Lens device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a lens device which allows optical properties of a lens to be efficiently changed, and to provide a method of manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: A lens device is provided, comprising a fixed frame and a lens frame configured to hold a lens and fixed to the fixed frame. The fixed frame has multiple engaging parts arranged in a direction around an optical axis. The lens frame has engagement target parts to be selectively engaged with the plurality of engaging parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed technique relates to a lens device and a method for manufacturing a lens device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens barrel including a holding frame for holding one or more optical elements, a barrel member having an attachment portion to which the holding frame is attached, and an adjustment member arranged between the holding frame and the attachment portion in the optical axis direction of the barrel member and capable of adjusting at least one of the orientation of the optical axis and the position of the optical element in the optical axis direction. At least one of the holding frame, barrel member, and adjustment member has a shape that exposes a part of the adjustment member toward the object side or the image side.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a lens having a plurality of lens chambers that hold lens components and a lens barrel that houses the lens chambers. The lens chambers have the same outer diameter, and the lens barrel is formed with a window that exposes the outer peripheral surface of the lens chamber. By applying a force to the outer peripheral surface of the lens chamber exposed from the window, the lens chamber is abutted against a positioning member that extends parallel to the central axis of the lens barrel.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an optical system having a plurality of optical members. The optical system is provided with a plurality of holding members that support the plurality of optical members at a plurality of support points, and the rotation angle of at least one of the plurality of holding members is adjusted so as to reduce residual aberration of the optical system caused by deformation of the plurality of optical members between the plurality of support points. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-048434 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-004233 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2000-066075 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the technique disclosed herein provides a lens device and a method for manufacturing the lens device that can efficiently change optical characteristics related to the lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a lens device comprising a fixed frame and a lens frame that holds a lens and is fixed to the fixed frame, wherein the fixed frame has a plurality of engagement portions aligned in a direction around the optical axis, and the lens frame has an engaged portion that is selectively engaged with the plurality of engagement portions.

[0008] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a lens device according to the first aspect, in which the rotation angle of the lens frame relative to the fixed frame can be changed by changing the engaging portion among the multiple engaging portions that engages with the engaged portion.

[0009] A third aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to the second aspect, in which optical characteristics related to the lens can be changed by changing the rotation angle.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to the third aspect, wherein the optical characteristics include characteristics related to astigmatism of the lens.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a lens device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lens includes a lens that is arranged on the object side of a plurality of lenses that the lens device has.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a lens device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the multiple engagement portions are arranged at intervals of 4 to 16 equal parts in the direction around the optical axis.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is a lens device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the interval is divided into eight equal parts.

[0014] An eighth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the number of engaged parts is smaller than the number of the plurality of engaging parts.

[0015] A ninth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the number of engaged portions is one.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a lens device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the fixed frame has an identification portion that identifies the position where the engaged portion engages with the engaging portion.

[0017] An eleventh aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the plurality of identification portions include symbols arranged in a direction around the optical axis.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the plurality of identification portions are provided on a side surface of the fixing frame.

[0019] A thirteenth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a lens device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in which the fixed frame has a fixed portion to which the lens frame is fixed, and a plurality of engagement portions are formed in the fixed portion.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the fixing portion is provided at one end of the fixing frame in the axial direction.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein each of the engaging portions is a concave portion and each of the engaged portions is a convex portion.

[0022] A sixteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the recess is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the inside in the radial direction of the fixed frame.

[0023] A seventeenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is a lens device according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, wherein the convex portion is formed in a convex shape that protrudes radially outward from the lens frame.

[0024] An eighteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, wherein the recess is open to one side in the axial direction of the fixed frame.

[0025] A nineteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the lens device according to any one of the fifteenth to eighteenth aspects, wherein the convex portion is formed on an outer periphery of the lens frame.

[0026] A twentieth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is a lens device according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the lens frame has a rib aligned with the convex portion in the optical axis direction.

[0027] A 21st aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a lens device according to any one of the 1st to 20th aspects, wherein the fixed frame has a connecting portion, and the lens frame has a connected portion that is connected to the connecting portion.

[0028] A 22nd aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a manufacturing method for a lens device relating to any one of the 1st to 20th aspects, which includes a modification process for changing the rotation angle of the lens frame relative to the fixed frame by changing an engaging portion among a plurality of engaging portions that engages with an engaged portion.

[0029] A 23rd aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a lens device according to the 22nd aspect, wherein the fixed frame has an identification portion that identifies the position at which the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, and in a change process, an identification portion corresponding to a target rotation angle is extracted from the multiple identification portions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device including a lens device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the lens device in an assembled state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of the lens device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of a fixed frame provided in the lens device, as viewed from the object side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of a lens frame provided in the lens device as viewed from the object side. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] This is a five-view diagram of the fixed frame. [Figure 8] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of a peripheral portion of a convex portion of the lens frame. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a manufacturing method of the lens device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus for the lens device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer applied to the manufacturing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] First, a configuration of an imaging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 10 includes a lens device 12 and an imaging device body 14. The lens device 12 is provided in the front of the imaging device body 14. In FIG. 1, the lens device 12 and the imaging device body 14 are shown in schematic form. The imaging device body 14 has an image sensor (not shown) and a computer (not shown) built in. With respect to the lens device 12, the arrow A side indicates the object side, and the arrow B side indicates the image formation side. The optical axis OA is the optical axis of the lens device 12. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the optical axis OA is referred to as the "optical axis direction". In addition, the direction around the optical axis OA centered on the optical axis OA is referred to as the "direction around the optical axis".

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the lens device 12 in an assembled state. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the lens device 12 in an exploded state. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lens device 12 includes a lens barrel 16, a fixed frame 18, a lens frame 20, and a lens 22.

[0034] The lens barrel 16 and the fixed frame 18 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape referred to here means a cylindrical shape including projections, recesses, and / or openings on the inner periphery and / or outer periphery. The lens barrel 16 is provided on the radial outside of the fixed frame 18. The lens frame 20 is formed in an annular shape. The annular shape referred to here means a circular shape including projections, recesses, and / or openings on the inner periphery and / or outer periphery. A lens 22 is provided on the radial inside of the lens frame 20. The lens 22 is held by the lens frame 20.

[0035] The lens 22 is, for example, an objective lens. The lens device 12 includes other lenses (not shown) in addition to the lens 22. Hereinafter, the lens 22 and the other lenses will be referred to as a plurality of lenses. The plurality of lenses are arranged side by side in the optical axis direction. The lens 22 may be any one of the lenses in a first group arranged on the object side among the plurality of lenses.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a front view of the fixed frame 18 as viewed from the object side. FIG. 5 is a front view of the lens frame 20 as viewed from the object side. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed frame 18 has a fixing portion 24 for fixing the lens frame 20 (see also FIG. 3). The fixing portion 24 is provided at the object side end of the fixed frame 18. The object side end of the fixed frame 18 is an example of "an end on one axial side of the fixed frame" in the technology of the present disclosure. The fixing portion 24 is formed in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the fixed frame 18.

[0037] The fixed frame 18 has a plurality of screw holes 26. The plurality of screw holes 26 are formed in the fixed portion 24. The plurality of screw holes 26 are aligned in a direction around the optical axis. As an example, the plurality of screw holes 26 are aligned at equal intervals in a direction around the optical axis. As an example, the number of the plurality of screw holes 26 is four. Each screw hole 26 is formed along the optical axis direction and opens toward the object side of the fixed frame 18. The screw holes 26 are an example of a "connection portion" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0038] The lens frame 20 has a plurality of flanges 28. The plurality of flanges 28 are formed on the outer periphery 20A of the lens frame 20. The plurality of flanges 28 are aligned in a direction around the optical axis. As an example, the plurality of flanges 28 are aligned at equal intervals in a direction around the optical axis. As an example, the number of the plurality of flanges 28 is eight. Each flange 28 extends from the outer periphery 20A of the lens frame 20 toward the radial outside of the lens frame 20. Each flange 28 has a through hole 30 formed therein, which penetrates in the optical axis direction. The flanges 28 are an example of a "connected portion" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0039] As described below, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 relative to the fixed frame 18 can be changed in increments of 45 degrees. The lens frame 20 is fixed to the fixed frame 18 at a rotation angle determined according to the optical characteristics of the lenses 22. The lens frame 20 is fixed to the fixed frame 18 using flanges 28, screw holes 26, and screws 32. That is, the shanks of the screws 32 are inserted into the through holes 30 of the flanges 28, and the shanks of the screws 32 are screwed into the screw holes 26, thereby fixing the lens frame 20 to the fixed frame 18.

[0040] The fixed frame 18 has a plurality of recesses 34. The plurality of recesses 34 is an example of "a plurality of engagement portions" in the technology of the present disclosure. The plurality of recesses 34 is formed in the fixed portion 24. The plurality of recesses 34 are aligned in a direction around the optical axis. As an example, the plurality of recesses 34 are aligned at equal intervals in a direction around the optical axis. As an example, the number of the plurality of recesses 34 is eight. Each recess 34 is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the radial inside of the fixed frame 18. In addition, each recess 34 is open toward the object side of the fixed frame 18. The object side of the fixed frame 18 is an example of "one axial side of the fixed frame" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0041] Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish and describe the eight recesses 34, the eight recesses 34 will be referred to as "recess 34A," "recess 34B," "recess 34C," "recess 34D," "recess 34E," "recess 34F," "recess 34G," and "recess 34H."

[0042] The lens frame 20 has a protrusion 36. The protrusion 36 is an example of an "engaged portion" in the technology of the present disclosure. The number of protrusions 36 formed on the lens frame 20 is one. The protrusion 36 is formed on the outer periphery 20A of the lens frame 20. The protrusion 36 is formed in a convex shape that protrudes from the outer periphery 20A toward the radial outside of the lens frame 20.

[0043] The convex portion 36 is selectively engaged with the multiple concave portions 34 depending on the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 relative to the fixed frame 18. In other words, by changing the concave portion 34 that engages with the convex portion 36 among the multiple concave portions 34, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 relative to the fixed frame 18 can be changed.

[0044] In other words, when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34A, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "0°", when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34B, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "45°", when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34C, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "90°", and when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34D, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "135°".

[0045] In addition, when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34E, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "180°", when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34F, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "225°", when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34G, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "270°", and when the convex portion 36 engages with the recessed portion 34H, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is set to "315°".

[0046] By changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, the optical characteristics of the lens 22 can be changed. The optical characteristics referred to here include, for example, characteristics related to astigmatism of the lens 22. Astigmatism refers to an aberration in which the focal length of light whose light source is a point off the optical axis differs between the concentric direction and the diametric direction of the lens 22. An example of the characteristics related to astigmatism of the lens 22 is the imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22. In this embodiment, as an example, an object is to suppress a decrease in imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22.

[0047] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, according to the Zernike polynomials, the astigmatism of the lens 22 is expressed at a pitch of 45° in the circumferential direction of the lens 22. Therefore, by changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 in increments of 45°, it is possible to suppress degradation of the imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22. Furthermore, because the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 can be changed in increments of 45°, degradation of the imaging performance can be suppressed more efficiently than, for example, a configuration in which the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 can be changed continuously and arbitrarily (i.e., a configuration in which the rotation angle can be changed steplessly).

[0048] Furthermore, by selectively engaging the convex portions 36 with the multiple concave portions 34, each flange 28 is disposed at a position corresponding to any one of the multiple screw holes 26, regardless of the angle of rotation of the lens frame 20. Therefore, by passing the shanks of each screw 32 through the through-holes 30 and screwing the shanks of each screw 32 into the screw holes 26, the lens frame 20 can be fixed to the fixed frame 18 while maintaining the rotation angle of the lens frame 20.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the fixed frame 18. Fig. 7 is a five-view diagram of the fixed frame 18. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the fixed frame 18 has a plurality of identification portions 38. Each identification portion 38 is for identifying the position where the convex portion 36 engages with the concave portion 34, and is provided at a position corresponding to each concave portion 34. The number of the plurality of identification portions 38 corresponds to the number of the plurality of concave portions 34. The plurality of identification portions 38 are, for example, a plurality of numbers. For example, the plurality of numbers are 1 to 8.

[0050] As an example, number 1 corresponds to recess 34A, number 2 corresponds to recess 34B, number 3 corresponds to recess 34C, number 4 corresponds to recess 34D, number 5 corresponds to recess 34E, number 6 corresponds to recess 34F, number 7 corresponds to recess 34G, and number 8 corresponds to recess 34H. Numbers 1 to 8 are examples of "symbols" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0051] The multiple identification portions 38 are provided on the side surface portion 18A (i.e., the outer periphery) of the fixed frame 18. The multiple identification portions 38 are visible from the radial outside of the fixed frame 18. The numbers 1 to 8 are arranged in ascending order in the direction around the optical axis. Note that instead of the numbers 1 to 8, symbols (i.e., symbols other than numbers) that identify the positions where the convex portions 36 engage with the concave portions 34 may be used. The symbols may be the letters A to H.

[0052] The plurality of identification parts 38 allows the protrusion 36 to be engaged with the recess 34 corresponding to the rotation angle of the lens frame 20. For example, when the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 needs to be set to "0°", the protrusion 36 can be engaged with the recess 34A corresponding to the number 1. When the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 needs to be set to "45°", the protrusion 36 can be engaged with the recess 34B corresponding to the number 2. When the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 needs to be set to "90°", the protrusion 36 can be engaged with the recess 34C corresponding to the number 3. When the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 needs to be set to "135°", the protrusion 36 can be engaged with the recess 34D corresponding to the number 4.

[0053] Moreover, when it is necessary to set the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 to "180°", the convex portion 36 can be engaged with the concave portion 34E corresponding to number 5. When it is necessary to set the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 to "225°", the convex portion 36 can be engaged with the concave portion 34F corresponding to number 6. When it is necessary to set the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 to "270°", the convex portion 36 can be engaged with the concave portion 34G corresponding to number 7. When it is necessary to set the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 to "315°", the convex portion 36 can be engaged with the concave portion 34H corresponding to number 8.

[0054] Therefore, for example, when having an operator change the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, rather than instructing the operator specifically on the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, instructing the operator to select one of the numbers 1 to 8 corresponding to the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 reduces mistakes by the operator and improves work efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, the multiple identification portions 38 are provided on the side surface portion 18A of the fixed frame 18. Here, for example, if multiple identification portions 38 are provided on the object-side end surface of the fixed portion 24, there is a risk that the multiple identification portions 38 will be hidden by the lens frame 20 when the lens frame 20 is fixed to the fixed portion 24. In this regard, if the multiple identification portions 38 are provided on the side surface portion 18A of the fixed frame 18, it is possible to prevent the multiple identification portions 38 from being hidden by the lens frame 20, thereby ensuring workability.

[0056] The lens barrel 16 is provided radially outward from the fixed frame 18, but the lens barrel 16 may be attached to the fixed frame 18 after the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is changed. On the other hand, if the lens barrel 16 is attached to the fixed frame 18 before the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is changed, the position of the lens barrel 16 may be shifted so that the multiple identification portions 38 are visible when the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is changed.

[0057] 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the lens frame 20 around the convex portion 36. The lens frame 20 has a plurality of ribs 40. The plurality of ribs 40 are formed on the outer periphery 20A of the lens frame 20. The plurality of ribs 40 are aligned in a direction around the optical axis. The plurality of ribs 40 are formed on the imaging side of the convex portion 36. One rib 40A of the plurality of ribs 40 is formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion 36, and may be connected to the convex portion 36 in the optical axis direction.

[0058] When the rib 40A is aligned with the protrusion 36 in the optical axis direction, the protrusion 36 can be reinforced by the rib 40A. Furthermore, when the lens frame 20 is molded using a mold, the rib 40A and the protrusion 36 can be pulled out of the mold in one direction, which improves the moldability of the lens frame 20 compared to when the rib 40A and the protrusion 36 are misaligned in the direction around the optical axis.

[0059] Next, a method for manufacturing the lens device 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a manufacturing method of the lens device 12 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the manufacturing method of the lens device 12 according to this embodiment includes an assembly process, an adjustment process, a pass / fail determination process, a number determination process, and a modification process.

[0061] In the assembly process ST10, the lens device 12 is assembled from a plurality of parts including a lens barrel 16, a fixed frame 18, a lens frame 20, and a plurality of lenses.

[0062] The adjustment step ST12 is performed after the assembly step. In the adjustment step ST12, the position of at least one of the lenses including the lens 22 is adjusted in a direction intersecting the optical axis and / or in the optical axis direction.

[0063] The pass / fail determination step ST14 is executed after the adjustment step ST12. In the pass / fail determination step ST14, light is incident on the lens device 12, and the light transmitted through the lens device 12 is imaged. Then, a pass / fail determination is made regarding the image plane on which the light is imaged. In the pass / fail determination regarding the image plane, it is determined based on the state of the image, for example by pattern matching, whether the result is pass, fail due to a cause other than the astigmatism of the lens 22, or fail due to the astigmatism of the lens 22.

[0064] If the lens device 12 is determined to be passed in the pass / fail determination step ST14, the manufacturing method thereof is terminated. On the other hand, if the lens device 12 is determined to be failed due to a cause other than the astigmatism of the lens 22 in the pass / fail determination step ST14, the adjustment step ST12 is executed again. If the lens device 12 is determined to be failed due to ...6 is executed.

[0065] In the number determining step ST16, it is determined whether the number of times that the lens 22 has been determined to be unacceptable due to astigmatism in the pass / fail determining step ST14 is the first time or the second time.

[0066] The changing step ST18 is performed after the number of times determination step ST16. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the changing step ST18 proceeds to a first rotation step ST18A. Then, in the first rotation step ST18A, the lens frame 20 is rotated 90° from the current position. For example, if the current rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is "0°", the convex portion 36 is engaged with the concave portion 34C so that the rotation angle becomes "90°". Since astigmatism is a function of a period of 180° and the rotation angle pitch of the lens frame 20 is set to 45°, in the first rotation step ST18A, the angle at which the lens frame 20 is rotated is set to 90°, which is the angle at which the most effective improvement in imaging performance can be obtained with respect to the current position.

[0067] On the other hand, if the result is a second failure, the change process ST18 proceeds to a derivation step ST18B, in which a rotation angle when the aberration angle of the fixed frame 18 and the aberration angle of the lens frame 20 are perpendicular to each other (hereinafter referred to as the "target rotation angle") is derived. The aberration angle of the fixed frame 18 refers to the angle of the directional axis of the astigmatism caused by the fixed frame 18. Furthermore, the aberration angle of the lens frame 20 refers to the angle of the directional axis of the astigmatism caused by the lens frame 20. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the aberration angle of the fixed frame 18 and the aberration angle of the lens frame 20 are identified by using an inspection device.

[0068] The target rotation angle may be derived, for example, by pattern matching or the like, based on the state of the image obtained in the pass / fail judgment step, or may be derived using a calculation formula or the like. Then, the process proceeds to a second rotation step ST18C, where the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is changed based on the target rotation angle. For example, if the current rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is "90°" and the target rotation angle is "135°", the convex portion 36 is engaged with the concave portion 34D so that the rotation angle becomes "135°".

[0069] In the changing process, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is changed with each screw 32 removed from the screw holes 26. After changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, the shanks of the screws 32 are inserted into the through holes 30 of each flange 28, and the shanks of the screws 32 are screwed into the screw holes 26, thereby fixing the lens frame 20 to the fixed frame 18.

[0070] After the changing step, the process moves again to the pass / fail determination step. By performing the changing step after the adjusting step, in the pass / fail determination step after changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, pass / fail determination can be performed in a state where the influence of the positions of the multiple lenses is eliminated (i.e., in a state where the multiple lenses are set to specified positions).

[0071] Normally, when a target rotation angle is derived for the second failure, and the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 is changed based on the target rotation angle, it is judged as pass in the third pass / fail judgment process, but if it is again judged as fail in the third pass / fail judgment process, an abnormality may be reported.

[0072] Also, for example, if there is a certain trend in the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 that is judged as pass in the pass / fail judgment process for lens devices 12 manufactured in the same lot, the lens frame 20 may be assembled to the fixed frame 18 at the rotation angle that shows the certain trend in the assembly process. For example, if there is a tendency that a rotation angle of "45°" will result in a pass judgment in the pass / fail judgment process, the rotation angle may be set to "45°" in the assembly process. In this way, the number of times that a product is judged as failing in the pass / fail judgment process can be reduced compared to when a default rotation angle is used regardless of the trend in the rotation angle.

[0073] 10 is a block diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus 50 for manufacturing the lens device 12. The manufacturing apparatus 50 is an apparatus for realizing the manufacturing method of the lens device 12 described above, and includes an assembly apparatus 52, an adjustment apparatus 54, a pass / fail determination apparatus 56, a number determination apparatus 58, and a change apparatus 60.

[0074] The assembly device 52 is a device that executes an assembly process. The assembly device 52 may include a jig, a conveying device, an assembly robot, or the like, as a device that assembles the lens device 12. The assembly device 52 may perform all of the assembly work, or the assembly device 52 may perform the assembly work in cooperation with a worker.

[0075] The adjustment device 54 is a device that executes the adjustment process. The adjustment device 54 may include a jig, a conveying device, an adjustment robot, or the like, as a device that adjusts the positions of multiple lenses including the lens 22 in a direction intersecting the optical axis and / or in the optical axis direction. The adjustment device 54 may perform all of the adjustment work, or the adjustment device 54 and an operator may cooperate to perform the adjustment work.

[0076] The pass / fail determination device 56 is a device that executes the pass / fail determination process. The pass / fail determination device 56 may be equipped with a light source that inputs light to the lens device 12, a camera that captures the image plane on which the light is focused, and a computer that determines pass / fail based on the image output from the camera, as a device that determines pass / fail regarding the image plane on which the light transmitted through the lens device 12 is focused. The pass / fail determination device 56 may perform all of the determination work, or the pass / fail determination device 56 and an operator may perform the determination work in cooperation with each other. For example, the image output from the camera may be displayed on a display, and an operator may determine pass / fail based on the image displayed on the display.

[0077] The number of times judgment device 58 is a device that executes the number of times judgment process. The number of times judgment device 58 may be equipped with a computer as a device that judges the number of times that it has been judged as failing in the pass / fail judgment process. The function of the number of times judgment device 58 may be incorporated into the computer of the pass / fail judgment device 56. The number of times judgment device 58 may also be equipped with a display. Then, the number of times that it has been judged as failing may be displayed on the display, and an operator may make a judgment based on the number of times displayed on the display.

[0078] The changing device 60 is a device that changes the rotation angle of the lens frame 20. The changing device 60 may be equipped with a jig, a transport device, a changing robot, or the like, as a device that changes the rotation angle of the lens frame 20. The changing device 60 may perform all of the changing work, or the changing device 60 may perform the changing work in cooperation with an operator.

[0079] The changing device 60 may also include a computer as a device for deriving a target rotation angle for the second failure. The computer may output a command corresponding to the derived target rotation angle to the changing robot, and the changing robot may change the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 to the target rotation angle based on the input command.

[0080] The change device 60 may also include a display. The change device 60 may display the derived target rotation angle on the display, and an operator may perform the change work based on the target rotation angle displayed on the display.

[0081] Furthermore, the change device 60 may extract the number of the identification unit 38 corresponding to the target rotation angle from among the multiple identification units 38 provided on the fixed frame 18 based on a table or the like, and display the extracted number on a display. Then, an operator may perform the change work based on the number displayed on the display. That is, the change work may be performed by engaging the protrusion 36 with the recess 34 corresponding to the number. In this way, even if the operator does not know the target rotation angle, the change work can be performed based on the number, and therefore the work efficiency can be improved compared to the case where the change work is performed based on the target rotation angle.

[0082] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer. A computer 70 shown in Fig. 11 may be applied to each of the above computers. The computer 70 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 72, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 74, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 76, a storage 78, an input / output I / F (Interface) 80, a reception device 82, a display 84, a speaker 86, and a bus 88. The CPU 72, the ROM 74, the RAM 76, the storage 78, and the input / output I / F 80 are connected to each other via the bus 88 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0083] A reception device 82, a display 84, a speaker 86, and the like are connected to the input / output I / F 80. The reception device 82 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

[0084] The CPU 72 executes various programs. Specifically, the CPU 72 reads out various programs stored in the ROM 74 or the storage 78, and executes the programs using the RAM 76 as a working area. The CPU 72 then performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs.

[0085] The ROM 74 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 76 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 78 is composed of a recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD) or a flash memory. The storage 78 stores various programs including an operating system and various data for arithmetic processing.

[0086] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0087] As described above in detail, in the lens device 12 according to this embodiment, the fixed frame 18 has a plurality of recesses 34 aligned in the direction around the optical axis, and the lens frame 20 has protrusions 36 that selectively engage with the plurality of recesses 34. Therefore, by changing the recesses 34 that engage with the protrusions 36 among the plurality of recesses 34, it is possible to change the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 relative to the fixed frame 18. This makes it possible to change the optical characteristics of the lens 22.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, the optical characteristics of the lens 22 include characteristics related to the astigmatism of the lens 22. The characteristics related to the astigmatism of the lens 22 include the imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22. Therefore, by changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 with respect to the fixed frame 18, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22.

[0089] Moreover, the recesses 34 are arranged at eight equal intervals in the direction around the optical axis. This allows the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 to be changed in increments of 45°. Here, according to the Zernike polynomials, the astigmatism of the lens 22 is expressed in 45° pitches in the circumferential direction of the lens 22. Therefore, by changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 in increments of 45°, it is possible to suppress deterioration in imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22, compared to the case where the rotation angle is not changed.

[0090] Furthermore, the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 can be changed in increments of 45° in response to the astigmatism of the lens 22, which is expressed in 45° increments. This makes it possible to efficiently suppress degradation of imaging performance, compared to a configuration in which the rotation angle of the lens frame 20 can be changed continuously, for example.

[0091] Also, the number of convex portions 36 is one. Here, for example, if a plurality of convex portions 36 are formed on the lens frame 20 and the number of the plurality of convex portions 36 is the same as the number of concave portions 34, precision in the spacing between the plurality of convex portions 36 is required in order to engage each convex portion 36 with each concave portion 34. In this regard, when there is only one convex portion 36, precision in the spacing between the plurality of convex portions 36 is not required compared to when a plurality of convex portions 36 are formed on the lens frame 20, and therefore the convex portion 36 can be easily engaged with the concave portion 34.

[0092] Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the fixed frame 18 has multiple recesses 34 and the lens frame 20 has one protrusion 36, but the fixed frame 18 may have multiple protrusions 36 and the lens frame 20 may have one recess 34. In this case, the multiple protrusions 36 are an example of "multiple engaging portions" in the technology of the present disclosure, and the single recess 34 is an example of "engaged portion" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0094] In addition, in the above embodiment, the lens frame 20 has one convex portion 36, but the number of convex portions 36 may be any number as long as it is a divisor of the plurality of concave portions 34. In this case, the number of convex portions 36 may be less than the number of the plurality of concave portions 34.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the recesses 34 are arranged at 8 equal intervals around the optical axis, but they may be arranged at intervals other than 8 equal intervals (for example, 4 equal to 16 equal to 16 equal intervals). For example, the engagement portions may be arranged at 16 equal intervals around the optical axis.

[0096] Further, in the above embodiment, the number of the flanges 28 is smaller than the number of the screw holes 26 , but the number of the flanges 28 may be the same as the number of the screw holes 26 .

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fixed frame 18 has the screw hole 26, and the lens frame 20 has the flange 28, but the fixed frame 18 may have the flange 28, and the lens frame 20 may have the screw hole 26. In this case, the flange 28 is an example of a "connecting portion" in the technology of the present disclosure, and the screw hole 26 is an example of a "connected portion" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, by changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, the characteristics related to astigmatism of the lens 22 can be changed as an example of an optical characteristic related to the lens 22, but other optical characteristics related to the lens 22 may also be changeable.

[0099] In addition, in the above embodiment, as an example of a characteristic related to the astigmatism of the lens 22, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the imaging performance caused by the astigmatism of the lens 22, but it is also possible to suppress the deterioration of other characteristics related to the astigmatism of the lens 22 or to improve other characteristics.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the fixed frame 18 is provided with numbers as the identification portions 38 corresponding to the respective recesses 34, but an identifier other than a number may be provided. Furthermore, instead of numbers, the fixed frame 18 may be marked with a rotation angle corresponding to each recess 34. Such an identifier or rotation angle in place of a plurality of numbers is an example of an "identification portion" in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0101] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the lens device 12 according to this embodiment, an adjustment process for adjusting the positions of multiple lenses is performed before a change process for changing the rotation angle of the lens frame 20, but the adjustment process may also be performed after the change process.

[0102] Furthermore, among the above modifications, modifications that can be combined may be combined as appropriate.

[0103] The hardware resources applied to the computer 70 may include various processors as shown below. An example of a processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource by executing software, i.e., a program. Another example of a processor is a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing a specific process, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Each processor has a built-in or connected memory, and each processor executes each process by using the memory.

[0104] The hardware resource may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes each process may be a single processor.

[0105] As an example of a configuration using one processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes each process. Second, there is a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple hardware resources that execute each process on a single IC chip, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-Chip). In this way, each process is realized using one or more of the above various processors as hardware resources.

[0106] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Also, the above processes are merely examples. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of processes may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0107] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above description and illustrations, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above description and illustrations omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0108] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10. Imaging device 12 Lens device 14 Imaging device body 16 Lens barrel 18 Fixed Frame 18A Side part 20 Lens frame 20A Outer periphery 22 Lens 24 Fixed part 26 screw holes 28 Flange 30 through holes 32 Screws 34 Recess 36 Convex 38 Identification section 40 Ribs 50 Manufacturing equipment 52 Assembly Equipment 54 Adjustment device 56 Pass / fail judgment device 58 Number of times determination device 60 Change Device 70 Computer 72 CPU 74 ROM 76 RAM 78 Storage 80 Input / Output Interface 82 Reception equipment 84 Display 86 Speaker 88 Bus

Claims

1. A fixed frame and a lens frame that holds a lens and is fixed to the fixed frame; Equipped with the fixed frame has a plurality of engagement portions aligned in a direction around the optical axis, The lens frame has an engaged portion that is selectively engaged with the plurality of engaging portions. Lens device.

2. By changing the engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion among the plurality of engaging portions, the rotation angle of the lens frame with respect to the fixed frame can be changed. The lens device according to claim 1 .

3. By changing the rotation angle, the optical characteristics of the lens can be changed. The lens device according to claim 2 .

4. The optical characteristics include characteristics related to astigmatism of the lens. The lens device according to claim 3 .

5. The lens includes a lens arranged on the object side among a plurality of lenses included in the lens device. The lens device according to claim 1 .

6. The plurality of engagement portions are arranged at intervals of 4 to 16 equal parts in a direction around the optical axis. The lens device according to claim 1 .

7. The intervals are eight equal parts. The lens device according to claim 6.

8. The number of the engaged portions is less than the number of the engaging portions. The lens device according to claim 1 .

9. The number of the engaged portions is one. The lens device according to claim 1 .

10. The fixed frame has an identification portion for identifying a position where the engaged portion engages with the engaging portion. The lens device according to claim 1 .

11. The plurality of identification portions include symbols arranged in a direction around the optical axis. The lens device according to claim 10.

12. The plurality of identification portions are provided on a side surface of the fixing frame. The lens device according to claim 10.

13. the fixing frame has a fixing portion to which the lens frame is fixed, The plurality of engagement portions are formed on the fixed portion. The lens device according to claim 1 .

14. The fixing portion is provided at one end of the fixing frame in the axial direction. The lens arrangement of claim 13.

15. Each of the engagement portions is a recess, The engaged portion is a protrusion. The lens device according to claim 1 .

16. The recess is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the inside in the radial direction of the fixed frame. The lens arrangement of claim 15.

17. The convex portion is formed in a convex shape that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the lens frame. The lens arrangement of claim 15.

18. The recess is open to one axial side of the fixed frame. The lens arrangement of claim 15.

19. The convex portion is formed on the outer periphery of the lens frame. The lens arrangement of claim 15.

20. The lens frame has a rib aligned with the protrusion in the optical axis direction. The lens arrangement of claim 15.

21. The fixed frame has a connection portion, The lens frame has a connected portion that is connected to the connecting portion. The lens device according to claim 1 .

22. 1. A method for manufacturing a lens device including a fixed frame and a lens frame that holds a lens and is fixed to the fixed frame, comprising the steps of: the fixed frame has a plurality of engagement portions aligned in a direction around the optical axis, the lens frame has an engaged portion that is selectively engaged with the plurality of engaging portions, The manufacturing method includes a changing step of changing an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion among the plurality of engaging portions to change a rotation angle of the lens frame with respect to the fixed frame. A method for manufacturing a lens device.

23. the fixing frame has an identification portion for identifying a position where the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, In the changing step, an identification portion corresponding to a target rotation angle is extracted from among the plurality of identification portions. A method for manufacturing a lens device according to claim 22.

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