Lens device and imaging apparatus having the same

Abstract

To provide a lens device that comprises a drive mechanism including an operating member capable of accurate adjustment.SOLUTION: A lens device has: a first optical system; a second optical system; a detection part that is provided on an operating member to detect the amount of operation of the operating member; a driving part that generates a driving force according to an operation for the operating member; an action part that makes an action according to the driving force; and a movable body that includes a contact part in contact with the moving part, and moves integrally with the first and second optical systems according to the action of the action part. The first and second optical systems are each a folded optical system including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and have a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected on the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected on the second reflecting surface, in order from a subject side to an image side. The detection part, the contact part, and the action part are arranged along the first optical axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, lenses have been known in which left and right optical systems are arranged a predetermined distance (baseline length) apart, and two parallel image circles are formed on a single imaging element. With such lenses, the images formed by the left and right optical systems are recorded as video or still images for the left and right eyes, respectively. When viewed using a 3D display or VR goggles, the viewer's right eye sees the right image and the left eye sees the left image. Due to the baseline length of the left and right optical systems, images with parallax are projected onto the right and left eyes, providing the viewer with a three-dimensional effect. To capture images with parallax, it is necessary to adjust the focus of each of the left and right optical systems.

[0003] Although different from the above configuration, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which binoculars with a photographing function can be switched between a coarse adjustment mode by rotating a focus dial and a fine adjustment mode by pressing a release button. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4602039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the left and right optical systems are adjusted simultaneously, so the focus difference between the left and right images is not eliminated, which gives the viewer an unpleasant impression. Furthermore, in left and right optical systems configured using a folded optical system, the external shape is cylindrical near the mount, but becomes trumpet-shaped with a wider base toward the subject. This limits the space available for arranging operating components used for manual focusing and adjusting the focus difference between the left and right images.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device equipped with a drive mechanism including an operating member that can be adjusted with high precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a lens device comprising a first optical system, a second optical system, a detection unit provided on an operating member for detecting the amount of operation of the operating member, a drive unit that generates a drive force in response to operation of the operating member, an operating unit that operates in response to the drive force, and an abutment unit that abuts against the operating unit, and a moving body that moves integrally with the first and second optical systems in response to operation of the operating unit, the first and second optical systems being bending optical systems including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and having, from the subject side to the image side, a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected by the second reflecting surface, and the detection unit, abutment unit, and operating unit are arranged along the first optical axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device equipped with a small drive mechanism including an operating member that can be adjusted with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the interchangeable lens of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the driving mechanism and its surroundings in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the drive mechanism and its surroundings according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens including a drive mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens showing the arrangement position of the drive mechanism of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens showing the arrangement position of the drive mechanism of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] A lens device (interchangeable lens) according to an embodiment of the present invention has two optical systems (a first optical system and a second optical system) arranged parallel to each other (symmetrically), and is configured so that two image circles are formed parallel to each other on a single imaging element. The two optical systems are arranged horizontally, separated by a predetermined distance (baseline length). When viewed from the imaging surface side, an image formed by the right optical system (the first optical system) is recorded as a moving or still image for the right eye, and an image formed by the left optical system (the second optical system) is recorded as a moving or still image for the left eye.

[0012] When viewing a video or still image (image) using a 3D display or so-called VR goggles, 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 photography that can form two images with parallax using the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0013] In the following description, the first optical system (right-eye optical system) will be described with the suffix R, and the second optical system (left-eye optical system) will be described with the suffix L. The description common to both the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system will not have the suffix R or L.

[0014] 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 of this embodiment.

[0015] The interchangeable lens 200 includes a right-eye optical system 201R and a left-eye optical system 201L. Each of the right and left optical systems includes, in order from the subject side to the image side, a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 that is substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis OA1, and a third optical axis OA3 that is parallel to the first optical axis OA1. Each of the right and left optical systems also includes a first lens group 211 arranged along the first optical axis OA1, second lens group 221A and 221B arranged along the second optical axis OA2, and third lens group 231A and 231B arranged along the third optical axis OA3. The first lens group 211 includes a lens surface 211A that is convex toward the subject side. Each of the right and left optical systems also includes a first prism (optical member) 220 and a second prism 230. The first prism 220 includes a first reflecting surface that bends a light beam parallel to the first optical axis OA1 and guides it toward the second optical axis OA2. The second prism 230 has a second reflecting surface that bends the light beam parallel to the second optical axis OA2 and guides it to the third optical axis OA3.

[0016] In the following description, the optical axis direction is the direction extending toward the subject side and the imaging surface side, that is, the direction parallel to the first optical axis OA1. Note that in this embodiment, the optical systems are arranged on the left and right, but they may also be arranged above and below.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a camera system 100 according to this embodiment. The camera system 100 includes an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body (image capture device) 110 to which the interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached. The camera body 110 includes a single image capture element 111. The image capture element 111 is capable of detecting the amount and direction of focus shift and performing image plane phase difference focusing. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a drive mechanism (drive unit) 261 that moves the lens top base 300, and a drive mechanism 262 that moves the right-eye optical system 201R. By moving the lens top base 300, the drive mechanism 261 can move the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image capture element 111. The left-eye optical system 201L is fixed to the lens top base 300. The right-eye optical system R is supported by the lens top base 300 by a drive mechanism 262 so as to be movable relative to the lens top base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor 111. This allows the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L to move relatively in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor 111. In this embodiment, the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L are configured as a lens group in which the imaging optical system is integrated, and focus adjustment can be performed by extending the entire optical system. In this embodiment, a DC motor or a stepping motor is used as the drive source, but other drive sources may also be used.

[0018] The interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via a lens mount unit 202 and a camera mount unit 122. The image sensor 111 is installed so that its imaging surface is parallel to the lens mount unit 202. However, it is difficult to make the imaging surface perfectly parallel to the lens mount unit 202 due to manufacturing errors, etc., and the image sensor 111 may actually be fixed with its imaging surface slightly tilted relative to the lens mount unit 202. During the manufacturing process, the interchangeable lens 200 is adjusted so that the difference in the 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 (i.e., the flange back distance) is zero. However, due to tilting of the image sensor 111, the left and right optical systems may not always be optimally focused. In this embodiment, the left and right optical systems are configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, making it possible to individually adjust the focal positions of the left and right optical systems.

[0019] Fig. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the camera system 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment.

[0020] Here, the configuration and electrical mechanism for adjusting the focal positions of the right and left eye optical systems will be described. The interchangeable lens 200 has a right eye optical system 201R, a left eye optical system 201L, a lens mount unit 202, drive mechanisms 261 and 262, an operation ring (operation member) 205, an encoder 602, a focus adjustment switch 800, and a lens system control unit 209. The camera body 110 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 memory unit 116, and an AF detection unit 117. The A / D conversion unit 112 and the image processing unit 113 may be built into the image sensor 111. The camera body 110 also has a body system control unit 118, an autofocus / manual focus switch (hereinafter referred to as AF / MF switch SW) 700, and a camera mount unit 122.

[0021] 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 body system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 are electrically connected. The lens system control unit 209 selects one of the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system attached to the lens top base 300 and operating as a unit, depending on the position of the focus / adjustment changeover switch 800. The lens system control unit 209 also moves the selected member in accordance with the rotation of the operation ring 205, which is configured to be rotatable.

[0022] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the photographer can select the component to be moved by simply sliding the focus adjustment switch 800. If the left and right images are out of focus, the photographer slides the focus adjustment switch 800 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5 to switch it to the "ADJUST" position. This selects a focus difference adjustment mode that adjusts the relative position of the right eye optical system 201R with respect to the left eye optical system 201L, and the focus difference between the left and right images can be eliminated by rotating the operation ring 205. Furthermore, if there is no focus difference between the left and right images, the photographer slides the focus adjustment switch 800 in the direction opposite to the arrow in FIG. 5 to switch it to a position other than "ADJUST." This selects a focus adjustment mode in which the left and right optical systems attached to the lens top base 300 operate as a unit, and the focus can be adjusted by extending the entire optical system by rotating the operation ring 205.

[0023] A right-eye image formed by the right-eye optical system 201R and a left-eye image formed by the left-eye optical system 201L are formed side by side on the image sensor 111 as subject images (optical images). The image sensor 111 converts the 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). The A / D conversion unit 112 may 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. The display unit 114 is, for example, an electronic viewfinder or a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. The operation unit 115 functions as a user interface for the photographer to give instructions to the camera system 100. If the display unit 114 has a touch panel, the touch panel also serves as one of the operation units 115.

[0024] The storage unit 116 is, for example, a ROM, RAM, and HDD, and stores various data such as image data that has been image processed by the image processing unit 113, as well as programs. The AF detection unit 117 calculates the drive amount of the left and right eye optical systems based on the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112. The body system control unit 118 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire camera system 100. The AF / MF switching SW 700 is used to switch between autofocus and manual focus. Information on the operation of the AF / MF switching SW 700 is transmitted to the lens system control unit 209 via the body system control unit 118.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the driving mechanism and its periphery including the operation ring 205 of this embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a front view of the driving mechanism and its periphery including the operation ring 205 of this embodiment.

[0026] The operation ring 205 is provided with a comb-tooth-shaped detection unit 205B that detects the amount of rotation (operation amount) of the operation ring 205. The face cam ring (operating unit) 302 operates in response to a driving force generated by the drive mechanism 261. The moving body 301 is provided with a face cam unit (contact unit) 301B that abuts against the face cam ring 302. The moving body 301 moves integrally with the left and right eye optical systems in response to the operation of the face cam ring 302. The face cam ring 302, face cam unit 301B, and detection unit 205B are arranged along the optical axis direction, and are configured so that at least a portion of their respective projection surfaces in the optical axis direction overlap each other.

[0027] Face cam ring 302 rotates in response to output from drive mechanism 261 via a plurality of gear trains 303A, 303B, and 303C that mesh with gear 302B provided on face cam ring 302. A plurality of biasing springs (biasing portions) 303 are arranged on the inner diameter side of detection portion 205B and bias face cam portion 301B against face cam ring 302. Detection portion 205B and biasing springs 303 are arranged on the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction. This allows the drive mechanism to be made smaller.

[0028] Because the moving body 301 and the lens top base 300 are fixedly connected, the left and right eye optical systems can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 111 according to the amount of rotation of the face cam ring 302. The distance L1 between the moving body 301 and the detection unit 205B is longer than the distance L2 between the moving body 301 and the exterior cover member 203. As a result, when an impact is applied, the moving body 301 and the exterior cover member 203 come into contact first, thereby preventing damage to the detection unit 205B due to contact with the moving body 301.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens 200 including a drive mechanism 261 according to this embodiment. Output from the drive mechanism 261 is transmitted to a gear 302B provided on a face cam ring 302 via multiple gear trains 303A, 303B, and 303C. This rotates the face cam ring 302, moving the left and right eye optical systems, which are integrally configured with the moving body 301, in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor 111. The drive mechanism 261 is disposed on a plane that includes the second optical axis OA2 and is perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The cam portion of the face cam ring 302 is disposed on a plane that includes the second optical axis OA2 and is perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The first prism 220, the second group lenses 221A and 221B, and the second prism 230 are disposed within the projection plane of the operation ring 205 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The projection plane of the operation ring 205 is the area surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 8.

[0030] In left and right optical systems configured using folded optical systems, the left and right eye optical systems and the drive mechanism 262 are mainly arranged on the subject side, and since the shooting angle of view is wide, the shape becomes trumpet-shaped with the base widening as it approaches the subject side. For this reason, the drive mechanism equipped with a focus function including the operation ring 205 is configured with a face cam to achieve miniaturization in the optical axis direction, and by stacking the various parts in the optical axis direction and arranging them on the imaging surface side, space efficiency is improved, thereby realizing the miniaturization of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0031] 9 and 10 are front views of the interchangeable lens 200 showing the position of the drive mechanism 261 of this embodiment. A typical interpupillary distance is approximately 64 mm, and as shown in FIG. 9, the center-to-center distance between the two first prisms 220 is roughly equivalent to that value. The dotted line in FIG. 9 indicates the circumscribing circle of the two first prisms 220, which are arranged inside the detection unit 205B. The drive mechanism 261, which is coupled to gear 302B provided on the face cam ring 302 via multiple gear trains, is arranged inside the circumscribing circle of the two first prisms 220. This improves space efficiency and enables the interchangeable lens 200 to be made more compact.

[0032] 10, in the left and right optical systems configured using bending optical systems, the first lens group 211 configuring the left and right eye optical systems is the outermost part of the interchangeable lens 200. A speed reduction mechanism configured with a drive mechanism 261 coupled via a gear 302B provided on a face cam ring 302 and multiple gear trains 303A, 303B, and 303C is disposed inside the circumscribed circle of the two first lens group 211 indicated by the dotted line in the figure.

[0033] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) a first optical system; a second optical system; and a detection unit provided on the operating member for detecting an operation amount of the operating member; a drive unit that generates a drive force in response to an operation of the operating member; an operating unit that operates in response to the driving force; a moving body that includes a contact portion that contacts the operating portion and moves integrally with the first and second optical systems in response to the operation of the operating portion; the first and second optical systems are each a bending optical system including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and have, in order from the object side to the image side, a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected by the second reflecting surface; A lens device, characterized in that the detection unit, the abutment unit, and the operating unit are arranged along the first optical axis. (Configuration 2) The lens device according to configuration 1, further comprising a biasing portion that biases the contact portion against the operating portion and is disposed on the inner diameter side of the detecting portion. (Configuration 3) The lens device according to configuration 2, wherein the biasing portion and the detecting portion are disposed on the same plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis. (Configuration 4) The lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive unit is coupled to a gear provided in the operating unit, and is arranged on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis. (Configuration 5) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of lenses arranged within a projection plane in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis of the operating member. (Configuration 6) further comprising two optical members each including the first reflecting surfaces of the first and second optical systems; 6. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the drive unit is disposed inside a circumscribing circle of the two optical members. (Configuration 7) further comprising two lenses each constituting the first optical axis of the first and second optical systems; The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the gears provided in the driving unit and the operating unit and coupled to the driving unit are arranged inside the circumscribing circles of the two lenses. (Configuration 8) the operating portion is a face cam ring and includes a cam portion; The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the cam portion is disposed on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis. (Configuration 9) 9. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is a rotatable operation ring. (Configuration 10) 10. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a lens mount for attachment to a camera body. (Configuration 11) 11. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the first and second optical systems are arranged in parallel. (Configuration 12) A lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11; an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by the first and second optical systems. (Configuration 13) 13. The imaging device according to configuration 12, wherein the optical images formed by the first and second optical systems are captured by one of the imaging elements.

[0034] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 200 Interchangeable Lenses (Lens Devices) 201R Right eye optical system (first optical system) 201L Left eye optical system (second optical system) 205 Operation ring (operation member) 205B Detector 261 Drive mechanism (drive unit) 301 Mobile 301B Face cam part (contact part) 302 Face cam ring (operating part) OA1 First optical axis OA2 Second optical axis OA3 Third optical axis

Claims

1. a first optical system; and a second optical system; and a detection unit provided on the operating member for detecting an operation amount of the operating member; a drive unit that generates a drive force in response to an operation of the operating member; an operating unit that operates in response to the driving force; a moving body including a contact portion that contacts the operating portion, the moving body moving integrally with the first and second optical systems in response to the operation of the operating portion; the first and second optical systems are bending optical systems including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and have, in order from the subject side to the image side, a first optical axis, a second optical axis of light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a third optical axis of light reflected by the second reflecting surface; The lens device, wherein the detection portion, the contact portion, and the operating portion are arranged along the first optical axis.

2. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing portion that biases the contact portion against the operating portion and is disposed on the inner diameter side of the detecting portion.

3. 3. The lens device according to claim 2, wherein the biasing portion and the detecting portion are disposed on the same plane perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis.

4. 4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is coupled to a gear provided in the operating unit, and is arranged on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis.

5. 4. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lenses arranged within a projection plane of the operation member in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis.

6. further comprising two optical members each including the first reflecting surfaces of the first and second optical systems; 4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is disposed inside a circumscribing circle of the two optical members.

7. further comprising two lenses each constituting the first optical axis of the first and second optical systems; 4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit and the gears provided in the operating unit and coupled to the driving unit are arranged inside the circumscribing circles of the two lenses.

8. the operating portion is a face cam ring and includes a cam portion; 4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the cam portion is disposed on a plane that includes the second optical axis and is perpendicular to a direction parallel to the first optical axis.

9. 4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is a rotatable operation ring.

10. 4. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a lens mount for attachment to a camera body.

11. 4. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second optical systems are arranged in parallel.

12. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by the first and second optical systems.

13. 13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the optical images formed by the first and second optical systems are captured by one of the imaging elements.

Images