Lens apparatus and image pickup system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lens apparatus and an image pickup system. The lens apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit, a cam cylinder, and a guide cylinder. The cam cylinder has a first cam groove for moving the first unit in the optical axis direction and a second cam groove for moving the second unit in the optical axis direction. The guide cylinder has a first guide groove for restricting rotation of the first unit about an optical axis and a second guide groove for restricting rotation of the second unit about the optical axis. The second unit has a base unit and a holding unit. The holding unit is arranged closer to the first unit than the base unit in an optical axis direction. As the lens apparatus transitions from an imaging state to a non-imaging state, the first unit moves closer to the second unit due to the action of the cam cylinder and the guide cylinder, and the second unit moves closer to the first unit such that the holding unit and the first unit contact each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens device and an imaging system. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-215421 discloses a lens barrel with a retractable (or contractible) mechanism, in which the distance between the first unit and the second unit is wider in a state in which imaging is possible, but in order to limit imaging, the distance between the first unit and the second unit is narrowed in a retracted state, thereby reducing the total length in the optical axis direction.

[0003] The lens barrel disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-215421 requires a sufficient distance between the first unit and the second unit to be retracted from the image pickup end (wide-angle end or telephoto end), whereby the total lens length at the wide-angle end or telephoto end is longer, and the lens diameter and the lens barrel diameter are also increased. In addition, if a sufficient distance is not ensured between the first unit and the second unit, the first unit and the second unit are prone to collide with each other, and the lens barrel cannot be retracted from the wide-angle end or the telephoto end. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lens device includes a first unit, a second unit, a cam barrel and a guide barrel. The cam barrel has a first cam groove for moving the first unit along the optical axis direction and a second cam groove for moving the second unit along the optical axis direction. The guide barrel has a first guide groove for limiting the rotation of the first unit around the optical axis and a second guide groove for limiting the rotation of the second unit around the optical axis. The second unit has a base unit and a holding unit. The holding unit is arranged to be closer to the first unit than the base unit in the optical axis direction. As the lens device transitions from an imaging state to a non-imaging state, due to the action of the cam barrel and the guide barrel, the first unit moves closer to the second unit, and the second unit moves closer to the first unit, so that the holding unit and the first unit contact each other. A camera system having the above-mentioned lens device also constitutes another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0005] Further features of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A and Figure 1B It is an external perspective view of the imaging system in this embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the imaging system in this embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3It is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens (at the wide-angle end) in this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens (at the telephoto end) in this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens (at the retracted end) in this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the second zoom unit in this embodiment.

[0012] 7A to 7D 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating interchangeable lenses of a first zoom unit and a second zoom unit according to the present embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Fig.8D The cam cylinder and the click mechanism in this embodiment have been described.

[0014] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The click mechanism in this embodiment has been described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Now, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Corresponding elements in each figure will be designated by the same reference numerals. This embodiment uses an interchangeable lens as an exemplary optical device, but the present disclosure can be modified and changed in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure, such as a lens-integrated camera.

[0016] Now refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , a description will be given of an imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1A and Figure 1B is an external stereoscopic diagram of the camera system 100. More specifically, Figure 1A FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the imaging system 100 as viewed from the front side (the subject side). Figure 1B FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the imaging system 100 viewed from the back side (image plane side). Figure 1AAs shown, the optical axis direction as the direction in which the optical axis OA of the imaging optical system housed in the interchangeable lens 101 extends (the direction along the optical axis) is defined as the X-axis direction, and the directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction are defined as the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). The Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are collectively referred to as the Z / Y-axis directions hereinafter. The rotation direction around the Z-axis is defined as the pitch direction, and the rotation direction around the Y-axis is defined as the pan direction. The pitch direction and the pan direction (hereinafter collectively referred to as the pitch / pan directions) are the rotation directions around the two mutually orthogonal axes of the Z-axis and the Y-axis.

[0017] The imaging system 100 includes a camera body (digital camera, imaging apparatus) 1 and an interchangeable lens (lens apparatus, lens barrel) 101 which is attachable to and detachable from the camera body 1. The present embodiment is not limited to this example and is applicable to an imaging apparatus in which the camera body and the lens apparatus are integrated.

[0018] The camera body 1 includes a grip portion 2 located on the left side when viewed from the front (located on the right side when viewed from the back), which allows the user to hold the camera body 1 with his hand. A power operation portion 3 is arranged on the top surface of the camera body 1. When the camera body 1 is in a power-off state, if the user turns on the power operation portion 3, power is supplied, the power of the camera body 1 is turned on, a computer program such as a process of detecting the origin of the focus unit is executed, and the camera body 1 transitions to a shooting standby state. When the camera body 1 is in a power-on state, if the user turns off the power operation portion 3, the camera body 1 is powered off.

[0019] The top surface of the camera body 1 includes a mode dial 4, a release button 5, and an accessory shoe 6. The user can switch between image capture modes by rotating the mode dial 4. The image capture modes include a manual still image capture mode in which the user can arbitrarily set image capture conditions such as shutter speed and F value (aperture value), an automatic still image capture mode in which appropriate exposure can be automatically set, and a moving image capture mode for moving image capture. The user can instruct image capture preparation operations such as auto focus (AF) and automatic exposure (AE) control by half-pressing the release button 5, and can instruct image capture by fully pressing the release button 5. Accessories (camera accessories) such as an external flash or other lighting or light-emitting devices are detachably attached to the accessory shoe 6.

[0020] The interchangeable lens 101 includes a lens mount 102 that can be mechanically and electrically connected to a camera mount 7 provided on the camera body 1. The lens mount 102 and the camera mount 7, both of which are annular, are made of a conductive metal material and can be attached and detached via a bayonet coupling not shown. As long as the camera system adopts a universal mount shape, the combination of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1 is not limited.

[0021] The interchangeable lens 101 houses an imaging optical system that forms an image of a subject by condensing light from the subject. A zoom operation ring (operating member) 103 that can be rotated around an optical axis by a user's operation is provided on the periphery of the interchangeable lens 101. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the zoom unit constituting the imaging optical system moves to a predetermined use position corresponding to the angle of the zoom operation ring 103 within a range from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. Thus, the user is ready to perform imaging at a desired viewing angle. As will be described in detail later, in the present disclosure, a retracted end that limits imaging is provided at a position after the zoom operation ring 103 is rotated from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end. The retracted end is a position where the interchangeable lens 101 is maximally retracted.

[0022] like Figure 1B As shown, a back operation unit 8 and a display unit 9 are provided on the back of the camera body 1. The back operation unit 8 includes a plurality of buttons and dials to which various functions are assigned. When the camera body 1 is powered on and a still or moving image shooting mode is set, the display unit 9 displays a through image (real-time image) of a subject image shot by an image sensor described later. The display unit 9 also displays shooting parameters indicating shooting conditions such as shutter speed and F value, and the user can change the setting values ​​of the shooting parameters by operating the back operation unit 8 while viewing the display. The back operation unit 8 includes a playback button for instructing playback of a recorded shot image, and when the user operates the playback button, the shot image is played back and displayed on the display unit 9. The display unit 9 may be a touch panel type and have the same functions as those of the back operation unit 8.

[0023] Now refer to Figure 2 , the electrical and optical configurations of the imaging system 100 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system 100. The camera body 1 has a power supply unit 10 that supplies power to the camera body 1 and an interchangeable lens 101, a power supply operation section 3, a mode dial 4, a release button 5, and an operation unit 11 including a back operation unit 8 and a touch panel function of a display unit 9. In the present embodiment, the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 are controlled as an entire system by a camera control unit 12 provided in the camera body 1 and a lens control unit 104 provided in the interchangeable lens 101 in cooperation with each other. Each of the camera control unit 12 and the lens control unit 104 has a built-in computer for controlling the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101, respectively, and the entire system of the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 is controlled by their cooperative operation.

[0024] The camera control unit 12 loads and executes the computer program stored in the memory 13. At this time, the camera control unit 12 communicates various control signals, data, etc. with the lens control unit 104 via the communication terminal of the electrical contact 105 provided in the lens mount 102. The electrical contact 105 includes a power supply terminal for supplying power from the power supply unit 10 to the interchangeable lens 101.

[0025] The imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom unit 110 connected to the zoom operation ring 103 and moved in the optical axis direction to change the angle of view, and an aperture unit (aperture stop unit) 301 that performs a light amount adjustment operation. The imaging optical system also includes a lens image stabilization (IS) unit 113, which includes a shift lens as an image stabilization element and reduces image blur by moving (shifting) in the Z / Y axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The imaging optical system also includes a focusing unit 116, which includes a focusing lens that moves in the optical axis direction for focusing. The interchangeable lens 101 also includes an aperture drive unit 302 that drives the aperture unit 301, an image stabilization (IS) drive unit 311 that moves the lens IS unit 113, and a focus drive unit 601 that moves the focusing unit 116.

[0026] The camera body 1 includes a shutter unit 14, a shutter drive unit 15, an image sensor 16, an image processing unit 17, and a camera control unit 12. The shutter unit 14 controls the amount of light that is imaged by the image sensor optical system in the interchangeable lens 101 and exposed by the image sensor 16. The image sensor 16 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the image sensor optical system and outputs an imaging signal. The image processing unit 17 performs various image processing on the imaging signal and then generates an image signal. The display unit 9 displays the image signal (through image) output from the image processing unit 17, displays imaging parameters, or plays back and displays the captured image recorded in the memory 13 or in a recording medium not shown.

[0027] The camera control unit 12 controls the focus drive unit 601 according to an image pickup preparation operation (such as half-pressing the release button 5) on the operation unit 11. For example, in the case where the AF operation is instructed, the focus detector 18 determines the focus state of the subject image formed by the image sensor 16 based on the image signal generated by the image processing unit 17, generates a focus signal, and transmits the focus signal to the camera control unit 12. At the same time, the focus drive unit 601 transmits information about the current position of the focus unit 116 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 unit 116, calculates the focus drive amount according to the shift amount, and transmits the focus drive amount to the lens control unit 104. Then, the lens control unit 104 moves the focus unit 116 to the target position in the optical axis direction via the focus drive unit 601, and corrects the focus shift of the subject image.

[0028] The focus drive unit 601 includes a focus motor that acts as an actuator and a photointerrupter that detects the origin position of the focus unit 116. Generally speaking, a stepper motor as a type of actuator is often used as a focus motor. A DC motor with an encoder, an ultrasonic motor, a servo motor, etc. can all be used as a focus motor. The photointerrupter directly receives the light emitted from the light emitter at the light receiver, but alternatively, a reflector that receives reflected light from a reflective surface or a brush that contacts a conductive pattern and electrically detects a signal can be used as a detector.

[0029] The camera control unit 12 controls the driving of the aperture unit 301 and the shutter unit 14 via the aperture driving unit 302 and the shutter driving unit 15 according to the set value of the F value or the shutter speed received from the operation unit 11. For example, in the case where the AE control operation is instructed, the camera control unit 12 receives the brightness signal generated by the image processing unit 17 and performs photometric calculation. Based on the result of the photometric calculation, the camera control unit 12 controls the aperture driving unit 302 according to the image capture instruction operation in the operation unit 11 (such as fully pressing the release button 5). At the same time, the camera control unit 12 controls the driving of the shutter unit 14 via the shutter driving unit 15, and performs exposure processing of the image sensor 16.

[0030] The camera body 1 includes a pitch shake detector 19 and a pan shake detector 20 as shake detectors capable of detecting image shake caused by hand-held shake of a user, etc. Each of the pitch shake detector 19 and the pan shake detector 20 detects image shake in a pitch direction (rotation direction around the Z axis) and a pan direction (rotation direction around the Y axis) using an angular velocity sensor (vibration gyro) or an angular acceleration sensor, and outputs a shake signal.

[0031] The camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position of the lens IS unit 113 in the Y-axis direction using the shake signal from the pitch shake detector 19. Likewise, the camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position of the lens IS unit 113 in the Z-axis direction using the shake signal from the pan shake detector 20. Then, the camera control unit 12 moves the lens IS unit 113 to a target position in the Z / Y-axis direction via the IS drive unit 311 according to the calculated shift position in the pitch / pan directions, thereby reducing image blur during exposure or during through-image display.

[0032] The interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom operation ring 103 for changing the angle of view of the imaging optical system, and a zoom detector 106 for detecting the angle of the zoom operation ring 103. The zoom detector 106 detects the angle of the zoom operation ring 103 operated by the user as an absolute value, and includes, for example, a resistive linear potentiometer. Information on the angle of view detected by the zoom detector 106 is transmitted to the lens control unit 104, and is reflected in various controls by the above-mentioned camera control unit 12. On the other hand, part of the above-mentioned various information is recorded in the memory 13 or a recording medium not shown together with the captured image.

[0033] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 , a description will be given of the positional relationship between the main components of the interchangeable lens 101. Figures 3 to 5 2 is a cross-sectional view of an XY plane including the optical axis OA, and the center line shown here substantially coincides with the optical axis OA defined by the imaging optical system, and thus will be equivalent to the optical axis OA hereinafter.

[0034] Figure 3 The figure shows the wide-angle end on the short focal length side of the zoom. Figure 4 The diagram shows the telephoto end on the long focal length side during zooming. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Both illustrate the imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 101 in an imaging state. Figure 5 The image pickup optical system in the interchangeable lens 101 in the stored state (retracted state) in the non-image pickup state is illustrated. Figure 5 The retracted end providing the shortest overall length in the direction of the optical axis is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 5 The retracted end shown is set to exceed Figure 3 By rotating the zoom operation ring 103 in one direction, the zoom is changed from Figure 5 The retracted end moves to Figure 3 The wide angle end of the Figure 3 Move the wide angle end to Figure 4In the present embodiment, a state in which the imaging optical system can be used for imaging is referred to as an imaging state, and a state in which the imaging optical system is in a retracted position is referred to as a retracted state. The imaging state means that the functions of the imaging system 100 including the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 can always be operated normally. Imaging restriction means that at least part of the functions of the imaging system 100 including the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 do not operate normally. For example, when the imaging optical system is in the retracted position, imaging actions (such as pressing the shutter to photograph a subject) can be performed, but part or all of the captured image may be blurred due to defocus, etc.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the present embodiment uses an optical system having a 7-unit structure as an exemplary imaging optical system. The zoom unit 110 moves to a predetermined use position to image the light from the subject on the image sensor 16. The predetermined position at the wide-angle end is different from the predetermined use position at the telephoto end. The zoom unit 110 includes a first zoom unit 111, a second zoom unit 112, an aperture unit 301, a lens IS unit (third zoom unit) 113, a fourth zoom unit 114, a fifth zoom unit 115, a focusing unit (sixth zoom unit) 116, and a seventh zoom unit 117. In the present embodiment, the structure of the imaging optical system is not limited, and for example, at least one of the lens IS unit 113 and the focusing unit 116 may function as another zoom unit. Some lens units may not be movable and may be fixed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first zoom unit 111 will be described as a first unit and the second zoom unit will be described as a second unit. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and any two zoom units (or lens units) may be applied as the first unit and the second unit.

[0038] The straight-advance guide cylinder 107 is a fixed portion (guide cylinder) fixed to the lens mount 102 via a fixed cylinder 109. The fixed cylinder 109 holds the zoom operation ring 103 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis. Mount claws, not shown, are arranged at regular intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the straight-advance guide cylinder 107. On the other hand, the inner circumferential surface of the cam cylinder 108 is provided with a circumferential groove, not shown. The cam cylinder 108 is connected to the zoom operation ring 103. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the mount claws engage with the circumferential grooves, restricting the movement of the cam cylinder 108 in the optical axis direction, and the cam cylinder 108 rotates around the optical axis OA.

[0039] As will be described in detail later, the straight-advance guide cylinder 107 has straight-advance guide grooves formed at regular intervals, which limit the movement of the zoom unit 110 in the rotational direction and guide the straight-advance movement in the optical axis direction. The cam cylinder 108 has cam grooves, each of which has a track of a different angle in the rotational direction, and these cam grooves are formed at regular intervals corresponding to the zoom unit 110. On the other hand, the zoom unit 110 includes a plurality of rollers, each of which engages with the corresponding straight-advance guide grooves and cam grooves. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the cam cylinder 108 rotates, and the rollers move the zoom unit 110 in the optical axis direction (back and forth), while limiting the movement in the rotational direction due to the engagement with the straight-advance guide grooves and the cam grooves.

[0040] The interchangeable lens 101 according to the present embodiment has a retractable mechanism which will be described in detail later. The retractable mechanism allows the zoom unit 110 to be retracted toward the back side (image side) in a non-image-taking state. This configuration can reduce the overall length of the interchangeable lens 101 and improve the portability of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1.

[0041] exist Figure 3 At the wide-angle end shown in FIG. 1 , the distance between the second zoom unit 112 and the lens IS unit (third zoom unit) 113 is wide. Figure 4 At the telephoto end shown, the distance between the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 is wide. The retractable mechanism reduces each of these distances, moves them to a storage position close to each other, and reduces the total length in the optical axis direction. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , at the retracted end in the non-photographing state, the zoom unit 110 moves to the storage position close to each other. From this state, for example, when the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103 to the wide-angle end, the zoom unit 110 extends toward the front side (the subject side) and moves to a predetermined use position. Figure 3 The camera status is shown.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 6 , the configuration of the second zoom unit 112 will be described in detail. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second zoom unit 112. The holding unit 112b holds the lens (lens unit) 112a therein, and holds the cover 112d on the first zoom unit 111 side. In the present embodiment, the cover 112d is a molded component, but it may be, for example, a sheet component depending on the optical design.

[0043] The base unit 112c holds a plurality of rollers (followers) 112e at regular intervals on its outer circumference, and holds a plurality of guide shafts 112h on the side of the holding unit 112b. The guide shaft 112h is cylindrical and is press-fitted into the base unit 112c. In the optical axis direction, the holding unit 112b is closer to the first zoom unit 111 than the base unit 112c. A plurality of force applying members (first force applying members) 112f are provided between the holding unit 112b and the base unit 112c. In the present embodiment, the force applying member 112f is a compression coil spring, but the type of spring is not limited as long as the force applying member 112f can apply force to the holding unit 112b and the base unit 112c in a direction that separates the holding unit 112b and the base unit 112c from each other, and can be an elastic member other than a spring. A plurality of guide holes (not shown) are formed in the holding unit 112b. By fitting the guide shafts 112h into the plurality of guide holes, the holding unit 112b is positioned and held by the base unit 112c.

[0044] The second zoom unit 112 further includes a screw 112g coaxial with the guide shaft 112h. The screw 112g is fixed to the base unit 112c via the guide shaft 112h from the cover 112d side of the holding unit 112b. Therefore, the holding unit 112b is positioned relative to the base unit 112c by the guide shaft 112h, and is held by the force applying member 112f so that they are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the second zoom unit 112 is formed.

[0045] Now refer to 7A to 8D , a description will be given of the relationship between the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 in a case where the interchangeable lens (lens barrel) 101 transitions from an image capturing state to a non-image capturing state and then to a retracted state. Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Fig.7D is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 101 illustrating the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 . Fig. 7A The figure shows a cross section at one end in an imaging state. Figure 7B The figure shows a cross section when the interchangeable lens is in transition from an imaging state to a non-imaging state. Figure 7C The figure shows a cross section when the interchangeable lens is in transition from a non-imaging state to a retracted end. Fig.7D A cross section of the retracted end is shown. Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Fig.8D The cam cylinder 108 and the click mechanism 700 are explained. Fig. 8A It is a development diagram of the cam barrel 108 based on the second zoom unit 112 . Figure 8B The urging of the urging member 112f is explained. Figure 8C2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a click mechanism 700 provided in the interchangeable lens 101 . Fig.8D The click force of the click mechanism 700 is explained.

[0046] The rotation of the first zoom unit 111 around the optical axis is restricted by a plurality of straight-movement grooves (first guide grooves) 107a provided in the straight-movement guide cylinder 107, and the first zoom unit 111 is held to be movable (back and forth) in the optical axis direction by a plurality of cam grooves (first cam grooves) 108a provided in the cam cylinder 108. Similarly, the rotation of the second zoom unit 112 around the optical axis is restricted by a plurality of straight-movement grooves (second guide grooves) 107b provided in the straight-movement guide cylinder 107, and the second zoom unit 112 is held to be movable (back and forth) in the optical axis direction by a plurality of cam grooves (second cam grooves) 108b provided in the cam cylinder 108.

[0047] like Fig. 7A As shown, when the interchangeable lens 101 is located at one end in the image pickup state, the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 are closest to each other. In the present embodiment, one end of the interchangeable lens 101 is the wide-angle end, but it may be at the telephoto end depending on the optical design, etc. When the interchangeable lens 101 is in the image pickup state, as described above, the base unit 112c and the holding unit 112b constituting the second zoom unit 112 are urged by the urging member 112f in the direction in which they are separated from each other.

[0048] like Figure 7B As shown in the figure, when the interchangeable lens 101 transitions from one end in the image capturing state to the non-image capturing state, the first zoom unit 111 moves toward the second zoom unit 112 along the cam groove 108a in the cam barrel 108 (arrow a) due to the action of the rectilinear guide barrel 107 and the cam barrel 108. At this time, the base unit 112c moves toward the first zoom unit 111 along the cam groove 108b (arrow c) due to the action of the rectilinear guide barrel 107 and the cam barrel 108, and the holding unit 112b contacts the first zoom unit 111.

[0049] As described above, the base unit 112c and the holding unit 112b are urged by the urging member 112f in a direction in which they are separated from each other. As a result, the holding unit 112b contacts the first zoom unit 111 and moves toward the base unit 112c along the cam groove 108a (arrow b). Figure 7B As shown, the urging member 112f is compressed, the holding unit 112b moves toward the base unit 112c together with the first zoom unit 111, and the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 move to the closest position.

[0050] like Figure 7CAs shown, the interchangeable lens 101 is Figure 7B When the state shown in FIG. 1 is moved to the retracted end, the first zoom unit 111 further moves toward the second zoom unit 112 along the trajectory of the cam groove 108a due to the action of the straight-advance guide cylinder 107 and the cam cylinder 108 (arrow a). Figure 7B When the first zoom unit 111 and the holding unit 112b are further moved toward the retracted end (in the state in FIG. 1 ), the base unit 112c moves toward the retracted end along the cam groove 108b (arrow c) due to the action of the straight-advance guide cylinder 107 and the cam cylinder 108. As described above, since the first zoom unit 111 and the holding unit 112b are in contact with each other, the holding unit 112b moves toward the base unit 112c along the cam groove 108a (arrow b).

[0051] like Fig.7D As shown, when the interchangeable lens 101 has completed the transition to the retracted state, due to the action of the straight-advance guide cylinder 107 and the cam cylinder 108, the first zoom unit 111 moves toward the second zoom unit 112 along the trajectory of the cam groove 108a (arrow a), and moves to the retracted end. Due to the action of the straight-advance guide cylinder 107 and the cam cylinder 108, the base unit 112c moves to the retracted end along the cam groove 108b (arrow c). As described above, since the first zoom unit 111 and the holding unit 112b are in contact with each other, the holding unit 112b moves toward the base unit 112c along the cam groove 108a (arrow b). Through the above operation, the interchangeable lens 101 transitions from the imaging state to the non-imaging state and completes the transition to the retracted state (retracted end).

[0052] exist Fig. 8A In the case of considering the gradient a of each cam groove 108a and the gradient b of each cam groove 108b in the cam barrel 108, the relationship of gradient a>gradient b is maintained. Therefore, the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 gradually separate from each other as they transition to the retracted state. Figure 7B As described above, when the interchangeable lens 101 transitions from the image capturing state to the non-image capturing state, the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 are closest to each other.

[0053] As described above, the forces generated by the force applying members 112f between the first zoom unit 111 and the second zoom unit 112 are as follows: Figure 8BAs shown, it is maximum when the image capturing state transitions to the non-image capturing state, and then gradually decreases. That is, as the holding unit 112b in contact with the first zoom unit 111 moves toward the first position together with the first zoom unit 111 to approach the base unit 112c, the force of each force applying member 112f increases, and decreases as it moves from the first position toward the retracted end. Due to this fact, even if an external force is applied when the interchangeable lens 101 is in the retracted state, the first zoom unit 111 can be prevented from being unexpectedly extended.

[0054] Now consider the length of the cam cylinder 108 in the optical axis direction. Fig. 7A The state transitions to Figure 7B During the state of Fig. 8A The gap a in .

[0055] In a conventional lens barrel, in order to transition from one end in the image-taking state to the non-image-taking state, the distance between the first zoom unit and the second zoom unit needs to be equal to or longer than the distance equivalent to the drop a in the present embodiment. Therefore, the total length of the cam barrel and the total length of the lens barrel increase, and ensuring a sufficient distance between the zoom units makes it easy to increase the lens diameter and the lens barrel diameter according to the optical design. In the case where the distance between the zoom units is not sufficiently ensured, the first zoom unit and the second zoom unit may collide, thereby failing to achieve the transition from one end in the image-taking state to the non-image-taking state.

[0056] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the interchangeable lens 101 transitions from the image pickup state to the non-image pickup state, the base unit 112c moves toward the first zoom unit 111, and the first zoom unit 111 moves toward the second zoom unit 112. The holding unit 112b is configured to contact the first zoom unit 111 and move toward the base unit 112c together with the first zoom unit 111. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the present embodiment can reduce the total length of the cam barrel, the total length of the lens barrel, and the total lens length in the retracted state, achieving a reduced lens diameter and a reduced lens barrel diameter.

[0057] Now refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , a description will be given of the click mechanism 700 for providing a click feeling (sense of click) to the operation of the zoom operation ring 103. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The click mechanism 700 is explained. Fig.9A is a side cross-sectional view of the click mechanism 700, Fig. 9B It is a bottom cross-sectional view of the click mechanism 700 when viewed from the center of the optical axis. Fig.9A and Fig. 9BThe diagram shows the arrangement of a click mechanism 700 near an imaging end in an imaging area described later.

[0058] exist Fig.9A and Fig. 9B In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents the phase (rotational position, position in the direction around the optical axis) of the zoom operation ring 103. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The relative positional relationship between components in zooming is schematically illustrated, showing that the pin member 701 moves relative to the zoom operation ring 103. However, it is the zoom operation ring 103 that actually rotates, and the phase (position in the direction around the optical axis) of the pin member 701 is fixed by the fixed cylinder 109.

[0059] The click mechanism 700 is a mechanism for locking the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103, and is mainly implemented by the fixed cylinder 109, the pin member 701, a part of the zoom operation ring 103 (the tapered portion 103a), the outer ring 703, and the urging member (the second urging member) 702. The pin member 701 is an engaging member that is held by the fixed cylinder 109 and can move linearly in the optical axis direction. The pin member 701 includes a terminal portion 701b, and the side surface adjacent to the terminal portion 701b is a tapered portion 701a having a taper.

[0060] The urging member (second urging member) 702 is held by the sleeve shape of the pin member 701, receives the reaction force from the outer ring 703, and urges the pin member 701 toward the fixed cylinder 109 and the zoom operation ring 103 (X direction). The urging member 702 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and is arranged on the opposite side of the tip end portion 701b of the pin member 701, but the urging method is not limited as long as the pin member 701 can be urged in the X direction.

[0061] The inner circumference of the zoom operation ring 103 has a protruding tapered portion 103a, a first flat portion (first concave portion) 103b corresponding to the imaging state, a second flat portion (convex portion) 103c corresponding to the retracted state, and a third flat portion (second concave portion) 103d corresponding to the retracted position (retracted end). Fig.9A As shown, when the interchangeable lens 101 is in the imaging state, the tip end portion 701b of the pin member 701 contacts the contact portion 109a provided on the fixed cylinder 109. Therefore, the urging force of the urging member 702 does not act on the zoom operation ring 103.

[0062] When the zoom operation ring 103 rotates in the Y direction, the tapered portion 103a of the zoom operation ring 103 and the tapered portion 701a of the pin member 701 contact and engage with each other, and the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 is locked. When the zoom operation ring 103 further rotates in the Y direction, the pin member 701 moves in the -X direction along the tapered portion 103a, and the tip portion 701b of the pin member 701 climbs (rides over) the tapered portion 103a. At this time, the force of the force member 702 acts on the zoom operation ring 103, becomes a load on the rotation operation, and generates a click feeling.

[0063] In the click mechanism 700, a click feeling suitable for the rotation operation of the zoom operation ring 103 can be arbitrarily set by changing the angles of the tapered portions 103a and 701a and the urging force of the urging member 702. This click feeling allows the user to recognize the boundary between the phases of the zoom operation ring 103 (the boundary between the imaging state and the non-imaging state) and the like from the operational feeling.

[0064] In the present embodiment, in the image capturing state, the click mechanism 700 locks the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 near the phase at which the holding unit 112b contacts the first zoom unit 111. The rotation phase (position in the direction around the optical axis) of the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 locked by the click mechanism 700 may correspond to the boundary between the image capturing state and the non-image capturing state. The boundary may correspond to one end (wide-angle end or telephoto end) in the image capturing state. The torque required when the zoom operation ring 103 is further rotated from the rotation phase at which the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 is locked by the click mechanism 700 may be smaller than the force applied by the force applying member 112f.

[0065] Now refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D , the relationship between the force applied by the force applying member 112f and the click timing and click force of the click mechanism 700 will be described. Fig. 8A and Fig.8D As shown in FIG. 1 , when the interchangeable lens 101 is in the image pickup state, the base unit 112c and the holding unit 112b are urged by the urging member 112f in the direction in which they are separated from each other. Figure 8C As shown, the tip portion 701b of the pin member 701 does not contact the first flat surface portion 103b of the zoom operation ring 103. Therefore, the urging forces of the urging members 112f and 702 do not act on the zoom operation ring 103.

[0066] Next, in the transition from the imaging state to the non-imaging state, as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the urging member 112f is compressed by the drop a, so the urging force of the urging member 112f increases. At this time, the urging force of the urging member 702 acts on the zoom operation ring 103, generating a load on the rotation operation and a click feeling.

[0067] Now consider the timing of the force of the force applying member 112f and the click force of the click mechanism 700. Then, both increase in the transition from the image pickup state to the non-image pickup state. Therefore, the timing when the base unit 112c and the holding unit 112b constituting the second zoom unit 112 approach each other and the timing when the tip portion 701b of the pin member 701 climbs over (rides over) the tapered portion 103a and generates the click force are simultaneous.

[0068] As described above, in the present embodiment, the tip portion 701b of the pin member 701 does not contact the zoom operation ring 103 in the imaging state, but contacts the zoom operation ring 103 due to the force member 702 in the non-imaging state. The rotation torque of the zoom operation ring 103 in the non-imaging state can be greater than that in the imaging state. As the pin member 701 rides over the tapered portion 103a, the force of the force member 702 can increase and decrease at the retracted end. Therefore, the interchangeable lens 101 can transition from the imaging state to the retracted state while maintaining good rotation operation of the zoom operation ring 103.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the first zoom unit (first unit) 111 is arranged on the subject side of the second zoom unit (second unit) 112 having the base unit 112c and the holding unit 112b, but the present embodiment is not limited to this example. The lens unit in the first unit may be arranged on the image side of the lens unit in the second unit.

[0070] In this embodiment, in the transition from the image pickup state to the non-image pickup state, the action of the cam barrel and the guide barrel causes the first unit to move closer to the second unit, and the second unit to move closer to the first unit, thereby holding the unit and the first unit in contact with each other. This embodiment can provide a lens device and an image pickup system with reduced size and total length.

[0071] Although the present disclosure has described exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that some embodiments are not limited to the disclosed embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0072] This embodiment can provide a lens device with reduced size and overall length.

Claims

1. A lens device, comprising: Unit 1; Unit 2; Cam barrel; and Guide tube, The cam barrel has a first cam groove for moving the first unit along the optical axis direction and a second cam groove for moving the second unit along the optical axis direction. wherein the guide tube has a first guide groove for limiting the rotation of the first unit around the optical axis and a second guide groove for limiting the rotation of the second unit around the optical axis, wherein the second unit comprises a base unit and a holding unit, wherein the holding unit is arranged closer to the first unit than the base unit in the optical axis direction, and As the lens device transitions from a shooting state to a non-shooting state, due to the action of the cam cylinder and the guide cylinder, the first unit moves closer to the second unit, and the second unit moves closer to the first unit, so that the retaining unit and the first unit contact each other.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the lens apparatus transitions from the image capturing state to the non-image capturing state, the holding unit moves together with the first unit toward the base unit.

3. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The holding unit holds the lens, Wherein, the base unit holds the follower.

4. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At one end in the imaging state, the first unit and the second unit are closest to each other.

5. The lens device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The one end is a wide-angle end or a telephoto end.

6. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second unit includes a first force applying member, The base unit and the holding unit are urged by the first urging member in a direction in which the base unit and the holding unit are separated from each other.

7. The lens device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The urging force of the first urging member increases when the holding unit in contact with the first unit moves toward a first position together with the first unit so that the holding unit approaches the base unit, and decreases as the holding unit moves from the first position toward a retracted end.

8. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second unit includes a guide shaft, The holding unit moves along the optical axis direction while being guided by the guide shaft.

9. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising: an operating member rotatable about the optical axis; a click mechanism configured to lock the rotation of the operating member, The invention is characterized in that, in the imaging state, the click mechanism locks the rotation of the operating member in the vicinity of a phase in which the holding unit contacts the first unit.

10. The lens device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A rotation phase in which the rotation of the operation member is locked by the click mechanism corresponds to a boundary between the image capturing state and the non-image capturing state.

11. The lens device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The boundary corresponds to one end in the imaging state.

12. The lens device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second unit includes a first force applying member, The torque required for the operating member to further rotate from the rotation phase in which the rotation of the operating member is locked by the click mechanism is smaller than the urging force of the first urging member.

13. The lens device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The click mechanism has a recessed portion at a position corresponding to a retracted end of the operating member.

14. The lens device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The click mechanism comprises: a fixed cylinder that holds the operating member so as to be rotatable about the optical axis; an engaging member movably held on the fixed barrel; and a second urging member for urging the engaging member toward the operating member, wherein the operating member has a tapered portion, and The engagement member rides on the tapered portion, thereby providing a click feeling to the operating member.

15. The lens device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The tip end portion of the engagement member does not contact the operation member in the imaging state, and contacts the operation member due to the urging force of the second urging member in the non-imaging state.

16. The lens device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The urging force of the second urging member increases when the engagement member rides on the tapered portion, and decreases at the retracted end.

17. The lens device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rotation torque of the operation member is greater in the non-imaging state than in the imaging state.

18. The lens device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cam cylinder is connected to the operating member.

19. The lens device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The guide barrel is fixed to the lens mount via the fixing barrel.

20. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The first unit is arranged on the object side of the second unit.

21. A camera system, comprising: The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and Camera equipment.

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