Drive device, optical system, and imaging device

Abstract

To provide a driving device advantageous for reducing the intrusion of water droplets.SOLUTION: A driving device 1 attached to a lens device 100 including an operation ring 101 includes a driving gear 15 for rotating the operation ring 101, an electric circuit 20 for driving the driving gear 15, a partition member 25 arranged between the driving gear 15 and the electric circuit 20, and a base member 11 for storing the driving gear 15, the electric circuit 20, and the partition member 25. An opening 11a for exposing the part facing the operation ring 101 of the driving gear 15 is provided in the base member 11. The partition member 25 is arranged so as to cover the driving gear 15 and the opening 11a on a side opposite to the operation ring 101 with respect to the opening 11a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device, an optical system, and an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a lens device with an operation ring that allows arbitrary operation of shooting conditions such as focus, zoom, and aperture, a lens drive unit is attached to the outside of the lens barrel to electrically drive the operation ring. The connecting gear of the lens drive unit engages with the gear of the operation ring, electrically driving the operation ring.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a lens driving device that has a waterproof sheet member provided between a driving mechanism that drives a connecting gear and a circuit board that controls the driving mechanism, thereby preventing water from getting on the circuit board. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-139587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that water adhering to the connecting gears that mesh with the operating rings of the lens barrel may wet the motor, potentiometer, etc., located inside the drive mechanism.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that is advantageous in reducing the intrusion of water droplets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a drive device that is attached to a lens device that includes an operating ring, the drive device including: a drive member that rotates the operating ring; an electric circuit that drives the drive member; a cover member that is disposed between the drive member and the electric circuit; and a housing that houses the drive member, the electric circuit, and the cover member. An opening is provided to expose a portion of the drive member that faces the operating ring. Exterior materials and a sealing member disposed along the periphery of the opening and abutting against the cover member; and before The cover member is disposed on the opposite side of the opening from the operation ring so as to cover the drive member and the opening. The seal member is fixed to the exterior member or the cover member, and is deformed by adjusting the position of a drive unit constituted by at least the drive member and the cover member, and the drive unit is attached so as to be positionally adjustable in a direction different from a tangential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring at a position where the operation ring and the drive member engage with each other. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drive device that is advantageous in reducing the intrusion of water droplets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a lens device 100 including a driving device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a drive device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing the inside of a drive device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inside of the base member 11 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A is a perspective view of the partition member 25 of Example 1. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the partition member 25 of a modified example of Example 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the inside of a drive device 2 of a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a driving device 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a drive unit 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Example 1 Hereinafter, a driving device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the optical axis direction extending from the image plane side 100a of the lens device 100 to the object side 100b of the lens device 100 is defined as the +X direction, the opposite direction as the -X direction, the vertically upward direction of the lens device 100 is defined as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction as the -Y direction. Furthermore, the horizontal direction of the lens device 100 is defined as the Z direction, and for example, in FIG. 1, the rightward direction on the paper surface is defined as the +Z direction, and the leftward direction on the paper surface is defined as the -Z direction.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lens apparatus 100 equipped with a driving device 1 according to a first embodiment. The lens apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is provided with an operating ring 101 having a gear formed thereon for arbitrarily setting the zoom shooting conditions by a rotational operation. That is, the driving device 1 is attached to the lens apparatus 100, which includes the operating ring 101. An optical system according to an embodiment is configured with the driving device 1 and the lens apparatus 100. The operating ring 101 is further provided with a ring gear (not shown) having a gear formed thereon for setting the focusing and aperture shooting conditions. The operating ring 101 can change at least one of the lens position and the aperture opening diameter in the lens apparatus 100. The operating ring 101 can also change the lens position during at least one of focusing and zooming. An imaging device (described later) is detachably attached to an image plane side 100a of the lens apparatus 100.

[0012] The driving device 1 is fastened to a fixed exterior surface of the lens device 100, i.e., an immovable exterior surface that is not moved by an operating ring 101 or the like, by two fastening members 10. The exterior members of the driving device 1 are mainly composed of a base member 11 and a lid member 12. The base member 11 and the lid member 12 are fastened together by fastening members (not shown). The base member 11 and the lid member 12 are made of metal or resin. The base member 11 and the lid member 12 are also plated or painted.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the driving device 1 of the first embodiment removed from the lens device 100. The contact terminal block 13, contact pins 14, and opening 11a provided in the driving device 1 will be described below. The material of the contact terminal block 13 is a non-conductive resin. The contact terminal block 13 is provided on the exterior surface of the base member 11 on the side that is attached to the lens device 100. The contact terminal block 13 is fastened to the base member 11 by fastening members (not shown). Alternatively, the contact terminal block 13 may be press-fitted into the base member 11 and fixed thereto.

[0014] The contact terminal block 13 is provided with a plurality of contact pins 14 protruding towards the lens device 100. The contact pins 14 are made of a highly conductive metal and are press-fit into the contact terminal block 13. When the contact pins 14 come into contact with a terminal portion (not shown) of the lens device 100, power can be supplied from the lens device 100 to the drive device 1 and control signals can be input and output between the lens device 100 and the drive device 1, enabling the drive device 1 to be driven. The contact pins 14 are connected to a substrate 16 (described later) by wires 17 or an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) (not shown) or the like, enabling electrical communication.

[0015] The opening 11a is provided on the exterior surface of the base member 11 on the side that is attached to the lens device 100. Part of the gear teeth 15a of the drive gear 15 (drive member) is exposed from the opening 11a toward the lens device 100. In other words, the opening 11a exposes the portion of the drive gear 15 that faces the operating ring 101. By attaching the drive device 1 to the lens device 100, the drive gear 15 meshes (engages) with the gear of the operating ring 101, causing the operating ring 101 to rotate, and enabling the torque of the motor-driven drive gear 15 to be transmitted to the operating ring 101.

[0016] Next, the drive gear 15, substrate 16, wire 17, drive switch 18, external terminal 19, motor 21, motor mounting member 22, motor gear 23, transmission gear 24, partition member 25 (cover member), and shaft member 26 provided on the base member 11 will be described.

[0017] 3 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the drive device 1 with the cover member 12 removed from the base member 11 of the first embodiment, and shows the components arranged on the base member 11. The electric circuit 20 of the first embodiment includes a board 16, wires 17, a motor 21, and a detection device (not shown). The board 16 has a flat plate shape and is fixed to the base member 11 by two fastening members 28. The multiple electric components on the board 16 are connected by wires 17, allowing communication of electric signals between the multiple electric components. The board 16 is connected to the contact terminal block 13, the drive switch 18, the external terminals 19, and the motor 21 by the multiple wires 17.

[0018] The drive switch 18 is fastened to the base member 11 by a fastening member (not shown). Two switch portions 18a are provided on the surface of the drive switch 18. When one of the two switch portions 18a of the drive switch 18 is pressed, the motor 21 operates, and torque is transmitted through each gear group described below, enabling zooming to the wide-angle side or the telephoto side. In other words, the motor 21 connected to the electric circuit 20 drives the drive gear 15 to rotate. In other words, the electric circuit 20 drives the drive gear 15.

[0019] The external terminal 19 is fastened to the base member 11 by a fastening member (not shown). The external terminal 19 is a connector, and is connected to a connector of an external device (not shown) in a male-female relationship. When the external device is connected to the external terminal 19, it becomes possible to supply power from the external device to the drive device 1 and to input and output control signals between the external device and the drive device 1, thereby enabling operation of the drive device 1 and the lens device 100.

[0020] The motor 21 is fastened to an L-shaped motor mounting member 22 by two fastening members 29. Furthermore, the motor mounting member 22 to which the motor 21 is fastened is fastened to a partition member 25 (described later) by two fastening members 30. Note that in the first embodiment, the motor 21 is fixed to the partition member 25 via the motor mounting member 22, but the motor 21 may also be directly fastened to the partition member 25 to be fixed thereto.

[0021] The motor gear 23 has a substantially thick disk shape, with gear teeth formed on the surface of the cylindrical outer diameter portion, and the motor shaft of the motor 21 fitted into the inner diameter portion. The motor gear 23 is fastened by abutting the tip of a set screw (not shown) screwed into the motor gear 23 against a D-cut surface provided on the motor shaft. This causes the motor gear 23 to rotate integrally with the rotation of the motor shaft.

[0022] Partition member 25 is formed with two extending portions 25a extending in the -X direction and one extending portion 25a extending in the +X direction. Extended portion 25a is formed with a substantially elliptical slot 25b having a major axis in the Y direction. Fastening members 31 are inserted into slot 25b of extended portion 25a and fastened to base member 11, thereby fastening partition member 25 to base member 11. Providing slot 25b makes it possible to adjust the positions of partition member 25, drive gear 15, etc. in the ±Y directions.

[0023] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inside of the base member 11 of Example 1, in which the shaft member 26, into which the drive gear 15 and the transmission gear 24 are fitted, and the partition member 25 are hatched and shown as cross sections. Note that for ease of understanding, the illustration of the electric circuit 20 and the like is omitted.

[0024] The transmission gear 24 has a substantially disk shape with a certain thickness. Gear teeth are formed on the surface of the outer diameter portion of the transmission gear 24, and these gear teeth mesh with the gear teeth of the motor gear 23. An engagement surface 24a (two D-cut surfaces) with two opposing sides formed as flat surfaces is formed on the inner diameter portion of the transmission gear 24. Meanwhile, an engagement surface 26a (two D-cut surfaces) with two opposing sides formed as flat surfaces corresponding to the engagement surface 24a is also formed on the surface of the outer diameter portion of the shaft member 26. The engagement surfaces 24a and 26a of the transmission gear 24 and the shaft member 26, respectively, are engaged with each other, thereby restricting the rotation of the transmission gear 24 relative to the shaft member 26. Furthermore, the movement of the transmission gear 24 in the ±X directions (optical axis direction) is restricted by an E-ring 32 engaged with the shaft member 26 and a flange portion 26b of the shaft member 26. This allows the transmission gear 24 and the shaft member 26 to rotate integrally.

[0025] The shaft member 26 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the transmission gear 24 and drive gear 15 are fitted into the shaft member 26, so that the shaft member 26, transmission gear 24, and drive gear 15 rotate integrally. The shaft member 26 slides and rotates relative to a first fitting portion 25c and a second fitting portion 25d provided in the partition member 25. There is a gap of 0 to 20 μm between the shaft member 26 and the first fitting portion 25c, and there is a gap of 0 to 60 μm between the shaft member 26 and the second fitting portion 25d. The first fitting portion 25c is a primary fitting, and the second fitting portion 25d is a secondary fitting, and both of them play a role in suppressing axial runout of the shaft member 26.

[0026] The drive gear 15 has a substantially disk-like shape with a certain thickness. Gear teeth 15a are formed on the surface of the outer diameter of the drive gear 15, and these gear teeth 15a mesh with gear teeth of the operating ring 101. As shown in FIG. 7, an engagement surface 15c (two D-cut surfaces) is formed on the inner diameter of the drive gear 15, with two opposing sides formed as flat surfaces. Meanwhile, an engagement surface 26c (two D-cut surfaces) is formed on the surface of the outer diameter of the shaft member 26, with two opposing sides formed as flat surfaces, corresponding to the engagement surface 15c. The engagement surfaces 15c and 26c of the drive gear 15 and the shaft member 26, respectively, are engaged with each other, thereby restricting rotation of the drive gear 15 relative to the shaft member 26. Furthermore, movement of the drive gear 15 in the ±X directions is restricted by an E-ring 33 and a flange portion 26d engaged with the shaft member 26. With this configuration, the drive gear 15 and the shaft member 26 rotate integrally.

[0027] As described above, the motor 21 is integrated with the partition member 25 by the motor mounting member 22. Furthermore, the drive gear 15 is fitted to the shaft member 26, which is rotatably supported by the first fitting portion 25c and the second fitting portion 25d of the partition member 25. That is, the drive gear 15, motor 21, motor mounting member 22, motor gear 23, transmission gear 24, partition member 25, shaft member 26, etc. are integrated to form a drive unit. The mounting position of the partition member 25 relative to the base member 11 can be adjusted by fastening fastening members 31 to the elongated hole portions 25b. Therefore, the position of the drive unit can be adjusted by adjusting the mounting position of the partition member 25. That is, the partition member 25 is fastened to the base member 11 so as to enable position adjustment of the drive gear 15 relative to the operating ring 101 (adjustment of backlash between the drive gear 15 and the operating ring 101).

[0028] FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of the partition member 25 of Example 1, and FIG. 5(B) is a perspective view of a partition member 25 of a modified example of Example 1. A second fitting portion 25d into which one end of the shaft member 26 fits is formed on one wall surface of the partition member 25, and a first fitting portion 25c (not shown) into which the other end of the shaft member 26 fits is formed on the other wall surface of the partition member 25. As in the modified example shown in FIG. 5(B), the second fitting portion 25d may be formed in a separate member 25g that is separate from the partition member 25, and the separate member 25g may be fixed to the partition member 25 with a fastening member or the like. The separate member 25g has three fastening holes 25h formed therein.

[0029] With the above-described configuration, the drive gear 15, the electric circuit 20, the motor gear 23, the transmission gear 24, the partition member 25, the shaft member 26, etc. are housed in the base member 11. However, the drive gear 15 and a portion of the shaft member 26 rotatably supported by the partition member 25 are exposed outside the housing of the drive device 1. The partition member 25 is disposed in the opening 11a of the base member 11 and fastened to the base member 11. That is, the partition member 25 is disposed between the drive gear 15 and the electric circuit 20, and is disposed on the side of the opening 11a opposite the operating ring 101 so as to cover the drive gear 15 and the opening 11a. Note that the partition member 25 does not need to completely seal the opening 11a, but may be disposed so as to close the opening 11a for waterproofing. With this configuration, the partition member 25 isolates the motor 21 and the electric circuit 20 from the drive gear 15. This reduces the amount of water droplets that get on the substrate 16, wire 17, motor 21, and the detection device (not shown), motor gear 23, transmission gear 24, and the like from the opening 11a, as shown in FIG.

[0030] For example, when the drive unit 1 is used in rainy weather, water droplets are prevented from entering through the opening 11a of the drive unit 1, preventing water droplets from getting on the motor 21, detection devices, etc., and causing disruption of electrical signals. Water droplets are also prevented from adhering to the metal parts of the components, causing rust over time, or from removing grease applied to the sliding surfaces of the drive system, leading to a decrease in drive performance. This reduces disruption of electrical signals, reduces rust on the metal parts of the motor gear 23 and the transmission gear 24, reduces the amount of grease removed from the sliding surfaces of the drive system, and stabilizes drive performance. According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the simple configuration of the partition member 25 covering the drive gear 15 makes it possible to prevent the motor 21, the electrical circuit 20, and detection devices from getting wet, thereby providing a drive unit 1 that is advantageous in reducing water droplet intrusion.

[0031] In the above description, the drive unit 1 has preferably a small gap between the exterior member and the interior of the drive unit 1 to improve its water-resistant performance. However, some gap may be acceptable. For example, the base member 11 and the partition member 25 form the exterior wall of the drive unit 1, and a gap may be provided between the interior and exterior of the housing of the drive unit 1. In this case, the gap is 0.6 mm or less. This is because a gap of 0.6 mm or less reduces the intrusion of water droplets into the drive unit 1 due to the surface tension and water pressure of water. Alternatively, the gap may be sealed by applying grease or a lubricant as a sealant. As shown in FIG. 4, applying grease or a lubricant to the first and second mating portions 25c and 25d, where the shaft member 26 slides, reduces the intrusion of water through the mating gap, improving the drive unit 1's water-resistant performance. Even when the lens device 100 is used in rainy weather, the intrusion of water droplets into the drive unit 1 can be reduced.

[0032] Example 2 The configuration of the drive device 2 in Example 2 is shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the drive device 2 in Example 2 with the partition member 25 hidden. Note that the same components as those in Example 1 are given the same component numbers and their description will be omitted, and only the different components will be described below.

[0033] In the drive unit 2 of the second embodiment, a sealing member 27 is disposed inside the base member 11 along the periphery of the opening 11a of the base member 11. The sealing member 27 has a generally frame-like (flat) shape with a flat portion 27a and is adhesively fixed to the base member 11 along the periphery of the opening 11a with double-sided tape or the like. Alternatively, the sealing member 27 may be adhesively fixed to the inclined surface 25e of the partition member 25 described below. The sealing member 27 has a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, and the flat portion 27a and the inclined surface 25e of the partition member 25 are in contact with each other and are constantly compressed. The sealing member 27 is made of a waterproof sponge material containing silicone rubber, fluororubber, chloroprene rubber, polyurethane, or the like. Alternatively, the sealing member 27 may be made of a waterproof composite material, without being limited to these materials.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit 2 of the second embodiment fixed to the lens device 100. The inclined surface 25e of the partition member 25 abuts against the flat surface 27a of the seal member 27, compressing the flat surface 27a of the seal member 27 almost uniformly. The drive gear 15 is housed in a housing portion 25f formed inside the partition member 25, and the partition member 25 blocks the opening 11a via the seal member 27 so as to cover the drive gear 15. However, the drive gear 15 and a portion of the shaft member 26 rotatably supported by the partition member 25 are exposed to the outside of the housing of the drive unit 2. The partition member 25 is disposed in the opening 11a of the base member 11 via the seal member 27, and is fastened to the base member 11, so that the partition member 25 blocks the opening 11a via the seal member 27 so as to cover the drive gear 15. With this configuration, the partition member 25 separates the motor 21 and the electric circuit 20 from the drive gear 15. This further reduces the amount of water droplets that get on the substrate 16, the wires 17, the motor 21, the detection equipment (not shown), the motor gear 23, the transmission gear 24, etc. from the opening 11a.

[0035] In addition to the effect of Example 1, the effect of the drip-proof performance can be further enhanced. That is, according to the configuration of Example 2 using the sealing member 27, it is possible to provide a drive unit 2 that is advantageous in further reducing the intrusion of water droplets.

[0036] In the configuration of Example 1, it is also possible to adjust the backlash between the drive gear 15 and the operating ring 101, but there is a concern that water droplets may enter depending on the mounting position of the partition member 25. On the other hand, the configuration of Example 2 has the seal member 27, so that the intrusion of water droplets is reliably reduced even when backlash is adjusted.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, backlash can be adjusted in the ±Y directions (see Fig. 7) within the range of elongated hole 25b of partition member 25. For example, when partition member 25 is shifted in the +Y direction, the amount of compression of seal member 27 increases, but the abutment between seal member 27 and inclined surface 25e is maintained. On the other hand, when partition member 25 is shifted in the -Y direction, the amount of compression of seal member 27 decreases, but the abutment between seal member 27 and inclined surface 25e is maintained.

[0038] The seal member 27 deforms when the position of the drive unit, which includes at least the drive gear 15 and the partition member 25, is adjusted. As shown in FIG. 7 , the drive unit is mounted so that its position can be adjusted in a direction different from the tangent direction T of the outer peripheral surface of the operating ring 101 at the position where the operating ring 101 engages with the drive gear 15. That is, the ±Y directions, which are the adjustment directions of the partition member 25 during backlash adjustment, are different directions (angles) from the tangent direction T of the operating ring 101 at the position where the operating ring 101 and the drive gear 15 mesh. In the drive unit 2, even when the partition member 25 is moved in the ±Y directions to adjust the backlash, the flat surface 27a of the seal member 27 and the inclined surface 25e of the partition member 25 are maintained in contact with each other, thereby maintaining the drip-proof performance. Therefore, the configuration of the second embodiment provides a drive unit 2 that is advantageous in reducing the intrusion of water droplets even during backlash adjustment.

[0039] Furthermore, grease or a lubricant may be applied as a sealant to the surface where sealing member 27 and inclined surface 25e of partition member 25 constituting the drive unit come into contact. This reduces the coefficient of friction of the contacting surface, making it easier to adjust backlash, and also reduces minute gaps at the contacting surface, reducing water intrusion and improving drip-proof performance.

[0040] In the above description, to improve the drip-proof performance of the drive unit 2, it is preferable that the gap between the exterior member and the inside of the drive unit 2 is as small as possible, but some gap may be tolerated. For example, the base member 11, the sealing member 27, and the partition member 25 form the outer wall surface of the drive unit 2, and a gap may be provided between the inside and outside of the housing of the drive unit 2 on the outer wall surface. In this case, the gap is 0.6 mm or less. This is because a gap of 0.6 mm or less reduces the intrusion of water droplets into the drive unit 2 depending on the surface tension and water pressure of water. Furthermore, the gap may be closed by applying grease or a lubricant as a sealant to the gap.

[0041] Next, the positional relationship of the drive gear 15 with respect to the lens device 100 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the operation ring 101 and the drive device 2 in the YZ plane perpendicular to the optical axis O, when viewed from the image plane side 100a of the lens device 100 toward the object side 100b of the lens device 100. Note that although Fig. 8 shows the drive device 2 of Example 2 attached to the lens device 100, the drive device 1 of Example 1 may also be attached.

[0042] When the state in which the bottom surface of the imaging device to which lens device 100 is attached is horizontal is defined as the normal position of lens device 100, the rotation center C of drive gear 15 is located in the lower right or lower left area in the area obtained by dividing the circumference of optical axis O into four equal quadrants by horizontal and vertical planes passing through optical axis O. Drive gear 15 is also provided within a range of approximately 45 degrees ±25 degrees (20 degrees to 70 degrees) from the horizontal plane (Z direction).

[0043] Regarding the operability of the lens device 100, assuming that when a user rotates the operating ring 101 by hand, the user places his / her hand on the top of the lens device 100 and rotates it, if the drive unit 2 is provided in the lower right or lower left area of ​​the four areas (quadrants), there will be no interference between the hand and the drive unit 2.

[0044] If the drive unit 2 is positioned at approximately 45 degrees ±25 degrees from the horizontal plane (Z direction), when the drive gear 15, motor 21, motor gear 23, transmission gear 24, and partition member 25 are positioned, the amount of protrusion in the ±Z direction or -Y direction is minimized, leading to a reduction in the size of the drive unit 2.

[0045] The drive device 2 may be a sealed housing. A sealed housing can be formed by providing a waterproof member or the like on the mounting surfaces of the drive switch 18, external terminal 19, and contact terminal block 13 on the base member 11. This further improves the drip-proof performance.

[0046] In addition, the various parts are made of metal materials such as aluminum, magnesium, brass, etc., or resin materials such as polycarbonate, polycarbonate glass, ABS (a synthetic resin made of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene), or composite materials.

[0047] (Application example) 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a camera device 200 (image capture device) that uses a lens device 100 (interchangeable camera lens) to which the present invention is applied. The image capture device includes the lens device 100 equipped with a driving device 1 or 2, and a camera body 200a having an image sensor 200b that captures an image formed by the lens device 100. The image capture device is configured such that the lens device 100 is detachably attached to the camera body 200a of the camera device 200, but the camera body 200a and the lens device 100 may also be configured as an integrated unit.

[0048] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0049] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A driving device attached to a lens device including an operating ring, a drive member that rotates the operation ring; an electric circuit for driving the driving member; a cover member disposed between the driving member and the electric circuit; an exterior member that houses the drive member, the electric circuit, and the cover member, an opening is provided in the exterior member to expose a portion of the drive member facing the operation ring; The drive device, wherein the cover member is disposed on the opposite side of the opening from the operation ring so as to cover the drive member and the opening. (Configuration 2) the drive member is fitted to a shaft member, and the shaft member is rotatably supported by the cover member; 2. The drive device of claim 1, wherein the cover member is fastened to the exterior member so as to enable position adjustment of the drive member relative to the operation ring. (Configuration 3) a seal member disposed along the periphery of the opening; 3. The drive device of claim 1, wherein the cover member abuts against the seal member. (Configuration 4) the sealing member is fixed to the exterior member or the cover member, and is deformed by adjusting the position of a drive unit constituted by at least the drive member and the cover member; The drive device of Configuration 3, wherein the drive unit is attached so as to be positionably adjustable in a direction different from a tangential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring at the position where the operation ring engages with the drive member. (Configuration 5) The drive device of configuration 4, wherein a sealant is applied to a surface where the drive unit and the seal member come into contact. (Configuration 6) an outer wall surface of the drive device is formed by the exterior member, the seal member, and the cover member; A drive device having any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein a gap is provided between the inside and outside of the housing of the drive device on the outer wall surface, and a sealant is applied to the gap. (Configuration 7) 7. The driving device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the operation ring can change at least one of the position of the lens and the aperture diameter of the diaphragm in the lens device. (Configuration 8) 8. The driving device according to configuration 7, wherein the operating ring is capable of changing the position of the lens during at least one of focusing and zooming. (Configuration 9) In a region obtained by dividing the circumference of the optical axis into four equal parts by a horizontal plane and a vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the lens device, 9. The drive device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein when the lens device is in the normal position, the drive member is provided in the lower right or lower left area and is provided in a range of 20 to 70 degrees from the horizontal plane. (Configuration 10) An optical system comprising the drive device of any one of configurations 1 to 8 and the lens device. (Configuration 11) 11. An imaging device comprising the optical system according to configuration 10 and an imaging element that captures an image formed by the lens device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1, 2 Drive unit 11a opening 11 Base member (exterior member) 15 Drive gear (drive member) 20 Electrical Circuits 21 Motor 25 Partition member (cover member) 26 Shaft member 27 Sealing material 100 Lens device 101 Operating ring 200 Camera equipment (imaging equipment) 200b image sensor O optical axis T Tangential direction

Claims

1. A driving device attached to a lens device including an operating ring, a drive member that rotates the operation ring; an electric circuit for driving the driving member; a cover member disposed between the driving member and the electric circuit; an exterior member that houses the drive member, the electric circuit, and the cover member and has an opening that exposes a portion of the drive member that faces the operation ring; a seal member disposed along the periphery of the opening and in contact with the cover member; the cover member is disposed on the opposite side of the opening from the operation ring so as to cover the drive member and the opening, the sealing member is fixed to the exterior member or the cover member, and is deformed by adjusting the position of a drive unit constituted by at least the drive member and the cover member; The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is mounted so as to be positionally adjustable in a direction different from a tangential direction of an outer peripheral surface of the operation ring at a position where the operation ring and the drive member engage with each other.

2. the drive member is fitted to a shaft member, and the shaft member is rotatably supported by the cover member; The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member is fastened to the exterior member so as to enable position adjustment of the drive member relative to the operation ring.

3. A drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the outer casing member and the cover member are fastened together by two or more fastening members inserted through the long hole portion of the cover member.

4. A drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the outer member and the cover member abut at a flat portion that is parallel to the rotational axis direction of the operating ring and is not parallel to the tangential direction of the outer surface of the operating ring at the position where the operating ring engages with the drive member.

5. 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein a sealant is applied to a surface where the drive unit and the seal member come into contact.

6. 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the exterior member and the seal member or between the seal member and the cover member, and a sealant is applied to the gap.

7. 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the operation ring is capable of changing at least one of a lens position and an aperture diameter of the diaphragm in the lens device.

8. 8. The driving device according to claim 7, wherein the operation ring is capable of changing the position of the lens during at least one of focusing and zooming.

9. In a region obtained by dividing the circumference of the optical axis into four equal parts by a horizontal plane and a vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the lens device, 8. The drive device according to claim 7, wherein, when the lens device is in the normal position, the drive member is provided in the lower right or lower left area and is provided in a range of 20 to 70 degrees from the horizontal plane.

10. An optical system comprising the driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the lens device.

11. An imaging device comprising: the optical system according to claim 10; and an imaging element that captures an image formed by the lens device.

Images