Lens device, camera device, and camera system

Abstract

Lens equipment, camera equipment, and camera system. The lens equipment includes: a drive unit for driving a second lens barrel along an optical axis; a connecting member for connecting the second lens barrel and the drive unit; a movable base for holding the drive unit and moving the drive unit relative to a first lens barrel along an optical axis; and a second force-applying member for applying force to the movable base in a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through a first support, a second support, and a third support to abut against the first lens barrel. The connecting member moves in a direction intersecting the line connecting the first and second supports. The torque generated by the force applied by the second force-applying member about the axis connecting the first and second supports is greater than the torque generated by the force applied by the first force-applying member about the axis connecting the first and second supports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The implementation methods involve lens devices, camera devices, and camera systems. Background Technology

[0002] Some lens devices that drive a lens along the optical axis using an actuator such as a motor have a lens drive auxiliary structure in which the lens can be driven relative to a base member, and the base member can be driven along the optical axis by a user's rotational operation of a cam ring. This lens drive auxiliary structure can drive the lens with a total drive amount of the base member (base drive amount) and the lens's drive amount relative to the base member (motor drive amount).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-16513 discusses a technique that uses an electronic cam data-controlled motor to move a focus lens in order to correct for focusing changes that occur as the zoom lens moves.

[0004] Electronic cam data indicates the position of the focusing lens (in-focus position), at which the zoom lens (zoom position) is focused at various subject distances.

[0005] However, in the electronic cam data discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-16513, there is typically a large difference between the focus position at infinity at the wide-angle end of the zoom position and the focus position at the closest distance at the telephoto end. When the focusing lens is driven by the aforementioned lens drive auxiliary structure based on this electronic cam data, the base drive amount (cam lift) between the wide-angle end and the telephoto end is constant regardless of the subject distance. A larger motor drive amount is more suitable for this focusing lens, which will result in a larger lens device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the lens device includes: a first lens unit configured to move along an optical axis during zooming; a second lens unit configured to move along the optical axis during zooming and focusing; a second lens barrel configured to hold the second lens unit; a first lens barrel configured to hold the first lens unit and a guide rod, the guide rod being configured to hold the second lens barrel in a manner movable along the optical axis; a drive unit configured to drive the second lens barrel along the optical axis during focusing; and a connecting member configured to connect the second lens barrel and the drive unit. The lens comprises: a first force-applying member configured to apply force to the connecting member against the drive unit and to apply force to the second lens barrel against the guide rod; a movable base configured to hold the drive unit and allow the drive unit to move relative to the first lens barrel along the optical axis; and a second force-applying member configured to apply force to the movable base in a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through the first, second, and third supports, the first, second, and third supports being configured to support the movable base on the first lens barrel in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. When viewed in a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through the first, second, and third supports, the connecting member moves in a direction intersecting the line connecting the first and second supports. The torque generated by the force applied by the second force-applying member about the axis connecting the first and second supports is greater than the torque generated by the force applied by the first force-applying member about the axis connecting the first and second supports.

[0007] Other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the description of the following exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the construction of an interchangeable lens at the wide-angle end according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of an interchangeable lens at the telephoto end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are perspective views of the rear unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the rear unit in an interchangeable lens according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the rear unit in an interchangeable lens according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are cross-sectional views showing the construction of the rear unit at the wide-angle end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are cross-sectional views showing the construction of the rear unit at the telephoto end according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the focusing position of the sixth lens according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the focusing position of the sixth lens relative to the seventh unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a graph showing the positions of the rear unit and the seventh unit according to an exemplary embodiment, and the differences between the positions.

[0018] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The images show top views of the rear unit and motor moving base according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are schematic diagrams illustrating the relationship between the positions of forces in a focusing assist structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a perspective view illustrating a lens device and a camera device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The interchangeable lens 1 is shown as an exemplary embodiment of the lens device according to this disclosure. Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 1 at the wide-angle end, taken along a line parallel to the optical axis. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 1 at the telephoto end, taken along a line parallel to the optical axis. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a 3D view of the rear unit 80. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The images shown are exploded perspective views of the rear unit 80 in an interchangeable lens 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] (Interchangeable lens construction)

[0024] The interchangeable lens 1 is detachably mounted on a camera body used as an imaging device (not shown), which includes an image sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The interchangeable lens 1 includes an imaging optical system consisting of a first lens unit L1, a second lens unit L2, a third lens unit L3, a fourth lens unit L4, a fifth lens unit L5, a sixth lens unit L6, and a seventh lens unit L7 arranged sequentially from the subject (front side). The imaging optical system focuses light from the subject (not shown) onto the image sensor in the camera body, thereby forming an image of the subject. A floating lens unit as the fourth lens unit L4 and a focusing lens unit as the sixth lens unit L6 move along the optical axis to perform focusing. The first lens units L1 to the seventh lens units L7 move along the optical axis to perform zooming. This exemplary embodiment describes the interchangeable lens 1 as an example of a lens device. In some embodiments, the lens device is a lens-integrated imaging device.

[0025] The first unit 10 comprises a first lens unit L1, a first unit lens barrel 11, a first unit cylinder 106, and a filter frame 107. The first unit lens barrel 11 holds the first lens unit L1. The first unit lens barrel 11 is fixed to the first unit cylinder 106. The filter frame 107 is fixed to the first unit cylinder 106. The first unit 10 has the following structure: a roller (not shown) placed in the first unit cylinder 106 engages with a cam groove formed in a cam ring 105 and a straight groove formed in a guide cylinder 104, and moves along the optical axis direction as the cam ring 105 rotates.

[0026] The second unit lens barrel 21 holds the second lens unit L2. The second unit lens barrel 21 forms part of the image stabilization unit 20. The image stabilization unit 20 holds the second unit lens barrel 21 in a manner that allows it to move in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and drives the second lens unit L2 using an actuator composed of a magnet and a coil, thereby correcting image jitter. The image stabilization unit 20 is fixed to the guide tube 104 via rollers (not shown) mounted in the image stabilization unit 20.

[0027] The third unit 30 consists of a third lens unit L3, a third unit lens barrel 31, and an aperture unit 34. The third unit lens barrel 31 holds the third lens unit L3. The aperture unit 34 is an aperture unit used to adjust the amount of light and is fixed to the third unit lens barrel 31. The third unit 30 is fixed to the rear unit base 81 via a third unit roller 32. The third unit roller 32 is fixed to the third unit lens barrel 31 by a third unit roller fastening screw 33.

[0028] The fourth unit 40 consists of a fourth lens unit L4, a fourth unit lens barrel 41, a rack 42, and a rack spring 43. The fourth unit lens barrel 41 holds the fourth lens unit L4. The fourth unit 40 is guided linearly by a guide rod 92 sandwiched between the rear unit base 81 and the guide rod cover 93. The movement of the rear unit base 81 (first lens barrel) along the optical axis during zooming causes the fourth lens unit L4 to move along the optical axis. Furthermore, the fourth lens unit L4 is driven along the optical axis by a fourth lens drive motor unit 96 to move relative to the rear unit base 81. The rack 42 is engaged with the fourth lens drive motor unit 96 by a force applied by the rack spring 43 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The rack 42 is also subjected to a force against the fourth unit lens barrel 41 by the rack spring 43 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The fourth unit lens barrel 41 is also subjected to force against the guide rod 92 by the force applied by the rack spring 43 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The fourth unit lens barrel 41 includes a scale (not shown) for detecting its position in the optical axis direction. An optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the fourth lens relative to the scale is fixed to the rear unit base 81 via a flexible printed circuit board. The scale and optical sensor detect the position of the fourth unit lens barrel 41 relative to the rear unit base 81.

[0029] The fifth unit 50 consists of a fifth lens unit L5 and a fifth unit lens barrel 51. The fifth unit lens barrel 51 holds the fifth lens unit L5. The fifth unit 50 is fixed to the rear unit base 81 via a fifth unit roller 52. The fifth unit roller 52 is fixed by a fifth unit roller fastening screw 53.

[0030] The sixth unit 60 comprises a sixth lens unit L6, a sixth unit lens barrel 61, a rack 62 (connecting member), and a rack spring 63 (first force-applying member). The sixth unit lens barrel 61 (second lens barrel) holds the sixth lens unit L6 (second lens unit). The sixth unit lens barrel 61 is guided linearly by a guide rod 92 sandwiched between the rear unit base 81 and the guide rod cover 93. The movement of the rear unit base 81 along the optical axis during zooming causes the sixth lens unit L6 to move along the optical axis. Furthermore, the sixth lens unit L6 is driven by a sixth lens drive motor unit 95 (drive unit) to move along the optical axis. The rack 62 is subjected to a force applied by the rack spring 63 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, thereby engaging the sixth lens drive motor unit 95. The rack 62 is also subjected to a force applied by the rack spring 63 along the optical axis against the sixth unit lens barrel 61. The sixth unit lens barrel 61 includes a scale (not shown) for detecting its position in the optical axis direction. An optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the sixth lens relative to the scale is fixed to the rear unit base 81 via a flexible printed circuit board. The scale and the optical sensor detect the position of the sixth unit lens barrel 61 relative to the rear unit base 81.

[0031] The rear unit 80 retains the third unit 30, fourth unit 40, fifth unit 50, and sixth unit 60 as described above. The fourth lens drive motor unit 96 is fixed to the rear unit 80 using motor unit fastening screws 91. The sixth lens drive motor unit 95 is fixed to the motor moving base 85 using motor unit fastening screws 87. A motor moving base force-applying member 84 (second force-applying member) is arranged between the rear unit base 81 and the motor moving base 85, and the motor moving base force-applying member 84 and the moving base 85 are sandwiched between the rear unit base 81 and the motor moving base separation stop screw 86. The rear unit roller 82 is fixed to the rear unit base 81 using rear unit roller fastening screws 83. The rear unit 80 has the following structure: the rear unit roller 82 engages with the cam groove formed in the cam ring 105 and the straight groove formed in the guide cylinder 104, and moves integrally along the optical axis direction as it rotates around the optical axis of the cam ring 105.

[0032] The motor moving base 85 is secured by the seventh unit connecting screw 88. The motor moving base force-applying member 89 is secured by the motor moving base force-applying member fastening screw 90. The motor moving base 85 includes a protrusion (not shown) to engage with straight grooves 812 and 813 formed in the rear unit base 81. The motor moving base 85 is guided along the straight grooves 812 and 813 to move relative to the rear unit 80 in the optical axis direction.

[0033] The seventh unit 70 consists of a seventh lens unit L7 and a seventh unit lens barrel 71. The seventh unit lens barrel 71 (third lens barrel) holds the seventh lens unit L7 (third lens unit). The seventh unit roller 72 is fixed to the seventh unit lens barrel 71 by a seventh unit roller fastening screw 73. The seventh unit 70 has the following structure: the seventh unit roller 72 engages with a cam groove formed in the cam ring 105 and a straight groove formed in the guide tube 104, and moves integrally along the optical axis direction as it rotates about the optical axis of the cam ring 105. A seventh unit connecting screw 88 fixed to the motor moving base 85 is embedded in an elongated hole 710 formed in the seventh unit lens barrel 71. The seventh unit connecting screw 88 embedded in the elongated hole 710 allows the motor moving base 85 and the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 to move integrally with the seventh unit 70 along the optical axis direction.

[0034] The fourth lens drive motor unit 96 and the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 use vibration-type linear motors with piezoelectric elements. Each vibration-type linear motor includes a motor stator, a motor mover that moves relative to the motor stator along the optical axis direction by vibration excited by the motor stator and the piezoelectric element, and a motor output section that moves along the optical axis direction together with the motor mover. Therefore, each motor unit according to this exemplary embodiment can drive optical elements such as lenses using an actuator.

[0035] The lens mount 101 includes an interface for detachably mounting the lens mount 101 to the camera body and is fixed to the mounting tube 102. The outer tube 103 is fixed to the mounting tube 102. The zoom index and operation switch (not shown) are provided on the outer tube 103.

[0036] The guide tube 104 is provided with a plurality of straight-in grooves extending along the optical axis. A cam ring 105 is rotatably fitted onto the outer surface of the guide tube 104. A retaining tube 102 secures the guide tube 104. An integrated circuit (IC), microcomputer, and other devices for driving the interchangeable lens 1 are mounted on a printed circuit board 108. The printed circuit board 108 is fixed to the retaining tube 102. A manual focus ring 109 is clamped between the front ring 110 and the retaining tube 102 and is supported in a manner that allows rotation about the axis of the retaining tube 102. When the manual focus ring 109 is rotated, the rotation is detected by a sensor (not shown), and focus control is performed based on the amount of rotation. A bayonet ring 112 is fixed by being clamped between the lens mount 101 and the retaining tube 102. A bayonet rubber 113 is clamped between the inner surface of the bayonet ring 112 and the lens mount 101. A rear cover 114 is fixed to the lens mount 101. The contact block 115 (contact portion) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 108 via wiring (flexible printed circuit board, etc.) (not shown) and is fixed to the lens mount 101.

[0037] With the interchangeable lens 1 fixed to the camera body, the printed circuit board 108 for controlling the operation of each lens can communicate with the camera body via the contact block 115. The interchangeable lens 1 focuses light from the subject onto the image sensor in the camera body and converts the light into an electrical signal, thereby generating the recorded image.

[0038] A zoom ring 111 is sandwiched between a fixed tube 102 and an outer tube 103 and is supported in a manner that allows rotation about the axis of the fixed tube 102. The zoom ring 111 is connected to a cam ring 105 via a key (not shown). Rotation of the zoom ring 111 causes the cam ring 105 to rotate, thereby allowing the aforementioned lens tubes to move along the optical axis. The varying intervals between the tubes enable image capture at focal lengths ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. The amount of rotation of the zoom ring 111 is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the signal is determined by an IC on a printed circuit board 108, which allows for focus control, image shake correction control, and aperture drive control based on each focal length. The IC on the printed circuit board 108 controls the movement of the fourth lens unit L4 and the sixth lens unit L6, ensuring that the focus position and various chromatic aberration amounts, which change during zooming, are maintained below specific values.

[0039] (Focusing lens unit drive control)

[0040] Next, the drive control performed during zooming of the sixth lens unit L6, which serves as a focusing lens unit, and the data used in this drive control will be described. The following is a description of the sixth lens unit L6 and the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 for driving the sixth lens unit L6. Similarly, the fourth lens unit L4 and the fourth lens drive motor unit 96 for driving the fourth lens unit L4 are described in the same manner.

[0041] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rear unit 80 and the seventh unit 70 at the wide-angle end. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rear unit 80 and the seventh unit 70 at the telephoto end. Figure 6A and Figure 7A Both show the focus state at infinity. Figure 6B and Figure 7B All of them show the focus status at the closest distance. Figure 6A and Figure 6B as well as Figure 7A and Figure 7B All of them show cross-sectional views taken along a line parallel to the optical axis.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the focusing position of the sixth lens unit L6 (hereinafter referred to as the sixth lens focusing position) relative to the focal length (zoom position). An optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the sixth lens is fixed to the rear unit base 81. The optical sensor for detecting the position of the sixth lens and the rear unit 80 move relative to the lens mount 101 along the optical axis during zooming. Therefore, Figure 8 The image shows the sixth lens focus position (relative to the position detection sensor or rear unit) detected by an optical sensor used to detect the position of the sixth lens, which is not the sixth lens focus position relative to the lens mount 101.

[0043] exist Figure 8 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the focal length (zoom position) continuously drawn from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. The vertical axis represents the sixth lens focus position relative to the reference focus position (0) at infinity at the wide-angle end. The sixth lens focus position located on the image plane side is called positive, and the sixth lens focus position located on the subject side is called negative. Solid lines represent the sixth lens focus position at infinity, and dashed lines represent the sixth lens focus position at the closest distance. The line representing the sixth lens focus position is equivalent to the position information detected by the optical sensor (not shown) used to detect the sixth lens position, and is the position information used in the feedback control of the sixth lens drive motor unit 95.

[0044] Figure 9 Is it like this? Figure 8That shows a graph of the sixth lens's focus position relative to the zoom position. However, Figure 9 The focusing position of the sixth lens relative to the seventh unit 70 is shown. The seventh unit 70, the rear unit base 81, and the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 move integrally along the optical axis. Therefore, Figure 9 The focusing position of the sixth lens relative to the rear unit base 81 or the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 is also shown. Figure 9 The horizontal axis, vertical axis, positive side, negative side, solid line, and dashed line in the diagram are... Figure 8 The definitions are the same.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the positions of the rear unit 80 (dotted line) and the seventh unit 70 (dashed line) relative to the zoom position. The solid line represents the difference between the positions of the rear unit 80 and the seventh unit 70. The horizontal axis represents the zoom position plotted continuously from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. The vertical axis represents the positions of the rear unit 80 and the seventh unit 70 relative to the reference focus position (0) at infinity at the wide-angle end.

[0046] As by Figure 10 The solid line in the diagram represents the difference between the positions of the rear unit 80 and the seventh unit 70, which is the change in the position of the sixth unit detected by an optical sensor (not shown) used to detect the position of the sixth lens when the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 is not driven during zooming. Therefore, the structure that assists the movement of the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 (or the sixth lens unit L6) via the seventh unit 70 is defined as a focusing assist structure. In other words, Figure 10 The solid lines shown represent the focusing assistance amount performed by the seventh unit 70 relative to the rear unit 80. (This is achieved by...) Figure 8 Subtract from the sixth lens focusing position relative to the rear unit 80 shown Figure 10 The data obtained by the focusing assist amount shown corresponds to Figure 9 The data shown indicates... Figure 9 The electronic cam data (i.e., data obtained based on the focusing assist amount) showing the sixth lens focusing position relative to the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 is stored in the lens control unit of the printed circuit board 108. The lens control unit uses the stored electronic cam data to control the drive of the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 during zooming.

[0047] (Beneficial effects of focus assist)

[0048] Figure 8 The range “A” shown is the range of movement of the sixth lens unit L6. Figure 9The range "B" shown is the range through which the sixth lens unit L6 is driven by the sixth lens drive motor unit 95. The focusing assist structure provides a relationship where range "A" > range "B", thereby reducing the amount of motor drive. This allows the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 to shorten in the optical axis direction, which helps to make the size of the replaceable lens 1 smaller. In other words, the movable range of the sixth lens unit L6 can be expanded while reducing the amount of motor drive.

[0049] Depend on Figure 9 The slope formed by the zoom range C and the position change E (i.e., position change E / zoom range C) shown is less than that formed by... Figure 8 The slope formed by the zoom range C and the position change D (i.e., position change D / zoom range C) is shown. This allows for a lower drive speed of the sixth lens drive motor unit 95. In other words, this reduces the drive speed of the sixth lens unit L6, resulting in higher focus tracking during zooming.

[0050] (The relationship between the forces acting in the focusing auxiliary structure)

[0051] Next, the relationship between the forces involved in the focusing assist structure according to the exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0052] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Both show the rear unit 80 and the motor moving base 85. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The positional relationships in the focusing auxiliary structure are also shown. Figure 11A This is a top view of the rear unit 80. Figure 11B This is a top view of the rear unit 80 and the seventh unit 70. Figure 11A and Figure 11B Components not used in the following description have been omitted.

[0053] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are schematic diagrams illustrating the positional relationships between the forces acting in the focusing auxiliary structure. Figure 12A The diagram shows the state where the force-applying component 84 of the motor moving base does not apply force. Figure 12B The state in which the force-applying component 84 of the motor moving base applies force is shown.

[0054] As described above, the force-applying member 84 and the motor moving base 85 are sandwiched between the rear unit base 81 and the motor moving base separation stop screw 86. Figure 11A As shown, the force-applying member 84 of the motor moving base includes a force-applying part 840 and a force-applying part 841 for applying force to the motor moving base 85 at points K and L, respectively.

[0055] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the motor moving base 85 includes a separation prevention portion 850, a separation prevention portion 851, and a separation prevention portion 852. The separation prevention portion 850 is subjected to force by the rack spring 63 and the motor moving base force-applying member 84, which causes the separation prevention portion 850 to contact the motor moving base separation stop screw 86 fixed to the rear unit base 81. The separation prevention portions 851 and 852 are hook-shaped and disposed in the rear unit base 81. The separation prevention portions 851 and 852 are respectively inserted into the separation prevention holes 810 and 811. Therefore, the insertion of each separation prevention portion formed in the motor moving base 85 into the corresponding separation prevention hole formed in the rear unit base 81 allows the motor moving base 85 to be supported on the rear unit base 81. Furthermore, in this configuration, separation prevention portions 851 and 852 contact separation prevention holes 810 and 811 via forces received from the rack spring 63 and the motor moving base force application member 84. These separation prevention portions serve as supports that radially support the motor moving base 85 to the rear unit base 81. Specifically, the motor moving base 85 holding the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 is held on a plane defined by three parts: separation prevention portion 850 (first support portion), separation prevention portion 851 (third support portion), and separation prevention portion 852 (second support portion).

[0056] In this exemplary embodiment, the position of the separation prevention part 850 is defined as point H, the position of the separation prevention part 851 is defined as point F, and the position of the separation prevention part 852 is defined as point G. As the position where the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 receives force from the rack spring 63 (the position where the rack 62 engages with the sixth lens drive motor unit 95), the focusing position at infinity is defined as point I, and the focusing position at the closest distance is defined as point J.

[0057] like Figure 11B and Figure 12A As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the force P received by the motor moving base 85 from the rack spring 63 moves between points I and J, traversing the GH axis connecting points G and H. Therefore, when viewed along a direction orthogonal to the plane passing through the first, second, and third supports, the rack 62, serving as a connecting member, moves in a direction intersecting the line connecting the first and second supports. In this case, before and after the force P moves across the GH axis between points I and J, the signs of the torque around the GH axis are opposite. In other words, the torque around the GH axis is small near the GH axis, thus making the force applied to the motor moving base 85 unstable.

[0058] As a result, the drive of the sixth lens drive motor unit 95, held on the motor moving base 85, may vibrate during feedback control due to changes in position detected by the optical sensor used to detect the position of the sixth lens. This vibration makes it difficult to accurately detect the position of the sixth lens unit L6. Furthermore, noise from the vibration degrades quality. To reduce vibration, it is effective to maintain the torque around any axis (i.e., the FH axis, FG axis, or GH axis) in one direction at all times.

[0059] like Figure 12A As shown, without the force applied by the motor-moving base force-applying member 84, the path between points I and J should be within the triangle formed by points F, G, and H. This arrangement will result in a larger triangle formed by points F, G, and H, leading to a longer overall length and outer diameter of the replaceable lens 1. Alternatively, the path between points I and J should be outside the triangle formed by points F, G, and H. This arrangement will result in a longer overall length of the replaceable lens 1 due to the increased dimensions along the optical axis.

[0060] In this exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 11A and Figure 11B as well as Figure 12B As shown, the force Q generated by the force-applying member 84 of the motor moving base acts on point K. The position of point K and the magnitude of the force Q are determined as follows: for the torque around the FH axis, the torque of the force Q acting on point K will be greater than the torque of the force P acting on point I. The distance from the line between points G and H to point K is greater than the distance from point I to that line or from point J to that line. This means that the torque around the GH axis always points in the same direction, thereby stabilizing the force conditions applied to the motor moving base 85. This configuration allows the triangle formed by points F, G, and H, and the path between points I and J, to be arranged in an overlapping manner, which results in a reduction in the overall length and outer diameter of the replaceable lens 1. Furthermore, this reduces the vibration of the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 held on the motor moving base 85 during drive in feedback control.

[0061] As described above, the motor moving base 85 is movable along the optical axis direction and is guided relative to the rear unit base 81 along the straight grooves 812 and 813. The motor moving base force-applying member 84 applies force to the motor moving base 85 to abut against the straight grooves 812 and 813. Applying force to the motor moving base 85 to abut against the straight grooves 812 and 813 involves the action of a force in a direction orthogonal to the groove direction. In terms of applying force against the straight grooves 812 and 813, it is appropriate that the force acts at the midpoint in the optical axis direction between the straight grooves 812 and 813. However, the range of movement of the sixth unit lens barrel 61 and the motor moving base separation stop screw 86 will be configured at the midpoint between the straight grooves 812 and 813.

[0062] In this exemplary embodiment, the motor moving base force-applying member 84 applies force to the motor moving base 85 at points L and K in a direction orthogonal to the groove directions of the straight-in grooves 812 and 813. At point L, the motor moving base 85 is forcefully pressed against the rear unit base 81 in a direction passing through the planes of points F, G, and H. At point L, the motor moving base 85 is also forcefully applied in a direction orthogonal to the groove directions of the straight-in grooves 812 and 813. At point K, the motor moving base 85 is forcefully applied in a direction orthogonal to the groove directions of the straight-in grooves 812 and 813, and also in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane passing through points F, G, and H (force Q). The direction of the force generated at point K corresponds to the direction of the resultant force. This configuration enables stable force application to the motor moving base 85 without increasing the number of components. As a result, it helps to reduce the overall length and outer diameter of the replaceable lens 1.

[0063] In this exemplary embodiment, the seventh unit connecting screw 88 is fitted into the elongated hole 710, thereby allowing the motor moving base 85 and the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 to move integrally with the seventh unit 70 along the optical axis. The cylindrical head of the seventh unit connecting screw 88 is in line contact with the elongated hole 710. When viewed along the optical axis, the area in line contact between the elongated hole 710 and the seventh unit connecting screw 88, which serves as a fixing member, at least partially overlaps with the sixth lens drive motor unit 95, which serves as a drive unit. This configuration allows the force transmitted to the motor moving base 85 via the movement of the seventh unit 70 during zooming to be limited in the optical axis direction. The motor moving base 85 can only move relative to the rear unit base 81 along the optical axis direction. Movement of the motor moving base 85 in directions other than the optical axis direction would involve applying force to the motor moving base 85 more stably via the rack spring 63 and the motor moving base force application member 84.

[0064] On the other hand, the force transmitted to the motor moving base 85 in a direction other than the optical axis direction by the movement of the seventh unit 70 during zooming will be offset by a larger force generated by the rack spring 63 and / or the force-applying member 84 of the motor moving base, resulting in an increase in the size of the unit, which in turn increases the size of the interchangeable lens 1. Furthermore, the construction (such as an interface) connecting the motor moving base 85 and the seventh unit 70 will cause the seventh unit 70 and the rear unit 80 to have the following shapes: they will avoid contact with each other during connection between the motor moving base 85 and the seventh unit 70, thus also increasing the size of the interchangeable lens 1.

[0065] For these reasons, the following configuration is appropriate: the seventh unit connecting screw 88, fitted in the elongated hole 710 according to this exemplary embodiment, allows the motor moving base 85 and the sixth lens drive motor unit 95 to move integrally with the seventh unit 70 along the optical axis direction.

[0066] like Figure 11B As shown, the position of the straight-in groove 812 is defined as point M, and the position of the straight-in groove 813 is defined as point N. In this exemplary embodiment, the distance between the seventh unit connecting screw 88 and point M, and the distance between the seventh unit connecting screw 88 and point N, are short in directions orthogonal to the groove direction of each straight-in groove. The distance between the seventh unit connecting screw 88 and the plane passing through points F, G, and H is short. In other words, when viewed on the image plane, the seventh unit connecting screw 88 partially overlaps with the motor moving base 85 or the sixth lens drive motor unit 95. This configuration mitigates the effect of the force transmitted along the optical axis direction to the motor moving base 85 during zooming on the force applied to the stable holding motor moving base 85.

[0067] Figure 13 This is a perspective view illustrating an imaging device 1000 including an interchangeable lens 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The imaging device 1000 includes an interchangeable lens 1 serving as a lens device and a camera body 200 for detachably mounting the interchangeable lens 1 using a bayonet mount. The interchangeable lens 1 includes a control unit, a lens drive command unit, and contact portions capable of communicating with the camera body 200. The camera body 200 includes a control unit, an image sensor, and contact portions capable of communicating with the interchangeable lens 1. The imaging device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to imaging systems. Examples of the imaging device 1000 include interchangeable lens cameras and lens-integrated cameras. Examples of cameras include imaging devices such as digital cameras and camcorders.

[0068] The interchangeable lens 1 houses a camera optical system for forming an optical image of an object (subject). The light flux from the object passes through the camera optical system to form an image on the light-receiving surface (imaging surface) of the image sensor. The image sensor performs photoelectric conversion on the optical image of the object formed by the camera optical system.

[0069] According to one aspect of the implementation, a compact lens device is provided that allows the lens to be stably driven over a relatively long distance. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be changed or modified in various ways within the scope of the disclosure.

[0070] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to include all such variations, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. A lens apparatus comprising: a first lens unit configured to move in an optical axis direction at the time of zooming; a second lens unit configured to move in the optical axis direction at the time of zooming and focusing; a second lens barrel configured to hold the second lens unit; a first lens barrel configured to hold the first lens unit and a guide bar configured to hold the second lens barrel in a manner capable of moving in the optical axis direction; a drive unit configured to drive the second lens barrel in the optical axis direction at the time of focusing; a connecting member configured to connect the second lens barrel and the drive unit; a first urging member configured to urge the connecting member against the drive unit and to urge the second lens barrel against the guide bar; a moving base configured to hold the drive unit and to move the drive unit in the optical axis direction with respect to the first lens barrel; and a second urging member configured to urge the moving base in a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through first, second, and third support portions, the direction orthogonal to the plane passing through the first, second, and third support portions being a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the first, second, and third support portions being configured to support the moving base to the first lens barrel in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, characterized in that, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through the first, second, and third support portions, the connecting member moves in a direction intersecting a line connecting the first and second support portions, and a moment of force around an axis connecting the first and second support portions, which is generated by the urging of the second urging member, is greater than a moment of force around the axis connecting the first and second support portions, which is generated by the urging of the first urging member. The second urging member urges the moving base against the first lens barrel in a direction along a plane passing through the first, second, and third support portions.

2. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The lens apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first lens barrel has a straight-in slot in the optical axis direction, the moving base moves along the straight-in slot, and the second urging member urges the moving base against the straight-in slot in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The second urging member is disposed between the first lens barrel and the moving base and urges the moving base in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

4. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The lens apparatus further comprises:

5. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a third lens unit configured to move in the optical axis direction at the time of zooming; and a third lens barrel configured to hold the third lens unit and to move integrally with the moving base in the optical axis direction, the moving base or the third lens barrel has an elongated hole having a circumferential width greater than a width in a direction along the optical axis, and the lens apparatus further comprises a fixing member configured to contact the elongated hole to fix the third lens barrel to the moving base.

2. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first lens barrel has a straight-in slot in the optical axis direction, the moving base moves along the straight-in slot, and the second urging member urges the moving base against the straight-in slot in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

3. The lens apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first lens barrel has a straight-in slot in the optical axis direction, the moving base moves along the straight-in slot, and the second urging member urges the moving base against the straight-in slot in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

4. The lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a third lens unit configured to move in the optical axis direction at the time of zooming; and a third lens barrel configured to hold the third lens unit and to move integrally with the moving base in the optical axis direction, the moving base or the third lens barrel has an elongated hole having a circumferential width greater than a width in a direction along the optical axis, and the lens apparatus further comprises a fixing member configured to contact the elongated hole to fix the third lens barrel to the moving base.

6. The lens apparatus according to claim 5, wherein An area where the long hole and the fixing member contact each other at least partially overlaps with the drive unit when viewed in the optical axis direction.

7. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The second support portion and the third support portion are formed in the moving base and are each inserted into a corresponding opening formed in the first lens barrel.

8. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first support portion is a screw for fixing the moving base and the first lens barrel.

9. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The lens apparatus further includes a fixed barrel including a lens mount, The first lens barrel moves relative to the fixed barrel in the optical axis direction upon zooming.

10. An image pickup apparatus comprising: the lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an image sensor configured to receive light from the lens apparatus.

11. An image pickup system comprising: the lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an image pickup apparatus to which the lens apparatus is detachably attached.

Images