Optical instrument and camera system

Abstract

To provide an optical instrument that has a configuration to prevent exposure of a mounting substrate from a notch of a cover member, and that can achieve both a reduction in the size of the product and mounting efficiency.SOLUTION: An optical instrument has a substrate including a first notch, a lens mount, a conductive member, and a cover member including an opening and a second notch and fixed to the lens mount. The conductive member is arranged between the first notch and the second notch, is exposed toward an imaging surface from the opening, and overlaps the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical instrument and a camera system. [Background technology]

[0002] In large-aperture zoom lenses, a cover member fixed to the lens mount and hiding the mounting board may be partially cut out to avoid interference with the zoom group retracted toward the imaging plane. In this case, when the zoom group is positioned closest to the subject, a portion of the mounting board may be exposed through the cutout in the cover member. To address this, a configuration has been proposed in which a member other than the cover member is used to hide the mounting board. Patent Document 1 discloses an interchangeable lens in which an internal hood is disposed between the mounting board and the lens mount. Patent Document 2 discloses an interchangeable lens whose overall length is shortened by overlapping the mounted components on the mounting board and a bridge portion in the optical axis direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-164872 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-009141 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, shifting the mounting board toward the subject as in Patent Document 1 hinders the reduction of the overall length. In addition, the configuration in Patent Document 2 does not allow electrical components or connectors to be placed around the bridging portion, which may restrict the mounting area of ​​the mounting board.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical device that can achieve both product miniaturization and improved mounting efficiency in a configuration that prevents exposure of a mounting board from a cutout portion of a cover member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a substrate having a first cutout, a lens mount, a conductive member, and a cover member having an opening and a second cutout and fixed to the lens mount, wherein the conductive member is disposed between the first cutout and the second cutout, is exposed from the opening to the imaging surface side, and overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical device that can achieve both product miniaturization and improved mounting efficiency in a configuration that prevents exposure of the mounting board from the cutout portion of the cover member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an interchangeable lens and a camera body. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens at the wide-angle end. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens at the telephoto end. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens at the retracted end. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rear group unit at the retracted end. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rear group unit at the telephoto end. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S1-S1 in FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views of the camera system as seen from the front side (subject side) and the back side (imaging surface side), respectively. The camera system includes an interchangeable lens (optical device) 101 and a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as camera body) 1 to which the interchangeable lens 101 is detachably attached. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the direction in which the optical axis of the imaging optical system housed in the interchangeable lens 101 extends is defined as the X-axis direction (optical axis direction), and directions perpendicular to this are defined as the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). Hereinafter, the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction will be collectively referred to as the Z / Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the rotation direction around the Z-axis will be defined as the pitch direction, and the rotation direction around the Y-axis will be defined as the yaw direction. The pitch direction and yaw direction (hereinafter collectively referred to as the pitch / yaw direction) are directions of rotation around two mutually perpendicular axes, the Z-axis and the Y-axis. In this embodiment, an interchangeable lens will be described as an example of an optical device, but the present invention can also be applied to other optical devices such as an integrated lens camera.

[0011] A grip section 2 is provided on the left side of the camera body 1 when viewed from the front (right side when viewed from the rear) for the user to hold the camera body 1 with their hand. A power operation section 3 is also located on the top surface of the camera body 1. When the user turns on the power operation section 3 while the camera body 1 is in the power-off state, power is supplied to the camera body 1, the camera body 1 enters the power-on state, and a computer program such as a process for detecting the origin of the focus group is executed, and the camera body 1 enters a standby state for shooting. When the user turns off the power operation section 3 while the camera body 1 is in the power-on state, the camera body 1 enters the power-off state.

[0012] The top surface of the camera body 1 is also provided with a mode dial 4, a release button 5, and an accessory shoe 6. The user can switch between shooting modes by rotating the mode dial 4. The shooting modes include a manual still image shooting mode, in which the user can freely set shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value, an auto still image shooting mode, in which the appropriate exposure is automatically obtained, and a video shooting mode for shooting videos. The user can instruct shooting preparation operations such as autofocus and auto exposure control by half-pressing the release button 5, and can instruct shooting by fully pressing it. An accessory (camera accessory) such as an external flash or other lighting or light-emitting device can be detachably attached to the accessory shoe 6.

[0013] The interchangeable lens 101 is equipped with a lens mount 102 that can be mechanically and electrically connected to a camera mount 7 provided on the camera body 1. The lens mount 102 and the camera mount 7, each of which has a circular ring shape, are made of metal and are detachable via a bayonet coupling (not shown). There are no restrictions on the combination of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1 as long as they share a common mount shape as a camera system.

[0014] The interchangeable lens 101 houses an imaging optical system that forms a subject image using light from a subject. A zoom operation ring (operation member) 103 that can be rotated around the optical axis by user operation is provided on the outer periphery of the interchangeable lens 101. When the zoom operation ring 103 is rotated by the user, the zoom groups that make up the imaging optical system move to predetermined usage positions that correspond to the angle of the zoom operation ring 103, within a range from the wide-angle end on the short focal length side of the zoom to the telephoto end on the long focal length side of the zoom. This allows the user to capture images at a desired angle of view. In this embodiment, a retractable end, where capturing is further restricted, is provided after the zoom operation ring 103 is rotated from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end. The retractable end is the position where the interchangeable lens 101 is most retracted.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1( b), the rear surface of the camera body 1 is provided with a rear operation unit 8 and a display unit 9. The rear operation unit 8 includes a plurality of buttons and dials assigned with various functions. When the camera body 1 is powered on and the still image or video shooting mode is set, the display unit 9 displays a through image of a subject captured by an image sensor (described later). The display unit 9 also displays shooting parameters indicating shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value. The user can change the settings of the shooting parameters by operating the rear operation unit 8 while viewing the display. The rear operation unit 8 includes a playback button for instructing playback of a recorded captured image. When the user operates the playback button, the captured image is played back and displayed on the display unit 9. The display unit 9 may be a touch panel type having the same functions as the rear operation unit 8.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical and optical configurations of the interchangeable lens 101 and camera body 1. The camera body 1 has a power supply unit 10 that supplies power to the camera body 1 and interchangeable lens 101, and an operation unit 11 that includes the power operation unit 3, mode dial 4, release button 5, rear operation unit 8, and the touch panel function of the display unit 9. In this embodiment, the camera body 1 and interchangeable lens 101 as an entire system are controlled by a camera control unit 12 provided in the camera body 1 and a lens control unit (board) 104 provided in the interchangeable lens 101, which work in conjunction with each other.

[0017] The camera control unit 12 reads and executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 13. In doing so, the camera control unit 12 communicates various control signals, data, and the like with the lens control unit 104 via a communication terminal of an electrical contact 105 provided on the lens mount 102. The electrical contact 105 includes a power terminal that supplies power from the power supply unit 10 to the interchangeable lens 101.

[0018] The imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom group 110 that is connected to the zoom operation ring 103 and moves in the optical axis direction to change the angle of view, and an aperture group 301 that adjusts the amount of light. The imaging optical system also includes a lens vibration reduction group 113 that includes a shift lens as an image stabilization element that reduces image blur by moving (shifting) in the Z / Y axis directions orthogonal to the optical axis. The imaging optical system also includes a focus group 116 that includes a focus lens that moves in the optical axis direction to adjust the focus. The interchangeable lens 101 includes an aperture driver 302 that drives the aperture group 301, an image stabilization driver 311 that moves the lens vibration reduction group 113, and a focus driver 601 that moves the focus group 116.

[0019] The camera body 1 has a shutter unit 14, a shutter driver 15, an image sensor 16, an image processor 17, and a camera controller 12. The shutter unit 14 controls the amount of light exposed to the image sensor 16. The image sensor 16 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system and outputs an image signal. The image processor 17 performs various image processes on the image signal and then generates an image signal. The display 9 displays the image signal (through image) output from the image processor 17, displays the shooting parameters as described above, and plays back and displays shot images recorded in the memory unit 13 or a recording medium (not shown).

[0020] The camera control unit 12 controls the focus driving unit 601 in response to a shooting preparation operation (such as a half-press of the release button 5) on the operation unit 11. For example, when an autofocus operation is instructed, the focus detection unit 18 determines the focus state of the subject image formed by the image sensor 16 based on the image signal generated by the image processing unit 17, generates a focus signal, and sends it to the camera control unit 12. The focus driving unit 601 also sends information about the current position of the focus group 116 to the camera control unit 12. The camera control unit 12 compares the focus state of the subject image with the current position of the focus group 116, calculates a focus driving amount from the amount of deviation, and sends it to the lens control unit 104. The lens control unit 104 moves the focus group 116 to a target position in the optical axis direction via the focus driving unit 601, thereby correcting the focus deviation of the subject image.

[0021] The focus driving unit 601 includes a focus motor that functions as an actuator and a photointerrupter that detects the origin position of the focus group 116. Generally, a stepping motor, which is a type of actuator, is often used as the focus motor. Note that a DC motor with an encoder, an ultrasonic motor, a servo motor, or the like may also be used as the focus motor. Furthermore, while a photointerrupter directly receives light emitted from a light-emitting unit with a light-receiving unit, a photoreflector that receives light reflected from a reflective surface or a brush that contacts a conductive pattern and electrically detects a signal may alternatively be used as the detecting unit.

[0022] The camera control unit 12 controls the driving of the aperture group 301 and the shutter unit 14 via the aperture drive unit 302 and the shutter drive unit 15 in accordance with the setting values ​​of the aperture value and shutter speed received from the operation unit 11. For example, when an automatic exposure control operation is instructed, the camera control unit 12 receives a luminance signal generated by the image processing unit 17 and performs a photometric calculation. Based on the result of the photometric calculation, the camera control unit 12 controls the aperture drive unit 302 in accordance with a shooting instruction operation on the operation unit 11 (such as a full press of the release button 5). The camera control unit 12 also controls the driving of the shutter unit 14 via the shutter drive unit 15 and performs exposure processing by the image sensor 16.

[0023] The camera body 1 has a pitch shake detection unit 19 and a yaw shake detection unit 20 as shake detection means capable of detecting image shake caused by the user's hand shake, etc. The pitch shake detection unit 19 and the yaw shake detection unit 20 each use an angular velocity sensor (vibration gyro) and an angular acceleration sensor to detect image shake in the pitch direction (direction of rotation around the Z axis) and the yaw direction (direction of rotation around the Y axis), and output a shake signal.

[0024] The camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position of the lens vibration isolation group 113 in the Y-axis direction using the shake signal from the pitch shake detection unit 19. Similarly, the camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position of the lens vibration isolation group 113 in the Z-axis direction using the shake signal from the yaw shake detection unit 20. Then, the camera control unit 12 moves the lens vibration isolation group 113 to a target position in the Z-axis / Y-axis direction via the vibration isolation drive unit 311 in accordance with the calculated shift position in the pitch / yaw direction, thereby reducing image shake during exposure or when a through-image is displayed.

[0025] The interchangeable lens 101 has a zoom ring 103 for changing the angle of view of the imaging optical system, and a zoom detection unit 106 for detecting the angle of the zoom ring 103. The zoom detection unit 106 detects the angle of the zoom ring 103 operated by the user as an absolute value, and is configured using, for example, a resistive linear potentiometer. Information about the angle of view detected by the zoom detection unit 106 is sent to the lens control unit 104 and reflected in various controls by the camera control unit 12 described above. Some of the various pieces of information are recorded together with the captured image in the memory unit 13 or a recording medium (not shown).

[0026] The positional relationships of the main components of the interchangeable lens 101 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figures 3 to 5 are cross-sectional views on the XY plane including the optical axis of the interchangeable lens at the wide-angle end, telephoto end, and retracted end, respectively. The center line shown in each figure approximately coincides with the optical axis determined by the imaging optical system, and therefore will be hereinafter referred to as the optical axis.

[0027] 3 and 4 show a state in which the imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 101 is in a position where imaging is possible (a state in which imaging is possible). FIG. 5 shows a state in which the imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 101 is in a retracted position (storage position) where imaging is restricted. Note that a state in which imaging is possible means that the functions of the camera system including the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 can always operate normally. A state in which imaging is restricted means that some of the functions of the camera system including the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 do not operate normally. For example, when the imaging optical system is in the retracted position, it is possible to take a photograph (for example, pressing the shutter to take a photograph of a subject), but there may be cases in which the captured image is out of focus, resulting in a partially or entirely blurred image.

[0028] The retractable end in FIG. 5 is located further beyond the wide-angle end in FIG. 3, and by rotating the zoom operation ring 103 in one direction, the lens barrel moves from the retractable end in FIG. 5 to the wide-angle end in FIG. 3, and from the wide-angle end in FIG. 3 to the telephoto end in FIG. 4, in that order.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this embodiment employs a seven-group configuration as an example of an imaging optical system. The zoom group 110 includes a first zoom group 111, a second zoom group 112, an aperture group 301, a lens vibration reduction group 113 functioning as a third zoom group, a fourth zoom group 114, a fifth zoom group 115, a focus group 116 functioning as a sixth zoom group, and a seventh zoom group 117. Each of the lens groups included in the zoom group 110 moves to a different predetermined usage position at the wide-angle end and the telephoto end to form a subject image on the plane (imaging surface) of the image sensor 16. Note that the present invention does not limit the configuration of the imaging optical system. For example, the lens vibration reduction group 113 and the focus group 116 may function as other zoom groups. Furthermore, some lens groups may be fixed rather than movable.

[0030] The linear guide barrel 107 and the cam barrel 108 are made by cutting metal material, and the linear guide barrel 107 in particular is a fixed component that is fixed to the lens mount 102 via a fixed barrel (not shown). Bayonet claws (not shown) are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the linear guide barrel 107. A circumferential groove (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cam barrel 108. The cam barrel 108 is also connected to the zoom operation ring 103. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the bayonet claws engage with the circumferential groove, restricting movement of the cam barrel 108 in the optical axis direction and allowing it to rotate about the optical axis.

[0031] The linear guide barrel 107 has linear guide grooves formed at equal intervals that restrict movement of the zoom group 110 in the rotational direction and guide linear movement in the optical axis direction. The cam barrel 108 has cam grooves formed at equal intervals that correspond to the zoom group 110 and have trajectories at different angles in the rotational direction. The zoom group 110 is provided with multiple rollers, each of which fits into a corresponding linear guide groove and cam groove. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the cam barrel 108 rotates, and the rollers fit into the linear guide grooves and cam grooves, thereby moving the zoom group 110 back and forth in the optical axis direction while restricting movement in the rotational direction.

[0032] The interchangeable lens 101 has a retractable mechanism that allows the zoom group 110 to be retracted further toward the rear side when not taking pictures. This reduces the overall length of the interchangeable lens 101, improving the portability of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1. As will be described in more detail below, in FIG. 5 , the seventh zoom group 117 has been retracted toward the imaging surface, penetrates the lens control unit 104 and the lens mount 102, and moved to a position where it overlaps with the cover member 901 that forms the exterior of the rear side of the interchangeable lens 101.

[0033] At the wide-angle end in FIG. 3, the distance between the second zoom group 112 and the lens vibration reduction group 113 is wide, while at the telephoto end in FIG. 4, the distance between the first zoom group 111 and the second zoom group 112 is wide. In this way, the retractable mechanism narrows the distance between the zoom groups, moves them to a retracted position close to each other, and shortens the overall length in the optical axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5, at the retracted end when not taking pictures, the zoom groups 110 are moved to a retracted position close to each other. From the state in FIG. 5, for example, when the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103 to the wide-angle end, the zoom groups 110 extend forward and move to a predetermined usage position, thereby achieving the state in FIG. 3 where photography is possible.

[0034] The interior view of the rear side of the interchangeable lens 101 will be described below with reference to FIGS. Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the interchangeable lens. Fig. 6(a) shows the retracted end where the seventh zoom group 117 is retracted most toward the imaging surface side, and corresponds to Fig. 5. Fig. 6(b) shows the telephoto end, and corresponds to Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing some of the components at the telephoto end of Fig. 6(b).

[0035] The exterior of the rear surface of the interchangeable lens 101 is mainly composed of a cover member 901, electrical contacts 105, a lens mount 102, and an exterior barrel (cylinder member) 109. An opening 901a is formed in the cover member 901, and at the retracted end in FIG. 6(a), the seventh zoom group 117 protrudes from the inner periphery of the opening 901a and is exposed to the outside. At the telephoto end in FIG. 6(b), the seventh zoom group 117 extends to the front side, thereby exposing a conductive member 801 (described later) to the interior from the inner periphery of the opening 901a.

[0036] Generally, when attempting to conceal the lens control unit 104 with the cover member 901 at the telephoto end, if the amount of retraction of the seventh zoom group 117 toward the imaging surface is large, as at the retracted end on the opposite side, there is a risk that the seventh zoom group 117 will interfere with the cover member 901. Therefore, in this embodiment, a second cutout portion 901b is formed in the cover member 901.

[0037] When assembling the cover member 901, it is inserted into the lens mount 102 from the imaging surface side and fixed. The concealing shape of the cover member 901 means that it can only be positioned inside the inner diameter of the lens mount 102, making it difficult to prevent the lens control unit 104 from being exposed using only the cover member 901. Although a configuration has been proposed in the past in which the lens control unit 104 is concealed using an interior member separate from the cover member 901, attempting to completely cover and conceal the lens control unit 104 and the conductive member 801 would impose restrictions on the miniaturization of the interchangeable lens 101.

[0038] However, the rear surface of the interchangeable lens 101 cannot be seen by the user as an interior view when it is attached to the camera body 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted that prioritizes miniaturization while ensuring reliability, rather than pursuing the quality of the interior view. Specifically, a portion of the conductive member 801 is exposed to the interior view, and a portion of the lens control unit 104 is covered and hidden by the conductive member 801.

[0039] The rear group unit 600 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are rear perspective views of the rear group unit 600 at the retracted end and the telephoto end, respectively. In Figures 8 and 9, some components are omitted, and the views are taken from a different direction than the rear perspective views shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0040] The rear group unit 600 includes a movable barrel 610. The fourth zoom group 114, the fifth zoom group 115, and the focus group 116 are housed inside the movable barrel 610. The seventh zoom group 117 is fixed to the movable barrel 610. A focus drive unit 601 including a focus motor is disposed on the movable barrel 610. A flexible board 604 is connected to the lens control unit 104 and supplies power to the focus motor. Three movable rollers 613 are provided at equal intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the movable barrel 610. As described above, the three movable rollers 613 are fitted into corresponding linear guide grooves and cam grooves. For example, when zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the cam barrel 108 rotates, and the movable barrel 610 moves linearly in the optical axis direction together with components such as the fourth zoom group 114 and the focus group 116.

[0041] The lens control unit 104 will be described below with reference to Figs. 7 to 11. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the components, with some components omitted, viewed from the same direction as the rear perspective views of Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the components, with some components omitted, viewed from a different direction from the front perspective view of Fig. 1(a). Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) are perspective views of the components at the retracted end and the telephoto end, respectively.

[0042] The lens control unit 104 is configured with a main plane parallel to the imaging surface, and is the main mounting board for controlling the vibration isolation drive unit 311, the aperture drive unit 302, the focus drive unit 601, etc. The lens control unit 104 has a ground that serves as a reference potential point, and can make the reference potential of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1 the same.

[0043] A microcomputer equipped with basic control functions, drive ICs for various actuators, connectors for connecting flexible printed circuit boards, and the like are mounted by solder on the flat surface of the lens control unit 104. Connector 104b is one of multiple connectors mounted on the lens control unit 104, and is a connection part with the flexible printed circuit board 604 that supplies power to the focus motor. The height of connector 104b is approximately 1.0 mm, and the height of the other connectors is similar. The multiple mounted components may be mounted on only one side (the subject side or the imaging surface side) of the lens control unit 104 instead of on both sides.

[0044] The lens control unit 104 has an outer arc shape with an inner diameter and an outer diameter, each centered on the optical axis, and is separated by a first cutout 104a and has an end. The interchangeable lens 101 of this embodiment is a large-aperture zoom lens employing a rear-focusing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 8 , at the retracted end, the focus driver 601 and the seventh zoom group 117, which are part of the rear group unit 600, overlap with the lens control unit 104 in the optical axis direction. The first cutout 104a is provided to avoid interference with these components. Furthermore, by completely separating the lens control unit 104 with the first cutout 104a, material cutting efficiency can be improved compared to a circular ring shape with a continuous circumference. The term "arc shape" refers to a shape that can be distinguished from its appearance and includes a roughly arc shape.

[0045] An arc-shaped electrical contact 105 is disposed between the lens mount 102 and the cover member 901 and is fixed to the inner periphery of the lens mount 102 with screws or the like. The electrical contact 105 is formed by insert molding and has multiple communication terminals. In addition to a power terminal, the multiple communication terminals also include a ground terminal, which is electrically connected to the ground of the lens control unit 104.

[0046] When the interchangeable lens 101 is attached to the camera body 1, the electrical contacts 105 are electrically connected to electrical contacts on the camera body 1. A flexible substrate 105a that electrically connects multiple communication terminals is arranged between the lens control unit 104 and the electrical contacts 105. A first end of the flexible substrate 105a is electrically connected to the lens control unit 104 via a connector (not shown). A second end of the flexible substrate 105a is soldered to and electrically connected to the multiple communication terminals. In this way, a communication path for various control signals, data, and the like is formed between the lens control unit 104 of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera control unit 12 of the camera body 1.

[0047] The conductive member 801 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a rear view of the component. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S1-S1 in Fig. 12.

[0048] The conductive member 801 is formed of a metal material, such as a sheet metal member such as a phosphor bronze plate, a zinc-plated steel plate, or a stainless steel plate. If a conductive resin is used instead of a metal, it is difficult to obtain a stable conductive effect because the conductive resin itself has a high electrical resistance.

[0049] The conductive member 801 is formed with a first elastic deformation portion 801a and a second elastic deformation portion 801b, each having a leaf spring shape. The first elastic deformation portion 801a elastically contacts a ground opening (pad) provided on a flat surface on the imaging surface side of the lens control unit 104, thereby providing electrical conductivity. The second elastic deformation portion 801b elastically contacts a flat surface on the subject side of the lens mount 102, thereby providing electrical conductivity. The conductive member 801 is also formed with a first shielding surface 801c parallel to the imaging surface, such that it overlaps with a connector 104b mounted on the imaging surface side of the lens control unit 104. The conductive member 801 is also formed with a second shielding surface 801d orthogonal to the first shielding surface 801c, such that it overlaps with the inner periphery of the lens control unit 104 in the optical axis direction.

[0050] As described above, the cover member 901 has a second cutout 901b formed therein to avoid interference with the seventh zoom group 117. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the seventh zoom group 117, at the retracted end, penetrates the first cutout 104a while overlapping with the second shielding surface 801d in the optical axis direction and is retracted to a position where it overlaps with the second cutout 901b. When assembling the cover member 901, the cover member 901 is inserted into the lens mount 102 from the imaging surface side and fixed thereto. In other words, it is difficult to position the concealing shape of the cover member 901 inside the inner diameter of the lens mount 102 while avoiding interference with the seventh zoom group 117.

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the first shielding surface 801c and the second shielding surface 801d are arranged to correspond to the second cutout portion 901b. At the telephoto end shown in FIGS. 6(b), 9, and 11(b), the conductive member 801 is exposed to the imaging surface side through the opening 901a. In order to lower the reflectance of the conductive member 801 in the area exposed to the imaging surface side compared to the surface of the lens control unit 104, it is preferable that the conductive member 801 be subjected to black plating or painting. In this case, the first elastic deformation portion 801a and the second elastic deformation portion 801b are arranged outside the opening 901a and are not exposed to the imaging surface side.

[0052] If the lens control unit 104 is exposed, not only will it impair the quality of the interior view, but the user may also accidentally touch it. The wiring pitch of the connector 104b is becoming narrower, and even minute foreign matter such as skin oils can cause a short circuit if it adheres to the mounting area. There is also a risk of the solder cracking or peeling. On the other hand, to realize the advanced control functions required of modern interchangeable lenses 101, a sufficient mounting area for the lens control unit 104 must be secured.

[0053] Therefore, for example, when the seventh zoom group 117 is positioned closest to the subject, such as at the telephoto end, the first shielding surface 801c and the second shielding surface 801d cover the connector 104b so that the connector 104b is not exposed from the second cutout portion 901b. In this state, the first shielding surface 801c is disposed between the first cutout portion 104a and the second cutout portion 901b, and the second shielding surface 801d overlaps with the lens control unit 104 in the optical axis direction. Note that the first shielding surface 801c and the second shielding surface 801d do not come into contact with the lens control unit 104.

[0054] A fixing portion 801e is formed on the conductive member 801. The fixing portion 801e is arranged to correspond to the first cutout portion 104a that separates the lens control portion 104, and a first screw 803 made of a metal material is inserted into the fixing portion 801e. The outer barrel 109 is molded from a conductive resin, and the fixing portion 801e is positioned by the outer barrel 109 and is electrically conductive. The first screw 803 passes through the fixing portion 801e and the outer barrel 109 and is screwed into the linear guide barrel 107.

[0055] As described above, the conductive member 801 is electrically connected to the ground opening on the imaging surface side of the lens control unit 104 by the first elastic deformation portion 801a. Therefore, the rectilinear guide barrel 107, the cam barrel 108, and the exterior barrel 109 are electrically connected to the lens control unit 104 via the first screw 803 and the conductive member 801. At the same time, the conductive member 801 is electrically connected to the lens mount 102 by the second elastic deformation portion 801b.

[0056] The lens mount 102 is mechanically attached to the camera mount 7, and is thereby electrically connected to the ground of the camera body 1. The connection of the lens mount 102 to the ground of the camera body 1 is physically more stable than a connection via the ground terminal of the electrical contact 105. In other words, the conductive member 801 mutually conducts electricity between the lens mount 102, lens control unit 104, linear guide barrel 107, cam barrel 108, and exterior barrel 109, thereby more stably matching the reference potentials of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1. This makes it possible to provide an interchangeable lens 101 that is able to suppress the effects of static electricity and noise and allows for stable control.

[0057] Furthermore, the first elastic deformation portion 801a elastically biases the lens control portion 104 toward the subject side, thereby preventing the lens control portion 104 from floating up toward the imaging surface side even when warping occurs due to temperature changes or when an impact occurs due to a drop or vibration.

[0058] The lens control unit 104 applies a two-phase AC voltage having a predetermined phase difference to the focus drive unit 601 through the flexible substrate 604 shown in Figures 8 and 9. At this time, the movement direction and movement speed of the focus group 116 can be controlled by changing the frequency and phase of the two-phase AC voltage.

[0059] 13 is one of the electric elements mounted on the plane of the lens control unit 104 on the subject side. The boost coil 104d generates a voltage higher than the voltage supplied to the lens control unit 104, and supplies power to the focus drive unit 601. In this embodiment, the boost coil 104d is 7.7 mm (D) × 7.0 mm (W) × 4.2 mm (H), but a larger coil may be used to amplify the voltage.

[0060] The drive circuit of the focus driver 601 switches a DC voltage circuit using, for example, a pulse signal generated at a predetermined frequency. The switched voltage is boosted by the boost coil 104d to generate a sine wave voltage to be applied to the focus driver 601. At this time, the boost coil 104d generates magnetic noise.

[0061] When magnetic noise reaches the image sensor 16, a high-frequency changing magnetic field penetrates the signal line for pixel charge information that extracts the image signal, causing noise in the signal line for pixel charge information. If magnetic noise is superimposed on the image signal during the process from when the image sensor 16 generates the image signal to when it outputs it, it can degrade image quality.

[0062] As described above, the conductive member 801 is made of a metal material and is electrically connected to ground. The magnetic flux generated by the boost coil 104d attempts to pass through the first shielding surface 801c and the second shielding surface 801d. When this happens, a change in the magnetic flux density generates an eddy current due to electromagnetic induction. As a result, the amount of magnetic flux penetrating the first shielding surface 801c and the second shielding surface 801d is reduced, reducing the effect of magnetic noise on the image sensor 16 and suppressing degradation of image quality.

[0063] 3 to 5 and 7 to 13, tilt washer (adjustment member) 802 will be described below. Generally, at least two tilt washers 802 are used in combination to adjust the tilt of the optical axis of the imaging optical system housed in interchangeable lens 101. Tilt washer 802 is formed from an insulating sheet material of a certain thickness, and a PET sheet of 0.03 to 0.3 mm thickness is suitable.

[0064] If the lens control unit 104 is located away from the lens mount 102 and closer to the subject, as in Patent Document 1, it would be difficult to shorten the overall length of the interchangeable lens 101. Therefore, the lens control unit 104 is located closer to the subject than to the lens mount 102, and a tilt washer 802 is sandwiched in the space between the lens mount 102 and the lens control unit 104. The tilt washer 802 prevents the lens mount 102 and the lens control unit 104 from coming into contact with each other. Even if the lens mount 102 and the lens control unit 104 come into contact due to an impact caused by a drop or vibration, there is no risk of a short circuit due to the insulating properties of the tilt washer 802.

[0065] The second screws 902 are fastening parts that fix the lens mount 102, and at least three or more are used. The tilt washer 802 is formed with thickness adjustment portions 802b through which the second screws 902 pass, and when the number of second screws 902 is n (n: an integer of 3 or more), the thickness adjustment portions 802b are arranged adjacent to each other in at most n-2 locations. In this embodiment, the number of second screws 902 is four, and the thickness adjustment portions 802b are arranged in two locations.

[0066] Tilt washer 802 can be rotated around the optical axis and positioned in n phases. That is, in the present embodiment, when the number of second screws 902 is four, tilt washer 802 can be rotated and positioned in four phases. In this case, flexible substrate 105a is positioned corresponding to one of third cutout portions 802a in the phase in which tilt washer 802 can be rotated and positioned.

[0067] At least two tilt washers 802 are arranged with a shift in rotational phase (position in the circumferential direction) and partial overlap. For example, if the thickness of tilt washer 802 is 0.1 mm, in a phase in which two thickness adjustment portions 802b overlap, the total thickness is 0.2 mm. Similarly, in a phase in which only one thickness adjustment portion 802b exists, the thickness is 0.1 mm, and in a phase in which the thickness adjustment portions 802b do not overlap, the thickness is 0 mm. By combining the overlapping thickness adjustment portions 802b, the distance between lens mount 102 and the imaging optical system increases by the amount of that thickness, and the desired back focus and tilt of the optical axis are appropriately adjusted.

[0068] Stacking multiple tilt washers 802 also increases the distance between the conductive member 801 and the lens mount 102. The second elastic deformation portion 801b is pre-charged to the lens mount 102 so that stable conduction is maintained between the conductive member 801 and the lens mount 102 even after adjustment by the tilt washer 802. The maximum amount of elastic deformation of the second elastic deformation portion 801b is set to be larger than the adjustment amount by the tilt washer 802. Note that although the tilt washer 802 is used to adjust the tilt of the optical axis in this embodiment, it may also be used to adjust only the back focus.

[0069] When attempting to set the adjustment amount using tilt washer 802 more precisely, it is conceivable that more thin sheet materials will be used in layers. In this embodiment, tilt washer 802 is sandwiched between lens control unit 104 and first shielding surface 801c to prevent it from floating up toward the imaging surface. As a result, even when multiple tilt washers 802 are stacked, misalignment between tilt washers 802 is unlikely to occur during assembly, and good assembly workability of components such as lens mount 102 is maintained.

[0070] Tilt washer 802 has four rotationally symmetrical third cutouts 802a each having a smaller circumferential width than first cutouts 104a. At least one of third cutouts 802a is positioned to correspond to second cutout 901b. Second elastic deformation portion 801b and fixed portion 801e are positioned to correspond to third cutout 802a.

[0071] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) a substrate having a first cutout portion; The lens mount and A conductive member; a cover member that has an opening and a second cutout portion and is fixed to the lens mount; the conductive member is disposed between the first cutout portion and the second cutout portion, is exposed from the opening toward the imaging surface, and overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface. (Configuration 2) further comprising a lens group movable along the optical axis; 2. The optical device according to configuration 1, wherein the lens group overlaps with the first cutout portion in the optical axis direction when moved closest to the imaging surface. (Configuration 3) a guide barrel that houses the lens group; and a first screw that is conductive; 3. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein the first screw passes through the conductive member and is screwed into the guide tube. (Configuration 4) 4. The optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the conductive member overlaps with components mounted on the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface. (Configuration 5) 5. The optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the conductive member includes a first elastically deforming portion that contacts the substrate and is electrically conductive. (Configuration 6) 6. The optical device according to configuration 5, wherein the first elastic deformation portion biases the substrate toward the subject side, restricting movement toward the imaging surface side. (Configuration 7) 7. The optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the conductive member includes a second elastically deformable portion that contacts the lens mount and conducts electricity. (Configuration 8) The optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the conductive member is parallel to the imaging surface and has a first shielding surface that overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface. (Configuration 9) 9. The optical device according to configuration 8, wherein the conductive member has a second shielding surface that is perpendicular to the first shielding surface and overlaps with the inner periphery of the substrate in the optical axis direction. (Configuration 10) the conductive member is formed of a conductive material, 10. The optical device according to configuration 9, wherein the first shielding surface and the second shielding surface are not in contact with the substrate. (Configuration 11) the conductive member includes a first elastically deforming portion, a second elastically deforming portion, and a first shielding surface; the first shielding surface is disposed in correspondence with the second cutout portion and is exposed to the imaging surface side; An optical device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the first elastic deformation portion and the second elastic deformation portion are arranged outside the opening and are not exposed to the imaging surface side. (Configuration 12) 12. The optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, further comprising an adjustment member for adjusting at least one of the back focus and the tilt of the optical axis. (Configuration 13) the conductive member includes a second elastically deformable portion that contacts the lens mount and is electrically conductive; 13. The optical device according to configuration 12, wherein the maximum amount of elastic deformation of the second elastic deformation portion is greater than the amount of adjustment in the optical axis direction by the adjustment member. (Configuration 14) the conductive member is parallel to an imaging surface and includes a first shielding surface that overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface; 14. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment member is disposed between the substrate and the first shielding surface. (Configuration 15) 15. The optical device according to any one of configurations 12 to 14, wherein the adjustment member has insulating properties and regulates contact between the substrate and the lens mount. (Configuration 16) Further, at least three or more second screws are provided to fix the lens mount, 16. The optical device according to any one of configurations 12 to 15, wherein the adjustment member has a thickness adjustment portion through which the second screw passes. (Configuration 17) The optical device described in configuration 16, characterized in that when the number of the second screws is n (n: an integer greater than or equal to 3), the thickness adjustment portions are formed adjacent to each other in fewer than n-2 locations. (Configuration 18) 18. The optical device according to configuration 17, wherein the adjustment member can be rotated around the optical axis and positioned at n phases, and adjusts the tilt of the optical axis relative to the lens mount. (Configuration 19) The optical device according to configuration 18, wherein at least two of the adjustment members are arranged with a rotational phase shift and a partial overlap. (Configuration 20) Further comprising a conductive cylindrical member, 20. The optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 19, wherein the conductive member has a fixing portion that is arranged corresponding to the first cutout portion and is fixed to the cylindrical member. (Configuration 21) An optical device according to any one of configurations 1 to 20; a camera body having a camera mount connectable to the lens mount.

[0072] 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]

[0073] 101 Interchangeable lenses (optical equipment) 102 lens mount 104 Lens control unit (board) 104a first notch 801 Conductive materials 901 Cover material 901a opening 901b Second notch

Claims

1. a substrate having a first cutout portion; The lens mount and A conductive member; a cover member that has an opening and a second cutout portion and is fixed to the lens mount; the conductive member is disposed between the first cutout portion and the second cutout portion, is exposed from the opening toward the imaging surface, and overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface.

2. further comprising a lens group movable along the optical axis; 2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the lens group overlaps with the first cutout portion in the optical axis direction when the lens group is moved closest to the imaging surface side.

3. a guide barrel that houses the lens group; and a first screw that is conductive; 3. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein the first screw passes through the conductive member and is screwed into the guide tube.

4. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member overlaps with a component mounted on the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface.

5. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member includes a first elastically deforming portion that contacts the substrate and is electrically conductive.

6. 6. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein the first elastic deformation portion biases the substrate toward the object side, restricting movement toward the imaging surface side.

7. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member includes a second elastically deformable portion that contacts the lens mount and conducts electricity.

8. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is parallel to an imaging surface and includes a first shielding surface that overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface.

9. 9. The optical device according to claim 8, wherein the conductive member has a second shielding surface that is perpendicular to the first shielding surface and overlaps with an inner periphery of the substrate in the optical axis direction.

10. the conductive member is formed of a conductive material, 10. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein the first shielding surface and the second shielding surface do not contact the substrate.

11. the conductive member includes a first elastic deformation portion, a second elastic deformation portion, and a first shielding surface; the first shielding surface is disposed in correspondence with the second cutout portion and is exposed on the imaging surface side; 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic deformation portion and the second elastic deformation portion are disposed outside the opening and are not exposed to the imaging surface side.

12. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment member for adjusting at least one of a back focus and an inclination of the optical axis.

13. the conductive member includes a second elastically deformable portion that contacts the lens mount and conducts electricity; 13. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein a maximum amount of elastic deformation of the second elastic deformation portion is greater than an adjustment amount in the optical axis direction by the adjustment member.

14. the conductive member is parallel to an imaging surface and includes a first shielding surface that overlaps with the substrate on a plane parallel to the imaging surface; The optical device according to claim 12 , wherein the adjustment member is disposed between the substrate and the first shielding surface.

15. 13. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment member has insulating properties and regulates contact between the substrate and the lens mount.

16. and further comprising at least three or more second screws for fixing the lens mount. The optical device according to claim 12 , wherein the adjustment member includes a thickness adjustment portion through which the second screw passes.

17. The optical device according to claim 16, wherein when the number of the second screws is n (n: an integer greater than or equal to 3), the thickness adjustment portions are formed adjacent to each other in fewer than n-2 locations.

18. 18. The optical device according to claim 17, wherein the adjustment member can be rotated about the optical axis and positioned at n phases, and adjusts the tilt of the optical axis with respect to the lens mount.

19. 19. The optical device according to claim 18, wherein at least two of the adjustment members are arranged to be partially overlapped with each other with a rotational phase shift.

20. Further comprising a conductive cylindrical member, 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member includes a fixing portion that is disposed in correspondence with the first notch and is fixed to the cylindrical member.

21. The optical device according to claim 1 or 2; a camera body having a camera mount connectable to the lens mount.

Images