Interchangeable lens and imaging device

Abstract

An interchangeable lens includes a fixed rod including at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, and wherein a magnetic body is held by a holding member having a tubular shape, the magnets and the inner yoke are alternately coupled in the magnets; and a movable coil having a tubular shape and into which the fixed rod is inserted, the movable coil is movable with respect to the fixed rod in a coupling direction of the magnets and the inner yoke, the inner yoke is coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides, an outer peripheral surface of the magnetic body and an inner peripheral surface of the holding member are each formed in a shape without an angle, and the magnetic body is held in a state of being inserted into the holding member by being press-fitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to the field of interchangeable lenses and imaging devices that include a magnet and a movable coil and are operated by energizing the movable coil. Background Technology

[0002] There exists a linear actuator that includes a magnet and a movable coil, and applies a driving force to the movable body by energizing the movable coil to move the movable body, and such a linear actuator is used, for example, in interchangeable lenses or imaging devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] In such interchangeable lenses or imaging devices, for example, a movable lens is provided as a zoom lens or a focusing lens, and a lens holder is provided as a movable body to hold the movable lens. The driving force of a linear actuator causes the movable lens and the lens holder to move together along the optical axis, thereby performing zooming or focusing.

[0004] In the linear actuators described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, magnets and yokes (“magnetic spacers” in Patent Document 2) are alternately coupled to form a fixed rod, and the same magnetic poles of the magnets on both sides are coupled to the yoke. When a movable coil is energized in such a linear actuator, a driving force is generated, and the movable lens moves along the optical axis together with the lens holder.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: WO 2021 / 153017

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-93222 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0010] Incidentally, in the linear actuators described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, where the same magnetic poles of the magnets are coupled to both sides of the yoke, high thrust can be obtained. However, repulsive forces will be generated between the magnets on both sides, so the coupling state between the magnets and the yoke may become unstable, and the assembly of the fixing rod may become difficult.

[0011] In view of the above, one objective of the interchangeable lenses and imaging devices according to this technology is to facilitate the assembly of the fixing rod.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] An interchangeable lens according to the present technology includes: a fixed rod comprising at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, wherein the magnets are held by a retaining member having a tubular shape, the magnets and the inner yoke being alternately coupled in the magnets; and a movable coil having a tubular shape and the fixed rod inserted therein, the movable coil being movable relative to the fixed rod in the coupling direction of the magnets and the inner yoke, the inner yoke being coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides, the outer peripheral surface of the magnets and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member being formed into a shape without corners, and the magnets being held in a state of being inserted into the retaining member by a press-fit.

[0014] Therefore, by performing a press-fit, a magnetic body with no corners on its outer peripheral surface is inserted into a retaining member that is tubular and has no corners on its inner peripheral surface.

[0015] An imaging device according to the present technology includes: an imaging element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal; a fixed rod comprising at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, wherein the magnets are held by a retaining member having a tubular shape, the magnets and the inner yoke being alternately coupled in the magnets; and a movable coil having a tubular shape in which the fixed rod is inserted, the movable coil being movable relative to the fixed rod in the coupling direction of the magnets and the inner yoke, the inner yoke being coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides, the outer peripheral surface of the magnets and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member being formed into a shape without corners, and the magnets being held in a state of being inserted into the retaining member by a press-fit.

[0016] Therefore, a magnetic material with no corners on its outer circumferential surface is inserted into a retaining member that is tubular and has no corners on its inner circumferential surface by press-fitting. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 17 Together, an embodiment of the interchangeable lens and imaging device according to the present technology is illustrated, and the figure is a perspective view showing the interchangeable lens and imaging device.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the interchangeable lens, with a portion of the interchangeable lens having been removed.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lenses as seen from the side.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lenses as seen from the front.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a 3D diagram of a linear actuator.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a linear actuator.

[0023] Figure 7 and Figures 8 to 11 Together, examples of magnetic body shapes are shown, and the figure shows an example formed as an ellipse.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example formed in an elliptical shape.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a shape formed into a circle.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a shape formed by straight lines and curves surrounding the outer perimeter.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a shape whose outer perimeter is formed by only curves.

[0028] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the dimensions of the magnet and the retaining component.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a conceptual diagram showing the area where fixed rods, etc., exist.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the magnetic flux generation state in a linear actuator.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state of magnetic flux generated from a magnet.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a conceptual diagram showing the various forces generated in the magnet and the inner yoke.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a block diagram of an imaging device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will illustrate how this technology is implemented.

[0035] The following examples describe instances where a linear actuator is disposed in an interchangeable lens that is attached to and detached from an imaging device. However, this technique is not limited to configurations where the linear actuator is disposed in interchangeable lenses, but can also be applied to configurations where the linear actuator is disposed in an imaging device.

[0036] In the following description, it is assumed that the front, back, top, bottom, left, and right directions refer to the directions observed from the imager when imaging with the imaging device. Therefore, the subject side (object side) is the front side, and the image plane side is the back side. Note that the front, back, top, bottom, left, and right directions described below are used for illustrative purposes only, and the implementation of this technology is not limited to these directions.

[0037] In addition, the lens group described below may include one or more lenses, or may include one or more lenses and another optical element such as an aperture stop or a variable aperture stop.

[0038] <Imaging Equipment Configuration>

[0039] First, the configuration of the imaging device 100 with detachable and interchangeable lenses 1 will be described (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0040] The imaging device 100 is formed by arranging various required units inside and outside the housing 101. Within the housing 101, for example, multiple operating units 102 are arranged on the upper and rear surfaces. As operating units 102, for example, a power button, a shutter button, a zoom knob, a mode switching knob, etc., are provided.

[0041] A display (display unit) (not shown) is arranged on the rear surface of the housing 101.

[0042] A circular opening 101a is formed on the front surface of the housing 101, and a mounting portion 103 for mounting the interchangeable lens 1 is provided in the portion around the opening 101a. The mounting portion 103 includes an annular coupling ring 103a and, for example, three arc-shaped mounting joints 103b that protrude inward from the coupling ring 103a, the mounting joints 103b being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0043] Inside the housing 101, an imaging element 104, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), is arranged, and the imaging element 104 is located behind the opening 101a.

[0044] An arc-shaped contact portion 105 is arranged at the lower end of the mounting portion 103.

[0045] <Construction of Interchangeable Lenses>

[0046] Next, the construction of interchangeable lens 1 will be described (see Figures 1 to 13 ).

[0047] The interchangeable lens 1 can be attached to and detached from the imaging device 100, and the various required units are arranged inside and outside the outer cylinder 2 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0048] On the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 2, a plurality of adjustment rings 3 are rotatably supported and arranged in the front-to-back direction. The adjustment rings 3 have functions such as performing focus adjustment, zoom adjustment, and aperture light amount adjustment.

[0049] Inside the outer cylinder 2, a plurality of lens groups 4 are arranged at intervals along the optical axis (front-back direction). Each lens group 4 includes at least one lens, and inside the outer cylinder 2, a front lens 4a located at the foremost side and another lens located behind the front lens 4a are provided as the various parts of the lens group 4.

[0050] The lens mounting base 5 is attached to the rear end of the outer cylinder 2. The lens mounting base 5 is provided with, for example, three engaging protrusions 5a, which protrude outwardly at intervals in the circumferential direction. A connecting terminal (not shown) is provided on the rear end face of the lens mounting base 5.

[0051] The interchangeable lens 1 is mounted on the imaging device 100 by coupling the lens mounting base 5 to the mounting portion 103. The interchangeable lens 1 can be mounted on the imaging device 100 by rotating the interchangeable lens 1 as a whole about the optical axis relative to the imaging device 100.

[0052] With the interchangeable lens 1 already mounted on the imaging device 100, the connection terminal is connected to the contact portion 105 of the imaging device 100. Therefore, signal exchange or power supply can be performed between the interchangeable lens 1 and the imaging device 100.

[0053] The interchangeable lens 1 can be removed from the imaging device 100 by rotating the interchangeable lens 1 as a whole around the optical axis relative to the imaging device 100 and separating the interchangeable lens 1 from the imaging device 100.

[0054] Inside the interchangeable lens 1, there is a mechanism unit 6 (see Figures 2 to 4 The mechanism unit 6 is formed by setting or supporting the various required units within the inner cylinder 7. Note that in the interchangeable lens 1, the inner cylinder 7 can be integrally set with the outer cylinder 2 as part of the outer cylinder 2.

[0055] The inner cylinder 7 is formed by using a non-magnetic or magnetic material such as resin, and includes a body 8 and an inner flange 9, wherein the body 8 is cylindrical in shape and its optical axis direction (front-back direction) is axial, and the inner flange 9 protrudes inward from the rear end of the body 8.

[0056] A first bearing protrusion 10 protruding inward is provided at the front end of the main body 8. A second bearing protrusion 11 protruding inward is provided at approximately the center of the main body 8 in the front-rear direction, and the second bearing protrusion 11 is located on the side opposite to the first bearing protrusion 10 at approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0057] The inner flange 9 is provided with retaining protrusions 12. The retaining protrusions 12 are formed in a forward-protruding shape and include forward-opening insertion recesses 12a.

[0058] In the inner flange 9, an attachment hole (not shown) is formed at a position across the central axis. The attachment hole is formed, for example, at a position 90 degrees circumferentially spaced from the retaining protrusion 12. Note that the location of the attachment hole does not necessarily have to be at a 90-degree circumferential distance from the retaining protrusion 12.

[0059] The bearing 13 is attached to each of the first bearing protrusion 10 and the second bearing protrusion 11 of the body 8, and the bearing 13 is also attached to each attachment hole of the inner flange 9.

[0060] Two guide shafts 14 are attached to the inner cylinder 7. One guide shaft 14 is attached to the inner cylinder 7 by means of a bearing 13 attached to the first bearing protrusion 10 and a bearing 13 attached to an attachment hole, and the other guide shaft 14 is attached to the inner cylinder 7 by means of a bearing 13 attached to the second bearing protrusion 11 and a bearing 13 attached to another attachment hole.

[0061] Within the inner cylinder 7, linear actuators 15 are positioned on opposite sides across the central axis of the main body 8. The linear actuator 15 includes a fixed rod 16 and a movable coil 17 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0062] The fixing rod 16 includes at least two magnets 19 (e.g., three magnets 19), at least one inner yoke 20 (e.g., four inner yokes 20), and a retaining member 21.

[0063] Magnet 19 and inner yoke 20 are alternately linearly coupled, and magnet 19 and inner yoke 20 are contained within magnetic body 22. In magnetic body 22, inner yoke 20 is located at both ends of magnet 19 and inner yoke 20 in the coupling direction (hereinafter referred to as "coupling direction").

[0064] In magnet 19, the N pole and S pole are magnetized in the coupling direction. Before the inner yoke 20 is inserted into each magnet 19, in adjacent magnets 19, the same magnetic poles are coupled to the inner yoke 20 located between adjacent magnets 19, and the N pole is opposite to the N pole, or the S pole is opposite to the S pole.

[0065] The magnetic body 22 is formed with an outer peripheral surface 22a without corners, and its cross-sectional shape in a direction orthogonal to the coupling direction (front-back direction) is, for example, oval (see...). Figure 7 Note that the cross-sectional shape of the magnetic body 22 in the direction orthogonal to the coupling direction is not limited to an oval shape; for example, it can also be an elliptical shape (see [link to documentation]). Figure 8 ) or round (see Figure 9 Furthermore, the magnetic body 22 only needs to be formed into a shape with no corners on its outer peripheral surface 22a, and the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the coupling direction can be a shape surrounded by curves and straight lines, such as a roughly rectangular shape (see...). Figure 10 ), or shapes that are simply enclosed by curves, such as roughly arc-shaped (see Figure 11 ).

[0066] In magnet 19, the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends in the direction coupled to inner yoke 20 are formed as chamfered portions 19a. The chamfered portions 19a are formed by performing C-chamfering or R-chamfering.

[0067] In the inner yoke 20, the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends in the direction of coupling with the magnet 19 are formed as chamfered portions 20a. The chamfered portions 20a are formed by performing a C-chamfer or an R-chamfer.

[0068] The retaining member 21 is formed into a tubular shape using a non-magnetic metallic material such as copper, brass, or aluminum, and is formed to have the same shape as the magnetic body 22. Note that the retaining member 21 can be formed using a magnetic metallic material or using a resin material.

[0069] However, the retaining member 21 is formed by using a ductile metal material to increase strength, and by using a non-magnetic metal material to avoid magnetic flux loss, which makes it possible to reduce the thickness, and also to reduce the thickness of the fixing rod 16 and the size of the interchangeable lens 1.

[0070] The length of the inner circumference N of the retaining member 21 is equal to or less than the length of the outer circumference G of the magnet 22 (see...). Figure 12 The thickness of retaining member 21 is reduced to, for example, about 70 μm. Furthermore, the length of retaining member 21 in the axial direction is slightly less than the length of magnetic body 22 in the coupling direction.

[0071] The magnetic body 22 is inserted into and held in the retaining member 21 by a press-fit (see...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The magnetic body 22 is pressed into and held by the retaining member 21, thereby forming the fixed rod 16.

[0072] In the magnetic body 22, a chamfered portion 20a is formed at the end in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when it is pressed into the retaining member 21, the chamfered portion 20a is guided by the inner periphery of the retaining member 21 so that the magnetic body 22 can be easily inserted into the retaining member 21, thereby enabling the magnetic body 22 to be easily and quickly pressed into the retaining member 21.

[0073] The magnetic body 22 can be pressed into the retaining member 21 while adjacent magnets 19 and inner yoke 20 are attracted by magnetic force, and the fixing rod 16 can be easily assembled. In particular, since the magnets 19 and inner yoke 20 are attracted, there is no need for fixing work such as gluing between them, which improves workability.

[0074] With the magnetic body 22 held by the retaining member 21 to form the fixed rod 16, in the inner magnetic yokes 20A and 20B located at both ends, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner magnetic yoke 20A located on the front side is covered by the retaining member 21, and the entire outer peripheral surface of the inner magnetic yoke 20B located on the rear side is covered by the retaining member 21. Therefore, a portion of the inner magnetic yoke 20A protrudes forward from the retaining member 21.

[0075] With the magnetic body 22 inserted into the retaining member 21, one end of the retaining member 21 is bent inward toward the yoke 20A and comes into close contact with the chamfered portion 20a. At this time, the retaining member 21 is bent toward the chamfered portion 20a by pressing the end of the retaining member 21, for example, using a clamp such as a roller. The portion of the retaining member 21 that comes into close contact with the chamfered portion 20a is provided as the bent portion 21b.

[0076] As described above, the end of the retaining member 21 is in close contact with the chamfered portion 20a in the bent state. Therefore, the dust generated when the magnetic body 22 is pressed into the retaining member 21 can be sealed between the magnetic body 22 and the retaining member 21 by the bent portion 21b, and the dust can be prevented from spreading into the interchangeable lens 1.

[0077] The movable coil 17 is formed into a tubular shape corresponding to the shape of the fixed rod 16, and has a two-phase structure. The movable coil 17 includes, for example, a coil portion 17a constituting a first phase and a coil portion 17b constituting a second phase, and the coil portion 17a and the coil portion 17b are arranged together.

[0078] The fixed rod 16 is inserted through the movable coil 17 (see...) Figures 3 to 6 When the movable coil 17 is energized, a thrust is generated in the movable coil 17 in relation to the magnetic flux generated in the fixed rod 16, and the movable coil 17 moves in the coupling direction (optical axis direction) of the fixed rod 16 according to the energizing direction of the movable coil 17.

[0079] In the linear actuator 15 constructed as described above, one end (rear end) of the fixed rod 16 in the longitudinal direction is attached to the inner cylinder 7 (see...). Figure 3 The retaining rod 16 is attached to the inner cylinder 7 by inserting a portion of the inner yoke 20B and a portion of the magnet 22 into the insertion recess 12a of the retaining protrusion 12, and by, for example, gluing, threading, or press-fitting them into the retaining protrusion 12. Note that the interchangeable lens 1 may have a configuration in which a locating pin is provided in the retaining protrusion 12, a locating hole is formed in the inner yoke 20B, the locating pin is inserted into the locating hole, and the retaining rod 16 is positioned in the retaining protrusion 12.

[0080] As described above, when the retaining rod 16 is inserted into the insertion recess 12a, the curved portion 21b of the retaining member 21 is guided by the opening edge of the insertion recess 12a, thus allowing the retaining rod 16 to be smoothly inserted into the insertion recess 12a. Furthermore, the curved portion 21b in the retaining member 21 reduces the sliding area between the retaining protrusion 12 and the retaining member 21 when the retaining rod 16 is inserted into the insertion recess 12a, and prevents dust from being generated due to sliding.

[0081] The other end (front end) of the retaining rod 16 in the longitudinal direction is attached to and held by the retaining base 23. The retaining base 23 is formed by using resin or metal material and includes a rearwardly opening retaining recess 24.

[0082] The retaining rod 16 is held in place by inserting the forward-protruding portion of the retaining member 21 of the inner magnetic yoke 20A into the retaining recess 24. The inner magnetic yoke 20A is attached to the retaining base 23, for example by gluing, threading, or press-fitting. Note that the interchangeable lens 1 may have a configuration in which a locating pin is provided in the retaining base 23, a locating hole is formed in the inner magnetic yoke 20A, the locating pin is inserted into the locating hole, and the retaining rod 16 is positioned in the retaining base 23.

[0083] As described above, when the retaining rod 16 is inserted into the retaining recess 24, the chamfered portion 20a of the inner magnetic yoke 20A is guided by the opening edge of the retaining recess 24, thus allowing the retaining rod 16 to be smoothly inserted into the retaining recess 24. Furthermore, the chamfered portion 20a is formed in the inner magnetic yoke 20A, which reduces the sliding area between the retaining base 23 and the inner magnetic yoke 20A when the retaining rod 16 is inserted into the retaining recess 24, and prevents dust from being generated due to sliding.

[0084] Note that at one end of the fixing rod 16, a portion of the inner yoke 20A protrudes forward from the retaining member 21, and the retaining member 21 is not inserted into the retaining recess 24. On the other hand, the magnetic body 22 includes a plurality of magnets 19 and a plurality of inner yokes 20 coupled to each other, and the lengths in the coupling direction may vary due to dimensional tolerances of the individual magnets 19 and inner yokes 20. Therefore, by making the length of the retaining member 21 less than the length of the magnetic body, the retaining member 21 is not inserted into the retaining recess 24, and even in the event of errors due to dimensional tolerances, the retaining member 21 will not contact the retaining base 23, thereby preventing obstruction of the attachment of the fixing rod 16 to the retaining base 23.

[0085] The retaining base 23 of the retaining rod 16 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 7 by means of threaded connection or other means, and the retaining rod 16 is attached to the inner cylinder 7 by using the retaining base 23. It should be noted that the retaining rod 16 is attached to the inner cylinder 7 by using the retaining base 23 while passing through the movable coil 17.

[0086] The lens holder 25 and lens 4b, which are movable bodies, are supported by the guide shaft 14, thereby enabling them to move in the optical axis direction (see [link]). Figures 2 to 4 Lens 4b is one of the lenses in lens group 4, held by lens holder 25, and used as, for example, a focusing lens or a zoom lens.

[0087] The lens holder 25 includes a frame-shaped lens holding portion 26, two supported portions 27 protruding from the lens holding portion 26 in opposite directions on the outer periphery, a pair of coil attachment portions 28 protruding from the lens holding portion 26 in opposite directions on the outer periphery, and a pair of attachment protrusions 29 protruding from the lens holding portion 26 in their respective predetermined directions on the outer periphery. The supported portions 27 and the coil attachment portions 28 protrude from the lens holding portion 26 in mutually orthogonal directions.

[0088] Lens 4b is held by lens holding part 26. Lens 4b is attached to lens holding part 26 by means of bonding, pressing fit or other methods.

[0089] Each supported portion 27 is slidably supported by the guide shaft 14. Therefore, the lens holder 25 and the lens 4b are guided as a whole by the guide shaft 14 and move along the optical axis.

[0090] The coil portions 17a and 17b of the movable coil 17 are attached to the coil attachment portion 28 by means of adhesive bonding or other methods (see...). Figure 3 Therefore, by energizing the movable coil 17 and moving it relative to the fixed rod 16 along the optical axis, the lens holder 25 and the lens 4b move together with the movable coil 17 along the optical axis.

[0091] By moving lens 4b along the optical axis, for example, focusing or zooming can be performed.

[0092] The detection rod 30, extending along the optical axis, is attached to the attachment protrusion 29 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 4 The detection rod 30 moves together with the lens holder 25 along the optical axis.

[0093] The detector 31 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the main body 8 in the inner cylinder 7, positioned opposite the detection rod 30. The detector 31 detects the position of the detection rod 30 when the lens holder 25 is moved, and as a result of detecting the position of the detection rod 30, the position of the lens 4b in the optical axis direction or the amount of movement in the optical axis direction is detected.

[0094] In the interchangeable lens 1 constructed as described above, two linear actuators 15 are located on the periphery of the lens holder 25, and the existing area of ​​the fixing rod 16 is region Ra, which is part of the annular region R on the periphery of the lens holder 25 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0095] Therefore, in order to increase the thrust by maximizing the linear actuator 15 without increasing the size of the interchangeable lens 1, it is desirable that the retaining rod 16 be formed in a shape corresponding to region Ra. Such a shape for the retaining rod 16, besides an oval shape (see...), is... Figure 7 In addition to, for example, roughly fan-shaped (see...) Figure 11 ) or oval (see Figure 8 (This is) ideal.

[0096] In particular, by forming the fixing rod 16 into an oval shape, volumetric efficiency can be improved within a shape range that is easy to manufacture and has no corners, and thrust can be increased without increasing the size of the interchangeable lens 1 while ensuring satisfactory manufacturability.

[0097] <The relationship between magnetic flux and movable coils, etc.>

[0098] Next, the relationship between the magnetic flux generated in the linear actuator 15 and the movable coil 17, etc., will be described (see [link to documentation]). Figures 14 to 16 ).Notice, Figures 14 to 16 Provided as a conceptual diagram to facilitate the description of the relationship between the magnetic flux generated in the linear actuator 15 and the movable coil 17, etc.

[0099] As described above, in the fixed rod 16 of the linear actuator 15, magnets 19 and inner yokes 20 are alternately coupled. In magnets 19, the N pole and S pole are magnetized in the coupling direction, and with the inner yoke 20 sandwiched between each magnet 19, in each adjacent magnet 19, the same magnetic poles, i.e., N pole to N pole or S pole to S pole, are coupled to the two surfaces of the inner yoke 20 (see...). Figure 14 ).

[0100] Notice, Figure 14 This shows that the axial center of the movable coil 17 is positioned to coincide with the center in the coupling direction.

[0101] The magnetic flux J generated in magnet 19 originates from the N pole, passes through the inner yoke 20 coupled to one surface of magnet 19, through the holding member 21 and the movable coil 17, passes through the inner yoke 20 coupled to the other surface of magnet 19, and reaches the S pole. At this time, the inner yoke 20 is coupled to one end face 19b on the N pole side of magnet 19, and the inner yoke 20 is coupled to the other end face 19c on the S pole side of magnet 19. The magnetic flux J points from the N pole to the entire outer periphery of one end face 19b, and from the entire outer periphery of the other end face 19c to the S pole (see...). Figure 15 ).

[0102] Therefore, the magnetic flux J passes through the entire outer periphery of the movable coil 17, so approximately 100% of the magnetic flux contributes to the thrust of the movable coil 17, thereby generating thrust throughout the entire outer periphery of the movable coil 17 and ensuring high drive efficiency in the linear actuator 15.

[0103] Furthermore, thrust is generated throughout the outer periphery of the movable coil 17, and high drive efficiency is ensured in the linear actuator 15. Therefore, even if the size of each part in the linear actuator 15 is reduced, sufficient drive force can be ensured, and the linear actuator 15 can be reduced in size and weight.

[0104] Furthermore, in the linear actuator 15, the same magnetic poles of adjacent magnets 19 are coupled to the inner yoke 20 (see...). Figure 16 Therefore, a repulsive force P will be generated between adjacent magnets 19. However, in the linear actuator 15, the inner yoke 20 is disposed between adjacent magnets 19, so an attractive force Q will be generated between the inner yoke 20 and the magnets 19, thereby reducing the repulsive force P generated between the magnets 19.

[0105] Furthermore, the inner magnetic yoke 20 is disposed between adjacent magnets 19, so that adjacent magnets 19 are disposed with a constant interval between them, which also reduces the repulsive force P generated between magnets 19.

[0106] This reduces the assembly difficulty of the fixing rod 16 caused by the repulsive force P when the magnet 19 is coupled to the inner yoke 20, and the fixing rod 16 with the same magnetic pole of the adjacent magnet 19 coupled to the inner yoke 20 can be assembled in an easy and stable manner.

[0107] <Conclusion>

[0108] As described above, the interchangeable lens 1 and imaging device 100 include: a fixed rod 16, wherein a magnetic body 22 is held by a retaining member 21 having a tubular shape; and a movable coil 17 having a tubular shape and movable relative to the fixed rod 16, wherein the same magnetic poles of magnets 19 located on both sides are coupled to an inner yoke 20, the outer peripheral surface 22a of the magnetic body 22 and the inner peripheral surface 21a of the retaining member 21 are both formed into a shape without corners, and the magnetic body 22 is held in a state of being press-fitted into the retaining member 21.

[0109] Therefore, by pressing in, the magnetic body 22 with no corners on the outer peripheral surface 22a is inserted into the tubular retaining member 21 with no corners on the inner peripheral surface 21a, thereby holding the magnetic body 22 by the retaining member 21 through the pressing in, and the pressing in can be performed smoothly, and the assembly of the fixing rod 16 can be performed easily.

[0110] Furthermore, by making the inner peripheral surface 21a of the retaining member 21 smaller than the outer peripheral surface 22a of the magnetic body 22, the magnetic body 22 is inserted while the retaining member 21 is enlarged, which ensures the stable holding state of the retaining member 21 relative to the magnetic body 22.

[0111] Furthermore, by using a non-magnetic metallic material to form the retaining member 21, the retaining member 21 will not affect the magnetic body 22 in terms of magnetic force, and the retaining member 21 has high strength, which can ensure high thrust and ensure the stable holding state of the retaining member 21 relative to the magnetic body 22.

[0112] <Example of Imaging Equipment>

[0113] The following describes configuration examples of embodiments of the imaging device according to the present technology (see Figure 17 ).

[0114] Imaging device 100 is equipped with a camera module 90 having imaging capabilities and includes: a camera signal processing unit 91 that performs signal processing such as analog-to-digital conversion on the captured image signals; and an image processing unit 92 that performs recording / reproduction processing on the image signals. Furthermore, imaging device 100 includes: a display unit 93 that displays captured images; a reader / writer (R / W) 94 that writes image signals to and reads image signals from memory 99; a central processing unit (CPU) 95 that controls the entire imaging device 100; a lens drive control unit 96 that controls the driving of lenses arranged in the camera module 90; and an operation unit 97 (102) containing various switches to which the user performs desired operations.

[0115] Camera module 90 is, for example, interchangeable lens 1.

[0116] The imaging device 100 is provided with an imaging element 98 (104), such as a CCD or CMOS, which converts the optical image captured by the camera module 90 into an electrical signal.

[0117] The camera signal processing unit 91 performs various signal processing on the output signal from the imaging element 98, such as converting it into a digital signal, removing noise, correcting image quality, or converting it into luminance and chromatic aberration signals.

[0118] The image processing unit 92 performs compression encoding and decompression decoding processing, resolution conversion and other data specification processing on the image signal based on a predetermined image data format.

[0119] Display unit 93 has the function of displaying various data (such as the operation status performed by the user on operation unit 97 or captured images). Note that imaging device 100 does not necessarily need to have display unit 93, and can also be configured to transmit captured image data to another display device and display the image.

[0120] R / W 94 writes the image data encoded by the image processing unit 92 into the memory 99 and reads the image data recorded in the memory 99.

[0121] The CPU 95 serves as a control processing unit, which controls the various circuit blocks provided in the imaging device 100 and controls the various circuit blocks based on instruction input signals from the operation unit 97.

[0122] The lens drive control unit 96 controls the drive source of the moving lens based on the control signal from the CPU 95.

[0123] The operation unit 97 responds to the operation performed by the user and outputs an instruction input signal to the CPU 95.

[0124] The memory 99 is, for example, a semiconductor memory that can be attached to and removed from a slot connected to the R / W 94, or a semiconductor memory that is pre-built into the imaging device 100.

[0125] The operation of the imaging device 100 will be described below.

[0126] In imaging standby mode, under the control of CPU 95, the captured image signal is output to display unit 93 via camera signal processing unit 91 and displayed as a camera pass-through image. Furthermore, when an instruction input signal is received from operation unit 97, CPU 95 outputs a control signal to lens drive control unit 96 and moves the lens based on the control executed by lens drive control unit 96.

[0127] When an imaging operation is performed according to the instruction input signal from the operation unit 97, the captured image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 91 to the image processing unit 92, where it undergoes compression encoding and is converted into digital data in a predetermined data format. The converted data is then output to the R / W 94 and written to the memory 99.

[0128] In the case of reproducing image data recorded in memory 99, in response to the operation performed on operation unit 97, R / W 94 reads predetermined image data from memory 99, image processing unit 92 performs decompression and decoding processing, and then outputs the reproduced image signal to display unit 93 and displays the reproduced image.

[0129] Note that in this technology, "imaging" refers to a process that includes some or all of a series of processes, which include: a photoelectric conversion process performed by the imaging element 98 to convert captured light into an electrical signal; processing performed by the camera signal processing unit 91 on the output signal of the imaging element 98, such as conversion to a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, or conversion to a luminance / chromatic difference signal; compression encoding and decompression decoding processing or data specification conversion such as resolution performed by the image processing unit 92 on the image signal based on a predetermined image data format; and processing performed by the R / W 94 to write the image signal into the memory 99.

[0130] In other words, "imaging" can refer only to the photoelectric conversion process performed by the imaging element 98, which converts captured light into an electrical signal; it can refer to the processing performed by the camera signal processing unit 91 on the output signal of the imaging element 98, such as conversion to a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, or conversion to a luminance / chromatic difference signal; it can refer to the photoelectric conversion process performed by the imaging element 98, which converts captured light into an electrical signal, and the processing performed by the camera signal processing unit 91 on the output signal of the imaging element 98, such as conversion to a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, or conversion to a luminance / chromatic difference signal. The process can refer to the process from the image processing unit 92 performing compression encoding and decompression decoding on the image signal based on a predetermined image data format, or the data specification conversion process such as resolution; it can refer to the photoelectric conversion process performed by the imaging element 98 to convert captured light into an electrical signal, to the process performed by the camera signal processing unit 91 on the output signal of the imaging element 98, such as converting to a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, or conversion to a luminance / chromatic difference signal, and the process performed by the image processing unit 92 performing compression encoding and decompression decoding on the image signal based on a predetermined image data format, or the data specification conversion process such as resolution; or it can refer to the process up to the process of writing the image signal into the memory 99 performed by the R / W 94.

[0131] <This technology>

[0132] This technology can be configured as follows.

[0133] (1) An interchangeable lens, comprising: A fixing rod includes at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, wherein the magnets are held by a retaining member having a tubular shape, and the magnets and the inner yoke are alternately coupled within the magnets; and A movable coil, having a tubular shape and with a fixed rod inserted therein, is movable relative to the fixed rod in the coupling direction of the magnet and the inner yoke. The inner magnetic yoke is coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides. The outer peripheral surface of the magnet and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member are both formed into a shape without corners, and The magnet is held in a state where it is inserted into the retaining member by a press-fit.

[0134] (2) The interchangeable lens according to (1), Wherein, the inner circumference length of the retaining member is smaller than the outer circumference length of the magnet.

[0135] (3) The interchangeable lens according to (1), The retaining member is formed using a non-magnetic metallic material.

[0136] (4) The interchangeable lens according to any one of (1) to (3), In the fixed rod, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the coupling direction of the at least two magnets and the at least one inner yoke is oval.

[0137] (5) The interchangeable lens according to (1), Wherein, on the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic body, at least one end of the magnet and the inner yoke in the coupling direction is formed as a chamfered portion.

[0138] (6) The interchangeable lens according to (5), The end of the retaining member is in close contact with the chamfered portion when it is bent.

[0139] (7) An imaging device, comprising: An imaging element that converts optical images into electrical signals; A fixing rod includes at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, wherein the magnets are held by a retaining member having a tubular shape, and the magnets and the inner yoke are alternately coupled within the magnets; and A movable coil, having a tubular shape and with a fixed rod inserted therein, is movable relative to the fixed rod in the coupling direction of the magnet and the inner yoke. The inner magnetic yoke is coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides. The outer peripheral surface of the magnet and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member are both formed into a shape without corners, and The magnet is held in a state where it is inserted into the retaining member by a press-fit.

[0140] List of reference numerals

[0141] 100 Imaging Equipment

[0142] 104 Imaging Elements

[0143] 1. Interchangeable lenses

[0144] 16 Fixed rods

[0145] 17 Movable coil

[0146] 19 Magnets

[0147] 20 Inner yoke

[0148] 20a Chamfered section

[0149] 21 Retaining components

[0150] 21a inner peripheral surface

[0151] 22 Magnetic bodies

[0152] 22a Outer peripheral surface

[0153] 98 Imaging elements

Claims

1. An interchangeable lens, comprising: A fixing rod includes at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, wherein the magnets are held by a retaining member having a tubular shape, and the magnets and the inner yoke are alternately coupled in the magnets; as well as A movable coil, having a tubular shape and with a fixed rod inserted therein, is movable relative to the fixed rod in the coupling direction of the magnet and the inner yoke. The inner magnetic yoke is coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides. The outer peripheral surface of the magnet and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member are both formed into a shape without corners, and The magnet is held in a state where it is inserted into the retaining member by a press-fit.

2. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, in, The inner circumference of the retaining member is less than the outer circumference of the magnet.

3. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, in, The retaining member is formed using a non-magnetic metallic material.

4. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, in, In the fixed rod, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the coupling direction of the magnet and the inner yoke is oval.

5. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, in, On the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic body, at least one end of the magnet and the inner yoke in the coupling direction is formed as a chamfered portion.

6. The interchangeable lens according to claim 5, in, The end of the retaining member is in close contact with the chamfered portion when it is bent.

7. An imaging device, comprising: An imaging element that converts optical images into electrical signals; A fixing rod includes at least two magnets and at least one inner yoke, wherein the magnets are held by a retaining member having a tubular shape, and the magnets and the inner yoke are alternately coupled within the magnets; and A movable coil, having a tubular shape and with a fixed rod inserted therein, is movable relative to the fixed rod in the coupling direction of the magnet and the inner yoke. The inner magnetic yoke is coupled to the same magnetic poles of the magnets located on both sides. The outer peripheral surface of the magnet and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member are both formed into a shape without corners, and The magnet is held in a state where it is inserted into the retaining member by a press-fit.

Images