Optical instruments and imaging devices

Abstract

The present invention provides optical equipment and the like that can minimize the space required for incorporating tension coil springs while ensuring the ease of assembly of tension springs, thereby avoiding a decrease in the strength of the device and enabling miniaturization. [Solution] The optical device comprises a first optical component 301, a second optical component 302, and a tension coil spring 304 having a first hook 304a and a second hook 304b to bias the first optical component and the second optical component. The first optical component has a first hooking portion 301a for engaging the first hook of the tension coil spring and a third hooking portion 301b for engaging the second hook. The second optical component has a second hooking portion 302a for engaging the second hook. The first optical component and the second optical component are combined so that the third hooking portion and the second hooking portion are adjacent to each other, allowing the second hook to move from the third hooking portion to the second hooking portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

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[0001] The present invention relates to optical devices such as interchangeable lenses and imaging devices including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Some interchangeable lenses and the like have a mechanism in which a lens barrel or the like that holds a lens is biased and held by a tension coil spring. In order for an interchangeable lens to exhibit desired optical performance, it may be necessary to adjust the eccentricity or tilt of a specific lens barrel. The lens barrel is held with respect to a holding cylinder via an eccentric roller, and the eccentricity or tilt is adjusted by rotating the eccentric roller. At this time, there is a technique for biasing the lens barrel and the holding cylinder using a tension coil spring to eliminate the play of the eccentric roller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <​​​​​​Therefore, the outer diameter of the 3-group base needs to be increased, which results in the overall size of the device becoming larger.

[0006] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, in order to ensure the incorporation of tension springs, a notch is provided in the side wall of the 3-group base for inserting tension coil springs. As a result, the outer circumference needs to be reinforced in order to maintain the strength of the 3-group base, which leads to the overall size of the device becoming larger.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide optical equipment and the like that can minimize the space required for incorporating a tension coil spring while ensuring the ease of assembly of the tension spring, thereby avoiding a decrease in the strength of the device and enabling miniaturization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, an optical instrument, as one aspect of the present invention, The optical component comprises a first optical component, a second optical component connected to the first optical component, and a tension coil spring having a first hook and a second hook to bias the first optical component and the second optical component, wherein the first optical component has a first hooking portion for engaging the first hook of the tension coil spring and a third hooking portion for engaging the second hook, and the second optical component has a second hooking portion for engaging the second hook, and the first optical component and the second optical component are combined so that the second hook can move from the third hooking portion to the second hooking portion, with the third hooking portion and the second hooking portion being adjacent to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the optical instrument of the present invention and the imaging device equipped therewith, it is possible to minimize the space required for incorporating the tension coil spring while ensuring the ease of assembly of the tension spring, thereby avoiding a decrease in the strength of the device and achieving miniaturization. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of camera device 1. [Figure 2]This is a perspective view showing the 5-group lens barrel unit 412. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the 5-group lens barrel unit 412. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the 5-group lens barrel unit 412. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 3). [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 (a partial enlargement of Figure 3). [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the assembly of the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the assembly of the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The optical instrument and camera device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In each figure, the same reference numeral is used for the same component or element, and its description is omitted.

[0012] [Camera device 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the camera device 1. The camera device (imaging device) 1 comprises a lens device 101 and a camera body 201.

[0013] The direction along the optical axis is called the x-direction, the direction perpendicular to the x-direction is called the y-direction (yaw direction), and the directions perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction are called the p-direction (pitch direction).

[0014] The lens assembly 101 comprises a single-group lens barrel 401, an aperture unit 405, a focusing lens barrel 404, a rear-group lens barrel 410, an image blur correction unit 411, and a five-group lens barrel unit 412. Each lens barrel holds a lens group.

[0015] The 5-group lens barrel unit 412 is provided with a cam follower 308, and this cam follower 308 engages with the cam groove of the cam ring and the straight groove of the guide cylinder (both the cam ring and the guide cylinder are not shown). The guide cylinder engages with the cam follower 308 to linearly guide the holding cylinder 302. The cam ring engages with the cam follower 308 to move the holding cylinder 302 forward and backward in the optical axis direction. As a result, the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction along with the rotation operation of the zoom ring interlocked with the cam ring.

[0016] The lens device 101 also includes a gyro sensor 106, a lens-side main CPU 107, etc. The gyro sensor 106 functions as a shake detection means. The lens-side main CPU 107 performs driving control and calculations for the entire lens. The lens-side main CPU 107 issues instructions to the aperture drive source 109 and the focus lens drive source 110 to drive the focus lens barrel 404 and the aperture unit 405.

[0017] When performing image blur correction control, the lens-side main CPU 107 uses the detection value of the gyro sensor 106 to calculate the blur correction amount and sends an instruction to the image blur correction drive source 108. The image blur correction unit 411 is driven in the y direction and the p direction to perform blur correction. In this way, the image blur correction unit 411 and the image blur correction drive source 108 function as image blur correction means.

[0018] Also, the lens-side main CPU 107 determines the holding state of the lens device 101 or the camera body 201 from the detection value of the gyro sensor 106.

[0019] The 1-group lens barrel 401 is fixed to the camera body 201 via the mount 414. Then, by forming an image on the imaging element 202 held by the camera body 201 through the lens 303 of the lens barrel 301, the subject is imaged.

[0020] The camera body 201 includes a camera-side main CPU 203, a shutter release button 204, a main power supply 205, an image recording medium 206, and the like.

[0021] The release button 204 has a two-stage mechanism, with the first stage called SW1 and the second stage called SW2. SW1 issues commands to prepare for shooting, such as returning from shooting standby, starting image stabilization, starting autofocus, and starting metering. SW2 takes the picture and also issues commands to record the image to the image recording media 206.

[0022] The camera body 201 receives power from the camera-side main CPU 203 to the lens barrel and exchanges other shooting information with the lens-side main CPU 107 via a contact block (not shown) provided on the mount 414.

[0023] [5-group telescope tube unit 412] Figures 2 to 4 show the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 (normal assembly position). Figure 2 is an oblique view, Figure 3 is a plan view, and Figure 4 is a side view.

[0024] The 5-group lens barrel unit (optical instrument) 412 comprises a lens barrel 301, a retaining barrel 302, a lens 303, a tension coil spring 304, an eccentric roller 306, a screw 307, and a cam follower 308.

[0025] The lens barrel (first optical component) 301 holds the lens 303. The lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel (second optical component) 302 are connected via three eccentric rollers 306. The eccentric roller 306 is connected to the lens barrel 301 so as to be rotatable around its axis, while being held in place by friction with three screws 307.

[0026] The eccentric roller engagement portion of the retaining cylinder 302 consists of a longitudinal groove along the optical axis (x direction) and a transverse groove in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The eccentric roller 306 has a cylindrical portion corresponding to the lateral groove that is eccentric with respect to the mounting rotation axis of the eccentric roller. Therefore, when the eccentric roller 306 is rotated, the eccentric roller fixing portion of the lens barrel 301 moves in the optical axis direction relative to the retaining cylinder 302. The position of the lens barrel 301 relative to the retaining cylinder 302 changes. Therefore, the tilt of the lens barrel 301 can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational position of the multiple eccentric rollers 306.

[0027] The cam follower 308 has two bearing sections. The cam follower 308 has a shaft screw that press-fits and holds the bearing, and is fixed to the retaining cylinder 302 by sandwiching the retaining cylinder 302 with a nut (not shown). The three cam followers 308 are fixed to the retaining cylinder 302. The two bearings of the cam followers 308 engage with the cam groove of the cam ring and the straight groove of the guide cylinder, respectively. As a result, the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the rotation of the zoom ring, which is linked to the cam ring.

[0028] [Katadon Organization] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 3). Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the 5-group lens barrel unit 412 (a partial enlargement of Figure 3).

[0029] The tension coil spring 304 consists of a first hook 304a, a second hook 304b, and a coil body 304c. The tension coil spring 304 is stretched between the lens barrel 301 and the retaining tube 302, and biases the lens barrel 301 and the retaining tube 302 in tension.

[0030] The tension coil spring 304 is pre-assembled into the lens barrel 301. The lens barrel 301 is provided with a first hook portion 301a and a third hook portion 301b. The first hook 304a is hooked onto the first hook portion 301a, and the second hook 304b is hooked onto the third hook portion 301b (secured). The tension coil spring 304 is temporarily held in place by the lens barrel 301 in its extended state.

[0031] After the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302 are connected, the tension coil spring 304 is stretched between the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302. The retaining cylinder 302 is provided with a second hook portion 302a. The second hook 304b of the tension coil spring 304 is hooked (secured) onto the second hook portion 302a. In other words, the second hook 304b is moved from the third hook portion 301b to the second hook portion 302a.

[0032] Specifically, the second hook 304b is pulled using a tool such as tweezers to extend the coil body 304c and detach the second hook 304b from the third hook portion 301b. Then, the second hook 304b is moved and hooked onto the second hook portion 302a.

[0033] The assembly of the lens barrel 301, the retaining barrel 302, and the tension coil spring 304 will be described in detail. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302. Figure 8 is a side view showing the assembly of the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302.

[0034] First, the tension coil spring 304 is temporarily held in place by the lens barrel 301. That is, the first hook 304a of the tension coil spring 304 is hooked onto the first hook portion 301a, and the second hook 304b is hooked onto the third hook portion 301b.

[0035] Next, the lens barrel 301, into which the tension coil spring 304 is incorporated, is fitted into the retaining barrel 302 (dropped into the assembly position). Then, the eccentric roller 306 is passed through the opening of the retaining cylinder 302 and fixed to the lens barrel 301 in three places with screws 307. This holds the lens barrel 301 in the normal assembly position of the retaining cylinder 302.

[0036] In the normal assembly position, the third hook portion 301b of the lens barrel 301 and the second hook portion 302a of the retaining barrel 302 are adjacent to each other. A gap d is formed between the third hook portion 301b and the second hook portion 302a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (x direction). The third hook portion 301b is provided with a third hook introduction end 301c that guides the introduction of the second hook 304b. The second hook portion 302a of the retaining cylinder 302 is provided with a second hook introduction end 302c that guides the introduction of the second hook 304b. The third hook introduction end 301c and the second hook introduction end 302c are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap d between them.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the third hook portion 301b and the second hook 304b are exposed in the x-direction. The x-direction is the direction in which the second hook 304b can be approached (accessed). Therefore, the second hook 304b can be accessed (approached) from the x-direction using tweezers or similar tools. Using tweezers or similar tools, transfer (replace) the second hook 304b from the third hook portion 301b of the lens barrel 301 to the second hook portion 302a of the retaining barrel 302. Specifically, the second hook 304b is removed from the third hook portion 301b via the third hook introduction end 301c. The second hook 304b moves over the gap d to the second hook introduction end 302c. Then, the second hook 304b moves onto the second hook portion 302a via the second hook introduction end 302c.

[0038] This allows the tension coil spring 304 to be assembled into its proper position. In other words, the tension coil spring 304 has its first hook 304a hooked onto the first hook portion 301a, and its second hook 304b hooked onto the second hook portion 302a. When the tension coil spring 304 is installed in its normal position, the lens barrel 301 is biased against the retaining barrel 302 and is held in place by bias without any play at the contact point of the eccentric roller 306.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the clearance between the lens barrel 301 and the retaining cylinder 302 is smaller than the outer diameter H of the coil body 304c. Therefore, the tension coil spring 304 cannot fall out from between the lens barrel 301 and the retaining cylinder 302. Furthermore, it is not possible to incorporate the tension coil spring 304 into the second hook portion 302a of the retaining cylinder 302. Thus, since the clearance between the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302 is smaller than the outer diameter H of the coil body 304c, the device can be miniaturized.

[0040] The first hook portion 301a does not need to be visible. Even if the first hook portion 301a is positioned behind (partially or entirely hidden from) the second hook portion 302a, assembly (repositioning of the second hook 304b) can be carried out without any problems. This reduces the constraints on the arrangement of the tension coil spring 304 and the first hook portion 301a and the second hook portion 302a, allowing for a more efficient arrangement.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the second hook portion 302a of the lens barrel 301 is located behind the lens barrel 301 (hidden and not visible). The first hook 304a of the tension coil spring 304 is attached to the second hook portion 302a from the initial stage of assembly. In other words, the first hook 304a of the tension coil spring 304 is positioned in a way that prevents its removal.

[0042] As mentioned above, the rotation of the eccentric roller 306 causes the lens barrel 301 to move in the direction of the optical axis. When the gap d between the third hook portion 301b and the second hook portion 302a is set perpendicular to the optical axis, the gap d does not fluctuate much even when the lens position is adjusted by the eccentric roller 306. In other words, the gap d is maintained at a constant value. Therefore, there is no need to unnecessarily increase the gap d to account for fluctuations during adjustment. Consequently, the gap d can be made smaller, preventing the second hook 304b of the tension coil spring 304 from falling off when it is replaced.

[0043] If L is the diameter of the second hook 304b of the tension coil spring 304, d <L It will be set to this. In this way, by setting the size of the gap d to be smaller than the diameter L of the second hook 304b, it is possible to prevent the second hook 304b of the tension coil spring 304 from falling off when it is replaced.

[0044] The third hook introduction end 301c of the third hook portion 301b and the second hook introduction end 302c of the second hook portion 302a are both formed with a pointed tip. This allows the third hook entry end 301c and the second hook entry end 302c to overlap as much as possible, preventing the second hook 304b from falling off when it is being repositioned.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tension coil spring 304 is positioned behind the retaining cylinder 302 (hidden and not visible). Since the tension coil spring 304 is pre-installed, no notch is required in the side wall of the retaining cylinder 302. Therefore, the strength of the retaining cylinder 302 can be increased compared to conventional designs. Furthermore, since there is no need to increase the outer diameter to ensure strength, the outer diameter of the retaining cylinder 302 can be reduced, and as a result, the entire optical instrument can be miniaturized.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when viewed from the radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the tension coil spring 304 is positioned behind the cam follower 308 (hidden and not visible). Since no notch is required in the outer wall of the retaining cylinder 302, the tension coil spring 304 can be placed inside the cam follower 308. This allows for efficient placement of necessary elements, thus enabling miniaturization of the entire optical device.

[0047] As described above, according to the present invention, the assembly space of the tension coil spring 304 can be minimized, thereby making the entire optical device smaller and lighter.

[0048] Although 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 its gist.

[0049] The first optical component is not limited to a lens barrel 301 and the second optical component is not limited to a retaining cylinder 302. The first optical component may be a retaining cylinder 302 and the second optical component may be a lens barrel 301. In other words, one of the first optical component and the second optical component is a lens barrel that holds the lens, and the other is a retaining cylinder that holds the lens barrel.

[0050] In this embodiment, a one-sided biasing mechanism that uses a tension coil spring 304 to shift the lens barrel 301 and the retaining barrel 302 to one side has been described, but the present invention can also be used for other one-sided biasing mechanisms. For example, it can be applied to a mechanism that biases a movable lens with a tension coil spring to prevent camera shake.

[0051] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) First optical component and, A second optical component connected to the first optical component, A tension coil spring having a first hook and a second hook that biases the first optical component and the second optical component, Equipped with, The first optical component has a first hooking portion for securing the first hook of the tension coil spring and a third hooking portion for securing the second hook, The second optical component has a second hook portion for securing the second hook, An optical device characterized in that the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, and the third hook portion and the second hook portion are arranged adjacent to each other so that the second hook can move from the third hook portion to the second hook portion. (Configuration 2) The optical device of configuration 1, characterized in that when the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, the first hook is positioned in a location that prevents it from being removed from the first hooking portion. (Composition 3) The optical device of configuration 2, characterized in that the first hook is positioned behind the first optical component or the second optical component when viewed from a direction that allows access to the second hook. (Composition 4) An optical device according to configuration 1, characterized in that when the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, the tension coil spring is positioned between the first optical component and the second optical component in a way that prevents it from falling out. (Composition 5) An optical instrument having configuration 1, characterized in that one of the first optical component and the second optical component is a lens barrel that holds a lens, and the other is a retaining cylinder that holds the lens barrel. (Composition 6) An eccentric roller is positioned between the lens barrel and the retaining barrel. The retaining cylinder and the lens barrel are subjected to tension bias by the tension coil spring. An optical instrument with configuration 5, characterized in that the position of the lens barrel relative to the retaining barrel changes due to the rotation of the eccentric roller. (Composition 7) The optical device of configuration 5 is characterized in that the second hook introduction end of the second hook portion and the third hook introduction end of the third hook portion are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap between them. (Composition 8) The optical instrument of configuration 7, characterized in that the gap is smaller than the diameter of the second hook. (Composition 9) An optical instrument with configuration 7, characterized in that the gap remains constant when the position of the lens barrel relative to the retaining cylinder changes. (Composition 10) The optical device of configuration 5, characterized in that when the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, the tension coil spring is positioned behind the retaining cylinder when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. (Composition 11) A cam follower positioned in the aforementioned retaining cylinder, A guide cylinder that engages with the cam follower and guides the retaining cylinder in a straight line, A cam ring that engages with the cam follower to move the retaining cylinder back and forth in the optical axis direction, Equipped with, An optical instrument of configuration 5, characterized in that, when viewed from a radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the tension coil spring is positioned behind the cam follower. (Composition 12) First optical component and, A second optical component connected to the first optical component, A tension coil spring having a first hook and a second hook is provided to bias the first optical component and the second optical component, The first optical component has a first hooking portion for securing the first hook of the tension coil spring and a third hooking portion to which the second hook can be secured. The second optical component has a second hook portion for securing the second hook, An optical device characterized in that, by combining the first optical component and the second optical component, the third hook portion and the second hook portion are arranged adjacent to each other, and the gap between the first optical component and the second optical component is narrower than the size of the second hook. (Composition 13) A lens device including one optical instrument from configuration 1 to configuration 12, A camera body to which the aforementioned lens device is fixed or detachably attached, An imaging device characterized by comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Camera device (imaging device) 101 Lens device 106 Gyroscope Sensor 107 Lens-side main CPU 108 Correction drive source 109 Aperture drive source 110 Focus lens drive source 201 Camera body 202 Image sensor 203 Camera-side main CPU 204 Release button 205 Main power supply 206 Image recording media 301 Lens barrel (first optical component) 301a First hook section 301b Third hook part 301c Third hook entry end 302 Holding tube (second optical component) 302a Second hook section 302c Second hook entry end 303 Lens 304 Tension coil spring 304a First Hook 304b Second Hook 304c coil body 306 Eccentric roller 307 Bis 308 Cam Follower 401 1st group lens barrel 404 Focusing Lens Tube 405 Aperture Unit 410 Rear group telescope tube 411 Correction Unit 412 5-group telescope tube unit (optical instrument) 414 Mount H Outer diameter L diameter d gap

Claims

1. First optical component and, A second optical component connected to the first optical component, A tension coil spring having a first hook and a second hook that biases the first optical component and the second optical component, Equipped with, The first optical component has a first hooking portion for securing the first hook of the tension coil spring and a third hooking portion for securing the second hook, The second optical component has a second hook portion for securing the second hook, An optical device characterized in that the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, and the third hook portion and the second hook portion are arranged adjacent to each other so that the second hook can move from the third hook portion to the second hook portion.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, the first hook is positioned in a location that prevents it from being removed from the first hooking portion.

3. The optical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first hook is positioned behind the first optical component or the second optical component when viewed from a direction that allows access to the second hook.

4. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, the tension coil spring is positioned between the first optical component and the second optical component in a way that prevents it from falling out.

5. The optical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first optical component and the second optical component is a lens barrel for holding a lens, and the other is a retaining cylinder for holding the lens barrel.

6. An eccentric roller is positioned between the lens barrel and the retaining barrel. The retaining cylinder and the lens barrel are subjected to tension bias by the tension coil spring. The optical instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that the position of the lens barrel relative to the retaining barrel changes due to the rotation of the eccentric roller.

7. The optical device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second hook introduction end of the second hook portion and the third hook introduction end of the third hook portion are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap between them.

8. The optical device according to claim 7, characterized in that the gap is smaller than the diameter of the second hook.

9. The optical instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that the gap remains constant when the position of the lens barrel relative to the retaining cylinder changes.

10. The optical device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the first optical component and the second optical component are combined, the tension coil spring is positioned behind the retaining cylinder when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

11. A cam follower positioned in the aforementioned retaining cylinder, A guide cylinder that engages with the cam follower and guides the retaining cylinder in a straight line, A cam ring that engages with the cam follower to move the retaining cylinder back and forth in the optical axis direction, Equipped with, The optical device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when viewed from a radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the tension coil spring is positioned behind the cam follower.

12. First optical component and, A second optical component connected to the first optical component, A tension coil spring having a first hook and a second hook is provided to bias the first optical component and the second optical component, The first optical component has a first hooking portion for securing the first hook of the tension coil spring and a third hooking portion to which the second hook can be secured. The second optical component has a second hook portion for securing the second hook, An optical device characterized in that, by combining the first optical component and the second optical component, the third hook portion and the second hook portion are arranged adjacent to each other, and the gap between the first optical component and the second optical component is narrower than the size of the second hook.

13. A lens device including an optical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A camera body to which the aforementioned lens device is fixed or detachably attached, An imaging device characterized by comprising:

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