Optical device, imaging device

Abstract

To achieve miniaturization, and improve a feel of operation.SOLUTION: An interchangeable lens 101 has: a rectilinear guide barrel 107 that holds a lens group 110 movably in an optical axis direction; and a cam barrel 108 that rotates around the optical axis in conjunction with a zoom operation ring 103, and drives the lens group 110 in the optical axis direction in cooperation with the rectilinear guide barrel 107. A cam groove 107a of the rectilinear guide barrel 107 includes: a first section I that extends in parallel with an optical axis orthogonal direction; and a second section II that has a tilt with respect to a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. A rotation phase (a wide-angle end) of the zoom operation ring 103 where rotation is engaged by a click mechanism 600 is located in the vicinity of the rotation phase of the zoom operation ring 103 in which a cam follower 108a is located in the second section II.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device , pick and an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in imaging devices such as digital cameras and video cameras, and optical devices such as interchangeable lenses, miniaturization has been demanded. Patent Document 1 discloses a lens barrel that moves a cam barrel in the optical axis direction in order to reduce the overall length of the lens barrel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the range occupied by the cam groove for moving the cam barrel in the optical axis direction to the retracted position is wide, and the layout efficiency is low. Therefore, miniaturization is difficult. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to design so as to narrow the range occupied by the cam groove, the inclination of the cam groove becomes large and the operability deteriorates. Therefore, there is room for improvement regarding further miniaturization of the optical device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to achieve miniaturization and improve the operation feeling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention includes an operation ring that is operated by a user around the optical axis, a guide cylinder that holds a lens group movably in the optical axis direction, a cam cylinder that rotates around the optical axis in conjunction with the operation ring and drives the lens group in the optical axis direction in cooperation with the guide cylinder, and a click mechanism that locks the rotation of the operation ring. , a base member, a shift member that holds an anti-vibration lens and is movable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the base member, a locking portion provided on the shift member and a locking portion provided on the base member, and an elastic member that biases the shift member with respect to the base member having a cam groove provided in either the guide cylinder or the cam cylinder, and a protrusion engaging with the cam groove provided in the other of the guide cylinder or the cam cylinder, the cam groove including a first section parallel to a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction and a second section having an inclination with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction, and the rotational phase of the operation ring locked in rotation by the click mechanism being located in the vicinity of the rotational phase of the operation ring where the protrusion is located in the second section , and a straight guide groove that restricts the rotation of the lens group and allows movement in the optical axis direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder, and the locking portion of the base member is disposed in the straight guide groove characterized in that.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, miniaturization can be achieved and the operation feeling can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0010] Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views of an imaging device to which an optical apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. This imaging device is composed of a digital camera body 1 (hereinafter referred to as the camera body 1) and an interchangeable lens 101 as a lens barrel. The camera body 1 can detachably attach the interchangeable lens 101. Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) show the front side and the back side of the imaging device, respectively.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1(a), the optical axis direction in which the optical axis C1 of the imaging optical system accommodated in the interchangeable lens 101 extends is defined as the X-axis direction, and the directions orthogonal thereto 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 are also collectively referred to as the Z / Y-axis direction. Further, the rotation direction around the Z-axis is defined as the pitch direction, and the rotation direction around the Y-axis is defined as the yaw direction. The pitch direction and the yaw direction (hereinafter also collectively referred to as the pitch / yaw direction) are rotation directions around two axes, the Z-axis and the Y-axis, which are orthogonal to each other.

[0012] On the left side (right side when viewed from the back) of the camera body 1 when viewed from the front, a grip portion 2 for the user to hold the camera body 1 by hand is provided. Also, a power operation unit 3 is arranged on the upper surface of the camera body 1. When the user turns on the power operation unit 3 when the camera body 1 is in the power-off state, power supply is started and the camera body 1 becomes in the power-on state, and programs such as the origin detection process of the focus group are executed to enter the shooting standby state. On the other hand, when the user turns off the power operation unit 3 when the camera body 1 is in the power-on state, the camera body 1 becomes in the power-off state.

[0013] On the upper surface of the camera body 1, a mode dial 4, a release button 5, and an accessory shoe 6 are provided. By rotating the mode dial 4 manually by the user, the shooting mode can be switched. The shooting modes include a manual still image shooting mode in which the user can arbitrarily set shooting conditions such as the shutter speed and aperture value, an auto still image shooting mode in which an appropriate exposure amount can be obtained automatically, and a movie shooting mode for shooting movies. Also, by pressing the release button 5 halfway by the user, shooting preparation operations such as autofocus and automatic exposure control can be instructed, and by pressing it fully, shooting can be instructed. An accessory such as an external flash can be detachably attached to the accessory shoe 6.

[0014] The interchangeable lens 101 is mechanically and electrically connected to a camera mount 7 provided on the camera body 1 via a lens mount 102. An imaging optical system that forms a subject image by forming an image of light from the subject is housed in the interchangeable lens 101. A zoom operation ring 103 that can be rotated (around the optical axis) about the optical axis C1 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, a zoom group 110 (FIG. 3) that constitutes the imaging optical system moves to a predetermined use position corresponding to the rotation angle of the zoom operation ring 103. In this way, the user can shoot at a desired angle of view.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1(b), a rear operation unit 8 and a display unit 9 are provided on the rear surface of the camera body 1. The rear operation unit 8 includes a plurality of buttons and dials to which various functions are assigned. When the power of the camera body 1 is on and the still image or video shooting mode is set, a through image of the subject image captured by the imaging device 16 (FIG. 2) is displayed on the display unit 9. Further, shooting parameters indicating shooting conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value are displayed on the display unit 9, and the user can change the set values 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 the recorded captured image, and when the user operates this playback button, the captured image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 9.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an imaging device showing the electrical and optical configurations of the interchangeable lens 101 and the camera body 1. The above-described camera body 1 has a power operation unit 3, a mode dial 4, a release button 5, an accessory shoe 6, a rear operation unit 8, a display unit 9, a power supply unit 10, and an operation unit 11. The power supply unit 10 supplies power to the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101. The operation unit 11 includes a touch panel function of the display unit 9.

[0017] Overall control of the imaging device including the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 101 is performed by the camera control unit 12 provided in the camera body 1 and the lens control unit 104 provided in the interchangeable lens 101 cooperating with each other. The camera control unit 12 reads and executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 13. At this time, the camera control unit 12 communicates with the lens control unit 104 via the communication terminal of the electrical contact 105 provided on the lens mount 102 for various control signals and data. The electrical contact 105 includes a power supply terminal for supplying power from the above-described power supply unit 10 to the interchangeable lens 101.

[0018] The imaging optical system included in the interchangeable lens 101 is connected to the zoom operation ring 103 and includes a zoom group 110 (FIG. 3) that moves in the optical axis direction to change the angle of view. The zoom group 110 includes a first zoom group 111, a lens vibration-proof group 112 that functions as a second zoom group, a third zoom group 113 (FIG. 3), a focus group 114 that functions as a fourth zoom group, a fifth zoom group 115 (FIG. 3), and a sixth zoom group 116 (FIG. 3). The zoom group 110 further includes a diaphragm group 301.

[0019] The lens vibration-proof group 112 includes a shift lens as a vibration-proof element. The lens vibration-proof group 112 reduces image blur by moving (shifting) in the Z / Y-axis direction orthogonal to the optical axis C1. The imaging optical system also includes a diaphragm group 301 that performs a light amount adjustment operation and a focus group 114 that includes a focus lens that moves in the optical axis direction to perform focus adjustment. Further, the interchangeable lens 101 has a vibration-proof drive unit 201 that moves the lens vibration-proof group 112, a diaphragm drive unit 302 that drives the diaphragm group 301, and a focus drive unit 401 that moves the focus group 114.

[0020] The camera body 1 has a shutter unit 14, a shutter drive unit 15, an imaging element 16, an image processing unit 17, and a camera control unit 12. The shutter unit 14 controls the amount of light that is imaged by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 101 and exposed by the imaging element 16. The imaging element 16 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system and outputs an imaging signal. The image processing unit 17 performs various image processes on the imaging signal and then generates an image signal. The display unit 9 displays the image signal (through image) output from the image processing unit 17, displays the shooting parameters as described above, or reproduces and displays the captured image recorded in the storage unit 13 or a recording medium (not shown).

[0021] The camera control unit 12 controls the focus drive unit 401 in response to a shooting preparation operation (such as a half-press operation of the release button 5) in 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 imaging device 16 based on the image signal generated by the image processing unit 17, generates a focus signal, and transmits it to the camera control unit 12. At the same time, the focus drive unit 401 transmits information regarding the current position of the focus group 114 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 114, calculates the focus drive amount from the deviation amount, and transmits it to the lens control unit 104. Then, the lens control unit 104 moves the focus group 114 to the target position in the optical axis direction via the focus drive unit 401 to correct the focus shift of the subject image.

[0022] The focus drive unit 401 includes a focus motor (not shown) and a photo interrupter (not shown) that detects the origin position of the focus group 114. Note that as the actuator, a DC motor or a ultrasonic motor including an encoder may be employed. Further, although the photo interrupter directly receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit by the light receiving unit, instead of this, a photo reflector that receives the reflected light from the reflecting surface or a brush that contacts the conductive pattern and electrically detects a signal may be used.

[0023] In addition, 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 response to the aperture value and the set value of the shutter speed received from the operation unit 11. For example, when an automatic exposure control operation is instructed, the camera control unit 12 receives the luminance signal generated by the image processing unit 17 and performs photometry calculation. Based on the result of this photometry calculation, the camera control unit 12 controls the aperture drive unit 302 in response to a shooting instruction operation (such as a full-press operation of the release button 5) in the operation unit 11. At the same time, the camera control unit 12 controls the driving of the shutter unit 14 via the shutter drive unit 15 and performs an exposure process by the imaging device 16.

[0024] The camera body 1 includes a pitch shake detection unit 19 and a yaw shake detection unit 20 to detect image shake caused by user's hand shake or the like. The pitch shake detection unit 19 and the yaw shake detection unit 20 respectively use an angular velocity sensor (vibration gyro) or an angular acceleration sensor to detect image shake in the pitch direction (rotation direction around the Z-axis) and the yaw direction (rotation direction around the Y-axis) and output shake signals. The camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position in the Y-axis direction of the lens anti-shake group 112 using the shake signal from the pitch shake detection unit 19. Similarly, the camera control unit 12 calculates the shift position in the Z-axis direction of the lens anti-shake group 112 using the shake signal from the yaw shake detection unit 20. Then, the camera control unit 12 moves the lens anti-shake group 112 to the target position in the Z / Y-axis direction via the anti-shake drive unit 201 according to the calculated shift positions in the pitch / yaw directions to reduce image shake during exposure or during through-image display.

[0025] The interchangeable lens 101 includes a zoom operation 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 operation ring 103. The zoom detection unit 106 detects the angle of the zoom operation ring 103 operated by the user as an absolute value and is configured using, for example, a resistive linear potentiometer. Information regarding the angle of view detected by the zoom detection unit 106 is transmitted to the lens control unit 104 and reflected in various controls by the aforementioned camera control unit 12. On the other hand, a part of such various information is recorded in the storage unit 13 and a recording medium (not shown) together with the captured image.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the positional relationship of the main components in the interchangeable lens 101 will be described.

[0027] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are cross-sectional views on the XY plane including the optical axis C1. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the anti-shake drive unit and its peripheral members in the interchangeable lens 101, which is a view of a part of the components disassembled and seen obliquely from the front.

[0028] Since the center lines shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 substantially coincide with the optical axis C1 determined by the imaging optical system, they are hereinafter synonymous with the optical axis C1. FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show the wide-angle end on the short focal length side and the telephoto end on the long focal length side during shooting in zooming, and both show states where shooting is possible. FIG. 5 shows the stored state when not shooting, and shows the retracted end with the shortest overall length in the optical axis direction.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, a six-group configuration is adopted as an example of the imaging optical system. The movable components in the zoom group 110 move to different predetermined use positions at the wide-angle end and the telephoto end respectively, and image the light from the subject on the imaging element 16. As described above, the zoom group 110 includes the zoom groups 111 to 116 and the diaphragm group 301. Note that the configuration of the imaging optical system is not limited. For example, the lens vibration-proof group 112 and the focus group 114 may function as other zoom groups. Also, some lens groups may not be movable and may be fixed.

[0030] The straight guide tube 107 is a fixed component fixed to the lens mount 102 via the fixed tube 109. A cam groove 107a (FIG. 6) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the straight guide tube 107. On the other hand, a cam follower 108a (projection) (FIG. 6) is provided on the inner peripheral side of the cam tube 108. Further, the cam tube 108 is connected to the zoom operation ring 103 via a key (not shown). Therefore, when the zoom operation ring 103 is rotationally operated, the cam tube 108 also rotates in conjunction therewith. That is, when the zoom operation ring 103 is rotationally operated, the cam tube 108 rotates around the optical axis C1 while advancing and retreating in the optical axis direction through the engagement between the cam groove 107a and the cam follower 108a.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, straight - guiding grooves 127 are formed at equally - spaced positions on the inner surface of the straight - guiding cylinder 107. The straight - guiding grooves 127 restrict the movement of the movable components in the zoom group 110 in the rotational direction and allow and guide straight - movement in the optical - axis direction. Also, on the inner circumference of the cam cylinder 108, cam grooves 108b having trajectories at different angles in the rotational direction are formed at equally - spaced positions corresponding to the movable components in the zoom group 110.

[0032] On the other hand, cam followers are provided for each of the movable components in the zoom group 110, and each cam follower is engaged with the corresponding straight - guiding groove 127 and cam groove 108b. When the user rotates the zoom operation ring 103, the cam cylinder 108 rotates, and each cam follower is displaced by engagement with the corresponding straight - guiding groove 127 and cam groove 108b. In this way, the cam cylinder 108, in cooperation with the straight - guiding groove 127 of the straight - guiding cylinder 107, advances and retracts the movable components in the zoom group 110 in the optical - axis direction while restricting movement in the rotational direction.

[0033] The straight - guide 123 is a cam follower of the third zoom group 113. The straight - guiding groove 127 engages with the straight - guide 123 inside the straight - guiding cylinder 107 to restrict the rotation of the third zoom group 113 with respect to the optical - axis center. The base member 501 is connected to the third zoom group 113. The coil 502 is connected to the base member 501 and is wired to the lens control unit 104 (FIG. 2). The shield case 503 is connected to the base member 501, covers the imaging - surface side of the coil 502, and the object - side (subject - side) of the coil 502 is open. The ball 504 is housed in the base member 501. The lens 505 is an anti - vibration lens included in the lens anti - vibration group 112. The shift member 506 holds the lens 505 and is in contact with the ball 504. The magnet 507 is connected to the shift member 506 and is arranged to face the coil 502 in the optical - axis direction. The yoke 508 is connected to the magnet 507. Also, the anti - vibration drive unit includes a floating - stop member 510 and three springs 509 as elastic members.

[0034] Figs. 7(a) and 8(a) are front views of the anti-shake drive unit and its peripheral members in the interchangeable lens 101 as viewed from the subject side. Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 8(a). In Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), the illustration of the floating member 510 is omitted.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the spring hook portion 511 extends from the base member 501. The spring hook portion 516 extends from the shift member 506. The spring 509 is an elastic tension spring having a first hook and a second hook. The first hook of the spring 509 is locked to the spring hook portion 511 of the base member 501. The second hook of the spring 509 is locked to the spring hook portion 516 of the shift member 506. The spring 509 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction forms an angle of 75° with the optical axis direction. Thereby, the shift member 506 is biased toward the base member 501 and is arranged at the balance position of the tensile force of the spring 509.

[0036] Furthermore, by passing a current through the coil 502 (Fig. 6) by the lens control unit 104, the shift member 506 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the base member 501 as a voice coil type actuator. The floating member 510 (Fig. 8) is a regulating member that regulates the displacement (lifting) of the shift member 506 in the optical axis direction. The presence of the floating member 510 reduces the inadvertent movement of the shift member 506 due to a drop impact or the like.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the spring hook portion 511 of the base member 501 is arranged so as to overlap with the straight guide 123 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. That is, when viewed from the X direction, the spring hook portion 511 overlaps with the straight guide 123. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the spring hook portion 511 of the base member 501 is arranged in the straight guide groove 127. Thereby, when viewed around the optical axis C1, the inner diameter 107b of the straight guide cylinder 107 can be set inside (radially inward) the spring hook portion 511 of the base member 501. As a result, there is an effect that the interchangeable lens 101 can be miniaturized in the radial direction.

[0038] Further, the spring - hanging portion 511 of the base member 501 is arranged outside with respect to the spring - hanging portion 516 of the shift member 506 around the optical axis C1. Since the spring - hanging portion 511 extends from the base member 501, it does not move in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis. Therefore, since the spring - hanging portion 511 is arranged in the straight - line guide groove 127, there is no need to secure a space for the spring - hanging portion 511 to move in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis in the straight - line guide groove 127. On the other hand, since the spring - hanging portion 516 extends from the shift member 506, it moves in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0039] Here, in the prior art document (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018 - 105899), in order to reduce the size in the lens barrel diameter direction, an image blur correction device that overlaps the arrangement of the rolling ball and the spring as viewed from the optical axis direction is disclosed. However, in the above - mentioned prior art document, it is necessary to set the inner diameter of the cylindrical member corresponding to the straight - line guide cylinder 107 arranged on the outer periphery of the image blur correction device outside the spring - hanging portion. Therefore, it has been difficult to reduce the size.

[0040] In the present embodiment, if the spring - hanging portion 516 is arranged in the straight - line guide groove 127, it is necessary to set the width of the straight - line guide groove 127 so as to secure a space for the spring - hanging portion 516 to move in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis. However, in the present embodiment, the spring - hanging portion 511 is arranged in the straight - line guide groove 127, and the spring - hanging portion 516 is not arranged in the straight - line guide groove 127. Therefore, there is an effect that the width of the straight - line guide groove 127 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the spring - hanging portion 516 is arranged in the straight - line guide groove 127. This also contributes to the reduction in size.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8(a), the floating stop member 510 has an extended portion 520 that extends to cover the straight guide groove 127. As shown in Fig. 8(b), the extended portion 520 is disposed within the straight guide groove 127. Further, the extended portion 520 is arranged so as to overlap with the spring - hanging portion 511 and the spring 509 when viewed in the optical axis direction. That is, the extended portion 520 is arranged to sandwich the spring - hanging portion 511 and the spring 509 together with the straight guide 123 in the front - rear direction in the optical axis direction. As a result, there is an effect that stray light to the imaging element 16 passing through the straight guide groove 127 can be reduced. Further, there is also an effect that stray light to the imaging element 16 that is reflected by the spring 509 and then passes through can be reduced.

[0042] Next, with reference to Fig. 9, a click mechanism 600 for giving a click feeling (a sense of moderation) to the operation of the zoom operation ring 103 will be described. Figs. 9(a) and (b) are a side cross - sectional view and a lower cross - sectional view seen from the optical axis center of the click mechanism 600, respectively. Both figures show the arrangement state of the click mechanism 600 in the vicinity of the wide - angle end in the imaging region described later.

[0043] The click mechanism 600 is mainly realized by the fixed cylinder 109, the pin member 601, a part of the zoom operation ring 103 (the tapered portion 103a), and the biasing member 602.

[0044] The pin member 601 is an engaging member held by the fixed cylinder 109 so as to be linearly movable in the optical axis direction. The pin member 601 has a tip portion 601b, and the side portion adjacent to the tip portion 601b has a tapered shape portion 601a. The biasing member 602 is a compression coil spring as an example, and is disposed on the side opposite to the tip portion 601b of the pin member 601. The biasing member 602 is held by the sleeve shape of the pin member 601, and biases the pin member 601 toward the side (X direction) of the zoom operation ring 103 by receiving the reaction force from the fixed cylinder 109.

[0045] On the inner peripheral surface of the zoom operation ring 103, a protruding tapered portion 103a (tapered portion 103a-1 is shown in FIG. 10 described later) is formed. The zoom operation ring 103 has a first flat portion 103b and a second flat portion 103c. The tapered portion 103a is arranged at a concentric position with the pin member 601 centered on the optical axis C1. When the zoom operation ring 103 is rotated, the tapered portion 103a and the tapered portion 601a of the pin member 601 come into contact and engage, and the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 is locked. When the zoom operation ring 103 is further rotated, the pin member 601 moves in the optical axis direction (-X direction) along the tapered portion 103a, and the tip portion 601b of the pin member 601 gets over the tapered portion 103a. At this time, the biasing force of the biasing member 602 acts, which becomes a load on the rotation operation and a click feeling is generated.

[0046] In the click mechanism 600, by changing the angles of the tapered portion 103a and the tapered portion 601a and the biasing force of the biasing member 602, a click feeling suitable for the rotation operation of the zoom operation ring 103 can be set. Due to this click feeling, the user can recognize the boundary of the phase of the zoom operation ring 103 from the operation feeling.

[0047] Using FIG. 10, the relationship between the phases of the zoom operation ring 103 and the cam cylinder 108 and the rotation operation torque of the zoom operation ring 103 will be described. FIG. 10 is an exploded view and a torque diagram of the straight guide cylinder 107 and the zoom operation ring 103. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents the phase of the zoom operation ring 103, and schematically shows the relative positional relationship of the components in the zoom. Note that in FIG. 10, it shows that the pin member 601 moves relative to the zoom operation ring 103. However, actually, the zoom operation ring 103 and the cam groove 108b rotate, and the phases of the pin member 601 and the straight guide cylinder 107 are fixed by the fixed cylinder 109.

[0048] The phase due to the rotational operation of the zoom operation ring 103 is divided into a shooting area from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end and a non-shooting area from the wide-angle end to the retracted lens end. The cam groove 107a of the straight-ahead guide cylinder 107 extends parallel to the direction orthogonal to the optical axis throughout the shooting area. The cam groove 107a has a first section I that extends parallel to the direction orthogonal to the optical axis and a second section II that has an inclination with respect to the direction orthogonal to the optical axis in the non-shooting area. The second section II is adjacent to the section corresponding to the shooting area. The boundary between the imaging area and the non-imaging area, that is, the boundary between the second section II and the section corresponding to the shooting area, is located at or near the wide-angle end. The second section II is shorter (narrower) than the first section I. Thereby, the range occupied by the cam groove 107a can be narrowed, so that the layout efficiency is increased.

[0049] However, the above phase (the shooting area from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end and the non-shooting area from the wide-angle end to the retracted lens end) is merely an example. It may be designed to be divided into a shooting area from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end and a non-shooting area from the telephoto end to the retracted lens end.

[0050] When the cam follower 108a passes through the second section II, the cam cylinder 108 moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction. The amount of movement of the cam cylinder 108 in the optical axis direction is determined by the inclination and phase of the second section II. The zoom operation ring 103 has taper portions 103a (103a-1, 103a-2, 103a-3) at a position where it engages with the pin member 601 in the phase of the wide-angle end and a position where it engages with the pin member 601 in the phase of the retracted lens end. The taper portion 103a-1 corresponding to the wide-angle end among the taper portions 103a corresponds to the stepped portion between the first flat portion 103b and the second flat portion 103c in the zoom operation ring 103. The protruding height of the taper portion 103a-1 increases from the wide-angle end side toward the retracted lens end side. The shooting area is defined by the taper portion 103a-1 and a rotation locking portion (not shown) provided in the phase of the telephoto end. Two taper portions 103a-2 and 103a-3 corresponding to the retracted lens end are provided so as to face each other. The protruding height of the taper portion 103a-2 decreases from the wide-angle end side toward the retracted lens end side. The protruding height of the taper portion 103a-3 increases from the wide-angle end side toward the retracted lens end side.

[0051] The pin member 601 is held in a state where there is a gap between the tip 601b of the pin member 601 and the first flat portion 103b of the zoom operation ring 103 by restricting the amount of movement of the pin member 601 in the straight-ahead movement direction by the fixed cylinder 109 in the imaging region. In the non-imaging region, the tip 601b of the pin member 601 and the second flat portion 103c of the zoom operation ring 103 are always in contact with each other.

[0052] The rotational operation torque in the stroke of rotating the zoom operation ring 103 from the telephoto end toward the retracted lens barrel end will be described. In the imaging region, the zoom operation ring 103 and the pin member 601 do not come into contact with each other. As described above, in the cam cylinder 108 that rotates in conjunction with the zoom operation ring 103, the cam groove 107a extends parallel to the direction orthogonal to the optical axis throughout the entire area. Therefore, almost no load is generated in the imaging region. Therefore, a very small rotational operation torque is generated.

[0053] At the wide-angle end, the pin member 601 abuts against the tapered portion 103a-1, and the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 is locked. When an attempt is made to further rotate the zoom operation ring 103 from the wide-angle end, a large rotational operation torque is generated because a load is generated when the pin member 601 relatively climbs over the tapered portion 103a-1. Next, in the vicinity of the wide-angle end in the non-imaging region, a load is generated due to the contact between the tip 601b of the pin member 601 and the second flat portion 103c of the zoom operation ring 103, and a load is generated when the cam follower 108a passes through the second section II. Therefore, a relatively large rotational operation torque is generated.

[0054] In the subsequent non-imaging region, a load is generated due to the contact between the tip 601b of the pin member 601 and the second flat portion 103c of the zoom operation ring 103, so a lower rotational operation torque is generated than when passing through the second section II. At the retracted lens barrel end, the tip 601b of the pin member 601 fits between the two tapered portions 103a-2 and 103a-3 facing each other, and the rotation of the zoom operation ring 103 is locked. As a result, the rotational phase is fixed at the retracted lens barrel end and locked in the retracted state during non-imaging shown in FIG. 5.

[0055] In this way, by providing the tapered portion 103a-1, the rotational phase of the zoom operation ring 103 locked in rotation by the click mechanism 600 corresponds to the boundary (wide-angle end) between the imaging region and the non-imaging region. Also, by providing the tapered portions 103a-2 and 103a-3, the rotational phase of the zoom operation ring 103 locked in rotation by the click mechanism 600 also corresponds to the retracted lens end. Therefore, a click feeling can be imparted in the vicinity of the wide-angle end and the vicinity of the retracted lens end.

[0056] In order to reduce the overall length of the interchangeable lens 101 in the stored state, while making the cam barrel 108 movable significantly in the optical axis direction, the range of the second section II is made as small as possible, thereby improving the layout efficiency of the cam groove 107a and its periphery. On the other hand, since the inclination of the second section II becomes large, a large rotational operation torque is generated in the vicinity of the wide-angle end of the non-photographing region. In the present embodiment, the click feeling of the click mechanism 600 is set so that the rotational operation torque T1 generated at the wide-angle end is larger than the rotational operation torque T2 in the vicinity of the wide-angle end of the non-photographing region. Thereby, when the user operates the zoom operation ring 103, the boundary between the imaging region and the non-imaging region can be accurately recognized.

[0057] That is, the required torque when the zoom operation ring 103 rotates toward the retracted lens end from the rotational phase when rotation is locked at the wide-angle end is larger than the required torque when the zoom operation ring 103 rotates when the cam follower 108a is engaged in the second section II. Thereby, the click feeling at the wide-angle end can be made clear.

[0058] On the other hand, when the zoom operation ring 103 is rotated from the telephoto end towards the wide-angle end, a large rotational operation torque is generated only at the telephoto end due to the load generated when the pin member 601 overrides the tapered portion 103a. No large rotational operation torque is generated at other phases. Also, the rotational operation torque increases near the wide-angle end of the non-photographing area and decreases in the photographing area, enabling the user to recognize the boundary between the non-photographing area and the photographing area. Therefore, the user can smoothly operate the zoom operation ring 103 from the non-photographing area to the photographing area without feeling discomfort.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the overall length of the interchangeable lens 101 can be reduced while maintaining the operability of the user. That is, the cam groove 107a of the straight-ahead guide cylinder 107 includes a first section I extending parallel to the direction orthogonal to the optical axis and a second section II having an inclination with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. Since the first section I parallel to the direction orthogonal to the optical axis is provided, the exclusive area of the cam groove 107a in the optical axis direction can be reduced, mainly contributing to the reduction in size in the optical axis direction.

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, since the straight-ahead guide groove 127 of the straight-ahead guide cylinder 107 can be extended to the empty area SP generated by providing the first section I, it mainly contributes to the reduction in size in the optical axis direction during the telescoping operation. Also, since the rotation sliding surface S1 of the cam cylinder 108 can be arranged, it also contributes to reducing the size of the cam cylinder 108 in the optical axis direction while maintaining the holding accuracy of the cam cylinder 108.

[0061] Also, the rotation phase (wide-angle end) of the zoom operation ring 103 locked in rotation by the click mechanism 600 is located near the rotation phase of the zoom operation ring 103 where the cam follower 108a is positioned in the second section II. That is, the rotation phase of the zoom operation ring 103 locked in rotation by the click mechanism 600 corresponds to the boundary (wide-angle end) between the imaging area and the non-imaging area. Therefore, a distinct click feeling can be imparted at the wide-angle end. Also, since the rotation phase of the zoom operation ring 103 locked in rotation by the click mechanism 600 also corresponds to the retracted end, a distinct click feeling can be imparted at the retracted end as well.

[0062] Therefore, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and improve the operating feeling.

[0063] Also, since the second section II is shorter than the first section I, the layout efficiency is increased, and further miniaturization in the optical axis direction can be achieved.

[0064] Also, the spring mounting portion 511 of the base member 501 is disposed in the straight guide groove 127, and moreover, the inner diameter 107b of the straight guide cylinder 107 can be set to be inside the spring mounting portion 511 of the base member 501. By these, it is possible to contribute to miniaturization also in the radial direction.

[0065] Note that the present invention is not limited to a lens barrel such as an interchangeable lens, and is applicable to various optical devices. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to imaging devices such as video cameras and lens-integrated cameras.

[0066] Note that the cam groove 107a is provided in the straight guide cylinder 107, and the cam follower 108a is provided in the cam cylinder 108. However, it is not limited to this, and a cam groove corresponding to the cam groove 107a may be provided in either the straight guide cylinder 107 or the cam cylinder 108, and a protrusion corresponding to the cam follower 108a may be provided in the other of the straight guide cylinder 107 or the cam cylinder 108.

[0067] As described above, the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0068] Note that the second section II may be located near the sink end in the non-imaging area. Note that the boundary between the imaging area and the non-imaging area may be the wide-angle end or the telephoto end.

[0069] Note that the configurations and each member in this embodiment are not limited to the described content, and various things can be used as long as the functions are satisfied. For example, rubber, which is an elastic member, may be used instead of the spring 509. Also, a leaf spring may be used as the biasing member 602. Further, the coil 502 may be connected to the shift member 506, and the magnet 507 may be connected to the base member 501. Also, the pin member 601 may be held by the fixed cylinder 109 so as to be linearly movable outward from the optical axis center.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 103 Zoom operation ring 107 Linear guide cylinder 107a Cam groove 108 Cam cylinder 108a Cam follower 110 Lens group 600 Click mechanism

Claims

1. An operation ring that is operated by a user around the optical axis, A guide cylinder that holds a lens group movably in the optical axis direction, A cam cylinder that rotates around the optical axis in conjunction with the operation ring and drives the lens group in the optical axis direction in cooperation with the guide cylinder, A click mechanism that locks the rotation of the operation ring, A base member, A shift member that holds an anti-shake lens and is movable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the base member, An elastic member that is locked to a locking portion provided on the shift member and a locking portion provided on the base member and biases the shift member with respect to the base member, A cam groove is provided in either the guide cylinder or the cam cylinder, and a protrusion that engages with the cam groove is provided in the other of the guide cylinder or the cam cylinder, The cam groove includes a first section parallel to a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction and a second section having an inclination with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction, The rotational phase of the operation ring whose rotation is locked by the click mechanism is located in the vicinity of the rotational phase of the operation ring where the protrusion is located in the second section, A straight guide groove that restricts the rotation of the lens group and allows movement in the optical axis direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder, The locking portion of the base member is disposed in the straight guide groove. An optical device characterized by this.

2. It can be mechanically and electrically connected to an imaging device having an imaging element, The first section and the second section correspond to a non-imaging region where imaging is not performed by the imaging element. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The rotational phase of the operation ring whose rotation is locked by the click mechanism corresponds to the boundary between an imaging region where imaging is performed by the imaging element and the non-imaging region. The optical device according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The boundary between the imaging region and the non-imaging region is a wide-angle end or a telephoto end. The optical device according to claim 3, characterized by this.

5. The required torque when the operation ring further rotates from the rotational phase locked by the click mechanism is greater than the required torque when the operation ring rotates when the protrusion is engaged in the second section. The optical device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by this.

6. The optical device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein in the cam groove, the second section is adjacent to the section corresponding to the imaging region.

7. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein the rotational phase of the operation ring locked by the click mechanism corresponds to the retracted end of the lens group.

8. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second section is shorter than the first section.

9. The click mechanism includes a fixed cylinder that rotatably holds the operation ring around the optical axis, an engaging member movably held by the fixed cylinder, and a biasing member that biases the engaging member toward the operation ring. The operation ring includes a tapered portion, and in the process of the operation ring rotating, the engaging member overrides the tapered portion, thereby imparting a click feeling to the operation ring. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lens group is a zoom group and the operation ring is a zoom operation ring.

11. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inner diameter of the guide cylinder is located radially inward of the locking portion of the base member.

12. has a restricting member that restricts displacement of the shift member in the optical axis direction, and when viewed from the optical axis direction, the restricting member overlaps the locking portion of the base member and the elastic member. The optical device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. An imaging element, an operation ring operated by a user around the optical axis, a guide cylinder that movably holds a lens group in the optical axis direction, a cam cylinder that rotates around the optical axis in conjunction with the operation ring and drives the lens group in the optical axis direction in cooperation with the guide cylinder, a click mechanism that locks the rotation of the operation ring, a base member, a shift member that holds an anti-vibration lens and is movable in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the base member, and an elastic member that is locked to a locking portion provided on the shift member and a locking portion provided on the base member and biases the shift member with respect to the base member. A cam groove is provided in either the guide cylinder or the cam cylinder, and a protrusion that engages with the cam groove is provided in the other of the guide cylinder or the cam cylinder. The cam groove includes a first section parallel to a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction and a second section having an inclination with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The rotational phase of the operation ring locked in rotation by the click mechanism is located in the vicinity of the rotational phase of the operation ring where the protrusion is located in the second section. On the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder, a straight guide groove is formed that restricts the rotation of the lens group and allows movement in the optical axis direction. The imaging device is characterized in that the locking portion of the base member is disposed in the straight guide groove.

Images