sets the slip resistance,
The operation resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and the slip resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between the intermediate member and the operation member. And
The resistance setting means variably sets the pinching force of the friction member by the apparatus main body and the intermediate member, and variably sets the pinching force of the friction member by the intermediate member and the operation member ,
The intermediate member and the operation member are rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body;
The intermediate member and the operation member are each provided with an extension shaft portion extending inward of the apparatus main body, and one extension shaft portion is formed in a hollow shape to accommodate the other extension shaft portion,
An operating device characterized in that a friction member for generating the slip resistance is sandwiched between axial orthogonal surfaces provided on the extension shaft portions.

An operation member capable of operating movement with respect to the apparatus main body, and disposed between the apparatus main body and the operation member, and integrally connected to the operation member by a slip resistance between the operation member and the apparatus In the operating device having an intermediate member capable of operating movement against the operating resistance with respect to the main body and allowing slip movement against the slip resistance of the operating member,
Providing a resistance setting means for variably setting the slip resistance in a range larger than the operation resistance;
The resistance setting means variably sets the slip resistance independently of the variable setting of the operation resistance ,
The slip resistance is generated by a friction member disposed between a tightening member as the resistance setting means capable of tightening the intermediate member and the operation member,
An operating device characterized by changing a tightening state of the tightening member with respect to the intermediate member and variably setting a pinching force of the friction member between the tightening member and the operation member.

An optical apparatus comprising the operating device according to claim 1.