Lens device and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a lens device advantageous for position adjustment between a cam follower and a cam.SOLUTION: A lens device has: first and second lens units that are movable along an optical axis; a cam member that has a rotation axis along the optical axis, is formed with first and second cams, the first and second cams being formed overlapping in a direction of the optical axis, and is rotatable around the rotation axis; and first and second cam followers that are arranged in the first and second lens units, respectively, and engaged with the first and second cams, respectively. The first cam follower is arranged, on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, on a first straight line forming a first angle around the rotation angle with respect to a reference straight line passing through the optical axis and the rotation axis. The lens device has an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the first cam follower in a direction orthogonal to the first straight line on the plane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens apparatus and an imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] A lens device having a cylindrical cam mechanism that moves a lens group along the optical axis for zooming is known. The cylindrical cam mechanism has a cam groove formed on the outer surface of a cylinder, and moves a lens group having a cam follower that engages with the cam groove by rotating the cylinder. A cylindrical cam mechanism is known in which, in order to shorten the overall length, the starting points of a plurality of cam grooves for moving a plurality of lens groups are shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, and the plurality of cam grooves are made to overlap each other in the direction of the optical axis (Patent Document 1). Also known is a cylindrical cam mechanism that allows the position of the cam follower to be adjusted in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 02-017083 [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-033567 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the cylindrical cam mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 2, the position adjustment of the cam follower is performed by approaching it from a direction along the optical axis. Therefore, in a lens device including the cylindrical cam mechanism, the position adjustment of the cam follower is performed before assembly, and the lens device does not have a cam follower position adjustment mechanism. The present invention aims to provide a lens device that is advantageous for adjusting the position between the cam follower and the cam, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a zoom lens comprising: first and second lens units movable along an optical axis; a cam member having a rotation axis along the optical axis, and first and second cams are formed, the first and second cams being formed overlapping each other in the direction of the optical axis, and rotatable around the rotation axis; a lens device including first and second cam followers disposed in the first and second lens units, respectively, and engaged with the first and second cams, the first cam follower is disposed on a first straight line that forms a first angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, The lens device further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the first cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line on the plane. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a lens device which is advantageous in adjusting the positions between a cam follower and a cam. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lens device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a moving mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a moving mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a bottom view of a movement mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cam groove according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adjustment unit according to the first embodiment (cross section perpendicular to the optical axis); [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adjustment unit according to the first embodiment (cross section taken along CC in FIG. 6). [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a movement mechanism according to a second embodiment; [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment (cross section perpendicular to the optical axis); [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment (cross section taken along line DD in FIG. 9 ). [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lens device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lens device shown in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lens device shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] An enlarged view of the lens device portion of FIG. 11 as viewed in the C direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the lens device shown in FIG. 14 taken along the line E-E. [Figure 16] An enlarged view of the lens device portion of FIG. 11 as viewed in the direction D. [Figure 17] F-F cross section of the configuration in Figure 16 [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lens device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lens device in part G of FIG. 18; [Figure 20] Side view of the configuration of FIG. [Figure 21] H-H cross section of the configuration in Figure 20 [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in principle (unless otherwise specified) throughout all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] The lens device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. Here, Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the lens device according to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of the moving mechanism according to the first embodiment, Fig. 3 is a side view of the moving mechanism according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the moving mechanism according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cam groove according to the first embodiment, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the adjustment unit according to the first embodiment (cross section perpendicular to the optical axis), and Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the adjustment unit according to the first embodiment (cross section CC in Fig. 6). In these figures, the lens device L includes a main body 100, a cover 200 that covers the main body 100, and a mount unit 300 for mounting on a camera.

[0010] The main body 100 includes, but is not limited to, a lens group 1 at least a part of which moves for focusing, a zoom section 2 including a plurality of lens groups which move for zooming, an aperture diaphragm 3 for adjusting the amount of light, an extender lens section 4, and a relay lens group 5. The lens group 1 includes a sub-lens group 10 which does not move for focusing, and a sub-lens group 11 which moves for focusing. The main body 100 has a guide which guides the movement of the sub-lens group 11 along the optical axis P of the lens device L. The sub-lens group 11 is driven by a drive section, and as a result, the focus state (object distance) of the lens device L is changed.

[0011] The zoom unit 2 has a fixed lens barrel 20 (accommodating member), moving frames 21 and 22 (first and second lens units, respectively) that hold two lens groups (optical members), and a cam barrel 23 (cam member) that is supported rotatably around an axis C (rotation axis) that is parallel to the optical axis P. Here, the axis C is not coaxial with the optical axis P, and the axis C and the cam barrel 23 are outside the two lens groups (optical members). The moving frames 21 and 22 include cam followers 211 and 221, respectively (first and second cam followers, respectively; may be cylindrical, for example). In addition, the cam followers 211 and 221 are engaged with cams 23a and 23b (first and second cams, respectively; may be grooves, for example) formed on the cam barrel 23.

[0012] Furthermore, moving frames 21 and 22 include guide followers 212 and 222, respectively, which engage with linear guides 20a and 20b (which may be grooves, for example) formed in fixed barrel 20 along optical axis P. Cam gear 24 and support shaft 25 are provided at one end of cam barrel 23, and support shaft 26 is provided at the other end of cam barrel 23. When cam gear 24 is driven to rotate by a drive unit or the like, cam barrel 23 is driven to rotate about axis C, and as a result, moving frames 21 and 22 are driven along optical axis P, and the focal length of lens device L changes.

[0013] The extender lens unit 4 includes a turret plate 40 supported rotatably around an axis U along the optical axis P, and lens groups 41 and 42 held by the turret plate 40. The extender lens unit 4 also includes a cover 43 that covers the turret plate 40 and the lens groups 41 and 42. When the turret plate 40 is driven to rotate around the axis U by a drive unit or the like, the lens group arranged on the optical axis P is switched to either the lens groups 41 or 42, and as a result, the focal length of the lens device L (the focal length range of the zoom unit 2) is switched.

[0014] Here, the arrangement of the cam barrel 23 and the cam followers 211 and 221 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the axis of the cam follower 221 (the axis of the cylinder constituting the cam follower) extends (is arranged) along (on) a straight line (reference straight line) passing through the optical axis P and the axis C. On the other hand, the central axis of the cam follower 211 is rotated 90° with respect to the central axis of the cam follower 221 with respect to the axis C of the cam barrel 23. In order to correspond to the relative angle of the cam followers, the cam 23a of the cam barrel 23 is arranged rotated 90° with respect to the axis C of the cam barrel 23 with respect to the cam 23b. Also, when viewed from the direction of the optical axis P, the central axis of the cam follower 211 is arranged offset by a dimension M with respect to the optical axis P. Therefore, the position of the cam follower 211 is likely to vary due to the manufacturing of the moving frame 21 compared to the case where the central axis of the cam follower 211 is arranged on a straight line (reference straight line) passing through the optical axis P and the axis C.

[0015] In order to align the cam follower 211 with the cam 23a, the moving frame 21 includes a position adjustment mechanism (described later) for the cam follower 211. On the other hand, the alignment between the cam follower 221 and the cam 23b is performed by finely adjusting the position or inclination of the cam cylinder 23 in the direction of the arrow H. Since the relative angle between the central axis of the cam follower 211 and the central axis of the cam follower 221 is 90°, the alignment between the cam follower 221 and the cam 23b does not affect the alignment between the cam follower 211 and the cam 23a. That is, the respective alignments can be performed independently without affecting each other.

[0016] 5 shows locus S1 of cam follower 211 and locus S2 of cam follower 221 formed on the outer surface of cam barrel 23. Position P1 of cam follower 211 at the telephoto end is located closer to the image side than position P2 of cam follower 221 at the telephoto end. Therefore, compared to a case where the loci of multiple cam followers do not overlap in the optical axis direction, it is possible to shorten the length of the cam barrel in the optical axis direction by at least the overlap length G.

[0017] Here, the position adjustment structure (adjustment unit) of the cam follower 211 provided in the zoom movement frame 21 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 shows a cross section of the cam follower 211 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis P and including the central axis of the cam follower 211. Fig. 7 shows a cross section of the cam follower 211 in a plane including the central axis of the cam follower 211 and the axis C of the cam barrel 23 (cross section CC in Fig. 6).

[0018] The cam follower 211 is rotatably held by the base 213 with a screw 214 so as not to fall off the base 213. The base 213 is fixed to the zoom movement frame 21 with a fixing screw 215. An elastic member 216 is disposed between the wall surface 21a of the zoom movement frame 21 and the end surface 213a of the base 213. The elastic member 216 is bonded to the wall surface 21a of the zoom movement frame 21. The elastic member 216 may be formed including rubber, a leaf spring, or the like, and generates an elastic force (restoring force) by compression. A pressure screw 217 is provided on the wall portion 21b facing the wall surface 21a of the zoom movement frame 21. The tip of the pressure screw 217 is in contact with the end surface 213b of the base 213 opposite the end surface 213a.

[0019] By screwing the pressure screw 217 into the wall portion 21b, the elastic member 216 is compressed by the base 213 and the wall surface 21a. The base 213 can be guided in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cam follower 211 (the direction of the arrow V in FIG. 6) in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis P by the wall surface 21c of the zoom movement frame 21 shown in FIG. 7. That is, by changing the amount of screwing of the pressure screw 217 with the fixing screw 215 loosened, the base 213 can be moved in the direction of the arrow V relative to the zoom movement frame 21. Therefore, the position of the cam follower 211 relative to the zoom movement frame 21 can be adjusted. This allows the position of the cam follower 211 to be aligned with the cam 23a.

[0020] 3, fixing screw 215 for fixing base 213 can be operated through window 20c provided on the side of fixed lens barrel 20 (housing member) that houses cam barrel 23. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, pressure screw 217 for adjusting the position of base 213 can be operated through an opening of housing section 20d (housing member) that houses cam barrel 23. That is, the housing member that houses the cam member has an opening for exposing the cam follower (adjustment mechanism) in a direction along the radial direction of the cam barrel (the direction of a first straight line described later).

[0021] With the adjustment mechanism as described above, the cam follower (adjustment mechanism) can be accessed (approached) from outside the zoom unit along the radial direction of the cam barrel (the direction of the first straight line described below) to adjust the position of the cam follower relative to the cam. Therefore, even if it becomes necessary to readjust the position of the cam follower in the assembled state of the lens device as shown in Fig. 1, the position of the cam follower can be adjusted without removing the focus unit or the extender unit. Furthermore, in this assembled state, the position of the cam follower can be adjusted while checking the focus and image of the lens device.

[0022] [Embodiment 2] Here, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Here, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a moving mechanism according to the second embodiment, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment (cross section perpendicular to the optical axis), and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment (cross section DD in Fig. 9).

[0023] 8, the zoom movement frames 31 and 32 according to the second embodiment include cam followers 311 and 321, respectively, which are engaged with cams 33a and 33b formed on the cam barrel 33. The axis of the cam follower 321 extends (is arranged) along a straight line (reference straight line) passing through the optical axis P and the axis C. The central axis of the cam follower 311 is arranged at an angle W rotated with respect to the central axis of the cam follower 321 with respect to the axis C of the cam barrel 33 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis P. Therefore, the cam 33a is arranged at an angle W rotated with respect to the cam 33b with respect to the axis C of the cam barrel 33.

[0024] 9 and 10, the configuration of the position adjustment mechanism (adjustment unit) of the cam follower 311 provided in the zoom movement frame 31 will be described. Fig. 9 shows a cross section of the cam follower 311 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis P including the central axis of the cam follower 311. Fig. 10 shows the DD cross section shown in Fig. 9.

[0025] The cam follower 311 is rotatably supported by a base 313. The base 313 is fixed to the moving frame 31 by a fixing screw 315. A pressure screw 317 is provided on a wall portion 31a of the moving frame 31. A tip of the pressure screw 317 contacts an end face 313a of the base 313. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, the base 313 can be guided by the wall surface 31b of the moving frame 31 along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cam follower 311 (the direction of arrow K in Fig. 10) within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis P.

[0026] By changing the amount of tightening of the pressure screw 317 with the fixing screw 315 loosened, the base 313 moves along the arrow K relative to the moving frame 31. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the cam follower 311 relative to the zoom moving frame 31. Furthermore, the fixing screw 315 that fixes the base 313 and the pressure screw 317 for adjusting the position of the base 313 can be operated from the opening of the storage section 20d that stores the cam barrel 33.

[0027] With this configuration, the position of the cam follower can be adjusted and fixed from the bottom side of the zoom unit. Therefore, even if it becomes necessary to readjust the position of the cam follower in the assembled state of the lens device as shown in FIG. 1, the position of the cam follower can be adjusted without removing the focus unit or the extender unit. Also, in this assembled state, the position of the cam follower can be adjusted while checking the focus and image of the lens device. Furthermore, even if a drive unit for zooming or focusing is arranged on the side of the storage unit 20d, the position of the cam follower can be adjusted and fixed without removing them.

[0028] [Embodiment 3] Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 17. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lens device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the lens device shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the lens device shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lens device shown in Fig. 11 as viewed in the direction C. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of the portion of the lens device shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lens device shown in Fig. 11 as viewed in the direction D. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of the lens device shown in Fig. 11.

[0029] The lens device L includes a main body 1100, a lens cover 1200 that covers the main body 1100, and a mount unit 1300 for mounting the main body 1100 to a camera. The main body 1100 includes, but is not limited to, a lens group F, at least a part of which moves for focusing, a zoom unit Z including a plurality of lens groups that move for zooming, and a relay lens group R. The main body 1100 also includes an aperture stop for adjusting the amount of light, and a control board. The main body 1100 includes a fixed barrel 1001 as a holding member for holding the above components. 1002 is a cylindrical cam barrel, one end of which is supported by a first position adjustment plate 1004 via a bearing 1003, and the other end of which is supported by a second position adjustment plate 1006 via a bearing 1005. The first position adjustment plate 1004 and the second position adjustment plate 1006 are fixed to the fixed barrel 1001 by a bolt 1007.

[0030] The cam barrel 1002 is supported rotatably around an axis O parallel to the optical axis. The cam barrel 1002 is formed with a first cam 1002a and a second cam 1002b, and is rotated manually or electrically. In addition, on the inner surface of the fixed barrel 1001, three first guide grooves 1001a that guide the first moving barrel 1008 in a direction along the optical axis and three second guide grooves 1001b that guide the second moving barrel 1009 in a direction along the optical axis are formed. The first moving barrel 1008 is provided with three first guide cam followers 1008a along the periphery of the optical axis at each of a plurality of positions in the direction along the optical axis. The second moving barrel 1009 is provided with three second guide cam followers 1009a along the periphery of the optical axis at each of a plurality of positions in the direction along the optical axis.

[0031] The first moving barrel 1008 has a shaft of a first driving cam follower 1008b extending along the horizontal direction, and the second moving barrel 1009 has a shaft of a second driving cam follower 1009b extending along the vertical direction. The three first guide cam followers 1008a engage with the three first guide grooves 1001a, respectively, and the first driving cam follower 1008b engages with the first cam 1002a. As a result, the first moving barrel 1008 is driven in a direction along the optical axis by a movement amount according to the shape of the first driving cam 1002a and the rotation amount of the cam barrel 1002 while being restricted from falling by the three first guide grooves 1001a. Similarly, the second moving barrel 1009 is driven in a direction along the optical axis by an amount of movement according to the shape of the second driving cam 1002b and the amount of rotation of the cam barrel 1002 while being restricted from falling by the three second guide grooves 1001b.

[0032] The first position adjustment plate 1004 is formed with an elongated hole 1004a extending in the vertical direction (up and down direction in FIG. 14) and an elongated hole 1004b extending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 14), and an eccentric pin 1010 is engaged with each of the elongated holes 1004a and 1004b. The multiple eccentric pins 1010 are engaged with multiple fitting holes 1001c formed in the fixed cylinder 1001. With the bolt 1007 loosened, the first position adjustment plate 1004 is driven in the horizontal direction using the eccentric pin 1010 engaged with the elongated hole 1004b as a guide by rotating the eccentric pin 1010 engaged with the elongated hole 1004b. The multiple eccentric pins 1010 are engaged with multiple fitting holes 1001c formed in the fixed cylinder 1001, respectively. Furthermore, by rotating the eccentric pin 1010 engaged with the elongated hole 1004b, the first position adjustment plate 1004 is driven in the vertical direction using the eccentric pin 1010 fitted into the elongated hole 1004a as a guide. Thus, by rotating the multiple eccentric pins 1010, the position of the first position adjustment plate 1004 is adjusted within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0033] Similarly, the position of the second position adjustment plate 1006 is adjusted in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis by rotation of an eccentric pin 1010 that engages with an elongated hole 1006a or 1006b formed in the second position adjustment plate and fits into a fitting hole 1001c formed in the fixed barrel 1001. The positions of both ends of the cam barrel 1002 are adjusted in any direction perpendicular to the optical axis by adjusting the positions of the first position adjustment plate 1004 and the second position adjustment plate 1006, respectively. The first position adjustment plate 1004 and the second position adjustment plate 1006 that have been positioned are fixed to the fixed barrel 1001 by tightening bolts 1007.

[0034] With the above-mentioned configuration, the cam barrel 1002 is finely adjusted only in the horizontal direction by adjusting the rotation of the eccentric pin 1010 that engages with the elongated holes 1004a and 1006a. This allows for position adjustment between the second driving cam follower 1009b, whose axis extends along the vertical direction, and the second cam 1002b.

[0035] Furthermore, the cam cylinder 1002 is finely adjusted only in the vertical direction by adjusting the rotation of the eccentric pin 1010 engaged with the elongated holes 1004b and 1006b. This allows the position adjustment between the first driving cam follower 1008b, whose axis extends along the horizontal direction, and the first cam 1002a. Therefore, the cam cylinder 1002 can perform position adjustment in the horizontal direction and position adjustment in the vertical direction independently of each other. In other words, the position adjustment between the first driving cam follower 1008b and the first cam 1002a and the position adjustment between the second driving cam follower 1009b and the second cam 1002b can be performed independently.

[0036] As described above, the structure for adjusting the positions (engagement adjustment) between the multiple cam followers and the cams by adjusting the position of the cam barrel 1002 is simpler than a structure in which each movable barrel is provided with a cam follower position adjustment mechanism, and requires fewer assembly steps, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing costs of the lens device. Also, by making each movable barrel small and lightweight, it is possible to provide a lens device that is small and lightweight, and has advantages in terms of the torque and power consumption required to drive the movable barrel.

[0037] [Embodiment 4] Now, with reference to Fig. 18 to Fig. 21, the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lens device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of part G of the lens device of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a side view of the configuration of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H of the configuration of Fig. 20. In this embodiment, the same members as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] The fixed barrel 1021 has three first guide grooves 1021a formed on its inner surface to guide the first moving barrel 1008 in the direction of the optical axis. The fixed barrel 1021 has three second guide grooves 1021b formed on its inner surface to guide the second moving barrel 1009 in the direction of the optical axis. The fixed barrel 1021 has three third guide grooves 1021c formed on its inner surface to guide the third moving barrel 1022 in the direction of the optical axis. The first moving barrel 1008 is provided with three first guide cam followers 1008a, and the second moving barrel 1009 is provided with three second guide cam followers 1009a. The third moving barrel 1022 is provided with three third guide cam followers 1022a.

[0039] It is preferable that each of the cam followers for guide is provided in a plurality in the direction along the optical axis. The cam barrel 1023 is formed with a first cam 1023a, a second cam 1023b, and a third cam 1023c. The first moving lens barrel 1008 is provided with a shaft of a first driving cam floor 1008b extending in the horizontal direction and engaged with the first cam 1023a (see FIG. 12 for the first driving cam follower 1008b). The second moving lens barrel 1009 is provided with a shaft of a second driving cam follower 1009b extending in the vertical direction and engaged with the second cam 1023b. As in the third embodiment, the cam barrel 1023 is structured such that its position is adjusted by adjusting the positions of the first position adjustment plate 1004 and the second position adjustment plate 1006 that support both ends of the cam barrel 1023.

[0040] The displacement holder 1024 is in surface contact with a horizontal sliding surface 1022b provided on the third moving lens barrel 1022, and the third moving lens barrel 1022 and the displacement holder 1024 are engaged with each other by a pin 1025 penetrating horizontally so as to be slidable only in the horizontal direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A set screw 1026 is screwed into the third moving lens barrel 1022 so as to be movable forward and backward in the sliding direction of the displacement holder 1024. Furthermore, the displacement holder 1024 is fixed to the third moving lens barrel 1022 by a bolt 1027. The shaft of a third driving cam follower 1024a is provided on the displacement holder 1024 so as to extend vertically, and the third driving cam follower 1024a is engaged with the third cam 1023c.

[0041] With the above-described configuration, similarly to the third embodiment, the engagement adjustment of the first driving cam follower 1008b and the engagement adjustment of the second driving cam follower 1009b can be performed independently by adjusting the position of the cam cylinder 1023. Furthermore, the position adjustment (engagement adjustment) between the third driving cam follower 1024a and the third cam 1023c can also be performed independently by adjusting the position of the displacement holder 1024.

[0042] Therefore, even in a lens device having three or more moving lens barrels, a lens device advantageous in terms of assembly can be provided by the above-mentioned structure that allows the position of the cam barrel 1023 to be adjusted. Also, by making at least a part of the moving barrels small and light, a lens device advantageous in terms of small size and light weight, torque required to drive the moving barrels, and power consumption can be provided. Note that the first and second cam followers can be arranged along (on) first and second straight lines that form different first and second angles around the rotation axis with respect to a reference straight line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, it is only necessary to provide an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the cam member in the plane.

[0043] Also, a third lens unit movable along the optical axis may be further provided. The cam member may further include a third cam formed on an outer surface, and the third cam may be formed so as to overlap at least one of the first and second cams in the direction of the optical axis. The third lens unit may further include a third cam follower arranged in the third lens unit and engaged with the third cam. The third cam follower may be arranged along (on) a third straight line that forms a third angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line passing through the optical axis and the rotation axis, the third angle being different from the first angle and the second angle, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the third cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the third straight line in the plane may be provided.

[0044] In the fourth embodiment, the axis of the third driving cam follower 1024a is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided so as to extend in any direction perpendicular to the axis of the cam cylinder 1023. In addition, the configuration for adjusting the engagement (position adjustment) of the third driving cam follower 1024a is not limited to the configuration performed by advancing and retracting the set screw 1026, and can be replaced with any configuration, such as a configuration including a combination of an eccentric pin and a long groove as in the third embodiment.

[0045] Furthermore, the first cam follower may be arranged along (on) a first straight line that forms a first angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, an adjustment mechanism may be provided that adjusts the position of the first cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line in the plane. Note that the two directions in which the axis of the first cam follower and the axis of the second cam follower extend are not limited to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and may be any two directions different from each other.

[0046] The first angle and the second angle can both be different from 0°. Also, the first angle and the second angle can differ from each other by 90°. The adjustment mechanism can adjust the position of the cam member in a direction perpendicular to a first line in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Also, the adjustment mechanism can adjust the position of the cam member in a direction perpendicular to the first line and a direction perpendicular to the second line in the plane.

[0047] In addition, the configuration for adjusting the positions of each end of the cam barrel is not limited to a configuration including a combination of an eccentric pin and an elongated hole, and can be substituted by, for example, applying a configuration including a set screw in this embodiment for each of the two directions. Furthermore, the number of moving lens groups in the zoom unit is not limited to two or three, and can be four or more.

[0048] According to the invention relating to the above embodiments, it is possible to adjust (align) the position between the cam follower and the cam even after the lens barrel is assembled, thereby providing a lens device that is advantageous in adjusting the position between the cam follower and the cam.

[0049] [Embodiment Related to Imaging Apparatus] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device. The imaging device 10000 may be configured to include a system 3000 and an imaging device body (camera device) 4000, which will be described later. The system 3000 may be configured to include the lens device exemplified above (here, 1000; having an optical member 1000a) and an operation device 2000, which will be described later. The operation device 2000 is for operating the lens device 1000, and may communicate with the lens device 1000 as a remote operation device by wire or wirelessly. The operation device 2000 may be, for example, a so-called demand, and may be supported by a handle of a support device (for example, a tripod) that supports the imaging device. The lens device 1000 and the operation device 2000 constitute a system 3000 for a user to obtain a desired subject image.

[0050] The imaging device body 4000 may be configured to include an imaging element 4000a that captures (images) an image formed by the lens device 1000. The imaging device body 4000 may also be configured to include an imaging section 4000b having the imaging element 4000a, and an operation device 4000c (imaging device body). The imaging device body 4000 may have a function of transmitting a command to the optical member 1000a. The imaging device body 4000 may generate the command by, for example, an autofocus function or an autoiris function of the imaging device body 4000. The operation device 4000c may communicate with the imaging section 4000b as a remote operation device via wire or wirelessly.

[0051] Furthermore, the operation device 2000 / operation device 4000c can generate at least one of a command corresponding to the object distance of the lens device, a command corresponding to the focal length or zooming of the lens device, and a command corresponding to the aperture diameter or F-number of the aperture diaphragm of the lens device, etc. According to this embodiment, by including the lens device exemplified above, it is possible to provide an imaging device that is advantageous in adjusting the position between the cam follower and the cam.

[0052] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0053] (Configuration 1) first and second lens units movable along an optical axis; a cam member having a rotation axis along the optical axis, and first and second cams are formed, the first and second cams being formed overlapping each other in the direction of the optical axis, and rotatable around the rotation axis; a first cam follower and a second cam follower are disposed in the first lens unit and the second lens unit, respectively, and engaged with the first cam and the second cam, respectively; the first cam follower is disposed on a first straight line that forms a first angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, a lens device comprising: an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the first cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line on the plane;

[0054] (Configuration 2) 2. The lens device according to configuration 1, wherein the second cam follower is disposed on the reference straight line.

[0055] (Configuration 3) 3. The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first angle is 90°.

[0056] (Configuration 4) The lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second cam follower is arranged on a second straight line that forms a second angle around the rotation axis with respect to the reference straight line in the plane, the second angle being different from the first angle.

[0057] (Configuration 5) 5. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a housing member that houses the cam member, and an opening is formed in the housing member to expose the adjustment mechanism in a direction along the first straight line.

[0058] (Configuration 6) first and second lens units movable along an optical axis; a cam member having a rotation axis along the optical axis, and first and second cams are formed, the first and second cams being formed overlapping each other in the direction of the optical axis, and rotatable around the rotation axis; a first cam follower and a second cam follower are disposed in the first lens unit and the second lens unit, respectively, and engaged with the first cam and the second cam, respectively; the first and second cam followers are respectively arranged on a first line and a second line that form a first angle and a second angle different from each other around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, The lens device further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the cam member on the plane.

[0059] (Configuration 7) 7. The lens device according to configuration 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam member at each of both ends of the cam member in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0060] (Configuration 8) 8. The lens device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first angle is 90°.

[0061] (Configuration 9) 9. The lens device according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, wherein the second angle is 0°.

[0062] (Configuration 10) 7. The lens device according to configuration 6, wherein the first angle and the second angle are both different from 0°.

[0063] (Configuration 11) 11. The lens device according to any one of configurations 6 to 10, wherein the first angle and the second angle differ from each other by 90 degrees.

[0064] (Configuration 12) 12. The lens device according to any one of configurations 6 to 11, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam member in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line on the plane.

[0065] (Configuration 13) 12. The lens device according to any one of configurations 6 to 11, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam member in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line and in a direction perpendicular to the second straight line on the plane.

[0066] (Configuration 14) a third lens unit movable along the optical axis; the cam member is further formed with a third cam, the third cam being formed to overlap with at least one of the first and second cams in the direction of the optical axis; a third cam follower disposed in the third lens unit and engaged with the third cam; the third cam follower is disposed on a third straight line that forms a third angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis, the third angle being different from the first angle and the second angle, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; 14. The lens device according to any one of configurations 6 to 13, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the third cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the third straight line on the plane.

[0067] (Configuration 15) A lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, and an image sensor for capturing an image formed by the lens device.

[0068] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 21 First lens unit 211 First cam follower 22 Second lens unit 221 Second Cam Follower 23 Cam member 213 Base (constitutes the adjustment mechanism) 215 Fixing screw (constitutes the adjustment mechanism) 216 Elastic member (constituting the adjustment mechanism) 217 Pressure screw (constitutes the adjustment mechanism) L Lens device P optical axis C Rotational Axis

Claims

1. first and second lens units movable along an optical axis; a cam member in which first and second cams are formed, the loci of which at least partly overlap in the direction of the optical axis, and which is rotatable around a rotation axis along the optical axis; a first cam follower and a second cam follower are disposed in the first and second lens units, respectively, and are engaged with the first and second cams, respectively; the first cam follower is disposed on a first line that forms a first angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, a lens device comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the first cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line on the plane;

2. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the second cam follower is disposed on the reference straight line.

3. 2. The lens device of claim 1, wherein the first angle is 90 degrees.

4. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the second cam follower is arranged on a second straight line that forms a second angle around the rotation axis with respect to the reference straight line in the plane, the second angle being different from the first angle.

5. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing member that houses the cam member, the housing member having an opening formed therein for exposing the adjustment mechanism in a direction along the first straight line.

6. first and second lens units movable along an optical axis; a cam member in which first and second cams are formed, the loci of which at least partly overlap in the direction of the optical axis, and which is rotatable around a rotation axis along the optical axis; a first cam follower and a second cam follower are disposed in the first and second lens units, respectively, and are engaged with the first and second cams, respectively; the first and second cam followers are respectively arranged on a first line and a second line that form a first angle and a second angle different from each other around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, The lens device further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the cam member on the plane.

7. 7. The lens device according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam member at each of both ends of the cam member in the direction of the rotation axis.

8. 7. The lens device of claim 6, wherein the first angle is 90 degrees.

9. 7. The lens device according to claim 6, wherein the second angle is 0 degrees.

10. 7. The lens device according to claim 6, wherein the first angle and the second angle are both different from 0°.

11. 7. The lens device according to claim 6, wherein the first angle and the second angle differ from each other by 90 degrees.

12. 7. The lens device according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam member in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line on the plane.

13. 7. The lens device according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the cam member in a direction perpendicular to the first straight line and a direction perpendicular to the second straight line on the plane.

14. a third lens unit movable along the optical axis; a third cam is further formed on the cam member, and a locus of the third cam is formed to overlap with a locus of at least one of the first and second cams in the direction of the optical axis; a third cam follower disposed in the third lens unit and engaged with the third cam; At least a portion of the locus of the third cam overlaps with the locus of at least one of the first and second cams in the direction of the optical axis; the third cam follower is disposed on a third straight line that forms a third angle around the rotation axis with respect to a reference line that passes through the optical axis and the rotation axis, the third angle being different from the first angle and the second angle, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; 7. The lens device according to claim 6, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the third cam follower in a direction perpendicular to the third straight line on the plane.

15. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; an imaging element for capturing an image formed by the lens device.

Images