Lens device and imaging device having the same

Abstract

To provide a lens device that comprises a drive mechanism including an operating member capable of accurate adjustment.SOLUTION: A lens device has: a first optical system; a second optical system; a detection part that is provided on an operating member to detect the amount of operation of the operating member; a driving part that generates a driving force according to an operation for the operating member; an action part that makes an action according to the driving force; and a movable body that includes a contact part in contact with the moving part, and moves integrally with the first and second optical systems according to the action of the action part. The first and second optical systems are each a folded optical system including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and have a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected on the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected on the second reflecting surface, in order from a subject side to an image side. The detection part, the contact part, and the action part are arranged along the first optical axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device and an imaging device having the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lens is known in which left and right optical systems are arranged at a predetermined distance (baseline length) apart, and two image circles are formed in parallel on one imaging element. In such a lens, the images formed by the left and right optical systems are recorded as moving images or still images for the left eye and the right eye, respectively, and when viewed using a 3D display, VR goggles, etc. during playback, the right-eye image is projected onto the viewer's right eye, and the left-eye image is projected onto the left eye. At this time, due to the baseline length of the left and right optical systems, images with a parallax are projected onto the right and left eyes, so the viewer can obtain a stereoscopic effect. In order to capture images with parallax, it is necessary to perform focus adjustment on the left and right optical systems respectively.

[0003] Although different from the above configuration, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in a binocular with a photographing function that can be switched between a coarse adjustment mode by rotating a focus dial and a fine adjustment mode by pressing a release button.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the left and right optical systems are adjusted simultaneously, so the difference in focus between the left and right images is not eliminated, giving the viewer an unpleasant impression. Furthermore, in the left and right optical systems configured using a bent optical system, the external shape is cylindrical near the mount, but becomes trumpet-shaped as it approaches the subject. As a result, the space for placing operating members used during manual focusing and when adjusting the difference in focus between the left and right images is limited.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a lens device equipped with a drive mechanism that includes an operating member that can be adjusted with high precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A lens device as one aspect of the present invention comprises a first optical system, a second optical system, a detection unit provided on an operating member for detecting the amount of operation of the operating member, and a drive unit that generates a driving force in response to the operation of the operating member. Equipped with a cam section, It operates according to the driving force. Facecam ring and, Facecam ring It has a contact portion that comes into contact with the object, Facecam ring A moving body moves integrally with the first and second optical systems in accordance with the operation of the first and second optical systems, and the first and second optical systems are bent optical systems including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and have, in order from the subject side to the image side, a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected by the second reflecting surface, and a detection unit, a contact unit, and Facecam ring It is arranged along the first optical axis. The cam portion is positioned on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device equipped with a compact drive mechanism that includes an operating member that can be adjusted with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens in this embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a front view of the interchangeable lens in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the camera system in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an electrical block diagram of the camera system in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view of the interchangeable lens in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism of this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the drive mechanism of this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens including the drive mechanism of this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the interchangeable lens showing the arrangement of the drive mechanism in this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the interchangeable lens showing the arrangement of the drive mechanism in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numeral is used for identical components, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0011] A lens device (interchangeable lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention has two optical systems (a first optical system and a second optical system) arranged in parallel (symmetrically) to each other, and is configured to form two image circles in parallel on a single image sensor. The two optical systems are spaced apart by a predetermined distance (baseline length) and arranged along the horizontal direction. When viewed from the imaging surface side, the image formed by the right optical system (first optical system) is recorded as a moving image or still image for the right eye, and the image formed by the left optical system (second optical system) is recorded as a moving image or still image for the left eye.

[0012] By viewing a video or a still image (video) using a 3D display or a so-called VR goggles, etc., a video for the right eye is projected onto the right eye of the viewer, and a video for the left eye is projected onto the left eye. At this time, due to the baseline length of the left and right optical systems, videos with a parallax are projected onto the right and left eyes, so that the viewer can obtain a stereoscopic effect. Thus, the lens device of the present embodiment is a lens device for stereoscopic photography that can form two images with a parallax by the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0013] In the following description, for the description of the first optical system (right-eye optical system), an R is attached to the end of the reference numeral, and for the description of the second optical system (left-eye optical system), an L is attached to the end of the reference numeral. For descriptions common to both the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system, neither R nor L is attached to the end of the reference numeral.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 200 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens 200 of the present embodiment.

[0015] The interchangeable lens 200 has a right-eye optical system 201R and a left-eye optical system 201L. Each of the left and right eye optical systems has a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 that is substantially orthogonal to the first optical axis OA1, and a third optical axis OA3 that is parallel to the first optical axis OA1, which are set in order from the subject side to the image side. Further, each of the left and right eye optical systems has a first lens group 211 arranged along the first optical axis OA1, a second lens group 221A, 221B arranged along the second optical axis OA2, and a third lens group 231A, 231B arranged along the third optical axis OA3. The first lens group 211 includes a lens surface 211A with a convex shape on the subject side. Furthermore, each of the left and right eye optical systems has a first prism (optical member) 220 and a second prism 230. The first prism 220 includes a first reflecting surface that bends a light beam parallel to the first optical axis OA1 and guides it to the second optical axis OA2. The second prism 230 includes a second reflecting surface that bends a light beam parallel to the second optical axis OA2 and guides it to the third optical axis OA3.

[0016] In the following description, the optical axis direction is the direction extending toward the subject side and the imaging surface side, that is, the direction parallel to the first optical axis OA1. In this embodiment, although the optical systems are arranged horizontally, they may be arranged vertically.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. The camera system 100 includes an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body (imaging device) 110 to which the interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached. The camera body 110 has a single imaging element 111. The imaging element 111 can perform image plane phase difference focusing by detecting the amount and direction of defocus. The interchangeable lens 200 has a drive mechanism (drive unit) 261 for moving the lens top base 300 and a drive mechanism 262 for moving the right-eye optical system 201R. The drive mechanism 261 can move the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L in a direction orthogonal to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111 by moving the lens top base 300. The left-eye optical system 201L is fixed to the lens top base 300. The right-eye optical system R is supported by the lens top base 300 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111 with respect to the lens top base 300 by the drive mechanism 262. Thereby, the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L can move relatively in a direction orthogonal to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111. In this embodiment, the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L are configured as a lens group in which the imaging optical systems are integrated, and it is possible to perform focus adjustment by extending the entire optical system. As the drive source, in this embodiment, a DC motor or a stepping motor is used, but other drive sources may be used.

[0018] The interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount section 202 and the camera mount section 122. The image sensor 111 is positioned so that its imaging surface is parallel to the lens mount section 202. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and other factors, it is difficult to make the imaging surface perfectly parallel to the lens mount section 202, and the image sensor 111 may actually be fixed with its imaging surface slightly tilted relative to the lens mount section 202. During the manufacturing process, the interchangeable lens 200 is adjusted so that the difference between the distance from the lens mount section 202 to the imaging position of the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L, the so-called flange back distance, is zero. However, due to the tilt of the image sensor 111, the left and right eye optical systems are not always in the optimal focus position. In this embodiment, by configuring the left and right eye optical systems to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, it is possible to adjust the focal positions of the left and right eye optical systems individually.

[0019] Figure 4 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 in this embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view of the interchangeable lens 200 in this embodiment.

[0020] Here, the configuration and electrical mechanism for adjusting the focal position of the left and right eye optical systems will be described. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a right eye optical system 201R, a left eye optical system 201L, a lens mount section 202, drive mechanisms 261 and 262, an operating ring (operating member) 205, an encoder 602, a focus / adjustment switch 800, and a lens system control section 209. The camera body 110 includes an image sensor 111, an A / D conversion unit 112, an image processing unit 113, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a memory unit 116, and an AF detection unit 117. The A / D conversion unit 112 and the image processing unit 113 may be built into the image sensor 111. The camera body 110 also includes a main unit system control section 118, an autofocus / manual focus switch (hereinafter referred to as AF / MF switch SW) 700, and a camera mount section 122.

[0021] When the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount section 202 and the camera mount section 122, the main unit system control section 118 and the lens system control section 209 are electrically connected. Depending on the position of the focus / adjustment switch 800, the lens system control section 209 selects either the right eye optical system 201R or the left and right eye optical systems that are attached to the lens top base 300 and operate as a single unit. The lens system control section 209 also moves the selected component in accordance with the rotation of the rotatable operating ring 205.

[0022] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can select the component to move with a simple sliding motion of the focus adjustment switch 800. If the left and right images are out of focus, the photographer slides the focus adjustment switch 800 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 5 to the "ADJUST" position. This selects a focus difference adjustment mode that adjusts the relative position of the right eye optical system 201R to the left eye optical system 201L, and the focus difference between the left and right images can be eliminated by rotating the operation ring 205. If there is no focus difference between the left and right images, the photographer slides the focus adjustment switch 800 in the opposite direction of the arrow in Figure 5 to a position other than "ADJUST". This selects a focus adjustment mode in which the left and right eye optical systems, attached to the lens top base 300, operate as a single unit, and the focus can be adjusted by extending the entire optical system by rotating the operation ring 205.

[0023] As a subject image (optical image), the right eye image from the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye image from the left eye optical system 201L are formed side by side on the image sensor 111. The image sensor 111 converts the subject image (optical signal) into an analog electrical signal. The A / D conversion unit 112 converts the analog electrical signal output from the image sensor 111 into a digital electrical signal (image signal, digital signal of the subject image). The A / D conversion unit 112 may be built into the image sensor 111. The image processing unit 113 performs various image processing on the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112. The display unit 114 is, for example, an electronic viewfinder or a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. The operation unit 115 functions as a user interface for the photographer to give instructions to the camera system 100. If the display unit 114 has a touch panel, the touch panel also becomes one of the operation units 115.

[0024] The memory unit 116 is, for example, a ROM, RAM, and HDD, and stores various data such as image data processed by the image processing unit 113, as well as programs. The AF detection unit 117 calculates the amount of drive for the left and right eye optical systems based on the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112. The main system control unit 118 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire camera system 100. The AF / MF switch SW700 is used to switch between autofocus and manual focus. Information on the operation of the AF / MF switch SW700 is transmitted to the lens system control unit 209 through the main system control unit 118.

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism including the operating ring 205, etc., in this embodiment. Figure 7 is a front view of the drive mechanism including the operating ring 205, etc., in this embodiment.

[0026] The operating ring 205 is provided with a comb-shaped detection unit 205B that detects the amount of rotation (operation amount) of the operating ring 205. The face cam ring (operating unit) 302 operates in accordance with the driving force generated by the drive mechanism 261. The movable body 301 is provided with a face cam unit (contact unit) 301B that contacts the face cam ring 302. The movable body 301 moves integrally with the left and right eye optical systems in accordance with the operation of the face cam ring 302. The face cam ring 302, the face cam unit 301B, and the detection unit 205B are arranged along the optical axis, and are configured such that at least a portion of their respective projection surfaces in the optical axis direction overlap each other.

[0027] The face cam ring 302 rotates in response to the output from the drive mechanism 261 via multiple gear trains 303A, 303B, and 303C that mesh with a gear 302B provided on the face cam ring 302. Multiple biasing springs (biasing units) 303 are arranged on the inner diameter side of the detection unit 205B and bias the face cam unit 301B relative to the face cam ring 302. The detection unit 205B and the biasing springs 303 are arranged on the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction. This allows for miniaturization of the drive mechanism.

[0028] Since the movable body 301 and the lens top base 300 are fixedly coupled, the left and right eye optical systems can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111 according to the amount of rotation of the face cam ring 302. The distance L1 between the movable body 301 and the detection unit 205B is longer than the distance L2 between the movable body 301 and the outer cover member 203. As a result, when an impact is applied, the movable body 301 and the outer cover member 203 make contact first, which can suppress damage to the detection unit 205B due to contact with the movable body 301.

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 200 including the drive mechanism 261 of this embodiment. The output from the drive mechanism 261 is transmitted to the gear 302B provided on the face cam ring 302 via a plurality of gear trains 303A, 303B, and 303C. This causes the face cam ring 302 to rotate, moving the left and right eye optical systems, which are integrated with the movable body 301, in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111. The drive mechanism 261 is located on a plane that includes the second optical axis OA2 and is perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The cam portion of the face cam ring 302 is also located on a plane that includes the second optical axis OA2 and is perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The first prism 220, the two lens groups 221A and 221B, and the second prism 230 are arranged within the projection plane of the operating ring 205 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The projection plane of the operating ring 205 is the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 8.

[0030] In the left and right optical systems constructed using a folded optical system, the left and right eye optical systems and the drive mechanism 262 are mainly located on the subject side, and because the field of view is wide, the base widens towards the subject side, resulting in a trumpet shape. Therefore, the drive mechanism, which includes the focus function and other functions including the operating ring 205, is made of a face cam to reduce size in the optical axis direction, and space efficiency is improved by stacking each component in the optical axis direction and arranging them on the imaging plane side, thereby achieving miniaturization of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0031] Figures 9 and 10 are front views of the interchangeable lens 200 showing the arrangement of the drive mechanism 261 in this embodiment. The typical interpupillary distance is approximately 64 mm, and as shown in Figure 9, the distance between the centers of the two first prisms 220 is roughly in line with this value. The dotted line in Figure 9 represents the circumscribed circles of the two first prisms 220, and is located inside the detection unit 205B. The drive mechanism 261, which is connected to the gear 302B provided on the face cam ring 302 via multiple gear trains, is located inside the circumscribed circles of the two first prisms 220. This improves space efficiency and allows for miniaturization of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in the left and right optical systems constructed using a bent optical system, the lens group 211 constituting the left and right eye optical systems is the outermost shape of the interchangeable lens 200. The reduction mechanism, which consists of a drive mechanism 261 that is coupled to a gear 302B provided on the face cam ring 302 via multiple gear trains 303A, 303B, and 303C, is located inside the circumscribed circles of the two lens group 211s shown by the dotted lines in the figure.

[0033] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) The first optical system and The second optical system, A detection unit is provided on the operating member for detecting the amount of operation of the operating member, A drive unit that generates a driving force in response to the operation of the operating member, An operating unit that operates in accordance with the aforementioned driving force, A movable body having a contact portion that contacts the operating portion, and which moves integrally with the first and second optical systems in accordance with the operation of the operating portion, The first and second optical systems are bent optical systems including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, respectively, and have, in order from the subject side to the image side, a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected by the second reflecting surface. The lens device is characterized in that the detection unit, the contact unit, and the operating unit are arranged along the first optical axis. (Configuration 2) The lens device according to configuration 1, further comprising a biasing portion that biases the contact portion relative to the operating portion and is located on the inner diameter side of the detection portion. (Composition 3) The lens device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the biasing unit and the detection unit are arranged on the same plane perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis. (Composition 4) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive unit is coupled to a gear provided on the operating unit and is arranged on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis. (Composition 5) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of lenses arranged in a projection plane in a direction perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis of the operating member. (Composition 6) The system further comprises two optical members, each having the first reflective surface of the first and second optical systems, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the drive unit is arranged inside the circumscribed circles of the two optical members. (Composition 7) Each further comprises two lenses that constitute the first optical axis of the first and second optical systems, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the gear provided in the drive unit and the operating unit, and coupled to the drive unit, is positioned inside the circumscribed circles of the two lenses. (Composition 8) The aforementioned operating part is a face cam ring and also includes a cam portion. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the cam portion is arranged on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis. (Composition 9) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating member is a rotatable operating ring. (Composition 10) A lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a lens mount for attachment to a camera body. (Composition 11) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the first and second optical systems are arranged in parallel. (Composition 12) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, An imaging device characterized by having an image sensor that captures an optical image formed by the first and second optical systems. (Composition 13) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 12, characterized in that the optical image formed by the first and second optical systems is captured by one of the image sensors.

[0034] Although 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 its gist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 200 interchangeable lenses (lens assembly) 201R Right eye optical system (first optical system) 201L Left eye optical system (second optical system) 205 Operating ring (operating component) 205B Detection Unit 261 Drive mechanism (drive unit) 301 Mobile Unit 301B Face cam section (contact section) 302 Face cam ring (moving part) OA1 First optical axis OA2 Second optical axis OA3 Third optical axis

Claims

1. The first optical system and The second optical system, A detection unit is provided on the operating member for detecting the amount of operation of the operating member, A drive unit that generates a driving force in response to the operation of the operating member, A face cam ring, which has a cam section and operates according to the driving force, A movable body having a contact portion that contacts the face cam ring, and which moves integrally with the first and second optical systems in accordance with the movement of the face cam ring, The first and second optical systems are bent optical systems including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, respectively, and have, in order from the subject side to the image side, a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected by the second reflecting surface. The detection unit, the contact unit, and the face cam ring are arranged along the first optical axis. The lens device is characterized in that the cam portion is arranged on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact portion biases the face cam ring and further comprises a biasing portion disposed on the inner diameter side of the detection portion.

3. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the biasing unit and the detection unit are arranged on the same plane perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis.

4. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive unit is coupled to a gear provided on the face cam ring and is arranged on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis.

5. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a plurality of lenses arranged in a projection plane in a direction perpendicular to the direction parallel to the first optical axis of the operating member.

6. The system further comprises two optical members, each having the first reflective surface of the first and second optical systems, The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive unit is arranged inside the circumscribed circles of the two optical members.

7. Each further comprises two lenses that constitute the first optical axis of the first and second optical systems, The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gear provided on the drive unit and the face cam ring and coupled to the drive unit is arranged inside the circumscribed circles of the two lenses.

8. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating member is a rotatable operating ring.

9. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lens mount for attachment to a camera body.

10. The lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second optical systems are arranged in parallel.

11. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An imaging device characterized by having an image sensor that captures an optical image formed by the first and second optical systems.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the optical image formed by the first and second optical systems is captured by one of the image sensors.

Images