Lens device and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a lens device and the like whose space is saved with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: In a lens device 200 including a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system so as to be movable in an optical axis direction, a fixed member that is fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed board 800 that connects the movable member and the fixed member, the flexible printed board 800 has a first excess length portion 801 and a second excess length portion 802 for connecting to the fixed member, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 has different lengths, and the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are arranged at positions that do not overlap optical elements of both optical systems when the first optical system and the second optical system are viewed from the optical axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, lenses have been known in which a pair of left and right optical systems are arranged a predetermined distance (baseline length) apart, and two image circles are formed in parallel on a single imaging element. In such lenses, the images formed by the pair of left and right optical systems record moving images and still images for the left and right eyes, respectively. Furthermore, when viewing content using a 3D display, VR goggles, or the like during playback, the viewer's right eye sees the image for the right eye, and the left eye sees the image for the left eye. In this case, the viewer experiences a three-dimensional effect because images with parallax are projected onto the right and left eyes due to the baseline length of the pair of left and right optical systems.

[0003] When a pair of left and right optical systems is used to capture images with parallax, it becomes necessary to adjust the focus of each of the pair of left and right optical systems, and there is a concern that the focus difference between the pair of left and right optical systems may cause an unpleasant impression to the viewer. Patent Document 1 discloses a lens barrel having a mechanism for adjusting the focus of the pair of left and right optical systems and a mechanism for adjusting the focus difference between the left and right optical systems. In the lens barrel disclosed in Patent Document 1, focus adjustment is performed manually, i.e., so-called manual focus. On the other hand, there is a demand for the inclusion of automatic focus adjustment using an actuator, i.e., so-called autofocus, in order to simplify the imaging device and enable imaging by remote control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-47653 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, incorporating an electric autofocus system requires components such as actuators to move each lens group and switches to change lens operation. To operate these components, the circuit board, drive unit, exterior components, etc. must be electrically connected using, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter also referred to as "FPC"). Generally, when connecting two components that move relative to each other with a flexible printed circuit board, an excess length is provided to ensure that the connection between the flexible printed circuit boards is maintained even when the components are moved relative to each other. For example, when a flexible printed circuit board is used in a U-turn shape with a certain curvature, providing an excess length requires additional space for its placement.

[0006] On the other hand, in a lens structure with two optical systems, the internal optical unit requires space in the direction of the arrangement of the two optical systems. When designing to minimize the size of the lens device, arranging the two optical systems side by side restricts the space available for arranging the flexible printed circuit board, which can lead to an increase in the size of the lens device.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a lens device and an imaging device that have a simple structure and save space even when a flexible printed circuit board is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is a lens device having a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system so that it can move in the optical axis direction, a fixed member fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed circuit board that connects the movable member and the fixed member, characterized in that the flexible printed circuit board has a first excess portion and a second excess portion for connecting to the fixed member, the excess portions of the first excess portion and the second excess portion have different lengths, and the first excess portion and the second excess portion are positioned so as not to overlap with the optical elements of both optical systems when viewed from the optical axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device and an imaging device that have a simple configuration and save space even when a flexible printed circuit board is used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a state in which the imaging element is tilted. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrical system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the movement of the focus lens. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination of the flexible printed circuit board 800 and the amount of extra length. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view showing only the optical elements of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a development view of a flexible printed circuit board 800 developed on a plane. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second extra length portion 802 of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 16]10 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the interchangeable lens 200 at the position of the first extra length portion 801. FIG. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the relationship between the connection destination and the extra length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, the lens device 200 will also be referred to as an interchangeable lens 200. The lens device 200 (interchangeable lens) can be detachably attached to various types of imaging devices 100. Furthermore, the term "extra length" refers to a length (extra length) provided in the FPC to absorb the effects of movement of components connected to each other or between components and fixed members via the FPC. Furthermore, in FIGS. 10 and 17, the length of the FPC corresponding to the "extra length" is illustrated as the "extra length amount." Furthermore, in this specification, the coordinate system is basically defined as follows: the optical axis direction is "Z," the width direction of the lens device 200 is "X," and the lens height direction perpendicular to these directions is "Z."

[0012] (1st optical system: 2nd optical system) A lens device (interchangeable lens) 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention has two optical systems (a first optical system and a second optical system) arranged symmetrically and parallel to each other, and is configured so that two image circles form images in parallel on one image sensor. The two optical systems are arranged horizontally, separated by a predetermined distance (baseline length). When viewed from the image side (in other words, when viewed from the image sensor side), the image formed by the right optical system (the first optical system) is recorded as a moving image or still image for the right eye, and the image formed by the left optical system (the second optical system) is recorded as a moving image or still image for the left eye. As will be described later, the first optical system is the "right eye optical system 201R" and the second optical system is the "left eye optical system 201L."

[0013] When the present invention is applied to a 3D display, VR goggles, or the like to view moving or still images (video), an image for the right eye is projected onto the viewer's right eye, and an image for the left eye is projected onto the viewer's left eye. At this time, images with "parallax" are projected onto the right and left eyes due to the "baseline lengths" of the left and right optical systems, allowing the viewer to experience a sense of three-dimensionality. In this way, the lens device of this embodiment is a lens device for stereoscopic imaging that can form two images with "parallax" using the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0014] ("First optical system": Right eye optical system: "Second optical system": Left eye optical system) In the following description, the first optical system (right-eye optical system) will have the suffix "R" added to the reference numeral, and the second optical system (left-eye optical system) will have the suffix "L" added to the reference numeral. Basically, descriptions common to both the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system will not have the suffix "R" or "L" added to the reference numeral. Note that in figures such as Figure 1, the suffix "R" or "L" may be added to the illustration.

[0015] (First embodiment) (FIG. 1: Cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 200; FIG. 2: Front view of the interchangeable lens 200) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 as a lens device has a right-eye optical system 201R as a "first optical system" and a left-eye optical system 201L as a "second optical system." The right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L are each capable of capturing images at an angle of view of 180 degrees or more. Hereinafter, the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L will be collectively referred to as the "right-eye optical system."

[0016] (First optical axis OA1: Second optical axis OA2: Third optical axis OA3: First lens group 211: Second lens group 221: Third lens group 231A, 231B) The left and right optical systems each have, in order from the subject side, a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 that is approximately perpendicular to the first optical axis, and a third optical axis OA3 that is parallel to the first optical axis. Each of the left and right optical systems also has a first group lens 211 arranged along the first optical axis OA1, a second group lens 221 arranged along the second optical axis OA2, and third group lenses 231A and 231B arranged along the third optical axis OA3. Note that in FIG. 1, the third group lenses 231A and 231B are not labeled with "R" or "L."

[0017] (First prism 220: Second prism 230) Each of the left and right optical systems includes a first prism 220 that bends a light beam parallel to the first optical axis OA1 and guides it to a second optical axis OA2, and a second prism 230 that bends a light beam parallel to the second optical axis OA2 and guides it to a third optical axis OA3. In the following description, the optical axis direction refers to a direction extending from the subject side to the imaging surface side (image sensor side) and is parallel to the first optical axis OA1. In this embodiment, the optical systems are arranged on the left and right, but they may also be arranged above and below. The exterior of the interchangeable lens 200 is covered with an exterior member 310 (similar to FIGS. 5, 15, and 17).

[0018] (FIG. 3: Schematic configuration diagram of the imaging device 100) (Interchangeable lens 200: camera body 110: imaging element 111; lens base 300 (first movable member)) Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment. In the coordinate systems of Figs. 3 and 4, the Z direction is the optical axis direction and the X direction is the width direction of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 has an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body 110 to which the interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached. The camera body 110 has an image sensor 111 as a single image sensor. In this embodiment, the left and right eye optical systems are supported by the lens base 300 as a "first movable member" so as to be movable in a direction (optical axis direction) perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor 111 relative to the lens base 300.

[0019] (Driver 500: Right eye driver 500R (second movable member)) A drive unit 500 is attached to the lens base 300. A right eye drive unit (first adjustment unit) 500R is attached to the right eye optical system 201R for moving it relative to the lens base 300. The right eye drive unit 500R moves the right eye optical system 201R as a "second movable member" to adjust the focus of the right eye optical system 201. With this configuration, the right eye optical system 201R can move relatively in a direction (optical axis direction) perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111. The drive unit 500 can adjust the focus of the right and left eye optical systems by extending the entire optical system. In this embodiment, a DC motor, a stepping motor, or the like is used as the drive source, but other electric drive sources may also be used.

[0020] (Lens mount 202: Camera mount 122) Interchangeable lens 200 is attached to camera body 110 via lens mount section 202 and camera mount section 122, which serve as coupling members. Image sensor 111 is installed so that its imaging surface is parallel to lens mount section 202. However, it is difficult to make the imaging surface perfectly parallel to lens mount section 202 due to manufacturing errors, and in reality, image sensor 111 is fixed with its imaging surface slightly tilted relative to lens mount section 202.

[0021] (FIG. 4: An explanatory diagram showing the state in which the image sensor 111 is tilted) 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the state in which the image sensor 111 is tilted. During the manufacturing process, the interchangeable lens 200 is adjusted so that the difference in distance between the imaging position of the right-eye optical system 201R and the imaging position of the left-eye optical system 201L from the lens mount unit 202, that is, the so-called "flange back" distance, is "0." However, due to tilting of the image sensor 111, the right-eye optical systems do not necessarily achieve optimal focus positions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the right-eye optical system is configured to be movable relative to the lens base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor 111 (optical axis direction: Z direction), making it possible to adjust the focal positions of the right-eye optical systems.

[0022] (FIG. 5: Side view of the interchangeable lens 200) (MF operation ring 601: AF / MF switch 700: adjustment mode switch 701) 5 is a side view of the interchangeable lens 200. The left and right eye optical systems are arranged to protrude relative to the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 has an MF operation ring 601 and an AF / MF switching switch 700. The interchangeable lens 200 is configured so that it can be switched between an autofocus mode "AF mode" and a manual focus mode "MF mode" using the AF / MF switching switch 700. The interchangeable lens 200 also has an adjustment mode switch 701.

[0023] ("Focus mode": "Adjustment mode": MF operation ring 601) By operating the adjustment mode switch 701, it is possible to switch between a focus mode used during image capture and an "adjustment mode" that adjusts the focal positions of the left and right optical systems. In the "focus mode," the drive unit 500 is used to drive the left and right optical systems as a unit so that they can move back and forth freely in the optical axis direction (Z direction). In the "adjustment mode," the right eye drive unit 500R is used to drive only the right eye optical system 201R. The MF operation ring 601 can be used to operate the drive.

[0024] In "AF mode," focus adjustment of the optical systems for the left and right eyes is performed based on subject information. In "MF mode," focus adjustment of the optical systems for the left and right eyes is performed based on the rotation of the MF operation ring 601, which is an operation member. Specifically, when the AF / MF switch SW 700 is set to "MF," when the user rotates the MF operation ring 601, the optical systems for the left and right eyes move in the optical axis direction. Note that, although "AF mode" and "MF mode" are switched by the AF / MF switch SW 700 in this embodiment, they may also be switched by selecting an appropriate setting item from a menu screen of the camera body 110.

[0025] (Figure 6: Electrical system block diagram) 6 is a block diagram of the electrical system of the imaging device 100. The interchangeable lens 200 has a right-eye optical system 201R, a left-eye optical system 201L, a lens mount unit 202, a right-eye drive unit 500R, a drive unit 500, an MF operation ring 601, an encoder 602, an AF / MF switch SW 700, and a lens system control unit 209. The camera body 110 also has an image sensor 111, an A / D conversion unit 112, an image processing unit 113, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a storage unit 116, an AF detection unit 117, a system control unit 118, and a camera mount unit 122. When the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount unit 202 and the camera mount unit 122, the system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 are electrically connected.

[0026] (imaging element 111: A / D conversion unit 112: image processing unit 113) A right-eye image formed via the right-eye optical system 201R and a left-eye image formed via the left-eye optical system 201L are formed side by side as subject images on the image sensor 111. The image sensor 111 converts the formed subject image (optical signal) into an analog electrical signal. The A / D conversion unit 112 converts the analog electrical signal output from the image sensor 111 into a digital electrical signal (image signal, digital signal of the subject image, etc.). The A / D conversion unit 112 may be configured to be built into the image sensor 111. The image processing unit 113 performs various image processing on the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0027] (Display unit 114: Operation unit 115: Memory unit 16: AF detection unit 117) The display unit 114 displays various types of information. The display unit 114 is realized by, for example, an electronic viewfinder, a liquid crystal panel, or the like. The operation unit 115 functions as a user interface that enables the user to give instructions to the imaging device 100. If the display unit 114 is equipped with a touch panel, the touch panel also serves as the operation unit 115. The storage unit 116 stores various types of data and programs, such as image data of the image processing executed by the image processing unit 113. The storage unit 116 is realized by, for example, a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, or an HDD. The AF detection unit 117 calculates the drive amounts of the right eye drive unit 500R and the drive unit 500 based on the digital electrical signal (image signal) output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0028] (System control unit 118) The system control unit 118 performs overall control of the entire imaging device 100. The system control unit 118 is realized by, for example, a CPU. The system control unit 118 executes a program stored in the storage unit 116 while expanding it into RAM, thereby realizing various processes according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] (Figure 7: Flowchart showing the process for determining focus lens movement) 7 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 when determining the movement of the focus lens. The processing shown in FIG.

[0030] (Step S101: Step S102: Step S103) In step S101, the lens system control unit 209 causes the drive unit 500 to move the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L to their initial positions. In step S102, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the AF / MF switch SW 700 is set to "AF." If it is determined that it is set to "AF" (YES), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not set to "AF," that is, that it is set to "MF" (NO), the process proceeds to step S107. In step S103, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the drive amounts of the drive unit 500 calculated by the AF detection unit 117 using the AF detection results for the left and right images.

[0031] (Step S104: Step S105; Step S106) In step S104, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether or not a half-press of the shutter button by the user has been detected. If it is determined that a half-press of the shutter button has been detected (YES), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that a half-press of the shutter button has not been detected (NO), the process enters a wait state in step S104. In step S105, the lens system control unit 209 drives the drive units 500 by the drive amounts acquired in step S103, and moves the left and right eye optical systems to predetermined positions. In step S106, the lens system control unit 209 executes a still image capturing operation in response to the user fully pressing the shutter button.

[0032] (Step S107: Step S108) Meanwhile, in step S107, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation (operation amount) of the MF operation ring 601 by the user, detected by the encoder 602. In step S108, the lens system control unit 209 determines the drive amount of the drive unit 500 using the amount of rotation of the MF operation ring 601. Note that although the present embodiment has been described taking an example of still image capture, similar processing can also be executed for video capture. Also, in the present embodiment, the right eye optical system 201R is moved to align with the position of the left eye optical system 201L using the detection result by the AF detection unit 117 in "MF mode," but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0033] That is, it is sufficient to move one of the left and right optical systems so that the focus difference is eliminated. If there is ample depth of field, there is no problem even if there is a slight focus difference between the left and right images, so this positioning operation may be omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left and right optical systems are equipped with an overall focus mechanism that can adjust the focus by moving all lenses, but they may also be equipped with an inner focus mechanism that can adjust the focus by moving some lenses.

[0034] ("Image capture mode": "Focus adjustment mode") The adjustment mode switch 701 (see FIG. 5) has the function of switching between an "imaging mode" and a "focus adjustment mode" for correcting the focus difference between the left and right optical systems. In the "imaging mode," the left eye optical system 201L and the right eye optical system 201R are driven together during focus operation. In the "focus adjustment mode," the left eye optical system 201L or the right eye optical system 201R is driven relative to the other, thereby making it possible to correct the focus difference between the left and right optical systems.

[0035] Specifically, in the "focus adjustment mode" for left-right focus difference, only the right eye optical system 201R is driven in the optical axis direction by rotating the MF operation ring 601. The MF operation ring 601 for manual focus is operated so that the image of the left eye optical system 201L displayed on the display unit 114 is in focus and the image of the right eye optical system 201R is in focus. This allows the focus difference between the left eye optical system 201L and the right eye optical system 201R to be adjusted.

[0036] (FIG. 8: FIG. 9: A perspective view of only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200; FIG. 10: A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination and the amount of excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800; FIG. 11: A front view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200) 8 and 9 are perspective views showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the front, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the rear. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the connection destinations of a flexible printed circuit board 800, which serves as a flexible printed circuit board for the interchangeable lens 200, and the amount of movement and extra length of each connection destination. FIG. 11 is a front view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In the coordinate systems in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, the "X direction" is the width direction of the image capture device 100, the "Z direction" is the optical axis direction, and the "Y direction" is the direction perpendicular to XY (the height direction of the image capture device 100).

[0037] (Circuit board 810 (first fixing part): Flexible printed circuit board 800) The interchangeable lens 200 includes a circuit board 810 that is fixed in the optical axis direction as a "first fixed portion." The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the circuit board 810 (first fixed portion) to a lens base 300 that serves as a movable member. The lens base 300 is driven in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface (optical axis direction) during focus drive. As described above, the right eye optical system 201R is attached to the lens base 300, and is configured to be able to be driven relatively by the drive of a right eye drive unit 500R (not shown).

[0038] (Connection configuration of flexible printed circuit board 800: exterior member 310 (second fixing portion)) The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the lens base 300 and the right-eye driving unit 500R. The interchangeable lens 200 is equipped with an exterior member 310 that serves as a "second fixed unit" and is fixed in the optical axis direction. The aforementioned AF / MF switch SW 700, adjustment mode switch 701, and MF operation ring 601 are connected to the exterior member 310. The driving units and operation units must be connected to the circuit board 810 and flexible printed circuit board 800 for power supply, control, and the like. The positions of the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 remain unchanged even when a focusing operation or the like is performed, but the lens base 300, right-eye optical system 201R, etc. must be driven in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor 111 (optical axis direction) during focusing.

[0039] (“Extra length portion”: 1st extra length portion 801 (1st extra length portion): 2nd extra length portion 802 (2nd extra length portion): 3rd extra length portion 803 (3rd extra length portion)) For this reason, when connecting with the flexible printed circuit board 800, an "extra length" is provided to absorb changes in relative position. The flexible printed circuit board 800 has a first extra length 801. The first extra length 801 has extra length when the relative position between the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300 changes. The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a second extra length 802 (second extra length). The second extra length 802 connects the right-eye optical system 201R and the exterior member 310. The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a third extra length 803 (third extra length).

[0040] The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R, and is an excess length that occurs when the relative position of the right-eye optical system 201R with respect to the lens base 300 changes. As described above, the relative positions of the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 with respect to the lens base 300 change, and the relative positions of the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R also change. Therefore, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are configured to have different excess lengths. As an example, the amount of excess length of the first excess length portion 801 is set in consideration of the relative positional deviation between the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300. In other words, it corresponds to the drive amount by which the lens base 300 moves during a focus operation.

[0041] The second excess length portion 802 is set in consideration of the relative positional deviation between the exterior member 310 and the right-eye optical system 201R. Because the right-eye optical system 201R also moves relative to the lens base 300, the flexible printed circuit board 800 also includes a third excess length portion 803. The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R. The excess length of the third excess length portion 803 is set as the sum of the drive amount of the lens base 300 and the drive amount of the right-eye optical system 201R.

[0042] Because the right-eye optical system 201R moves relative to the lens base 300, the third excess length portion 803 is set taking into account the amount of relative movement. With this configuration, it becomes possible to connect a fixed member and a movable member that have different amounts of relative movement with a single flexible printed circuit board. In this embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 via the lens base 300. With this configuration, it becomes possible to reduce the number of flexible printed circuit boards drawn out from the circuit board 810 to one. In addition, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the movable direction (optical axis direction: Z direction) of the lens base 300 (movable member), which contributes to space saving.

[0043] (Figure 11: Front view of the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200) In a lens device 200 having two optical systems, one on the left and one on the right, as in this embodiment, the optical unit including the lens base 300 tends to be wide in the direction in which the optical systems are arranged, i.e., the left-right direction in Figure 11. This means that restrictions tend to arise in the position where the flexible printed circuit board 800 drawn out from the circuit board 810 is passed. Reducing the number of flexible printed circuit boards 800 drawn out enables efficient arrangement, and a space-saving structure can be provided.

[0044] (FIG. 10: An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination and the amount of extra length of the flexible printed circuit board 800) (Summary of excess length: First excess length portion 801: Second excess length portion 802: Third excess length portion 803) The "first excess length portion 801" is an excess length when the relative position of the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300 changes. The relative position of the lens base 300 to the circuit board 810 changes depending on the lens base drive amount. The "second excess length portion 802" is an excess length when connecting the right eye optical system 201R to the exterior member 310. The "third excess length portion 803" connects the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R, and is an excess length when the relative position of the right eye optical system 201R to the lens base 300 changes. The lens base 300 moves within the lens base drive amount, and the right eye optical system 201R moves within the right eye optical system movement amount. Therefore, the excess length amount of the third excess length portion 803 is set as the sum of the drive amount of the lens base 300 and the drive amount of the right eye optical system 201R.

[0045] (FIG. 12: A side view showing only the optical elements of the interchangeable lens 200) FIG. 12 is a side view showing only the optical elements of the interchangeable lens 200. The "first optical axis OA1," "second optical axis OA2," and "third optical axis OA3" in FIG. 12 are the same as those shown in FIG. 1. As described above, the right-eye optical system 201R has, in order from the subject side, the first optical axis OA1, the second optical axis OA2 substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis, and the third optical axis OA3 parallel to the first optical axis. Generally, in wide-angle optical systems, the diameter of the optical elements on the subject side tends to be large. Therefore, the external shape of the product tends to be determined by the diameter of the lens located at the front. In a configuration such as the lens device 200 of this embodiment in which two optical systems are arranged side by side, arranging the flexible printed circuit board 800 at the end in the direction in which the optical systems are arranged, i.e., the left-right direction in FIG. 12, tends to increase the size of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0046] On the other hand, by avoiding placing the optical systems near the vertical ends of the lens base 300 in which the two optical systems are arranged in FIG. 12, it becomes easier to place the flexible printed circuit board 800. As mentioned above, the outer shape of the product tends to be determined by the diameter of the lens placed at the front. For this reason, placing the flexible printed circuit board 800 outside the outer diameter of the lens placed on the third optical axis OA3 (outside the dashed dotted line in FIG. 12: see the arrow) enables efficient placement of the flexible printed circuit board 800. Therefore, it is preferable to place the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 in the vertical space outside the diameter of the optical element when viewed from the optical axis direction.

[0047] (FIG. 13: A development view of the flexible printed circuit board 800) Fig. 13 is a development view of flexible printed circuit board 800 developed on a plane. As shown in Fig. 13, first excess length portion 801 and second excess length portion 802 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other when developed on a plane. In this embodiment, first excess length portion 801 and second excess length portion 802 are formed by bending flexible printed circuit board 800 at a certain curvature.

[0048] By arranging the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 in parallel when laid out on a plane, it is possible to align the bending directions. By aligning the rolling direction of the FPC with the vertical direction in Figure 13, it is possible to improve the bending reliability of both the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0049] (FIG. 14: A side view of the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200) Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to the drive direction of the lens base 300, showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In Fig. 14, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are arranged so that they do not overlap. If the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 were arranged so that they overlap when viewed in the X direction, there is a concern that the internal structure would be likely to become large, and the interchangeable lens 200 would become large as well. Therefore, by arranging them in this manner, it is possible to prevent the interchangeable lens 200 from becoming large.

[0050] (FIG. 15: Enlarged cross-sectional view of the second extra length portion 802) 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of second excess length portion 802. Second excess length portion 802 has first fixed surface 804 as a surface fixed to a fixed member, second fixed surface 805 as a surface fixed to a movable member, and U-turn portion 806. First fixed surface 804 and second fixed surface 805 are flat surfaces that face each other in parallel. U-turn portion 806 connects first fixed surface 804 and second fixed surface 805. Second fixed surface 805 is fixed to lens base 300, and first fixed surface 804 is fixed to exterior member 310. When lens base 300 moves relative to exterior member 310, first fixed surface 804 and second fixed surface 805 move relatively in a direction parallel to their surfaces while remaining opposed to each other.

[0051] On the other hand, the U-turn portion 806 moves in the drive direction while maintaining its shape. Because the first fixing surface 804 and the second fixing surface 805 are arranged parallel to the drive direction, the distance between them does not change much even when the right-eye optical system 201R is driven. The U-turn portion 806 is held in place by the reaction force generated when the flexible printed circuit board 800 is bent, so its shape can be kept relatively constant and its behavior can be stabilized. Because the bending stress acting on the flexible printed circuit board 800 is unlikely to change, the reliability of the second excess length portion 802 can be improved.

[0052] As described above, the second excess length portion 802 includes a first fixing surface 804 fixed to the fixed member and a second fixing surface 805 fixed to the movable member (300). In addition, a U-turn portion 806 is formed by bending the flexible printed circuit board 800 into a U-shape in the space where the first fixing surface 804 and the second fixing surface 805 face each other. This improves the reliability of the second excess length portion 802. This configuration may be adopted for at least one of the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802.

[0053] (FIG. 16: Cross-sectional view showing the inside of the interchangeable lens 200 at the position of the first excess length portion 801) 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the interchangeable lens 200 at the position of the first excess length portion 801. The lens base 300 has a first plane 301. The first plane 301 is a surface parallel to the driving direction of the lens base 300. The first plane 301 has a first protrusion 302 (first protrusion). The lens base 300 also has a second protrusion 303 (second protrusion). The second protrusion 303 is located at a position spaced apart from the first plane 301.

[0054] Additionally, the second protrusion 303 and the first protrusion 302 are disposed at positions that do not face each other in the normal direction of the first plane 301. When the relative positions of the lens base 300 and the circuit board 810 change, the arc shape of the first excess length portion 801 changes. By providing the first protrusion 302 on the first plane 301 and disposing the second protrusion 303 at a position that does not face the first protrusion 302, it is possible to adjust the location of the arc shape that occurs when the excess length is provided in the first excess length portion 801.

[0055] More specifically, the bulge of the arc portion appears near the first protrusion 302, that is, in a position that does not face the second protrusion 303. By adjusting the position of the bulge in this way, unintended contact with peripheral components can be suppressed, improving the reliability of the interchangeable lens 200. Therefore, the reliability of the interchangeable lens 200 is improved by adopting the configuration described below. In other words, the interchangeable lens 200 has a first plane 301 that is parallel to the direction in which the lens base 300 (movable member) moves, a first protrusion 302 provided on the first plane 301, and a second protrusion 303 at a position spaced apart from the first plane 301. The second protrusion 303 does not face the first protrusion 302.

[0056] (Second embodiment) (FIG. 17: A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination and the extra length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 according to the second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the connection destination and the shape of the excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 of the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a circuit board 810. The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the circuit board 810 (fixed portion) and the lens base 300 (movable member). The lens base 300 is driven in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface (optical axis direction) during focus drive. As described above, the right-eye optical system 201R is attached to the lens base 300, and is configured to be able to be driven relatively by the right-eye drive unit 500R.

[0057] The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R. The interchangeable lens 200 includes an exterior member 310 (fixed portion). The aforementioned AF / MF switch SW 700, adjustment mode switch 701, MF operation ring 601, etc. are connected to the exterior member 310. Each drive unit and operation unit needs to be connected to the circuit board 810 and flexible printed circuit board 800 for power supply and control. The positions of the circuit board (fixed portion) 810 and the exterior member 310 remain unchanged even when a focusing operation, etc. is performed, but the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R need to be driven (moved) in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface (optical axis) during a focusing operation.

[0058] (1st extra length part 801: 2nd extra length part 802) For this reason, when connecting with the flexible printed circuit board 800, an excess length portion is provided to absorb changes in relative position. The flexible printed circuit board 800 has a first excess length portion 801. The first excess length portion 801 connects the lens base 300 and the circuit board 810. The first excess length portion 801 has excess length in case the relative position of the lens base 300 changes. The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a second excess length portion 802. The second excess length portion 802 connects the right-eye optical system 201R and the exterior member 310.

[0059] (3rd extra length section 803) The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a third excess length portion 803. The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R, and is an excess length that is added when the relative position of the right-eye optical system 201R with respect to the lens base 300 changes. As described above, the lens base 300 moves within the lens base drive amount, and the right-eye optical system 201R also moves within the right-eye optical system movement amount. Therefore, the relative positions of the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 to the lens base 300 change, and the relative positions of the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R change. Therefore, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are configured to have different excess lengths.

[0060] As an example, the length of the first extra length portion 801 is set in consideration of the relative positional deviation between the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300. In other words, the length of the first extra length portion 801 corresponds to the driving amount by which the lens base 300 moves during a focusing operation. The second extra length portion 802 is set in consideration of the relative positional deviation between the exterior member 310 and the right-eye optical system 201R.

[0061] The flexible printed circuit board 800 also includes a third excess length portion 803. The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right-eye optical system 201R. Because the right-eye optical system 201R moves relative to the lens base 300, the third excess length portion 803 is set taking into account the amount of relative movement. For example, the third excess length portion 803 is set as the sum of the drive amount of the lens base 300 (lens base drive amount) and the drive amount of the right-eye optical system 201R (right-eye optical system movement amount). As shown in FIG. 15 , in this embodiment, the first excess length portion 801 (replace "802" in FIG. 15 with "801") has a first fixing surface 804 and a second fixing surface 805, and the first fixing surface 804 and the second fixing surface 805 face each other. In this way, the structures of the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 may be reversed compared to the first embodiment.

[0062] (Summary of the main parts of the present invention) The lens device 200 includes a lens base 300 (movable member) that holds at least one of the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L so that it can move in the optical axis direction. The lens device 200 also includes an exterior member 310, a circuit board 810, and other components (fixed members) that are fixed in the optical axis direction, and the movable member and the fixed member are connected by a flexible printed circuit board 800. The flexible printed circuit board 800 has a first excess length portion 801 for connection to the fixed member and a second excess length portion 802 that has a length different from that of the first excess length portion 801. The first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are positioned so as not to overlap the optical elements that constitute the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L when viewed from the optical axis direction. As a result, the overall length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 is shortened and does not need to be divided, reducing the number of boards used, resulting in an inexpensive and simple configuration and space savings.

[0063] (Variation) Space can also be saved by configuring the lens device 200 as shown below. That is, the lens device 200 includes a camera mount unit 122, which is a coupling unit having an opening, that couples with the imaging device 100 in which the imaging element 111 is arranged, and a lens mount unit 202. The optical axis centers of at least one optical element of the right-eye optical system 201R (first optical system) and the left-eye optical system 201L (second optical system) 201L are located inside the opening. The first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are configured to be located outside tangents to outer diameters of the multiple optical elements that make up the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L, respectively, on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0064] Further cost reduction and space saving can be achieved by configuring the flexible printed circuit board 800 as follows: In other words, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 800 (FPC) is a connector terminal portion connected to the camera body 110 or the like, and the other end is a connector terminal connected to another FPC fixed to the exterior member of the imaging device 100 or the lens device 200. Further space saving can be achieved by arranging multiple movable members such as the lens base 300 that move in the optical axis direction so that they do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lens group.

[0065] <Additional Note> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A lens device having a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system so that the first optical system and the second optical system can move in the optical axis direction, a fixed member that is fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed circuit board that connects the movable member and the fixed member, The flexible printed circuit board is The fixing member has a first excess length portion (801) and a second excess length portion (802) for connection thereto, and the excess lengths of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are different from each other. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are A lens device characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are arranged in positions where the optical elements of both optical systems do not overlap when viewed from the optical axis direction. (Configuration 2) The fixing member is A first fixing portion and a second fixing portion are provided, The flexible printed circuit board is The lens device according to configuration 1, wherein the first fixing portion is connected to the first excess length portion, and the second fixing portion is connected to the second excess length portion. (Configuration 3) The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the flexible printed circuit boards are arranged parallel to each other when unfolded. (Configuration 4) A second movable member is provided which is driven relatively to the movable member, The flexible printed circuit board is 3. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a third excess length portion connecting the movable member and the second movable member. (Configuration 5) The first optical system is a right-eye optical system, the third excess length portion connects the right-eye optical system to a lens base that is capable of adjusting a focal position of the right-eye optical system in the optical axis direction by a drive unit; The lens device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the excess length is the excess length when the relative position of the right-eye optical system with respect to the lens base changes. (Configuration 6) The lens device according to configuration 2, wherein the first fixing portion is a circuit board incorporated into an imaging device, and the second fixing portion is an exterior member of the lens device. (Configuration 7) The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the movable members do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable members are moved. (Configuration 8) The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the lens device is disposed in a vertical space outside the diameter of the optical element when viewed from the optical axis direction. (Configuration 9) A coupling part having an opening is provided to couple with an imaging device in which an imaging element is arranged, the optical axis centers of at least one optical element of the first optical system and the second optical system are located inside the opening, The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the lens device is disposed outside a tangent line that contacts the outer diameters of the plurality of optical elements that constitute the first optical system and the second optical system. (Configuration 10) At least one of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion is a first fixed surface fixed to the fixed member and a second fixed surface fixed to the movable member; The lens device described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that a U-turn portion in which the flexible printed circuit board is bent into a U shape is formed in the space where the first fixing surface and the second fixing surface face each other. (Configuration 11) A movable member includes a first plane parallel to a moving direction of the movable member, a first protrusion provided on the first plane, and a second protrusion at a position spaced apart from the first plane, 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the second protrusion does not face the first protrusion. (Configuration 12) An imaging device to which the lens device according to configuration 1 or 2 can be detachably attached. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100 Imaging device 110 Camera body 111 Image sensor 112 A / D conversion section 113 Image processing section 114 Display section 115 Operation section 116 Memory section 117 AF detection unit 118 System Control Unit 122 Camera mount 200 Lens device (interchangeable lens) 201R Right eye optical system 201L Left eye optical system 202 Lens mount 209 Lens system control unit 220 First Prism 230 Second Prism 300 Lens Base 310 Exterior materials 500 Drive Unit 500R Right eye drive unit 601 MF operation ring 602 Encoder 700 AF / MF switch 701 Adjustment mode switch 800 Flexible Printed Circuit Board 801 1st extra length 802 2nd Remaining Department 803 3rd Remaining Department 810 circuit board

Claims

1. A lens device having a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system so as to be movable in an optical axis direction, a fixed member that is fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed circuit board that connects the movable member and the fixed member, The flexible printed circuit board is a first excess length portion and a second excess length portion for connection to the fixing member, the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion having different lengths; The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are A lens device characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are arranged at positions where the optical elements of both optical systems do not overlap when viewed from the optical axis direction.

2. The fixing member is A first fixing portion and a second fixing portion are provided, The flexible printed circuit board is 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing portion is connected to the first excess length portion, and the second fixing portion is connected to the second excess length portion.

3. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible printed circuit boards are arranged parallel to each other when the flexible printed circuit boards are unfolded.

4. a second movable member that is driven relatively to the movable member; The flexible printed circuit board is 3. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a third excess length portion connecting the movable member and the second movable member.

5. the first optical system is a right-eye optical system, The third excess length portion is a lens base that can adjust the focal position of the right-eye optical system in the optical axis direction by a drive unit and connects the right-eye optical system to the lens base; 5. The lens device according to claim 4, wherein the extra length is a length that is obtained when the relative position of the right-eye optical system with respect to the lens base changes.

6. 3. The lens device according to claim 2, wherein the first fixed portion is a circuit board incorporated in an imaging device, and the second fixed portion is an exterior member of the lens device.

7. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the movable member does not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the movable member moves.

8. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the lens device is disposed in a vertical space outside the diameter of the optical element when viewed from the optical axis direction.

9. a coupling portion having an opening that is coupled to an imaging device in which an imaging element is arranged; the optical axis centers of at least one optical element of the first optical system and the second optical system are located inside the opening, The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the lens device is arranged outside a tangent line that contacts the outer diameters of the plurality of optical elements that constitute the first optical system and the second optical system.

10. At least one of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion is a first fixed surface fixed to the fixed member and a second fixed surface fixed to the movable member, 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein a U-turn portion is formed by bending the flexible printed circuit board into a U-shape in the space between the first fixing surface and the second fixing surface facing each other.

11. a first plane parallel to a direction in which the movable member moves, a first protrusion provided on the first plane, and a second protrusion at a position spaced apart from the first plane; 3. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the second protrusion does not face the first protrusion.

12. An imaging device to which the lens device according to claim 1 or 2 can be detachably attached.

Images