Patent Description:
A camera and a camera accessory is described in <CIT>, in which the camera includes a plurality of terminal pins. The document also discloses a camera accessory, such as an interchangeable lens assembly (an interchangeable lens) mountable with respect to the camera, that includes a plurality of terminal surfaces that come in contact with the plurality of terminal pins to communicate with the camera. The interchangeable lens assembly described in <CIT> includes a plurality of bayonet claw portions capable of being connected to a plurality of bayonet claw portions provided on a camera side. In <CIT>, when the interchangeable lens assembly is mounted on the camera, a terminal surface on the interchangeable lens assembly side that comes in contact with a terminal pin, (among the plurality of terminal pins on the camera side that determines the type of interchangeable lens assembly) is positioned within an angle range in which a predetermined bayonet claw portion on the interchangeable lens assembly side is provided. By including such a configuration, the interchangeable lens assembly described in <CIT> is capable of determining, in a more stable manner, the type of interchangeable lens assembly mounted on the camera.

We will now discuss a case wherein, other than the terminal pin described above (that determines the type of interchangeable lens assembly mounted on the camera), a terminal pin (MIF terminal, that determines whether the interchangeable lens assembly has been mounted on the camera), is provided in the plurality of terminal pins on the camera side. When a terminal pin equivalent to a camera-side MIF terminal comes into contact with a terminal surface equivalent to an MIF terminal on the interchangeable lens assembly side, and when mounting of the interchangeable lens assembly on the camera is detected, supply of power from the camera to the interchangeable lens assembly is started and communication between the camera and the interchangeable lens assembly is started. Accordingly, it is desirable that in a state in which the interchangeable lens assembly is mounted on the camera, the terminal pin equivalent to the camera-side MIF terminal be in contact with the terminal surface equivalent to the MIF terminal on the interchangeable lens assembly side in a more stable manner. However, <CIT> does not disclose a configuration having the terminal pin equivalent to the camera-side MIF terminal come into contact with the terminal surface equivalent to the MIF terminals on the interchangeable lens assembly side in a more stable manner.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose alternative camera accessories. The camera accessory of <CIT> is an interchangeable lens assembly having a lens mount as specified in the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a lens mount in which a terminal that is used to distinguish a type of the lens mount when mounted on a camera mount is provided at a different position, an accessory, a camera mount, an image pickup apparatus, and a camera system.

The present disclosure in its first aspect provides a lens mount as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>, and an accessory as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The present disclosure in its second aspect provides a camera mount as specified in claim <NUM>, and an image pickup apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure in its third aspect provides a camera system as specified in claim <NUM>.

Each of the embodiments of the present invention described below can be implemented solely or as a combination of a plurality of the embodiments. Also, features from different embodiments can be combined where necessary or where the combination of elements or features from individual embodiments in a single embodiment is beneficial.

Referring first to <FIG>, a camera system that is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the camera system according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an interchangeable lens assembly (an optical apparatus, an accessory, a lens apparatus) <NUM> that is a camera accessory, and a camera body (an image pickup apparatus) <NUM> on which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is detachably mounted. In other words, the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be mounted and dismounted from the camera body <NUM>.

The interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> includes a lens <NUM>, and a lens drive unit <NUM> including an actuator that moves and operates optical members, such as a lens unit and an aperture (both not shown), included in the lens <NUM>. Furthermore, the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> includes a lens control unit <NUM> including a microcomputer that controls communication between a camera control unit <NUM> through a mount <NUM> and that controls the lens drive unit <NUM>. Note that the lens <NUM> may include only a single lens unit or may include a plurality of lens unit. The same applies to the aperture.

Herein, the lens unit is a term denoting a single lens element, a single cemented lens, or a collective plurality of lenses, in which an interval with an adjacent lens unit changes when zooming or focusing. Furthermore, the lens <NUM> includes a zooming lens unit that is a lens unit that moves in an optical axis direction to perform zooming, and a focusing lens unit that moves in the optical axis direction to perform focusing. The lens <NUM> further includes a shift lens unit that moves in directions different from the optical axis direction to perform camera shake correction. Note that the lens <NUM> does not have to include the zooming lens unit and the shift lens unit. Configuration of Camera Body <NUM>.

The camera body <NUM> includes an image sensor (an image pickup element) <NUM> that is a charge-storage type solid-state image pickup element that outputs an electric signal after photoelectrically converting an image of a subject, which is an optical image formed by the lens <NUM> in the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. The camera body <NUM> further includes an A/D conversion unit <NUM> that converts an analog electrical signal output from the image sensor <NUM> into a digital signal, and an image processor <NUM> that generates an image signal by performing various types of image processing on the digital signal converted by the A/D conversion unit <NUM>.

The image signal (a still image or a moving image) generated with the image processor <NUM> is displayed on a display unit <NUM> or is recorded in a recording medium <NUM>. Furthermore, the camera body <NUM> includes a memory <NUM> that functions as a buffer when processing is performed on the image signal. The memory <NUM> stores an operation program used by the camera control unit <NUM> described later. The camera body <NUM> further includes a camera operation input unit <NUM> including a power switch that turns the power source on and off, a photographing switch that starts recording of an image signal, and a selecting/setting switch to perform setting of various menus.

The camera body <NUM> further includes the camera control unit <NUM> that includes a microcomputer. The camera control unit <NUM> performs various settings based on signals input from the camera operation input unit <NUM>, and controls the communication between the lens control unit <NUM> included in the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> through the mount <NUM>.

Referring next to <FIG>, a configuration of the electrical connection between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> will be described. <FIG> illustrates an electric circuit configuration when the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> are connected to each other through the mount <NUM>, terminals (electrical contacts) provided in the mount <NUM> to electrically connect the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to each other, and a state in which the terminals are connected to each other.

The mount <NUM> in the camera system includes a mount portion (a first mount portion) A on the camera body <NUM> side and a mount portion (a second mount portion) B on the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> side. The mount portion A and the mount portion B include a plurality of terminals (contact points or electrical contacts) that are capable of being electrically connected to the counterparts. More specifically, the mount <NUM> includes VDD terminals and VBAT terminals that supply power to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> from the camera body <NUM>, DGND terminals and PGND terminals that are ground terminals. The mount <NUM> further includes LCLK terminals, DCL terminals, DLC terminals, DLC2 terminals, CS terminals, and DCA terminals that are communication terminals for the camera control unit <NUM> and the lens control unit <NUM> to communicate with each other. As other terminals, the mount <NUM> further includes MIF terminals that detect that the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted on the camera body <NUM>, and TYPE terminals that distinguish the type of camera accessory that has been mounted on the camera body <NUM>. Hereinafter, a more detailed description of the terminals will be given.

The VDD terminals are terminals that supply communication control power (VDD), which is communication power used mainly to control communication, to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> from the camera body <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the communication control power is <NUM> V. The VBAT terminals are terminals that supply driving power (VBAT), which is driving power used in operations other than the above communication control, such as operations of mechanical drive systems and the like mainly including a motor and the like, to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> from the camera body <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the driving power is <NUM> V.

The DGND terminals are terminals that connect the camera body <NUM> and the communication control system of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to the ground. In other words, the DGND terminals are ground (GND) terminals corresponding to the VDD power source described above. Grounding herein is setting to a level that is the same as the level of the negative electrode-side of the power source such as a battery. The PGND terminals are terminals that connect the camera body <NUM> and the mechanical drive system, such as a motor, provided in the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to the ground. In other words, the PGND terminals are grounding (GND) terminals that correspond to the VBAT power source described above.

The communication terminals include a terminal unit (the LCLK, DCL, and DLC terminals) that is a first communication unit that performs the first communication, and terminals (the DLC2 terminals) that are a second communication unit that performs the second communication independent of the first communication. The communication terminals further include a terminal unit (the CS, and DCA terminals) that is a third communication unit that performs the third communication independent of the first and second communications. The camera control unit <NUM> and the lens control unit <NUM> are capable of performing the first, second, and third communications that are independent of each other through the above communication terminals.

The LCLK terminals are terminals for communication clock signals output from the camera body <NUM> to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, and are also terminals in which the camera body <NUM> monitors a busy state of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. The DCL terminals are terminals for two-way communication data between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, and are CMOS interfaces. The DLC terminals are terminals for communication data that is output from the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to the camera body <NUM>, and are CMOS interfaces.

The DLC2 terminals are terminals for communication data that is output from the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to the camera body <NUM>, and are CMOS interfaces. The DCA terminals are terminals for two-way communication data between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, and are CMOS interfaces. The CS terminals are terminals for a communication request signal between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, and are open interfaces.

MIF terminals are terminals for detecting whether the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted on the camera body <NUM>, and whether the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been dismounted from the camera body <NUM>. After detecting that the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted on the camera body <NUM> by detecting the change in the voltage level of the MIF terminals, the camera control unit <NUM> starts supplying power to the VDD terminals and the VBAT terminals, and starts communication. In other words, the MIF terminals are triggers that start the supply of power from the camera body <NUM> to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>.

As described above, the TYPE terminals are terminals that distinguish the type of camera accessory mounted on the camera body <NUM>. The camera control unit <NUM> detects the voltages of the signals of the TYPE terminals, and based on the value of the voltages, distinguishes the type of camera accessory mounted on the camera body <NUM>. The interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is pull-down connected to the DGND terminals at a predetermined resistance value described later. In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>, communication is performed while the interface voltages of the first communication unit, the second communication unit, and the third communication unit are set to <NUM> V. Configuration of Mechanical Connection between Camera Body <NUM> and Interchangeable Lens Assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views of external appearances of the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a state in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a state in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been dismounted from the camera body <NUM>. The camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> are connected to each other by moving the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> in the unlocking position to the locking position while reference surfaces of a camera mount <NUM> and a lens mount <NUM> are in contact with each other. Note that herein, the camera mount <NUM> is a mount portion (a first mount portion) on an image pickup apparatus side, and the lens mount <NUM> is a mount portion (a second mount portion) on an optical apparatus side. Note that in the following description, a second conversion adapter <NUM> has a camera mount <NUM> same as the camera mount <NUM> of the camera body <NUM>. And, note that in the following description, a first conversion adapter <NUM> has a lens mount <NUM> same as the lens mount <NUM> of the first lens <NUM>. And note that the camera mount <NUM> and the lens mount <NUM> have the ring-shaped, but this is not restrictive in the present embodiments. For example, a configuration may be employed where this is realized by each of the camera mount <NUM> and lens mount <NUM> have an arc-shaped contact faces, may be employed in the configuration. In other words, a configuration may be employed where this is realized by the camera mount <NUM> and the lens mount <NUM> are lacked a part of the contact face.

<FIG> are exploded perspective views of the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of the camera body <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates an exposed perspective view of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. An optical axis <NUM> is an optical axis of the lens <NUM> included in the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, and in a state in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>, a light flux for imaging passing along the optical axis <NUM> can enter the image sensor <NUM>.

Members included in the camera body <NUM> will each be described next.

A lock pin <NUM> is a restriction member (a locking member, a convex portion) that restricts (locks) a mounted state of the camera body <NUM> and the camera accessory. Note that the lock pin <NUM> can be advanced and retreated in a direction parallel to the optical axis <NUM>. Specifically, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>, the lock pin <NUM> enters a lock pin groove (a concave portion, a groove portion, a recess) 301z of the lens mount <NUM> to lock the state in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> and the camera body <NUM> are locked to each other.

A holding member <NUM> is a camera-side terminal holding member that holds a plurality of terminal pins 203a to <NUM>, and <NUM> provided on the camera body <NUM> side.

A camera body member <NUM> is a camera housing that holds the members of the camera body <NUM>. Specifically, the camera mount <NUM> and the holding member <NUM> described above are fastened to the camera body member <NUM> with fastening screws 205a to 205d for the camera mount <NUM> and fastening screws for the holding member <NUM> (not shown). Note that the camera body member <NUM> holds an image pickup unit (not shown) on which the image sensor <NUM> is mounted and a shutter unit (not shown).

A lens mount biasing member <NUM> is a camera-side biasing member that draws in described-later first to third lens claw portions (a plurality of second engagement portions and a plurality of second bayonet claw portions) 301d to 301f provided in the lens mount <NUM> towards a camera mount <NUM> side. The lens mount biasing member <NUM> is interposed in a space between the camera mount <NUM> and the camera body member <NUM>.

Members included in the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> will each be described next.

A front lens 101a and a rear lens 101b are optical members included in the lens <NUM>. Naturally, the lens <NUM> may include lenses other than the front lens 101a and the rear lens 101b.

The lens mount <NUM> is a mount portion on the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> side. A lens barrel (an accessory main body) <NUM> is a lens holding member that holds the lens <NUM>. The lens mount <NUM> is fastened to the lens barrel <NUM> with lens mount fastening screws (mount fixing members) 304a to 304d.

A holding member <NUM> is a lens-side terminal holding member that holds a plurality of terminal surfaces 303a to <NUM>, and <NUM> provided on the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> side. The holding member <NUM> is fasted to the lens mount <NUM> with lens contact portion holding portion fastening screws 305a and 305b.

Referring next to <FIG>, a configuration of the camera mount <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> are drawings of the camera mount <NUM> viewed from a photographer side (a rear side of the camera body <NUM>) of the camera body <NUM>. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a normal position state, which is a state most frequently used when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>. In the normal position state, a camera grip 204a of the camera body <NUM> is positioned on the left side when viewed from a subject side.

<FIG> is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the camera body <NUM> taken along line VB-VB. In <FIG>, the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted and the camera body <NUM> is in the normal position state. Line VB-VB extends in the vertical direction that passes the middle of the camera mount <NUM>. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a vertical position state, which is a state used second most frequently with respect to the normal position state when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>. In the vertical position state, the camera body <NUM> is set so that the camera grip 204a is on the upper side (the lock pin <NUM> being positioned on the lower side when the camera mount <NUM> is viewed from the photographer side). <FIG> is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the camera body <NUM> taken along line VIB-VIB. In <FIG>, the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted and the camera body <NUM> is in the vertical position state. Line VIB-VIB passes the middle of the camera mount <NUM>, extends in the vertical direction, and is orthogonal to line VB-VB.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of camera claw portions are provided in the camera mount <NUM>. The plurality of camera claw portions are a plurality of first engagement portions (a plurality of first bayonet claw portions) included in the camera mount <NUM> and each have widths in a radial direction and a circumferential direction of the opening. The plurality of camera claw portions herein are a first camera claw portion (a camera-side bayonet claw portion) 201a, a second camera claw portion 201b, and a third camera claw portion 201c.

In <FIG>, a space between the first camera claw portion 201a and the second camera claw portion 201b is referred to as a first camera cutaway (a first camera concave portion, a first camera recess) 201d, and a space between the second camera claw portion 201b and the third camera claw portion 201c is referred to as a second camera cutaway 201e. Furthermore, a space between the third camera claw portion 201c and the first camera claw portion 201a is referred to as a third camera cutaway 201f.

Herein, two ends of the first camera claw portion 201a are referred to as a first end 201a1 and a second end 201a2, and two ends of the second camera claw portion 201b are referred to as a third end 201b1 and a fourth end 201b2. Furthermore, two ends of the third camera claw portion 201c are referred to as a fifth end 201c1 and a sixth end 201c2.

Furthermore, an angle formed by a line connecting a center of the camera mount <NUM> and the first end 201a1, and a line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the second end 201a2 is assumed to be θa. An angle formed by a line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the third end 201b1, and a line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the fourth end 201b2 is assumed to be θb. Furthermore, an angle formed by a line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the fifth end 201c1, and a line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the sixth end 201c2 is assumed to be θc. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, θa = <NUM>°, θb = <NUM>°, θc = <NUM>° are satisfied. Each of θa, θb, and θc are angles of the corresponding camera claw portions in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, assuming that an angle formed by the line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the second end 201a2, and the line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the third end 201b1 is an angle of the first camera cutaway 201d in the circumferential direction, the above angle is <NUM>° in the present exemplary embodiment. Similarly, an angle of the second camera cutaway 201e in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°, an angle of the third camera cutaway 201f in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°.

Furthermore, a line segment connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and a center of the lock pin <NUM> is referred to as a reference line. Furthermore, an angle in which the first camera claw portion 201a is disposed is assumed to be in the range of an angle formed between the line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the first end 201a1 and the reference line to an angle formed between the line connecting the center of the camera mount <NUM> and the second end 201a2 and the reference line. The angle in which the first camera claw portion 201a is disposed is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Similarly, an angle in which the second camera claw portion 201b is disposed is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and an angle in which the third camera claw portion 201c is disposed is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

Herein, θa is divided by a center line <NUM> that is a line that passes the center of the lock pin <NUM> and the center of the camera mount <NUM> into an angle θa1 on the upper side of the center line <NUM> and an angle θa2 on the lower side. In the present exemplary embodiment, the camera claw portions and the camera cutaways are disposed so that relationships θc ≥ θa + θb, and θa1 + θc > θa2 + θb are satisfied.

By employing such a configuration, the strength of the camera claw portion above the center line <NUM> of the camera mount <NUM>, or the center line <NUM> that extends in the horizontal direction, can be increased. Accordingly, in the camera body <NUM> in the normal position state on which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted, deformation of the camera claw portions supporting the weight of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be suppressed and tilting of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> in the vertical direction can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the third camera claw portion 201c is disposed so that a center line <NUM> passing the center of the camera mount <NUM> passes at least a portion of third camera claw portion 201c when the camera body <NUM> is in the normal position state. The center line <NUM> passing the center of the camera mount <NUM> is a line orthogonal to the center line <NUM> that passes the center of the lock pin <NUM> and the center of the camera mount <NUM>. The center line <NUM> extends in the vertical direction from a center axis parallel with the optical axis <NUM>. In other words, the center line <NUM> is a vertical line that passes though the center axis of the camera mount <NUM> and orthogonal to the center axis of the camera mount <NUM> when the camera body <NUM> is placed on a horizontal plane.

With the above configuration, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the normal position state, a space Δ1, described later, in a direction parallel to the optical axis <NUM> between the third lens claw portion 301f and the third camera claw portion 201c can be reduced. Accordingly, when the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> are in the normal position state, the space created by the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> in the gravity direction (a direction orthogonal to the optical axis) with the camera body <NUM> while the camera mount <NUM> supports the weight of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first camera claw portion 201a is disposed so that the center line <NUM> passing the center of the camera mount <NUM> when the camera body <NUM> is in the normal position state passes at least a portion of the first camera claw portion 201a.

With the above configuration, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the vertical position state, a space Δ2 in a direction parallel to the optical axis <NUM> between the first lens claw portion 301d and the first camera claw portion 201a can be reduced. Accordingly, in the camera body <NUM> in the vertical position state on which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted, the space created by the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> in the gravity direction with the camera body <NUM> while the camera mount <NUM> supports the weight of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be reduced.

A configuration of the lens mount <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram of the lens mount <NUM> of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, viewed from the photographer side, in a state (a lock phase state) in which the lens mount <NUM> is locked to the camera body <NUM> that is in the normal position state, which is a state in which the lock pin groove 301z is positioned on the left side when viewed from the photographer side.

The lens mount <NUM> are provided with the first lens claw portion (a lens-side bayonet claw portion) 301d, the second lens claw portion 301e, and the third lens claw portion 301f as a plurality of second engagement portions having widths in the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the opening included in the lens mount <NUM>. The lens mount <NUM> is further provided with a circumferential-direction positioning pin 301y that prevents the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> from rotating excessively from the desired position when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>. By having the positioning pin 301y come in contact with the fourth end 201b2, the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is stopped from rotating past the desired position described above.

Referring to <FIG>, a space between the third lens claw portion 301f and the first lens claw portion 301d is referred to as a first lens cutaway 301a, and a space between the first lens claw portion 301d and the second lens claw portion 301e is referred to as a second lens cutaway 301b. Furthermore, a space between the second lens claw portion 301e and the third lens claw portion 301f is referred to as a third lens cutaway 301c.

Furthermore, two ends of the first lens claw portion 301d are referred to as a first end 301d1 and a second end 301d2, and two ends of the second lens claw portion 301e are referred to as a third end 301e1 and a fourth end 301e2. Furthermore, two ends of the third lens claw portion 301f are referred to as a fifth end 301f1 and a sixth end 301f2.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an angle of the first lens claw portion 301d in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°, an angle of the second lens claw portion 301e in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°, and an angle of the third lens claw portion 301f in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°. The angle of the first lens claw portion 301d in the circumferential direction herein is an angle formed between a line connecting a center of the lens mount <NUM> and the first end 301d1, and a line that connects the center of the lens mount <NUM> and the second end 301d2. The angles of the second lens claw portion 301e and the third lens claw portion 301f in the circumferential direction can be defined in a similar manner to the definition of the angle of the first lens claw portion 301d in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, assuming that an angle formed by a line connecting the center of the lens mount <NUM> and the fifth end 301f1, and a line connecting the center of the lens mount <NUM> and the first end 301d1 is an angle of the first lens cutaway 301a in the circumferential direction, the above angle is <NUM>° in the present exemplary embodiment. Similarly, an angle of the second lens cutaway 301b in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°, an angle of the third lens cutaway 301c in the circumferential direction is <NUM>°.

Furthermore, a line segment connecting the center of the lens mount <NUM> and a center of the lock pin groove 301z is referred to as a reference line. Furthermore, an angle in which the first lens claw portion 301d is disposed is assumed to be in the range of an angle formed between the line connecting the center of the lens mount <NUM> and the first end 301d1 and the reference line to an angle formed between a line connecting the center of the lens mount <NUM> and the second end 301d2 and the reference line. The angle in which the first lens claw portion 301d is disposed is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Similarly, an angle in which the second lens claw portion 301e is disposed is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and an angle in which the third lens claw portion 301f is disposed is in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

Note that in the normal position state, a center line that passes the center of the lens mount <NUM> and that is orthogonal to a center line <NUM> that passes the center of the lock pin groove 301z and the center of the lens mount <NUM> is referred to as a center line <NUM>. The center line <NUM> passes at least a portion of the second lens claw portion 301e and at least a portion of the third lens claw portion 301f. With the above, deformation of the lens claw portions due to the above-described space Δ1 illustrated in <FIG> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> attempting to tilt in the vertical direction can be reduced. The center line <NUM> is a vertical line that passes through a center axis of the lens mount <NUM> and orthogonal to the center axis of the lens mount <NUM> when the camera body <NUM> which is attached the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is placed on a horizontal plane.

Furthermore, the first lens claw portion 301d is disposed so that the center line <NUM> passes at least a portion of the first lens claw portion 301d. With the above, deformation of the lens claw portions due to the above-described space Δ2 illustrated in <FIG> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> attempting to tilt in the vertical direction can be reduced.

Referring next to <FIG>, the dispositional relationship between the camera mount <NUM> and camera-side terminals described above will be described.

<FIG> is a diagram of the dispositional relationship between the camera mount <NUM>, the plurality of terminal pins 203a to <NUM>, and <NUM> that are the plurality of camera-side terminals (first terminals), and the holding member <NUM> viewed from the subject side (a front side of the camera body <NUM>). <FIG> is a diagram of the camera mount <NUM>, the terminal pins 203a to <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the holding member <NUM> viewed from obliquely above and from the subject side (the front side of the camera body <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the holding member <NUM>, the terminal pins 203a to <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged on a camera terminal pin arrangement line <NUM>. The terminal pins 203a to <NUM>, and <NUM> are each a movable terminal that can be advanced and retreated in a direction parallel to the optical axis <NUM>, and are biased towards the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> side with springs (not shown).

The relationship between the terminals illustrated in <FIG> described above and the terminal pins is as follows. In other words, the terminal pin 203a is the camera-side VDD terminal, the terminal pin 203b is the camera-side VBAT terminal, the terminal pin 203c is the camera-side TYPE terminal, the terminal pin 203d is the camera-side PGND terminal, and the terminal pin 203e is the camera-side MIF terminal. Furthermore, the terminal pin 203f is the camera-side DCL terminal, the terminal pin <NUM> is the camera-side DLC terminal, the terminal pin <NUM> is the camera-side LCLK terminal, the terminal pin 203i is the camera-side DLC2 terminal, and the terminal pin 203j is the camera-side DCA terminal. Furthermore, the terminal pin <NUM> is the camera-side CS terminal, the terminal pin <NUM> is the camera-side DGND terminal.

As illustrated in <FIG>, heights of the terminal pins 203a, 203b, 203c, and 203d in an optical axis <NUM> direction are higher than heights of the terminal pins 203e, 203f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 203i, 203j, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the optical axis <NUM> direction. The above is because the holding member <NUM> includes two surfaces that have different heights in the optical axis <NUM> direction in which the terminal pins 203a, 203b, 203c, and 203d are provided in the higher surface and the rest of the terminal pins are provided in the lower surface.

In other words, all of the terminal pins of the present exemplary embodiment are not provided in surfaces at the same height. By having such a configuration, the present exemplary embodiment is capable of suppressing abrasion of the terminals caused by the camera-side terminals sliding against the lens-side terminals when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>. More specifically, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is rotated from the locking position to the unlocking position to mount the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> on the camera body <NUM>, there is a period in which the terminal pins 203e to <NUM>, and <NUM> are not in contact with the lens-side terminals. Accordingly, the abrasion of the terminals described above can be suppressed.

Referring next to <FIG>, the dispositional relationship between the lens mount <NUM> and lens-side terminals described above will be described. <FIG> is a diagram of the dispositional relationship between the lens mount <NUM> in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is in the lock phase state, the terminal surfaces 303a to <NUM>, and <NUM> that are the plurality of lens-side terminals (second terminals), and the holding member <NUM> viewed from the photographer side. <FIG> is a diagram of the lens mount <NUM>, the terminal surfaces 303a to <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the holding member <NUM> viewed from obliquely above from the photographer side in a case in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is in the lock phase state and in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is mounted on the camera body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the holding member <NUM>, the terminal surfaces 303a to <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged on a lens contact point arrangement line <NUM>. The relationship between the terminals illustrated in <FIG> described above and the terminal surfaces is as follows. In other words, the terminal surface 303a is the lens-side VDD terminal, the terminal surface 303b is the lens-side VBAT terminal, the terminal surface 303c is the lens-side TYPE terminal, the terminal surface 303d is the lens-side PGND terminal, and the terminal surface 303e is the lens-side MIF terminal.

Furthermore, the terminal surface 303f is the lens-side DCL terminal, the terminal surface <NUM> is the lens-side DLC terminal, the terminal surface <NUM> is the lens-side LCLK terminal, the terminal surface 303i is the lens-side DLC2 terminal, and the terminal surface 303j is the lens-side DCA terminal. Furthermore, the terminal surface <NUM> is the lens-side CS terminal, and the terminal surface <NUM> is the lens-side DGND terminal.

As illustrated in <FIG>, heights of the terminal surfaces 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d in the optical axis <NUM> direction are lower than heights of the terminal surfaces 303e, 303f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 303i, 303j, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the optical axis <NUM> direction. The above is because the holding member <NUM> includes two surfaces that have different heights in the optical axis <NUM> direction in which the terminal surfaces 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are provided on the lower surface and the rest of the terminal surfaces are provided on the higher surface. By having the lens-side terminals have the above configuration that corresponds to the configuration of the camera-side terminals described above, the abrasion of the terminals described above can be suppressed.

Reference numerals 303n and 303p are guiding inclined faces (inducing oblique surfaces) for mounting the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> on the camera body <NUM> by pushing the terminal pins towards the image sensor <NUM> side when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is rotated. By providing the guiding inclined faces, the contact pressure against the lens mount <NUM> of the terminal pins provided on the camera body <NUM> side changes in a gentle and stepwise manner; accordingly, deformation of the terminal pins provided on the camera body <NUM> side can be reduced. Operation of Attaching Interchangeable Lens Assembly <NUM> on Camera Body <NUM>.

Referring next to <FIG>, an operation of fitting the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> on the camera body <NUM> will be described.

The operation of mounting a camera accessory, such as the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, on the camera body <NUM> can be broadly separated into a first operation and a second operation described next.

The first operation is an operation in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is inserted into the camera body <NUM> by setting the positions of the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to predetermined positions in the rotation direction so as to allow the lens claw portions enter the camera cutaways and is an operation in which a lens-side diameter fitting portion 301x in <FIG> and a camera-side diameter fitting portion 201x in <FIG> are diametrically fitted to each other. Furthermore, the second operation is an operation in which, while the lens-side diameter fitting portion 301x and the camera-side diameter fitting portion 201x are diametrically fitted to each other, relatively rotating the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> towards the locking position, and is an operation bringing the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to a bayonet coupled state.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an insertion phase state (a first state) when the camera body <NUM> is attached to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment viewed from the camera mount <NUM> side (the photographer side). Note that the insertion phase state refers to a state in which the first lens claw portion 301d is inserted in the first camera cutaway 201d, the second lens claw portion 301e is inserted in the second camera cutaway 201e, and the third lens claw portion 301f is inserted in the third camera cutaway 201f. The lens-side diameter fitting portion 301x and the camera-side diameter fitting portion 201x are diametrically fitted to each other in the above state.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a lock phase state (a second state) when the camera body <NUM> is attached to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment viewed from the camera mount <NUM> side (the photographer side). Note that the lock phase state is a state in which the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is, from the insertion phase state illustrated in <FIG> described above, rotated <NUM>° in the clockwise direction when viewed from the subject side of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> to engage the lens claw portions and the camera claw portions to each other.

More specifically, in the lock phase state, the first lens claw portion 301d is positioned on the image sensor <NUM> side of the first camera claw portion 201a, and the second lens claw portion 301e is positioned on the image sensor <NUM> side of the second camera claw portion 201b. Furthermore, the third lens claw portion 301f is positioned on the image sensor <NUM> side of the third camera claw portion 201c. The lens claw portions and the camera claw portions are engaged with each other in the above state, and the lock pin <NUM> is inserted in the lock pin groove 301z; accordingly, rotation of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is locked. Furthermore, in the lock phase state, the lens claw portions are biased towards the image sensor <NUM> with the lens mount biasing member <NUM>. Note that in place of the lens mount biasing member <NUM>, a flat spring portion may be provided in each camera claw portion.

Furthermore, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is transitioned from the insertion phase state to the lock phase state, the terminal pins on the camera body <NUM> side are pressed towards the image sensor <NUM> side with the guiding inclined faces 303n and 303q described above.

Furthermore, while being continuously pressed, each of the terminal pins on the camera body <NUM> side come in contact with the corresponding terminal surfaces 303a to <NUM>, and <NUM>. Note that the terminal pin <NUM> and the terminal surface 303e come in contact with each other first.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, the terminal surface 303e, which is the lens-side MIF terminal, is inside an angle range C that is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided. The angle range C herein is, viewed in the direction in which the optical axis <NUM> extends (viewed in a central axis direction of the optical apparatus), a range between a half line extending from the optical axis <NUM> (the central axis of the optical apparatus) and passing the third end 301e1, and a half line extending from the optical axis <NUM> and passing the fourth end 301e2. The terminal surfaces 303e being inside angle range C, which is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided, can be paraphrased as bellow. In other words, in a case in which, when viewed in the optical axis <NUM> direction, a first line is assumed to be a half line in which the optical axis <NUM> is an end thereof and is a half line that passes the third end 301e1, and a second line is assumed to be a half line in which the optical axis <NUM> is and end thereof and is a half line that passes the fourth end 301e2, the terminal surface 303e is in the region surrounded by the outer periphery of the lens-side diameter fitting portion 301x, the first line, and the second line. Note that the expression of angle ranges D and E described later can be paraphrased in a similar manner to angle range C described above.

As described above, the MIF terminal is a terminal that detects that the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted on the camera body <NUM>. Furthermore, when it is detected with the MIF terminal that the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted on the camera body <NUM>, supply of power to the VDD terminal and the VBAT terminal is started and communication between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is started. Accordingly, it is desirable that the terminal pin 203e that is the MIF terminal on the camera side and the terminal surface 303e that is the MIF terminal on the lens side are in contact with the counterparts in a stable manner.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the camera-side MIF terminal, which determines whether the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been mounted on the camera body <NUM>, can be in contact with the lens-side MIF terminal in a more stable manner with the configuration described above illustrated in <FIG>. Since the camera-side MIF terminal and the lens-side MIF terminal are in contact with each other in a stable manner, communication between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be stated in a stable manner. Furthermore, operation of the communication protocol between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> becomes stable and high-speed communication can be performed.

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, communication between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be performed in a stable manner. As a result, through further increase in the communication speed, usability of the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> can be improved and new pieces of information can be exchanged between the camera body <NUM> and the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>; accordingly, a new function can be added to the camera system.

Note that the terminal surfaces 303e, which is a lens-side MIF terminal, being inside angle range C, which is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided, can be paraphrased as bellow. In other words, as illustrated in <FIG>, when viewed in the central axis direction of the lens mount <NUM>, a half line that passes the terminal surface 303e, which is the lens-side MIF terminal, and the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> passes the second lens claw portion 301e, which is a predetermined second bayonet claw portion.

Furthermore, when the accessory is the interchangeable lens assembly, the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> may be the optical axis of the interchangeable lens assembly, or may be the central axis of the opening of the lens mount <NUM>.

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lens-side terminals are provided at positions that are different from those of the plurality of lens-side bayonet claw portions. More specifically, while the plurality of lens-side bayonet claw portions are positioned outside the opening included in the lens mount <NUM>, the plurality of lens-side terminals are positioned inside the opening.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in addition to the terminal surface 303e that is the lens-side MIF terminal, the lens-side communication terminals are also provided inside angle range C that is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided. The lens-side communication terminals herein are the terminal surface 303f, the terminal surface <NUM>, the terminal surface <NUM>, the terminal surface 303i, the terminal surface 303j, and the terminal surface <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, all of the above-described lens-side communication terminals are inside angle range C, which is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided. With such a configuration, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is attached to the camera body <NUM>, the lens-side communication terminals are positioned in the region or near the region that is stable due to the bayonet coupling between the camera claw portions and the lens claw portions. Accordingly, when imaging is actually carried out, communication between the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> and the camera body <NUM> can be performed in a further stable manner. Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, all of the lens-side communication terminals are inside angle range C, which is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided. However, for example, it is only sufficient that half or more of the lens-side communication terminals, more preferably, <NUM> percent or more thereof are inside angle range C, where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided.

Note that all of the above-described lens-side communication terminals being inside angle range C, where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided, can be paraphrases as follows. In other words, as illustrated in <FIG>, when viewed in the central axis direction of the lens mount <NUM>, half lines that pass the plurality of lens-side communication terminals and the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> all pass the second lens claw portion 301e, which is a predetermined second bayonet claw portion.

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, a length of the holding member <NUM>, which is a lens-side terminal holding portion, in the circumferential direction is longer than a length of a single lens-side bayonet claw portion. Accordingly, all of the lens-side terminals cannot be disposed inside angle range C. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, the terminal surface 303e, which is the lens-side MIF terminal that is especially important, and all of the lens-side communication terminals are priority disposed inside angle range C.

Referring next to <FIG>, a dispositional relationship between the lens claw portions and the positioning pin (a protrusion) 303p will be described.

The positioning pin 303p is provided in the holding member <NUM>, and is a pin that extends outwardly in the radial direction of the opening included in the lens mount <NUM>. By inserting the positioning pin 303p in a hole portion 301h3 provided in the lens mount, the position of the holding member <NUM> with respect to the lens mount <NUM> is determined. In a state in which the positioning pin 303p is inserted in the hole portion 301h3, by using hole portions 301h2 and 301h4 provided in the lens mount <NUM> and screws (not shown), the holding member <NUM> can be fixed to the lens mount <NUM>. Note that a hole portion 301h1 is a hole portion in which the positioning pin 301y described above is inserted to suppress the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> from rotating past the desired position. Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, the hole portions are through holes; however, for example, the hole portion 301h3 may be a recess with a bottom and does not have to be a through hole as long as the hole portion 301h3 engages with the positioning pin 303p.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the terminal surface 303e, which is the lens-side MIF terminal, is inside an angle range C that is where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided. In addition to the above, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, the positioning pin 303p is also inside angle range C (<FIG>), where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided. With such a configuration, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is attached to the camera body <NUM>, the positioning pin 303p is positioned in the region or near the region that is stable due to the bayonet coupling between the camera claw portions and the lens claw portions. Accordingly, when imaging is actually carried out, in a case in which external force such as a vibration or an impact when dropped is applied to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> or the camera body <NUM>, deviation in the position of the holding member <NUM> can be suppressed.

Note that the above-described positioning pin 303p as well as being inside angle range C, where the second lens claw portion 301e is provided, can also be described as follows. In other words, when viewed in the central axis direction of the lens mount <NUM>, a half line that passes the positioning pin 303p and the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> passes the second lens claw portion 301e, which is a predetermined second bayonet claw portion. Dispositional Relationship between Terminal Surface 303e and Positioning Pin 303p.

Furthermore, as described above, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> transitions from the insertion phase state to the lock phase state, the first terminal pin and the terminal surface that come into contact with each other are the terminal pin <NUM> and the terminal surface 303e. Accordingly, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> is attached to the camera body <NUM>, it is desirable that the terminal surface 303e is stable. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the terminal surface 303e is provided near to the positioning pin 303p in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM>. With the above arrangement, when the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> transitions from the insertion phase state to the lock phase state, the terminal surface 303e, which is the terminal surface that comes in contact with the terminal pin first, and the terminal pin are in contact with each other in a more stable manner.

As described above, the terminal surface 303e being provided near the positioning pin 303p, can also be described as follows. In other words, in an interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> in the normal position state (the lock pin groove 301z on the left side), the positioning pin 303p is provided within the angle range D between a line passing a center of the terminal surface 303d and the optical axis <NUM>, and a line passing a center of the terminal surface <NUM> and the optical axis <NUM>. Note that the terminal surface 303d is a terminal surface next to the terminal surface 303e in an anticlockwise direction, and the terminal surface <NUM> is a terminal surface that is two terminal surfaces next to the terminal surface 303e in the clockwise direction. Furthermore, it is desirable that positioning pin 303p be positioned in angle range E between a line passing a center of the terminal surface 303e and the optical axis <NUM>, and a line passing the center of the terminal surface <NUM> and the optical axis <NUM>.

The dispositional relationship between the terminal surface 303e and the positioning pin 303p can also be described as follows. In other words, while having the terminal surface 303e that is a lens-side MIF terminal as a reference terminal, among the plurality of lens-side terminals, a lens-side terminal that is, when viewed from the terminal surface 303e, nearest to the terminal surface 303e in a first direction (the anticlockwise direction in <FIG>) is referred to as a first adjacent terminal. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first adjacent terminal is the terminal surface 303d. Furthermore, among the plurality of lens-side terminals, a lens-side terminal that is, when viewed from the terminal surface 303e, nearest to the terminal surface 303e in a second direction (the clockwise direction in <FIG>), which is a direction opposite to the first direction, is referred to as a second adjacent terminal. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second adjacent terminal is the terminal surface 303f. Furthermore, among the plurality of lens-side terminals, a lens-side terminal that is nearest to the second adjacent terminal in the second direction is referred to as a third adjacent terminal. In the present exemplary embodiment, the third adjacent terminal is the terminal surface <NUM>.

In the above description, the positioning pin 303p and the hole portion 301h3 are inside angle range D from the terminal surface 303d to the terminal surface <NUM>. Furthermore, more preferably, the positioning pin 303p and the hole portion 301h3 (<FIG>) are inside angle range E from the terminal surface 303e to the terminal surface <NUM> (<FIG>). The angle range D herein is, when viewed in the optical axis <NUM> direction, a half line extending from the optical axis <NUM> and passing the center of the terminal surface 303d, and a half line extending from the optical axis <NUM> and passing the center of the terminal surface <NUM>. Using the optical axis <NUM>, the center of the terminal surface 303e, and the center of the terminal surface <NUM>, angle range E can be defined in a similar manner to angle range D.

The dispositional relationship above can also be described as follows. In other words, when viewed in the central axis direction of the lens mount <NUM>, the positioning pin 303p and the hole portion 301h3 are inside a region between a half line that passes the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> and the first adjacent terminal, and a half line that passes the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> and the third adjacent terminal.

Furthermore, when viewed in the central axis direction of the lens mount <NUM>, the positioning pin 303p and the hole portion 301h3 are inside a region between a half line that passes the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> and the reference terminal, and a half line that passes the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> and the third adjacent terminal.

Note that the center of the terminal surface is, when the terminal surface is rectangular, an intersection of the two diagonal lines of the terminal surface when viewed in the optical axis direction. In a case in which the terminal surface is rectangular, or is not rectangular and has a round shape, or the like, the center of the terminal surface may be, when viewed in the optical axis direction, the center of gravity of the terminal surface.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the terminal surface 303c that is the lens-side TYPE terminal is not inside angle range C. In other words, when viewed in the central axis direction of the lens mount <NUM>, a half line that passes the terminal surface 303c that is the lens-side TYPE terminal that distinguishes the type of accessory mounted on the camera, and the central axis of the lens mount <NUM> passes the cutaway between the plurality of second bayonet claw portions.

While a preferable embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment and may be deformed and modified within the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been described by exemplifying an interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> serving as the optical apparatus; however, the optical apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. For example, an adapter that can be interposed between the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> and the camera body <NUM> may serve as the optical apparatus (the accessory) of the present disclosure, and a mount of the adapter on the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> side may be the mount having the same configuration as that of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. Whether in the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>, or in the adapter, a member to which the lens mount <NUM> is fixed with the fastening screws 304a to 304d is referred to as the accessory main body.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a configuration in which the holding member <NUM> includes the positioning pin 303p, and the lens mount <NUM> includes the hole portion 301h3 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and the holding member <NUM> may include a hole portion or a recess, and the lens mount <NUM> may include a protrusion that engages with the hole portion or the recess. In other words, between the holding member <NUM> and the lens mount <NUM>, either one may include a protrusion, and the other one may include a hole portion or a recess.

Furthermore, the three bayonet claw portions provided in the mounts in the exemplary embodiment described above may each be divided so as to be further divided into segments. In other words, a single bayonet claw portion may be formed as a collection of a plurality of bayonet claw portions (a group of bayonet claw portions). For example, the above corresponds to a case in which a groove portion is provided in a single bayonet claw portion. In such a case, the angle range of the group of bayonet claw portions arranged in the circumferential direction of each mount is as in the exemplary embodiment described above.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment described above, a configuration has been described in which a device that includes either one of the camera mount and the accessory mount is actually rotated relative to a device that includes the other one of the camera mount and the accessory mount to bayonet couple the devices to each other; however, the configuration is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a configuration that allows the camera mount and the accessory mount to be bayonet coupled to each other by having the camera mount and the accessory mount be relatively rotated against each other may be employed. Hereinafter, the detail of the above will be described specifically.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a mount mechanism <NUM> according to a modification of the present disclosure. <FIG> are diagrams that exemplify a non-connected state of the mount mechanism <NUM> according to the modification of the present disclosure. <FIG> are diagrams that exemplify a connected state of the mount mechanism <NUM> according to the modification of the present disclosure. Note that in <FIG>, for the sake of description, a movable mount portion <NUM> of the mount mechanism <NUM>, and a lens mount <NUM> that is capable of being bayonet coupled to the movable mount portion <NUM> of the mount mechanism <NUM> are illustrated at the same time. Furthermore, description of members that are the same as those of the exemplary embodiment is omitted and the same reference numerals are attached to the members.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the mount mechanism <NUM> of the present modification, an operation portion <NUM>, a fixed mount portion <NUM>, the movable mount portion <NUM>, a contact point holding member <NUM> that have an optical axis <NUM> as the central axis are disposed in that order from the side on which the lens mount <NUM> is attached. The operation member <NUM> is a ring-shaped operation member rotatable about the central axis, and is connected to the movable mount portion <NUM> with arm portions <NUM> and screws. Note that in the present modification, the operation portion <NUM> and the movable mount portion <NUM> are fixed to each other at two portions using two arm portions <NUM> disposed in a direction orthogonal to the central axis. With the above configuration, the movable mount portion <NUM> is also rotated about the central axis in accordance with the rotating operation of the operation portion <NUM> in an integrated manner.

Movable mount claw portions 5011a, 5011b, and 5011c capable of being bayonet coupled to bayonet claw portions 301a to 301c provided in the lens mount <NUM> are provided in the movable mount portion <NUM>. Furthermore, a screw portion <NUM> threaded about the central axis is provided in the movable mount portion <NUM>. The state in which the screw portion <NUM> and a screw portion <NUM> of the fixed mount portion <NUM> described later are screwed to each other changes in accordance with the rotation of the movable mount portion <NUM> about the central axis.

The fixed mount portion <NUM> includes a camera mount surface <NUM> that abuts against a mount surface of the lens mount <NUM>, and the screw portion <NUM> that is screwed to the screw portion <NUM> of the movable mount portion <NUM> described above. Different from the movable mount portion <NUM> described above, the fixed mount portion <NUM> does not rotate about the central axis in accordance with the rotating operation of the operation portion <NUM>.

Referring next to <FIG>, a bayonet coupling method of the mount mechanism according to the present modification will be described. Note that while in a state in which the bayonet claw portions are inserted in an opening portion of the operation member <NUM> and an opening portion of the fixed mount portion <NUM>, the bayonet claw portions provided on the lens mount <NUM> are engageable with the movable mount claw portions 5011a to 5011c of the movable mount portion <NUM>. In the state illustrated in <FIG>, the operation portion <NUM> is positioned in the unlocking position. In the above state, while a lens mount surface of the lens mount <NUM> and the camera mount surface <NUM> of the fixed mount portion <NUM> abut against each other, the claw portions of the lens mount <NUM> and the claw portions of the movable mount portion <NUM> do not engage or overlap each other when viewed in the central axis direction. <FIG> is a cross-sectional diagram taken along cross-section XIIIC-XIIIC in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate an exemplification of the mount mechanism <NUM> in a state in which the rotation operation has been performed on the operation portion <NUM> from the above state.

In the state illustrated in <FIG>, the operation portion <NUM> is positioned in the locking position. In the above state, when viewed in the central axis direction, the claw portions of the lens mount <NUM> and the claw portions of the movable mount portion <NUM> overlap each other to engage with each other in the central axis direction. <FIG> is a cross-sectional diagram taken along cross-section XIVC-XIVC in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the movable mount portion <NUM> moves away from the fixed mount portion <NUM> in a center axis direction of the mount depend on a non-locking state of the mount mechanism <NUM> changing in a lock state of the mount mechanism <NUM>. Furthermore, in the above state, in accordance with the rotating operation of the operation member <NUM>, the state in which the screw portion <NUM> of the fixed mount portion <NUM> and the screw portion of the movable mount portion <NUM> are screwed to each other changes and the movable mount portion <NUM> moves in the central axis direction towards the image pickup apparatus side. With the above configuration, the movable mount claw portions 5011a to 5011c engaged with the bayonet claw portions on the lens mount <NUM> side each move towards the image pickup apparatus side.

As described above, in the mount mechanism <NUM> of the present modification, by having the movable mount portion including the claw portions that can be engaged with the claw portions on the lens mount side be rotated about the central axis, the movable mount portion can be moved in the central axis direction relative to the fixed mount portion. With such a configuration, in a state in which the lens mount and the camera-side mount are connected to each other, the mount mechanism <NUM> of the present modification can reduce the occurrence of the gap (the space) created between the lens mount and the camera-side mount.

Note that in the modification described above, a configuration in which the mount mechanism <NUM> is provided on the image pickup apparatus side has been described; however, the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a configuration in which the mount mechanism <NUM> is provided on the camera accessory side such as the interchangeable lens assembly side.

As described above, for example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> has been described by exemplifying an interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> serving as the optical apparatus; however, the optical apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited to the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. For example, an adapter that can be interposed between the interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> and the camera body <NUM> may serve as the optical apparatus (the accessory) of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a more detailed description of this adapter will be given.

Firstly, the basic configuration of a conversion adapter (adapter device) that is a camera accessory mountable to the camera mount <NUM> of the above-described camera body <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> are diagrams describing a first conversion adapter <NUM> that is mountable to the camera body <NUM>, and a second interchangeable lens assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an external perspective view of the second interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> having been mounted to the camera body <NUM> via the first conversion adapter <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an external perspective view of a state where the camera body <NUM>, first conversion adapter <NUM>, and second interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> have each been detached. Note that the second interchangeable lens assembly (hereinafter referred to as second lens) <NUM> has a lens mount <NUM> that is short in flange focal distance, but has the same mount diameter as the camera mount <NUM>, as to the camera body <NUM>. That is to say, the second lens <NUM> has the same mount diameter as the above-described first lens <NUM>, but unlike the first lens <NUM>, is a camera accessory that is not compatible with direct mounting to the camera body <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams for describing a second conversion adapter <NUM> that is mountable to a camera body <NUM> and the first lens <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an external perspective view of a state where the first lens <NUM> is mounted to the camera body <NUM> via the second conversion adapter <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates an external perspective view where the camera body <NUM>, second conversion adapter <NUM>, and first lens <NUM> have each been detached.

Now, in a case where an interchangeable lens assembly with a long flange focal distance is directly mounted to an imaging apparatus with a short flange focal distance, trouble will occur such as the focal point not being formed at an accurate position or the like, and imaging a subject in this way will result in an unnatural image being obtained. For example, the above problem will occur if the second lens <NUM> that has a long flange focal distance is mounted to the above-described camera body <NUM>.

In the same way, in a case where an interchangeable lens assembly with a short flange focal distance is directly mounted to an imaging apparatus with a long flange focal distance, trouble will occur such as the focal point not being formed at an accurate position or the like, and imaging a subject in this way will result in an unnatural image being obtained. For example, the above problem will occur if the first lens <NUM> that has a short flange focal distance is mounted to the camera body <NUM> serving as a second imaging apparatus that has a longer flange focal distance than the above-described camera body <NUM>.

Particularly, the camera body <NUM> and camera body <NUM>, and the first lens <NUM> and second lens <NUM>, have the same mount diameter, it is difficult for a user to judge which imaging apparatuses and which interchangeable lens assemblies have flange focal distances that are compatible for direct mounting.

Accordingly, it is preferable that only interchangeable lens assemblies that are compatible can be directly mounted to a certain imaging apparatus, so that imaging apparatuses and interchangeable lens assemblies that have mutually incompatible flange focal distances are not erroneously directly mounted.

Also, in a case of mounting an incompatible interchangeable lens assembly to an imaging apparatus, a conversion adapter needs to be interposed between the two to adjust the flange focal distance. However, in a case where one side of the conversion adapter is mounted to the imaging apparatus and an interchangeable lens assembly compatible with direct mounting to the imaging apparatus is mounted to the other side of the conversion adapter, the focal point may not be accurately formed, as described above. Accordingly, the one side and other side of the conversion adapter preferably have configurations to restrict imaging apparatuses and camera accessories that are directly mountable.

Specifically, in a case of mounting an interchangeable lens assembly having a long flange focal distance to an imaging apparatus having a short flange focal distance, a conversion adapter is preferable where one end side is only mountable to this imaging apparatus, and the other end side is only mountable to this interchangeable lens assembly. Also, in a case of mounting an interchangeable lens assembly having a short flange focal distance to an imaging apparatus having a long flange focal distance, a conversion adapter is preferable where one end side is only mountable to this imaging apparatus, and the other end side is only mountable to this interchangeable lens assembly.

The first conversion adapter <NUM> has the lens mount <NUM> attached to an adapter barrel 40a by fastening screws (omitted from illustration), at one end side in the optical axis direction. This lens mount <NUM> is an accessory mount that is detachable from the camera mount <NUM> provided to the camera body <NUM> described above.

A camera mount <NUM> is attached to the adapter barrel 40a by fastening screws (omitted from illustration), at the other end side of the first conversion adapter <NUM> in the optical axis direction. This camera mount <NUM> is a camera mount that is detachable from the lens mount <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>. Note that the camera mount <NUM> of the first conversion adapter <NUM> is attached so that the imaging plane of the imaging sensor <NUM> of the will be situated at a position corresponding to the flange focal distance of the second lens <NUM>.

The second conversion adapter <NUM> has the lens mount <NUM> attached to an adapter barrel 70a by fastening screws (omitted from illustration), at one end side in the optical axis direction. This lens mount <NUM> is an accessory mount that is detachable from the camera mount <NUM> provided to the camera body <NUM>.

The camera mount <NUM> is attached to the adapter barrel 70a by fastening screws (omitted from illustration), at the other end side of the second conversion adapter <NUM> in the optical axis direction. This camera mount <NUM> is a camera mount that is detachable from the lens mount <NUM> of the first lens <NUM>, as described above.

Note that a first optical member 701a and a second optical member 701b are provided to the second conversion adapter <NUM>, between the adapter barrel 70a and the lens mount <NUM> in the optical axis direction. The first optical member 701a and second optical member 701b enable the second conversion adapter <NUM> to extend length of the flange focal distance of the first lens <NUM> in accordance with the imaging plane of the imaging sensor disposed in the camera body <NUM>. While the optical members have been illustrated as two lenses for the sake of convenience, this is not restrictive.

Next, the angles (phases) at which bayonet claw portions are disposed on the circumferential direction of the camera mount and lens mount of the first conversion adapter <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> are diagrams for exemplarily describing displacement angles of bayonet claw portions in the camera mount <NUM> provided on one end of the first conversion adapter <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that camera claw portions and camera cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> with the lock pin 1401z as a reference, as viewed from the rear face side (camera body <NUM> side). <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that multiple camera claw portions 1401a through 1401c occupy in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM>, as viewed from the rear face side (camera body <NUM> side). <FIG> is a cross-sectional diagram taken along cross-section XVIIB-XVIIB in <FIG>.

The first conversion adapter <NUM> is a mount adapter used for mounting the second lens <NUM> that has a long flange focal distance to the camera body <NUM> that has a short flange focal distance. Accordingly, it is preferable for the first conversion adapter <NUM> to be configured such that the camera body <NUM> that has a long flange focal distance cannot be directly mounted to the lens mount <NUM>, and the first lens <NUM> that has a short flange focal distance cannot be directly mounted to the camera mount <NUM>. According to this configuration, the positional relation of claw portions and cutaways can be satisfied so that the lens mount <NUM> provided to one end (first end) of the first conversion adapter <NUM> and the camera mount <NUM> provided to the other end (second end) cannot each be directly mounted.

A first camera claw portion 1401a, second camera claw portion 1401b, and third camera claw portion 1401c, are provided in order, to the camera mount <NUM> in the circumferential direction (inner radial direction). When viewing the camera mount <NUM> from the rear face side as illustrated in <FIG>, the camera claw portion that is provided at a position farthest from the lock pin 1401z is the first camera claw portion 1401a. The second camera claw portion 1401b and third camera claw portion 1401c are then consecutively provided in order from the first camera claw portion 1401a in a clockwise direction.

Also, cutaways which are a first camera cutaway 1401d, second camera cutaway 1401e, and third camera cutaway 1401f are provided in order, to the camera mount <NUM> in the circumferential direction (inner radial direction). When viewing the camera mount <NUM> from the rear face side as illustrated in <FIG>, the cutaway that is provided at a position nearest to the lock pin 1401z is the second camera cutaway 1401e. The third camera cutaway 1401f and first camera cutaway 1401d are then consecutively provided in order from the second camera cutaway 1401e in a clockwise direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a fitting member 1401x that restricts movement of the camera accessory in a direction parallel to the optical axis when the camera accessory is mounted, is provided to the camera mount <NUM> side. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the fitting member 1401x in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis at the camera mount <NUM> side is the mount diameter.

The way of bayonet coupling of the first conversion adapter <NUM> and second lens <NUM> is the generally the same as the way of bayonet coupling of the camera body <NUM> and first lens <NUM> described above, so description will be omitted.

Note that the end portions of the camera claw portions 1401a, 1401b, and 1401c, in the circumferential direction, will be referred to as first end portion 1401a1, second end portion 1401a2, third end portion 1401b1, fourth end portion 1401b2, fifth end portion 1401c1, and end portion 1401c2, for the sake of description. The end portions are denoted with part numerals in order from the first camera claw portion 1401a in the clockwise direction, when viewing the camera mount <NUM> from the rear face side, as described above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the angles that the camera claw portions and camera cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> (angle ranges) in the first conversion adapter <NUM> according to the present embodiment are stipulated as follows. For the first camera claw portion 1401a, the angle θA1 = <NUM>°, for the second camera claw portion 1401b, the angle θA2 = <NUM>°, and for the third camera claw portion 1401c, the angle θA3 = <NUM>°. Also, for the first camera cutaway 1401d, the angle is <NUM>°, for the second camera cutaway 1401e, the angle is <NUM>°, and for the third camera cutaway 1401f, the angle is <NUM>°. That is to say the camera mount <NUM> has different angles for the camera claw portions with respect to the above-described camera mount <NUM> of the camera body <NUM>, but the angles of the camera cutaways are the same.

Also, when viewing the camera claw portions from the rear face side of the first conversion adapter <NUM>, the angles where the camera claw portions are disposed on the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> with the position of the lock pin <NUM> (referred to as reference position) as a reference are stipulated as follows. The first camera claw portion 1401a is disposed between <NUM>° to <NUM>° with the reference position as a start point. The second camera claw portion 1401b is disposed between <NUM>° to <NUM>° with the reference position as a start point. The third camera claw portion 1401c is disposed between <NUM>° to <NUM>° with the reference position as a start point.

Next, <FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing angles of disposing the bayonet claw portions on the lens mount <NUM> provided to the other end of the first conversion adapter <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that camera claw portions and camera cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> with the lock groove 1301z as a reference, as viewed from the rear face side. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that multiple lens cutaways 1301a through 1301c occupy in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM>, as viewed from the rear face side.

The angles (angle ranges) that the lens cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> are, represented by θA4 as the angle of the first lens cutaway 1301a and θA5 as the angle of the second lens cutaway 1301b, as illustrated in <FIG>. Note that the angle so disposing the claw portions and cutaways on the lens mount <NUM> of the first conversion adapter <NUM> is the same as the lens mount <NUM> of the first lens <NUM> described above, and accordingly description will be omitted.

The angles of the claw portions and cutaways in the circumferential direction, on the lens mount <NUM> and camera mount <NUM> provided to the first conversion adapter <NUM>, will be compared. For example, at the lens mount <NUM> side, the angle θA5 of the second lens cutaway 1301b having the smallest angle is <NUM>°, whereas, at the camera mount <NUM> side, the angle θA1 of first camera claw portion 1401a having the smallest angle is <NUM>°. That is to say, the claw portion having the smallest angle at the camera mount <NUM> side is larger than the cutaway having the smallest angle at the lens mount <NUM> side (θA5 < θA1). In this case, of the cutaways on the lens mount <NUM> side and the claw portions on the camera mount <NUM> side, at least one or more lens cutaway and camera claw portions will interfere with each other. Accordingly, even if an attempt is made to mount the interchangeable lens assembly to the camera body so that the optical axis at the camera mount <NUM> side and lens mount <NUM> side are generally parallel, the claw portions and cutaways interfere, so the interchangeable lens assembly cannot be mounted to the camera body.

However, if only one claw portion and cutaway are interfering, there may be cases where claw portions of the camera mount side can be inserted into cutaways of the lens mount side. <FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing a mounting method of a predetermined imaging apparatus <NUM> and a predetermined interchangeable lens assembly <NUM> having claw portions and cutaways that interfere with each other. <FIG> is a diagram exemplarily describing a frontal view of partway through mounting a predetermined interchangeable lens assembly to a predetermined imaging apparatus that have claw portions and cutaways that interfere with each other. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-section XIXB-XIXB in <FIG>.

For example, in a state where the optical axis of the lens mount side is obliquely inclined as to the optical axis of the camera mount side, one end of a camera claw portion is inserted into a lens cutaway, and from this state, the lens mount and camera mount are rotated relatively to each other, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, even if the camera claw portions and lens cutaways originally interfere with each other, this interference with each other is resolved during the relative rotation of the lens mount and camera mount, and transition can be made to a state where the camera claw portion is inserted into this lens cutaway. In this case, if there are no other camera claw portions and lens cutaways interfering, the interchangeable lens assembly can be mounted to the camera body.

Accordingly, the claw portions and cutaways on the lens mount <NUM> side and camera mount <NUM> side are disposed such that the angle of a predetermined lens cutaway adjacent to a reference lens claw portion is smaller than the angle of two camera claw portions adjacent to a reference camera cutaway. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the angles θA4 and θA5 of the first lens cutaway 1301a and second lens cutaway 1301b adjacent to the first lens claw portion 1301d are smaller than the angles θA1 and θA2 of the first camera claw portion 1401a and second camera claw portion 1401b adjacent to the first camera cutaway 1401d. That is to say, θA4 (<NUM>°) is smaller than θA1 (<NUM>°), and θA5 (<NUM>°) is smaller than θA2 (<NUM>°) (θA4 < θA1, θA5 < θA2). Accordingly, even if an attempt is made to insert the first lens claw portion 1301d into the first camera cutaway 1401d, the second lens claw portion 1301e interferes with the second camera claw portion 1401b in a sure manner, as well does the third lens claw portion 1301f with the first camera claw portion 1401a, as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing the way in which claw portions interfere with each other when attempting to mount the lens mount <NUM> side to the camera mount <NUM> side according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the third lens claw portion 1301f and the first camera claw portion 1401a interfere, and <FIG> illustrates the way in which the second lens claw portion 1301e and the second camera claw portion 1401b interfere.

As described above, incompatible interchangeable lens assemblies and imaging apparatuses, and the mount portions of conversion adapters are configured so that two claw portions of each other out of the claw portions that an incompatible interchangeable lens assembly and imaging apparatus have interfere with each other in the present embodiment. According to this configuration, the risk of an incompatible interchangeable lens assembly being erroneously mounted to an imaging apparatus, or an incompatible interchangeable lens assembly and imaging apparatus being erroneously mounted to mount units provided to both ends of a conversion adapter, can be reduced.

However, even in a case where the above conditions are satisfied, there may be cases where, when attempting to insert three claw portions into incompatible cutaways, for example, two claw portions are inserted into cutaways depending on the angles of the claw portions and cutaways. Accordingly, the present embodiment further takes a configuration where the angles of at least two adjacent lens cutaways are smaller than the angles of all camera claw portions. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the angles θA4 and θA5 of the first lens cutaway 1301a and second lens cutaway 1301b in the circumferential direction are smaller than the angles θA1 through θA3 of the first through third camera claw portions 1401a through 1401c in the circumferential direction. That is to say, the relation between the claw portions and cutaways at the lens mount <NUM> side and the camera mount <NUM> side according to the present embodiment satisfy θA4 < θA1, θA4 < θA2, θA4 < θA3, θA5 < θA1, θA5 < θA2, and θA5 < θA3.

<FIG> is a diagram exemplarily describing a case of attempting to insert incompatible claw portions into cutaways at the lens mount <NUM> side and camera mount <NUM> side according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the third lens claw portion 1301f and third camera claw portion 1401c interfere in a case of attempting to insert the first lens claw portion 1301d into the third camera cutaway 1401f. <FIG> illustrates the way in which second lens claw portion 1301e and first camera claw portion 1401a interfere in a case of attempting to insert the first lens claw portion 1301d into the third camera cutaway 1401f. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the third lens claw portion 1301f and second camera claw portion 1401b interfere in a case of attempting to insert the first lens claw portion 1301d into the second camera cutaway 1401e. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the second lens claw portion 1301e and third camera claw portion 1401c interfere in a case of attempting to insert the first lens claw portion 1301d into the second camera cutaway 1401e.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the lens claw portions and camera claw portions interfere in at least two places in the present embodiment, regardless of the relative rotational angle of the lens mount <NUM> and camera mount <NUM>. According to this configuration, erroneous mounting of an interchangeable lens assembly and conversion adapter having the lens mount <NUM> (<NUM>) to an imaging apparatus and conversion adapter having the camera mount <NUM> (<NUM>) can be prevented even more effectively.

Next, the angles (phases) at which bayonet claw portions are disposed on the circumferential direction of the camera mount and lens mount of the second conversion adapter <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The second conversion adapter <NUM> is a mount adapter used for mounting the first lens <NUM> that has a short flange focal distance to the camera body <NUM> that has a long flange focal distance. The lens mount <NUM> is provided at one end (third end) side of the second conversion adapter <NUM>, and the camera mount <NUM> is provided at the other end (fourth end). Note that the camera mount <NUM> of the second conversion adapter <NUM> has the same configuration as the camera mount <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> that is the first imaging apparatus described above. Also, the lens mount <NUM> of the second conversion adapter <NUM> has the same configuration as the lens mount <NUM> of the second lens <NUM> described above.

Accordingly, it is preferable for the second conversion adapter <NUM> to be configured such that the camera body <NUM> that has a short flange focal distance cannot be directly mounted to the lens mount <NUM>, and the second lens <NUM> that has a long flange focal distance cannot be directly mounted to the camera mount <NUM>. This configuration can be realized by satisfying the positional relation of claw portions and cutaways so that the lens mount <NUM> provided to one end (third end) of the second conversion adapter <NUM> and the camera mount <NUM> provided to the other end (fourth end) cannot each be directly mounted.

<FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing angles of disposing bayonet claw portions in the camera mount <NUM> provided on one end of the second conversion adapter <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that camera claw portions and camera cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> with the lock pin <NUM> as a reference, as viewed from the rear face side. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that, regarding multiple camera claw portions 1201a through 1201c, the claw portions occupy in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM>, as viewed from the rear face side. Note that the angles of disposing the claw portions and cutaways on the camera mount <NUM> of the second conversion adapter <NUM> are the same as the camera mount <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> described earlier, so description will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the angle from the sixth end 1201c2 of the third camera claw portion 1201c to the third end 1201b1 of the second camera claw portion 1201b, in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> including the first camera claw portion 1201a, is θA6 (<NUM>°). The angle from the second end 1201a2 of the first camera claw portion 1201a to the fifth end 1201c1 of the third camera claw portion 1201c, in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> including the second camera claw portion 1201b, is θA7 (<NUM>°). The angle from the fourth end 1201b2 of the second camera claw portion 1201b to the first end 1201a1 of the first camera claw portion 1201a, in the circumferential direction of the camera mount <NUM> including the third camera claw portion 1201c, is θA8 (<NUM>°).

Next, <FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing angle so disposing bayonet claw portions in a lens mount <NUM> provided on the other end of the second conversion adapter <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges that lens claw portions and lens cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> with the lock pin 1501z as a reference, as viewed from the rear face side. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating angle ranges where cutaways are provided regarding the multiple lens cutaways 1501a through 1501c in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM>, as viewed from the rear face side. <FIG> is a cross-sectional diagram taken along cross-section XXIIIC-XXIIIC in <FIG>.

A first lens claw portion 1501d, second lens claw portion 1501e, and third lens claw portion 1501f, are provided in order, to the camera mount <NUM> in the circumferential direction (inner radial direction). Note that in a case of viewing the lens mount <NUM> from the rear face side as illustrated in <FIG>, the lens claw portion that is provided at a position farthest from the lock groove 1501z is the first lens claw portion 1501d. The second lens claw portion 1501e and third lens claw portion 1501f are then consecutively provided in order from the first lens claw portion 1501d in a clockwise direction.

Also, cutaways which are a first lens cutaway 1501a, second lens cutaway 1501b, and third lens cutaway 1501c are provided in order, to the lens mount <NUM> in the circumferential direction (inner radial direction). Note that in a case of viewing the lens mount <NUM> from the rear face side as illustrated in <FIG>, the cutaway that is provided at a position nearest to the lock groove 1501z is the third lens cutaway 1501c. The first lens cutaway 1501a and second lens cutaway 1501b are then consecutively provided in order from the third lens cutaway 1501c in a clockwise direction.

Note that the end portions of the lens claw portions 1501d, 1501e, and 1501f, in the circumferential direction, will be referred to as first end portion 1501d1, second end portion 1501d2, third end portion 1501e1, fourth end portion 1501e2, fifth end portion 1501f1, and sixth end portion 1501f2, for the sake of description. The end portions are denoted with part numerals in order from the first lens claw portion 1501d in the clockwise direction, when viewing the lens mount <NUM> from the rear face side, as described above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the angles that the lens claw portions and lens cutaways occupy in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> (angle ranges) are stipulated as follows. The angle of the first lens claw portion 1501d is <NUM>°, the angle of the second lens claw portion 1501e is <NUM>°, and the angle of the third lens claw portion 1501f is <NUM>°. That is to say, the angles of the lens claw portions on the lens mount <NUM> side are the same as the angles of the lens claw portions on the lens mount <NUM> side described earlier.

On the other hand, the angles of the lens cutaways at the lens mount <NUM> side differ from the angles of the lens cutaways at the lens mount <NUM> side described above. Specifically, the angle of the first lens cutaway 1501a is <NUM>°, the angle of the second lens cutaway 1501b is <NUM>°, and the angle of the third lens cutaway 1501c is <NUM>°.

Also, when viewing the lens claw portions from the rear face side of the camera body <NUM>, the angles in the clockwise direction where the lens claw portions are disposed on the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> with the position of the lock groove 1501z (referred to as reference position) as a reference are stipulated as follows. The first lens claw portion 1501d is disposed between <NUM>° to <NUM>° with the reference position as a start point. The second lens claw portion 1501e is disposed between <NUM>° to <NUM>° with the reference position as a start point. The third lens claw portion 1501f is disposed between <NUM>° to <NUM>° with the reference position as a start point.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a fitting member 1501x that restricts movement of the imaging apparatus in a direction parallel to the optical axis when mounted to the imaging apparatus is provided to the lens mount <NUM> side. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the fitting member 1501x in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis at the camera mount <NUM> side is the mount diameter. The mount diameters of the camera mounts and lens mounts described above are generally the same length.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the angle from the fifth end 1501f1 of the third lens claw portion 1501f to the second end 1501d2 of the second lens claw portion 1501d, in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> including the first lens cutaway 1501a, is θA9 (<NUM>°). The angle from the first end 1501d1 of the first lens claw portion 1501d to the fourth end 1501e2 of the second lens claw portion 1501e, in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> including the second lens cutaway 1501b, is θA10 (<NUM>°). The angle from the third end 1501e1 of the second lens claw portion 1501e to the sixth end 1501f2 of the third lens claw portion 1501f, in the circumferential direction of the lens mount <NUM> including the third lens cutaway 1501c, is θA11 (<NUM>°).

The angles of the claw portions and cutaways in the circumferential direction will be compared between the camera mount <NUM> and lens mount <NUM> provided to the second conversion adapter <NUM>. For example, the angle (<NUM>°) of the third camera claw portion at the camera mount <NUM> side is larger than the angles (<NUM>°) of the second and third lens cutaways 1501b and 1501c that are the largest angle of the lens cutaways at the lens mount <NUM> side. That is to say, the angle of at least one camera claw portion at the camera mount <NUM> side is larger than the angle of the lens cutaway having the largest angle at the lens mount <NUM> side.

In this case, of the claw portions at the camera mount <NUM> side and cutaways at the lens mount <NUM> side, at least one or more camera claw portion and lens cutaway interfere with each other. Accordingly, even if an attempt is made to mount the interchangeable lens assembly to the camera body so that the optical axis at the camera mount <NUM> side and lens mount <NUM> side are generally parallel to each other, the claw portions and cutaways interfere, so the interchangeable lens assembly cannot be mounted to the camera body.

However, if only one claw portion and cutaway are interfering, there may be cases where claw portions of the camera mount side can be inserted into cutaways of the lens mount side, in the same way as the description of the first conversion adapter made above. For example, there are cases where, in a state where the optical axis of the lens mount side is obliquely inclined as to the optical axis of the camera mount side, one end of a camera claw portion is inserted into a lens cutaway, and the lens mount and camera mount are rotated relative to each other, and the interchangeable lens assembly can be mounted to the camera body.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the claw portions and cutaways at the camera mount <NUM> side and the lens mount <NUM> side are disposed so as to satisfy θA6 < θA9 and θA7 < θA10 in the circumferential direction. <FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing the way in which claw portions interfere with each other, when attempting to mount a reference claw portion at the lens mount <NUM> side to a reference cutaway at the camera mount <NUM> side according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the third lens claw portion 1501f and the third camera claw portion 1201c interfere, and <FIG> illustrates the way in which the second lens claw portion 1501e and the third camera claw portion 1201c interfere.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the reference first lens claw portion 1501d is attempted to be inserted into the reference camera cutaway 1201d, for example, the third camera claw portion 1201c interferes with the second and third lens claw portions 1501e and 1501f.

That is to say, as viewed from the rear face side, the total sum of the angles of one reference lens claw portion, another lens claw portion adjacent thereto in the clockwise direction, and a lens cutaway situated between these lens claw portions, is taken as a first angle. Also, as viewed from the rear face side, the total sum of the angles of one reference camera cutaway, another camera cutaway adjacent thereto in the clockwise direction, and a camera claw portion situated therebetween, is taken as a second angle. Also, as viewed from the rear face side, the total sum of the angles of one reference lens claw portion, another lens claw portion adjacent thereto in the counterclockwise direction, and a lens cutaway situated between these lens claw portions, is taken as a first angle. Also, as viewed from the rear face side, the total sum of the angles of one reference camera cutaway, another camera cutaway adjacent thereto in the counterclockwise direction, and a camera claw portion situated therebetween, is taken as a fourth angle. According to the present embodiment, it is sufficient to layout the claw portions and cutaways at the camera mount <NUM> side and lens mount <NUM> side such that the first angle described above is larger than the second angle, and the third angle is larger than the fourth angle.

According to this configuration, at least two lens claw portions and one camera claw portion interfere with each other. Thus, the risk of an incompatible interchangeable lens assembly being erroneously mounted to an imaging apparatus, or an incompatible interchangeable lens assembly and imaging apparatus being erroneously mounted to mount units provided to both ends of a conversion adapter, can be reduced.

However, even in a case where the above conditions are satisfied, there may be cases where, when attempting to insert three claw portions into incompatible cutaways, for example, two claw portions are inserted into cutaways depending on the angles of the claw portions and cutaways. Accordingly, the claw portions and cutaways at the camera mount <NUM> side and lens mount <NUM> side are disposed in the circumferential direction so as to satisfy θA6 < θA9, θA6 < θA10, θA6 < θA11, θA7 < θA9, θA7 < θA10, and θA7 < θA11. That is to say, as viewed from the rear face side, the total sum of the angles of two claw portions other than the reference claw portion described above, and a lens cutaway situated therebetween, is taken as a fifth angle. According to the present embodiment, it is sufficient to layout the claw portions and cutaways at the camera mount <NUM> side and lens mount <NUM> side such that the second angle and fourth angle described above are smaller than any of the first angle, third angle, and fifth angle.

<FIG> are diagrams exemplarily describing the way in which claw portions interfere with each other, when attempting to mount a claw portion other than the reference claw portion at the lens mount <NUM> side to a reference cutaway at the camera mount <NUM> side according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the first lens claw portion 1501d and the third camera claw portion 1201c interfere in a case of attempting to insert the second lens claw portion 1501e into the first camera cutaway 1201d. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the third lens claw portion 1501c and the third camera claw portion 1201c interfere in a case of attempting to insert the second lens claw portion 1501e into the first camera cutaway 1201d. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the second lens claw portion 1501e and the third camera claw portion 1201c interfere in a case of attempting to insert the third lens claw portion 1501f into the first camera cutaway 1201d. <FIG> illustrates the way in which the first lens claw portion 1501d and the third camera claw portion 1201c interfere in a case of attempting to insert the third lens claw portion 1501f into the first camera cutaway 1201d.

As illustrated in <FIG>, at least two lens claw portions and one camera claw portion interfere, regardless of the relative rotation angle of the lens mount <NUM> and camera mount <NUM> according to the present embodiment. According to this configuration, erroneous mounting of an interchangeable lens assembly and conversion adapter having the lens mount <NUM> (<NUM>) to an imaging apparatus and conversion adapter having the camera mount <NUM> (<NUM>) can be prevented even more effectively.

<FIG> is a diagram exemplarily describing a state in which claw portions provided to the camera mount <NUM> side and lens mount <NUM> side according to the embodiment of the present invention are engaged. Note that <FIG> illustrates a state in which the camera mount <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> is engaging with the lens mount <NUM> of the second lens <NUM>. The first lens claw portion 1501d can be inserted into the first camera cutaway 1401d, as illustrated in <FIG>. Also, the second lens claw portion 1501e can be inserted into the second camera cutaway 1401e. Further, the third lens claw portion 1501f can be inserted into the third camera cutaway 1401f. That is to say, the camera mount <NUM> side and the lens mount <NUM> side are a combination compatible with being directly mounted to each other. Note that the camera mount <NUM> side and the lens mount <NUM> side are a combination compatible to being directly mounted to each other, as illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, the camera mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an imaging apparatus that has a long flange focal distance (e.g., the camera body <NUM>), and the lens mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an interchangeable lens assembly that has a long flange focal distance (e.g., the second lens <NUM>) can be directly mounted to each other. However, the camera mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an imaging apparatus having a short flange focal distance (e.g., the camera body <NUM>) and the lens mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an interchangeable lens assembly that has a long flange focal distance (e.g., the second lens <NUM>) cannot be directly mounted to each other. Also, the camera mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an imaging apparatus that has a short flange focal distance (e.g., the camera body <NUM>) and the lens mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an interchangeable lens assembly that has a short flange focal distance (e.g., the first lens <NUM>) can be directly mounted to each other. However, the camera mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an imaging apparatus that has a long flange focal distance (e.g., the camera body <NUM>) and the lens mount <NUM> (<NUM>) corresponding to an interchangeable lens assembly that has a short flange focal distance (e.g., the first lens <NUM>) cannot be directly mounted to each other.

Accordingly, an imaging apparatus and camera accessory employing the configuration of the above-described embodiment can prevent erroneous mounting of an imaging apparatus and camera accessory that have generally the same mount diameter but are not mutually compatible.

Claim 1:
A lens mount (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to be detachably mountable to a camera mount (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including a plurality of first bayonet claw portions (201a-201c), and a plurality of first terminals (203a-<NUM>), the lens mount comprising:
a plurality of second bayonet claw portions (301d-301f) configured to enable engagement with the plurality of first bayonet claw portions; and
a plurality of second terminals (303a-<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to contact with the plurality of first terminals when the lens mount is mounted to the camera mount, the plurality of second terminals being provided at positions that are different from positions of the plurality of second bayonet claw portions,
wherein the plurality of second terminals includes a TYPE terminal (303c) configured to be used to distinguish a type of the lens mount mounted on the camera mount,
characterized in that
when viewed in a central axis direction of the lens mount, a half line that extends from a central axis of the lens mount and passes through the TYPE terminal, passes through between the plurality of second bayonet claw portions.