Lens unit and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To simply restrain a tilt variation of a lens holding frame caused by a change in environmental temperature with a compact constitution.SOLUTION: A lens unit comprises: an optical member including a lens; a resin molded holding frame that holds the optical member; a guide member that guides movement of the holding frame in a direction along an optical axis of the optical member; a holding portion that holds the optical member; a guided portion that abuts the guide member; and a first connection portion that connects the holding portion and the guided portion. When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the first connection portion has a first shape in which a first thickness and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness are alternately repeated a plurality of times in a direction along the optical axis from a position overlapping the holding portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens unit and an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some optical devices, such as digital cameras, video cameras, and interchangeable lenses, have a lens holder and a guide member that guides the movement of the lens holder. However, when the ambient temperature changes during use, the tilt of the lens holder changes, resulting in a deterioration of optical performance.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which the guided portion is provided with a tilt prevention member with a linear expansion coefficient smaller than that of the lens holding member in order to prevent tilt changes in the optical axis direction of the lens holding member due to differences in the amount of thermal expansion and contraction depending on the position of the guided portion as the ambient temperature changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6887064 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the provision of a separate member to prevent the lens unit from falling over, and the shape and space required to accommodate the separate member increases the size of the lens unit.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lens unit that has a simple, compact configuration and is capable of suppressing fluctuations in the tilt of a lens holding frame that occur due to changes in the environmental temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a lens unit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an optical element including a lens, a resin-molded holding frame that holds the optical element, a guide member that guides movement of the holding frame in a direction along the optical axis of the optical element, a holding portion that holds the optical element, a guided portion that abuts against the guide member, and a first connecting portion that connects the holding portion and the guided portion, wherein the first connecting portion has a first shape that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, alternates between a first thickness and a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness and that is repeated multiple times in a direction along the optical axis from a position that overlaps with the holding portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the tilt of the lens holding frame caused by changes in the environmental temperature with a simple, compact configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lens unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the difference in shrinkage due to fiber orientation. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing deformation of a guided portion of a holding frame due to a change in environmental temperature; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a holding frame according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are a front view and a cross-sectional view of a holding frame according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the fiber orientation of the holding frame according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the fiber orientation of the holding frame according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing the effect of suppressing tilt changes of a lens unit according to an example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a holding frame according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view of the holding frame according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a holding frame according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a front view of a holding frame according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a holding frame according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same members or elements, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified. The XX axis in the drawing represents the optical axis (hereinafter referred to as the optical axis X).

[0011] Example 1 The lens unit according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is an example of a cross-sectional view of a lens device (interchangeable lens) 1 that functions as an optical device according to this embodiment. Here, a zoom lens will be used as the lens device 1, but the lens device 1 is not limited to a zoom lens.

[0012] In FIG. 1, mount 101 is a component fixed to a camera body (not shown) on which an imaging element and the like are disposed to capture an image of a subject through an optical member (lens). That is, mount 101 in lens device 1 is configured to be attachable to the mount of the camera body, and by attaching it to the mount of the camera body, it can be communicatively connected to the camera body. Furthermore, an imaging device can be configured by the lens device 1 and a camera body having an imaging element. The imaging device is configured to be able to capture an image formed through lens device 1. Note that the imaging device may be an imaging device in which lens device 1 and camera body are integrated.

[0013] The guide barrel 102 is fixed integrally to the mount 101 together with the fixed barrel 103 via a rear group base 104. A cam ring 105 is held on the outer periphery of the guide barrel 102 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis X. The cam ring 105 is connected to a zoom ring 106, which is rotatably held on the outer periphery of the fixed barrel 103, by a key member (not shown), and is configured to rotate integrally with the guide barrel 102 by operating the zoom ring 106 from the outside.

[0014] A zoom sensor (not shown) is attached to the fixed barrel 103. The zoom sensor is a sensor that can electrically detect the rotation angle of the zoom ring 106, and is electrically connected to a control board 107 located near the mount 101, transmitting focal length information during zooming to a control circuit. A contact block 108 is electrically connected to the control board (control unit) 107, which includes a CPU, memory, etc. and is configured as at least one computer, and serves to communicate with the camera body (not shown) and receive power.

[0015] The first lens group L1 is held in a first lens barrel 109. The first lens barrel 109 is fixed to the guide barrel 102. The second lens group L2 is held in a second lens barrel 110. The third lens group L3 is held in a third lens barrel 111. The fourth lens group L4 is held in a fourth lens barrel 112. The fifth lens group L5 is held in a fifth lens barrel 113. The fifth lens barrel 113 is fixed to the rear group base 104. An electromagnetic diaphragm unit 119 is held in the fifth lens barrel 113 and is electrically connected to the control board 107.

[0016] The sixth-group lens L6 is held in a sixth-group barrel 114. The sixth-group barrel 114 is held by a shift unit 115 so as to be movable within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The shift unit 115 includes an actuator for driving the sixth-group barrel 114, a sensor for detecting the amount of drive, and the like, and is fixed to the rear group base 104. The shift unit 115 is electrically connected to a control board 107. The control board 107 drives and controls the sixth-group barrel 114 so as to correct shake based on a shake signal detected by an acceleration sensor (not shown) attached to the fixed barrel 103.

[0017] The seventh group lens L7 is held by the rear group base 104. The eighth group lens L8 is held by the eighth group lens barrel 116 and is held movably in the optical axis X direction (direction along the optical axis X) by a guide bar 117, which will be described later. The eighth group lens L8 is a lens for focus adjustment, and is driven in the optical axis X direction by a linear ultrasonic motor (not shown) held by the rear group base 104. The linear ultrasonic motor ultrasonically vibrates a piezoelectric element to drive it in the optical axis X direction. Note that the linear ultrasonic motor is based on known technology, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The linear ultrasonic motor is electrically connected to the control board 107 by a flexible board (not shown).

[0018] The ninth lens group L9 is held by a ninth lens group barrel 118. The ninth lens group barrel 118 is fixed to the rear group base 104. The tenth lens group L10 is held by a tenth lens group barrel 120 and is held movably in the direction of the optical axis X by a guide bar (not shown). The tenth lens group L10, like the eighth lens group L8, is a focus adjustment lens and is driven in the direction of the optical axis X by a linear ultrasonic motor (not shown) held by the rear group base 104. The linear ultrasonic motor is electrically connected to the control board 107 by a flexible board (not shown). Here, a linear ultrasonic motor is used as a drive mechanism for the focus adjustment lenses (eighth lens group L8, tenth lens group L10), but other motors may also be used. The eleventh lens group L11 is held by an eleventh lens group barrel 121. The eleventh lens group barrel 121 is fixed to the rear group base 104. The first to eleventh lens groups L1 to L11 are also optical members.

[0019] The second group lens L2, the third group lens L3, and the fourth group lens L4 are lenses that move during zooming, and cam followers (not shown) are fixed to the second group lens barrel 110, the third group lens barrel 111, and the fourth group lens barrel 112. Each cam follower is engaged with a linear groove provided in the guide barrel 102 and a cam groove provided in the cam ring 105, and is configured to be able to move linearly in the direction of the optical axis X by rotating the cam ring 105.

[0020] Additionally, the eighth lens group L8 and tenth lens group L10 for focus adjustment are driven in the direction of the optical axis X by a linear ultrasonic motor during zooming. During zooming, position information (focus position information) of the eighth lens group L8 and tenth lens group L10 that focus at each focal position from infinity to close range at each focal length from the wide-angle side to the telephoto side is stored as data in a storage medium (memory, etc.) within the control board 107. Then, the eighth lens group L8 and tenth lens group L10 are driven and controlled by the control board 107 based on the stored position information and focal length information detected by a zoom sensor (not shown).

[0021] Next, a description will be given of the holding structure of the eighth-group barrel 116 in this embodiment. FIG.

[0022] Eight-group barrel unit (lens unit) 10 is made up of eighth-group lens L8, eighth-group barrel 116, rack 122, rack spring 123, and scale 124. Eight-group barrel unit 10 is guided linearly by guide bar 117, which is sandwiched between rear group base 104 and a guide bar cover (not shown). In other words, guide bar 117 also functions as a guide member that guides the movement of eighth-group barrel 116, which also serves as a lens holding frame, in the direction of optical axis X.

[0023] The rack 122 is biased in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis X (radial direction) by the biasing force of the rack spring 123 so as to fit into a linear ultrasonic motor (not shown). The rack 122 is also biased in the direction of the optical axis X relative to the eighth group lens barrel 116 by the rack spring 123. The eighth group lens barrel 116 is biased relative to the guide bar 117 by the biasing force of the rack spring 123 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0024] Scale 124 is fixed to eighth-group barrel 116. An optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the eighth group is fixed to rear group base 104 via a flexible printed circuit board, facing scale 124. Scale 124 and the optical sensor for detecting the position of the eighth group detect the relative position of eighth-group barrel unit 10 with respect to rear group base 104.

[0025] The eighth group barrel 116 has a guided portion 1164 , a first connecting portion 1165 , a third connecting portion 1166 , and a holding portion 1167 .

[0026] The guided portion 1164 is composed of a first abutment portion 1161 and a second abutment portion 1163 that abut against the guide bar 117, and a second connection portion 1162 that connects the first abutment portion 1161 and the second abutment portion 1163. The first abutment portion 1161 and the second abutment portion 1163 are provided on the guided portion 1164 so as to be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis X.

[0027] The holding portion 1167 has a shape that holds the eighth lens group L8. The first connecting portion 1165 connects the holding portion 1167 and the guided portion 1164. The third connecting portion 1166 connects the holding portion 1167 and the guided portion 1164.

[0028] The eighth-group barrel 116 in this embodiment is molded from resin. Specifically, it is molded from fiber-reinforced plastic. Fiber-reinforced plastic is a reinforced plastic whose strength is improved by combining fibers such as glass fiber and carbon fiber. In fiber-reinforced plastic, the glass fibers and carbon fibers have a certain orientation (hereinafter referred to as fiber orientation) when they are molded.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the difference in expansion and contraction due to differences in the orientation of the fiber F0 when the environmental temperature of the resin RE changes. Figure 3(A) shows an example of a state in which the fiber orientation is aligned in one direction. Figure 3(B) shows an example of a state in which the fiber orientation is random.

[0030] In Figure 3(A), the expansion and contraction of the resin RE in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the fiber F0 is indicated by arrow SH1. The expansion and contraction of the resin RE in a direction parallel to the direction of the fiber F0 is indicated by arrow SH2. The expansion and contraction of the resin RE in the direction perpendicular to the fiber indicated by arrow SH1 is larger than the expansion and contraction of the resin RE in the direction parallel to the fiber indicated by arrow SH2.

[0031] In Figure 3(B), the expansion and contraction of the resin RE in the vertical and horizontal directions are indicated by arrows SH3. When the fibers F0 are randomly arranged, the amount of expansion and contraction is approximately equal regardless of the vertical or horizontal direction, as indicated by arrows SH3. Figure 3(A) shows a state in which the fiber orientation is aligned.

[0032] In Figure 3(A), there is a difference in the magnitude of expansion and contraction between the parallel and perpendicular directions of the fiber F0, but as a result, the shape expands and contracts only in one direction, and no deformation such as bending of the resin RE occurs. Next, in Figure 3(B), because the fiber orientation is random, the amount of expansion and contraction is the same in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the resin RE expands and contracts evenly, and no deformation such as bending occurs. On the other hand, if the orientation of some of the fibers F0, which does not fall into the category of Figures 3(A) and 3(B), is not aligned with the orientation of the surrounding fibers F0, the resin RE will bend and deform during expansion and contraction. If this type of fiber orientation state occurs in the lens holding frame, it can lead to collapse when the environmental temperature changes.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation of deformation around the guided portion 1164 when the environmental temperature of the eighth group barrel 116 changes from room temperature to approximately −20° C. As shown in FIG. 4, the guided portion 1164 falls in the direction indicated by the arrow T1.

[0034] When a tilt change as indicated by arrow T1 occurs, the eighth lens group L8 tilts relative to the optical axis X, resulting in a deterioration in the optical performance of the lens device 1. This tilt change is caused by a non-uniform fiber orientation around the guided portion 1164. The amount of tilt change is determined by the mechanical strength of the periphery of the guided portion 1164. Therefore, in order to suppress tilt change due to changes in environmental temperature, it is necessary to achieve two things: aligning the fiber orientation around the guided portion 1164 and increasing the mechanical strength around the guided portion 1164.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an example of a perspective view of the holding frame (8-group barrel 116) according to this embodiment. FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of the 8-group barrel 116, which is also a lens holding frame embodying this embodiment. FIG. 5(B) is a perspective view of the 8-group barrel 201, which is also a lens holding frame not embodying this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a front view and a cross-sectional view of the holding frame (8-group barrel 116) according to this embodiment. FIG. 6(A) is a front view of the 8-group barrel 116. FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D1-D1 in FIG. 6(A).

[0036] 5(A), 6(A), and 6(B), the eighth-group barrel 116 has a concave-convex shape (first shape) 1168 in which a thickness TH1 (first thickness) and a thickness TH2 (second thickness) that is thinner (smaller) than the thickness TH1 are alternately repeated multiple times in the direction of the optical axis X. In this way, the concave-convex shape 1168 has a shape in which large and small thicknesses are alternately repeated multiple times. Note that, because the thickness TH1 is thicker (larger) than the thickness TH2, it protrudes outward more than the thickness TH2 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis X.

[0037] The uneven shape 1168 is provided on a first connecting portion 1165 that connects the guided portion 1164 and the holding portion 1167. That is, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis X, the first connecting portion 1165 has a first shape (uneven shape 1168) in which a first thickness (thickness TH1) and a second thickness (thickness TH2) thinner than the first thickness are alternately repeated multiple times in the optical axis X direction from a position overlapping with the holding portion 1167. Furthermore, the uneven shape 1168 is provided on the first connecting portion 1165 so as to be positioned (arranged) on the outer side of the optical axis X direction in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis X.

[0038] As described above, the uneven shape 1168 has a shape in which large and small thicknesses alternate. That is, the uneven shape 1168 has a plurality of peaks with a thickness TH1 and valleys with a thickness TH2, and is formed on the first connecting portion 1165 so as to have a shape in which large and small thicknesses alternate in the direction of the optical axis X by alternately and continuously connecting the peaks and valleys. Note that, for example, the uneven shape 1168 may be provided on the first connecting portion 1165 so as to have at least one of a continuous uneven shape or a tooth-like (zigzag) shape.

[0039] The uneven shape 1168 may have only one depression, but a shape in which the thickness alternates between large and small in the direction of the optical axis X is preferable in terms of strength, which will be described later, and suppressing the amount of tilt change due to changes in environmental temperature.

[0040] It is preferable that the pitch (spacing) between the first thickness (thickness TH1) and the second thickness (thickness TH2) in the uneven shape 1168 is narrow. It is also preferable that the number of unevennesses, i.e., the first thickness (thickness TH1) and the second thickness (thickness TH2) be as large as possible in the first connecting portion.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferable that uneven shape 1168 be provided in a position that overlaps with holding portion 1167 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to optical axis X. Gates for molding eighth-group barrel 116 are located at the positions of gate G1, gate G2, and gate G3. Gates G1, gate G2, and gate G3 in this embodiment function as entrances for pouring in resin for molding eighth-group barrel 116.

[0042] The eighth group barrel 201 shown in FIG. 5B has a guided portion 2014, a first connecting portion 2015, a third connecting portion 2016, and a holding portion 2017.

[0043] The guided portion 2014 is composed of a first abutment portion 2011 and a second abutment portion 2013 that abut against the guide bar 117, and a second connection portion 2012 that connects the first abutment portion 2011 and the second abutment portion 2013. The holding portion 2017 includes a shape that holds the eighth group lens L8. The first connection portion 2015 connects the holding portion 2017 and the guided portion 2014. The third connection portion 2016 connects the holding portion 2017 and the guided portion 2014. The eighth group barrel 201 shown in FIG. 5(B) does not have a shape like the uneven shape 1168 that the eighth group barrel 116 of this embodiment has.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows the results of a simulation of the fiber orientation of the holding frame (eighth-group barrel 116) according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 shows the results of a simulation of the fiber orientation of an eighth-group barrel 201 that does not have a shape like the uneven shape 1168 that the holding frame (eighth-group barrel 116) according to this embodiment has. The direction of the fine lines in Figs. 7 and 8 indicates the fiber orientation. The black triangles indicate the approximate positions of gates G1 and G2.

[0045] In FIG. 7, arrows F1 and F2 indicate the flow of resin from gate G2 during molding. In this embodiment, the uneven shape 1168 provided in the first connection portion 1165 inhibits the flow of resin from gate G2. Therefore, resin first flows in the direction of arrow F1. After the resin fills the area around arrow F1, resin then flows in the direction of arrow F2 to form the uneven shape 1168. At this time, resin flows from gate G1 in the direction of arrow F3 around the guided portion 1164. Focusing on the fiber orientation within the dotted line area N1, the directions of arrows F2 and F3 are consistent, so it can be said that the fiber orientation is also generally consistent. In other words, providing the uneven shape 1168 in the first connection portion 1165 of the eighth-group barrel 116 aligns the fiber orientation within the dotted line area N1.

[0046] In Figure 8, arrow F4 indicates the flow of resin from gate G2 during molding. Additionally, resin flows from gate G1 in the direction of arrow F5 around guided portion 2014. If we look at the fiber orientation within dotted line N2, arrows F4 and F5 do not match, so the fiber orientation direction is not the same.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the effect of suppressing tilt change in the lens unit according to this embodiment. The vertical axis of FIG. 9 shows simulation results for tilt change amount [minutes]. In FIG. 9, the amount of tilt change of the eighth-group barrel 201 due to changes in ambient temperature is shown as fluctuation amount S1. Furthermore, the amount of tilt change of the eighth-group barrel 116 is shown as fluctuation amount S2. The difference between the shapes of the eighth-group barrel 201 and the eighth-group barrel 116 is that the eighth-group barrel 201 does not have the concave-convex shape 1168 provided at the first connecting portion 1165 of the eighth-group barrel 116. In other words, this shows that by providing the concave-convex shape 1168 at the first connecting portion 1165 of the eighth-group barrel 116, the amount of tilt change due to changes in ambient temperature can be suppressed from fluctuation amount S1 to fluctuation amount S2.

[0048] Here, in order to generate a flow of resin from the direction of arrow F1 to the direction of arrow F2 in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the concave-convex shape 1168 overlaps with the holding portion 1167 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis X direction.

[0049] Furthermore, to suppress tilting due to changes in environmental temperature, it is necessary to maintain high mechanical strength around the guided portion 1164, as described above. The fiber orientation of the uneven shape 1168 and the area around the guided portion 1164 can also be aligned by continuously providing a thin thickness TH2. However, providing a thin thickness TH2 continuously reduces mechanical strength, which is not desirable in terms of suppressing tilting due to changes in environmental temperature. As described above, the uneven shape 1168 in this embodiment has a shape in which a thick thickness TH1 and a thickness TH2 that is thinner than TH1 are alternately repeated multiple times. This makes it possible to achieve both uniform fiber orientation and ensure mechanical strength.

[0050] The uneven shape 1168 of this embodiment has a shape of repeated triangles as shown in FIG. 6(B). However, it is not limited to this, and may have a shape of repeated trapezoids as shown in FIG. 10(A). Alternatively, it may have a shape of repeated rectangles as shown in FIG. 10(B). Alternatively, it may have a wave shape as shown in FIG. 10(C). In other words, the uneven shape 1168 may have at least one of repeated triangles, repeated trapezoids, repeated rectangles, and a wave shape.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a front view of the holding frame (eight-group barrel 116) in this embodiment. In FIG. 11, gate positions during molding are indicated by gate G1, gate G2, and gate G3. Here, gate G1 is located within a range A1 defined by a dotted line connecting the first connecting portion 1165 and the optical axis X and a dotted line connecting the third connecting portion 1166 and the optical axis X. In other words, when viewed from a direction along the optical axis X (when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the optical axis X), gate G1 during molding is located within a range connecting the optical axis X and the position where the first connecting portion 1165 is connected to the holding portion 1167. By locating gate G1 within range A1, the fiber orientation around the guided portion 1164 shown in FIG. 7 can be aligned with the direction of arrow F3. As a result, the directions of arrows F2 and F3 can be more closely aligned.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 1165 is provided with one uneven shape 1168 in which a thick thickness TH1 and a thickness TH2 that is thinner than TH1 are alternately repeated multiple times in the direction of the optical axis X. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another uneven shape may be provided at a position different from the uneven shape 1168 (outside the range of the uneven shape 1168).

[0053] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a holding frame (eight-group barrel 116) according to another embodiment. Specifically, this figure shows an example in which barrel 301 is provided with a concave-convex shape corresponding to concave-convex shape 1168 and a different concave-convex shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , barrel 301 may be provided with concave-convex shape 3011 corresponding to concave-convex shape 1168, and may also be provided with concave-convex shape (second shape) 3012, which alternates between large and small thicknesses in a direction perpendicular to optical axis X, at a location different from concave-convex shape 3011. In other words, second shape (convex-convex shape 3012) is formed by alternating multiple times a first thickness and a second thickness thinner than the first thickness in a direction perpendicular to optical axis X. The position, shape, and other configurations of concave-convex shape 3011 are the same as those of concave-convex shape 1168. Furthermore, barrel 301 corresponds to eight-group barrel 116.

[0054] Here, uneven shape 3012 may be provided in any position as long as it does not overlap uneven shape 1168, but the direction of fiber orientation may be controlled by providing uneven shape 3012 around guided bar 3013 as shown in Fig. 12. That is, a second shape (uneven shape 3012) is provided in which a first thickness and a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness are alternately repeated multiple times in the direction from guided bar 3013 to first connecting portion 1165 along the outer peripheral side surface of barrel 301.

[0055] Incidentally, the orientation of uneven shape 3012 is approximately 90 degrees, which is different from uneven shape 3011, but the other configurations such as the peaks and valleys can be the same as uneven shape 3011 corresponding to uneven shape 1168, so detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, like uneven shape 1168 described above, uneven shape 3012 can be at least one of a repeating triangular shape, a repeating trapezoidal shape, a repeating rectangular shape, and a wave shape.

[0056] In this embodiment, the larger thickness TH1 and the smaller thickness TH2 of the concave-convex shape 1168 have shapes in which the thickness does not change in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis X. FIGS. 13 and 14 are a perspective view and a front view of a holding frame (eight-group barrel 116) according to another embodiment. FIG. 13(A) is a perspective view of a barrel 401 having a concave-convex shape 4011 corresponding to the concave-convex shape 1168. FIG. 13(B) is a front view of the barrel 401 having a concave-convex shape 4011 corresponding to the concave-convex shape 1168. FIG. 14(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the D2-D2 cross section in FIG. 13(B). FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the D3-D3 cross section in FIG. 13(B). The position of the concave-convex shape 4011 is the same as that of the concave-convex shape 1168. The barrel 401 corresponds to the eight-group barrel 116.

[0057] The thickness TH3 of the uneven shape 4011 in FIG. 14 is thicker than the thickness TH4. Furthermore, the thickness TH5 of the uneven shape 4011 in FIG. 14 is thicker than the thickness TH6. That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the thickness of the uneven shape 4011 becomes thinner (smaller) as it becomes farther from the guided portion, and becomes thicker (larger) as it becomes closer to the guided portion. That is, the thickness of the uneven shape 4011 changes in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis X. This allows the thickness to become thinner closer to gate G2, allowing the resin to flow more effectively in the directions of arrows F1 and F2.

[0058] Furthermore, the uneven shape 1168 in this embodiment has a shape in which peaks and valleys of the same thickness and shape are repeated alternately. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the uneven shape 1168 may be formed so that a repeating triangular shape as shown in Fig. 6(B) starts halfway through and becomes one of a plurality of shapes as shown in Fig. 10. In other words, the uneven shape 1168 or the uneven shape 3012 may be formed by combining one shape shown in Fig. 6(B) or Fig. 10 with one or more shapes different from the shape.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens unit that can suppress the tilt fluctuation of the lens holding frame caused by changes in the environmental temperature with a simple and compact configuration without providing any additional members.

[0060] The above-described embodiments are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible to each embodiment when implementing the present invention.

[0061] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0062] (Configuration 1) an optical element including a lens; a resin-molded holding frame that holds the optical member; a guide member that guides movement of the holding frame in a direction along the optical axis of the optical member; a holding portion that holds the optical member; a guided portion that contacts the guide member; a first connecting portion that connects the holding portion and the guided portion, The lens unit is characterized in that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first connection portion has a first shape in which a first thickness and a second thickness thinner than the first thickness are alternately repeated multiple times from a position where the first connection portion overlaps with the holding portion in a direction along the optical axis.

[0063] (Configuration 2) The lens unit described in configuration 1, characterized in that the first shape has peaks having the first thickness and valleys having the second thickness, and is formed by alternately connecting the peaks and valleys.

[0064] (Configuration 3) The lens unit according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first shape is a shape in which, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, large and small thicknesses are repeated multiple times from a position overlapping with the holding portion in a direction along the optical axis.

[0065] (Configuration 4) 4. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first shape is formed in a shape in which concaves and convexes are continuous in a direction along the optical axis, or in a tooth-like shape.

[0066] (Configuration 5) 5. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first shape is disposed on the outside with respect to the optical axis.

[0067] (Configuration 6) The lens unit described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the guided portion has a first abutment portion that is arranged at a distance in a direction along the optical axis and abuts against the guide member, a second abutment portion, and a second connection portion that connects the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion.

[0068] (Configuration 7) The lens unit described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, a gate used in molding the holding frame is positioned within a range connecting the optical axis and the position where the first connection portion is connected to the holding portion.

[0069] (Configuration 8) The lens unit described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding frame has a second shape outside the range of the first shape, in which the first thickness and the second thickness are alternately repeated multiple times from the guided portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0070] (Configuration 9) 9. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first shape has a thickness that changes in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0071] (Configuration 10) The lens unit according to configuration 9, wherein the thickness increases toward the guided portion.

[0072] (Configuration 11) 11. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the first shape is at least one of a repeating triangular shape, a repeating trapezoidal shape, a repeating rectangular shape, and a wave shape.

[0073] (Configuration 12) 9. The lens unit according to configuration 8, wherein the second shape is at least one of a repeating triangular shape, a repeating trapezoidal shape, a repeating rectangular shape, and a wave shape.

[0074] (Configuration 13) a lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 12; and an image sensor that captures an image of a subject through the lens; An imaging device characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 8-group lens barrel unit 116 8 group lens barrel 1161 1st contact part 1162 Second connection part 1163 Second contact part 1164 Guided part 1165 First connection part 1166 Third Connection 1167 Holding part 1168 Uneven shape G1 Gate G2 Gate G3 Gate

Claims

1. an optical element including a lens; a resin-molded holding frame that holds the optical member; a guide member that guides movement of the holding frame in a direction along the optical axis of the optical member; a holding portion that holds the optical member; a guided portion that contacts the guide member; a first connecting portion that connects the holding portion and the guided portion, The lens unit is characterized in that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first connection portion has a first shape in which a first thickness and a second thickness thinner than the first thickness are alternately repeated multiple times from a position where it overlaps with the holding portion in a direction along the optical axis.

2. 2. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first shape has peaks having the first thickness and valleys having the second thickness, and is formed by alternately connecting the peaks and valleys.

3. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first shape, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, has a shape in which large and small thicknesses are repeated multiple times in a direction along the optical axis from a position overlapping with the holding portion.

4. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first shape is formed in a shape in which protrusions and recesses are continuous in a direction along the optical axis or in a tooth shape.

5. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first shape is disposed outward with respect to an optical axis.

6. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the guided portion has a first abutment portion arranged at a distance in a direction along the optical axis and abutting against the guide member, a second abutment portion, and a second connection portion connecting the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion.

7. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, a gate used in molding the retaining frame is positioned within a range connecting the optical axis and the position where the first connecting portion is connected to the retaining portion.

8. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding frame has a second shape outside the range of the first shape, in which the first thickness and the second thickness are alternately repeated multiple times from the guided portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

9. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first shape has a thickness that changes in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

10. 10. The lens unit according to claim 9, wherein the thickness increases toward the guided portion.

11. 2. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first shape is at least one of a repeating triangular shape, a repeating trapezoidal shape, a repeating rectangular shape, and a wave shape.

12. 9. The lens unit according to claim 8, wherein the second shape is at least one of a repeating triangular shape, a repeating trapezoidal shape, a repeating rectangular shape, and a wave shape.

13. A lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an image sensor that captures an image of a subject through the lens; An imaging device characterized by:

Images