US20120014004A1 - Lens barrel support structure and optical device - Google Patents
Lens barrel support structure and optical device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120014004A1 US20120014004A1 US13/037,371 US201113037371A US2012014004A1 US 20120014004 A1 US20120014004 A1 US 20120014004A1 US 201113037371 A US201113037371 A US 201113037371A US 2012014004 A1 US2012014004 A1 US 2012014004A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lens barrel
- attachment portion
- receiver
- limiter
- body frame
- Prior art date
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- Granted
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- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 63
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000005489 elastic deformation Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 silver halide Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
- G02B7/04—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
- G02B7/10—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
- G02B7/102—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens controlled by a microcomputer
Definitions
- the technology disclosed herein relates to a lens barrel support structure that supports an optical system, and to an optical device having a lens barrel.
- An optical system that includes lenses and other such optical parts are used in silver halide cameras, digital cameras, and other optical devices.
- optical devices that are equipped with a lens barrel for accommodating an optical system, and in which the lens barrel is attached to a main body.
- the lens barrel needs to support the optical parts, so a certain amount of strength is required of the connection between the lens barrel and the optical device body.
- a technique in which a cushioning member is disposed between the lens barrel and the main body is employed to prevent damage to the connection portion between these members in the event that the optical device is subjected to vibration, impact, etc.
- Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP2001-116974 discloses a lens barrel comprising a first frame for holding an imaging lens, a second frame provided so as to engage with the first frame, and a cushioning member disposed compressably between the first frame and the second frame.
- Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP2005-164620 discloses a lens barrel comprising an attachment member that protrudes from the outer side surface of a fixing frame and is fixed by a fastening member to an attached member, and an elastic member that is disposed in a pressurized state in a gap provided between the attached member and the attachment member, wherein the attached member and the attachment member are not in direct contact, at least in the optical axis direction.
- an elastic member or other such cushioning member must be disposed between the lens barrel and the main body of the optical device, and this increases the number of parts.
- One object of the invention is to provide a lens barrel support structure that accurately attaches the lens barrel to the main body of the optical device, thereby effectively dispersing any force(s) exerted on the lens barrel and making the optical device more impact resistant.
- a lens barrel support structure includes a base frame and a lens barrel.
- the base frame includes a first support portion, a second support portion, a third support portion, and a stopper.
- the lens barrel includes a substantially cylindrical shape body frame configured to accommodate at least part of an optical system, a first attachment portion fixedly coupled to the body frame and to the first support portion, a second attachment portion fixedly coupled to the body frame and to the second support portion, a third attachment portion fixedly coupled to the body frame and to the third support portion, and a receiver fixedly coupled to the body frame.
- the receiver and the stopper are disposed spaced apart and define a gap that extends along a first direction parallel to an optical axis of the optical system to allow the receiver to contact the stopper.
- FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a digital camera 2 ;
- FIG. 2A is an oblique view of a lens barrel 1 when viewed from the X-axis positive side;
- FIG. 2B is an oblique view of a lens barrel 1 when viewed from the X-axis negative side;
- FIG. 2C is a rear view of the lens barrel 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of a front panel 202 ;
- FIG. 4A is an oblique view of the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to the front panel 202 ;
- FIG. 4B is an oblique view of the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to the front panel 202 ;
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the lens barrel 1 attached to the front panel 202 ;
- FIG. 6A is a cross section along the A-A line in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 6B is a cross section along the B-B line in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 6C is a detail view of the area around a first support portion 221 in FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6D is a detail view of the area around a stopper 211 in FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6E is a detail view of the area around a second support portion 231 in FIG. 6B ;
- FIG. 6F is a detail view of the area around a third support portion 241 in FIG. 6B ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross section of a stopper 411 (second embodiment) corresponding to FIG. 6D .
- the digital camera 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described through reference to the drawings.
- FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a digital camera 2 (an example of an optical device) in the first embodiment.
- an optical device is described by using the digital camera 2 as an example, but the optical device can be a silver halide camera, a digital camera (electronic camera), a video camera, or any of various other such optical devices.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are oblique views of the configuration of the lens barrel 1 .
- FIG. 2C is a rear view of the configuration of the lens barrel 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of the configuration of a front panel 202 according to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are oblique views of the state prior to the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to the front panel 202 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross sections of the lens barrel 1 attached to the front panel 202 .
- FIGS. 6C , 6 D, 6 E, and 6 F are detail cross sections of the lens barrel 1 attached to the front panel 202 .
- the digital camera 2 has a main body 200 and the lens barrel 1 .
- the digital camera 2 has a support structure 3 for supporting the lens barrel 1 .
- the support structure 3 of the lens barrel has a lens barrel 10 and the front panel 202 .
- the lens barrel 10 and the front panel 202 will be discussed below.
- the lens barrel 1 is an example of a means for supporting a lens group, and is mounted in a silver halide camera, a digital camera (electronic camera), a video camera, or any of various other such optical devices.
- the lens barrel 1 has the lens barrel 10 and a lens group 102 (an example of an optical system).
- the lens group 102 has one or more lenses, and forms an optical image of a subject.
- the lens group 102 also has an optical axis AX.
- the lens barrel 10 has a body frame 101 , a first attachment portion 121 , a second attachment portion 131 , a third attachment portion 141 , and a receiver 111 .
- the X-axis is set up as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the X-axis is an axis parallel to the optical axis AX of the lens group 102 . That is, the direction parallel to the optical axis AX of the lens group 102 is the X-axis direction (an example of a first direction) of the lens barrel 1 .
- the X-axis direction in a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the main body 200 is set to the X-axis direction of the digital camera 2 and the main body 200 .
- the direction facing the subject from the digital camera 2 is set to the X-axis positive direction.
- the body frame 101 is a substantially cylindrical member for supporting the lens group 102 .
- the body frame 101 accommodates the lens group 102 .
- the body frame 101 has a long cylinder portion 101 a and a fixing frame 100 .
- the long cylindrical segment 101 a is a cylindrical member, which has an opening for bringing in incident light from the subject.
- the long cylindrical segment 101 a accommodates the lens group 102 .
- the fixing frame 100 is a cylindrical member that is shorter than the long cylindrical segment 101 a , and is disposed substantially coaxially with the long cylindrical segment 101 a , on the outer peripheral side of the long cylindrical segment 101 a ( FIG. 6A ). As shown in FIG.
- the fixing frame 100 has a bottom fixed on the X-axis negative side.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are arranged to the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 .
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 are arranged integrally with the body frame 101 and can be respectively fixed to a first support portion 221 (discussed below), a second support portion 231 (discussed below), and a third support portion 241 (discussed below), which are arranged to the main body 200 .
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 are portions for fixing the lens barrel 1 (and more precisely, the fixing frame 100 ) to the main body 200 .
- the first attachment portion 121 has a first flange 125 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 .
- the first flange 125 is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixing frame 100 .
- a first through-hole 122 that goes through in the X-axis direction and is used for inserting a first screw 321 is formed in the approximate center of the first flange 125 .
- a first positioning hole 123 into which a first positioning projection 225 (discussed below) can be inserted is formed in the first flange 125 .
- the first attachment portion 121 is fixed by the first screw 321 (an example of fastening member) to the first support portion 221 .
- the second attachment portion 131 and the third attachment portion 141 have substantially the same configuration as the first attachment portion 121 .
- the second attachment portion 131 has a second flange 135 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 .
- the second flange 135 is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixing frame 100 .
- a second through-hole 132 that goes through the second flange 135 in the X-axis direction and is used for inserting a second screw 331 is formed in the approximate center of the second flange 135 .
- a second positioning hole 133 into which a second positioning projection 235 (discussed below) can be inserted is formed in the second flange 135 .
- the second attachment portion 131 is fixed by the second screw 331 to the second support portion 231 .
- the third attachment portion 141 has a third flange 145 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 .
- the third flange 145 is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixing frame 100 .
- a third through-hole 142 that goes through the third flange 145 in the X-axis direction and is used for inserting a third screw 341 is formed in the approximate center of the third flange 145 . Further, a third positioning hole 143 into which a third positioning projection 245 (discussed below) can be inserted is formed in the third flange 145 . In attaching the lens barrel 1 to the main body 200 , the third attachment portion 141 is fixed by the third screw 341 to the third support portion 241 .
- the receiver 111 is disposed so that it can come into contact with a stopper 211 (discussed below), and is disposed with a gap left between itself and the stopper 211 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, the receiver 111 has a fourth flange 115 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 , and a reinforcing part 118 .
- the fourth flange 115 (an example of a projection) is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixing frame 100 .
- a fourth through-hole 112 is formed in the approximate center of the fourth flange 115 .
- the diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 is greater than the diameters of the first through-hole 122 , the second through-hole 132 , and the third through-hole 142 .
- a protrusion 211 b (discussed below) of the stopper 211 is fitted into the fourth through-hole 112 with a gap 111 c left in the radial direction.
- the fourth flange 115 is fitted into the stopper 211 with a gap 111 a and a gap 111 b left in the X-axis direction.
- the relation between the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 will be described in detail below.
- the reinforcing part 118 is linked to the fourth flange 115 and the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 , and ensures that the fourth flange 115 is strong enough.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed on the inside of a square SQ (an example of a rectangular line) that circumscribes the outer edge E of the body frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis.
- the square SQ that circumscribes the outer edge E of the body frame 101 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are arranged within a plane that is perpendicular to the X-axis.
- the positions of the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 substantially coincide in the X-axis direction.
- the positions in the X-axis direction use as a reference, for example, the positions of the ends of the first flange 125 , the second flange 135 , the third flange 145 , and the fourth flange 115 on the X-axis positive side.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed at a substantially constant pitch around the outer periphery of the fixing frame 100 .
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed with a substantially constant spacing in the circumferential direction of the body frame 101 , and are disposed at locations corresponding to mutually different apexes of the square SQ. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed at a spacing of about 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the body frame 101 .
- the outer edge E of the body frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction refers to the portion where the outer side surface of the body frame 101 intersects a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction.
- This “plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction” is an imaginary plane, and is a plane that bisects the first flange 125 , the second flange 135 , the third flange 145 , and the fourth flange 115 in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis.
- the main body 200 is a portion that allows the lens barrel 1 to be attached, and has the parts and functions required for capturing an image of a subject. More specifically, the main body 200 has a housing 201 that mainly includes the front panel 202 , and an imaging processor (not shown) that converts an optical image of a subject formed by the lens group 102 into image data and performs image processing and the storage of image data.
- the imaging processor has, for example, an imaging element (not shown) that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal.
- the lens barrel 1 is fixed to the front panel 202 , which is part of the housing 201 of the main body 200 .
- the front panel 202 has an opening portion 250 into which the lens barrel 1 is inserted, the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , the third support portion 241 , and the stopper 211 .
- the X-axis direction when the lens barrel 1 has been attached to the main body 200 is set to the X-axis direction of the main body 200 .
- the opening portion 250 goes through in the X-axis direction.
- the X-axis positive side of the lens barrel 1 is inserted into the opening portion 250 from the X-axis negative side of the front panel 202 .
- the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 are arranged so as to allow the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 to be fixed, respectively.
- the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 are disposed around the opening portion 250 , and are formed integrally on the X-axis negative side of the front panel 202 , for example.
- the first support portion 221 has a first positioning projection 225 and a first threaded hole 221 a .
- the second support portion 231 has the second positioning projection 235 and a second threaded hole 231 a .
- the third support portion 241 has the third positioning projection 245 and a third threaded hole 241 a.
- the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 are disposed at positions corresponding to the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 , respectively, when the lens barrel 1 is inserted into the opening portion 250 .
- the first threaded hole 221 a , the second threaded hole 231 a , and the third threaded hole 241 a are disposed at positions corresponding to the first through-hole 122 , the second through-hole 132 , and the third through-hole 142 , respectively, when the lens barrel 1 is inserted into the opening portion 250 .
- the first positioning projection 225 , the second positioning projection 235 , and the third positioning projection 245 are projections for temporarily stopping the lens barrel 1 at the front panel 202 .
- the first positioning projection 225 , the second positioning projection 235 , and the third positioning projection 245 are fitted into the first positioning hole 123 , the second positioning hole 133 , and the third positioning hole 143 , respectively.
- the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , and the third screw 341 are screwed into the first threaded hole 221 a , the second threaded hole 231 a , and the third threaded hole 241 a , respectively.
- the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , and the third screw 341 go through the first through-hole 122 , the second through-hole 132 , and the third through-hole 142 , respectively, and the first flange 125 , the second flange 135 , and the third flange 145 are fixed to the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 , respectively.
- the stopper 211 is disposed with a gap left between itself and the receiver 111 , and is disposed so that it can come into contact with the receiver 111 .
- the stopper 211 is disposed around the opening portion 250 , and is disposed at a position corresponding to the receiver 111 when the lens barrel 1 is inserted into the opening portion 250 .
- the stopper 211 has a fourth threaded hole 211 a , the protrusion 211 b (an example of a third limiter), a base portion 211 c (an example of a first limiter), and a fourth screw 311 .
- the base portion 211 c is a portion that limits displacement of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally on the X-axis negative side of the front panel 202 , for example. More specifically, a planar first contact part 211 d that comes into contact with the fourth flange 115 is formed on the X-axis negative side of the base portion 211 c . In a state in which the lens barrel 1 has been attached to the front panel 202 , the first contact portion 211 d faces the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction.
- the protrusion 211 b is a portion that limits displacement of the receiver 111 , and protrudes in the X-axis negative direction from the base portion 211 c .
- the protrusion 211 b is formed integrally with the base portion 211 c .
- the protrusion 211 b is arranged so as to protrude in the X-axis direction at the position of the stopper 211 corresponding to the fourth through-hole 112 . In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 , part of the protrusion 211 b is accommodated in the fourth through-hole 112 with a gap left.
- the fourth threaded hole 211 a is arranged in the center of the protrusion 211 b .
- the height H 1 of the protrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction is slightly greater than the thickness T of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction (an example of a second dimension).
- the outside diameter D 1 of the protrusion 211 b is smaller than the inside diameter D 2 of the fourth through-hole 112 of the receiver 111 .
- the fourth threaded hole 211 a is a hole that extends in the X-axis direction, and is formed in the protrusion 211 b and the base portion 211 c .
- the fourth screw 311 is inserted into the fourth threaded hole 211 a from the opposite side of the protrusion 211 b with respect to the base portion 211 c , and is fixed to the fourth threaded hole 211 a .
- the fourth screw 311 has a second head 311 a (an example of a second limiter) and a shaft part 311 b that extends from the second head 311 a . Threads are formed on the shaft part 311 b .
- the second head 311 a is a portion that limits displacement of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of the fourth flange 115 from the base portion 211 c in a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 .
- a planar second contact part 311 c is formed on the shaft part 311 b side of the second head 311 a .
- the outside diameter D 1 of the protrusion 211 b is set to be smaller than the inside diameter D 2 of the fourth through-hole 112 of the receiver 111 .
- the inside diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 is set to be smaller than the outside diameter of the second head 311 a of the fourth screw 311 .
- part of the second contact part 311 c (more precisely, the outer peripheral part) is exposed. Also, in a state in which the fourth screw 311 is fixed to the fourth threaded hole 211 a , part of the second contact part 311 c (more precisely, the inner peripheral part) is in contact with the end of the protrusion 211 b on the opposite side from the base portion 211 c . In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 , the outer peripheral part of the second contact part 311 c is facing the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction.
- the center axis direction of the first threaded hole 221 a , the second threaded hole 231 a , and the third threaded hole 241 a is substantially parallel with the X-axis direction.
- the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , the third screw 341 , and the fourth screw 311 are all screws with the same shape and size.
- the outside diameter of the protrusion 211 b is greater than the outside diameter of the shaft part 311 b of the fourth screw 311 , but the inside diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 is greater than the inside diameter of the first through-hole 122 , the second through-hole 132 , and the third through-hole 142 , so the fourth through-hole 112 can accommodate the protrusion 211 b .
- the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , the third screw 341 , and the fourth screw 311 can all share a common screw type, which prevents the use of the wrong type of screwing in attaching the lens barrel 1 to the main body 200 .
- first the body frame 101 is inserted from the X-axis negative side into the opening portion 250 , and the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 are brought into contact with the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 , respectively. More specifically, the first positioning projection 225 , the second positioning projection 235 , and the third positioning projection 245 are inserted into the first positioning hole 123 , the second positioning hole 133 , and the third positioning hole 143 , respectively.
- the fixing frame 100 is fixed to the front panel 202 in a state in which a gap is formed between the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 211 b .
- the first attachment portion 121 is fixed to the first support portion 221 by the first screw 321 .
- the second attachment portion 131 is fixed to the second support portion 231 by the second screw 331
- the third attachment portion 141 is fixed to the third support portion 241 by the third screw 341 .
- the fourth screw 311 is fixed to the fourth threaded hole 211 a of the protrusion 211 b .
- the fourth screw 311 is screwed in until the second head 311 a (more precisely, the second contact part 311 c ) hits the end of the protrusion 211 b on the opposite side from the base portion 211 c .
- the diameter of the second head 311 a of the fourth screw 311 is greater than the diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 , so even if the attachment portions (that is, the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 ) should happen not to be fixed to the front panel 202 , the receiver 111 will not come loose from the protrusion 211 b.
- the height H 1 of the protrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction is slightly greater than the thickness T of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and the outside diameter D 1 of the protrusion 211 b is smaller than the inside diameter D 2 of the fourth through-hole 112 . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6D , a gap is ensured between the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 . In other words, the receiver 111 is disposed with a gap left between itself and the stopper 211 . More precisely, the gap 111 a is maintained between the base portion 211 c and the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction.
- the gap 111 b is maintained between the receiver 111 and the second head 311 a of the fourth screw 311 in the X-axis direction. Further, the gap 111 c is maintained between the outer peripheral surface of the fourth threaded hole 211 a and the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 in the radial direction of the protrusion 211 b.
- the dimensions of the members are set so as to ensure the gap 111 a , the gap 111 b , and the gap 111 c .
- the members are designed by taking into account the error that can occur in the dimensions of the members during their manufacturing (molding). That is, error in the dimensions of the members can cause the sizes of the gap 111 a , the gap 111 b , and the gap 111 c to fluctuate, so the dimensions of the members and the sizes of the gaps are designed to reliably ensure the various gaps when the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 have been fixed to the front panel 202 .
- the sizes of the gaps are designed by taking into account the materials and sizes of the members.
- the sizes of the gap 111 a , the gap 111 b , and the gap 111 c are designed by taking into account the degree of elastic deformation that will occur in the members of the lens barrel 1 and the main body 200 when the lens barrel 1 is subjected to external force.
- the receiver 111 is disposed in a state in which the gap 111 a , the gap 111 b , and the gap 111 c are ensured in specific amounts between the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 (that is, in a state in which there is play between the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 ), and in the resulting state, the fourth threaded hole 211 a goes through the fourth through-hole 112 with a gap in between them. Therefore, since the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 do not participate in fixing the lens barrel 1 to the main body 200 during normal use, the lens barrel 1 is fixed to the main body 200 at only three places, as discussed above.
- the lens barrel 1 is supported by the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 .
- the “during normal use” referred to here means a state in which no force caused by impact or the like is being exerted on the lens barrel 1 .
- the members that form the connection portion between the lens barrel 1 and the main body 200 such as the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 , as well as the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 , undergo elastic deformation.
- the receiver 111 is displaced more to the X-axis negative side than its position during normal use with respect to the stopper 211 , which eliminates the gap 111 b and causes the receiver 111 to hit the fourth screw 311 . More precisely, the fourth flange 115 hits the second contact part 311 c of the second head 311 a . Also, when elastic deformation causes the receiver 111 to be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 hits the outer side surface of the protrusion 211 b .
- the receiver 111 can hit the stopper 211 (more specifically, the base portion 211 c , the protrusion 211 b , and/or the second head 311 a ).
- impact force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is also dispersed to the stopper 211 , rather than just to the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 .
- the impact force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is dispersed to four places and absorbed.
- the elastic strength of the members causes the lens barrel 1 to return to its original position with respect to the main body 200 .
- the lens barrel 1 was subjected to a force in the X-axis negative direction, but the same applies when a force is exerted in another direction.
- the receiver 111 when impact force is exerted on the lens barrel 1 in the X-axis positive direction, the receiver 111 is displaced by elastic deformation more to the X-axis positive side than its position during normal use with respect to the stopper 211 .
- the receiver 111 hits the base portion 211 c .
- the fourth flange 115 hits the first contact part 211 d .
- the impact force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is also dispersed to the stopper 211 , rather than just to the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 .
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 protruding from the outer side surface of the fixing frame 100 are attached by the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , and the third screw 341 to the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 on the main body 200 side, respectively. Since the lens barrel 1 is thus attached to the main body 200 at three places, the lens barrel 1 can be stabilized. On the other hand, since the lens barrel 1 comes into contact with the main body 200 at three places, the positions where the lens barrel 1 and the main body 200 come into contact are more easily disposed within the same plane than when the contact is at four or more places.
- ensuring planarity means that the end of the first flange 125 on the X-axis positive side, the end of the second flange 135 on the X-axis positive side, and the end of the third flange 145 on the X-axis positive side are disposed substantially tangential to the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the X-axis.
- the receiver 111 is disposed with a gap left between itself and the stopper 211 , when the lens barrel 1 is not subjected to impact or another such force, there is no extra load exerted on the lens barrel 1 from the front panel 202 via the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 .
- the load exerted on the lens barrel 1 will be dispersed through four places, namely, the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , the third support portion 241 , and the stopper 211 , to the main body 200 . Since it is thus possible for an external force exerted on the lens barrel 1 to be received by the entire digital camera 2 , the impact that is directly transmitted into the interior of the lens barrel 1 can be cushioned, which makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of damage to the lens group 102 .
- the support structure 3 impact resistance can be improved while simplifying the structure. More specifically, since all that matters is that the gap 111 a , the gap 111 b , and the gap 111 c be formed between the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 , the number of parts can be reduced as compared to when an elastic member or other such cushioning member is disposed between the receiver 111 and the stopper 211 . Also, since displacement of the receiver 111 in the X-axis direction is limited by the second head 311 a of the fourth screw 311 , the stopper 211 can be formed merely by fixing the fourth screw 311 . Therefore, no extra work is entailed in attaching the lens barrel 1 to the main body 200 .
- the support structure 3 of the lens barrel 1 it is possible to prevent damage and so forth to the lens barrel 1 . Furthermore, it is possible to provide an imaging device or other such optical device with which there is no strain in the layout of the lens group or the imaging element, and which is easier to assemble.
- the front panel 202 has the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , the third support portion 241 , and the stopper 211 .
- the lens barrel 10 has the body frame 101 , the first attachment portion 121 fixed to the first support portion 221 and arranged integrally with the body frame 101 , the second attachment portion 131 fixed to the second support portion 231 and arranged integrally with the body frame 101 , the third attachment portion 141 fixed to the third support portion 241 and arranged integrally with the body frame 101 , and the receiver 111 arranged integrally with the body frame 101 and disposed so as to be able to come into contact with the stopper 211 and disposed with a gap left between itself and the stopper 211 in the X-axis direction.
- the lens barrel 10 is fixed to the front panel 202 at three places by the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 , less strain is produced in the members during attachment of the lens barrel 10 to the front panel 202 than when the fixing is done at four or more places. That is, it is possible to attach the lens barrel 1 accurately to the front panel 202 . Furthermore, since the receiver 111 can be disposed so as to be able to come into contact with the stopper 211 and disposed with a gap left between itself and the stopper 211 , when the lens barrel 1 is subjected to an impact or other such force and undergoes elastic deformation, the stopper 211 can support the receiver 111 .
- any force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is more efficiently dispersed.
- the lens barrel 1 is subjected to a force, it is less likely that local load that could damage the members will be produced in the lens barrel 1 and the front panel 202 .
- the support structure 3 of this lens barrel 1 attachment accuracy is ensured, and impact resistance can be improved.
- the stopper 211 has the base portion 211 c that limits displacement of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and the second head 311 a that is disposed on the opposite side of the fourth flange 115 from the base portion 211 c and limits displacement of the flange in the X-axis direction. Since the base portion 211 c and the second head 311 a are thus disposed on both sides of the fourth flange 115 , when the fourth flange 115 is displaced in the X-axis direction, the fourth flange 115 will be supported by the base portion 211 c and the second head 311 a . Thus, even if the lens barrel 1 should be subjected to a force that creates elastic deformation, the receiver 111 can be more reliably supported by the stopper 211 .
- the fourth flange 115 of the receiver 111 has the fourth through-hole 112 .
- the fourth through-hole 112 goes through in the X-axis direction, accommodates part of the protrusion 211 b with a gap left, and is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with the stopper 211 . Therefore, when the lens barrel 1 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the stopper 211 can support the receiver 111 .
- the height H 1 of the protrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction is greater than the thickness T of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, a gap can be reliably formed between the fourth flange 115 and the stopper 211 in the X-axis direction.
- the protrusion 211 b is formed integrally with the base portion 211 c and protrudes in the X-axis direction from the base portion 211 c , and the second head 311 a is in contact with the end of the protrusion 211 b on the opposite side from the base portion 211 c . Therefore, the size of the space formed between the base portion 211 c and the second head 311 a in the X-axis direction is the height H 1 of the protrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed on the inside of the square SQ that circumscribes the outer edge E of the body frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, these attachment portions and the receiver 111 are disposed near the lens barrel 10 . Therefore, plenty of space can be ensured around the lens barrel 1 for disposing other members. Furthermore, since the receiver 111 is arranged at one place on the body frame 101 , the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 can be more efficiently disposed around the lens barrel 1 . As a result, the digital camera 2 can be more compact, and greater latitude is afforded in design.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed at positions corresponding to the different apexes of the square SQ, the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 can be disposed with spaces left between then. As a result, any force exerted on the lens barrel 1 will be efficiently dispersed, so impact resistance can be improved. Also, since the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 are disposed with spaces between them, the lens barrel 1 can be fixed to the front panel 202 in a more stable state.
- FIG. 7 is a cross section of the main components in a lens barrel support structure 4 according to a second embodiment. Those portions having substantially the same function as in the first embodiment will be numbered the same, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.
- the support structure 4 according to this second embodiment is characterized by the configuration of a stopper 411 .
- the stopper 211 according to the first embodiment had the protrusion 211 b and the fourth screw 311 , but the stopper 411 according to the second embodiment has a stepped screw 312 .
- the stopper 411 has a base portion 411 c (an example of a first limiter), a fourth threaded hole 411 a , and the stepped screw 312 .
- the stepped screw 312 has a first head 312 a (an example of a second limiter), a cylindrical non-threaded part 312 b (an example of a trunk part, and an example of a third limiter) extending from the first head 312 a , and a cylindrical threaded part 312 c extending from the non-threaded part 312 b .
- the diameter of the non-threaded part 312 b is greater than the diameter of the threaded part 312 c .
- the diameter of the first head 312 a is greater than the diameter of the non-threaded part 312 b .
- the first head 312 a , the non-threaded part 312 b , and the threaded part 312 c are formed integrally.
- the first head 312 a is a portion that limits displacement of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of the fourth flange 115 from the base portion 411 c in a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 . More specifically, a planar second contact part 312 d is formed on the non-threaded part 312 b side of the first head 312 a . In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 , the second contact part 312 d faces the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. Threads are formed in the threaded part 312 c.
- the base portion 411 c limits displacement of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, a planar first contact part 411 d for coming into contact with the fourth flange 115 is formed on the X-axis negative side of the base portion 411 c . In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 , the first contact part 411 d faces the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction.
- the fourth threaded hole 411 a is a portion for mating with the threaded part 312 c of the stepped screw 312 , and is formed in the base portion 411 c .
- the fourth threaded hole 411 a is a hole extending along the X-axis direction, and in which the threaded part 312 c is fixed.
- the threaded part 312 c is inserted from the X-axis negative side of the base portion 411 c into the fourth threaded hole 411 a.
- the fourth flange 115 is equipped with a fourth through-hole 112 that goes through in the X-axis direction and is able to accommodate part of the non-threaded part 312 b of the stepped screw 312 with a gap left.
- the height H 2 of the non-threaded part 312 b in the X-axis direction is slightly greater than the thickness T of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and the outside diameter D 3 of the non-threaded part 312 b is smaller than the inside diameter D 2 of the fourth through-hole 112 . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7 , a gap is ensured between the receiver 111 and the stopper 411 .
- the receiver 111 is disposed with a gap between itself and the stopper 411 . More precisely, the gap 111 a is maintained between the base portion 411 c and the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. Also, the gap 111 b is maintained between the fourth flange 115 and the first head 312 a of the stepped screw 312 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the gap 111 c is maintained between the outer side surface of the non-threaded part 312 b and the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 in the radial direction of the non-threaded part 312 b .
- the lens barrel 1 when the lens barrel 1 has been attached to the main body 200 , there is play between the receiver 111 and the stopper 411 . Therefore, during normal use, the receiver 111 and the stopper 411 do not participate in fixing the lens barrel 1 to the main body 200 , so the lens barrel 1 is fixed to the main body 200 at three places just as in the first embodiment. As a result, it is easier to ensure positional accuracy in positioning during the fixing of the lens barrel 1 to the main body 200 , and in a state in which the lens barrel 1 has been fixed.
- impact resistance can be improved with the support structure 4 according to the second embodiment.
- the lens barrel 1 which protrudes from the opening portion 250 of the main body 200 , is subjected to impact force in the X-axis negative direction. Since the lens barrel 1 at this point is displaced in the X-axis negative direction by elastic deformation, the fourth flange 115 hits the first head 312 a of the stepped screw 312 (more precisely, the second contact part 312 d ).
- the receiver 111 when the receiver 111 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction by elastic deformation, the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 hits the outer side surface of the non-threaded part 312 b of the stepped screw 312 . Meanwhile, when the lens barrel 1 is subjected to impact force in the X-axis positive direction, the receiver 111 is displaced in the X-axis positive direction by elastic deformation, so the receiver 111 hits the base portion 411 c (more precisely, the first contact part 411 d ).
- the receiver 111 hits the base portion 411 c (more precisely, the base portion 411 c , the non-threaded part 312 b , and/or the first head 312 a of the stepped screw 312 ).
- the impact force to which the lens barrel 1 is subjected is also dispersed to the stopper 411 , rather than just to the first support portion 221 , the second support portion 231 , and the third support portion 241 . Since the impact force to which the lens barrel 1 is subjected is thus dispersed and absorbed at four places, the impact resistance of the lens barrel 1 and the main body 200 can be improved over that when the lens barrel 1 is supported at just three places.
- the non-threaded part 312 b is formed integrally with the first head 312 a , and the base portion 411 c is in contact with the end of the non-threaded part 312 b on the opposite side from the first head 312 a . Therefore, the size of the space formed between the base portion 411 c and the first head 312 a in the X-axis direction is the height H 2 of the non-threaded part 312 b in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the lens barrel 1 is attached to the front panel 202 , there is no need to adjust the position of the first head 312 a with respect to the base portion 411 c . That is, no extra work is entailed in attaching the lens barrel 1 .
- Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those given above, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 were arranged in substantially the same plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, but these do not necessarily have to be disposed in the same plane, and their position may be offset in the X-axis direction to the extent that the lens barrel 1 can still be accurately attached to the main body 200 .
- the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 were arranged at a substantially constant pitch around the fixing frame 100 , but the pitch does not necessarily have to be constant, and may be varied to the extent that the lens barrel 1 can still be accurately fixed to the fixing frame 100 and the stability of the lens barrel 1 can be ensured.
- first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 may be separate members from the fixing frame 100 .
- the receiver 111 may be formed as a different member from the body frame 101 , and fixed to the fixing frame 100 .
- the phrase that the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 “are arranged integrally with the fixing frame 100 ” is a concept that encompasses not only a case in which they are formed integrally with the fixing frame 100 , but also a case in which they are fixed to the fixing frame 100 .
- first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , and the third attachment portion 141 were fixed to the front panel 202 by the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , and the third screw 341 , but these attachment portions may be fixed to the front panel 202 by some means other than screws, such as adhesive bonding or riveting.
- the same type of screw was used for all of the first screw 321 , the second screw 331 , the third screw 341 , and the fourth screw 311 , but these screws may instead have mutually different shapes and sizes.
- an optical device to which the technology disclosed herein can be applied is not limited to a digital camera, and encompasses all devices having an optical system.
- the technology disclosed herein can be applied to optical devices such as projectors, and not just to imaging devices such as cameras and video cameras.
- the lens group 102 of the digital camera 2 was accommodated in the lens barrel 10 , but part of the optical system of the optical device may be accommodated in the housing of the optical device, rather than in the lens barrel.
- the optical system of the optical device may emit light to outside of the optical device.
- the optical system of the projector emits light to the outside.
- the disposition positions of the first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 were set using the square SQ that circumscribed the outer edge E of the body frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis, but the disposition positions of the attachment portions and the receiver 111 may be set using a rectangular shape other than the square SQ. That is, the square SQ is just an example of a rectangle.
- first attachment portion 121 , the second attachment portion 131 , the third attachment portion 141 , and the receiver 111 are disposed on the inside of a rectangular shape that circumscribes the outer edge E of the body frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis.
- displacement of the receiver 111 in the X-axis direction was limited by the second head 311 a of the fourth screw 311 , but displacement of the receiver 111 in the X-axis direction may be limited by a member other than a screw.
- the entire outer peripheral part of the second head 311 a of the fourth screw 311 was disposed so as to come into contact with the fourth flange 115 , but the fourth screw 311 may be disposed so as to come into contact with the forth flange 115 at just part of the outer peripheral part of the second head 311 a .
- displacement of the fourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction can be limited by the fourth screw 311 .
- the fourth flange 115 of the receiver 111 protrudes from the outer side surface of the body frame 101 , and the fourth flange 115 was inserted into the stopper 211 , but the reverse configuration is also possible, in which the stopper 211 protrudes and is inserted into the receiver 111 .
- a concave portion into which the stopper 211 is inserted is formed at the outer peripheral part of the body frame 101 , for example, as the receiver 111 .
- the stopper 211 and the receiver 111 are disposed with a gap in between, and so that they can come into contact. Again with this configuration, since the stopper 211 can support the receiver 111 if the lens barrel 1 should become distorted, the impact resistance of the lens barrel 1 can be improved.
- the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps.
- the foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives.
- the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.
- the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of the support structure of a lens barrel and the optical device equipped with the support structure. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to the support structure of a lens barrel and the optical device equipped with the support structure.
- integrally formed and the phrase “as a one-piece, unitary member” as used herein together refers to, for example, a molding process where all the parts are integrally formed together as one-piece.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-161368 filed on Jul. 16, 2010. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2010-161368 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The technology disclosed herein relates to a lens barrel support structure that supports an optical system, and to an optical device having a lens barrel.
- 2. Background Information
- An optical system that includes lenses and other such optical parts are used in silver halide cameras, digital cameras, and other optical devices. There are also optical devices that are equipped with a lens barrel for accommodating an optical system, and in which the lens barrel is attached to a main body. The lens barrel needs to support the optical parts, so a certain amount of strength is required of the connection between the lens barrel and the optical device body. A technique in which a cushioning member is disposed between the lens barrel and the main body is employed to prevent damage to the connection portion between these members in the event that the optical device is subjected to vibration, impact, etc.
- For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP2001-116974 discloses a lens barrel comprising a first frame for holding an imaging lens, a second frame provided so as to engage with the first frame, and a cushioning member disposed compressably between the first frame and the second frame. Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP2005-164620, for example, discloses a lens barrel comprising an attachment member that protrudes from the outer side surface of a fixing frame and is fixed by a fastening member to an attached member, and an elastic member that is disposed in a pressurized state in a gap provided between the attached member and the attachment member, wherein the attached member and the attachment member are not in direct contact, at least in the optical axis direction.
- With these techniques, however, an elastic member or other such cushioning member must be disposed between the lens barrel and the main body of the optical device, and this increases the number of parts.
- Meanwhile, it is possible to fix a lens barrel at four or more locations to the main body of an optical device in order to ensure good strength at the connection portion between the lens barrel and the main body of the optical device. However, when a lens barrel and the main body of the optical device are fixed at four or more locations, strain is more likely to occur in the members during attachment than when they are fixed at three locations. As a result, it is difficult to attach the lens barrel accurately to the main body of the optical device.
- Thus, with an optical device having a lens barrel, it is preferable if impact resistance can be ensured with a simple structure, while the lens barrel is accurately attached to the main body of the optical device.
- One object of the invention is to provide a lens barrel support structure that accurately attaches the lens barrel to the main body of the optical device, thereby effectively dispersing any force(s) exerted on the lens barrel and making the optical device more impact resistant.
- In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a lens barrel support structure is provided that includes a base frame and a lens barrel. The base frame includes a first support portion, a second support portion, a third support portion, and a stopper. The lens barrel includes a substantially cylindrical shape body frame configured to accommodate at least part of an optical system, a first attachment portion fixedly coupled to the body frame and to the first support portion, a second attachment portion fixedly coupled to the body frame and to the second support portion, a third attachment portion fixedly coupled to the body frame and to the third support portion, and a receiver fixedly coupled to the body frame. The receiver and the stopper are disposed spaced apart and define a gap that extends along a first direction parallel to an optical axis of the optical system to allow the receiver to contact the stopper.
- These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses embodiments of the present invention.
- Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
-
FIG. 1 is an oblique view of adigital camera 2; -
FIG. 2A is an oblique view of a lens barrel 1 when viewed from the X-axis positive side; -
FIG. 2B is an oblique view of a lens barrel 1 when viewed from the X-axis negative side; -
FIG. 2C is a rear view of the lens barrel 1; -
FIG. 3 is a rear view of afront panel 202; -
FIG. 4A is an oblique view of the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to thefront panel 202; -
FIG. 4B is an oblique view of the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to thefront panel 202; -
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the lens barrel 1 attached to thefront panel 202; -
FIG. 6A is a cross section along the A-A line inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 6B is a cross section along the B-B line inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 6C is a detail view of the area around afirst support portion 221 inFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6D is a detail view of the area around astopper 211 inFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6E is a detail view of the area around asecond support portion 231 inFIG. 6B ; -
FIG. 6F is a detail view of the area around athird support portion 241 inFIG. 6B ; and -
FIG. 7 is a cross section of a stopper 411 (second embodiment) corresponding toFIG. 6D . - Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
- 1-1. Overall Configuration
- The
digital camera 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described through reference to the drawings. -
FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a digital camera 2 (an example of an optical device) in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, an optical device is described by using thedigital camera 2 as an example, but the optical device can be a silver halide camera, a digital camera (electronic camera), a video camera, or any of various other such optical devices.FIGS. 2A and 2B are oblique views of the configuration of the lens barrel 1.FIG. 2C is a rear view of the configuration of the lens barrel 1.FIG. 3 is a rear view of the configuration of afront panel 202 according to the first embodiment.FIGS. 4A and 4B are oblique views of the state prior to the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to thefront panel 202.FIG. 5 is a rear view of the lens barrel 1 attached to thefront panel 202.FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross sections of the lens barrel 1 attached to thefront panel 202.FIGS. 6C , 6D, 6E, and 6F are detail cross sections of the lens barrel 1 attached to thefront panel 202. - The
digital camera 2 has amain body 200 and the lens barrel 1. Thedigital camera 2 has asupport structure 3 for supporting the lens barrel 1. Thesupport structure 3 of the lens barrel has alens barrel 10 and thefront panel 202. Thelens barrel 10 and thefront panel 202 will be discussed below. - The lens barrel 1 is an example of a means for supporting a lens group, and is mounted in a silver halide camera, a digital camera (electronic camera), a video camera, or any of various other such optical devices.
- 1-2. Configuration of Lens Barrel 1
- The lens barrel 1 has the
lens barrel 10 and a lens group 102 (an example of an optical system). Thelens group 102 has one or more lenses, and forms an optical image of a subject. Thelens group 102 also has an optical axis AX. Thelens barrel 10 has abody frame 101, afirst attachment portion 121, asecond attachment portion 131, athird attachment portion 141, and areceiver 111. - In the following description, the X-axis is set up as shown in
FIG. 1 . The X-axis is an axis parallel to the optical axis AX of thelens group 102. That is, the direction parallel to the optical axis AX of thelens group 102 is the X-axis direction (an example of a first direction) of the lens barrel 1. Similarly, the X-axis direction in a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to themain body 200 is set to the X-axis direction of thedigital camera 2 and themain body 200. Also, the direction facing the subject from thedigital camera 2 is set to the X-axis positive direction. - The
body frame 101 is a substantially cylindrical member for supporting thelens group 102. Thebody frame 101 accommodates thelens group 102. As shown inFIG. 2A , thebody frame 101 has along cylinder portion 101 a and a fixingframe 100. The longcylindrical segment 101 a is a cylindrical member, which has an opening for bringing in incident light from the subject. The longcylindrical segment 101 a accommodates thelens group 102. The fixingframe 100 is a cylindrical member that is shorter than the longcylindrical segment 101 a, and is disposed substantially coaxially with the longcylindrical segment 101 a, on the outer peripheral side of the longcylindrical segment 101 a (FIG. 6A ). As shown inFIG. 2B , the fixingframe 100 has a bottom fixed on the X-axis negative side. Thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are arranged to the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100. - The
first attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 are arranged integrally with thebody frame 101 and can be respectively fixed to a first support portion 221 (discussed below), a second support portion 231 (discussed below), and a third support portion 241 (discussed below), which are arranged to themain body 200. Thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 are portions for fixing the lens barrel 1 (and more precisely, the fixing frame 100) to themain body 200. - The
first attachment portion 121 has afirst flange 125 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100. Thefirst flange 125 is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixingframe 100. A first through-hole 122 that goes through in the X-axis direction and is used for inserting afirst screw 321 is formed in the approximate center of thefirst flange 125. Further, afirst positioning hole 123 into which a first positioning projection 225 (discussed below) can be inserted is formed in thefirst flange 125. In attaching the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200, thefirst attachment portion 121 is fixed by the first screw 321 (an example of fastening member) to thefirst support portion 221. - The
second attachment portion 131 and thethird attachment portion 141 have substantially the same configuration as thefirst attachment portion 121. Specifically, thesecond attachment portion 131 has asecond flange 135 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100. Thesecond flange 135 is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixingframe 100. A second through-hole 132 that goes through thesecond flange 135 in the X-axis direction and is used for inserting asecond screw 331 is formed in the approximate center of thesecond flange 135. Further, asecond positioning hole 133 into which a second positioning projection 235 (discussed below) can be inserted is formed in thesecond flange 135. In attaching the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200, thesecond attachment portion 131 is fixed by thesecond screw 331 to thesecond support portion 231. Also, thethird attachment portion 141 has athird flange 145 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100. Thethird flange 145 is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixingframe 100. A third through-hole 142 that goes through thethird flange 145 in the X-axis direction and is used for inserting athird screw 341 is formed in the approximate center of thethird flange 145. Further, athird positioning hole 143 into which a third positioning projection 245 (discussed below) can be inserted is formed in thethird flange 145. In attaching the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200, thethird attachment portion 141 is fixed by thethird screw 341 to thethird support portion 241. - The
receiver 111 is disposed so that it can come into contact with a stopper 211 (discussed below), and is disposed with a gap left between itself and thestopper 211 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, thereceiver 111 has afourth flange 115 that protrudes from the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100, and a reinforcingpart 118. The fourth flange 115 (an example of a projection) is a substantially rectangular thin plate whose main face is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally with the fixingframe 100. A fourth through-hole 112 (an example of a through-hole) is formed in the approximate center of thefourth flange 115. In this embodiment, the diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 is greater than the diameters of the first through-hole 122, the second through-hole 132, and the third through-hole 142. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to themain body 200, aprotrusion 211 b (discussed below) of thestopper 211 is fitted into the fourth through-hole 112 with agap 111 c left in the radial direction. Further, thefourth flange 115 is fitted into thestopper 211 with agap 111 a and agap 111 b left in the X-axis direction. The relation between thereceiver 111 and thestopper 211 will be described in detail below. The reinforcingpart 118 is linked to thefourth flange 115 and the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100, and ensures that thefourth flange 115 is strong enough. - As shown in
FIG. 2C , thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed on the inside of a square SQ (an example of a rectangular line) that circumscribes the outer edge E of thebody frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. InFIG. 2C , the square SQ that circumscribes the outer edge E of the body frame 101 (more precisely, the fixing frame 100) is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In this embodiment, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are arranged within a plane that is perpendicular to the X-axis. In other words, the positions of thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 substantially coincide in the X-axis direction. The positions in the X-axis direction use as a reference, for example, the positions of the ends of thefirst flange 125, thesecond flange 135, thethird flange 145, and thefourth flange 115 on the X-axis positive side. Also, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed at a substantially constant pitch around the outer periphery of the fixingframe 100. In other words, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed with a substantially constant spacing in the circumferential direction of thebody frame 101, and are disposed at locations corresponding to mutually different apexes of the square SQ. Therefore, in this embodiment, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed at a spacing of about 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of thebody frame 101. - Here, the outer edge E of the
body frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction refers to the portion where the outer side surface of thebody frame 101 intersects a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction. This “plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction” is an imaginary plane, and is a plane that bisects thefirst flange 125, thesecond flange 135, thethird flange 145, and thefourth flange 115 in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis. - 1-3. Configuration of
Main Body 200 - The
main body 200 is a portion that allows the lens barrel 1 to be attached, and has the parts and functions required for capturing an image of a subject. More specifically, themain body 200 has ahousing 201 that mainly includes thefront panel 202, and an imaging processor (not shown) that converts an optical image of a subject formed by thelens group 102 into image data and performs image processing and the storage of image data. The imaging processor has, for example, an imaging element (not shown) that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal. In this embodiment, the lens barrel 1 is fixed to thefront panel 202, which is part of thehousing 201 of themain body 200. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefront panel 202 has anopening portion 250 into which the lens barrel 1 is inserted, thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, thethird support portion 241, and thestopper 211. As discussed above, for the sake of description, the X-axis direction when the lens barrel 1 has been attached to themain body 200 is set to the X-axis direction of themain body 200. Theopening portion 250 goes through in the X-axis direction. In order to attach the lens barrel 1 to thefront panel 202, the X-axis positive side of the lens barrel 1 is inserted into theopening portion 250 from the X-axis negative side of thefront panel 202. - The
first support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241 are arranged so as to allow thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 to be fixed, respectively. Thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241 are disposed around theopening portion 250, and are formed integrally on the X-axis negative side of thefront panel 202, for example. Thefirst support portion 221 has afirst positioning projection 225 and a first threadedhole 221 a. Thesecond support portion 231 has thesecond positioning projection 235 and a second threadedhole 231 a. Thethird support portion 241 has thethird positioning projection 245 and a third threadedhole 241 a. - The
first support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241 are disposed at positions corresponding to thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141, respectively, when the lens barrel 1 is inserted into theopening portion 250. Also, the first threadedhole 221 a, the second threadedhole 231 a, and the third threadedhole 241 a are disposed at positions corresponding to the first through-hole 122, the second through-hole 132, and the third through-hole 142, respectively, when the lens barrel 1 is inserted into theopening portion 250. Thefirst positioning projection 225, thesecond positioning projection 235, and thethird positioning projection 245 are projections for temporarily stopping the lens barrel 1 at thefront panel 202. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 has been attached to thefront panel 202, thefirst positioning projection 225, thesecond positioning projection 235, and thethird positioning projection 245 are fitted into thefirst positioning hole 123, thesecond positioning hole 133, and thethird positioning hole 143, respectively. - The
first screw 321, thesecond screw 331, and thethird screw 341 are screwed into the first threadedhole 221 a, the second threadedhole 231 a, and the third threadedhole 241 a, respectively. At this point, thefirst screw 321, thesecond screw 331, and thethird screw 341 go through the first through-hole 122, the second through-hole 132, and the third through-hole 142, respectively, and thefirst flange 125, thesecond flange 135, and thethird flange 145 are fixed to thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241, respectively. - The
stopper 211 is disposed with a gap left between itself and thereceiver 111, and is disposed so that it can come into contact with thereceiver 111. Thestopper 211 is disposed around theopening portion 250, and is disposed at a position corresponding to thereceiver 111 when the lens barrel 1 is inserted into theopening portion 250. Thestopper 211 has a fourth threadedhole 211 a, theprotrusion 211 b (an example of a third limiter), abase portion 211 c (an example of a first limiter), and afourth screw 311. - The
base portion 211 c is a portion that limits displacement of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and is formed integrally on the X-axis negative side of thefront panel 202, for example. More specifically, a planarfirst contact part 211 d that comes into contact with thefourth flange 115 is formed on the X-axis negative side of thebase portion 211 c. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 has been attached to thefront panel 202, thefirst contact portion 211 d faces thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. - The
protrusion 211 b is a portion that limits displacement of thereceiver 111, and protrudes in the X-axis negative direction from thebase portion 211 c. In this embodiment, theprotrusion 211 b is formed integrally with thebase portion 211 c. Thus, theprotrusion 211 b is arranged so as to protrude in the X-axis direction at the position of thestopper 211 corresponding to the fourth through-hole 112. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202, part of theprotrusion 211 b is accommodated in the fourth through-hole 112 with a gap left. The fourth threadedhole 211 a is arranged in the center of theprotrusion 211 b. As shown inFIG. 6D , the height H1 of theprotrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction (an example of a first dimension) is slightly greater than the thickness T of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction (an example of a second dimension). Also, the outside diameter D1 of theprotrusion 211 b is smaller than the inside diameter D2 of the fourth through-hole 112 of thereceiver 111. - The fourth threaded
hole 211 a is a hole that extends in the X-axis direction, and is formed in theprotrusion 211 b and thebase portion 211 c. Thefourth screw 311 is inserted into the fourth threadedhole 211 a from the opposite side of theprotrusion 211 b with respect to thebase portion 211 c, and is fixed to the fourth threadedhole 211 a. Thefourth screw 311 has asecond head 311 a (an example of a second limiter) and ashaft part 311 b that extends from thesecond head 311 a. Threads are formed on theshaft part 311 b. Thesecond head 311 a is a portion that limits displacement of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of thefourth flange 115 from thebase portion 211 c in a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202. A planarsecond contact part 311 c is formed on theshaft part 311 b side of thesecond head 311 a. As discussed above, the outside diameter D1 of theprotrusion 211 b is set to be smaller than the inside diameter D2 of the fourth through-hole 112 of thereceiver 111. Furthermore, the inside diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 is set to be smaller than the outside diameter of thesecond head 311 a of thefourth screw 311. Therefore, in a state in which thefourth screw 311 is fixed to the fourth threadedhole 211 a, part of thesecond contact part 311 c (more precisely, the outer peripheral part) is exposed. Also, in a state in which thefourth screw 311 is fixed to the fourth threadedhole 211 a, part of thesecond contact part 311 c (more precisely, the inner peripheral part) is in contact with the end of theprotrusion 211 b on the opposite side from thebase portion 211 c. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202, the outer peripheral part of thesecond contact part 311 c is facing thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. - Just as with the fourth threaded
hole 211 a, the center axis direction of the first threadedhole 221 a, the second threadedhole 231 a, and the third threadedhole 241 a is substantially parallel with the X-axis direction. Also, in this embodiment, thefirst screw 321, thesecond screw 331, thethird screw 341, and thefourth screw 311 are all screws with the same shape and size. The outside diameter of theprotrusion 211 b is greater than the outside diameter of theshaft part 311 b of thefourth screw 311, but the inside diameter of the fourth through-hole 112 is greater than the inside diameter of the first through-hole 122, the second through-hole 132, and the third through-hole 142, so the fourth through-hole 112 can accommodate theprotrusion 211 b. Thus, thefirst screw 321, thesecond screw 331, thethird screw 341, and thefourth screw 311 can all share a common screw type, which prevents the use of the wrong type of screwing in attaching the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200. - 1-4. Attachment of Lens Barrel 1 to
Main Body 200 - As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , in the attachment of the lens barrel 1 to thefront panel 202, first thebody frame 101 is inserted from the X-axis negative side into theopening portion 250, and thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 are brought into contact with thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241, respectively. More specifically, thefirst positioning projection 225, thesecond positioning projection 235, and thethird positioning projection 245 are inserted into thefirst positioning hole 123, thesecond positioning hole 133, and thethird positioning hole 143, respectively. Thus temporarily stopping the lens barrel 1 at thefront panel 202 allows the lens barrel 1 to be positioned with respect to thefront panel 202. At this point, theprotrusion 211 b of thestopper 211 passes through the fourth through-hole 112 of thereceiver 111 with thegap 111 c left in the radial direction of theprotrusion 211 b (a direction perpendicular to the X-axis). - Furthermore, the fixing
frame 100 is fixed to thefront panel 202 in a state in which a gap is formed between the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 and the outer peripheral surface of theprotrusion 211 b. As shown inFIG. 5 , thefirst attachment portion 121 is fixed to thefirst support portion 221 by thefirst screw 321. Similarly, thesecond attachment portion 131 is fixed to thesecond support portion 231 by thesecond screw 331, and thethird attachment portion 141 is fixed to thethird support portion 241 by thethird screw 341. By thus fixing thebody frame 101 to thefront panel 202 at three places, there is less strain on the members when the lens barrel 1 is fixed to themain body 200, and the lens barrel 1 can be fixed more accurately to themain body 200. - Furthermore, the
fourth screw 311 is fixed to the fourth threadedhole 211 a of theprotrusion 211 b. Thefourth screw 311 is screwed in until thesecond head 311 a (more precisely, thesecond contact part 311 c) hits the end of theprotrusion 211 b on the opposite side from thebase portion 211 c. The diameter of thesecond head 311 a of thefourth screw 311 is greater than the diameter of the fourth through-hole 112, so even if the attachment portions (that is, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and the third attachment portion 141) should happen not to be fixed to thefront panel 202, thereceiver 111 will not come loose from theprotrusion 211 b. - As mentioned above, the height H1 of the
protrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction is slightly greater than the thickness T of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and the outside diameter D1 of theprotrusion 211 b is smaller than the inside diameter D2 of the fourth through-hole 112. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 6D , a gap is ensured between thereceiver 111 and thestopper 211. In other words, thereceiver 111 is disposed with a gap left between itself and thestopper 211. More precisely, thegap 111 a is maintained between thebase portion 211 c and thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. Also, thegap 111 b is maintained between thereceiver 111 and thesecond head 311 a of thefourth screw 311 in the X-axis direction. Further, thegap 111 c is maintained between the outer peripheral surface of the fourth threadedhole 211 a and the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 in the radial direction of theprotrusion 211 b. - The dimensions of the members are set so as to ensure the
gap 111 a, thegap 111 b, and thegap 111 c. For example, the members are designed by taking into account the error that can occur in the dimensions of the members during their manufacturing (molding). That is, error in the dimensions of the members can cause the sizes of thegap 111 a, thegap 111 b, and thegap 111 c to fluctuate, so the dimensions of the members and the sizes of the gaps are designed to reliably ensure the various gaps when thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 have been fixed to thefront panel 202. Also, the sizes of the gaps are designed by taking into account the materials and sizes of the members. More specifically, the sizes of thegap 111 a, thegap 111 b, and thegap 111 c are designed by taking into account the degree of elastic deformation that will occur in the members of the lens barrel 1 and themain body 200 when the lens barrel 1 is subjected to external force. - Thus, the
receiver 111 is disposed in a state in which thegap 111 a, thegap 111 b, and thegap 111 c are ensured in specific amounts between thereceiver 111 and the stopper 211 (that is, in a state in which there is play between thereceiver 111 and the stopper 211), and in the resulting state, the fourth threadedhole 211 a goes through the fourth through-hole 112 with a gap in between them. Therefore, since thereceiver 111 and thestopper 211 do not participate in fixing the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200 during normal use, the lens barrel 1 is fixed to themain body 200 at only three places, as discussed above. More specifically, during normal use the lens barrel 1 is supported by thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241. As a result, there is less strain on the members than when the lens barrel 1 is fixed to themain body 200 at four or more places, and this facilitates positioning when the lens barrel 1 is fixed and ensuring good positional accuracy in a fixed state. The “during normal use” referred to here means a state in which no force caused by impact or the like is being exerted on the lens barrel 1. - Meanwhile, there may be situations when an impact or other force is exerted on the lens barrel 1. For example, let us consider a case in which an impact force is exerted in the X-axis negative direction on the lens barrel 1 protruding from the
opening portion 250 of the main body 200 (that is, if a force attempts to push the lens barrel 1 into the main body 200). At this point, the members that form the connection portion between the lens barrel 1 and themain body 200, such as thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141, as well as thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241, undergo elastic deformation. As a result, thereceiver 111 is displaced more to the X-axis negative side than its position during normal use with respect to thestopper 211, which eliminates thegap 111 b and causes thereceiver 111 to hit thefourth screw 311. More precisely, thefourth flange 115 hits thesecond contact part 311 c of thesecond head 311 a. Also, when elastic deformation causes thereceiver 111 to be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 hits the outer side surface of theprotrusion 211 b. When the members are thus displaced within the range of elastic deformation, thereceiver 111 can hit the stopper 211 (more specifically, thebase portion 211 c, theprotrusion 211 b, and/or thesecond head 311 a). As a result, impact force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is also dispersed to thestopper 211, rather than just to thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241. Thus, the impact force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is dispersed to four places and absorbed. When the impact force has been eliminated, the elastic strength of the members causes the lens barrel 1 to return to its original position with respect to themain body 200. - A case in which the lens barrel 1 was subjected to a force in the X-axis negative direction was described above, but the same applies when a force is exerted in another direction. For instance, when impact force is exerted on the lens barrel 1 in the X-axis positive direction, the
receiver 111 is displaced by elastic deformation more to the X-axis positive side than its position during normal use with respect to thestopper 211. In this case, thereceiver 111 hits thebase portion 211 c. More specifically, thefourth flange 115 hits thefirst contact part 211 d. As a result, the impact force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is also dispersed to thestopper 211, rather than just to thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241. - As discussed above, with the lens
barrel support structure 3 according to this embodiment, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 protruding from the outer side surface of the fixingframe 100 are attached by thefirst screw 321, thesecond screw 331, and thethird screw 341 to thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241 on themain body 200 side, respectively. Since the lens barrel 1 is thus attached to themain body 200 at three places, the lens barrel 1 can be stabilized. On the other hand, since the lens barrel 1 comes into contact with themain body 200 at three places, the positions where the lens barrel 1 and themain body 200 come into contact are more easily disposed within the same plane than when the contact is at four or more places. That is, by fixing the lens barrel 1 at three places, it is easier to ensure planarity. With this embodiment, ensuring planarity means that the end of thefirst flange 125 on the X-axis positive side, the end of thesecond flange 135 on the X-axis positive side, and the end of thethird flange 145 on the X-axis positive side are disposed substantially tangential to the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the X-axis. - Also, since the
receiver 111 is disposed with a gap left between itself and thestopper 211, when the lens barrel 1 is not subjected to impact or another such force, there is no extra load exerted on the lens barrel 1 from thefront panel 202 via thereceiver 111 and thestopper 211. - Even if the
digital camera 2 should be dropped on the front face (that is, the X-axis positive side) of the lens barrel 1, the load exerted on the lens barrel 1 will be dispersed through four places, namely, thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, thethird support portion 241, and thestopper 211, to themain body 200. Since it is thus possible for an external force exerted on the lens barrel 1 to be received by the entiredigital camera 2, the impact that is directly transmitted into the interior of the lens barrel 1 can be cushioned, which makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of damage to thelens group 102. - Also, with the
support structure 3, impact resistance can be improved while simplifying the structure. More specifically, since all that matters is that thegap 111 a, thegap 111 b, and thegap 111 c be formed between thereceiver 111 and thestopper 211, the number of parts can be reduced as compared to when an elastic member or other such cushioning member is disposed between thereceiver 111 and thestopper 211. Also, since displacement of thereceiver 111 in the X-axis direction is limited by thesecond head 311 a of thefourth screw 311, thestopper 211 can be formed merely by fixing thefourth screw 311. Therefore, no extra work is entailed in attaching the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200. - Thus, with the
support structure 3 of the lens barrel 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent damage and so forth to the lens barrel 1. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an imaging device or other such optical device with which there is no strain in the layout of the lens group or the imaging element, and which is easier to assemble. - 1-5. Effects
- The effects of the
support structure 3 of the lens barrel 1 disclosed herein are compiled below. - (1) With the
support structure 3 of this lens barrel 1, thefront panel 202 has thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, thethird support portion 241, and thestopper 211. Also, thelens barrel 10 has thebody frame 101, thefirst attachment portion 121 fixed to thefirst support portion 221 and arranged integrally with thebody frame 101, thesecond attachment portion 131 fixed to thesecond support portion 231 and arranged integrally with thebody frame 101, thethird attachment portion 141 fixed to thethird support portion 241 and arranged integrally with thebody frame 101, and thereceiver 111 arranged integrally with thebody frame 101 and disposed so as to be able to come into contact with thestopper 211 and disposed with a gap left between itself and thestopper 211 in the X-axis direction. - Therefore, since the
lens barrel 10 is fixed to thefront panel 202 at three places by thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141, less strain is produced in the members during attachment of thelens barrel 10 to thefront panel 202 than when the fixing is done at four or more places. That is, it is possible to attach the lens barrel 1 accurately to thefront panel 202. Furthermore, since thereceiver 111 can be disposed so as to be able to come into contact with thestopper 211 and disposed with a gap left between itself and thestopper 211, when the lens barrel 1 is subjected to an impact or other such force and undergoes elastic deformation, thestopper 211 can support thereceiver 111. That is, since the lens barrel 1 is supported by thefront panel 202 via thestopper 211, rather than just thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241, any force exerted on the lens barrel 1 is more efficiently dispersed. As a result, even if the lens barrel 1 is subjected to a force, it is less likely that local load that could damage the members will be produced in the lens barrel 1 and thefront panel 202. Thus, with thesupport structure 3 of this lens barrel 1, attachment accuracy is ensured, and impact resistance can be improved. - (2) With the
support structure 3 of this lens barrel 1, thestopper 211 has thebase portion 211 c that limits displacement of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and thesecond head 311 a that is disposed on the opposite side of thefourth flange 115 from thebase portion 211 c and limits displacement of the flange in the X-axis direction. Since thebase portion 211 c and thesecond head 311 a are thus disposed on both sides of thefourth flange 115, when thefourth flange 115 is displaced in the X-axis direction, thefourth flange 115 will be supported by thebase portion 211 c and thesecond head 311 a. Thus, even if the lens barrel 1 should be subjected to a force that creates elastic deformation, thereceiver 111 can be more reliably supported by thestopper 211. - Also, the
fourth flange 115 of thereceiver 111 has the fourth through-hole 112. The fourth through-hole 112 goes through in the X-axis direction, accommodates part of theprotrusion 211 b with a gap left, and is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with thestopper 211. Therefore, when the lens barrel 1 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, thestopper 211 can support thereceiver 111. - Meanwhile, since the height H1 of the
protrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction is greater than the thickness T of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, a gap can be reliably formed between thefourth flange 115 and thestopper 211 in the X-axis direction. - (3) With the
support structure 3 of this lens barrel 1, theprotrusion 211 b is formed integrally with thebase portion 211 c and protrudes in the X-axis direction from thebase portion 211 c, and thesecond head 311 a is in contact with the end of theprotrusion 211 b on the opposite side from thebase portion 211 c. Therefore, the size of the space formed between thebase portion 211 c and thesecond head 311 a in the X-axis direction is the height H1 of theprotrusion 211 b in the X-axis direction. As a result, when the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202, there is no need to adjust the position of thesecond head 311 a with respect to thebase portion 211 c. That is, any extra work can be omitted in attaching the lens barrel 1. - (4) With the
support structure 3 of this lens barrel 1, since thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed on the inside of the square SQ that circumscribes the outer edge E of thebody frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, these attachment portions and thereceiver 111 are disposed near thelens barrel 10. Therefore, plenty of space can be ensured around the lens barrel 1 for disposing other members. Furthermore, since thereceiver 111 is arranged at one place on thebody frame 101, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 can be more efficiently disposed around the lens barrel 1. As a result, thedigital camera 2 can be more compact, and greater latitude is afforded in design. - Since the
first attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed at positions corresponding to the different apexes of the square SQ, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 can be disposed with spaces left between then. As a result, any force exerted on the lens barrel 1 will be efficiently dispersed, so impact resistance can be improved. Also, since thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 are disposed with spaces between them, the lens barrel 1 can be fixed to thefront panel 202 in a more stable state. -
FIG. 7 is a cross section of the main components in a lensbarrel support structure 4 according to a second embodiment. Those portions having substantially the same function as in the first embodiment will be numbered the same, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Thesupport structure 4 according to this second embodiment is characterized by the configuration of astopper 411. Thestopper 211 according to the first embodiment had theprotrusion 211 b and thefourth screw 311, but thestopper 411 according to the second embodiment has a steppedscrew 312. - The
stopper 411 has abase portion 411 c (an example of a first limiter), a fourth threadedhole 411 a, and the steppedscrew 312. - The stepped
screw 312 has afirst head 312 a (an example of a second limiter), a cylindricalnon-threaded part 312 b (an example of a trunk part, and an example of a third limiter) extending from thefirst head 312 a, and a cylindrical threadedpart 312 c extending from thenon-threaded part 312 b. The diameter of thenon-threaded part 312 b is greater than the diameter of the threadedpart 312 c. Also, the diameter of thefirst head 312 a is greater than the diameter of thenon-threaded part 312 b. Thefirst head 312 a, thenon-threaded part 312 b, and the threadedpart 312 c are formed integrally. Thefirst head 312 a is a portion that limits displacement of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of thefourth flange 115 from thebase portion 411 c in a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202. More specifically, a planarsecond contact part 312 d is formed on thenon-threaded part 312 b side of thefirst head 312 a. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202, thesecond contact part 312 d faces thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. Threads are formed in the threadedpart 312 c. - The
base portion 411 c limits displacement of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, a planarfirst contact part 411 d for coming into contact with thefourth flange 115 is formed on the X-axis negative side of thebase portion 411 c. In a state in which the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202, thefirst contact part 411 d faces thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. The fourth threadedhole 411 a is a portion for mating with the threadedpart 312 c of the steppedscrew 312, and is formed in thebase portion 411 c. The fourth threadedhole 411 a is a hole extending along the X-axis direction, and in which the threadedpart 312 c is fixed. The threadedpart 312 c is inserted from the X-axis negative side of thebase portion 411 c into the fourth threadedhole 411 a. - The
fourth flange 115 is equipped with a fourth through-hole 112 that goes through in the X-axis direction and is able to accommodate part of thenon-threaded part 312 b of the steppedscrew 312 with a gap left. The height H2 of thenon-threaded part 312 b in the X-axis direction is slightly greater than the thickness T of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction, and the outside diameter D3 of thenon-threaded part 312 b is smaller than the inside diameter D2 of the fourth through-hole 112. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 7 , a gap is ensured between thereceiver 111 and thestopper 411. In other words, thereceiver 111 is disposed with a gap between itself and thestopper 411. More precisely, thegap 111 a is maintained between thebase portion 411 c and thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction. Also, thegap 111 b is maintained between thefourth flange 115 and thefirst head 312 a of the steppedscrew 312 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, thegap 111 c is maintained between the outer side surface of thenon-threaded part 312 b and the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 in the radial direction of thenon-threaded part 312 b. Thus, when the lens barrel 1 has been attached to themain body 200, there is play between thereceiver 111 and thestopper 411. Therefore, during normal use, thereceiver 111 and thestopper 411 do not participate in fixing the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200, so the lens barrel 1 is fixed to themain body 200 at three places just as in the first embodiment. As a result, it is easier to ensure positional accuracy in positioning during the fixing of the lens barrel 1 to themain body 200, and in a state in which the lens barrel 1 has been fixed. - Just as in the first embodiment, impact resistance can be improved with the
support structure 4 according to the second embodiment. For example, we can imagine a case in which the lens barrel 1, which protrudes from theopening portion 250 of themain body 200, is subjected to impact force in the X-axis negative direction. Since the lens barrel 1 at this point is displaced in the X-axis negative direction by elastic deformation, thefourth flange 115 hits thefirst head 312 a of the stepped screw 312 (more precisely, thesecond contact part 312 d). Also, when thereceiver 111 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction by elastic deformation, the interior surface of the fourth through-hole 112 hits the outer side surface of thenon-threaded part 312 b of the steppedscrew 312. Meanwhile, when the lens barrel 1 is subjected to impact force in the X-axis positive direction, thereceiver 111 is displaced in the X-axis positive direction by elastic deformation, so thereceiver 111 hits thebase portion 411 c (more precisely, thefirst contact part 411 d). When the members are thus displaced within the range of elastic deformation, thereceiver 111 hits thebase portion 411 c (more precisely, thebase portion 411 c, thenon-threaded part 312 b, and/or thefirst head 312 a of the stepped screw 312). As a result, the impact force to which the lens barrel 1 is subjected is also dispersed to thestopper 411, rather than just to thefirst support portion 221, thesecond support portion 231, and thethird support portion 241. Since the impact force to which the lens barrel 1 is subjected is thus dispersed and absorbed at four places, the impact resistance of the lens barrel 1 and themain body 200 can be improved over that when the lens barrel 1 is supported at just three places. - As discussed above, with the
support structure 4, thenon-threaded part 312 b is formed integrally with thefirst head 312 a, and thebase portion 411 c is in contact with the end of thenon-threaded part 312 b on the opposite side from thefirst head 312 a. Therefore, the size of the space formed between thebase portion 411 c and thefirst head 312 a in the X-axis direction is the height H2 of thenon-threaded part 312 b in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the lens barrel 1 is attached to thefront panel 202, there is no need to adjust the position of thefirst head 312 a with respect to thebase portion 411 c. That is, no extra work is entailed in attaching the lens barrel 1. - Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those given above, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.
- (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which there was the
receiver 111 at one location and the attachment portions (namely, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and the third attachment portion 141) at three locations fixed by screws, but thereceiver 111 may be arranged at two or more locations of thebody frame 101. - (2) In the above embodiment, the
first attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 were arranged in substantially the same plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, but these do not necessarily have to be disposed in the same plane, and their position may be offset in the X-axis direction to the extent that the lens barrel 1 can still be accurately attached to themain body 200. Also, in the above embodiment, thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 were arranged at a substantially constant pitch around the fixingframe 100, but the pitch does not necessarily have to be constant, and may be varied to the extent that the lens barrel 1 can still be accurately fixed to the fixingframe 100 and the stability of the lens barrel 1 can be ensured. - Also, the
first attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 may be separate members from the fixingframe 100. For example, thereceiver 111 may be formed as a different member from thebody frame 101, and fixed to the fixingframe 100. Thus, the phrase that thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 “are arranged integrally with the fixingframe 100” is a concept that encompasses not only a case in which they are formed integrally with the fixingframe 100, but also a case in which they are fixed to the fixingframe 100. - Also, the
first attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, and thethird attachment portion 141 were fixed to thefront panel 202 by thefirst screw 321, thesecond screw 331, and thethird screw 341, but these attachment portions may be fixed to thefront panel 202 by some means other than screws, such as adhesive bonding or riveting. - Also, the same type of screw was used for all of the
first screw 321, thesecond screw 331, thethird screw 341, and thefourth screw 311, but these screws may instead have mutually different shapes and sizes. - (3) In the above embodiment, a lens barrel support structure and an optical device were described using the
digital camera 2 as an example, but an optical device to which the technology disclosed herein can be applied is not limited to a digital camera, and encompasses all devices having an optical system. For instance, the technology disclosed herein can be applied to optical devices such as projectors, and not just to imaging devices such as cameras and video cameras. - In the above embodiment, the
lens group 102 of thedigital camera 2 was accommodated in thelens barrel 10, but part of the optical system of the optical device may be accommodated in the housing of the optical device, rather than in the lens barrel. - Also, in the above embodiment, light from the subject was incident on the
lens group 102, but the optical system of the optical device may emit light to outside of the optical device. For example, when the optical device is a projector, the optical system of the projector emits light to the outside. - (4) In the above embodiment, the disposition positions of the
first attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 were set using the square SQ that circumscribed the outer edge E of thebody frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis, but the disposition positions of the attachment portions and thereceiver 111 may be set using a rectangular shape other than the square SQ. That is, the square SQ is just an example of a rectangle. Therefore, all that matters is that thefirst attachment portion 121, thesecond attachment portion 131, thethird attachment portion 141, and thereceiver 111 are disposed on the inside of a rectangular shape that circumscribes the outer edge E of thebody frame 101 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. - (5) In the above embodiment, displacement of the
receiver 111 in the X-axis direction was limited by thesecond head 311 a of thefourth screw 311, but displacement of thereceiver 111 in the X-axis direction may be limited by a member other than a screw. - Also, in the above embodiment, the entire outer peripheral part of the
second head 311 a of thefourth screw 311 was disposed so as to come into contact with thefourth flange 115, but thefourth screw 311 may be disposed so as to come into contact with theforth flange 115 at just part of the outer peripheral part of thesecond head 311 a. Here again, displacement of thefourth flange 115 in the X-axis direction can be limited by thefourth screw 311. - (6) In the above embodiment, the
fourth flange 115 of thereceiver 111 protrudes from the outer side surface of thebody frame 101, and thefourth flange 115 was inserted into thestopper 211, but the reverse configuration is also possible, in which thestopper 211 protrudes and is inserted into thereceiver 111. In this case, a concave portion into which thestopper 211 is inserted is formed at the outer peripheral part of thebody frame 101, for example, as thereceiver 111. Further, thestopper 211 and thereceiver 111 are disposed with a gap in between, and so that they can come into contact. Again with this configuration, since thestopper 211 can support thereceiver 111 if the lens barrel 1 should become distorted, the impact resistance of the lens barrel 1 can be improved. - In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of the support structure of a lens barrel and the optical device equipped with the support structure. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to the support structure of a lens barrel and the optical device equipped with the support structure.
- The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section, or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function.
- The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.
- The phrase “integrally formed” and the phrase “as a one-piece, unitary member” as used herein together refers to, for example, a molding process where all the parts are integrally formed together as one-piece.
- While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicants, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (13)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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JP2010161368 | 2010-07-16 | ||
JP2010-161368 | 2010-07-16 |
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US8085485B1 US8085485B1 (en) | 2011-12-27 |
US20120014004A1 true US20120014004A1 (en) | 2012-01-19 |
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US13/037,371 Expired - Fee Related US8085485B1 (en) | 2010-07-16 | 2011-03-01 | Lens barrel support structure and optical device |
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US (1) | US8085485B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5887544B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD716361S1 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2014-10-28 | Sony Corporation | Lens-style camera |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2013235071A (en) * | 2012-05-07 | 2013-11-21 | Olympus Imaging Corp | Lens mirror frame |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3449053B2 (en) * | 1995-08-01 | 2003-09-22 | ソニー株式会社 | Lens barrel fastening structure |
JPH10123395A (en) * | 1996-10-23 | 1998-05-15 | Canon Inc | Lens barrel device and optical device provided with same |
JP2001116974A (en) | 1999-10-21 | 2001-04-27 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Lens barrel and camera |
JP4017946B2 (en) * | 2002-09-02 | 2007-12-05 | 株式会社エルモ社 | Surveillance camera device |
JP4402942B2 (en) | 2003-11-28 | 2010-01-20 | 株式会社リコー | Lens barrel, camera and optical equipment |
EP1701191B1 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2014-07-23 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Lens barrel mount |
JP2008225265A (en) * | 2007-03-14 | 2008-09-25 | Fujinon Corp | Lens device |
JP4940040B2 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2012-05-30 | ペンタックスリコーイメージング株式会社 | Lens support structure |
-
2011
- 2011-02-14 JP JP2011028952A patent/JP5887544B2/en active Active
- 2011-03-01 US US13/037,371 patent/US8085485B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD716361S1 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2014-10-28 | Sony Corporation | Lens-style camera |
USD722100S1 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2015-02-03 | Sony Corporation | Adapter |
USD776184S1 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2017-01-10 | Sony Corporation | Camera |
USD801409S1 (en) | 2013-07-24 | 2017-10-31 | Sony Corporation | Camera |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP5887544B2 (en) | 2016-03-16 |
JP2012037863A (en) | 2012-02-23 |
US8085485B1 (en) | 2011-12-27 |
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