Patent Description:
Conventionally, known are a binocular system which includes monoculars in pairs removably received in a coupling member called a glasses body, and each monocular is provided with a connecting mechanism in which a side of an eye lens of one monocular and a side of an objective lens of the other monocular are connected (see, for example, Patent Document <NUM>). Accordingly, the above binocular system can be used as a binocular system per se in usual, and then, if necessary, it can be used as a telescope with higher magnification by taking out the one monocular from the coupling member to connect it to the other monocular.

However, since this conventional binocular system requires the coupling member (the glasses body) independent from the monoculars in pairs, it is excessive in the number of parts, weight and size not only when used as a binocular system but even when used as a telescope, and consequently, that there is room for improvement thereof.

Document <CIT>discloses a binocular system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Further, document <CIT> discloses a binocular system comprising a hinge mechanism for adjusting the interocular distance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a binocular system which has the number of parts reduced, becomes lightweight and compact, and is also usable as a telescope.

The above object is achieved by the binocular system according to claim <NUM>.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is grasped by the following configurations.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a binocular system which has the number of parts reduced, becomes lightweight and compact, and is also usable as a telescope.

The Third and the Fifth to Twelfth Embodiments described below are not encompassed by the wording of the claims but are considered as useful for understanding the invention.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that a binocular system <NUM> according to each of the first embodiment to a fourth embodiment as described below shows an example in which a hinge portion <NUM> is provided with a shaft member <NUM> movable forward and backward in a direction of a bending axis B. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a direction that a user views an object through the binocular system <NUM>, namely an up and down direction in <FIG>, is defined as a forth and back direction.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment. Individually, <FIG> shows a state that one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are coupled, <FIG> shows a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are separated, and <FIG> shows a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected and fixed in a lengthwise continuous manner.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment includes monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs and a coupling portion <NUM> coupling the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs.

The monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs are composed of the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM>. The one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are similarly structured. The one monocular <NUM> includes a cylindrical lens barrel <NUM> centering around an optical axis L1, and an eye lens <NUM>, an erecting prism <NUM> and an objective lens <NUM> are arranged inside the lens barrel <NUM> in order from a user side toward an object side along the optical axis L1. The erecting prism <NUM> is preferably a roof prism capable of designing the optical axis L1 in a straight line so as to make a size of the lens barrel <NUM> compact,.

Similarly, the other monocular <NUM> includes a cylindrical lens barrel <NUM> centering around an optical axis L2, and an eye lens <NUM>, an erecting prism <NUM> and an objective lens <NUM> are arranged inside the lens barrel <NUM> in order from the user side toward the object side along the optical axis L2. The erecting prism <NUM> is preferably a roof prism capable of designing the optical axis L2 in a straight line so as to make a size of the lens barrel <NUM> compact.

The one monocular <NUM> of the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs has a first connecting portion <NUM> (a connecting portion) on a side of the objective lens <NUM>, and the other monocular <NUM> thereof has a first connected portion <NUM> (a connected portion) connectable to the first connecting portion <NUM> on a side of the eye lens <NUM>. Additionally, in like manner, the other monocular <NUM> of the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs may have a second connecting portion <NUM> on a side of the objective lens <NUM> thereof, and the one monocular <NUM> may have a second connected portion <NUM> connectable to the second connecting portion <NUM> on a side of the eye lens <NUM> thereof.

The first connecting portion <NUM> and the first connected portion <NUM> are configured by, for example, a push-in joint (see <FIG>), a screw joint (see <FIG>) or a bayonet joint (see <FIG>), so that they can be connected and fixed with no looseness by user's operation and can be released from connection with ease by user's operation. Accordingly, by separating the binocular system <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, into the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> with regard to the coupling portion <NUM>, and then, by connecting the first connected portion <NUM> of the other monocular <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, to the first connecting portion <NUM> of the one monocular <NUM>, the lens barrel <NUM> and the lens barrel <NUM> can be continuously arranged in a longitudinal direction so that the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2 are in a straight line. Therefore, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be connected and fixed in a lengthwise continuous manner. It is noted that the same effect can be also obtained by connecting the second connected portion <NUM> on the side of the eye lens <NUM> of the one monocular <NUM> to the second connecting portion <NUM> on the side of the objective lens <NUM> of the other monocular <NUM>.

Further, by releasing such connection of the first connecting portion <NUM> and the first connected portion <NUM> in a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected and fixed in a lengthwise continuous manner (see <FIG>), the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be separated (see <FIG>). Then, by coupling the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> with the coupling portion <NUM> from a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are separated, the binocular system <NUM> in which the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2 are arranged in a parallel manner can be obtained (See <FIG>).

As above, the user can use either the one monocular <NUM> or the other monocular <NUM> independently. In addition, the user can use them as a telescope with higher magnification (for example, <NUM> times) which is obtained by multiplying each magnification (for example, <NUM> times) in case that the one monocular <NUM> or the other monocular <NUM> is used independently, when looking at the object from the side of the eye lens <NUM> in a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected and fixed in a lengthwise continuous manner. Further, the user can use them as a magnifier, when looking at the object from the side of the objective lens <NUM> in a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected and fixed in a lengthwise continuous manner.

The coupling portion <NUM> has a first coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the one monocular <NUM>, a second coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the other monocular <NUM>, and a hinge portion <NUM> coupling the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> in such a manner that a mutual bending angle therebetween is adjustable centering around a bending axis B. The bending axis B is parallel to the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2. Since the bending angle is adjustable, a distance between the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2 can be matched with a pupil distance of the user. The first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are detachable from each other.

In this way, since the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are detachable from each other, that is, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are detachable from each other, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be separated to become respectively independent monoculars. Therefore, with one binocular system <NUM>, two users can use respective monoculars simultaneously.

In addition, since the first coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the one monocular <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the other monocular <NUM> are detachable from each other, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be detachable from each other without requiring a coupling member independent from the monoculars in pairs as conventional. Therefore, the binocular system <NUM> which has the number of parts reduced and becomes lightweight and compact can be obtained.

In detail, the first coupling portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the lens barrel <NUM> of the one monocular <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> is formed protruding in a lateral direction from an outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel <NUM> toward the other monocular <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> has bifurcated end portions which are in a substantially concave shape in planar view. The bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM> are provided with shaft members <NUM>, respectively, which function to allow the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> to be bendably coupled.

On the other hand, the second coupling portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the lens barrel <NUM> of the other monocular <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM> is formed protruding in a lateral direction from an outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel <NUM> toward the one monocular <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM> has an end portion as shaped to be fitted between the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, which is in a substantially convex shape in planar view.

The hinge portion <NUM> has the shaft members <NUM> which are incorporated in the first coupling portion <NUM>, respectively, and movable forward and backward in a direction of the bending axis B.

Each shaft member <NUM> has a ball 34b engageable with an engaged portion <NUM> which is a recess provided in the second coupling portion <NUM>, and an elastic body <NUM> which is supported in the first coupling portion <NUM> while energizing the ball 34b toward the second coupling portion <NUM> in the direction of the bending axis B.

The second coupling portion <NUM> has at the end portion the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> which are recesses engageable with the shaft members <NUM> provided at the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, respectively.

Then, when the balls 34b in pairs are engaged with the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs in a state that the end portion of the second coupling portion <NUM> is fitted between the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled appears, that is, the binocular system <NUM> which is configured by coupling the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> is obtained.

Here, since the balls 34b in pairs are energized in a direction approaching to each other by the elastic bodies <NUM> in pairs, a state that the balls 34b in pairs are engaged with the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs is maintained. The bending angle between the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be maintained at a desired angle by friction of the balls 34b in pairs with the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs.

On the other hand, when force larger than a predetermined value is applied in a direction separating widthwise (right and left) the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> in a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled, the balls 34b in pairs are disengaged from the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs against energizing force of the elastic bodies <NUM> in pairs resulting in release of engagement. Therefore, the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be separated.

Next, a second embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the binocular system <NUM> according to the second embodiment, the hinge portion <NUM> is different as compared with the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment, and the others are in common. So, here, the hinge portion <NUM> is mainly described and explanations in common may be sometimes omitted.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the second embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the binocular system <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs and the coupling portion <NUM> coupling the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs as well as the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

The hinge portion <NUM> has a shaft member 34A movable forward and backward in the direction of the bending axis B and a shaft member 34B protruding toward the shaft member 34A along the bending axis B, wherein both are incorporated in the first coupling portion <NUM>. The shaft member 34A has the ball 34b engageable with the engaged portion <NUM> which is a recess provided in the second coupling portion <NUM>, and the elastic body <NUM> which is supported in the first coupling portion <NUM> while energizing the ball 34b toward the second coupling portion <NUM> in the direction of the bending axis B.

The shaft member 34B has a protruding portion 34t protruding toward the shaft member 34A along the bending axis B so as to be engageable with the engaged portion <NUM> which is a recess provided in the second coupling portion <NUM>. In order to simplify assembling the shaft member 34B into the first coupling portion <NUM>, for example, a male screw provided on an outer periphery of the shaft member 34B is screwed into a female screw provided on the first coupling portion <NUM> for mutual fixation.

The second coupling portion <NUM> has at the end portion the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> which are recesses engageable with the shaft members 34A, 34B provided at the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, respectively.

Then, when the protruding portion 34t of the shaft member 34B is engaged with one engaged portion <NUM> and the ball 34b of the shaft member 34A is engaged with the other engaged portion <NUM> in a state that the end portion of the second coupling portion <NUM> is fitted between the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled appears, that is, the binocular system <NUM> which is configured by coupling the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> is obtained.

Here, since the ball 34b is energized in a direction facing toward the shaft member 34B by the elastic body <NUM>, a state that the protruding portion 34t is engaged with the one engaged portion <NUM> and a state that the ball 34b is engaged with the other engaged portion <NUM> are maintained, respectively.

The bending angle between the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be maintained at a desired angle by friction of the protruding portion 34t and the ball 34b with the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs.

On the other hand, when the second coupling portion <NUM> is moved shiftedly in the direction of the bending axis B with respect to the first coupling portion <NUM> against energizing force of the elastic body <NUM> in a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled, the protruding portion 34t is disengaged from the one engaged portion <NUM>. Continuously, when the second coupling portion <NUM> is moved in a lateral direction (right and left) with respect to the first coupling portion <NUM>, the ball 34b is disengaged from the other engaged portion <NUM> resulting in release of engagement. Therefore, the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be separated.

Next, a third embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the binocular system <NUM> according to the third embodiment, the hinge portion <NUM> is different as compared with the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment, and the others are in common. So, here, the hinge portion <NUM> is mainly described and explanations in common may be sometimes omitted.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the third embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the binocular system <NUM> according to the third embodiment includes the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs and the coupling portion <NUM> coupling the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs as well as the binocular system100 according to the first embodiment.

The hinge portion <NUM> has the shaft member 34A protruding toward the shaft member 34B along the bending axis B and the shaft member 34B protruding toward the shaft member 34A along the bending axis B, wherein both are incorporated in the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The shaft member 34A has a shaft 34c engageable at one end with the other engaged portion <NUM> which is a recess provided in the second coupling portion <NUM>, and a female screw portion 34d to be screwed to the shaft 34c for fixation to the first coupling portion <NUM>. The other end of the shaft 34c is provided with a head to make it easier for the user to turn the shaft 34c. A stopping member is provided on the one end of the shaft 34c to prevent the shaft 34c from coming out of the female screw portion 34d.

The shaft member 34B has the protruding portion 34t protruding toward the shaft member 34A along the bending axis B so as to be engageable with the one engaged portion <NUM> which is a recess provided in the second coupling portion <NUM>.

Then, when the protruding portion 34t of the shaft member 34B is engaged with the one engaged portion <NUM> and the one end of the shaft 34c of the shaft member 34A is engaged with the other engaged portion <NUM> in a state that the end portion of the second coupling portion <NUM> is fitted between the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled appears, that is, the binocular system <NUM> which is configured by coupling the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> is obtained.

Here, since the shaft 34c is screwed into a female thread of the female screw portion 34d fixed to the first coupling portion <NUM> to be held by friction, a state that the protruding portion 34t is engaged with the one engaged portion <NUM> and a state that the shaft 34c is engaged with the other engaged portion <NUM> are maintained, respectively.

The bending angle between the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be maintained at a desired angle by friction of the protruding portion 34t and the shaft 34c with the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs.

On the other hand, when the shaft 34c is turned in a direction disengaging the shaft 34c from the female screw portion 34d in a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled, the shaft 34c is disengaged from the other engaged portion <NUM>, and continuously, when the shaft 34c is further turned, the protruding portion 34t is disengaged from the one engaged portion <NUM>. In this state, when the second coupling portion <NUM> is moved in a lateral direction (left and right) with respect to the first coupling portion <NUM>, the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be separated since the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are not engaged with each other.

Next, a fourth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the binocular system <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment, the hinge portion <NUM> is different as compared with the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment, and the others are in common. So, here, the hinge portion <NUM> is mainly described and explanations in common may be sometimes omitted.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the binocular system <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment includes the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs and the coupling portion <NUM> coupling the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs as well as the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

The shaft member 34A has a piston 34p provided with a pin engageable at one end with the other engaged portion <NUM> which is a recess provided in the second coupling portion <NUM>, and the elastic body <NUM> energizing the piston 34p toward the other engaged portion <NUM>. The piston 34p penetrates the elastic body <NUM>. The elastic body <NUM> is supported in the first coupling portion <NUM>. The other end of the piston 34p is provided with a knob to make it easier for the user to move reciprocally the piston 34p.

Then, when the protruding portion 34t of the shaft member 34B is engaged with the one engaged portion <NUM> and the one end of the piston 34p of the shaft member 34A is engaged with the other engaged portion <NUM> in a state that the end portion of the second coupling portion <NUM> is fitted between the bifurcated end portions of the first coupling portion <NUM>, a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled appears, that is, the binocular system <NUM> which is configured by coupling the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> is obtained.

Here, since the piston 34p is energized by the elastic body <NUM> which is supported in the first connecting portion <NUM>, a state that the protruding portion 34t is engaged with the one engaged portion <NUM> and a state that the piston 34p is engaged with the other engaged portion <NUM> are maintained, respectively.

The bending angle between the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be maintained at a desired angle by friction of the protruding portion 34t and the piston 34p with the engaged portions <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs.

On the other hand, when the knob is pulled in a direction separating the piston 34p from the first coupling portion <NUM> in a state that the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are coupled, the pin at the one end of the piston 34p is disengaged from the other engaged portion <NUM>, and continuously, when the knob is further pulled, the protruding portion 34t is disengaged from the one engaged portion <NUM>. In this state, when the second coupling portion <NUM> is moved in a lateral direction (left and right) with respect to the first coupling portion <NUM>, the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be separated since the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> are not engaged with each other.

Next, a fifth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the binocular system <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment, the coupling portion <NUM> is different as compared with the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment, and the others are in common. So, here, the coupling portion <NUM> is mainly described and explanations in common may be sometimes omitted. It is noted that the binocular system <NUM> according to each of the fifth embodiment to a ninth embodiment as described below shows an example in which the coupling portion <NUM> is detachably provided with a separating portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment, and <FIG> is an explanatory diagram in front view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the binocular system <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment includes the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs and the coupling portion <NUM> coupling the monoculars <NUM>, <NUM> in pairs as well as the binocular system <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

The coupling portion <NUM> has the first coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the one monocular <NUM>, the second coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the other monocular <NUM>, and the hinge portion <NUM> coupling the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> in such a manner that a mutual bending angle is adjustable centering around the bending axis B.

Here, at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided. By means of the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are detachable. Since at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided, and then, both are detachable from each other in the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be separated to become respectively independent monoculars. Therefore, with the binocular system <NUM>, two users can use respective monoculars simultaneously.

In addition, since the at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the one monocular <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> formed integrally with the other monocular <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be detachable from each other without requiring a coupling member independent from the monoculars in pairs as conventional. Therefore, the binocular system <NUM> which has the number of parts reduced and becomes lightweight and compact can be obtained.

In detail, the first coupling portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the lens barrel <NUM> of the one monocular <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> is formed protruding in a lateral direction from the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel <NUM> toward the other monocular <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> is in a substantially stairs shape in planar view. The first coupling portion <NUM> has a lens barrel side portion 31A formed integrally with the lens barrel <NUM> and a hinge side portion 31B detachable via the separating portion <NUM> with respect to the lens barrel side portion 31A.

Similarly, the second coupling portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the lens barrel <NUM> of the other monocular <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM> is formed protruding in a lateral direction from the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel <NUM> toward the one monocular <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM> is in a substantially stairs shape by making the first coupling portion <NUM> inverted symmetrically in a front and back direction (symmetrically in an up and down direction in <FIG>) in planar view. The second coupling portion <NUM> has a lens barrel side portion 32A formed integrally with the lens barrel <NUM> and a hinge side portion 32B detachable via the separating portion <NUM> with respect to the lens barrel side portion 32A.

Since the separating portion <NUM> of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the separating portion <NUM> of the second coupling portion <NUM> are almost similarly structured, the separating portion <NUM> of the first coupling portion <NUM> is described in detail on behalf. The lens barrel side portion 31A has a convex portion insertable into a concave portion provided in the hinge side portion 31B, and the hinge side portion 31B has the concave portion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the convex portion of the lens barrel side portion 31A. The lens barrel side portion 31A and the hinge side portion 31B are removable from each other. The barrel side portion 31A has an elastic slit portion 31Aq provided with tongue pieces in pairs between which an engaging pin 31Bp of the hinge side portion 31B is engageable by frictional force caused by being clamped therebetween. On the other hand, the hinge side portion 31B has the engaging pin 31Bp in a rod shape to be clamped in the elastic slit portion 31Aq. Therefore, by inserting the convex portion of the lens barrel side portion 31A into the concave portion of the hinge side portion 31B, and at the same time, by clamping the engaging pin 31Bp in the elastic slit portion 31Aq, the lens barrel side portion 31A and the hinge side portion 31B can be fixed with each other. In addition, by removing the engaging pin 31Bp from the elastic slit portion 31Aq, they can be separated from each other. Additionally, the separating portion <NUM> may be provided on at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>, that is, on both of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>, or on only one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>.

The hinge portion <NUM> has the shaft member <NUM> which is incorporated in the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> to be arranged along the direction of the bending axis B. The shaft member <NUM> may not be detachable with respect to the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>, and it may be formed in a divided manner in order to simplify assembling.

The shaft member <NUM> fastens the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>. In addition, by adjusting fastening force of the shaft member <NUM>, frictional force between the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> becomes adjustable. Then, the bending angle between the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> can be maintained at a desired angle by friction of the first coupling portion <NUM> with the second coupling portion <NUM>.

Next, a sixth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The binocular system <NUM> according to each of the sixth embodiment to the ninth embodiments is different as compared with the binocular system <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment regarding the separating portion <NUM>, and the others are in common. So, here, the separating portion <NUM> is mainly described and explanations in common may be sometimes omitted. It is noted that the binocular system <NUM> according to each of the fifth embodiment to the ninth embodiment shows an example in which the coupling portion <NUM> is detachably provided with the separating portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, and <FIG> is an explanatory diagram in front view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided. Here, both of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> have the separating portions <NUM> as detachably provided, for example. By means of the separating portions <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are detachable. In this way, since at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided, and then, both are detachable from each other in the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be separated to become respectively independent monoculars. Therefore, with the binocular system <NUM>, two users can use respective monoculars simultaneously.

In detail, the separating portion <NUM> is a so-called dovetail joint in which a dovetail tenon <NUM> formed in the lens barrel side portion 31A is fitted into a dovetail groove <NUM> formed in the hinge side portion 31B. Additionally, the dovetail groove <NUM> may be formed in the barrel side portion 31A and the dovetail tenon <NUM> may be formed in the hinge side portion 31B. In the separating portion <NUM>, one or both of the dovetail groove <NUM> and the dovetail tenon <NUM> is/are provided with a taper along a longitudinal direction. Then, when the dovetail tenon <NUM> is slidably fitted into the dovetail groove <NUM> in a front and back direction (an up and down direction in <FIG>) from a state that the lens barrel side portion 31A and the hinge side portion 31B are separated, the dovetail groove <NUM> and the dovetail tenon <NUM> are tightened and fixed to each other. The lens barrel side portion 31A and the hinge side portion 31B can be separated by sliding them in a reverse direction.

Next, a seventh embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in planar view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment, and <FIG> is an explanatory diagram in front view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided. Here, only one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM>, for example. By means of the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are detachable. In this way, since at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating part <NUM> as detachably provided, and then, both are detachable from each other in the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular telecope10 and the other monocular <NUM> can be separated to become respectively independent monoculars. Therefore, with the binocular system <NUM>, two users can use respective monoculars simultaneously.

Next, an eighth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in front view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided. By means of the separating part <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are detachable. In this way, since at least one of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM> has the separating portion <NUM> as detachably provided, and then, both are detachable from each other in the separating portion <NUM>, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be separated to become respectively independent monoculars. Therefore, with the binocular system <NUM>, two users can use respective monoculars simultaneously.

Next, the ninth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in front view of the binocular system <NUM> according to the ninth embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the separation portion <NUM> is similar to the separation portion <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment and is provided in the first coupling portion <NUM>. The bending axis B is set at a position eccentric from the middle between the optical axis L1 of the one monocular <NUM> and the optical axis L2 of the other monocular <NUM>. More specifically, with respect to the middle between the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2, such eccentric position is set on a side (a side of the other monocular <NUM>) opposite to a side (a side of the one monocular <NUM>) on which the separating portion <NUM> is located. As a result, as compared with a case where the bending axis B is set on the middle between the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2, the center of gravity can be brought closer to the middle between the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2. Also, the weight of the one monocular <NUM> and the weight of the other monocular <NUM> can become close when they are independently separated into the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> at the separating portion <NUM>. Therefore, the binocular system <NUM> becomes better in weight balance and improved in feeling of use in either case when used as a binocular system, when used as a telescope, or when used as a monocular.

Next, a tenth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The tenth embodiment to a twelfth embodiment as described below show specific examples of the first connecting portion <NUM> (a connecting portion) and the first connected portion <NUM> (a connected portion) when the binocular system <NUM> is used as a telescope.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in side view when the binocular system <NUM> according to the tenth embodiment is used as a telescope. As shown in <FIG>, the one monocular <NUM> has a first connecting portion 11A (a connecting portion) on the side of the objective lens <NUM>, and the other monocular <NUM> has a first connected portion 22A (a connected portion) connectable to the first connecting portion 11A on the side of the eye lens <NUM>. Additionally, the one monocular <NUM> may have a second connected portion 12A (a connected portion) on the side of the eye lens <NUM>, and the other monocular <NUM> may have a second connecting portion 21A (a connecting portion) connectable to the second connected portion 12A on the side of the objective lens <NUM>. Then, by connecting the first connected portion 22A of the other monocular <NUM> to the first connecting portion 11A of the one monocular <NUM>, the lens barrel <NUM> and the lens barrel <NUM> are continuously arranged in a longitudinal direction so that the optical axis L1 and the optical axis L2 are in a straight line. Therefore, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected and fixed in a lengthwise continuous manner.

Here, as shown in <FIG>, the first connecting portion 11A and the first connected portion 22A are configured by a push-in joint. Specifically, the first connecting portion 11A and the first connected portion 22A are, for example, elastic bodies made of resin. The first connecting portion 11A and the first connected portion 22A are formed in cylindrical shape. In addition, an outer diameter of the first connected portion 22A is set slightly larger than an inner diameter of the first connecting portion 11A. By inserting the first connected portion 22A into the first connecting portion 11A to be fitted in a mutually tightened state, a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected in a lengthwise continuous manner is maintained. Further, when force larger than a predetermined value is applied in a direction separating the first connecting portion 11A and the first connected portion 22A from each other, the first connecting portion 11A and the first connected portion 22A can be separated. Additionally, the second connected portion 12A and the second connecting portion 21A may be similarly configured. Also, a male-to-female relationship between the first connecting portion 11A and the first connected portion 22A may be reversed. In this manner, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be connected and fixed with no looseness by user's operation and this connection can be released with ease by user's operation.

Next, an eleventh embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in side view when the binocular system <NUM> according to the eleventh embodiment is used as a telescope.

As shown in <FIG>, unlike the tenth embodiment, a first connecting portion 11B and a first connected portion 22B are configured by a screw joint. Specifically, for example, the first connecting portion 11B has a male screw thereon and the first connected portion 22B has a female screw thereon. By screwing the male screw of the first connected portion 22B in a right direction into the female screw of the first connecting portion 11B to be fixed in a mutually screwed state, a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected in a lengthwise continuous manner is maintained. Further, when the first connected portion 22B is turned in a reverse direction with respect to the first connecting portion 11B, the first connecting portion 11B and the first connected portion 22B can be separated. Additionally, the second connected portion 12B and the second connecting portion 21B may be similarly configured. Also, a male-to-female relationship between the first connecting portion 11B and the first connected portion 22B may be reversed. The second connected portion 12B may be provided with a repositionable eyecup M having a female screw screwable to a male screw of the second connected portion 12B. In this manner, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be connected and fixed with no looseness by user's operation and this connection can be released with ease by user's operation.

Next, the twelfth embodiment to carry out the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram in side view when the binocular system <NUM> according to the twelfth embodiment is used as a telescope.

As shown in <FIG>, unlike the tenth embodiment and the eleventh embodiment, the first connecting portion 11C and the first connected portion 22C are configured by a bayonet joint. Specifically, for example, the first connected portion 22C is a male side and the first connecting portion 11C is a female side. Then, by parallelly moving the first connecting portion 11C and the first connected portion 22C in a direction approaching to each other in a state that a phase of a slit on the female side of the first connecting portion 11C and a phase of a projecting portion on the male side of the first connected portion 22C are aligned, and then, by rotating them, a state that the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are connected in a lengthwise continuous manner is maintained. Further, when the first connected portion 22C is rotated in a reverse direction with respect to the first connecting portion 11C, and then, the first connecting portion 11C and the first connected portion 22C are parallelly moved apart from each other, the first connecting portions 11C and the first connected portion 22C can be separated. Additionally, the second connected portion 12C and the second connecting portion 21C may be similarly configured. Also, a male-to-female relationship between the first connecting portion 11C and the first connected portion 22C may be reversed. The second connected portion 12C may be provided with the repositionable eyecup M engageable with the male side of the second connected portion 12C. In this manner, the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> can be connected and fixed with no looseness by user's operation and this connection can be released with ease by user's operation.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments as above, it is needless to say that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiments. Further, it is obvious from the features described in the claims that any embodiment in which such modifications or improvements are added can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, it is possible to combine appropriately a configuration according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, in which the one monocular <NUM> and the other monocular <NUM> are detachably coupled, and a configuration according to any one of the tenth to twelfth embodiments, in which a connecting portion is provided on the side of the objective lens <NUM> of the one monocular <NUM> and a connected portion is provided on the side of the eye lens <NUM> of the other monocular <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A binocular system comprising:
monoculars (<NUM>, <NUM>) in pairs; and
a coupling portion (<NUM>) coupling the monoculars in pairs,
wherein:
one monocular (<NUM>) has a connecting portion (<NUM>) on a side of an objective lens thereof;
the other monocular (<NUM>) has a connected portion (<NUM>) connectable to the connecting portion (<NUM>) on a side of an eye lens thereof;
the coupling portion (<NUM>) includes a first coupling portion (<NUM>) formed integrally with the one monocular (<NUM>), a second coupling portion (<NUM>) formed integrally with the other monocular (<NUM>), and a hinge portion (<NUM>) coupling the first coupling portion (<NUM>) and the second coupling portion (<NUM>) in such a manner that a mutual bending angle therebetween is adjustable centering around a bending axis (B);
the one monocular (<NUM>) and the other monocular (<NUM>) are detachable from each other;
the hinge portion (<NUM>) has at least one shaft member (<NUM>) movable forward and backward in a direction of the bending axis;
one of the first coupling portion (<NUM>) and the second coupling portion (<NUM>) has the at least one shaft member (<NUM>);
the other one of the first coupling portion (<NUM>) and the second coupling portion (<NUM>) has at least one engaged portion (<NUM>) which is a recess engageable with the at least one shaft member (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the at least one shaft member (<NUM>) comprises: either a ball (34b) engageable with the at least one engaged portion (<NUM>) or a piston (34p) provided with a pin engageable with the at least one engaged portion (<NUM>) at one end of the piston (34p); and at least one elastic body (<NUM>) energizing the ball (34b) or the piston (34p) toward the at least one engaged portion (<NUM>) in the direction of the bending axis (B).