JP6000798B2 - Rotating member detection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a position of a rotating member and detecting a rotation at each position by switching a rotation position.

    The moving member can select one of the two positions, and in the device that electrically detects the moving amount and the moving position at each position, it is first determined which of the two positions is located. Must be detected. If this position detection is the first detection, it may be necessary to electrically detect the movement amount and the movement position at each position separately from the first detection. This is the second detection. That is, at least three electrical detection means are used.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-265771 discloses a lens barrel that has an operation ring as an operation member and uses this to perform a power zoom operation and a power focus operation.

    Therefore, a switch as a first detection for detecting the position of the operation ring as the operation member in the optical axis direction, a magnetic sensor for detecting the rotation amount of the operation ring in the power zoom operation, and the rotation of the operation ring in the power focus operation The amount detection and further the zoom value detection for detecting the resulting zoom value are performed.

    As disclosed in JP-A-6-265571, the switch for performing the first detection is arranged at a position different from the magnetic sensor or the like and the encoder for performing the focal length detection unit for detecting the zoom value, For this purpose, an extra space must be provided.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an apparatus that can be rotated at each of two positions on a rotation shaft and can be switched to detect rotation at each position, and saves space. An apparatus that prevents the apparatus from becoming large is provided.

In the rotation operation member detection apparatus according to the present invention, a first encoder means comprising three photodetectors arranged circumferentially apart from each other, and a first encoder means arranged circumferentially, by the first encoder means A first position at which the amount of movement in the rotational direction is detected by the first encoder means, and the detected portion from the first position in the rotational axis direction. A rotation operation member that switches to a second position that is not detected by the first encoder means, and when the rotation operation member is in the second position, the rotation operation member rotates in the circumferential direction. When it is determined that there is no output signal from all of the second encoder means to be detected and the first encoder means, the rotation operation member is determined to be in the second position, and the rotation of the rotation operation member is determined. The second encoder Detected by the step, when the present first output signal from the encoder means judges that the rotation operating member is in the first position, the first rotation of the rotation operating member by the first encoder means Control means for detecting by one encoder means.

These are perspective views which show the front side of the camera which comprises a camera system. FIG. 6 is a top view of the lens barrel in a state where the rotation operation member is located at a first position. These are top views of the lens barrel in a state in which the rotation operation member is located at the second position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lens barrel. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lens barrel in a state where the rotation operation member is located at the first position, and FIG. 5A is a cross-section showing a state where the engagement between the rotation operation member and the display member is mainly released. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross-sectional position different from that in FIG. 5A, and a state in which the slit of the rotation operation member enters the photo interrupter portion of the first encoder. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lens barrel in a state where the rotation operation member is located at the second position, and FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the rotation operation member and the display member are mainly engaged. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross-sectional position different from that in FIG. 6A, and mainly shows a state in which the slit of the rotary operation member is retracted from the photo interrupter portion of the first encoder. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the state by which engagement with the rotation operation member and the display member was cancelled | released. These are exploded perspective views explaining the state which the rotation operation member and the display member engaged. These are the electric circuit block diagrams of the structure in connection with the focusing operation | movement of a camera system. These are flowcharts of a focusing operation mode switching subroutine. These are flowcharts of an automatic focusing operation subroutine. These are flowcharts of a manual focusing operation subroutine. These are flowcharts of a distance designation focusing operation. These are the time charts for demonstrating the output signal of a 1st encoder part. These are the flowcharts of the subroutine for judging the position on the optical axis of a rotation operation member.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is different for each component in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in the figure, the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component.

As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system 1 of the present embodiment includes a camera body 2 and a lens barrel 10 as an interchangeable lens. The lens barrel 10 holds an optical system member 11 for forming a subject image. In this embodiment, as an example, the camera system 1 has a form in which the camera body 2 and the lens barrel 10 can be separated. Camera system 1
May have a configuration in which the camera body and the lens barrel are integrated.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the camera system 1 includes an image pickup device 9 in the camera body 2, and electronically captures and records a subject image called a so-called electronic camera or digital camera. It has a configuration. The imaging device 9 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to light incident on the light receiving surface (pixel region) at a predetermined timing. For example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor is used. Etc.

  The camera system 1 is configured to be capable of an automatic focusing operation (autofocus operation), and the camera body 2 is provided with an automatic focusing sensor unit used for the automatic focusing operation. As an example in the present embodiment, the camera system 1 detects the contrast value of the subject image based on the signal output from the image sensor 9 and adjusts the focus of the optical system member 11 so that the contrast value becomes the highest. The so-called contrast detection type automatic focusing operation is performed. That is, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, the image sensor 9 is an automatic focusing sensor unit.

  The camera system 1 may be configured to perform a so-called phase difference detection type automatic focusing operation. In this case, the sensor for detecting the phase difference of the subject image disposed in the camera body 2 serves as the automatic focusing sensor unit. The automatic focusing sensor unit may be another type of distance measuring sensor or the like.

  On the upper surface of the camera body 2, a release switch 3 for a user to input an instruction for an imaging operation, and a power switch 4 for a user to input instructions for a power-on operation and a power-off operation of the camera body 2. Is arranged.

  In the present embodiment, the release switch 3 is a push button type switch, and includes two first release switches 3a and 2b that are turned on according to two different stroke amounts (pressing amounts). It is comprised.

  When a so-called half-pressing operation is performed by pressing the release switch 3 to the middle of the full stroke amount, the first release switch 3a is turned on. The second release switch 3b is turned on. When the second release switch 3b is turned on, the camera system 1 executes an imaging operation and stores an image.

  The release switch 3 may be arranged at a position where the first release switch 3a and the second release switch 3b are separated. Further, the release switch 3 is not limited to a push button type switch, and may be configured by other types of switches such as a touch sensor.

  Although not shown, the camera body 2 is provided with a focusing mode switching operation unit 5 for inputting an instruction to switch the focusing operation mode of the camera system 1. When the user operates the focus mode switching operation unit 5, the focus operation mode of the camera system 1 is an automatic focus operation mode for performing an automatic focus operation and a manual focus operation mode for performing a manual focus operation. Is selected. The operation of the camera system 1 in the automatic focusing operation mode and the manual focusing operation mode will be described later.

  The focus mode switching operation unit 5 is not limited to a button switch, and may be a touch sensor, a dial switch, or the like. Further, the camera body 2 may include an image display device, and the focus operation mode may be switched by selecting a menu displayed on the image display device via a button switch or a touch sensor. Further, the focus mode switching operation unit 5 may be arranged in the lens barrel 10.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the camera body 2 accommodates a storage medium for accommodating a battery accommodating portion for accommodating a primary battery or a secondary battery for supplying power to the camera system 1 and a flash memory for storing an image. Is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the camera body 2 and the lens barrel 10 can be separated by an engagement mechanism generally called a bayonet mount. In the camera system 1, the configuration that allows the camera body 2 and the lens barrel 10 to be separated from each other is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the configuration that is generally referred to as a screw mount using a screw mechanism is used. Also good. Further, the camera body 2 and the lens barrel 10 may be configured to be separable by a mechanism using a fitting or a magnet.

  The lens barrel 10 includes a base 12, a fixed frame (first frame) 14, a focusing frame 13, a drive unit 15, an index display frame 16, and display members (second frame, distance display ring, distance display). Means) 18 and a rotation operation member (operation member, rotation operation ring, rotation operation means, rotation operation unit) 17. The display member 18 is mainly composed of a first cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape, and a thin second cylindrical member that is fitted to the outer periphery thereof and shorter than the first cylindrical member is fixed in the axial direction. Has been configured. A distance scale 18a, which will be described later, is displayed on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical member. Below, the display member 18 demonstrates these 1st cylindrical members and 2nd cylindrical members as an integral thing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 12 has a bayonet portion 12 a that engages with the camera body 2. The base portion 12 is fixed to the camera body 2 when a bayonet portion (bayonet claw) 12 a engages the camera body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lens barrel 10 has a mechanism for holding an optical system member 11 including a plurality of lenses as an imaging optical system with respect to the base portion 12. The form of the optical system member 11 held by the lens barrel 10 may include a diaphragm, a prism, a mirror, a filter and the like in addition to the lens.

  The optical system member (optical system element, imaging optical system) 11 is partially or entirely moved relative to the base portion 12 in the direction of the optical axis O of the optical system member 11, so that the focusing distance is increased. It is configured to change. Here, the change in the focus distance means changing the distance to the subject to be focused. This also means that the focal position for focusing the optical system member 11 is changed. Hereinafter, among the optical system members 11, a member that moves in the direction of the optical axis O when the focusing distance is changed is referred to as a focusing lens (focusing optical element, focusing optical system member) 11 a. And

  Specifically, the optical system member 11 of the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality of lenses and an aperture mechanism unit 19 disposed along the optical axis O. In the present embodiment, the lens disposed at the rearmost (image side) of the plurality of lenses of the optical system member 11 is the focusing lens 11a.

  The focusing lens 11 a is held by a focusing frame 13 that is disposed so as to be movable back and forth in the optical axis O direction relative to the base portion 12. The focusing frame 13 is driven in the direction of the optical axis O by the driving unit 15.

  The configuration of the drive unit 15 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the screw 15a disposed substantially parallel to the optical axis O, the drive source (motor) 15c for rotating the screw 15a, and the screw 15a It has a nut 15b to be screwed. In the present embodiment, the drive source 15c is a stepping motor. The nut 15b is restricted from rotating around the screw 15a, and moves substantially parallel to the optical axis O as the screw 15a rotates. The focusing frame 13 is engaged with and in contact with the nut 15 by a spring (not shown) so as to be driven by the nut 15b.

  The drive unit 15 drives the focusing frame 15 in the direction of the optical axis O by rotating the screw 15a by the drive source 15c. The configuration of the drive unit 15 is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be another type such as a linear motor. Further, the drive unit 15 may have a configuration in which some constituent members such as a drive source are disposed in the camera body 2.

  Further, members other than the focusing lens 11 a of the optical system member 11 are held by a fixed frame 14 that is a first frame whose position is fixed with respect to the base portion 12.

  Since the lens barrel 10 of this embodiment has a form of a so-called single focus lens with a fixed focal length, the optical system member 11 other than the focusing lens 11a is held by a fixed frame 14. However, when the lens barrel 10 is a so-called retractable lens barrel whose total length can be expanded or contracted, or a so-called zoom lens or varifocal lens whose focal length can be changed, the focusing lens 11a. It goes without saying that the other optical system members 11 are also held by a frame member that moves relative to the base portion 12.

  A rotation operation member 17, an index display frame 16, and a display member 18 are disposed on the outer periphery of the lens barrel 10.

  The rotation operation member 17 is a substantially cylindrical member disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the lens barrel 10 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis O of the optical system member 11 and to be movable back and forth in the direction of the optical axis O. At least a part of the rotation operation member 17 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 10 and is arranged so that the fingers of the user of the camera system 1 are involved.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation operation member 17 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 10 as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the perspective views of FIGS. A substantially cylindrical operation portion 17a having an uneven portion on the outer periphery so that the user's fingers are involved, and a substantially cylindrical inner cylindrical portion (with a predetermined gap inside the operation portion 17a) The engagement frame) 17b has two substantially cylindrical portions.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the operation portion 17a and the inner cylindrical portion 17b are separate members, and constitute the rotation operation member 17 by being fixed by, for example, a screw or an adhesive, but the operation portion 17a and The inner cylindrical portion 17b may be formed integrally.

  The rotation operation member 17 rotates around the optical axis O by a force applied to the operation unit 17a by a user's finger. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotation operation member 17 can move within a predetermined range in the direction of the optical axis O, and in a state where no external force is applied, either of the two ends of the movement range. It is arrange | positioned so that it may be selectively located in either. The rotation operation member 17 can be reciprocated from one end to the other end of the movement range in the optical axis O direction or from the other end to one end by a force applied to the operation unit 17a by a user's finger.

  Hereinafter, of the two positions where the rotation operation member 17 is selectively positioned, the end on the front side (subject side) of the movement range in the optical axis O direction is referred to as a first position, and the rear side of the movement range ( The end portion on the image side) is referred to as a second position.

  That is, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 show a state where the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, and FIG. 3, FIG. The state located in the 2nd position is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the inner peripheral surface of the rotation operation member 17, a convex portion 17 c that protrudes radially inward and has a substantially triangular cross section is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. . The convex portion 17c has an inner diameter that decreases toward the front along the optical axis O, and the first slope portion 17d formed to reach the apex of the triangle, and the front side of the first slope portion 17d And a second inclined surface portion 17e formed so that the inner diameter increases from the triangular apex to the front along the optical axis O.

  In addition, a through-hole 14a is formed in the fixed frame 14 disposed inside the rotation operation member 17 at a location facing the convex portion 17c. A ball 14b is loosely fitted in the through hole 14a. The ball 14b can protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fixed frame 14, and is urged toward the radially outer side of the fixed frame 14 by an urging member 14c that is a leaf spring. The urging member 14 c has a spring portion (plate spring) disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed frame 14. The urging member 14c and the ball 14b are arranged at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction.

  When the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the ball 14b contacts the first inclined surface portion 17d of the convex portion 17c, and the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position. In such a case, it comes into contact with the second inclined surface portion 17e of the convex portion 17c. Since the convex portion 17c has a substantially triangular cross section, the ball 14b is always in contact with either the first slope portion 17d or the second slope portion 17e regardless of the position of the rotation operation member 17.

  Therefore, when the rotation operation member 17 is positioned closer to the front of the movable range, the rotation operation member 17 is urged forward by the ball 14b in contact with the first inclined surface portion 17d, and the first operation is performed. In position, it is abutted against one end of the movable range and positioned.

  On the other hand, when the rotation operation member 17 is located behind the movable range, the rotation operation member 17 is urged rearward by the ball 14b in contact with the second inclined surface portion 17e, and the second operation At the position, it is positioned against the other end of the movable range.

  Therefore, in the lens barrel 10 of the present embodiment, when no external force is applied to the rotation operation member 17, the position of the rotation operation member 17 in the optical axis O direction is the first position and the second position. Either. For example, when the rotational operation member 17 is located at the first position and the external force applied backward to the rotational operation member 17 is weaker than the urging force generated by the urging member 14c and the ball 14b. If the external force disappears, the rotation operation member 17 returns to the first position. Further, for example, in a state where the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, if the backward external force applied to the rotation operation member 17 is stronger than the urging force generated by the urging member 14c and the ball 14b, The rotation operation member 17 moves to the second position.

  The lens barrel 10 includes an encoder unit (operation unit) that detects a rotation direction and a rotation amount around the optical axis O of the rotation operation member 17 when at least the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position. A rotation detection unit, rotation detection means) 21 is provided. In addition, in the lens barrel 10, the operation member 17 cooperates with the encoder unit 21 in order to detect whether the rotation operation member 17 is located in the first position or the second position in the optical axis O direction. An encoder unit 22 as a position detection unit (position detection means) is disposed. The encoder unit 21 and the encoder unit 22 which is an operation member position detection unit (position detection means) are hereinafter referred to as first encoder units 21 and 22.

  The encoder section 21 of the first encoder section is a pair of a plurality of slits (notches) 17n provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the rotation operation member 17 and spaced apart from each other on the same circumference. The photo-interrupter, which is a photo detector, detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 17 based on the output signals of the pair of photo-interrupters. The encoder unit 21 of the first encoder unit of the present embodiment and the plurality of slits 17n provided in the rotational operation member 17 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction are the same as the so-called incremental rotary encoder. It has the form.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the slit 17n is formed at the front end of the inner cylindrical portion 17b as shown in FIG. A pair of photo interrupters constituting the encoder unit 21 of the first encoder unit is fixed to the fixed frame 14 as shown in FIGS.

  The front end portion of the inner cylindrical portion 17b in which the slit 17n is formed is located within the detection range of the pair of photo interrupters only when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position. Therefore, the encoder unit 21 of the first encoder unit of the present embodiment is configured so that the rotation direction and the rotation amount around the optical axis O of the rotation operation member 17 are only when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position. Can be detected.

The encoder part 22 which is an operation member position detection part consists of a photo interrupter which is a photodetector fixed to the base part 12 or the fixed frame 14. The encoder part 22 which is an operation member position detection part is spaced apart and arranged on the same circumference as the encoder part 21. The first encoder section (first encoder means) is mounted on a flexible printed board (not shown) formed in a strip shape in parallel with a plane perpendicular to the optical axis in the circumferential direction.
Below, the arrangement | positioning relationship of the encoder part 21 and the encoder part 22 is demonstrated, referring FIG.
The first encoder units 21 and 22 output a pulse signal having a duty ratio of 1: 1, for example, when the detected portion including the slit 17n of the rotation operation member 17 enters and exits between the light receiving and emitting elements.
When the pulse signal (P1) is output from one photoreflector of the encoder unit 21 like the output pulses P1 and P2 in FIG. 14, the pulse is shifted from the other photoreflector by a quarter period. The other photo reflector is positioned relative to one photo reflector so that the signal (P2) is output. Further, the position is set so that the pulse signal P3 in FIG. That is, whenever the pulse outputs of P1 and P2 are both Lo, the position is set so that a Hi pulse signal is output from the encoder section 22 as in the S period in FIG.
If the detected part including the slit 17n of the rotation operation member 17 has entered the first encoder parts 21 and 22 by positioning the three photo reflectors in this way, for example, a line segment in FIG. Hi signals are always output from the first encoder units 21 and 22 at the respective positions indicated by L1, L2, L3, and L4. If the detected part including the slit 17n of the rotation operation member 17 is retracted from the first encoder parts 21 and 22, only the Lo signal is output from the first encoder parts 21 and 22. Therefore, if any of the signals P1, P2, and P3 of the photo reflector is a Hi signal, the detected portion including the slit 17n of the rotation operation member 17 has entered any of P1, P2, and P3 of the photo reflector. That is, it can be determined that the rotation operation member 17 is in the first position. Naturally, if all of the P1, P2 and P3 signals of the photo reflector are Lo signals, it can be determined that the rotation operation member 17 is in the second position.

  Further, the rotation operation member 17 is provided with an engagement convex portion 17g constituting an engagement means (engagement portion). When the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the engagement convex portion 17g engages with a display member 18 described later, and rotates the rotation operation member 17 and the display member 18 integrally. Is.

  The engaging convex portion 17g is composed of a plurality of convex portions projecting radially outward on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 17b. As shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, the some convex part which comprises the engagement convex part 17g has a fixed clearance gap between each other, and is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the plurality of convex portions have a substantially V-shaped shape in which a part of the rear side becomes narrower toward the rear side when viewed from the radially outer side. The configuration of the engagement between the engagement convex portion 17g and the display member 18 will be described later.

  The index display frame 16 is a part of the exterior member of the lens barrel 10 whose position is fixed with respect to the base unit 12 and is a frame member (first frame) having a function of a fixed frame. The index display frame 16 is fixed to the base unit 12 via the fixed frame 14. The index display frame 16 is disposed at a position on the front side of the operation portion 17a of the rotation operation member 17 in a state where the rotation operation member 17 is positioned at the first position. The indicator display frame 16 is provided with a short linear indicator 16a substantially parallel to the optical axis O. The indicator 16a is for indicating a distance scale 18a provided on the display member 18 described later.

  The index display frame 16 is provided with depth-of-field scales 16b on both sides in the circumferential direction substantially symmetrically across the index 16a. The depth-of-field scale 16b is for displaying the depth of field corresponding to the F value (aperture value) of the optical system member 11. The depth-of-field scale 16b is displayed so as to sandwich the index 16a in pairs with the same numerical value representing the F value. There are a plurality of pairs, and the pairs have different F values. In the description of the present embodiment, a plurality of numerical values (5.6, 11, 22) are displayed, but only a pair of numerical values consisting of at least the same numerical values may be displayed.

  The display member 18 that is the second frame is a substantially cylindrical member that can rotate relative to the base portion 12 around the optical axis O and is disposed inside the rotation operation member 17. . In other words, the display member 18 can rotate relative to the indicator display frame 16 around the optical axis O.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a distance scale 18 a representing the focusing distance of the optical system member 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the display member 18. In the distance scale 18a, numerical values indicating the distance from the shortest focusing distance of the optical system member 11 to infinity are arranged in the circumferential direction. As the display member 18 rotates relative to the indicator display frame 16 around the optical axis O, the numerical value of the distance scale 18a indicated by the indicator 16a changes.

  The display member 18 has a rotation range around the optical axis O limited to a certain angle by a mechanism (not shown), and can rotate around the optical axis O only within the range indicated by the distance scale 18a by the index 16a. is there. That is, the distance scale 18a always displays a numerical value of the distance from the shortest focusing distance to the infinity of the optical system member 11 in combination with the index 16a.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the distance scale 18 a of the display member 18 is not visible from the outside of the lens barrel 10. Become. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the distance scale 18 a of the display member 18 is visible from the outside of the lens barrel 10.

  Specifically, the display member 18 is disposed between the operation portion 17 a and the inner cylindrical portion 17 b of the rotation operation member 17. In other words, the cylindrical portion that is the operation portion 17 a of the rotation operation member 17 is disposed further radially outward than the outer peripheral surface of the display member 18. When the rotary operation member 17 is located at the first position, the operation unit 17a advances onto the distance scale 18a and covers the distance scale 18a. When the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the operation unit 17a is retracted from the distance scale 18a, and the distance scale 18a is exposed and displayed. In other words, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the display member 18 is exposed to the outside.

  In the lens barrel 10 of the present embodiment, the display member 18 is configured to rotate around the optical axis O together with the rotation operation member 17 only when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position. Has been. Further, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the rotation operation member 17 can rotate independently of the display member 18.

  Specifically, one engagement pin 18b constituting the engagement means is provided on the inner peripheral portion (inner peripheral surface) of the display member 18 so as to protrude radially inward. In this embodiment, the engagement pin 18b is a separate member from the display member 18, and is fixed to the display member 18 by press-fitting or an adhesive. The engaging pin 18b may be formed integrally with the display member 18.

  Since the display member 18 is disposed between the operation portion 17a and the inner cylindrical portion 17b of the rotation operation member 17, the engagement pin 18b is disposed on the inner cylindrical portion 17b disposed on the inner side of the display member 18. Protrusively toward. In other words, the engagement pin 18b of the display member 18 and the engagement convex portion 17g of the rotation operation member 17 protrude in directions facing each other.

  The outer diameter of the engagement pin 18b is smaller than the interval between the adjacent engagement projections 17g, and the engagement pin 18b has a shape that fits in a state of clearance fit between the adjacent engagement projections 17g. Have. Further, the engagement pin 18b has a cross-sectional shape in which the front side is substantially V-shaped when viewed from the radially inner side.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the engaging pin 18b is located on the rear side of the engaging convex portion 17g of the rotating operation member 17 when the rotating operation member 17 is located at the first position. Thus, even if the rotation operation member 17 rotates around the optical axis O, the rotation operation member 17 is disposed at a position where it does not interfere with the engagement convex portion 17g.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the engaging pin 18b is positioned on the same circumferential direction as the engaging convex portion 17g when the rotation operation member 17 is positioned at the second position. ing. In other words, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the engagement pin 18b is disposed at a position overlapping the engagement convex portion 17g in the optical axis O direction. That is, when the rotation operation member 17 is relatively moved from the first position to the second position, the engagement pin 18b is fitted between the adjacent engagement protrusions 17g. Conversely, when the rotation operation member 17 is relatively moved from the second position to the first position, the engagement pin 18b and the engagement protrusion 17g are disengaged.

  When the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the display member 18 can be rotated by the engagement means including the engagement convex portion 17g and the engagement pin 18b having the above-described configuration. When the rotation operation member 17 rotates around the optical axis O together with the rotation operation member 17 at the first position, even if the rotation operation member 17 rotates around the optical axis O, the rotation operation member 17 remains stopped without rotating. Become.

  As described above, the plurality of convex portions of the engaging convex portion 17g have a substantially V-shaped shape on the rear side when viewed from the outside in the radial direction, and the engaging pin 18b has the radial direction. Since the front side has a substantially V-shape when viewed from the inside, when the rotary operation member 17 moves from the first position to the second position, it is substantially provided on both sides. When the V-shaped portions follow each other, the display member 18 is slightly rotated, and the engagement pin 18b and the engagement protrusion 17g are smoothly engaged. For this reason, the operation of moving the rotation operation member 17 in the optical axis O direction is not caught, and the rotation operation member 17 can be moved quickly.

  As described above, the rotation range of the display member 18 is limited to a range in which the combination of the distance scale 18a and the index 16a displays a numerical value of the distance from the shortest focusing distance of the optical system member 11 to infinity. . For this reason, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position and is engaged with the display member 18, the rotation operation member 17 can rotate only within the same rotation range as the display member 18. That is, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the rotation range of the rotation operation member 17 is limited.

  As described above, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the range of relative rotation of the display member 18 (second frame) with respect to the fixed first frame is restricted. By the rotation restricting means, the rotation range of the rotation operation member 17 is also restricted to a predetermined range.

  On the other hand, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the rotation operation member 17 does not interfere with the display member 18, so that the rotation range of the rotation operation member 17 is not limited. In other words, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the rotation operation member 17 can be rotated indefinitely without the rotation range being restricted by the rotation restriction means.

  Further, the lens barrel 10 of the present embodiment uses a second technique using a known technique that is a second encoder means for detecting an absolute rotational position around the optical axis O with respect to the base portion 12 of the display member 18. Encoder section (display member rotation detection section, rotation position detection means) 23 is disposed.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, for example, the second encoder unit 23 is configured to have a form of a so-called absolute type rotary encoder. The second encoder unit 23 includes a code pattern having a predetermined number of bits made of a conductor and a contact part made of a sliding contact piece made of a conductor that slides on the code pattern.

  The code pattern is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed frame 14, and the contact portion is disposed on the display member 18. Depending on the rotational position of the display member 18 around the optical axis O, the position of the code pattern that contacts the contact portion changes. Although not shown, the second encoder section 23 has an electric circuit for detecting the contact state between the code pattern and the contact section. From this detection result, the optical axis O with respect to the base section 12 of the display member 18 is detected. The absolute rotation position around can be calculated.

  Note that the configuration of the second encoder unit 23 is not limited to the present embodiment as long as the absolute rotation position around the optical axis O with respect to the base unit 12 can be detected. For example, the second encoder unit 23 may be an optical or magnetic absolute rotary encoder, or a so-called potentiometer whose resistance value changes according to the rotational position of the display member 18 around the optical axis O. The form which has the same structure may be sufficient.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the part related to the focusing operation of the camera system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the camera body 2 is provided with the release switch 3, the power switch 4, the focus mode switching operation unit 5, and the image sensor 9 which is an automatic focusing sensor unit. Further, the camera body 2 is provided with a camera body control unit 6, an image processing unit 7, a communication unit 8, an image display circuit 30, and an image display device 31.

  The camera main body control unit (control means) 6 constituting the control unit includes an arithmetic device (CPU), a storage device (RAM), an input / output device, a power control device, and the like. Is controlled based on a predetermined program.

  The image processing unit 7 is an electronic circuit unit for performing image processing, and can calculate the contrast value of the subject image from the signal output from the image sensor 9. Note that the mounting form of the image processing unit 7 on the camera body 2 may be a hardware form in which computing hardware for image processing is mounted, or the computing device of the camera body control unit 6 may be a predetermined image. A software form that performs image processing based on a processing program may be used.

  The communication unit 8 is for communicating with the lens barrel control unit 24 via a communication unit 25 provided in the lens barrel 10 by wired communication or wireless communication. The image processing circuit 30 is a circuit for displaying a subject image from the image sensor 9 on the image display device 31. For example, the image processing circuit 30 displays the subject image during the focusing operation on the image display device 31.

As described above, the lens barrel 10 includes the drive unit 15, the first encoder units 21 and 22 that constitute the operation member position detection unit, the rotation detection unit that detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the operation member, and the operation. A second encoder unit 23 for detecting the rotational position for detecting the position of the member is provided. The lens barrel 10 is provided with a lens barrel control unit 24 and a communication unit 25.
Lens barrel control unit constituting the control unit (control means) 24, an arithmetic unit, a storage unit, and are configured by including the input and output device, a lens barrel in conjunction with the camera main body control unit 6 10 operations are controlled based on a predetermined program. The communication unit 25 is for communicating with the camera body control unit 6 via the communication unit 8 provided in the camera body 2 by wired communication or wireless communication.

  Next, the operation of the camera system 1 having the configuration described above will be described.

  In the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, when the camera body is in a power-on state, the camera body control unit 6 repeatedly performs the focusing operation mode switching subroutine shown in FIG. 10 as necessary. The in-focus operation mode switching subroutine determines which one of the plurality of in-focus operation modes of the camera system 1 is selected by an instruction input from the user, and switches the in-focus operation mode of the camera system 1 according to the instruction input. Is for.

  The focusing operation mode switching subroutine described below is appropriately incorporated in a main routine for the camera system 1 to perform a photographing operation. The main routine for the camera system 1 to perform a shooting operation is the same as that of a well-known technique, so that the description thereof is omitted.

  In the focus operation mode switching subroutine, first, in step S01, it is determined whether or not the focus operation mode selected by the user via the focus mode switching operation unit 5 is the automatic focus operation mode.

  If the result of the determination in step S01 is that the automatic focusing operation mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S04, and the operation of the camera system 1 is switched so as to perform the automatic focusing operation. In step S04, the camera system 1 performs an automatic focusing operation shown in FIG.

  Although the timing at which the camera system 1 performs the automatic focusing operation is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, as an example, when the first release switch 3a is turned on as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Assume that an automatic focusing operation is performed.

  When the camera system 1 performs an automatic focusing operation, the contrast value of the subject image is detected based on a signal output from the image sensor 9 which is an automatic focusing sensor unit, and the focusing value is adjusted to be the highest. The focusing frame 13 is driven.

  For example, in the case of the camera system 1 having a configuration in which the camera body 1 and the lens barrel 10 can be separated as in the present embodiment, it is based on a signal output from the image sensor 9 during the automatic focusing operation. A command for driving the focusing frame 13 to perform focus adjustment is performed by the camera body control unit 6. In this case, the lens barrel control unit 24 of the lens barrel 10 drives the focusing frame 13 via the drive unit 15 in response to a command from the camera body control unit 6 input via the communication unit 25. To do.

  Since the focusing operation mode switching subroutine is completed by executing step S04, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, when the automatic focusing operation mode is selected, the rotation operation member 17 is moved to the first position and the first position. In any case, the automatic focusing operation is performed. Therefore, in the automatic focusing operation, even if the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position and the distance scale 18a is exposed to the outside, regardless of the distance value of the distance scale 18a indicated by the index 16a. Instead, the focusing frame 13 is driven to adjust the focus. In addition, here, even if the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position and the distance scale 18a is exposed to the outside, the distance scale 18a pointed to by the index 16a does not matter regardless of the numerical value of the distance scale 18a. However, as another embodiment, when the rotary operation member 17 is located at the second position and the distance scale 18a is exposed to the outside, the index 16a is used. The focusing frame 13 may be driven to a position corresponding to this distance as indicated by the distance scale 18a.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S01 is that the automatic focusing operation mode has not been selected, the routine proceeds to step S02. In step S02, a distance ring position determination for determining whether the rotation operation member 17 (distance ring) shown in FIG. 15 is on the optical axis, that is, whether the rotation operation member 17 is in the first position or the second position. Run a subroutine.
In step S40 of the distance ring position determination subroutine, the output P1 of one of the photo reflectors 21 of the first encoder unit is viewed to determine whether it is a Lo signal. If it is determined that the signal is not a Lo signal, that is, a Hi signal, the process proceeds to step S44, where it is determined that the rotation operation member 17 is in the first position. If it is determined that the signal is a Lo signal, the process proceeds to step 41.
In step S41, the output P2 of the other photoreflector of the encoder unit 21 of the first encoder unit is checked to determine whether the signal is a Lo signal. If it is determined that the signal is not a Lo signal, that is, a Hi signal, the process proceeds to step 44 and it is determined that the rotary operation member 17 is in the first position. If it is determined that the signal is a Lo signal, the process proceeds to step 42.
In step S42, the output P3 of the photoreflector of the encoder unit 22 of the first encoder unit is seen to determine whether the signal is a Lo signal. If it is determined that the signal is not a Lo signal, that is, a Hi signal, the process proceeds to step 44 and it is determined that the rotary operation member 17 is in the first position. If it is determined that the signal is a Lo signal, the process proceeds to step 43, where it is determined that the rotary operation member 17 is in the second position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S03 of the focusing operation mode switching subroutine.

  In step S03, based on the output signal of the operation member position detection unit 22, it is determined whether or not the rotation operation member 17 is present at the first position.

  If it is determined in step S03 that the rotation operation member 17 is present at the first position, the process proceeds to step S05, and the operation of the camera system 1 is performed so as to perform a manual focusing operation for focus adjustment. Switch.

  In step S05, the camera system 1 performs a manual focusing operation shown in FIG. When performing the manual focusing operation, the camera system 1 performs focusing according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 17 when the first encoder unit 21 detects the rotation of the rotation operation member 17. The frame 13 is driven. In the manual focusing operation, the user can observe the in-focus state by observing the state of the subject image displayed on the image display device 31, and the rotation operation is performed based on the observation result. The member 17 is operated. Of course, the user can observe the in-focus state by observing the state of the subject image displayed on the image display device 31 in the same manner during other focusing operations.

  For example, when the lens barrel 10 is viewed from the rear, when it is detected that the rotation operation member 17 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the camera system 1 is a direction in which the focusing distance of the optical system member 11 is shortened. The focusing frame 13 is moved. Further, for example, when the lens barrel 10 is viewed from the rear, when it is detected that the rotation operation member 17 has rotated counterclockwise, the camera system 1 has a long focusing distance of the optical system member 11. The focusing frame 13 is moved in the following direction.

  The moving distance and speed of the focusing frame 13 in the manual focusing operation are determined according to the rotation amount (rotation angle) and rotation speed (rotation angular speed) of the rotation operation member 17 detected by the first encoder unit 21. .

  The manual focusing operation shown in FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed until a focusing operation other than the manual focusing operation is selected by executing the focusing operation mode switching subroutine. That is, the manual focusing operation shown in FIG. 12 is performed until the automatic focusing operation mode is selected by the focusing mode switching operation unit 5 or the rotation operation member 17 is moved from the first position to the second position. Repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S03 that the rotation operation member 17 is not present at the first position, that is, if it is determined that the rotation operation member 17 is present at the second position, the process proceeds to step S06. The operation of the camera system 1 is switched so as to perform a distance designation focusing operation for focus adjustment.

  In step S06, the camera system 1 performs a distance designation focusing operation shown in FIG. When the camera system 1 performs the distance designation focusing operation, the focusing frame 13 is positioned at a position corresponding to the numerical value of the distance of the distance scale 18a pointed to by the index 16a calculated from the output signal of the second encoder unit 23. Drive. That is, the focusing frame 13 is driven by the drive unit 15 at a position corresponding to the relative position of the first frame that is the fixed frame 14 and the index display frame 16 and the second frame that is the display member 18. Is done.

  Specifically, in the distance designation focusing operation, first, in step S30, the lens barrel control unit 24 reads the output value of the second encoder unit 23. The output value of the second encoder unit 23 is a value representing an absolute rotational position around the optical axis O with respect to the base unit 12 of the display member 18.

  Next, in step S31, the lens barrel control unit 24 calculates the numerical value of the distance of the distance scale 18a indicated by the index 16a from the output value of the second encoder unit 23. The conversion from the output value of the second encoder unit 23 to the numerical value of the distance of the distance scale 18a indicated by the index 16a is performed based on, for example, a conversion table stored in advance in the lens barrel control unit 24.

  Next, in step S <b> 32, the lens barrel control unit 24 matches the distance value of the distance scale 18 a indicated by the index 16 a with the in-focus distance of the optical system member 11 from the output value of the second encoder unit 23. Alternatively, the focusing frame 13 is moved so as to approximate. For example, if the numerical value of the distance scale 18a indicated by the index 16a is 3 m, the focusing frame 13 is moved so that the focusing distance of the optical system member 11 is 3 m.

  Ideally, the numerical value of the distance on the distance scale 18a pointed to by the index 16a matches the in-focus distance of the optical system member 11, but if the resolution of the second encoder unit 23 is low, both are set. Since it is difficult to match, the focusing frame 13 is moved so that they are approximated.

  Further, the lens barrel control unit 24 outputs the numerical value of the distance of the distance scale 18 a indicated by the calculated index 16 a to the camera body control unit 6 of the camera body 2 via the communication unit 25. The camera body control unit 6 determines an exposure value according to the received numerical value, or adds the numerical value to the captured image as metadata.

  The distance designation focusing operation shown in FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed until a focusing operation other than the distance designation focusing operation is selected by executing the focusing operation mode switching subroutine. That is, the distance designation focusing operation shown in FIG. 13 is performed until the automatic focusing operation mode is selected by the focusing mode switching operation unit 5 or until the rotation operation member 17 is moved from the second position to the first position. Is executed repeatedly.

  As described above, the camera system 1 according to the present embodiment has the indicator 16 a disposed at a position fixed with respect to the base unit 12 fixed to the camera body 2 and the base unit 12. A display member 18 that is rotatably arranged and has a distance scale 18a; a second encoder portion 23 that detects a rotational position of the display member 18 with respect to the base portion 12; a rotation operation member 17 that rotates together with the display member 18; It is comprised.

  And the camera system 1 of this embodiment performs focus adjustment based on the output of the image sensor 9 which is a focus sensor part irrespective of the rotation position of the display member 18 at the time of automatic focusing operation. Further, the camera system 1 drives the focusing frame 13 to a position corresponding to the distance numerical value of the distance scale 18a indicated by the index 16a calculated from the output signal of the second encoder unit 23 during the distance designation focusing operation. To do. That is, the camera system 1 can be manually focused using a distance scale. In addition, the automatic focusing operation and the distance specifying focusing operation in the camera system 1 can be switched by the user operating the focusing mode switching operation unit 5 and the rotation operation member 17.

  In the lens barrel 10 of the camera system 1 having the above-described configuration, the driving unit 15 drives only the focusing frame 13 that holds the focusing lens 11a, and the driving unit 15 drives the member. Can be reduced and the weight can be reduced. Thereby, in this embodiment, the drive part 15 can be made small with a small output, and the lens barrel 10 can be miniaturized. Further, the focusing operation can be performed quickly.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a mechanism for transmitting power for driving the display member 18 is not required, and the power from the drive unit 15 to the focusing frame 13 which is a driven member with a simple configuration with a small number of parts. Can be transmitted. For this reason, it is easy to reduce the volume of the sound generated when the focusing frame 13 is driven for focus adjustment. It is preferable to suppress the volume generated at the time of focus adjustment, for example, when capturing a moving image.

  In the present embodiment, when the manual focusing operation mode is selected by the focusing mode switching operation unit 5 and the rotation operation member 17 is located at the second position, the manual focusing using the distance scale is performed. Can be burnt. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to implement an imaging method in which a predetermined focus distance is manually set in advance using the distance scale 18a and shooting is performed quickly without performing the focus adjustment operation.

  For example, in the present embodiment, since the index display frame 16 is provided with the depth-of-field scale 16b, the user can measure the distance scale 18a, the index 16a, and the object exposed on the outer periphery of the lens barrel 10. By looking at the depth scale 16b, it is possible to immediately confirm the subject distance to be focused.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the manual focusing operation mode is selected by the focusing mode switching operation unit 5 and the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the rotation operation member 17 rotates. The manual focusing shown in FIG. In the manual focusing operation, since the rotation operation member 17 is not engaged with the display member 18, the rotation operation member 17 can rotate around the optical axis O without limitation, and the focus adjustment of the optical system member 11 is performed by the rotation amount of the rotation operation member 17. Is done according to.

  For this reason, in the manual focusing operation of the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, finer focus adjustment can be performed than in the distance designation focusing operation using the distance scale.

  As described above, in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment, as the rough focus adjustment (coarse adjustment) via the drive unit 15, the focus distance and the depth of field are clearly indicated by the index 16a and the distance scale 18a. A distance designated focusing operation that realizes quick imaging and a manual focusing operation that can perform fine focus adjustment (fine adjustment) via the drive unit 15 in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation member 17 are selectively performed. Can be executed. Since the distance designation focusing operation and the manual focusing operation can be switched only by moving the rotary operation member 17 back and forth, it can be quickly and explicitly executed.

  Needless to say, if the resolution of the second encoder unit 23 is sufficiently high, fine focus adjustment can be performed even in the distance designation focusing operation. Further, the distance designation focusing operation may be referred to as an absolute focusing operation, and the manual focusing operation may be referred to as a relative focusing operation.

  In the present embodiment, when the rotation operation member 17 is located at the first position, the rotation operation member 17 rotates because the rotation operation member 17 and the display member 18 are not engaged. However, the display member 18 does not rotate. Therefore, the focus distance set during the distance designated focus operation is not changed during the manual focus operation.

  For example, after the user rotates the display member 18 so that the in-focus distance is 3 meters during the distance designated focusing operation, the rotation operation member 17 is moved to the first position, and the focus by the manual focusing operation is reached. Even if the adjustment is performed, the display member 18 does not rotate. Therefore, when the user moves the operation ring 17 to the second position and performs the distance designation focusing operation thereafter, the focusing distance of the optical system member 11 returns to 3 meters. Therefore, if the in-focus distance is set to a desired value in advance during the distance designated in-focus operation, the desired in-focus state can be quickly and simply moved backward from the state in which the manual in-focus operation is performed. Shooting with a focal length can be performed.

  According to the description of the present invention, when the rotation operation member is switched and moved between the first position and the second position on the optical axis, the position is determined by the rotation amount of the rotation operation member at the first position, etc. This is determined by a pair of photointerrupters used for detecting the image and another photointerrupter, but this may also be performed at the second position. That is, another pair of photo-interrupters and yet another photo-interrupter may be provided to detect the rotation amount or the like of the rotation operation member even at the second position. Then, the rotation amount of the rotary operation member can be detected at both the first position and the second position.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is a device that can rotate at each of the two positions on the rotation shaft and is switched to detect rotation at each position, and saves space. An apparatus for preventing an increase in size of the apparatus is provided.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a camera system with such a change. And a lens barrel are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the camera system having the form of the digital camera described in the above-described embodiment, but can also be applied to an electronic device having an imaging function such as an endoscope and other various electronic devices.

1 camera system,
2 Camera body,
3 Release switch,
3a First release switch,
3b Second release switch,
4 Power switch,
5 Focus mode switching operation section,
6 camera body control unit (control unit, control means),
7 Image processing unit,
8 Communication Department,
9 Image sensor (autofocus sensor unit)
10 Lens barrel,
11 Optical system members,
11a Focusing lens (focusing optical system element, focusing optical system member),
12 base part,
12a Bayonet club
13 Focusing frame,
14 fixed frame,
14a through hole,
14b ball,
14c biasing member,
15 drive unit,
15a screw,
15b nut,
15c stepping motor (drive source, motor),
16 Indicator display frame,
16a indicator,
16b Depth of Field Index,
17 Rotation operation part (rotation operation means),
17a operation unit,
17b inner cylindrical part,
17c ridge,
17d 1st slope part,
17e 2nd slope part,
17e slit,
17g engagement convex part (engagement part),
17h flange part,
17i high friction material,
17j taper part,
17k type C ring,
17m groove,
18 Distance display section (distance display means),
18a Distance scale,
18b engagement pin (engagement part),
18c flange part,
18d taper part,
19 Aperture mechanism,
21 1st encoder part (1st encoder means, rotation detection means),
21a Photo interrupter,
22 operation unit position detection unit (operation unit position detection unit),
23 second encoder section (second encoder means, rotational position detection means),

Claims (4)

First encoder means comprising three photodetectors arranged circumferentially apart from each other;
A first position having a detected portion that is arranged in a circle and detected by the first encoder means, and the detected portion detects the amount of movement in the rotational direction by the first encoder means. And a rotation operation member that switches the detected portion from the first position to the second position that is not detected by the first encoder means in the rotation axis direction;
Second encoder means for detecting rotation of the rotation operation member in the circumferential direction when the rotation operation member is in the second position;
When it is determined that there is no output signal from all of the first encoder means, it is determined that the rotation operation member is in the second position, and the rotation of the rotation operation member is detected by the second encoder means. When there is an output signal from the first encoder means, it is determined that the rotation operation member is at the first position, and the rotation of the rotation operation member by the first encoder means is performed by the first encoder means. Control means for detecting by
An apparatus for detecting a rotary operation member. 2. The rotating operation according to claim 1, wherein the photodetector is a photo interrupter, and the detected portion is formed in a comb-like shape in which a light passing portion and a light blocking portion are continuously formed. Member detection device. 3. The rotational operation member detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second encoder means detects a rotational position of the rotational operation member in a circumferential direction. 4. The rotation operation member detection device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation operation member is a distance ring used in a lens barrel of a camera.