Mounting adapter

A mounting adapter includes: a first body section having a connection section attached to one side of an accessory device and a first holding arm that holds one side face of a portable type electronic device, a second body section having a second holding arm that is provided to project/retract from inside to outside and holds a side face of the portable type electronic device, a second holding arm urging member that urges the second holding arm in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second holding arm extends, and a hinge member that connects the first body section and the second body section, and the mounting adapter sandwiches the portable type electronic device between the first holding arm and the second holding arm in an open state when in use.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2014-208199 filed in Japan on Oct. 9, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mounting adapter which is interposed between an accessory device and a portable electronic device to integrate the two.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, portable type electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet type computers are becoming widespread. Some of these conventional portable type electronic devices are configured by incorporating a camera unit including, for example, an optical system lens and an image pickup device and provided with an image pickup function for picking up a still image or a movie.

Such conventional portable type electronic devices are generally configured to be small-sized and light-weighted so as to be carried along by users all the time and available outdoors or at remote locations if necessary as appropriate. The users of such portable type electronic devices carry along their devices all the time or often do not carry along, for example, conventional common image pickup apparatuses (hereinafter simply abbreviated as “cameras”) such as cameras. Even in such cases, the users use the image pickup function of the camera unit incorporated in the above-described portable type electronic devices, and can thereby pick up still images or movies and acquire desired images easily and at any time in recent years.

However, since the camera units incorporated in such portable type electronic devices are of accessory functions of the electronic devices, image pickup performance thereof is undeniably inferior to that of normal cameras or the like.

Thus, conventionally, various proposals have been presented and have been put to practical use regarding a variety of accessory devices provided with functions for assisting an image pickup function or an image browsing function among functions provided for such portable type electronic devices, or functions for substituting those functions.

Examples of accessory devices used by being attached to conventional portable type electronic devices include an interchangeable lens unit with an image pickup device with unitized high performance image pickup device and image pickup lens applicable to common cameras or the like, and an intermediate barrel with an image pickup device configured to be mountable with an interchangeable lens barrel provided for conventional common cameras with interchangeable lenses and provided with a high performance image pickup device. These accessory devices function as accessory devices capable of substituting image pickup functions or the like of corresponding portable type electronic devices.

In addition, examples of accessory devices used by being attached to conventional portable type electronic devices include an accessory device for assisting, when a portable type electronic device is used to display images and used as an image browsing display apparatus, and when the portable type electronic device is placed on a plane such as a table, an image browsing function such as a support mount to stabilize and make self-sustaining the display screen at a desired angle, an auxiliary light emission unit that causes illuminating light during image pickup to be emitted as auxiliary light, an accessory device for assisting an illumination apparatus or the like in image pickup, and other various devices.

Examples of possible modes of attaching such various accessory devices to a portable type electronic device include one that interposes a mounting adapter between each accessory device and the portable type electronic device.

For example, a mounting adapter disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5541430 is provided with a connection section that connects and fixes an accessory device using means such as bayonet coupling, a mounting arm section that is urged in a tightening direction, and a fixed arm section placed opposite to this mounting arm section, an optional portable type electronic device is disposed so as to be interposed between the above-described two arm sections with the accessory device being attached to the connection section so that the mounting adapter is interposed between the accessory device and the portable type electronic device to integrate the two.

In general, when performing an operation of attaching an accessory device to a conventional portable type electronic device, the user holds the portable type electronic device by one hand and holds the accessory device by the other hand to attach the accessory device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mounting adapter according to an aspect of the present invention is a mounting adapter that is interposed between an accessory device and a portable type electronic device for integrally connecting both devices, including a first body section having a connection section attached to one surface of the accessory device and a first holding arm that holds one side face of the portable type electronic device, a second body section having a second holding arm that is movably provided so as to project/retract from inside to outside to hold another surface opposite to the one surface of the portable type electronic device, a second holding arm urging member that urges the second holding arm in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second holding arm projects outward, and a hinge member that connects the first body section and the second body section, and when the mounting adapter is in an open state when in use, the mounting adapter sandwiches the portable type electronic device between the first holding arm and the second holding arm.

Benefits of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described using an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The respective drawings used for the following description are shown schematically and may show the respective components by changing dimensional relationships among the respective members and scales from one component to another to illustrate the respective components in a recognizable manner on the drawings. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated modes regarding the quantity of components described in the respective drawings, the shape of the components, ratios in size among the components and relative positional relationships among the respective components.

[Schematic Configuration of Overall Image Pickup System]

First,FIG. 1andFIG. 2show an overall configuration of an image pickup system including the mounting adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention and an accessory device using it.FIG. 1andFIG. 2are diagrams illustrating the overall image pickup system including the mounting adapter according to the embodiment of the present invention and the accessory device using this. Of these drawings,FIG. 1is an external perspective view.FIG. 2is a right side view illustrating the right side face of the lens barrel. Note thatFIG. 1andFIG. 2illustrate an aspect of an image pickup system including the mounting adapter according to the embodiment of the present invention and an intermediate barrel with an image pickup device as the accessory device using this mounting adapter.

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the mounting adapter4according to the present embodiment is a device connection configuration unit for substantially integrally connecting the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is an accessory device and functions as an image pickup apparatus and a portable type electronic device3which is another configuration unit and is provided with a communication function, a control function and an image display function. Here, if a lens barrel7is mounted to the front of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1, an image pickup system8is constructed which functions as one image pickup apparatus.

The image pickup system8constructed in this way is configured by combining the above-described various configuration units and thereby constitutes an image pickup system configured by including a function of transmitting the acquired image data or the like to the outside using various modes of wireless communication channels in addition to the image pickup function and image and information display function substantially equivalent to those of conventional and generally popular image pickup apparatuses such as digital cameras. Note that in the following description, the direction along the optical axis O of the image pickup optical system of the lens barrel7as shown inFIG. 1is assumed to be the Z-axis. The direction which is orthogonal to the Z-axis and the vertical direction of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is assumed to be the Y-axis and that of the horizontal direction is likewise assumed to be X-axis.

Here, the mounting adapter4functions as a configuration unit interposed between two different devices, for example, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is an accessory device and an image pickup device, and the portable type electronic device3which is a control device and a display device, for integrally connecting both devices (the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the portable type electronic device3). That is, the mounting adapter4is a mounting apparatus for connection to attach the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is an accessory device to the existing portable type electronic device3. Therefore, when used as the image pickup system shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the mounting adapter4is configured so as to sandwich and hold the portable type electronic device3on the rear side thereof with the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1mounted to the front side thereof. Note that a detailed configuration of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment will be described later (seeFIG. 6toFIG. 14).

The intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is an accessory device having functions substantially equivalent to those of image pickup apparatuses such as conventional digital cameras. For this reason, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is constructed by including the image pickup unit including the image pickup device11(seeFIG. 1) and a battery (not shown) as a power supply battery or the like inside, a mount ring12which is a mount section for mounting the lens barrel7on the front and an adapter mounting section19that mounts the mounting adapter4on the rear face.

Note that a lock pin30is disposed on a mount surface12a(seeFIG. 1) of the mount ring12, the lock pin30being provided so as to be freely projectable outward or retractable. The lock pin30is a member making up part of a lock mechanism provided to regulate the rotation of the lens barrel7attached to the front of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and maintain the mounted state. The rest of the configuration of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1according to the present embodiment will be described later (seeFIG. 3toFIG. 8).

The lens barrel7is an interchangeable lens barrel generally provided for conventional lens interchangeable cameras. Note that the lens barrel7shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2simply illustrates an exemplary mode of conventional interchangeable lens barrel. The lens barrel7includes an image pickup optical system7bthat forms an object image (seeFIG. 1) and a drive mechanism or a drive circuit (not shown) that drives this. A lens mount7a(seeFIG. 2) coupled with the mount ring12of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is provided on the rear face of the lens barrel7. In this way, the lens barrel7is detachably attached to the front of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1.

Note that as described above, various interchangeable lens barrels generally provided for conventional lens interchangeable cameras are used as the lens barrel7. Therefore, regarding the configuration of the lens barrel7, the lens barrel7is assumed to be provided with a configuration similar to that of a conventional interchangeable lens barrel, and description and illustration of the detailed configuration thereof will be omitted.

The portable type electronic device3is a portable type electronic device that has a case size so that it can be handled by one hand of the user and is formed into a plate-like shape as a whole. The portable type electronic device3is a small portable type electronic device provided with an image display unit (image display section) including, for example, 4 to 5.5-inch display panel and an image information display function, incorporating a communication unit (communication section) that implements various modes of communication functions (wireless communication; wireless LAN, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, NFC (near field communication), wired communication; USB or the like) and a signal processing circuit that performs signal processing on image signals and communication signals or the like and a control circuit (control section) that controls each configuration unit.

The portable type electronic device3functions as a control device for controlling the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1by operating in connection with the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1using wireless communication and functions as an image display apparatus that receives image data acquired in the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and displays an image based on the received image data on a display panel (also including a live view display or the like in addition to image playback display). As the portable type electronic device3, more specifically, a high function cellular phone set, a so-called smartphone, is assumed to be used, but without being limited to this, other modes of electronic devices may also be used if these devices are provided with equivalent functions.

Note that as the portable type electronic device3applicable to the image pickup system, various conventionally popular portable type electronic devices (smartphones or the like) can be used. That is, when constructing the image pickup system, the user can alternatively use existing portable type electronic devices3, that is, various types of portable type electronic devices3already acquired and in use. Therefore, the portable type electronic device3is assumed to have a configuration similar to that of a conventional portable type electronic device, and description and illustration of the detailed configuration will be omitted.

The image pickup system configured as described above is an image pickup system constructed by integrally connecting a main image pickup unit formed by mounting the lens barrel7to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the existing portable type electronic device3with the mounting adapter4interposed therebetween.

In this image pickup system, the portable type electronic device3wirelessly communicates with the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1, the control circuit of the portable type electronic device3performs control on the above-described main image pickup unit, and the system is thereby configured to be able to remotely execute various operations including an image pickup operation. More specifically, for example, it is possible to transmit various control signals from the portable type electronic device3to control the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1, perform drive control on the lens barrel7via the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1or transmit the image data acquired by the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1to the portable type electronic device3, and cause the image display section of the portable type electronic device3to display the image or the like.

Note that the image pickup system in the aforementioned mode has been described as a system configured by integrally connecting the main image pickup unit formed by mounting the lens barrel7to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the existing portable type electronic device3via the mounting adapter4, so as to have functions equivalent to those of a conventional image pickup apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode of use.

For example, the above-described intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and portable type electronic device3are configured to transmit/receive control signals and image data or the like through wireless communication. Therefore, even when the respective configuration units are not integrally connected, the system can be used as an image pickup system. That is, even when the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1with the lens barrel7mounted thereto (main image pickup unit) and the existing portable type electronic device3are separated apart, both devices are connected together through wireless communication, and so various types of control and data transmission/reception are possible, and even in such a mode of use, both devices can be used as the image pickup system. In such a mode of use, the mounting adapter4can be stored by being mounted to the rear side of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and can be used without losing an operation feeling or sense of use.

[Configuration of Intermediate Barrel with Image Pickup Device]

Next, the configuration of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is an accessory device used by being mounted to the mounting adapter4according to the present embodiment will be described below using mainlyFIG. 3toFIG. 8.

[Schematic Configuration of Intermediate Barrel with Image Pickup Device]

First, a schematic configuration of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1will be described below usingFIG. 3toFIG. 5.FIG. 3is an external perspective view illustrating the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device which is an accessory device using the mounting adapter according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4is a six-sided view of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device ofFIG. 3. In these drawings, reference character [4A] denotes a front view, reference character [4B] denotes a top view, reference character [4C] denotes a bottom view, reference character [4D] denotes a left side view, reference character [4E] denotes a right side view, and reference character [4F] denotes a rear view, respectively.FIG. 5is a four-sided view of a strap mounting hanging bracket mounted to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device ofFIG. 3. In these drawings, reference character [5A] denotes a plan view, reference character [5B] denotes a plan view of the mounting surface, reference character [5C] denotes a plan view on the hanging bracket side and reference character [5D] denotes a side view, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 3, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is an accessory device of the present embodiment is provided with an image pickup unit incorporating the image pickup device11(seeFIG. 3andFIG. 4[4A]) and a drive circuit (not shown) that drives this, and a battery (not shown) which is a power supply battery or the like. Furthermore, as described above, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1includes the mount ring12on the front to mount the interchangeable lens barrel7(not shown inFIG. 3or the like; seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2). Note that a mount index12b(seeFIG. 3,FIG. 4[4A]) is provided at a predetermined position of the mount surface12aof the mount ring12. This mount index12bserves as an index indicating the mounting position when the lens barrel7is mounted to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1.

With such a configuration, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is configured to be able to attach/detach an interchangeable lens barrel generally provided for conventional lens interchangeable cameras and alternatively mount and utilize a plurality of types of interchangeable lens barrels. The intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is configured by including an adapter mounting section19, to the rear face of which the mounting adapter4is mounted.

The intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is constructed of a body section10which has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, an inner component (not shown; image pickup unit or the like) of the body section10and components (various operation members or the like) provided on an outer circumference of the body section10.

The body section10is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, has an opening10aon the front side which is one side in its Z-axis direction (seeFIG. 3) with the other direction on the rear side being closed. As described above, the interior of the body section10includes the image pickup unit including the image pickup device11and the drive circuit (not shown) that drives this, the control circuit that controls the entire intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1comprehensively and a signal processing circuit or the like (not shown) that performs signal processing on an image signal acquired by the image pickup device11and communication signals of various modes exchanged with an external device such as the portable type electronic device3.

Note that as the above-described image pickup device11, various conventionally commercialized general devices are used such as a photoelectric conversion element such as CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensor.

The mount ring12is disposed at the opening10aof the body section10, which secures a mechanical connection with the interchangeable lens barrel7mounted on the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1(not shown inFIG. 3; seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2). A plurality of electric contacts13for securing an electrical connection between the interchangeable lens barrel7mounted to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and an inner electronic circuit of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1are disposed inside the body section10and in the vicinity of the inner edge of the mount ring12. Note that the image pickup device11disposed inside the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1has a light receiving surface disposed to be oriented toward the above-described opening10a.

Various operation members are provided on the outer surface of the body section10. For example, a release operation member15that operates in connection with a release switch when performing an image pickup operation and a power supply operation member17that operates in connection with a power switch are disposed on the top surface (see reference character [4B] inFIG. 4) on the outer surface of the body section10.

Furthermore, a lens releasing operation button14which is an operation member when releasing the interchangeable lens barrel7(seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2) mounted to the front of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and an adapter releasing operation button18when releasing the mounting adapter4(not shown inFIG. 3orFIG. 4; seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2) mounted to the rear face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1are disposed on the right side face of the body section10(see reference character [4E] inFIG. 4).

The above-described lens releasing operation button14is an operation member which operates in connection with the lock pin30, a predetermined length region on the distal end side from the mount surface12aof the mount ring12toward the outside of which is provided so as to be freely projectable/retractable. Here, the lens releasing operation button14and the lock pin30or the like constitute a lens unlocking mechanism that unlocks a rotation locked state of the interchangeable lens barrel7mounted to the front of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1.

The above-described adapter releasing operation button18is an operation member that operates in connection with a stopper pin31(see [4E] and [4F] inFIG. 4), a region of a predetermined length on the distal end side from the surface of the adapter mounting section19to the outside of which is provided so as to be freely projectable/retractable. Here, the adapter releasing operation button18and the stopper pin31or the like constitute an adapter unlocking mechanism that unlocks a rotation locked state of the lens barrel7to remove the mounting adapter4(not shown inFIG. 3or the like; seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2) attached to the rear face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1.

On the other hand, hanging bracket mounting sections16for detachably disposing a strap mounting hanging bracket100(not shown inFIG. 3; seeFIG. 5) are formed on both sides (see reference characters [4D] and [4E]) of the body section10, respectively. A tripod screw hole20is formed on the bottom surface (see reference character [4C]) of the body section10.

Here, the strap mounting hanging bracket100will be described usingFIG. 5. The strap mounting hanging bracket100is a hanging metal fitting for attaching a strap or the like and is constructed of a hanging bracket body102that engages with the hanging bracket mounting section16of the body section10and is provided with a predetermined lock mechanism and a loop-shaped hanging bracket101or the like for passing the strap.

The lock mechanism of the strap mounting hanging bracket100is configured as follows. That is, an engagement lug part102aurged by an urging member (not shown) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hanging bracket body102(that is, toward the diameter direction of the hanging bracket body102) is formed at the distal end portion of the hanging bracket body102. The distal end side of the engagement lug part102ahas a cross section which is formed into a tapered shape inclined toward the distal end. In contrast, a circumferential groove (not shown) is formed inside the hanging bracket mounting section16on the body section10side.

Here, the hole of the hanging bracket mounting section16is formed to have a diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the engagement lug part102aof the hanging bracket body102. The inner circumferential groove is formed to have a diameter slightly greater than the hole diameter of the hanging bracket mounting section16.

Therefore, with such a configuration, when the hanging bracket body102is inserted into the hanging bracket mounting section16on the body section10side, the engagement lug part102acontracts in diameter against the urging force while the distal end tapered part is sliding over the inner wall surface of the hanging bracket mounting section16. This allows even the engagement lug part102ahaving a greater diameter than the hole diameter of the hanging bracket mounting section16to be inserted into the hanging bracket mounting section16. When the engagement lug part102areaches the inner circumferential groove of the hanging bracket mounting section16, the engagement lug part102ais restored to its original mode from the contracted state by its own urging force. When the engagement lug part102aengages with the inner circumferential groove of the hanging bracket mounting section16, the strap mounting hanging bracket100is mounted to the hanging bracket mounting section16without being removed.

In order to remove the mounted strap mounting hanging bracket100from the hanging bracket mounting section16, by, for example, pressing or pulling the head102bof the hanging bracket body102of the strap mounting hanging bracket100to the body section10side, it is possible to cause the engagement lug part102ato contract in diameter against the urging force. Therefore, since engagement between the engagement lug part102aand the inner circumferential groove of the hanging bracket mounting section16is released in this way, it is possible to pull out the strap mounting hanging bracket100.

Note that regarding the configuration of the strap mounting hanging bracket100, a configuration substantially similar to one applied for conventionally popular electronic devices is assumed to be used and further detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, without being limited to the above-described mode, a mode using screws or the like may also be used.

Returning toFIG. 4, an adapter mounting section19which becomes a connection section to connect and fix the front side of the mounting adapter4(seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2) to the rear face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is formed on the rear face side of the body section10(see reference character [4F]). The adapter mounting section19is formed into a convex shape, a cross section of which protrudes rearward in a substantially tapered shape, so that the front side connection section of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment engages therewith. A plurality of bayonet lugs19athat form part of an attaching/detaching mechanism that makes the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment freely attachable/detachable to/from the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1are formed on the outer surface and the outer circumferential edge of the adapter mounting section19(seeFIG. 4). The present embodiment shows an example of case where four bayonet lugs19aare arranged at intervals of an angle of approximately 90 degrees in a circumferential direction. These plural (four) bayonet lugs19aare components that bayonet-couple with a bayonet engagement section41(seeFIG. 6or the like which will be described later) formed on an outer circumferential edge of a front side connection section of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment.

Note that a wireless ON/OFF operation member22that operates in connection with a wireless switch for turning ON/OFF the state of use of wireless communication carried out between the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and an external device (e.g., above-described portable type electronic device3) and a connector23for securing an electrical connection with another external device via a cable (e.g., USB cable), transmitting various kinds of data and supplying power from an external power supply apparatus to a battery or the like are disposed on the rear face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1(see reference character [4F] inFIG. 4). Note that a general standard product such as a mini-USB connector or a micro-USB connector can be used as the connector23.

An index10xis provided in the vicinity of the edge closer to the rear end on one side face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1on the outer circumferential surface of the body section10of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1as shown, for example, inFIG. 1toFIG. 4. The index10xis an index provided for positioning a mount position when the mounting adapter4is mounted to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1. A seal, impression, molding or the like is used for the index10xwhich is formed and colored in white, red or the like so that the user can easily recognize it. At least one index10xmay be provided at a predetermined position on the outer circumferential surface of the body section10.

Note that as described above, the present embodiment implements bayonet coupling between the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the mounting adapter4by causing the four bayonet lugs19ato engage with the four bayonet engagement sections41. In this case, locations of engagement between the bayonet lugs19aand the bayonet engagement sections41are provided at intervals of an angle of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

Therefore, according to this configuration, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1can be attached to the mounting adapter4at four locations. More specifically, for example, as shown inFIG. 1, it is possible to adopt a mode though not shown in which the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is mounted to mounting adapter4so that the image pickup device11is arranged in a portrait position in addition to the normal mode in which the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is mounted to the mounting adapter4so that the image pickup device11is arranged in a landscape mode. Thus, to cover a plurality of modes of attachment between the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the mounting adapter4, for example, a total of four indexes10xmay be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the body section10at intervals of an angle of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. This is the schematic configuration of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is the accessory device of the present embodiment.

The intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1configured as described above is an apparatus that can function as an image pickup apparatus (camera) per se if the interchangeable lens barrel7is mounted to the front thereof.

Although further detailed illustration and description of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1in the present embodiment will be omitted, the internal configuration other than the aforementioned configuration includes, for example, a power-supply-related configuration unit including, for example, a power supply battery (charging type battery or the like), a data storage unit including a storage medium or the like, a simple display unit capable of displaying the device state such as a power supply state, and a communication unit that communicates with an external device to receive a control signal or transmit image data.

Since the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1can freely attach/detach the lens barrel7, when the lens barrel7is removed, the light receiving surface of the image pickup device11is exposed to the outside. Thus, although not illustrated, for a time when the lens barrel7is removed from the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1or when the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is carried or stored as a single unit, a protective cap or the like is provided to cover the opening10aand protect the inside thereof.

Furthermore, the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1may be provided with a dust removing apparatus (dust-proof mechanism) for removing dust from the light receiving surface by brushing off dust sticking to the light receiving surface side of the image pickup device11. As this type of the dust removing apparatus, there is a configuration in which, for example, a transparent thin-plate dust-proof member is provided in the space on the front side of the image pickup device11(alternatively, a filter member originally provided on the light receiving surface of the image pickup device11, for example, an infrared cut filter or low-pass filter may be used), a predetermined space on the front side of the image pickup device11is hermetically sealed, the above-described plate-like member is made to vibrate using an exciting member such as piezoelectric element and dust or the like sticking to the dust-proof member is thereby removed. As this type of the dust removing apparatus, a device in generally widespread use such as a conventional image pickup apparatus (camera) may be used. The intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1of the present embodiment is configured as described above.

Next, the configuration of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment will be described below using mainlyFIG. 6toFIG. 14.

[Schematic Configuration of Mounting Adapter]

First, a schematic configuration of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment will be described below using mainlyFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a six-sided view of the mounting adapter (in a closed state) according to the present embodiment. Of these drawings, reference character [6A] denotes a front view, reference character [6B] denotes a top view, reference character [6C] denotes a bottom view, reference character [6D] denotes a left side view, reference character [6E] denotes a right side view, and reference character [6F] denotes a rear view, respectively.

The mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is a configuration unit for connecting devices to construct an image pickup system made up of a plurality of devices as described above (seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2). A specific example is a device mounting apparatus configured in such a way that the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is mounted to a connection section on the front side and the portable type electronic device3is sandwiched on the rear face side so as to hold the portable type electronic device3. When the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is used, in such a state, the portable type electronic device3is configured to be held with the image display surface being inclined with respect to the optical axis O of the lens barrel7attached to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1(seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2or the like).

As shown inFIG. 6, the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is constructed of an adapter body40which is a first body section and a support cover46which is a second body section. Here, the adapter body40and the support cover46are pivotally supported by a spindle47(see reference character [6F] inFIG. 6) which constitutes a hinge member. With such a configuration, the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is configured to displace between a closed state when not in use and an open state when in use. Here, the closed state when not in use is a state in which the front side of the support cover46(second body section) is placed so as to face the rear face side (other side) of the adapter body40(first body section) and superimposed thereon. On the other hand, the open state when in use is a state in which the adapter body40(first body section) and the support cover46(second body section) are arranged so as to have a predetermined angle between both around the hinge member as a center of rotation. Although details will be described later, the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment in the open state when in use is configured as shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 14so that the mounting adapter4can be set in two modes with different opening angles of the support cover46.

Note that part of the above-described spindle47is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside. In this case, the exposed part of the spindle47is configured to allow a strap to pass therethrough. With such a configuration, the spindle47functions as a support axis in the hinge member between the adapter body40and the support cover46and at the same time functions as a strap mounting section as well.

The adapter body40is configured to be able to provide bayonet coupling between the connection section on the front side thereof and the adapter mounting section19(seeFIG. 2andFIG. 4or the like) on the rear face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1. For such a configuration, a plurality of bayonet engagement sections41are formed as the connection section in the inner circumferential edge on the front side of the adapter body40. The plurality of bayonet engagement sections41correspond to a bayonet coupling section that engages with the plurality of (four) bayonet lugs19aof the adapter mounting section19as described above. In the present embodiment, four bayonet engagement sections41are formed at intervals of an angle of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the adapter body40in accordance with the positions and the number of locations (four locations) of the plurality of bayonet lugs19a.

Furthermore, a first holding arm43(not shown inFIG. 6; seeFIG. 7or the like which will be described later) is provided so as to protrude rearward, which comes into contact with a region of the outer edge of the portable type electronic device3(more specifically, one side (one side face) of the portable type electronic device3) and holds this when the adapter body40is set in an open position, that is, when in use, to the region turned 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the region of coupling (hinge member) with the support cover46, that is, an outer circumferential edge on the side opposing across the central axis O1of the mounting adapter4(point coinciding with the optical axis O; see reference characters [6A] and [6F] inFIG. 6). A distal end of this first holding arm43is formed into a hook shape and a holding part43a, to an inner surface of which an elastic body55(not shown inFIG. 6; seeFIG. 7andFIG. 8or the like) made of an elastic rubber member or the like as anti-slipping member is pasted, is disposed. Thus, first holding arm43holds part of the outer edge of the portable type electronic device3and the elastic body55comes into contact with part of the outer edge part of the portable type electronic device3, thus providing a structure capable of reliably holding the portable type electronic device3.

Furthermore, the adapter body40includes a plurality of opening operation buttons42which are operation members to cause the mounting adapter4in a closed state to displace to an open state. Here, the present embodiment shows an example where two opening operation buttons42are provided. More specifically, the opening operation buttons42are provided in the vicinity of the first holding arm43so as to sandwich the first holding arm43when the mounting adapter4is seen from the front (FIG. 6[6A]) or from the rear face (FIG. 6[6F]). The two opening operation buttons42are provided in a manner projectable or retractable in the diameter direction from the outer circumferential surface of the adapter body40. Note that a configuration of the opening operation button42and a more specific configuration of an inner mechanism that operates in connection therewith will be described later (seeFIG. 11toFIG. 13).

The support cover46is rotatably attached to the adapter body40and configured to become a supporting part, when set in an open state with respect to the adapter body40, for holding the other part of the outer edge part of the portable type electronic device3(more specifically, the other side face (other side face part) facing one side of the portable type electronic device3) and to be set, when the portable type electronic device3is removed, in a closed state with respect to the adapter body40and thereby set in a stored state when not in use.

As shown inFIG. 6, the support cover46is pivotally supported to the adapter body40via a spindle47which is inserted and arranged in a hinge arm part46a. Both ends of the spindle47are fixed to fixing parts40aon the adapter body40side. A distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48is disposed at a position turned by an angle of approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the region of coupling (hinge member) with the adapter body40in the support cover46, that is, the outer circumferential edge on the side opposing across the central axis O1(point that coincides with the optical axis O; see reference characters [9A] and [9F] inFIG. 6) of the mounting adapter4. Although a more specific configuration of the second holding arm48will be described later, the distal end hook part48awhich is the distal end portion thereof is configured to come into contact with the other part (other side face part) of the outer edge of the portable type electronic device3so as to be able to reliably hold this, when the mounting adapter4is set in use where it is in a closed state. For this reason, the distal end hook part48ais formed into a hook shape and the elastic body56made of an elastic rubber member or the like as an anti-slipping member (seeFIG. 6andFIG. 7) is pasted to the inner surface thereof. Thus, the distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48is configured to hold the other part (other side face part) of the outer edge of the portable type electronic device3, and the elastic body56is configured to come into contact with the other part (other side face part) of the outer edge of the portable type electronic device3so as to be able to reliably hold the portable type electronic device3. Furthermore, when the mounting adapter4is in a closed state, the distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48is disposed on the outer circumferential edge of the adapter body40at the position covering the outer surface region of the first holding arm43. In this case, the distal end hook part48aengages with the outer surface region of the first holding arm43, and so the mounting adapter4is configured to remain in a closed state.

Note that as shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3andFIG. 6, a first index40xis provided on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter body40of the mounting adapter4, which is an index provided for positioning the mounting position when the mounting adapter4is mounted to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1in a predetermined region and corresponding to the index10xon the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1side. A second index40yindicating a state of coupling between the mounting adapter4and the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1is provided in the vicinity of the first index40x. Seal, impression, molding or the like is used for these indexes40xand40yas in the case of the index10xwhich are formed, colored in white, red or the like so that the user can easily recognize them. Here, the first index40xand the second index40yare shown, for example, in different shapes and colors or the like. For example, the first index40xis formed in the same shape (rectangular shape in the example in the drawing) and the same color as those of the index10xand the second index is formed in a shape (round shape in the example in the drawing) and a color different from those in the index10x.

Thus, it is possible to easily perform relative positioning when both the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the mounting adapter4are coupled by providing predetermined indexes for both of them. That is, when the mounting adapter4is mounted to the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1, first, these are placed so as to face each other in such a way that the index10xcoincides with the first index40x. Then, the bayonet engagement sections41on the mounting adapter4side are arranged in the vicinity of the bayonet lugs19aon the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1side. In this condition, the mounting adapter4and the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1are made to relatively rotate. Then, the bayonet engagement sections41engage with the respective bayonet lugs19a. When both are completely engaged with each other, the index10xon the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1side coincides with the second index40yon the mounting adapter4side as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2or the like. This allows the user to visually confirm that the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the mounting adapter4are regularly connected.

Note that as described above, in order for the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1to be attached to the mounting adapter4in a plurality of modes, in correspondence with a plurality of indexes10xon the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1side, the same numbers of first indexes40xand second indexes40ymay be provided at the corresponding positions.

[More Specific Inner Configuration of Mounting Adapter]

Here, a more specific internal configuration of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment will be described below.FIG. 7is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mounting adapter of the present embodiment (closed state).FIG. 7shows a cross section along a line [7]-[7] ofFIG. 6.FIG. 8is a rear view when the mounting adapter of the present embodiment is set in an opened state.FIG. 9is an internal configuration diagram showing an internal configuration mainly of the adapter body when some parts (external parts) are removed from the mounting adapter in the state inFIG. 8.FIG. 9is an arrow view seen from an arrow [9] direction ofFIG. 11.FIG. 10is a perspective view simultaneously showing internal configurations of the adapter body and a support cover of the mounting adapter when some parts (external parts) are removed therefrom.FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration mainly of the support cover when some parts (external parts) are removed from the mounting adapter.FIG. 11is an arrow view seen from an arrow [11] direction ofFIG. 9.FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating only a support cover opening angle adjusting member provided inside the adapter body of the mounting adapter according to the embodiment taken out from the adapter body. Of these drawings, reference character [12A] shows a plan view and reference character [12B] shows a side view.FIG. 13andFIG. 14are central longitudinal cross-sectional views showing two aspects when the mounting adapter of the present embodiment is used in an open state. Of them,FIG. 13shows a state in which the support cover is in a first opening position andFIG. 14shows a state in which the support cover is in a second opening position.

A closed state unlocking mechanism for making the support cover46open to the adapter body40and an opening angle switching mechanism for switching the aspect of the open state of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40are provided inside the adapter body40in the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment. Furthermore, an extension mechanism for the second holding arm48that fixes and holds the portable type electronic device3(seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2) mounted to the mounting adapter4in cooperation with the first holding arm43on the adapter body40side is provided inside the support cover46in the mounting adapter4.

[More Specific Inner Configuration on Adapter Body Side of Mounting Adapter (Closed State Unlocking Mechanism)]

In the more specific inner configuration on the adapter body40side of the mounting adapter4, first, the closed state unlocking mechanism for making the support cover46open to the adapter body40will be described in detail below.

On the rear face side of the adapter body40, as shown inFIG. 8, an inner structure is covered with a thin plate44which is an external part formed using, for example, a metal member. The thin plate44is fixed to a fixing part of the adapter body40with a plurality of screws45. Here,FIG. 9andFIG. 10show an appearance with the screws45and the thin plate44removed. UsingFIG. 9andFIG. 10or the like, the closed state unlocking mechanism in particular of the internal configuration of the adapter body40will be described in detail below.

In the adapter body40, the closed state unlocking mechanism for making the support cover46open is constructed of an opening operation button42, an opening operation button urging spring51and a pressing operation section52(part of the adapter body40) or the like.

The opening operation button42is an operation member operated by the user when the adapter body40is in a closed state when not in use, to open the support cover46. A plurality of opening operation buttons42(two in the present embodiment) are disposed and the two opening operation buttons42are formed independently of each other. The respective opening operation buttons42are configured to be completely identical. The two opening operation buttons42are set to be symmetric with respect to a straight line passing through substantially the center of the adapter body40. The support cover46is configured to achieve predetermined operation, that is, an open state of the support cover46by the user operating only one of the two opening operation buttons42. Therefore, although the configuration of only one of the two opening operation buttons42is described, the other also has completely the same configuration.

The opening operation button42is an operation member disposed so as to freely advance or retract within a predetermined region toward the diameter direction from the vicinity of substantially the center of the adapter body40. An operation portion (section)42afor the user to perform a pressing operation is formed at a distal end portion of the opening operation button42, a pressing part42cthat acts on a pressing operation section52which will be described later is formed at a proximal end portion and a spring hook42bwhich is a fixing part that locks one end of each opening operation button urging spring51(arranged one for each button) which will be described later is formed in a middle region (seeFIG. 9in particular).

Accordingly, a notch40b(two locations) for causing each operation portion42ato project/retract in a predetermined region of the outer circumferential edge is formed on the adapter body40side, each opening operation button42(two locations) is placed on a planar part on the rear face side respectively, a guide groove40c(two locations) for guiding advancement/retraction of each operation button in the diameter direction is formed, and further a spring hook pin40d(two pins) for hooking the other end of each opening operation button urging spring51is implanted.

The pressing part42cat the proximal end portion of the opening operation button42is a region that acts on the pressing operation section52as described above. For this reason, the pressing part42cis formed with a slope that can slide, opposing and in contact with a slope of the pressing part52ain accordance with the shape of the pressing part52a(which will be described later) of the pressing operation section52. That is, the pressing part42cis formed with a slope oriented toward the distal end rear face side in a predetermined region from the distal end portion of the opening operation button42.

The opening operation button urging spring51is an urging member that always urges the opening operation button42outward in the diameter direction of the adapter body40. One end of this opening operation button urging spring51is locked at the spring hook42bof the opening operation button42and the other end is locked at the spring hook pin40dof the adapter body40. A taut coil spring or the like is used for the opening operation button urging spring51. One opening operation button urging spring51is disposed for each of the two opening operation buttons42.

The pressing operation section52is an arm-like component formed in a cantilever shape in a region formed in part of the adapter body40from the vicinity of substantially the center of the adapter body40in the diameter direction. This pressing operation section52has its proximal end portion in the vicinity of substantially the center of the adapter body40and is formed to be elastically deformable so as to warp in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane of the adapter body40on the rear face side with the proximal end portion as a fulcrum, toward the rear face side of the adapter body40in particular. A pressing part52aof a substantially spherical shape which is convex toward the rear face side of the adapter body40is formed at the distal end portion of the pressing operation section52. When the opening operation button42acts on the pressing operation section52(which will be described later), that is, when the opening operation button42is pressed in the retracting direction, this pressing part52ais configured to move, in response thereto, projecting from the plane on the rear face side of the adapter body40toward the rear face side and protruding outward via a hole44a(seeFIG. 8) formed in the thin plate44. Thus, when the adapter body40is in a closed state when not in use, the pressing part52aprotrudes when the operation portion42aof the opening operation button42is pressed and pushes the support cover46, thereby making it possible to set the mounting adapter4in an open state when in use.

For that reason, the back side of the pressing part52aof the pressing operation section52is formed into a slope that gradually inclines toward the diameter direction. Here, the back side slope of the pressing part52ahas an inclination toward the distal end rear face from the region close to the proximal end in a predetermined region from the distal end portion of the pressing operation section52. The pressing part52aand the pressing part42care arranged so that the slope of the pressing part52ais opposed to and comes into contact with the slope of the pressing part42cof the opening operation button42. Note that, the same number of, that is, two pressing operation sections52are fumed in correspondence with the two opening operation buttons42.

The operation of the closed state unlocking mechanism configured in this way will be described briefly below. When in an actual use, the mounting adapter4is mounted to the rear face side of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the lens barrel7is normally mounted to the front face of the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1.

First, suppose the mounting adapter4is in a closed state. In this closed state, the user presses one operation portion42aof one of the two opening operation buttons42in the diameter direction of the mounting adapter4. That is, the user pushes in the operation portion42awith a force resisting the urging force of the opening operation button urging spring51. Then, the pressed opening operation button42slides along the guide groove40cby a predetermined amount in the diameter direction of the mounting adapter4. In this way, the slope of the pressing part42cat the proximal end portion of the opening operation button42comes into contact with the slope at the distal end of the pressing part52aof the pressing operation section52and presses this in the same direction. Here, since the slope of the pressing part42cis in contact with the slope of the pressing part52aof the pressing operation section52, when the pressing part42cslides inward in the diameter direction, the pressing part52ais pushed up along the slope, and as a result, the pressing part52amoves toward the rear face side of the adapter body40in a direction in which it protrudes. That is, the pressing operation section52warps in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane on the rear face side of the adapter body40with the proximal end portion as a fulcrum, toward the rear face side of the adapter body40. Therefore, the pressing part52aof the pressing operation section52moves toward the rear face side of the adapter body40and juts out rearward from the surface of the thin plate44via the hole44a(seeFIG. 8). Then, the pressing part52acomes into contact with the surface of the thin plate49(which will be described later; seeFIG. 8) of the support cover46which is disposed opposite to the rear face (thin plate44) of the adapter body40and in a closed state, and presses this in the same direction.

Here, when the mounting adapter4is in a closed state, the distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48of the support cover46is locked on the outer surface part of the first holding arm43of the adapter body40. Therefore, when the pressing part52aof the pressing operation section52presses the surface (which will be described later; seeFIG. 8) of the thin plate49of the support cover46as described above, the locking state between the second holding arm48and the first holding arm43is unlocked. In this way, the mounting adapter4is changed to an open state.

On the other hand, to change the mounting adapter4from an open state to a closed state, the user rotates the support cover46toward the closing direction around the spindle47as a center of rotation and places one side of the support cover46(surface of the thin plate49) opposite to the rear face of the adapter body40(surface of the thin plate44). The distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48of the support cover46is engaged with the first holding arm43of the adapter body40. In this way, the mounting adapter4is set in a closed state.

According to the closed state unlocking mechanism configured as described above, the mounting adapter4can be easily set in an open state by only pressing any one of the two opening operation buttons42. Therefore, the user can set the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment in an open state by one hand, and so even while holding the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1with the mounting adapter4and the lens barrel7mounted thereto by one hand and holding another device (portable type electronic device3) to be mounted by the other hand, the user can easily perform an opening operation on the mounting adapter4by one hand operation.

Two opening operation buttons42are provided and these two opening operation buttons42are configured to have independent but identical modes so that operating either button can achieve a desired operation (opening operation on the support cover46). Therefore, according to such a configuration, no matter by which of the left hand or right hand the user holds the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1already mounted to the mounting adapter4, the user can easily operate the opening operation button42. That is, it is possible to secure excellent operability irrespective of the user's dominant hand.

[More Specific Inner Configuration of Mounting Adapter on Adapter Body Side (Opening Angle Switching Mechanism)]

Next, regarding a more specific inner configuration of the mounting adapter4on the adapter body40side, an opening angle switching mechanism will be described in detail whereby an aspect of the open state of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40is changed.

As described above, as an aspect when the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is set in an open state, the mounting adapter4is configured so that the opening angle of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40can be set to two aspects. The opening angle switching mechanism described hereinafter is a mechanism for changing the aspect of the open state of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40. Note thatFIG. 13andFIG. 14show two exemplary aspects of the open state of the mounting adapter4.FIG. 13illustrates an aspect of the mounting adapter4in which the opening angle of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40becomes greater. Suppose the position of the support cover46in the state shown inFIG. 13is designated as a first opening position.FIG. 14illustrates another aspect of the mounting adapter4in which the opening angle of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40becomes smaller compared to the aspect inFIG. 13. Suppose the position of the support cover46in the state shown inFIG. 14is designated as a second opening position.

In this way, the reason that the opening angle of the support cover46is configured to be changeable with respect to the adapter body40is a measure for responding to the mode of the portable type electronic device3mounted between the support cover46and the adapter body40. That is, when the aspect inFIG. 13(large opening angle) is adopted, it is possible to mount a relatively large portable type electronic device. On the other hand, when the aspect inFIG. 14(small opening angle) is adopted, it is possible to adapt to a relatively small portable type electronic device compared to the case inFIG. 13.

In the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, the opening angle switching mechanism for switching the opening angle of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40is constructed of a switching lever53, a switching plate member54, a lever locking part40e(part of the adapter body40), a locking lug part49a(part of the thin plate49; not shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, seeFIG. 13andFIG. 14) or the like.

As shown inFIG. 9or the like, the switching lever53is a lever member made of a substantially tabular member formed in a substantially triangle shape by injection-molding, for example, a resin member. The switching lever53is disposed with the vertex oriented downward and the base disposed in the vicinity of a substantially central part of the adapter body40. The substantially central part of the switching lever53is disposed to be freely rotatable around a support shaft40fformed in the adapter body40as a center of rotation.

The switching lever53is constructed by forming a slide operation knob53a, a locking convex part53b, a fine groove part53cand a switching plate locking convex part53dat respective predetermined regions.

The slide operation knob53ais an operation region for the user to switch the opening angle of the mounting adapter4and to be directly operated by the hand or fingers. This slide operation knob53ais formed so as to project backward from the surface of the switching lever53. The slide operation knob53ais disposed so as to project backward and outward from the hole44b(seeFIG. 8) formed in the thin plate44. Here, the hole44bis formed into a substantially ellipsoidal shape with an ellipse being set in a direction along the X-axis so as to allow the slide operation knob53ato rotate.

The locking convex part53bis a locked part that regulates the position of the switching lever53by being locked by a lever locking part40e(details of which will be described later).

The fine groove part53cis a notch formed to allow elastic displacement of the locking convex part53bwhen the locking state between the locking convex part53band the lever locking part40eis switched. That is, by providing the fine groove part53cin the region of the switching lever53that receives a pressure from the outside, that is, in the vicinity of the locking convex part53b, it is possible to provide a flat spring effect. Therefore, when the switchover operation by the switching lever53is performed in this configuration, if the locking convex part53bis pressed by the lever locking part40e, the locking convex part53bis configured to be easily elastically displaced and warped so as to allow the switchover of the locking state with respect to the lever locking part40e.

The switching plate locking convex part53dis a component that acts on a switching plate member54(details will be described later) and moves the switching plate member54in the X-axis direction. The switching plate locking convex part53dis a convex region that is fitted into a locking hole54aof the switching plate member54. The switching plate locking convex part53dis a component formed at the center of rotation of the switching lever53, that is, in an opposing region facing the region of the slide operation knob53aacross the region corresponding to the support shaft40f. Therefore, when the switching lever53is rotated by sliding operation of the slide operation knob53a, the switching plate member54is configured to move in a direction opposite to the sliding operation.

On the other hand, since the lever locking part40eis intended to lock the locking convex part53bof the switching lever53at a predetermined position, the lever locking part40eis formed on the surface of the rear face side of the adapter body40. The lever locking part40eis formed to have two convex parts formed to face the locking convex part53b. Note that since the present embodiment adopts a mechanism of switching the opening angle in two aspects, the locking convex parts53bare placed and locked at both ends40eaand40eb(seeFIG. 9andFIG. 10) of the lever locking part40e, respectively, and the locking convex parts53bare thereby configured so that the respective predetermined positions are maintained and the respective desired aspects are set.

As shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 8andFIG. 9or the like, the switching plate member54is an opening angle setting member formed using, for example, a metal plate member. A locking hole54ainto which the switching plate locking convex part53dof the switching lever53is fitted is formed at substantially the center of this switching plate member54. Note that the locking hole54ais formed into an ellipsoidal shape having a major axis in the Y-axis direction to allow the switching lever53to rotate when moving the switching plate member54in the X-axis direction.

With the locking lug part49a(details of which will be described later; not shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10; seeFIG. 13andFIG. 14) being in contact therewith, the switching plate member54is formed by including angle setting steps54band54cto switch the opening angle of the support cover46. Here, the angle setting steps54band54care a plurality of steps formed at a distal end of the arm part that protrudes outward from the switching plate member54in a direction along the Y-axis as shown inFIG. 11.

The locking lug part49ais a region formed on a proximal end side (rotation center side) of the thin plate49(which will be described later; seeFIG. 8) which is an external part covering the surface of the support cover46. When the support cover46is in an open state, this locking lug part49ais a locked part that comes into contact with any one of the angle setting steps54band54cof the switching plate member54to thereby restrict the support cover46from further rotating in the opening direction. When the locking lug part49acomes into contact with any one of the angle setting steps54band54c, the opening angle of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40is set in this way. By providing a plurality of angle setting steps of the switching plate member54, aspects of the support cover46with different open states are implemented.

More specifically, for example, when the support cover46is in an open state, rotates around the spindle47as the center of rotation and the locking lug part49acomes into contact with the angle setting step54c, this state is as shown inFIG. 10. In this case, the support cover46is set to an aspect with a large opening angle.

On the other hand, when the support cover46is in an open state, rotates around the spindle47as the center of rotation and the locking lug part49acomes into contact with the angle setting step54b, this state is as shown inFIG. 14. In this case, the support cover46is set to an aspect with a small opening angle.

Operation by the opening angle switching mechanism configured in this way will be described in brief below. First, when the mounting adapter4is in a closed state, the support cover46is displaced to an open state through a pressing operation of the opening operation button42as described above. Then, the slide operation knob53aof the switching lever53is exposed to the outside and can be operated. In this condition, the user slides the operation knob53ain the X-axis direction.

Here, suppose the operation knob53ais in the position shown, for example, inFIG. 8, that is, the operation knob53ais located at the left end in the hole44b. In this case, the switching lever53and the switching plate member54are in conditions shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10. Therefore, when the support cover46is rotated to a maximum opening position, the locking lug part49astays in contact with the angle setting step54cof the switching plate member54. That is, in this condition, the support cover46is set in an aspect with a large opening angle with respect to the adapter body40, that is, the state shown inFIG. 10.

In this condition, in order to switch the opening angle setting, the user slides the operation knob53ain the X-axis direction to position the operation knob53aat the right end in the hole44binFIG. 8or the like. Then, the switching lever53rotates clockwise around the support shaft40fas the center of rotation inFIG. 9or the like. During this rotation, the locking convex part53bmoves from a state in which it is in contact with one end40eaof the lever locking part40eto a state in which it comes into contact with the other end40eb. In this case, the locking convex part53bgets over the two convex parts of the lever locking part40e. For this reason, the locking convex part53babsorbs the pressure of the two protruding portions by an elastic force generated by the fine groove part53c. The locking convex part53bis then locked by the other end40ebof the lever locking part40eand the position thereof is maintained.

In this way, when the switching lever53is rotated, the switching plate member54simultaneously moves in the X-axis direction. Thus, when the support cover46is rotated to a maximum opening position, the locking lug part49acomes into contact with the angle setting step54bof the switching plate member54. That is, in this condition, the support cover46takes on an aspect with a small opening angle with respect to the adapter body40, that is, the state shown inFIG. 14.

According to the opening angle switching mechanism configured as described above, it is possible to change the setting of the opening angle of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body in the mounting adapter4to a plurality of aspects.

Furthermore, as described above, the thin plate49and the switching plate member54are constructed using a metal plate member. With such a configuration, when the locking lug part49aof the thin plate49comes into contact with any one of the angle setting steps54band54cof the switching plate member54, it is possible to secure sufficient strength.

Note that although a case has been illustrated in the above example where the opening angle is set in two aspects, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, in the present embodiment, the switching plate member54has two stages of angle setting steps, but if this is formed in multiple stages, it is possible to adapt to opening angle settings of other aspects. In that case, it is necessary to change the specification as appropriate such as matching the number of convex parts formed in the lever locking part40ein the adapter body40to the number of steps of the above-described angle setting steps.

[More Specific Inner Configuration on Support Cover Side of Mounting Adapter (Extension Mechanism of Second Holding Arm)]

Next, in the more specific inner configuration on the support cover46side of the mounting adapter4, an extension mechanism of the second holding arm48will be described in detail, which fixes and holds the portable type electronic device3(seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2) in cooperation with the first holding arm43on the adapter body40side.

Regarding the front side of the support cover46(which refers to the surface facing the rear face of the adapter body40when the mounting adapter4is in a closed state), the inner structure is covered with the thin plate49which is an external member formed using a metal plate member, for example, as shown inFIG. 8. The thin plate49is fixed to the fixing part of the support cover46by a plurality of screws50. Here,FIG. 10andFIG. 11show a situation in which the screws50and the thin plate49are removed and an internal configuration of the support cover46will be described in detail usingFIG. 10andFIG. 11or the like.

As shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11or the like, the support cover46is internally constructed of the second holding arm48, a first urging spring57and a second urging spring58or the like.

Inside the support cover46, the second holding arm48is disposed to be freely slidable in a direction along the Y-axis (see arrow Y inFIG. 10andFIG. 11) when the support cover46is in a closed state. For that reason, a guide groove46bthat defines and guides the sliding direction of the second holding arm48is formed inside the support cover46.

The distal end hook part48aformed into a hook shape is provided on the distal end side of the second holding arm48. When the mounting adapter4is in a closed state as described above, this distal end hook part48aengages with the outer surface region of the first holding arm43of the adapter body40, keeping the mounting adapter4in the closed state (seeFIG. 7or the like). On the other hand, when the mounting adapter4is in an open state, the distal end hook part48afixes and holds the portable type electronic device3in cooperation with the first holding arm43on the adapter body40side (seeFIG. 1or the like). Note that an elastic body56is pasted to the inner surface of the distal end hook part48a. This elastic body56serves as anti-slipping means by contacting the edge part of the portable type electronic device3, making sure that the portable type electronic device3is fixed and held.

A first urging spring contact part48cwith which one end of each of the plurality of first urging springs57is in contact is formed on a proximal end side (closer to the hinge member) of the second holding arm48. Note that the present embodiment provides a configuration with two first urging springs57as will be described later. Accordingly, two first urging spring contact parts48care provided.

The first urging spring contact part48cis formed so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the second holding arm48(Y-axis direction) and outward from both sides of the proximal end side of the second holding arm48. As will be described later, the first urging springs57(two springs) are disposed so as to move along both sides of the second holding arm48with each end thereof contacting each of the first urging spring contact parts48c.

A notch48dwhich is cut out into a substantially concave shape is formed in a middle region on the proximal end side of the second holding arm48and a region sandwiched by the two first urging spring contact parts48c. A plurality (three in the present embodiment) of second urging springs58are arranged in this notch48das will be described later. In correspondence to this, a plurality (three) of spring hooks48bfor locking one end of each of the plurality (three) of second urging springs58are formed in the notch48d. Furthermore, in correspondence to this, the same number of (three) spring hook fixing parts46bare formed in a region on the support cover46side facing the spring hook48bon the proximal end side in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, in this configuration, the plurality (three) of second urging springs58are arranged with each one end thereof hooked at each spring hook48band each other end thereof hooked at each spring hook fixing part46b.

The first urging spring57and the second urging spring58are second holding arm urging members provided to urge the second holding arm48toward a direction along the Y-axis in the mounting adapter4, in an arrow Y1direction shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 11. Urging members such as a plurality of coil springs are used as the first urging springs57and the second urging springs58which are the second holding arm urging members.

Here, as shown inFIG. 11or as described above, the first urging springs57are disposed on both sides of the second holding arm48inside the support cover46along the slidable direction (direction parallel to the Y-axis) of the second holding arm48. In this case, according to the present embodiment, one first urging spring57is disposed on one of both sides of the second holding arm48. In this case, the two first urging springs57are disposed in a predetermined region of the support cover46with each one end thereof being in contact with each first urging spring contact part48cof the second holding arm48, and the other end thereof being in contact with a fixing part46cof the support cover46. In this condition, the first urging spring57is in a compressed state. Therefore, the second holding arm48is always urged in the arrow Y1direction with respect to the fixing part46cof the support cover46by an urging force in the extending direction of the first urging spring57.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 11or as described above, the second urging springs58are disposed in the notch48dof the second holding arm48inside the support cover46along the slidable direction (direction parallel to the Y-axis) of the second holding arm48. In this case, the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which three second urging springs58are arranged in parallel. The three second urging springs58are arranged in a predetermined region (that is, in the notch48d) of the support cover46, with each one end thereof being hooked at each spring hook48bof the second holding arm48and each other end thereof being hooked at each spring hook fixing part46bon the support cover46side. In this case, the second urging springs58remain in a state of tension. Therefore, the second holding arm48is always urged in the arrow Y1direction with respect to the spring hook fixing part46bof the support cover46by a tensile urging force of the second urging spring58.

With such a configuration, the second holding arm48is always urged in the arrow Y1direction with respect to the fixed regions (46band46c) of the support cover46by the urging forces of the first urging springs57(compression springs) and the second urging springs58(tensile springs).

Note that an aspect of the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment has been illustrated in which the first urging spring57is made up of a compression spring and the second urging spring58is made up of a tensile spring, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In addition to the above-described aspect of the embodiment, the first urging spring57may be made up of a tensile spring and the second urging spring58may be made up of a compression spring.

Operation of the extension mechanism of the second holding arm48in the mounting adapter4configured in this way will be described briefly below.

The user places the portable type electronic device3between the first holding arm43and the second holding arm48of the mounting adapter4which is in an open state and holds it therebetween, thus constituting one mode of the image pickup system. In this case, one side face edge part of the portable type electronic device3is caused to come into contact with the distal end hook shape region of the first holding arm43and then the other side face edge part of the portable type electronic device3is caused to come into contact with the distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48. In this case, the second holding arm48is caused to extend against the urging force thereof so that the portable type electronic device3is successfully mounted between both holding arms43and48. The portable type electronic device3is sandwiched between the first holding arm43and the second holding arm48of the mounting adapter4.

That is, according to the size of the portable type electronic device3, the second holding arm48is caused to extend in an arrow Y2direction against the respective urging forces by the first urging spring57and the second urging spring58. When the portable type electronic device3is interposed between the first holding arm43and the second holding arm48, the urging forces of the first urging spring57and the second urging spring58reliably hold the portable type electronic device3via the distal end hook part48aof the second holding arm48. The holding state in this case is the mode shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2.

On the other hand, when the portable type electronic device3mounted to the mounting adapter4is removed, the user performs an operation of pulling the second holding arm48in the arrow Y2direction via each edge part of the portable type electronic device3against the urging forces of the first urging spring57and the second urging spring58. This allows the portable type electronic device3sandwiched between the first holding arm43and the second holding arm48to be easily removed.

As described so far, since the mounting adapter4of the above-described embodiment adopts an opening/closing type configuration in which the adapter body40and the support cover46are configured to be freely rotatable around the spindle47which is a hinge member as a center of rotation, it is possible to store the mounting adapter4in a closed state when not in use more compactly and contribute to space saving. On the other hand, when in use, the mounting adapter4is set in an open state, and it is possible to cause the two holding arms43and48to reliably sandwich the portable type electronic device3and maintain a reliable connection between the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1and the portable type electronic device3via the mounting adapter4.

When the mounting adapter4is caused to displace from a closed state to an open state, this can be done easily by only pressing at least one of a plurality (two) of opening operation buttons42, and can thereby be done easily and reliably through one hand operation. Moreover, since a plurality (two) of opening operation buttons42are provided, it is possible to operate the mounting adapter4by the right hand or the left hand, with the same operational feeling, secure the same operational feeling irrespective of the dominant hand of the user, hence everybody can operate it easily and without unnatural feeling.

Furthermore, since the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is provided with the opening angle switching mechanism for changing the opening angle setting of the support cover46with respect to the adapter body40, it is possible to select a desired open state aspect from a plurality of open state aspects and thereby adapt to various sizes of portable type electronic devices3.

Since the mounting adapter4of the present embodiment is provided with stable operability even when operated by one hand, the user can attach/detach the intermediate barrel with an image pickup device1which is an accessory device to/from the portable type electronic device3, reliably and in short time through a simple operation.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The aforementioned embodiment includes inventions in various stages, and various inventions can be extracted depending on appropriate combinations of a plurality of disclosed components. For example, even when some components are deleted from all the components disclosed in the embodiment, it is possible to solve the problems to be solved by the invention, and if the effects of the invention can be obtained, the configuration without these deleted components can be extracted as the invention. The present invention is not restricted by any specific embodiment except being limited by the attached claims.