Optical adjustment mechanism

Abstract

One embodiment of the disclosed technique provides an optical adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position and / or tilt of an optical element. [Solution] An optical adjustment mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an outer frame, an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element, a biasing member arranged around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the direction of the optical axis of the optical element, and an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses the inner frame from shifting relative to the outer frame in a direction intersecting the direction of the optical axis, the axis misalignment suppression unit comprising protrusions arranged on the outer frame at multiple locations around the optical axis and protruding in the direction of the optical axis, and contact units formed on the inner frame that come into contact with the protrusions, and the outer frame further comprises a stopper that prevents the inner frame from falling off in the direction of the optical axis due to the biasing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical adjustment mechanism for adjusting an optical element. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding technology for adjusting optical elements, for example, Patent Document 1 describes adjusting the tilt of a lens holding frame by rotating a cylindrical cam. Patent Document 2 describes inserting a protrusion into a receiving hole and adjusting the tilt of a lens holding member with a tilt adjustment washer. Patent Document 3 describes adjusting the tilt of a lens holding frame by inserting a guide bar into a hole, and that the size and direction of the hole are different. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-022008 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-167466 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-197872 Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the disclosed technique provides an optical adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position and / or tilt of an optical element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The optical adjustment mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises an outer frame, an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element, a biasing member arranged around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the optical axis direction of the optical element, and an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses the inner frame from shifting relative to the outer frame in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, and the axis misalignment suppression unit comprises protrusions arranged at multiple locations around the optical axis on the outer frame and protruding in the optical axis direction, and contact units formed on the inner frame that come into contact with the protrusions.

[0006] The optical adjustment mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect, further comprising an adjustment mechanism that presses the inner frame in a direction opposite to the biasing direction with a first pressing member.

[0007] An optical adjustment mechanism according to a third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the first pressing member comes into point contact with a convex portion provided on the inner frame.

[0008] An optical adjustment mechanism according to a fourth aspect is the optical adjustment mechanism according to the second or third aspect, wherein the first pressing member is an eccentric roller, a tapered pin, or a cylindrical cam.

[0009] The optical adjustment mechanism according to the fifth aspect is any one of the second to fourth aspects, in which the position of the inner frame in the optical axis direction and the inclination of the inner frame in the direction intersecting with the optical axis are adjusted according to the adjustment of the degree of pressure of the first pressing member.

[0010] The optical adjustment mechanism according to a sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion are in point contact.

[0011] An optical adjustment mechanism according to a seventh aspect is the sixth aspect, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion come into point contact at two points.

[0012] An optical adjustment mechanism according to an eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the contact portion is a groove having an inner circumferential surface, and the inner circumferential surface acts as the contact surface.

[0013] The optical adjustment mechanism according to a ninth aspect is the first aspect, wherein the contact portion is a biasing portion having a biasing surface.

[0014] An optical adjustment mechanism according to a tenth aspect is the ninth aspect, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion and the offset surface of the offset portion are in point contact at one point.

[0015] An optical adjustment mechanism according to an eleventh aspect is any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the contact portions are arranged at three or more locations around the optical axis on the inner frame.

[0016] The optical adjustment mechanism of the 12th aspect is any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, in which one or more contact portions are arranged in each of three areas formed by dividing a plane intersecting the optical axis into three equal parts.

[0017] The optical adjustment mechanism according to a thirteenth aspect is any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion are arcuate surfaces, and the outer peripheral surface and the contact surface intersect to make point contact.

[0018] The optical adjustment mechanism according to a fourteenth aspect is any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the contact portion is a groove portion formed from the outer periphery of the inner frame toward the center of the optical axis and adapted to receive the protrusion.

[0019] An optical adjustment mechanism according to a fifteenth aspect is any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the axis deviation suppression section is arranged on the inner circumferential side with respect to the adjustment mechanism.

[0020] The optical adjustment mechanism according to a sixteenth aspect is any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the outer frame further includes a stopper that prevents the inner frame from falling off in the optical axis direction due to the biasing force.

[0021] The optical adjustment mechanism of the seventeenth aspect comprises an outer frame, an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element, a biasing member arranged around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the optical axis direction of the optical element, and an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses the inner frame from shifting in the optical axis direction relative to the outer frame, and the axis misalignment suppression unit comprises protrusions arranged at multiple locations around the optical axis on the outer frame and protruding in the optical axis direction, and grooves formed from the outer periphery of the inner frame toward the center of the optical axis to receive the protrusions.

[0022] An optical adjustment mechanism according to an eighteenth aspect is the same as the seventeenth aspect, and further includes an adjustment mechanism that presses the inner frame in a direction opposite to the biasing direction using a first pressing member. Note that the optical adjustment mechanisms according to the seventeenth and eighteenth aspects may have the same configuration as the third to sixteenth aspects.

[0023] The optical adjustment mechanism of the 19th aspect comprises an outer frame, an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element, a biasing member arranged around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the optical axis direction of the optical element, an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses the inner frame from shifting in the optical axis direction relative to the outer frame, and an adjustment mechanism that presses the inner frame in the direction opposite to the biasing direction using a second pressing member that is inserted and removed in the optical axis direction, and the axis misalignment suppression unit comprises protrusions that are arranged at multiple locations around the optical axis on the outer frame and protrude in the optical axis direction, and grooves that are formed from the outer periphery of the inner frame toward the center of the optical axis and receive the protrusions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first optical adjustment mechanism. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the first optical adjustment mechanism (assembled state). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view and a perspective view of the first optical adjustment mechanism (in an assembled state). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first optical adjustment mechanism (in an assembled state). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the axis deviation suppression unit and the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view (partially enlarged view) showing the configuration of the axis deviation suppression section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the axis deviation suppressing portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the axis deviation suppression unit and the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the axis deviation suppressing portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how the degree of pressure is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a preferred arrangement of the first pressing member, the protrusion, and the biasing member. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first optical adjustment mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how the first optical adjustment mechanism is fixed with adhesive. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is another view showing how the first optical adjustment mechanism is fixed with adhesive. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second optical adjustment mechanism. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a front view and a perspective view of the second optical adjustment mechanism (in an assembled state). [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of the second optical adjustment mechanism. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the axis deviation suppressing portion. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the third optical adjustment mechanism. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the third optical adjustment mechanism (assembled state). [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a front view and a side view of the third optical adjustment mechanism (assembled state). [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the third optical adjustment mechanism (assembled state). [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the state of biasing by the biasing spring. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pivot portion. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the state of line contact at the pivot portion. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the configuration of the optical axis direction position regulating unit. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is another diagram showing the configuration of the optical axis direction position regulating portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] One embodiment of the optical adjustment mechanism according to the present invention is as follows: In the description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings as necessary.

[0026] [First embodiment] [Adjustment using optical adjustment mechanism] This section describes optical adjustment mechanisms (first and second optical adjustment mechanisms) for adjusting the position of the optical elements in the optical axis direction and / or the tilt angle in the direction intersecting the optical axis. The optical adjustment mechanism (third optical adjustment mechanism) for adjusting the shift amount of the optical elements (adjusting the position in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction) will be described later in the "Appendix."

[0027] [Imaging system configuration] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment. The imaging system 10 includes a lens device 100, an imaging device body 200, and a monitor 300 (display device), and these elements are arranged along an optical axis L (optical axis direction).

[0028] [Lens device configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the lens device 100 includes a first optical adjustment mechanism 110 (optical adjustment mechanism) and a second optical adjustment mechanism 150 (optical adjustment mechanism). The first optical adjustment mechanism 110 is a mechanism for adjusting optical elements (e.g., lenses) other than the open end (closest to the subject), and the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 is a mechanism for adjusting optical elements at the open end. The lens device 100 may include only one of the first optical adjustment mechanism 110 and the second optical adjustment mechanism 150. Alternatively, the lens device 100 may include multiple first optical adjustment mechanisms 110.

[0029] [Configuration of the imaging device body] The imaging device main body 200 includes an imaging element 220 (image sensor) and a processor 210. The imaging element 220 includes a light receiving section, an analog amplifier section, an A / D converter, an imaging element driver section, etc., and outputs an image signal representing an image of a subject. The imaging element 220 may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type or a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) type imaging element. The processor 210 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output by the imaging element 220, and displays the image of the subject on the monitor 300. The processor 210 includes a processor such as a CPU, a GPU, an FPGA, etc., and memory (such as a flash memory or a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores image processing programs, etc., as well as a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a temporary storage area).

[0030] Using the imaging system 10 configured as described above, a user can capture an image of a subject (e.g., a grid-shaped chart) whose shape, dimensions, color, etc. are known, display the image on the monitor 300, and adjust the position and tilt while viewing the displayed image.

[0031] [Overall configuration of the first optical adjustment mechanism] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of first optical adjustment mechanism 110, and Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are a front view, a side view, and a perspective view of first optical adjustment mechanism 110 (assembled state), and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3, respectively. As shown in these figures, the first optical adjustment mechanism (optical adjustment mechanism) includes an outer frame 112, an inner frame 114 that is held by outer frame 112 and holds a lens (optical element) (not shown), and a biasing spring 116 (biasing member) that is disposed around outer frame 112 and biases inner frame 114 in the direction of optical axis L (optical axis direction; toward the subject). The biasing member may be a spring such as a coil spring or a leaf spring, or may be an elastic body such as rubber or resin.

[0032] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the first optical adjustment mechanism 110 includes an axis misalignment suppression unit 120 (axis misalignment suppression unit) that suppresses the inner frame 114 from shifting relative to the outer frame 112 in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction (including a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L), and an adjustment mechanism 118 (adjustment mechanism) that presses the inner frame 114 in the direction opposite to the direction of the biasing force by the biasing spring 116 (toward the imaging device main body 200), and the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 (axis misalignment suppression unit) is composed of a protrusion 122 (protrusion portion) and a contact portion 124 (contact portion).

[0033] 2 and other figures, the first optical adjustment mechanism 110 is further provided with a spring-biased stopper 119 (stopper) that prevents the inner frame 114 from falling off in the optical axis direction due to the bias of the biasing spring 116. As will be described later, the inner frame 114 can be prevented from falling off by a plurality of adjustment mechanisms 118, but this can be more reliably prevented by fixing the inner frame 114 with the spring-biased stopper 119. The spring-biased stopper 119 may be molded integrally with the inner frame 114.

[0034] [Layout of axis misalignment suppression unit and adjustment mechanism] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and the adjustment mechanism 118 in the first optical adjustment mechanism 110. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 (protrusions 122 and contact portions 124) and the adjustment mechanism 118 are arranged at three locations around the optical axis L on the inner frame 114. Specifically, one axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and one adjustment mechanism 118 are arranged in each of three regions R formed by equally dividing a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L (one aspect of intersection) into thirds. By arranging the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 in three locations in this way, the position and inclination of the inner frame 114 can be defined. Note that the phases of the arrangement (the arrangement positions around the optical axis L) of the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and the adjustment mechanism 118 are different.

[0035] [Configuration of axis misalignment suppression unit] Fig. 7 is a perspective view (partially enlarged view) showing the configuration of axis misalignment suppression section 120, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of axis misalignment suppression section 120. As shown in these figures, axis misalignment suppression section 120 includes protrusions 122 (protrusions) and contact sections 124 (contact sections). Protrusions 122 are cylindrical members that are arranged in multiple locations (three locations in these figures) around optical axis L on outer frame 112 and protrude in the direction of optical axis L.

[0036] On the other hand, contact portion 124 is formed on inner frame 114 and comes into contact with protrusion 122. Specifically, contact portion 124 is a U-shaped groove formed from the outer periphery of inner frame 114 toward the center of the optical axis and receives protrusion 122, and two opposing semi-cylindrical protrusions 128 (contact surfaces) are provided on inner circumferential surface 126 of the groove, and inner circumferential surface 126 and protrusions 128 act as contact surfaces.

[0037] [Suppression of misalignment by the axis misalignment suppression unit] The outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 122 and the contact surface (protrusion 128) of the contact portion 124 described above are arcuate surfaces, and as these arcuate surfaces intersect, the protrusion 128 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 122 come into point contact. This makes it possible to adjust the inclination of the inner frame 114 relative to the protrusion 122 (the inclination of the inner frame 114 relative to the outer frame 112; the direction of the arcuate double arrow in FIG. 7 ) and the position in the optical axis direction (the position in the linear double arrow direction in FIG. 7 ) (note that in FIG. 8 , the direction of the optical axis L is indicated by a solid line, and the direction intersecting the direction of the optical axis L is indicated by a dotted line). Furthermore, as the protrusion 128 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 122 come into point contact, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the tilt center (center of tilt). Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the axis misalignment suppressing portions 120 are provided at three or more locations, so that it is possible to suppress center misalignment relative to the optical axis L and rotational misalignment in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 6, etc., the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and the adjustment mechanism 118 are arranged at three locations around the optical axis L, but the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and the adjustment mechanism 118 may be arranged at four or more locations around the optical axis L, or two or more may be arranged in each of the three regions R.

[0039] [Positional relationship between the axis misalignment suppression unit and the adjustment mechanism] 9 is a schematic diagram (partially enlarged) showing the positional relationship between the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and the adjustment mechanism 118 (the shapes of each component are simplified), and the dotted lines in the figure indicate the radial point contact positions of the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 and the adjustment mechanism 118. By arranging the axis misalignment suppression unit 120 on the inner peripheral side (the side closer to the optical axis L) than the adjustment mechanism 118 as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to make the lens smaller than in a mode in which the outer peripheral part of the inner frame 114 is used to suppress axis misalignment.

[0040] [Modification of the configuration of the axis deviation suppression unit] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the axis misalignment suppression unit (axis misalignment suppression unit 120A). As shown in part (a) of FIG. 10, the contact portion of the axis misalignment suppression unit 120A may be a biasing portion 127 having a biasing surface 129 formed on the inner frame 114A. As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 10, the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 122 and the biasing surface 129 of the biasing portion 127 come into point contact at one point by the protrusion 129A. In part (b) of FIG. 10, the direction of movement of the inner frame 114A relative to the outer frame 112 is indicated by a straight double-headed arrow.

[0041] [Configuration of adjustment mechanism] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an adjustment mechanism (adjustment mechanism 118). The adjustment mechanism 118 includes a cylindrical cam 118A (first pressing member) and a protrusion 118B. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 11, the cylindrical cam 118A is a cylindrical cam having a shape asymmetrical with respect to the center of rotation, and is inserted from the outside of the outer frame 112 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L, and is rotatable around the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. In addition, the protrusion 118B is a semi-cylindrical member provided on the inner frame 114. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 11, the generatrix of the cylindrical cam 118A and the generatrix of the protrusion 118B intersect and make point contact.

[0042] [Adjusting the degree of pressure by rotating the first pressing member] As shown in Fig. 12, the user can change the degree of pressure (pressure level) applied to the inner frame 114 in the direction of the optical axis L (opposite the direction of the biasing force) by rotating the cylindrical cam 118A (first pressing member). Part (a) of Fig. 12 shows the state in which the degree of pressure is maximum, and part (b) of the same figure shows the state in which the degree of pressure is minimum. By adjusting the degree of pressure in this way using the adjustment mechanisms 118 at three locations, the user can adjust the position of the inner frame 114 in the optical axis direction relative to the outer frame 112, and the inclination (tilt angle) of the inner frame 114 with respect to the direction intersecting with the optical axis L.

[0043] [Other examples of adjustment mechanism configurations] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. As shown in part (a) of Fig. 13, the adjustment mechanism 118 includes a tapered pin 118C (first pressing member) whose tip end is thinner than its base end, and a protrusion 118D formed on the inner frame 114. The protrusion 118D may be semi-cylindrical, but is preferably hemispherical. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 13, the generatrix of the tapered pin 118C is in point contact with the protrusion 118D, and the user can adjust the degree of pressure by inserting or removing the tapered pin 118C (moving it in the direction of the arrow), similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0044] 11 to 13, it is preferable to set the shape of the convex portions (convex portions 118B, 118D) to match the shape of the first pressing member (cylindrical cam 118A, tapered pin 118C) so that they come into point contact with each other. Note that the first pressing member may be an eccentric roller.

[0045] [Preferable Arrangements of the First Pressing Member, the Protrusion, and the Biasing Member] 14 is a diagram showing a preferred arrangement of the first pressing member, the protrusion, and the biasing member (an example for the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12). As shown in the drawing, the biasing spring 116 (biasing member) is preferably arranged below the cylindrical cam 118A (first pressing member) and the protrusion 118B (protrusion) in the optical axis direction (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 14).

[0046] [Action and effect of the first optical adjustment mechanism] As described above, the first optical adjustment mechanism 110 according to the first embodiment allows the user to adjust the position and / or inclination (tilt angle) of the optical element. After making these adjustments, the user may fix the adjustment mechanism 118 and / or axis deviation suppression unit 120 with adhesive or resin (for example, a resin that hardens when exposed to light, electromagnetic waves, or heat).

[0047] [Fixing components with adhesives, etc.] When the members constituting the first optical adjustment mechanism are fixed with adhesive, resin, etc., the hardening shrinkage may be large depending on the adhesive or resin material, which may cause an unintended change in the relative position between the inner frame and the outer frame. To address this situation, in the first embodiment, the members can be fixed as follows.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the first optical adjustment mechanism 111 (optical adjustment mechanism) in an assembled state. As shown in part (a) of the figure, the first optical adjustment mechanism 111 includes an outer frame 113 (outer frame) and an inner frame 115 (inner frame). A window 113A and an edge 113B are formed in the outer frame 113, and a groove 113C is formed between the edge 113B and the head of the cylindrical cam 118A. A protrusion 115A is formed in the inner frame 115, and the protrusion 115A is inserted into the window 113A. Meanwhile, part (b) of FIG. 15 is a partial view showing the protrusion 115A inserted into the window 113A as viewed from the front (subject side) in the direction of the optical axis L. It is preferable that the end face of protrusion 115A and the outer peripheral surface of outer frame 113 are located on the same plane, or that the end face of protrusion 115A is recessed toward the center of the optical axis (does not protrude beyond the outer peripheral surface of outer frame 113). Such window portions 113A and protrusions 115A are provided at three locations in the circumferential direction of outer frame 113 and inner frame 115. Other than this, the structure of first optical adjustment mechanism 111 is similar to that of first optical adjustment mechanism 110.

[0049] [Example of fixing method] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for fixing a member. In the example shown in part (a) of the figure, when fixing cylindrical cam 118A (first pressing member), for example, a UV curable adhesive can be applied to groove portion 113C (fixing area 700 in the example shown in the same part). Note that the purpose of this fixing is to fix the rotational position of cylindrical cam 118A, and since the position of the member is not affected by the hardening shrinkage of the adhesive, the type of adhesive and the fixing position are not important.

[0050] In contrast, when fixing the inner frame 115 and the outer frame 113, it is preferable to consider the effects of cure shrinkage of the adhesive or resin. Specifically, because UV-curable adhesives have a large cure shrinkage force, when using a UV-curable adhesive, it is preferable to apply it not in the direction of the optical axis L but in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L. More specifically, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 16 (partial views similar to part (b) of FIG. 15), the UV-curable adhesive can be applied to the gap between the protrusion 115A and the window 113A, for example, to two fixing regions 710. Note that these two fixing regions 710 exist on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0051] In the first optical adjustment mechanism 111, such a fixing method prevents hardening shrinkage in the direction of the optical axis L, and therefore, positional changes of the inner frame 115 relative to the outer frame 113 can be suppressed.

[0052] [Other examples of fixing methods] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of a method for fixing components. The cylindrical cam 118A can be fixed in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 15. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the inner frame 115 and the outer frame 113 are fixed together by applying a thread locking agent (e.g., ThreeBond 1401C (product name)) whose hardening contraction force is smaller than the biasing force of the biasing spring 116 (biasing member) to the gap between the protrusion 115A and the window 113A (fixing region 720 shown in FIG. 17). In this way, the use of an agent with a small hardening contraction force can also reduce the impact on the relative positions of the components.

[0053] [Overall configuration of the second optical adjustment mechanism] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the overall configuration of the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 (optical adjustment mechanism). Also, (a) and (b) of FIG. 19 are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 (assembled state). As described above, the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 is a mechanism for adjusting the position and / or tilt of optical elements (lenses, etc.) at the open end (subject side) of the lens device 100. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 includes an outer frame 151 (outer frame), an inner frame 152 (inner frame) that is held by the outer frame 151 and holds optical elements (not shown), a biasing spring 154 (biasing member), an adjustment mechanism 156 (adjustment mechanism), an axis misalignment suppression unit 160 (axis misalignment suppression unit), and a spring-biased stopper 159 (stopper).

[0054] As with the first optical adjustment mechanism 110, the inner frame 152 is held by the outer frame 151 and holds optical elements (not shown), and the axis deviation suppression unit 160 suppresses the inner frame 152 from shifting relative to the outer frame 151 in the optical axis direction.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged view of the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 (a portion where the axis deviation suppression unit 160, the biasing spring 154, the spring-biased stopper 159, the adjustment mechanism 156, etc. are present). The adjustment mechanism 156 includes an adjustment screw 156A (a second pressing member) that is inserted and removed in the optical axis direction. Point contact between the adjustment screw 156A and the outer frame 151 is not essential, but it is preferable to achieve point contact between the adjustment screw 156A and the outer frame 151 by providing a hemispherical protrusion on the outer frame 151 or by processing the end of the adjustment screw 156A into a hemispherical shape (providing a convex portion). Biasing springs 154 (two at each of three locations; six in total) are arranged on both sides of the circumferential direction of the adjustment mechanism 156. The biasing springs 154 are arranged around the outer frame 151 and bias the inner frame 152 in the optical axis direction of the optical element. The spring-biased stopper 159 is screwed in the optical axis direction and fixed to the outer frame 151, and prevents the inner frame 152 from falling off in the optical axis direction due to the bias.

[0056] [Configuration of axis misalignment suppression unit] In the second optical adjustment mechanism 150, the axis misalignment suppression unit 160 includes a protrusion 162 protruding from the outer frame 151, and a groove 163 (contact portion that comes into contact with the protrusion 162) that is formed from the outer periphery of the inner frame 152 toward the center of the optical axis (the direction of the arrow passing through the protrusion 162 in FIG. 20) and receives the protrusion 162. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the axis misalignment suppression unit 160. In the groove 163 (contact portion, groove), a semi-cylindrical protrusion 164A (having a semi-circular cross section) is provided at the tip of the inner circumferential surface 164, and the outer circumferential surface (arcuate surface) of the protrusion 162 and the protrusion 164A (arcuate surface) intersect to make point contact at two points. As with the first optical adjustment mechanism 110, it is preferable that one or more groove portions 163 (contact portions, groove portions) are arranged in each of three regions formed by dividing a plane perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis L into three equal parts (see FIG. 6).

[0057] In the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 configured as described above, as in the first optical adjustment mechanism 110, the user can adjust the degree of pressure on the inner frame 152 by screwing in (inserting or removing) the adjustment screw 156A (second pressing member) in the direction of the optical axis L, and in accordance with this adjustment, the position of the inner frame 152 in the optical axis direction and the inclination (tilt angle) of the inner frame 152 in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis L. After adjustment, the user may fix the adjustment mechanism 156 and / or the axis deviation suppression unit 160 with adhesive or resin.

[0058] As described for the first optical adjustment mechanism, the second optical adjustment mechanism 150 also has the following features: It is preferable to suppress the change in the relative position of the components due to the cure shrinkage of the adhesive or resin. When using UV adhesive or the like that has a large cure shrinkage, the gap between the inner frame 152 and the outer frame 151 Instead of applying adhesive or the like between the adjustment screw 156A (second pressing member) and the inner frame 152, and the gap between the protrusion 162 and the inner circumferential surface 164 of the axis deviation suppression portion 160. On the other hand, when using a screw locking agent or the like that has little cure shrinkage, An adhesive may be applied to the gap between the frame 151.

[0059] Furthermore, in the second optical adjustment mechanism 150, the adjustment screw 156A is screwed in the optical axis direction, so the diameter can be made smaller than that of the first optical adjustment mechanism, in which the cylindrical cam 118A and the tapered pin 118C (first pressing member) are inserted and removed in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the optical axis L.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0061] (Addendum) [Optical adjustment mechanism for adjusting the shift amount] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the following optical adjustment mechanisms are also included within the scope of the present invention: The optical adjustment mechanisms described in the "Appendix" are optical adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the shift amount (positional deviation) within a plane perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis of an optical element.

[0062] (Appendix 1) The outer frame and an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element; a biasing member disposed around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the optical element; a position adjustment member that is disposed around the outer frame, is inserted and removed in the direction, and presses the inner frame in a direction opposite to the biasing direction; a position restriction portion disposed around the outer frame and restricting the position of the inner frame in the optical axis direction; a pivot portion that prevents the inner frame from tilting relative to the outer frame and acts as a fulcrum when the inner frame rotates around the optical axis relative to the outer frame; Equipped with The pivot portion includes a protrusion disposed on the outer frame and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a contact portion formed on the inner frame corresponding to the protrusion and contacting the protrusion. An optical adjustment mechanism comprising:

[0063] (Appendix 2) 2. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion are in line contact.

[0064] (Appendix 3) 3. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion are in line contact with each other along two lines.

[0065] (Appendix 4) The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protrusion has a cylindrical portion, and the side surface of the cylindrical portion forms the outer peripheral surface and is in line contact with the contact surface.

[0066] (Appendix 5) The outer circumferential surface is an arcuate surface, 5. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral surface and the contact surface are in line contact with each other.

[0067] (Appendix 6) 6. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion is a groove having an inner circumferential surface as the contact surface.

[0068] (Appendix 7) 7. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the biasing members are disposed at two or more locations around the optical axis on the outer frame.

[0069] (Appendix 8) 8. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the pivot portion is disposed closer to one of the two biasing members than to a midpoint between the two biasing members.

[0070] (Appendix 9) 9. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the position adjustment member is disposed opposite the biasing member across the optical axis.

[0071] (Appendix 10) An optical adjustment mechanism described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 9, wherein the inner frame has a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the position adjustment members, and the position adjustment members are in line contact with the protrusions.

[0072] (Appendix 11) the position adjustment member is a columnar member that is inserted and removed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and one end face of the columnar member is a flat surface, The protrusion has a semi-cylindrical convex portion extending in the direction of the optical axis, 11. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the flat surface of the position adjustment member is in line contact with the convex portion of the protrusion.

[0073] (Appendix 12) the outer frame includes a window portion extending in the direction of the optical axis and in a circumferential direction of the optical axis, the inner frame includes a shaft portion extending from a main body of the inner frame in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, The optical adjustment mechanism of any one of Appendices 1 to 11, wherein the shaft portion is inserted into the window portion, and the movement of the shaft portion is restricted to the inside of the window portion, thereby restricting the movement of the inner frame in the direction of the optical axis relative to the outer frame to a range of extension of the window portion in the direction of the optical axis, and restricting the rotation of the inner frame around the optical axis to a range of extension of the window portion in the circumferential direction.

[0074] [Configuration of the third optical adjustment mechanism] 22 is an exploded perspective view of the third optical adjustment mechanism 500 (optical adjustment mechanism) according to the configuration described above, and FIGS. 23 to 25 are a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view of the third optical adjustment mechanism 500 (assembled state), respectively. As shown in FIGS. 22 to 25, the third optical adjustment mechanism 500 includes an outer frame 510 (outer frame, fixed frame) and an optical element (not shown) held by the outer frame 510, such as a lens. The outer frame 510 includes an inner frame 530 (inner frame) that biases the inner frame 530 in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis L of the optical element, biasing springs 512 (biasing members) that are arranged at two (plural) locations around the optical axis L of the outer frame 510 and bias the inner frame 530 in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis of the optical element, and an adjustment mechanism 514 (including an adjustment screw 514A; position adjustment mechanism 514) that is arranged at two (plural) locations around the optical axis L of the outer frame 510 and is inserted and removed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L to press the inner frame 530 in a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing springs 512. and inner frame regulating sections 516 (position regulating sections, rotation regulating sections) that are arranged at three (plural) locations around the optical axis L of the outer frame 510 and that regulate the position of the inner frame 530 in the direction of the optical axis L and the rotation of the inner frame 530 around the optical axis L. A pivot section 520 (pivot section) that prevents the inner frame 530 from tilting relative to the outer frame 510 and also acts as a fulcrum when the inner frame 530 rotates around the optical axis L relative to the outer frame 510. can.

[0075] [Forced by spring] 26 is a diagram showing how the biasing spring 512 (biasing member) biases the inner frame 530 in a direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis L. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 25, a spring biasing stopper 518 is disposed on the outside (outer periphery) of the biasing spring 512 to prevent the biasing spring 512 from falling outward.

[0076] [Configuration of adjustment mechanism] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism 514 (adjustment mechanism, position adjustment member). The adjustment mechanism 514 includes an adjustment screw 514A (position adjustment member) and a protrusion 514B formed on an inner frame 530. The adjustment screw 514A is a columnar member that is inserted and removed in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis L (the left-right direction in FIG. 27), and one end face is a flat surface 514C. The protrusion 514B is a semi-cylindrical convex portion that extends in the direction of the optical axis L (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper), and the flat surface 514C of the adjustment screw 514A and the convex portion of the protrusion 514B are in line contact. As shown in FIGS. 22, 25, etc., the biasing spring 512 and the adjustment mechanism 514 are provided opposite each other with the optical axis L interposed therebetween. The user can adjust the position of inner frame 530 in a plane perpendicular to (intersecting with) the optical axis by inserting or removing adjustment screws 514A in two places (inserting or removing adjustment screws 514A moves inner frame 530 in the vertical direction in FIG. 26). In FIG. 27, the straight double-headed arrows indicate the directions in which adjustment screws 514A and inner frame 530 can move.

[0077] [Pivot section configuration] 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of pivot portion 520 (as viewed from the direction of optical axis L). Pivot portion 520 includes protrusion 521, which is disposed on outer frame 510 and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) optical axis L, and contact portion 522, which is formed on inner frame 530 in correspondence with protrusion 521 and comes into contact with protrusion 521. Protrusion 521 includes arm 525 extending from outer frame 510 and semi-cylindrical columnar portions 526 (cylindrical portions) formed on both sides of the tip of arm 525, with the side surfaces (outer peripheral surfaces) of columnar portions 526 being arcuate surfaces. Meanwhile, contact portion 522 is a groove portion having inner peripheral surface 523 as a contact surface. (A circular arc surface 524 is formed at the back (inner peripheral side) of the groove.) Two cylindrical portions 526 of protrusion 521 and inner peripheral surface 523 of contact portion 522 are in line contact (line contact at two lines). Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state of line contact in pivot portion 520 (the state in which cylindrical portions 526 and inner peripheral surface 523 are in line contact).

[0078] The pivot portion 520 configured in this manner prevents the inner frame 530 from tilting relative to the outer frame 510 in a direction intersecting the optical axis L, and also serves as a fulcrum when the inner frame 530 rotates around the optical axis L (in a plane intersecting the optical axis L) (in FIG. 28, the linear and arc-shaped double arrows indicate the movement and rotation directions of the inner frame 530 relative to the outer frame 510). The pivot portion 520 is disposed closer to one of the two biasing springs 512 (biasing members) than to the midpoint between them in the circumferential direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the pivot portion 520 is disposed closer to the biasing spring 512 shown at the bottom of the figure. This presses the inner frame 530 to one side, thereby suppressing rattle between the inner frame 530 and the outer frame 510.

[0079] [Inner frame position and rotation restrictions] FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view showing how the position and rotation of the inner frame 530 are restricted. The outer frame 510 has a window 517 that extends in the direction of the optical axis L (height H) and in the circumferential direction of the optical axis L (width W). The inner frame 530 has a shaft 516A that extends from the main body of the inner frame 530 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. The shaft 516A is inserted into the window 517, and movement of the shaft 516A is restricted to the inside of the window 517. The shaft 516A and the window 517 constitute an inner frame restricting portion 516. Specifically, movement of the inner frame 530 in the direction of the optical axis L relative to the outer frame 510 is restricted within the range of the extension of the window 517 in the direction of the optical axis L (the range of height H in FIG. 30), and rotation of the inner frame 530 relative to the outer frame 510 (rotation around the optical axis L) is restricted within the range of the extension of the window 517 (the range of width W in FIG. 30). The shaft portion 516A slides on the edge portion 517A of the window portion 517.

[0080] 31 is a diagram showing how the optical axis direction position of inner frame 530 (shaft 516A) is restricted by window 517. The diameter (equal to or less than height H) of shaft 516A can be determined depending on the allowable amount of movement in the optical axis direction.

[0081] In the third optical adjustment mechanism 500 having the above-described configuration, similarly to the first optical adjustment mechanism 110 and the second optical adjustment mechanism 150, the adjustment mechanism 514 and / or the inner frame restriction portion 516 may be fixed with an adhesive or the like after the adjustment of the inner frame 530. For example, it is conceivable to apply an agent such as adhesive or resin to the periphery of the head of the adjustment screw 514A, or to the gap between the shaft portion 516A and the edge portion 517A of the window portion 517 (for example, two locations in the vertical direction along the optical axis L in FIG. 31 ). In this case, similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is preferable to apply the agent to a position (region) where the effect of cure shrinkage can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10. Imaging System 100 Lens device 110 1st optical adjustment mechanism 111 1st optical adjustment mechanism 112 Outer Frame 113 Outer Frame 113A Window 113B Edge 114 Inner Frame 114A Inner Frame 115 inner frame 115A Protrusion 116 bias spring 118 Adjustment mechanism 118A Cylindrical Cam 118B convex part 118C Tapered Pin 118D convex part 119 Spring-loaded stopper 120 Axis deviation prevention part 120A Axis misalignment suppression part 122 Protrusion 124 Contact area 126 Inner surface 127 Katayosebe 128 Protrusion 129 Katayose surface 129A protrusion 150 Second optical adjustment mechanism 151 Outer Frame 152 Inner Frame 154 bias spring 156 Adjustment mechanism 156A Adjustment screw 159 Spring-loaded stopper 160 Axis deviation prevention part 162 Protrusion 163 Groove 164 Inner surface 164A protrusion 200 Imaging device body 210 processors 220 image sensor 300 monitors 500 Third optical adjustment mechanism 510 Outer Frame 512 bias spring 514 Adjustment mechanism 514A Adjustment screw 514B Protrusion 514C plane 516 Inner Frame Regulation Section 516A Shaft 517 Window 517A Edge 518 Spring-loaded stopper 520 Pivot part 521 Protrusion 522 Contact part 523 Inner surface 524 Arc Surface 525 Arm 526 Cylinder 530 inner frame 700 fixed area 710 Fixed area 720 fixed area H Height L optical axis R region

Claims

1. The outer frame and an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element; a biasing member disposed around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the direction of the optical axis of the optical element; an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses misalignment of the inner frame relative to the outer frame in a direction intersecting the optical axis; Equipped with the axis deviation suppression portion includes protrusions that are arranged on the outer frame at a plurality of locations around the optical axis and protrude in the direction of the optical axis, and contact portions that are formed on the inner frame and come into contact with the protrusions, The optical adjustment mechanism further includes a stopper in the outer frame that prevents the inner frame from falling off in the direction of the optical axis due to the biasing force.

2. The outer frame and an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element; a biasing member disposed around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the direction of the optical axis of the optical element; an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses misalignment of the inner frame relative to the outer frame in the direction of the optical axis; Equipped with The axis misalignment suppression portion is an optical adjustment mechanism that includes protrusions that are arranged at multiple locations around the optical axis on the outer frame and protrude in the direction of the optical axis, and grooves that are formed from the outer periphery of the inner frame toward the center of the optical axis and that receive the protrusions.

3. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 2 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism that presses the inner frame in a direction opposite to the biasing direction by a first pressing member.

4. The outer frame and an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element; a biasing member disposed around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in the direction of the optical axis of the optical element; an axis misalignment suppression unit that suppresses misalignment of the inner frame relative to the outer frame in the direction of the optical axis; an adjustment mechanism that presses the inner frame in a direction opposite to the biasing direction by a second pressing member that is inserted and removed in the direction of the optical axis; Equipped with The axis misalignment suppression portion is an optical adjustment mechanism that includes protrusions that are arranged at multiple locations around the optical axis on the outer frame and protrude in the direction of the optical axis, and grooves that are formed from the outer periphery of the inner frame toward the center of the optical axis and that receive the protrusions.

5. The outer frame and an inner frame held by the outer frame and holding an optical element; a biasing member disposed around the outer frame and biasing the inner frame in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the optical element; a position adjustment member that is disposed around the outer frame, is inserted and removed in the direction, and presses the inner frame in a direction opposite to the biasing direction; a position restriction portion disposed around the outer frame and restricting the position of the inner frame in the optical axis direction; a pivot portion that prevents the inner frame from tilting relative to the outer frame and acts as a fulcrum when the inner frame rotates around the optical axis relative to the outer frame; Equipped with The pivot portion includes a protrusion disposed on the outer frame and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a contact portion formed on the inner frame corresponding to the protrusion and contacting the protrusion. An optical adjustment mechanism comprising:

6. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 5 , wherein the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion are in line contact.

7. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the contact surface of the contact portion are in line contact with each other along two lines.

8. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the protrusion has a cylindrical portion, and a side surface of the cylindrical portion forms the outer circumferential surface and is in line contact with the contact surface.

9. The outer circumferential surface is an arcuate surface, The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the outer peripheral surface and the contact surface are in line contact with each other.

10. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the contact portion is a groove having an inner circumferential surface as the contact surface.

11. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 5 , wherein the biasing members are disposed at two or more locations around the optical axis on the outer frame.

12. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 11 , wherein the pivot portion is disposed closer to one of the two biasing members than to a midpoint between the two biasing members.

13. 11. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the position adjustment member is disposed opposite the biasing member across the optical axis.

14. The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 5 , wherein the inner frame has a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the position adjustment members, and the position adjustment members come into line contact with the protrusions.

15. the position adjustment member is a columnar member that is inserted and removed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and one end face of the columnar member is a flat surface, The protrusion has a semi-cylindrical convex portion extending in the direction of the optical axis, The optical adjustment mechanism according to claim 5 , wherein the flat surface of the position adjustment member is in line contact with the convex portion of the protrusion.

16. the outer frame includes a window portion extending in the direction of the optical axis and in a circumferential direction of the optical axis, the inner frame includes a shaft portion extending from a main body of the inner frame in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, The optical adjustment mechanism of any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the shaft portion is inserted into the window portion, and the movement of the shaft portion is restricted to the inside of the window portion, so that the movement of the inner frame in the direction of the optical axis relative to the outer frame is restricted to the range of extension of the window portion in the direction of the optical axis, and the rotation of the inner frame around the optical axis is restricted to the range of extension of the window portion in the circumferential direction.

Images