JP2010160511A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving operability when performing manual focusing. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 1 includes a mount part Mt to which attachable/detachable photographic lens 3 is mounted, a body side coupling member CP1, and a load applying means 60. When the photographic lens 3 is mounted to the mount part Mt, the body side coupling member CP1 is coupled with a lens side coupling member CP2 of the photographic lens 3, and rotates interlocked with moving operation of a focus lens in the photographic lens 3. The load applying means 60 applies damping load to the body side coupling member CP1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an interchangeable lens type imaging apparatus.

  In an interchangeable lens single-lens reflex camera, a focus lens drive source (also referred to as an AF drive source) is provided on the photographic lens side on the premise that the camera body is provided with a focus lens drive source (such as an AF motor). There are things that do not have. In such a photographic lens (hereinafter also referred to as an “AF built-in non-AF drive source lens”), the driving force from the AF drive source provided on the camera body side is a coupler (specifically, the body side connecting member and Lens-side connecting member). As described above, the driving force from the camera body side is transmitted to the lens side, so that the focus lens in the photographing lens is automatically driven (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, a relatively new photographic lens is often provided with an AF drive source on the photographic lens side (hereinafter also referred to as an “AF drive source built-in lens”).

  And, on the assumption that such a relatively new photographing lens (“AF drive source built-in type lens”) is mounted, recent camera bodies often do not have an AF drive source such as an AF motor. It has become to. Thereby, the weight reduction on the camera body side and the cost reduction on the camera body side can be realized.

JP 2007-322985 A

  By the way, in an interchangeable lens imaging device (single-lens reflex camera or the like), there are various combinations of a photographing lens and a camera body.

  As an example of such a combination, an “AF drive source non-built-in lens” (simply speaking, a relatively old lens) is replaced with a camera body that does not have an AF drive source (speakingly, relatively It is assumed that the camera will be mounted on a new camera body. In this case, since there is no AF drive source on the camera body side, autofocus drive cannot be performed, but it is possible to perform shooting by manual focus operation of manually moving the focus lens.

  However, when performing a manual focus operation by attaching a “non-AF drive source built-in lens” to a camera body that does not have an AF drive source, there is no AF drive source in the camera body. It is not connected to the AF drive source on the main body side. In particular, since a camera body that does not include an AF drive source is assumed to be used in combination with an “AF drive source built-in lens”, a coupler for transmitting a driving force (main body side) The connecting member is not provided.

  In such a case, almost no load is applied to the lens-side coupler. For this reason, the focus lens moves relatively large only by applying a very small force. For example, there is a problem that a delicate focus adjustment operation becomes difficult, for example, the focus lens position is greatly moved by touching the manual focus adjustment ring of the photographing lens a little.

  Therefore, it is desirable to improve the operability during manual focus.

  Further, improvement in operability during manual focusing is desired not only when using a camera body that does not include an AF drive source but also when using a camera body that includes an AF drive source.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving the operability during manual focusing.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a mounting portion for mounting a detachable photographic lens, and a lens-side connecting member of the photographic lens when the photographic lens is mounted to the mounting portion, A main body side connecting member that rotates in conjunction with the movement of the focus lens, a load applying means that applies a braking load to the main body side connecting member during manual focus, and a brake that is applied by the load applying means during the manual focus. Load adjusting means for adjusting the magnitude of the load.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability during manual focus.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of an imaging device (camera main-body part). It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the condition where a "non-built-in lens" is attached to a camera main-body part. It is the enlarged view which looked at the main body side connection member vicinity from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a main body side connection member vicinity. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the main body side connection member vicinity which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of a load provision part and a load adjustment part vicinity. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of a load provision part and a load adjustment part vicinity. It is a figure which shows an example of a data table. It is a figure which shows a setting change screen. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the drive mechanism containing a drive switching part. It is a figure which shows the state which the clutch mechanism moved. It is a figure which shows the brake mechanism which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an imaging apparatus 1 (1A) according to an embodiment of the present invention. This imaging device 1 is configured as a lens interchangeable single-lens reflex digital camera.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 1A includes a camera body (camera body) 2 (2A). An interchangeable (detachable) photographing lens unit (interchangeable lens) 3 can be attached to and detached from the camera body 2. Although FIG. 1 shows a state where the photographing lens unit 3 is detached, the actual photographing operation is executed with the photographing lens unit 3 attached.

  The camera body 2 includes an annular mount (mounting portion) Mt to which the photographing lens unit 3 is attached at the front center, and an attachment / detachment button 89 for attaching / detaching the photographing lens unit 3 is provided in the annular mount portion Mt. Prepared in the vicinity.

  The photographing lens unit 3 includes a lens barrel, a lens group 37 (see FIG. 2) provided in the lens barrel, a diaphragm, and the like. The lens group 37 (shooting optical system) includes a focus lens that changes the focal position by moving in the optical axis direction.

  As described above, various photographic lens units (hereinafter also simply referred to as photographic lenses) 3 can be selectively attached to the camera body 2. More specifically, the camera body 2 has a photographing lens (an “AF drive source built-in lens”) or simply a “built-in type” with a built-in AF drive source (AF motor or the like) for driving the focus lens. A lens can also be attached. In addition, a photographing lens that does not incorporate the AF drive source (also referred to as “an AF drive source non-built-in lens” or simply “non-built-in lens”) can be attached to the camera body 2.

  Further, the camera body 2 includes a grip portion 14 for a photographer to hold at the left end of the front. A release button 11 for instructing the start of exposure is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 14. A battery storage chamber and a card storage chamber are provided inside the grip portion 14. A battery such as a lithium ion battery is housed in the battery compartment as a power source for the camera, and a memory card 90 (see FIG. 2) for recording image data of a photographed image can be attached to and detached from the card compartment. Stored.

  The release button 11 is a two-stage detection button that can detect two states, a half-pressed state S1 and a fully-pressed state S2. The release button 11 receives a shooting preparation command DR1 and a shooting start command DR2 according to the detection results of both states S1 and S2.

  When the release button 11 is half-pressed to enter the half-pressed state S1, the imaging apparatus 1 determines that an imaging preparation command (also referred to as an exposure preparation command) D1 has been given by the operator. Then, in response to the shooting preparation command DR1, a preparation operation (for example, an AF control operation and an AE control operation) for acquiring a recording still image (mainly captured image) related to the subject is performed.

  In addition, when the release button 11 is further pushed in to a fully-pressed state S2, the imaging apparatus 1 determines that a shooting start command (or an exposure start command) D2 is given. Then, in response to the shooting start command DR2, an exposure operation related to a subject image (a light image of the subject) is performed using the imaging operation of the actual captured image (the imaging device 5 (described later)), and obtained by the exposure operation. A series of operations for performing predetermined image processing on the image signal) is performed.

  Next, an overview of functions of the imaging apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 2 of the image pickup apparatus 1 includes an image pickup element 5, an A / D conversion circuit 7, a digital signal processing circuit 50, an image memory 56, an LCD driver 18, a rear monitor (LCD) 12, and an AF. The module 20 and the overall control unit 101 are provided.

  The imaging element (for example, a CCD sensor) 5 is a light receiving element that converts a light image (subject image) of a subject from the photographing lens unit 3 into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion action, and an image signal (for recording) related to the actual captured image Image signal). The image sensor 5 is also expressed as an image sensor for acquiring a recorded image.

  In response to a drive control signal (accumulation start signal and accumulation end signal) from the overall control unit 101, the image sensor 5 performs exposure (charge accumulation by photoelectric conversion) of the subject image formed on the light receiving surface, and An image signal related to the subject image is generated.

  The image signal acquired by the image sensor 5 is converted into digital image data (image data) by the A / D conversion circuit 7. This image data is input to the digital signal processing circuit 50.

  The digital signal processing circuit 50 performs digital signal processing on the image data input from the A / D conversion circuit 7 to generate image data related to the captured image. The digital signal processing circuit 50 includes a black level correction circuit, a white balance (WB) circuit, a γ correction circuit, and the like, and performs various digital image processing. The image signal (image data) processed by the digital signal processing circuit 50 is stored in the image memory 56. The image memory 56 is a high-speed accessible image memory for temporarily storing generated image data, and has a capacity capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames.

  At the time of actual photographing, the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 56 is subjected to image processing (such as compression processing) as appropriate in the overall control unit 101 and then stored in the memory card 90.

  The image temporarily stored in the image memory 56 is displayed on the rear monitor 12 under the control of a display control unit 115 (described later) of the overall control unit 101. As a result, a confirmation display (after-view display) for displaying an after-view image, which is a confirmation image relating to the actual shooting, in accordance with a shooting command, a reproduction display for playing back a shot image, and the like are realized. The display operation of the rear monitor 12 is controlled by the display control unit 115, the LCD driver 18, and the like.

  The AF module 20 can detect the in-focus state of the subject by using the in-focus state detection method such as a phase difference method using the light that has passed through the photographing lens unit 3 and entered through the mirror mechanism. By using the phase difference AF module 20, it is possible to obtain the focusing lens position at a very high speed.

  The overall control unit 101 is configured as a microcomputer and mainly includes a CPU, a memory, a ROM (for example, an EEPROM), and the like. The overall control unit 101 implements various functions by reading a program stored in the ROM and executing the program by the CPU.

  The overall control unit 101 includes an AF control unit 111, a lens determination unit 113, and a display control unit 115.

  The lens discriminating unit 113 communicates with the ROM 31 in the photographing lens unit 3 via the electrical contacts CT (specifically, the main body side electrical contact CT1 and the lens side electrical contact CT2), thereby the lens of the photographing lens unit 3 being mounted. Identification information (for example, a lens number) is received. The lens determination unit 113 can determine the lens type of the photographic lens unit 3 based on the received information.

  The AF control unit (focus control unit) 111 realizes focus control using the focus information regarding the AF area to be focused. As the focusing information, the focusing lens position detected by the AF module 20 is used.

  In the imaging apparatus 1A, whether or not an AF driving operation is possible differs depending on the type of the taking lens unit 3 being mounted.

  In the imaging apparatus 1A, when a “(AF drive source) built-in lens” is mounted on the camera body 2 as the photographic lens unit 3, the AF operation can be performed. Specifically, the control signal from the AF control unit 111 is provided in the photographing lens unit 3 by transmitting it to a lens driving unit (not shown) in the photographing lens unit 3 via the electrical contact CT. A driving source for AF driving (an AF motor or the like) is driven. In accordance with this driving operation, the focus lens in the photographic lens unit 3 is moved to the in-focus position in the optical axis direction, and the in-focus operation is realized.

  On the other hand, in the imaging apparatus 1A, when the “(AF drive source) non-built-in lens” is mounted on the camera body 2 as the photographing lens unit 3, it is impossible to execute the AF operation. is there. This is because the imaging apparatus 1 is not provided with an AF drive source in the camera body 2.

  However, as described above, when a “(AF drive source) non-built-in lens” is attached to the camera body 2 as the photographing lens unit 3, it is possible to perform a photographing operation by a manual focus operation.

  However, when a “non-built-in lens” is attached to the camera body 2 that does not include an AF drive source, the above-described problem occurs when a normal technique is used. Specifically, when the “non-built-in lens” is mounted, a load is hardly applied to the coupler CP (specifically, the lens side coupling member CP2) (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the operation of the focus lens becomes unstable, for example, the focus lens moves relatively large only by applying a very small force. As a result, there arises a problem that a fine adjustment operation related to the focus lens becomes difficult. In particular, when the taking lens unit 3 having a relatively heavy lens is mounted, if the camera is tilted downward, the focus lens may easily move due to its own weight.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a load applying unit 60 is provided in the camera body 2 and a braking load is applied to the rotation operation of the coupler CP (more specifically, the main body side connecting member) using the load applying unit 60. Give.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the “non-built-in lens” is mounted on the camera body 2 as the photographing lens unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the “non-built-in lens” is provided with a lens side connecting member CP2 as a part of the coupler CP. On the other hand, on the camera main body 2 side, a main body side connecting member CP1 is provided as a part of the coupler CP. The main body side connecting member CP1 and the lens side connecting member CP2 are pivotally supported by bearing members (BR1, BR2), respectively, and are rotatably provided. More specifically, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, in the annular mount portion Mt, the columnar body-side coupling member CP1 is provided with one end surface thereof exposed. Moreover, the convex part PT is provided in the said one end surface. When the photographic lens unit 3 is mounted on the mount Mt, the convex portion PT of the imaging device 1 is a concave portion PA of the lens side connecting member CP2 provided at a corresponding position of the photographic lens unit 3 (see FIG. 3). And engaged with each other. As a result, the main body side connecting member CP1 and the lens side connecting member CP2 are connected and integrally rotated. Further, the main body side connecting member CP1 is connected to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographing lens unit 3 via the lens side connecting member CP2. As a result, the main body side connecting member CP1 and the lens side connecting member CP2 rotate in conjunction with the movement operation of the focus lens.

  Furthermore, a load applying unit 60 is provided in the camera body 2. The load applying unit 60 applies a braking load to the rotation operation of the main body side connecting member CP1.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the load applying unit 60 includes a brake pad 61 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar main body side connecting member CP1, and the brake pad 61 facing the main body side connecting member CP1. And an elastic force applying spring 62 for applying a pressing force (elastic force). The elastic force applying spring 62 is provided between the braking pad (braking member) 61 and the fixing member fixed to the camera body 2 in a contracted state from the natural length. As described above, since the brake pad 61 is in contact with the main body side connecting member CP1 with an appropriate pressing force applied, when the main body side connecting member CP1 is rotated, the brake pad 61 is moved to the main body side connecting member CP1. A braking force (frictional force) is applied.

  Such a braking force is transmitted from the brake pad 61 to the main body side connecting member CP1, and further to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographing lens unit 3 via the lens side connecting member CP2. Therefore, the focus lens in the photographic lens unit 3 is moved with an appropriate braking load when moving. Therefore, a situation in which the focus lens moves relatively large only by applying a very small force to the focus lens can be avoided, and a fine adjustment operation regarding the focus lens can be performed.

  For example, when the operator rotates the manual focus ring of the photographic lens unit 3, an appropriate braking force (through the main body side connecting member CP1, the lens side connecting member CP2, etc.) is provided along with the movement of the focus lens in the optical axis direction. Braking load). Therefore, it is possible to perform a delicate adjustment operation.

  In particular, in the stationary state, the focus lens moves by the braking force (particularly the static frictional force) by the load applying unit 60 acting on the focus lens via the main body side connecting member CP1 and the lens side connecting member CP2. It becomes difficult to do. Therefore, even when the photographing lens unit 3 having a relatively heavy lens is mounted, it is possible to prevent the focus lens from moving due to the weight of the lens (due to the action of gravity).

  As described above, the operability during manual focus can be improved.

  In addition, in this 1st Embodiment, although the case where the braking load was directly provided with respect to main body side connection member CP1 was illustrated, it is not limited to this. For example, a braking load may be indirectly applied to the main body side connecting member CP1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration according to such a modification. In FIG. 6, a gear (gear) GR1 is provided at the rear end portion (right side in FIG. 6) of the rotation shaft of the main body side connecting member CP1, and another gear GR2 that meshes with the gear GR1 is provided. A braking load is applied by bringing the braking pad 61 into contact with the rotating shaft member 69 of the other gear GR2. Also according to such an aspect, it is possible to apply a braking load to the main body side connecting member CP1.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the imaging apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the imaging device 1B further includes a load adjustment unit 70 in addition to the configuration of the imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration in the vicinity of the load applying unit 60 and the load adjusting unit 70. As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging apparatus 1B is also provided with a load applying unit 60 similar to that of the imaging apparatus 1A. That is, a brake pad 61, an elastic force applying spring 62, and the like are provided.

  However, in this imaging apparatus 1B, the load adjusting unit 70 can adjust the magnitude of the pressing force that acts on the braking pad 61 from the elastic force applying spring 62.

  Specifically, the load adjustment unit 70 includes a load adjustment mechanism including a first slider 71 and a second slider 72. The sliding directions of the first slider 71 and the second slider 72 are different from each other by about 90 degrees.

  The first slider 71 is connected to one brake pad 61 via an elastic force applying spring 62. The elastic force applying spring 62 is provided in a contracted state with respect to the natural length. Therefore, the brake pad 61 is in contact with the main body side connecting member CP1 in a state where an appropriate pressing force is applied.

  The first slider 71 and the second slider 72 are in contact with each other at the oblique portions, and the moving directions of the first slider 71 and the second slider 72 are different from each other by about 90 degrees. Specifically, the lower end surface of the first slider 71 is formed as a surface that is inclined with respect to the moving direction (vertical direction) of the first slider 71. Further, the upper surface of the second slider 72 is also inclined at the same angle as the lower end surface of the first slider 71 with respect to the moving direction (vertical direction) of the first slider 71. The lower end surface (slanting surface) of the first slider 71 is in contact with the upper surface (slanting surface) of the second slider 72. The upper surface of the second slider 72 exists over a larger range than the lower end surface of the first slider 71 in the left-right direction. When the second slider 72 moves in the left-right direction, the displacement in the left-right direction of the second slider 72 is changed to the displacement in the up-down direction of the first slider 71 by the direction changing function on the skew surface (contact portion).

  In addition, a part of the second slider 72 is exposed on the surface of the camera body 2 and can be moved by the operating force of the operator. When the operator applies operating force to move the second slider 72, the position of the first slider 71 in the vertical direction (position in the pressing force applying direction) is changed according to the movement of the second slider 72. For example, when the second slider 72 moves to the right, the first slider 71 moves downward and the pressing force is reduced. Conversely, when the second slider 72 moves to the left, the first slider 71 moves upward and the pressing force increases. Thereby, the load adjustment part 70 can adjust the magnitude | size of the braking load by the load provision part 60. FIG. A part of the lower surface of the second slider 72 is in contact with the inner surface of the camera body 2, and a relatively large frictional force acts on the contact portion between the two. For this reason, even if the operator lifts his / her finger from the second slider 72, the second slider 72 can maintain its position.

  According to such an adjustment operation (manual adjustment operation), the operational feeling of the focus ring during manual focus can be adjusted more appropriately. In particular, the braking force of the focus ring can be adjusted according to each user's preference. In other words, the operational feeling related to the focus ring can be changed according to the user's preference or the like. Therefore, user operability can be further enhanced.

<3. Third Embodiment>
The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 2nd Embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the imaging device 1C further includes a load control unit 79 in addition to the configuration of the imaging device 1B according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the load adjustment unit 70 (70C) of the imaging apparatus 1C includes a drive unit 75 that drives the load adjustment mechanism (the second slider 72 and the like) of the load adjustment unit 70. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in the vicinity of the load applying unit 60 and the load adjusting unit 70 (70C).

  The load adjusting unit 70 </ b> C can change the magnitude of the braking load by the driving unit 75. As the drive unit 75, various drive sources such as a linear motion motor (linear motor) are employed. By driving the second slider 72 in the left-right direction by the drive unit 75, it is possible to automatically adjust the operational feeling of the focus ring during manual focus. In other words, in the third embodiment, the magnitude of the braking load by the load applying unit 60 is adjusted electrically by the drive unit 75.

  Here, the magnitude of the braking load is changed according to the lens type of the photographing lens unit 3 determined by the lens determination unit 113. Specifically, the drive unit 75 changes the position of the second slider 72 according to the type of the photographing lens attached to the mount unit Mt. As a result, the position of the first slider 71 is changed. Such a control operation relating to load adjustment is executed by the load control unit 79.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data table TB for lens discrimination. This data table TB is stored in the ROM of the overall control unit 101 of the camera body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in this imaging apparatus 1C, the magnitude of the load (load rank) corresponding to the lens number and the position of the second slider 72 corresponding to the load rank are defined. More specifically, the data table TB stores that the lens number (symbol) “AB0001” corresponds to the load rank “1”. The data table TB also stores that the second slider 72 should be moved to the position D1 (see also FIG. 10) by driving by the driving unit 75 having the lens number “AB0001”. Similarly, the data table TB stores that the lens number “NB0011” corresponds to the load rank “4” and that the second slider 72 should be moved to the position D4 by driving by the driving unit 75. Has been. As described above, when the position of the first slider 71 is changed in accordance with the position change of the second slider 72, the first slider 71 and the brake pad 61 are connected to the main body side via the elastic force applying spring 62 and the brake pad 61. The magnitude of the braking load transmitted to the connecting member CP1 is changed.

  According to this, it is possible to transmit a braking force according to the type of the lens mounted on the camera main body 2 to the focus lens via the main body side connecting member CP1 and the lens side connecting member CP2. Thereby, an appropriate braking force corresponding to the type of lens is determined.

  Further, the magnitude of the braking load can be changed by a setting change operation using the rear monitor 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting change screen G1. When the operator operates a cross button (in detail, an up button and / or a down button) provided on the back surface of the image pickup apparatus 1C, the setting value (load rank) of the load at the time of manual focus is changed. The Then, the second slider 72 and the first slider 71 are moved to appropriate positions according to the set value (load rank) after the change by the change operation. According to this, for example, it is possible to further change the preset value set in accordance with the lens. In other words, it is possible to further reflect the user's preference regarding the magnitude of the rotational load of the manual ring during manual focus.

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
<4-1. Overview>
In the first to third embodiments, the case where the camera main body 2 is not provided with the AF drive source is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The idea of the present invention can be applied even when the camera main body 2 is provided with an AF drive source. In the fourth embodiment, an example of such an apparatus will be described. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the imaging apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment, when a “(AF drive source) built-in lens” is mounted on the camera body 2 as the photographing lens unit 3, AF is performed in the same manner as in each of the above embodiments. It is possible to perform an operation. That is, the AF drive provided in the photographic lens unit 3 is transmitted by transmitting a control signal from the AF control unit 111 to a lens driving mechanism (not shown) in the photographic lens unit 3 via the electrical contact CT. A driving source (such as an AF motor) is driven. In accordance with this driving operation, the focus lens in the photographing lens unit 3 is moved to the in-focus position, and the in-focus operation is realized.

  In the fourth embodiment, even when a “non-built-in lens” is mounted on the camera body 2 as the photographic lens unit 3, the AF drive source 25 (see FIG. 13) can be used to execute the AF operation.

  Further, when a “non-built-in lens” is mounted on the camera body 2 as the photographic lens unit 3, a braking load is applied to the body side connecting member CP1 using the load applying unit 60 and the like. It is also possible to execute a manual focus operation (MF operation). That is, in this manual focus operation, it is possible to adjust the rotation resistance of the manual focus ring.

  Here, in a conventional imaging apparatus having an AF drive source, when the “auto focus mode” is switched to the “manual focus mode”, the AF drive source and the main body side coupler (main body side connecting member) are used to execute manual focus. ) Is released. In this case, however, a load is hardly applied to the lens-side coupler as described above. For this reason, during manual focusing, there is a problem that the focus lens moves relatively large only by applying a very small force.

  On the other hand, according to the imaging apparatus 1D according to this embodiment, when the manual focus operation is selected, the braking load is applied by the load applying unit 60 according to the switching operation by the drive switching unit 80 (described later). It is given to the main body side connecting member CP1. Therefore, such problems can be solved and the operability during manual focus can be improved.

  In the following, description will be made on the assumption that the “non-built-in lens” is attached to the camera body 2 in the imaging apparatus 1D.

  When the focus mode of the imaging apparatus 1D is set to “AF mode” (autofocus mode), the AF drive source 25 is mechanically connected to the main body side connecting member CP1, and the AF drive source 25 is used. The AF operation that has been performed is executed. On the other hand, when the focus mode of the imaging apparatus 1D is set to “MF mode” (manual focus mode), the load applying unit 60 is mechanically connected to the main body side connecting member CP1 by the drive switching unit 80. Switch to state. Thus, the drive switching unit 80 selectively switches the connection target member for the main body side coupling member CP1 between the AF drive source 25 and the load applying unit 60. A switching operation (setting operation) related to the focus mode (focus operation), that is, an operation for selecting one of the AF mode (AF operation) and the MF mode (MF operation) is an AF / MF switching unit (also referred to as a selection unit). 88. The switching button 88b of the AF / MF switching unit 88 is provided on the front surface of the camera body 2 (for example, in the vicinity of the detachable button 89 (FIG. 1)) and is operated by the operator.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in addition to the configuration of the imaging apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1D includes an AF drive source (also referred to as an in-body motor) 25, a motor driver 29, a drive switching unit 80, and an AF. / MF switching part 88 etc. are further provided.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism including the AF drive source 25, a drive switching unit 80, and an AF / MF switching unit 88.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the drive switching unit 80 has a clutch mechanism 83. The clutch mechanism 83 includes a rotary shaft member 81, gears 83 a and 83 b fixed to the rotary shaft member 81, and a disk portion 85 fixed to the rotary shaft member 81.

  The gear 83b meshes with the intermediate gear 84, and this intermediate gear 84 meshes with the gear GR1 provided on the rear end side (the camera rear side (right side in FIG. 14)) of the elongated cylindrical body-side coupling member CP1. ing. Thereby, the rotational motion of the rotating shaft member 81 of the clutch mechanism 83 is transmitted as the rotational motion of the main body side connecting member CP1.

  On the rear end side (the right side in FIG. 14) of the clutch mechanism 83, a recess 86 a is provided so as to surround a part of the outer peripheral portion of the disk portion 85. In addition, one end of a connection member 86 is connected to the recess 86 a, and the connection member 86 extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the rotating shaft member 81. Further, the changeover switch 88 b of the AF / MF switching unit 88 is connected to the other end side of the connection member 86. The clutch mechanism 83 (specifically, the rotating shaft member 81, the gear 83a, and the gear 83b) moves in the left-right direction in synchronization with the movement of the changeover switch 88b in the left-right direction (FIG. 14). Then, the clutch mechanism 83 selectively switches between the following two states according to the movement operation of the changeover switch 88b.

  One state is a state when the changeover switch 88b exists in the “AF mode” position. In this state, as shown in FIG. 14, the clutch mechanism 83 is relatively on the right side (camera rear side). In this state, the gear 83a of the clutch mechanism 83 is connected to the drive shaft of the AF drive source 25 via the gears 26c, 26b, and 26a. In this state, the rotational driving force of the AF drive source 25 is transmitted to the main body side connecting member CP1 via the gears 26a, 26b, 26c, 83a, 83b, 84. This rotational driving force is transmitted from the main body side connecting member CP1 to the lens side connecting member CP2, and further to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographing lens unit 3. In this way, the rotational driving force of the AF driving source 25 is transmitted, and the focus lens in the photographing lens unit 3 is moved.

  As described above, when the “non-built-in lens” is mounted and the autofocus mode is selected, the rotational driving force of the AF drive source 25 is transmitted via the main body side connecting member CP1 and the lens side connecting member CP2. Is transmitted to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographing lens unit 3. As a result, the AF operation is realized.

  The other state is a state when the changeover switch 88b exists in the “MF mode” position. In this state, as shown in FIG. 15, the clutch mechanism 83 exists on the relatively left side (camera front side). In this state, the gear 83a of the clutch mechanism 83 meshes with the gear 65b, and the gear 65b meshes with the gear 65a. The gear 65 a is fixed to the rotary shaft member 63. As a result, the rotating shaft member 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotating operation of the main body side connecting member CP1. Further, a braking load due to a frictional force is applied to the rotating shaft member 63. Specifically, as in the third embodiment, a braking load is applied by the braking pad 61, the elastic force applying spring 62, and the like. And the said braking load provided with respect to the rotating shaft member 63 is transmitted to main body side connection member CP1 via gearwheel 65a, 65b, 83a, 83b, 84, GR1. The braking load is transmitted from the main body side connecting member CP1 to the lens side connecting member CP2, and further transmitted to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographing lens unit 3. This aspect is also expressed as an aspect in which a braking load is indirectly applied to the main body side connecting member CP1 as in FIG.

  As described above, when the “non-built-in lens” is mounted and the manual focus mode is selected, the braking load by the braking pad 61 and the spring 62 is applied to the rotating shaft member 63, the main body side connecting member CP1, and the lens. This is transmitted to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographic lens unit 3 via the side connecting member CP2.

  When the operator performs the manual focus operation by rotating the manual focus change ring, the focus lens in the photographing lens unit 3 receives an appropriate braking force due to the above-described braking load. Therefore, the focus lens in the photographing lens unit 3 is moved with an appropriate load. For this reason, the focus lens is prevented from moving relatively large by applying a very small force, and a fine adjustment operation can be performed.

<4-2. Operation>
Next, the control operation in the imaging apparatus 1D will be described in more detail.

  First, when the imaging lens unit 3 is attached and the power is turned on, the imaging apparatus 1D acquires identification information of the imaging lens unit 3 attached to the camera body 2 using the lens determination unit 113. The type of lens being mounted is determined. Specifically, it is determined whether the lens being mounted is “(AF drive source) built-in lens” or “(AF drive source) non-built-in lens”.

  When it is determined that the attached lens is “(AF drive source) built-in lens” and the changeover switch 88b of the AF / MF switching unit 88 is set to “autofocus”, the AF control unit 111 is set. Transmits a control signal via the electrical contact CT. With this control signal, the AF drive source in the photographic lens unit 3 is driven, and the focus lens in the photographic lens unit 3 moves in the optical axis direction.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lens being mounted is a “(AF drive source) non-built-in lens” and the changeover switch 88b of the AF / MF switching unit 88 is set to “autofocus”, the AF control unit 111 performs the following operations. That is, the AF control unit 111 drives the AF drive source 25 using the motor driver 29 or the like, and applies the rotational drive force from the AF drive source 25 to the main body side connecting member CP1. The rotational driving force is transmitted to the focus lens moving mechanism LM in the photographing lens unit 3 via the lens side connecting member CP2 connected to the main body side connecting member CP1. Thereby, the focus lens in the photographic lens unit 3 moves in the optical axis direction.

  When the changeover switch 88b of the AF / MF switching unit 88 is set to “manual focus”, the braking load applied by the load applying unit 60 is coupled to the main body side in accordance with the movement of the clutch mechanism 83 of the drive switching unit 80. It is given to member CP1. In particular, when the photographing lens unit 3 is a “non-built-in lens”, the braking load is further transmitted from the main body side connecting member CP1 to the lens side connecting member CP2, and functions as a braking force related to the movement of the focus lens. To do.

  When the photographing lens unit 3 is a “built-in lens”, the operation at the time of manual focusing differs depending on whether or not the “built-in lens” has the lens side connecting member CP2 or the like. When the “built-in lens” does not have the lens side connecting member CP2 or the like, the load adjustment function as described above is not realized. On the other hand, when the “built-in lens” has the lens-side connecting member CP2 or the like, the load adjustment function as described above is realized.

  The operability at the time of manual focusing can also be improved by the operation as described above.

<5. Other>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where a braking load is applied by generating a frictional force by the braking pad 61 on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body (for example, the main body side connecting member CP1 or the rotating shaft member 63) is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a gear GR21 that meshes with the gear GR1 on the rear end side of the main body side coupling member CP1 is provided, and the end surface of the gear GR21 (a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis of the gear GR21) FT is provided. The brake pad 68 may be brought into contact. The brake pad 68 may be pressed toward the gear GR21 by the urging force of the leaf spring 66, for example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A-1D Image pick-up device 2 Camera main-body part 3 Shooting lens unit 20 AF module 25 AF drive source 60 Load provision part 61,68 Braking pad 62 Elastic force provision spring 63,69 Rotary shaft member 70 Load adjustment part 80 Drive switching part CP1 Body side connecting member material CP2 Lens side connecting member material CT Electrical contact

Claims (7)

A mounting part for mounting a detachable taking lens;
A body-side coupling member that is coupled with a lens-side coupling member of the photographing lens and rotates in conjunction with a movement operation of a focus lens in the photographing lens when the photographing lens is mounted on the mounting portion;
Load applying means for applying a braking load to the main body side connecting member at the time of manual focus;
Load adjusting means for adjusting the magnitude of the braking load by the load applying means during the manual focus;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1,
The load adjusting means is
A load adjusting mechanism for changing the magnitude of the braking load by an operating force of an operator;
An imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load applying unit includes a braking member that contacts the main body side connecting member to apply a frictional force. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The load applying means includes
A rotating member that rotates in conjunction with the rotating operation of the main body side connecting member;
A braking member that applies frictional force in contact with the rotating member;
An imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1,
An AF driving means that is provided in the apparatus main body, applies a rotational driving force to the main body side connecting member, and moves the focus lens via the lens side connecting member;
Regarding the focusing operation of the photographing lens, a selection means for selecting one of an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode;
With
When the autofocus mode is selected, a driving force by the AF driving unit is applied to the main body side connecting member,
An imaging apparatus in which, when the manual focus mode is selected, a braking load by the load applying unit is applied to the main body side connecting member. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
Determining means for determining whether the photographing lens is an AF drive source built-in type lens or an AF drive source non-built-in type lens;
Further comprising
When the photographing lens is a lens without a built-in AF drive source and the autofocus mode is selected, a driving force by the AF driving unit is applied to the main body side connecting member,
An imaging apparatus in which a braking load by the load applying unit is applied to the main body side connecting member when the photographing lens is a lens without a built-in AF drive source and the manual focus mode is selected. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The load adjusting means is
A load adjusting mechanism for changing the magnitude of the braking load;
A drive unit for driving the load adjustment mechanism;
An imaging device.

Images