U.S. patent application number 14/578289 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for interchangeable camera lens.
The applicant listed for this patent is Carl Zeiss AG. Invention is credited to Uwe Weber.
Application Number | 20150177594 14/578289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53274970 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150177594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weber; Uwe |
June 25, 2015 |
INTERCHANGEABLE CAMERA LENS
Abstract
An interchangeable camera lens includes a main barrel for
holding a diaphragm and optical elements, wherein the optical
elements define an optical axis (A), a diaphragm rotating ring,
rotatable by way of a rotational movement about the optical axis
(A), for setting the diaphragm to different f-number values, and a
click-stop device. The click-stop device interacts with the
diaphragm rotating ring in such a way that the click-stop device is
effective in an active work position and the diaphragm rotating
ring is therefore rotatable in a stepped manner. The click-stop
device is ineffective in an inactive work position and the
diaphragm rotating ring is therefore continuously rotatable,
wherein the click-stop device comprises a click-stop element seated
on a pressure element. The click-stop element is pressable into
click-stop grooves by the pressure of the pressure element to
enable a step-wise rotation of the diaphragm rotating ring in the
active work position. Means are provided for selectively activating
and deactivating the click-stop device, wherein the means comprise
a movement element which is arranged between the pressure element
and the click-stop element and a switching element is assigned to
the movement element to fix the movement element in such a
detachable manner that the click-stop element is pressable into a
click-stop groove by the pressure element in the active work
position and not pressable into the click-stop groove by the
pressure element in the passive work position.
Inventors: |
Weber; Uwe; (Aalen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carl Zeiss AG |
Oberkochen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
53274970 |
Appl. No.: |
14/578289 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
396/505 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 9/07 20130101; G03B
17/14 20130101; G03B 9/02 20130101; G03B 17/565 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03B 9/07 20060101
G03B009/07; G03B 17/56 20060101 G03B017/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 022 013.0 |
Claims
1. An interchangeable camera lens comprising: a plurality of
optical elements defining an optical axis (A); a diaphragm defining
a range of f-number values; a main barrel configured to hold said
optical elements and said diaphragm; a diaphragm rotating ring
configured to be rotatable about said optical axis (A) for setting
said diaphragm to different ones of said f-number values via a
rotational movement; a click-stop device having an active work
position and an inactive work position and being configured to
interact with said diaphragm rotating ring such that: i) said
click-stop device is effective in said active work position and
said diaphragm rotating ring is therefore rotatable in a stepped
manner; ii) said click-stop device is ineffective in said inactive
work position and said diaphragm rotating ring is therefore
continuously rotatable; iii) wherein said click-stop device has a
pressure element configured to apply pressure and a click-stop
element disposed on said pressure element and said click-stop
element being configured to be pressed into click-stop grooves via
said pressure of said pressure element so as to enable rotation of
said diaphragm rotating ring in a stepped manner in said active
work position; a selection device configured to selectively
activate and deactivate said click-stop device; said selection
device having a movement element arranged between said pressure
element and said click-stop element; and, a switch element
associated with said movement element and configured to releasably
fix said movement element so as to enable said click-stop element
to be pressed into one of said click-stop grooves in said active
work position and to prevent said click-stop element from being
pressed into one of said click-stop grooves in said inactive work
position.
2. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein: said main
barrel has radial bore formed therein; said click-stop grooves are
arranged on said diaphragm rotating ring; and, said click-stop
element of said click-stop device is disposed in said radial bore
and is configured to be pressable into said click-stop grooves.
3. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein: said
diaphragm rotating ring has a radial bore formed therein; said
click-stop grooves are arranged on said main barrel; and, said
click-stop element of said click-stop device is disposed in said
radial bore and is configured to be pressable into said click-stop
grooves.
4. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein: said main
barrel has axial bore formed therein; said diaphragm rotating ring
has an end face defining a planar surface facing said click-stop
element; said click-stop grooves are arranged on said planar
surface of said end face of said diaphragm rotating ring; and, said
click-stop element of said click-stop device is disposed in said
axial bore and is configured to be pressable into said click-stop
grooves.
5. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein: said
diaphragm rotating ring has an axial bore formed therein; said main
barrel has an end face defining a planar surface facing said
click-stop element; said click-stop grooves are arranged on said
planar surface of said end face; and, said click-stop element of
said click-stop device is disposed in said axial bore and is
configured to be pressable into said click-stop grooves.
6. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said
click-stop element is configured as a sphere.
7. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said
movement element is configured as a rocker or a wedge.
8. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1 further comprising: a
bearing stud; and, said movement element being configured as a
rocker arranged pivotably about said bearing stud in said main
barrel.
9. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 8, wherein the
interchangeable camera lens defines a radial direction; and, said
rocker is arranged pivotably in said radial direction about said
bearing stud in said main barrel.
10. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said
movement element is, in said active work position, released so as
to cause said pressure element to press said click-stop element
into one of said click-stop grooves via said movement element.
11. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said
movement element, in said inactive work position, is fixed via said
switch element in such a manner so as to prevent said pressure
element from applying any pressure on said click-stop element.
12. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said switch
element is configured to be settable to said inactive work position
and said active work position from outside the interchangeable
camera lens.
13. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 12, wherein: the
interchangeable camera lens has a bore provided therein; and, said
switch element is configured to be switched between said active
work position and said inactive work position with an actuating
element via said bore.
14. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1 further comprising a
switching spring configured to apply force to said switch element
so as to cause said switch element to remain in the set one of said
active work position and inactive work position until the work
position is switched via an actuating element.
15. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said switch
element is embodied as a pin.
16. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 15, wherein said pin
has an eccentric element.
17. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 15, wherein said pin
has an eccentric lug.
18. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 15, wherein said pin
has an axial extension and a section along said axial extension
having flattenings formed therein.
19. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 15, wherein said pin
has an axial extension and a section along said axial extension
having a first flattening and a second flattening formed therein;
and, said first and said second flattening lie opposite each
other.
20. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 19 further comprising:
a leaf spring configured to apply force to said switch element so
as to cause said switch element to remain in the set one of said
active work position and inactive work position until the work
position is switched via an actuating element; said main barrel
having a recess formed therein; said leaf spring being mounted in
said recess and configured to press on said first flattening in
said active work position and to press on said second flattening in
said inactive work position; and, said pin has an eccentric element
configured to, in said active work position, fix said movement
element and to, in said inactive work position, release said
movement element.
21. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein: said
diaphragm rotating ring has a plurality of f-values applied
thereon; and, said click-stop grooves are positioned so as to
enable an exact setting, in said active work position, to
individual ones of said f-values applied to said diaphragm rotating
ring.
22. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1, wherein said
pressure element is embodied as a compression spring.
23. The interchangeable camera lens of claim 1 further comprising a
lens mount configured to connect to a camera mount of a camera.
24. A method for activating and deactivating a click-stop device of
a diaphragm of an interchangeable camera lens having a diaphragm
rotating ring configured to be rotatable in a stepped manner in an
active work position and to be continuously rotatable in an
inactive work position, the interchangeable camera lens further
having click-stop grooves, a movement element and a pressure
element; the click-stop device having a click-stop element; the
method comprising the steps of: enabling a stepped rotation of the
diaphragm rotating ring in the active work position in that the
click-stop element is pressed into click-stop grooves via the
pressure element; and, preventing a pressure transfer from the
pressure element to the click-stop element in the inactive work
position in that the movement element acts in an impeding manner
between the pressure element and the click-stop element.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the interchangeable camera lens
further has: a plurality of optical elements defining an optical
axis; the diaphragm defining a range of f-number values; a main
barrel configured to hold the optical elements and the diaphragm;
the diaphragm rotating ring being configured to be rotatable for
setting the diaphragm to different ones of the f-number values via
a rotational movement; the click-stop device defining the active
work position and the inactive work position and being configured
to interact with the diaphragm rotating ring such that: i) the
click-stop device is effective in the active work position and the
diaphragm rotating ring is therefore rotatable in a stepped manner;
ii) the click-stop device is ineffective in the inactive work
position and the diaphragm ring is therefore continuously
rotatable; iii) the click-stop device having a pressure element
configured to apply pressure and the click-stop element being
disposed on said pressure element and configured to be pressed into
click-stop grooves via the pressure on the pressure element so as
to enable rotation of the diaphragm rotating ring in a stepped
manner in the active work position; means for selectively
activating and deactivating the click-stop device; the means for
selectively activating and deactivating the click-stop device
having a movement element arranged between the pressure element and
the click-stop element; and, a switch element associated with the
movement element and configured to releasably fix the movement
element so as to enable said click-stop element to be pressed into
the click-stop grooves in the active work position and to prevent
the click-stop element from being pressed into the click-stop
grooves in the inactive work position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of German patent
application no. 10 2013 022 013.0, filed Dec. 20, 2013, the entire
content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an interchangeable camera lens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Interchangeable camera lenses with click-stop devices for
the diaphragm rotating rings thereof are known.
[0004] The object of these click-stop devices is to provide the
user with haptic and/or acoustic feedback relating to the
adjustment of the diaphragm rotating rings. By way of example,
click-stop grooves may be provided at the typical f-number settings
22-11-8-5.6-4-2.8-2. Then, the user can quickly find the correct
f-number setting for his photographs.
[0005] However, such click-stop devices are disadvantageous for
those users who wish to use interchangeable camera lenses for
producing a film. These days, most digital system cameras, for
example digital single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless system
cameras, provide the option of making photographs and producing
videos.
[0006] Here, a system camera is understood to mean a camera which
includes interchangeable components within a fully compatible
camera system. In general, a system camera includes a camera and
interchangeable lens.
[0007] While amateurs often work using standard autofocus lenses,
more ambitious amateurs and professional cameramen often use manual
lenses in order to shoot relatively high-quality films using this
alternative which, compared to professional camera equipment, is
compact and cost effective. Here, direct control over focus and
diaphragm should be enabled.
[0008] Commercially available manual lenses are designed for
photographic applications and therefore have the aforementioned
click-stop mechanism on the diaphragm rotating ring, the click-stop
mechanism enabling an adjustment in steps, usually in half f-number
steps. The spacing of the steps in this case usually corresponds to
what the camera can usefully process for forming exposure
time/diaphragm combinations.
[0009] This click-stop mechanism is bothersome when recording
moving images since a continuous, that is, step-less, diaphragm
adjustment, which avoids brightness jumps in the image, is
advantageous during filming.
[0010] Users who nevertheless want a continuous adjustment
therefore often convert the lenses by virtue of removing the
click-stop sphere and spring. To this end, several parts on the
lens have to be disassembled, which may lead to misalignment or
damage in the case of an unskilled execution. Ultimately, the user
also invalidates the warranty by these interventions.
[0011] The prior art has disclosed lenses with click-stop devices
in which the click-stop device continues to be effective in an
active work position. In a passive work position, the click-stop
device is then ineffective, that is, the diaphragm rotating ring
can then be set continuously.
[0012] Lenses with such click-stop devices are known from, for
example, DE2725404A1, CH350541 and United States patent application
publication 2013/0163979A1.
[0013] In the case of known click-stop devices, a click-stop sphere
sits on a click-stop spring in a bore in the main barrel. A
disadvantage of the known click-stop devices is that a component is
pushed between the click-stop sphere and the click-stop groove
there in order to remove the click-stop effect. However, the
pressure on the click-stop sphere by the compression spring remains
such that the click-stop sphere now in turn the component tries to
press into the click-stop groove. Therefore, a certain amount of
pressure is maintained, even in the deactivated state, and the
diaphragm rotating ring only moves on the main barrel with
increased friction. A further disadvantage lies in the fact that
external switching levers are provided in the known prior art, and
these could be actuated inadvertently while recording the film.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
interchangeable camera lens having an alternative click-stop device
and a method for activating and deactivating a click-stop device of
the diaphragm of an interchangeable camera lens, which remove the
aforementioned disadvantages.
[0015] The object is achieved by an interchangeable camera lens
having the features of an interchangeable camera lens including: a
plurality of optical elements defining an optical axis (A); a
diaphragm defining a range of f-number values; a main barrel
configured to hold the optical elements and the diaphragm; a
diaphragm rotating ring configured to be rotatable about the
optical axis (A) for setting the diaphragm to different ones of the
f-number values via a rotational movement; a click-stop device
having an active work position and an inactive work position and
being configured to interact with the diaphragm rotating ring such
that: i) the click-stop device is effective in the active work
position and the diaphragm rotating ring is therefore rotatable in
a stepped manner; ii) the click-stop device is ineffective in the
inactive work position and the diaphragm rotating ring is therefore
continuously rotatable; iii) wherein the click-stop device has a
pressure element configured to apply pressure and a click-stop
element disposed on the pressure element and the click-stop element
being configured to be pressed into click-stop grooves via the
pressure of the pressure element so as to enable rotation of the
diaphragm rotating ring in a stepped manner in the active work
position; a selection device configured to selectively activate and
deactivate the click-stop device; the selection device having a
movement element arranged between the pressure element and the
click-stop element; and, a switch element associated with the
movement element and configured to releasably fix the movement
element so as to enable the click-stop element to be pressed into
one of the click-stop grooves in the active work position and to
prevent the click-stop element from being pressed into one of the
click-stop grooves in the inactive work position.
[0016] The object is further achieved by a method for activating
and deactivating a click-stop device. The method includes the steps
of: enabling a stepped rotation of the diaphragm rotating ring in
the active work position in that the click-stop element is pressed
into click-stop grooves via the pressure element; and, preventing a
pressure transfer from the pressure element to the click-stop
element in the inactive work position in that the movement element
acts in an impeding manner between the pressure element and the
click-stop element.
[0017] The invention allows the click-stop mechanism to be
disconnected by the user. This allows the user to use the camera
lens both for photography (click-stop on) and for filming
(click-stop off). Switching occurs quickly and without
disassembling the mount of the interchangeable camera lens. The
space required in the interchangeable camera lens is small and the
costs for making the click-stop mechanism are low.
[0018] By way of example, the click-stop device can be arranged in
a bore of the main barrel. The click-stop element, for example, a
click-stop sphere, is arranged on a compression spring exerting
pressure in such a way that the click-stop sphere is pressed
against the diaphragm rotating ring and slightly pressed into the
click-stop groove at the respective click-stop groove of the
diaphragm rotating ring, as a result of which the user obtains
haptic and acoustic feedback.
[0019] Alternatively, the compression spring can also be arranged
in the diaphragm rotating ring and the click-stop sphere can be
brought into engagement with a click-stop groove in the main
barrel.
[0020] The click-stop sphere can be arranged in a radial bore of
the diaphragm rotating ring and then be pressed against the outer
surface of the main barrel. Or the click-stop sphere can be
arranged in a radial bore of the main barrel and then be pressed
against the inner surface of the diaphragm rotating ring.
[0021] Alternatively, the click-stop sphere can also be attached in
a bore of the diaphragm rotating ring parallel to the optical axis
and then be pressed against the adjoining end face of the main
barrel. Or the click-stop sphere can be attached in a bore of the
main barrel parallel to the optical axis and then be pressed
against the adjoining end face of the diaphragm rotating ring.
[0022] A roller or cam or any other suitable element can also be
provided as a click-stop element instead of a click-stop sphere.
The click-stop sphere may have a diameter of 0.5 to 2.5 mm,
preferably a diameter of 0.8 to 1.7 mm, for example 1.5 mm.
[0023] Alternatively, the compression spring and click-stop element
can also be arranged in an (axial) bore of the diaphragm rotating
ring. The main barrel then includes the corresponding click-stop
grooves.
[0024] The movement element can be embodied as rocker or wedge.
[0025] The wedge or slider then acts as a translational element and
separates the compression spring and click-stop element by being
slid therebetween.
[0026] The rocker can be arranged so as to be pivotable about a
bearing stud in the main barrel, in particular in such a way that
it is radially pivotable about an axis parallel to the optical
axis. Alternatively, the rocker and bearing stud may also be
arranged in the diaphragm rotating ring.
[0027] Preferably, the bearing stud is arranged in one end region
of the rocker and the click-stop element is arranged at the other
end region of the rocker such that the rocker exerts a pressure
extending substantially radially in relation to the optical axis on
the click-stop element, wherein the compression spring acts on the
rocker in turn.
[0028] In the active work position, the movement element can be
released by the switching element in such a way that the pressure
spring presses the click-stop element into a click-stop groove by
way of the movement element.
[0029] In the inactive work position, the movement element can be
fixed by the switching element in such a way that the pressure
spring cannot exert any pressure on the click-stop element; this
means that the movement element is fixed in such a way that the
click-stop element cannot be pressed into a click-stop groove.
[0030] The switching element can be adjusted between the active
work position and the inactive work position from outside of the
interchangeable camera lens. By way of example, to this end, a bore
can be provided in the interchangeable camera lens. By way of
example, the bore is formed in the lens mount and is oriented
substantially parallel to the optical axis. Then, an actuation
element, for example, a screwdriver, can switch the switching
element from one work position into the other work position through
the bore. By way of example, to this end, the actuation element can
have a slit or slot, into which the screwdriver engages and rotates
the actuation element, for example by 180.degree..
[0031] A switching spring can exert force on to the switching
element in such a way that the switching element remains in the
respectively set work position until the work position is changed
by the actuation element, for example by the rotation described in
the previous paragraph. Here, the switching element is embodied in
such a way that it can be reliably switched between two switching
states and remains in each switching state without independent
switching being possible.
[0032] The switching element can be embodied as a pin. By way of
example, the pin may include the aforementioned slit at one of its
ends. Moreover, the pin may include an eccentric element which, for
example, is arranged at the other end of the pin or at the other
end region of the pin. This means that, as seen in the axial extent
of the pin, the eccentric element is arranged offset to this axis
in order thereby to act on the movement element.
[0033] Flattenings, which are also referred to as flats, in
particular two opposing flattenings, can be formed in a section
along an axial extent of the pin, which flattenings, in particular,
interact with the aforementioned switching spring.
[0034] The switching spring can be embodied as a leaf spring. By
way of example, the switching spring is mounted in a recess in the
main barrel. In the active work position, the switching spring can
be pressed against the first flattening and, in the inactive work
position, the switching spring can be pressed against the second,
for example, opposite, flattening. Here, the eccentric element can
be arranged in such an eccentric manner on the pin that the
eccentric element fixes the movement element in the active work
position and releases the movement element in the inactive work
position.
[0035] The position of the click-stop grooves can be selected in
such a way that exact setting to the f-number values applied to the
diaphragm rotating ring is made possible in the active work
position.
[0036] The pressure element can be embodied as a compression
spring, in particular a cylindrical compression spring. The
compression spring can be replaced by a different type of spring,
for example, by a leaf spring, leg spring, torsion rod, in
particular of a metallic type. Use can also be made of an elastic
spring type, for example, rubber.
[0037] The interchangeable camera lens can include a lens mount for
connection to the camera mount of a camera.
[0038] It is understood that the features mentioned above and the
features yet to be explained below are usable not only in the
respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations
or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings wherein:
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through an
interchangeable camera lens of the invention in the active work
position;
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a detailed section from FIG. 1 with a
click-stop device in the active work position;
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through the interchangeable
camera lens from FIG. 1 with a click-stop device in the active work
position;
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a detailed section from FIG. 3;
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through an
interchangeable camera lens according to the invention in the
inactive work position;
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a detailed section from FIG. 5 with a
click-stop device in the inactive work position;
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section through the interchangeable
camera lens from FIG. 5 with a click-stop device in the inactive
work position;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a detailed section from FIG. 7;
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the interchangeable camera
lens in the region of the leaf spring; and,
[0049] FIG. 10 shows a detailed section from FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through an
interchangeable camera lens 1 according to the invention. It is
possible to identify the main barrel 3, in which the diaphragm 4,
in this case the iris diaphragm, and the optical elements 5, that
is, lenses of the interchangeable camera lens 1, are arranged. The
main barrel 3 is surrounded by a housing 7 with a diaphragm
rotating ring 8, a depth-of-field ring 30 and a focusing ring 31. A
lens mount 6 is situated on the camera-side end face 32 of the
lens; a bayonet lens hood 34 and a filter thread 35 are arranged on
the lens-side end face 33.
[0051] The optical elements 5 define the optical axis A of the
interchangeable camera lens 1. In the assembled state of the
interchangeable camera lens 1, the mechanical axis of the main
barrel 3, lens mount 6 coincide with the optical axis A of the
optical elements 5 of the interchangeable camera lens 1.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a detailed section from FIG. 1 in the region of
the click-stop device 2. Here, the click-stop device 2 is in the
active work position. This can be identified by the gap 36 between
the eccentric lug 29 and rocker 12. The functionality of the
invention will be explained in more detail in the description of
the following figures.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through the lens of FIG. 1
according to the invention in the region of the click-stop device
2. Reference sign 37 denotes part of the diaphragm mechanism. The
diaphragm rotating ring 8 has click-stop grooves 9 facing the main
barrel at its interface 21; for improved clarity, these are only
partly provided with reference signs. By way of example, click-stop
grooves 9 can be provided at the typical diaphragm settings
22-11-8-5.6-4-2.8-2. These f-numbers k are usually depicted visibly
to the user on the outer side 10 of the diaphragm rotating ring 8.
The user can then quickly find the correct diaphragm setting for
his photographs. The f-number k of the interchangeable camera lens
1 is the ratio between the focal length f and diameter D of the
effective entrance pupil k=f/D.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a detailed section of FIG. 3 in the region of
the click-stop device 2. A movement element, in this case a rocker
12, is formed in a cutout 11 of the main barrel 3. The rocker 12
has a bore 14 in one end region 13, into which bore a bearing stud
15 engages and about which the rocker 12 is rotatably mounted.
[0055] A recess 17, in which a compression spring 18 engages, is
situated as far away as possible from the bearing stud 15 in the
other end region 16 of the rocker 12. Along the axial extension of
the compression spring axis C, this compression spring 18 exerts a
pressure on a click-stop sphere 19, which is housed in a radial
bore 20 of the main barrel 3, via the rocker 12. Therefore, part of
the rocker 12 lies between the compression spring 18 and the
click-stop sphere 19. Therefore, the click-stop sphere 19 is
pressed into one of the click-stop grooves 9 against the inner
surface 21 of the diaphragm rotating ring 8.
[0056] So that the click-stop device 2 can alternate between an
active work position and an inactive work position, provision is
made for a switching element 22. The switching element 22 is
rotatably mounted in the main barrel 3 and engages with an
eccentric lug 29 into a further cutout 23 of the rocker 12.
[0057] In FIG. 4, the click-stop sphere 19 is pressed into the
outer-most click-stop groove at the f-number k=22. In the present
case, this click-stop groove 9 also marks the end position of the
diaphragm rotating ring 8. Therefore, the click-stop sphere 19 is
partly pressed into the aforementioned outer-most click-stop groove
9 in the active work position. If the diaphragm rotating ring 8 is
rotated in the direction of the further click-stop grooves 9, the
user first has to overcome a resistance in order to move the
click-stop sphere 19 out of the click-stop groove 9.
[0058] At the next click-stop groove 9, for example the click-stop
groove 9 at the f-number k=11, the click-stop sphere 19 is partly
pressed into this click-stop groove 9 and can likewise only be
moved out of this click-stop groove 9 again by overcoming a
resistance.
[0059] The switching element 22 preferably has two defined
positions:
[0060] In the active work position according to FIGS. 1 to 4, the
switching element 22 releases the rocker 12 for a rotational
movement about the bearing stud 15, as a result of which the
compression spring 18 is able to press the click-stop sphere 19
into a click-stop groove 9 without being hindered by the rocker 12.
In the active work position, there is a gap 36 between the
eccentric lug 29 and the rocker 12, that is, the eccentric lug 29
does not hinder the movement of the rocker 12. The pivot axis B of
the rocker 12, or the bearing stud 15, is attached at the greatest
possible distance from the click-stop sphere 19 and the compression
spring 18 so that the rocker 12 performs a largely straight-lined
movement between the compression spring 18 and the click-stop
sphere 19. In the present example, the pivot axis B and the
compression spring axis C are rotated by 90.degree. to one
another.
[0061] In the present embodiment, the distance between the pivot
axis B and the compression spring axis C is approximately 15 mm.
Distances from 10 mm to 30 mm are also conceivable.
[0062] In the present embodiment, the movement of the rocker 12
between the compression spring 18 and the click-stop sphere 19
deviates by 1.degree. from a straight-lined radial movement.
However, embodiments with deviations from 0 to 10.degree. are also
conceivable.
[0063] In the inactive work position, as is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8
and, for example, caused by a rotation of the switching element 22
by 180.degree., the eccentric lug 29 of the switching element 22
presses the rocker 12 against the compression spring 18. As a
result, the compression spring 18 is compressed and the click-stop
sphere 19 is no longer pressed against the diaphragm rotating ring
8 with the click-stop grooves 9; that is, the click-stop connection
is therefore disconnected. The gap 36 between the eccentric lug 29
and the rocker 12 is now dispensed with. Instead, it is now
possible to identify a small gap 39 in the figure between the
click-stop sphere 19 and the click-stop groove 9. The rocker 12 is
fixed by the switching element 22. This is clarified by the axis E
(depicted by dashed line here) of the eccentric part--of the
eccentric lug 29--of the pin-shaped switching element 22.
[0064] In the inactive work position, the diaphragm rotating ring 8
with the scale--not shown here--assigned thereto is adjustable
continuously in order also to be able to set all intermediate
values of the diaphragm 4.
[0065] A switching element 22 in which a rotation greater than or
less than 180.degree. causes the adjustment from the active into
the inactive work position is also conceivable.
[0066] So that the diaphragm rotating ring 8 can easily rotate on
the main barrel 3, a lubricant is provided between the inner
surface 21 of the diaphragm rotating ring 8 and the outer surface
38 of the main barrel 3--that is, the so-called click-stop path.
This lubricant is also situated in the click-stop grooves 9 and on
the click-stop element, in this case the click-stop sphere 19. By
way of example, Teflon grease can be used as lubricant.
[0067] If the click-stop device 2 is in the inactive work position,
the click-stop sphere 19 sinks into the bore 20 during the first
rotation of the diaphragm rotating ring 8 and it is held there by
the lubricant in the bore 20 due to a slight adhesive effect. Only
once the click-stop device 2 is activated is the click-stop sphere
19 again partly pressed out of the bore 20.
[0068] The two positions of the eccentric lug 29 of the switching
element 22 are defined on the eccentric shaft 25 by two flattenings
24, also referred to as flats, against which a leaf spring 26
presses in the respective end position. FIG. 9--and FIG. 10 as a
detailed view--show the leaf spring 26 engaging on the switching
element 22. A cogging torque is produced as a result of the force
of this leaf spring 26 and the flats 24. This prevents an unwanted
adjustment as a result of shock or vibrations. The magnitude of the
cogging torque can be influenced by a stronger or weaker leaf
spring 26 and/or by the geometry of the flats 24. This enables
secure noticeable and haptically comfortable switching of the
click-stop effect. If the leaf spring 26 rests on a flattening 24,
an independent rotation of the switching element 22 is effectively
curtailed.
[0069] The switching is actuated in the sunk interface, for example
by a small screwdriver or tool with a similar configuration, which
engages through a passage hole 27 in the lens mount 6, in this case
a lens bayonet, into a slit 28 at the switching element 22. What
this avoids is that the switching is inadvertently actuated by
contact when operating the interchangeable camera lens 1, as may
happen in the prior art with the externally arranged switches.
[0070] During operation, the passage hole 27 is covered by the
connected camera--not shown here. Otherwise, the passage hole is
protected by the mount cover cap--not depicted here. However, a
separate cover, for example, a screwtop, may also be provided.
[0071] In principle, it is also possible for the switching element
22 to be operated, for example, via a push button or rotary knob or
sliding switch on the diaphragm rotating ring 8. Then, the switch
can also be actuated in the assembled state of interchangeable lens
1 and camera.
[0072] In the above-described case, the the click-stop path extends
on the circumference of the diaphragm rotating ring 8 and main
barrel 3. However, in principle, it is also possible for the
click-stop path to be formed by two ring-shaped planar surfaces,
which are rotatable in relation to one another, of the diaphragm
rotating ring 8 and main barrel 3. Here, the planar surfaces are,
for example, embodied perpendicular to the optical axis A. The
click-stop grooves can be formed on the diaphragm rotating ring 8
and the click-stop device can be formed in the main barrel 3, or
vice versa.
[0073] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of
the preferred embodiments of the invention and that various changes
and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0074] 1 Interchangeable camera lens [0075] 2 Click-stop device
[0076] 3 Main barrel [0077] 4 Diaphragm [0078] 5 Optical element,
lens element [0079] 6 Lens mount [0080] 7 Housing [0081] 8
Diaphragm rotating ring [0082] 9 Click-stop groove [0083] 10 Outer
side of the diaphragm rotating ring [0084] 11 Cutout for the rocker
[0085] 12 Movement element, rocker [0086] 13 First end region of
the rocker [0087] 14 Bore in rocker 14 [0088] 15 Bearing stud
[0089] 16 Second end region of the rocker [0090] 17 Cutout for the
compression spring [0091] 18 Pressure element, compression spring
[0092] 19 Click-stop element, click-stop sphere [0093] 20 Radial
bore in the main barrel for the click-stop sphere [0094] 21 Inner
surface of the diaphragm rotating ring [0095] 22 Switching element,
pin [0096] 23 Cutout for the eccentric lug [0097] 24 Flattening
[0098] 25 Eccentric shaft of the switching element [0099] 26
Switching spring, leaf spring [0100] 27 Bore, through hole [0101]
28 Slit [0102] 29 Eccentric element, eccentric lug [0103] 30
Depth-of-field ring [0104] 31 Focusing ring [0105] 32 Camera-side
end face 32 [0106] 33 Object-side end face [0107] 34 Bayonet lens
hood [0108] 35 Filter thread [0109] 36 Gap between eccentric lug
and rocker [0110] 37 Part of the diaphragm mechanism [0111] 38
Outer surface of the main barrel [0112] 39 Gap between click-stop
sphere and click-stop groove [0113] A Optical axis, mechanical axis
[0114] B Pivot axis of the rocker about the bearing stud [0115] C
Compression spring axis [0116] D Axis of the pin [0117] E Axis of
the eccentric lug
* * * * *