Optical device capable of being miniaturized

Abstract

The present application provides an optical device capable of miniaturization. The optical device includes a lens unit, a driving unit configured to include a base member, a displacement member, and a push member, a cylindrical body configured to support the driving unit, and a first coupling portion configured to be coupled with the push member. A groove along an optical axis direction of the lens unit is provided inside the cylindrical body. The push member pushes the displacement member with respect to the base member. The first coupling portion and the groove overlap with each other when viewed from the optical axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to optical devices. Background Technology

[0002] Optical devices include, for example, digital cameras, camcorders, and interchangeable lenses. Some such optical devices are equipped with an image stabilization drive unit that reduces image blur caused by user camera shake during exposure or display of an instant image by moving a lens image stabilization assembly, including the lens, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. When image blur occurs, the image stabilization drive unit moves the lens image stabilization assembly to a target position perpendicular to the optical axis based on shake signals in the pitch and yaw directions. Through this movement, the camera shake causing image blur is canceled out, resulting in reduced image blur. As a construction of the image stabilization drive unit, for example, known constructions include a base member that moves in the optical axis direction, a shift member that movably supports the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a helical spring that pushes the shift member relative to the base member. Furthermore, some image stabilization drive units include ball bearings arranged between the base member and the shift member. In some cases, the dimensions of the optical device are determined by the arrangement of the components constituting the image stabilization drive unit. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-105899 discloses a lens barrel in which a helical spring and ball bearings are arranged, so that they overlap each other when viewed from the optical axis direction to achieve miniaturization.

[0003] The lens barrel disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-105899 requires supports to support the two ends of the helical spring respectively. Furthermore, in some cases, miniaturization (reducing the diameter) of the lens barrel is hindered, especially depending on the position of the support that supports the end of the helical spring located at the distal end of the optical axis. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an optical device that can be miniaturized.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an optical device including a lens unit, a drive unit configured to include a base member, a displacement member and a pushing member, a cylinder configured to support the drive unit; and a first coupling portion configured to couple with the pushing member, wherein a groove along the optical axis of the lens unit is provided inside the cylinder, the pushing member pushes the displacement member relative to the base member, and the first coupling portion and the groove overlap each other when viewed from the optical axis.

[0006] According to the present invention, the optical device can be miniaturized.

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

[0008] Figure 1A This is a front perspective view of the optical device according to the present invention applied to the lens barrel of a digital camera, and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the rear view of the optical device according to the present invention when applied to the lens barrel of a digital camera.

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows a block diagram of the electrical and optical structure of a digital camera.

[0010] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens (wide-angle end on the short focal length side when zooming) in a digital camera shown.

[0011] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens (telephoto end on the telephoto side when zooming) in the digital camera shown.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exploded perspective view of the image stabilization drive unit with interchangeable lenses in a digital camera and its peripheral components.

[0013] Figure 6 When viewed from the side of the object Figure 5 The front view of the interchangeable lens shown (floating stop member in) Figure 6 (Not shown in the image).

[0014] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA.

[0015] Figure 8 When viewed from the side of the object Figure 5 The front view of the interchangeable lens shown (floating stop member as shown) Figure 8 (As shown).

[0016] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken from line BB. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention.

[0018] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1A to 9 Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the constructions described in the following preferred embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the constructions described in the following preferred embodiments. In this preferred embodiment, as an example, the application of an optical device to the lens barrel of a digital camera will be described. Furthermore, the optical device is not limited to application to the lens barrel; for example, it can be applied to a lens-integrated camera (e.g., a digital camera or camcorder). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The digital camera 100 shown includes a camera body 1 and an interchangeable lens 101, which is detachably mounted to the camera body 1 as a lens barrel. In this preferred embodiment, the direction of the optical axis OA extending from the image pickup optical system housed in the interchangeable lens 101 is defined as the X-axis direction, and the directions perpendicular to the X-axis direction are defined as the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). Hereinafter, the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Z / Y-axis direction". Furthermore, the direction of rotation about the Z-axis is the pitch direction, the direction of rotation about the X-axis is the roll direction, and the direction of rotation about the Y-axis is the yaw direction. Additionally, the pitch direction and the yaw direction (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as the "pitch / yaw direction") are the directions of rotation about two axes that are perpendicular to each other, the Z-axis and the Y-axis.

[0019] like Figure 1AAs shown, the camera body 1 has a grip 2 on its left side when viewed from the front (and on its right side when viewed from the back) for the user to hold. Additionally, a power operation unit 3 is located on the upper surface of the camera body 1. When the user operates the power operation unit 3, the camera body 1 is simultaneously in the off state and is powered on. As a result, the power to the camera body 1 is turned on (the camera body 1 becomes powered on), computer programs such as focus group origin detection processing are executed, and it is set to a shooting standby state. Conversely, when the user operates the power operation unit 3, the power to the camera body 1 is turned off. As a result, the power to the camera body 1 is turned off (the camera body 1 becomes powered off). Besides the power operation unit 3, the upper surface of the camera body 1 also has a mode dial 4, a release button 5, and an accessory socket 6. The user can switch between various shooting modes by rotating the mode dial 4. These shooting modes include manual still image shooting mode, automatic still image shooting mode, and motion image shooting mode. The manual still image shooting mode allows the user to arbitrarily set shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value. In addition, the automatic still image shooting mode is a mode that automatically obtains the appropriate exposure. Furthermore, the motion image shooting mode is a mode for shooting moving images. By half-pressing the release button 5, the user can indicate shooting preparation operations, such as autofocus or automatic exposure control. Furthermore, by fully pressing the release button 5, the user can indicate shooting. Various accessories, such as external flash units, are detachably mounted on the accessory socket 6.

[0020] A camera base 7 is provided on the front surface of the camera body 1. A replaceable lens 101 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera body 1 via a lens mount 102 attached to the camera base 7. An image acquisition optical system is housed within the replaceable lens 101, and forms an image of the subject by imaging light from the subject. A zoom operation ring 103, rotatable around the optical axis OA, is provided on the outer periphery of the replaceable lens 101. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the zoom group 110 constituting the image acquisition optical system moves to a predetermined usage position corresponding to the angle of the zoom operation ring 103. This allows the user to take pictures from a desired angle.

[0021] like Figure 1BAs shown, a rear operation unit 8 and a display unit 9 are provided on the back of the camera body 1. The rear operation unit 8 includes multiple buttons and dials assigned various functions related to shooting. For example, the rear operation unit 8 includes a playback button for indicating the reproduction of captured images stored in the storage unit 13 (described later) or recorded on a recording medium (not shown). When the camera body 1 is powered on (the camera body 1 is in an energized state) and a moving image shooting mode or various still image shooting modes are set, the display unit 9 displays an instant image of the subject captured by the image pickup element 16 (described later). In addition, shooting parameters indicating shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value are displayed on the display unit 9. As a result, the user can change the setting values ​​of shooting parameters and check the shooting parameters by operating the rear operation unit 8. Furthermore, by operating the playback button of the rear operation unit 8, the display unit 9 reproduces the captured images stored in the storage unit 13 or recorded on the recording medium. In addition, the display unit 9 can also display the image signal (i.e., the image) output from the image processing unit 17 (described later).

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera body 1 includes a power supply unit 10 that supplies power to the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101, the aforementioned power operation unit 3, the aforementioned mode dial 4, the aforementioned release button 5, the aforementioned rear operation unit 8, and an operation unit 11 including a display unit 9 with touch panel functionality. The camera body 1 is provided with a camera control unit 12 and a storage unit 13, and the interchangeable lens 101 is provided with a lens control unit 104. The camera control unit 12 and the lens control unit 104 cooperate with each other to control the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 as a whole system. The camera control unit 12 reads and executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 13. At this time, the camera control unit 12 communicates with the lens control unit 104 via the communication terminal of the electrical contact 105 provided on the lens interface 102 (sending / receiving various control signals, various data, etc., to / from the lens control unit 104). In addition, the electrical contact 105 includes a power terminal, which supplies power from the aforementioned power supply unit 10 to the interchangeable lens 101.

[0023] The image pickup optical system of the interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom group 110 coupled to a zoom operation ring 103 and movable along the optical axis to change the viewing angle, and a lens image stabilization group 112, which includes a shift lens as an image stabilization element. By shifting (displacement) along the Z / Y axes perpendicular to the optical axis OA using the lens image stabilization group 112, image blur caused by user camera shake is reduced. Additionally, the image pickup optical system includes an aperture group 301 for adjusting light intensity, and a focusing group 114 including a focusing lens that moves along the optical axis to adjust focus. Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 101 includes an image stabilization drive unit (drive unit) 201 for moving the lens image stabilization group 112, an aperture drive unit 302 for driving the aperture group 301, and a focusing drive unit 401 for moving the focusing group 114.

[0024] The focus drive unit 401 includes a focus motor (not shown) and an optical interruptor (not shown) for detecting the origin position of the focus group 114. Typically, a stepper motor is used as the focus motor, and is frequently employed as such. However, since a stepper motor can only control relative drive amounts, there is a possibility that the current position of the focus group 114 becomes uncertain when the power to the camera body 1 is off (the camera body 1 is in a power-off state). Furthermore, even when the power to the camera body 1 is on (the camera body 1 remains powered on), there are occasional interruptions in power supply to the interchangeable lens 101 from the camera body 1, for example, by removing the interchangeable lens 101 from the camera body 1. In this case, there is a possibility that the position of the focus group 114 is maintained when the power is off (powered on), and position detection becomes impossible. When the user operates the power operation unit 3 to turn on the camera body 1 from a state where the current position of the focus group 114 is uncertain, the focus group 114 must first move to the origin position, and origin detection processing must be performed before reaching the shooting standby state. Since the control of the origin detection process is a known technology, its description is omitted here. Furthermore, the actuator used in the focusing motor can be, for example, a DC motor with an encoder, an ultrasonic motor, etc. Additionally, the optical interruptor used to detect the origin position of the focusing group 114 can be of the light transmission type or the light reflection type. Furthermore, as the optical interruptor, a brush that contacts the conductive pattern and electrically detects the signal can be used.

[0025] The camera body 1 includes a shutter 14, a shutter drive unit 15, an image pickup element 16, an image processing unit 17, and a focus detection unit 18. The shutter 14 controls the amount of light exposed by the image pickup element 16 after imaging through the image pickup optical system within the interchangeable lens 101. The image pickup element 16 performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system and outputs an image pickup signal. The image processing unit 17 performs various image processing operations on the image pickup signal and then generates an image signal.

[0026] The camera control unit 12 controls the focus drive unit 401 in response to a shooting preparation operation (such as a half-press operation of releasing button 5) in the operation unit 11. For example, when an autofocus operation is indicated, the focus detection unit 18 determines the focus state of the subject image image captured by the image pickup element 16 based on the image signal generated by the image processing unit 17, generates a focus signal, and sends the focus signal to the camera control unit 12. At the same time, the focus drive unit 401 sends information about the current position of the focus group 114 to the camera control unit 12. The camera control unit 12 compares the focus state of the subject image with the current position of the focus group 114, calculates the focus drive amount based on the defocus amount, and sends the focus drive amount to the lens control unit 104. Furthermore, the lens control unit 104 moves the focus group 114 to the target position in the optical axis direction via the focus drive unit 401 and corrects the defocus of the subject image.

[0027] Furthermore, the camera control unit 12 controls the aperture group 301 and the shutter 14 via the aperture drive unit 302 and the shutter drive unit 15 based on the aperture value and shutter speed settings received from the operation unit 11. For example, when an automatic exposure control operation is indicated, the camera control unit 12 receives a brightness signal generated by the image processing unit 17 and performs metering calculations. The camera control unit 12 controls the aperture drive unit 302 based on the result of the metering calculations. At the same time, the camera control unit 12 controls the drive of the shutter 14 via the shutter drive unit 15 and performs exposure processing via the image pickup element 16.

[0028] The camera body 1 includes a pitch shake detection unit 19 and a yaw shake detection unit 20, which, as shake detection units, can detect image blur caused by user camera shake. The pitch shake detection unit 19 and the yaw shake detection unit 20 each include an angular velocity sensor (vibration gyroscope) and an angular acceleration sensor, respectively. The pitch shake detection unit 19 detects image blur (due to camera shake) in the pitch direction (rotation direction around the Z-axis) and outputs a shake signal. Similarly, the yaw shake detection unit 20 detects image blur (due to camera shake) in the yaw direction (rotation direction around the Y-axis) and outputs a shake signal. The camera control unit 12 uses the shake signal output from the pitch shake detection unit 19 to calculate the displacement position of the lens image stabilization group 112 in the Y-axis direction. Likewise, the camera control unit 12 uses the shake signal output from the yaw shake detection unit 20 to calculate the displacement position of the lens image stabilization group 112 in the Z-axis direction. Then, the image stabilization drive unit 201 is operated by the camera control unit 12 via the lens control unit 104. The camera control unit 12 moves the lens image stabilization group 112 to the target position in the Z / Y axis direction according to the displacement position in the pitch / yaw direction calculated above. As a result, image blur that occurs during exposure or display of the instant image is reduced.

[0029] The interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom operation ring 103 for changing the viewing angle of the image pickup optics, and a zoom detection unit 106 for detecting the angle of the zoom operation ring 103. The zoom detection unit 106 detects the angle as an absolute value of the angle of the zoom operation ring 103 operated by the user. For example, a resistive linear potentiometer can be used as the zoom detection unit 106. Furthermore, information related to the angle detected by the zoom detection unit 106 is sent to the lens control unit 104 and reflected in various controls performed by the camera control unit 12. Additionally, a portion of this various information is stored in the storage unit 13 or recorded on a recording medium along with the captured image.

[0030] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describe the positional relationship of the main components in the interchangeable lens 101. Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are cross-sectional views on the XY plane, including the optical axis OA. Figure 3 and 4 The neutral lines shown are substantially consistent with the optical axis OA determined by the image pickup optics system, and in the following text, they are synonymous with the optical axis OA.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom group 110 constituting an image pickup optical system. The zoom group 110 is a lens unit including at least one lens, and in this preferred embodiment, as an example, it employs a six-group configuration. The zoom group 110 is configured to include a first zoom group 111, a lens image stabilization group 112 serving as a second zoom group, a third zoom group 113, a focusing group 114 serving as a fourth zoom group, a fifth zoom group 115, and a sixth zoom group 116. The first zoom group 111 to the sixth zoom group 116 are arranged sequentially from the front along the optical axis OA. Furthermore, in the first zoom group 111 to the sixth zoom group 116, the lens image stabilization groups 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 are located at the wide-angle end (see...). Figure 3 ) and telephoto end (see Figure 4 The light from the subject can be imaged on the image pickup element 16 by moving between different positions. Furthermore, the construction of the image pickup optical system is not limited to the above-described construction; for example, the lens image stabilization group 112 and the focusing group 114 can be used as other zoom groups.

[0032] The interchangeable lens 101 includes a linear guide tube 107 and a cam tube 108. The linear guide tube 107 is fixed to the lens interface 102 via a retaining tube (not shown). The linear guide tube 107 is constructed of a cylindrical body. Furthermore, a plurality of cam grooves (not shown) are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the linear guide tube 107, arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the linear guide tube 107. The cam tube 108 is cylindrical and is arranged concentrically with the linear guide tube 107 on the outer side of the linear guide tube 107 centered on the optical axis OA. Furthermore, a cam follower (not shown) engaging with each cam groove of the linear guide tube 107 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cam tube 108. The cam tube 108 is coupled to the zoom operation ring 103 via a key (not shown). By rotating the zoom ring 103, the cam follower is guided by the cam groove, and the cam cylinder 108 moves forward and backward (advance and retreat) along the optical axis while rotating around the optical axis OA.

[0033] The lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 (zoom group 110) are internally supported by the linear guide tube 107. Furthermore, the linear guide groove 127 is disposed along the optical axis on the inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential portion) of the linear guide tube 107 (see...). Figure 5Multiple straight-line guide grooves 127 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the straight-line guide cylinder 107. Preferably, three straight-line guide grooves 127 are arranged, but not limited to this; two, four, or more may be used. The straight-line guide grooves 127 restrict the rotation of the lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 around the optical axis OA, and are cam grooves that perform the straight-line movement of the lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 along the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the cam cylinder 108 is provided with cam grooves that have trajectories with different angles in the rotational direction corresponding to the lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115. Multiple cam grooves are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cam cylinder 108. On the other hand, the zoom group 110 is provided with multiple cam followers, each of which engages with a corresponding straight-line guide groove 127 and a corresponding cam groove. The cam cylinder 108 is rotated by the user rotating the zoom operation ring 103. At this time, the cam follower is guided by the straight-in guide groove 127 and the cam groove. As a result, the lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 move forward and backward (advance and retraction) along the optical axis, while the rotation of the lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 around the optical axis OA is restricted. Figure 5 As shown, a linear guide (engagement portion) 123, serving as the aforementioned cam follower, is arranged in the third zoom group 113. Furthermore, the linear guide 123 protrudes in a direction away from the optical axis OA. Moreover, the number of linear guides 123 is the same as the number of linear guide slots 127, and each linear guide 123 engages with each linear guide slot 127. As a result, the rotation of the third zoom group 113 around the optical axis OA is restricted.

[0034] Furthermore, the straight-in guide tube 107 internally supports the image stabilization drive unit 201 together with the lens image stabilization group 112 to the fifth zoom group 115 (zoom group 110). As described above, when reducing image blur, the image stabilization drive unit 201 can move the lens image stabilization group 112 (zoom group 110) to a target position in an orthogonal direction to the optical axis OA, that is, in the Z / Y axis direction. Figure 5 As shown, the image stabilization drive unit 201 includes a base component 501, a coil 502, a shield 503, a ball (roller ball) 504, a displacement component 506, a magnet 507, a yoke 508, a spring 509, and a floating stop component 510.

[0035] In this preferred embodiment, the base member 501 is composed of a cylindrical receiving member 501A that accommodates the third zoom group 113 and an annular member 501B coupled to the front side (one side in the optical axis direction) of the receiving member 501A. Furthermore, a straight-line guide 123 is disposed on the receiving member 501A. By guiding the straight-line guide 123 through the straight-line guide groove 127, the base member 501 becomes movable in the optical axis direction. Additionally, in this embodiment, the base member 501 is composed of two members, but the base member 501 is not limited to being composed of two members; for example, it may also be composed of one member or three or more members.

[0036] Two coils 502 are fixed to the front side of the base member 501. Each of the two coils 502 is conductive and electrically connected to the lens control unit 104. Furthermore, each of the two coils 502 is energized by the lens control unit 104 (i.e., becomes energized by the lens control unit 104) and functions as a voice coil actuator. As a result, the shifting member 506 is capable of moving relative to the base member 501 in the Z / Y axis direction together with the lens 505, which will be described later. Additionally, each shield 503 is arranged between each of the two coils 502 and the base member 501. Each shield 503 is coupled to the base member 501. Furthermore, each shield 503 covers the rear side (image pickup plane side) of the coil 502, while the front side (object side) of the coil 502 is open.

[0037] A shifting member 506 is arranged on the front side of the base member 501 via a coil 502 and a shield 503. Furthermore, the shifting member 506 has an annular shape and internally holds the lens 505 constituting the lens image stabilization group 112 (zoom group 110). Three balls 504 are arranged at equal angular intervals around axis OA between the base member 501 and the shifting member 506. Each of the three balls 504 contacts both the base member 501 and the shifting member 506. When the shifting member 506 moves relative to the base member 501 along the Z / Y axis, each of the three balls 504 rolls between the base member 501 and the shifting member 506, thereby allowing the shifting member 506 to move smoothly (the movement of the shifting member 506 is performed smoothly). Furthermore, the balls 504 are made of a non-magnetic material, such as SUS304, which is an austenitic stainless steel.

[0038] Two magnets 507 are fixed to the front side of the displacement member 506. Each of the two magnets 507 is arranged to face each of the two coils 502 in the optical axis direction, and a Lorentz force is generated between each magnet 507 and the coil 502 in the energized state. Furthermore, a yoke 508 is coupled to each of the two magnets 507. The yokes 508 are made of a magnetic material such as SPCC (cold-rolled steel sheet), and some of them concentrate the magnetic flux.

[0039] Spring 509 is a pressing member that couples base member 501 and displacement member 506 and pushes against displacement member 506 relative to base member 501. In this preferred embodiment, three springs 509 are arranged at equal angular intervals around optical axis OA (see...). Figure 6 As a result, the displacement member 506 can be stably pushed relative to the base member 501 side. Furthermore, the number of springs 509 arranged is preferably three, but not limited to this; for example, it can be two, four, or more. Additionally, in this preferred embodiment, the springs 509 are tension helical springs with hooks (hook 509A and hook 509B) at both ends. Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, hook 509A at one end engages and couples with spring hook portion (first coupling portion) 511 of base member 501, and hook 509B at the other end engages and couples with spring hook portion (second coupling portion) 516 of displacement member 506. As a result, displacement member 506 can be pushed against base member 501 side by a simple structure of tension coil springs. Furthermore, the angle θ509 formed by the central axis O509 of spring 509 and optical axis OA is preferably greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, more preferably greater than or equal to 70 degrees and less than or equal to 80 degrees, and even more preferably equal to or less than 75 degrees. As a result, displacement member 506 is pushed against base member 501 without excess or deficiency and is arranged in a position where the tension of the three springs 509 is balanced. In addition, springs 509 are made of non-magnetic material, such as SUS304, which is an austenitic stainless steel. Furthermore, in recent years, the total length of springs 509 has tended to be longer in the diameter direction of replaceable lens 101.

[0040] A floating stop member 510 is arranged on the front side of the displacement member 506 via a spring 509. The floating stop member 510 is a limiting member that restricts the movement of the displacement member 506 in the direction separating the displacement member 506 from the base member 501; that is, the floating stop member 510 is a limiting member that restricts the floating of the displacement member 506 in the optical axis direction. As a result, accidental movement of the displacement member 506 caused by, for example, drop impacts can be reduced. The floating stop member 510 is composed of an annular member and is arranged concentrically with the base member 501 and the displacement member 506 around the optical axis OA.

[0041] Incidentally, when the user operates the zoom operation ring 103 of the interchangeable lens 101, it is desirable to achieve miniaturization of the interchangeable lens 101, particularly miniaturization (reducing the diameter) of the interchangeable lens 101 in the diametrical direction. As a result, the operability of the zoom operation ring 103 is improved. The digital camera 100 adopts a structure that minimizes the size of the interchangeable lens 101. This structure and the effects achieved by it will be described below.

[0042] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the annular member 501B of the base member 501 includes a spring hook portion 511, which engages and couples with the hook 509A of each spring 509. The spring hook portion 511 extends from the outer periphery (edge) of the annular member 501B along the optical axis and is configured to project forward in this preferred embodiment. As a result, the spring hook portion 511 is constructed to easily engage with the hook 509A. Furthermore, after this engagement, the hook 509A is prevented from easily disengaging from the spring hook portion 511.

[0043] The displacement member 506 includes a spring hook portion 516 that engages and couples with and is coupled to the hook 509B of each spring 509. The spring hook portion 516 extends along the optical axis between the inner and outer circumferences of the annular displacement member 506. As a result, the spring hook portion 516 is configured to easily engage with the hook 509B. Furthermore, after this engagement, the hook 509B is prevented from easily disengaging from the spring hook portion 516.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the optical axis, each spring hook 511 of the base component 501 is located within the straight-in guide groove 127 of the straight-in guide cylinder 107. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the optical axis OA (hereinafter referred to as the "orthogonal direction") with a changed viewing angle, the spring hook 511 is arranged to overlap with the straight-in guide groove 127. Since the spring hook 511 is arranged to enter the straight-in guide groove 127 in this manner, the minimum diameter of the straight-in guide tube 107 can be set to be smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circle of each spring hook 511 passing through the base member 501. As a result, miniaturization in the diameter direction of the replaceable lens 101 is achieved, i.e., the diameter of the replaceable lens 101 is reduced, thereby improving the operability of the replaceable lens 101. As described above, in the replaceable lens 101, the straight-in guide groove 127 serves not only as a cam groove for the straight-in guide member 123 but also as a receiving portion for accommodating the spring hook 511.

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the spring hook portion 511 is further away from the optical axis OA than the spring hook portion 516, that is, the spring hook portion 511 is located radially outside the replaceable lens 101 than the spring hook portion 516. Since the base member 501 is restricted in its movement in the orthogonal direction, naturally, the spring hook portion 511 extending to the base member 501 is also restricted in its movement in the orthogonal direction. On the other hand, since the shift member 506 is movable in the orthogonal direction, naturally, the spring hook portion 516 extending to the shift member 506 is also movable in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, in the case where the spring hook portion 511 of the base member 501 is arranged in the straight guide groove 127 as described above (hereinafter, this case is referred to as the "first case"), it is not necessary to ensure space in the straight guide groove 127 for the spring hook portion 511 to move in the orthogonal direction. On the other hand, when the spring hook 516 of the shifting member 506 is arranged within the straight-line guide groove 127 (hereinafter referred to as the "second case"), space needs to be ensured within the straight-line guide groove 127 for the spring hook 516 to move in the orthogonal direction. This preferred embodiment employs the construction of the first case, where the spring hook 511 of the base member 501 is arranged within the straight-line guide groove 127. Compared to the construction of the second case, the arrangement of the spring hook 516 of the shifting member 506 within the straight-line guide groove 127 achieves the effect of suppressing the width and depth of the straight-line guide groove 127. This effect helps to reduce the diameter of the replaceable lens 101.

[0046] like Figure 8 As shown, the floating stop member 510 includes an extension 520 extending radially outward from its outer periphery (edge), that is, the floating stop member 510 includes an extension 520 protruding radially outward from its outer periphery (edge). Further, the number of extensions 520 arranged is the same as the number of straight guide grooves 127, and each extension 520 enters each straight guide groove 127 and covers the middle of the straight guide groove 127. Furthermore, the extension 520 overlaps with the spring hook portion 511 and the spring 509 of the base member 501 in the optical axis direction. Figure 9 As shown, when viewed from an orthogonal direction, the extension 520 (at least a portion of the extension 520) of the floating stop member 510 is arranged to overlap with the straight-in guide groove 127. Furthermore, the spring hook portion 511 and the spring 509 of the base member 501 are arranged in the optical axis direction between the extension 520 and the straight-in guide member 123. As a result, stray light from the first zoom group 111 directly through the straight-in guide groove 127 to the image pickup element 16 can be reduced. In addition, stray light reflected by the spring 509 and passing through the straight-in guide groove 127 to the image pickup element 16 can also be reduced.

[0047] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within its scope. For example, the spring 509 is not limited to a tension helical spring, but may be a linear or strip-shaped stretchable rubber material. Furthermore, the image stabilization drive unit 201 may be configured such that the coil 502 is coupled to the shifting member 506 and the magnet 507 coupled to the base member 501.

[0048] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0049] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-131300, filed on August 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An optical device, comprising: Lens unit; The drive unit is configured to include at least a base member, a displacement member, and a plurality of pushing members; A cylinder, configured to support the drive unit; as well as Multiple first coupling portions are disposed on the base member and configured to couple with the pushing member. Multiple slots along the optical axis of the lens unit are provided inside the cylinder. The displacement component is movable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The plurality of pushing members push the displacing member relative to the base member, and When viewed from the optical axis, the plurality of first coupling portions and the plurality of slots overlap each other.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, in, Multiple lens units are disposed in the optical device.

3. The optical device according to claim 1, in, Multiple slots are provided in the cylinder, and the number of slots is the same as the number of pushing members.

4. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The driving unit is capable of moving the lens unit in at least a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

5. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The slot is set along a direction parallel to the optical axis.

6. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, A second coupling portion, configured to couple with the pushing member, is provided on the shifting member.

7. The optical device according to claim 6, in, The pushing member has hooks at both ends, one hook being able to engage with the first coupling part and the other hook being able to engage with the second coupling part.

8. The optical device according to claim 6, in, The first coupling part is located further away from the optical axis than the second coupling part.

9. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The pushing component is a tension helical spring.

10. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The angle formed between the central axis of the pushing member and the optical axis is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

11. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The drive unit includes a limiting member configured to restrict movement of the displacement member in the direction of separation between the displacement member and the base member. At least a portion of the limiting member overlaps with the groove in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

12. The optical device according to claim 11, in, The first coupling portion is disposed between the joint portion that engages with the groove and the limiting member.

13. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, When viewed from the optical axis, the first coupling part is located inside the groove.

14. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The optical device is a lens tube.

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