Lens device

Abstract

To provide a lens device and the like whose space is saved with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: In a lens device 200 including a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system so as to be movable in an optical axis direction, a fixed member that is fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed board 800 that connects the movable member and the fixed member, the flexible printed board 800 has a first excess length portion 801 and a second excess length portion 802 for connecting to the fixed member, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 has different lengths, and the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are arranged at positions that do not overlap optical elements of both optical systems when the first optical system and the second optical system are viewed from the optical axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lens is known in which a pair of left and right optical systems are arranged separately by a predetermined distance (baseline length), and two image circles are formed in parallel on one imaging element. In such a lens, the images formed by the pair of left and right optical systems respectively record moving images and still images for the left eye and the right eye. Also, at the time of playback, when viewing content using a 3D display, VR goggles, etc., the right-eye image is projected onto the viewer's right eye, and the left-eye image is projected onto the left eye. At this time, due to the baseline length of the pair of left and right optical systems, images with a parallax are projected onto the right and left eyes, so the viewer can obtain a sense of stereoscopy.

[0003] When using a pair of left and right optical systems to capture images with a parallax, it is necessary to perform focus adjustment for each of the pair of left and right optical systems, and there is a concern that the focus difference between the pair of left and right optical systems may give the viewer an uncomfortable impression. Patent Document 1 discloses a lens barrel having a mechanism for adjusting the focus of a pair of left and right optical systems and a mechanism for adjusting the left-right focus difference. In the lens barrel disclosed in Patent Document 1, focus adjustment is performed by manual operation, so-called manual focus. On the other hand, in order to simplify the imaging device and enable imaging by remote operation, it is required to mount automatic focus adjustment by an actuator, so-called autofocus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, incorporating motorized autofocus requires components such as actuators to move each lens group and switches to control lens operation. To operate these components, it is necessary to electrically connect circuit boards, drive units, exterior parts, etc., using, for example, flexible printed circuit boards (hereinafter also referred to as "FPC"). Generally, when connecting two relatively driven components with a flexible printed circuit board, an excess length is provided so that the connection of the flexible printed circuit board is maintained even when the components are driven relative to each other. For example, when a flexible printed circuit board is applied to a U-turn shape with a certain curvature, providing an excess length requires additional space for its placement.

[0006] On the other hand, in a lens structure with two optical systems, the internal optical unit requires space in the direction in which the two optical systems are arranged side by side. When designing to minimize the size of the lens device, arranging the two optical systems side by side creates constraints on the space for the flexible printed circuit board, which tends to make the lens device larger.

[0007] The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the past, and is to provide a lens device and imaging device that are simple in configuration and space-saving even when using a flexible printed circuit board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is: Arranged side by side A lens device having a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, a fixed member fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed circuit board connecting the movable member and the fixed member, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has a first excess length portion and a second excess length portion for connecting to the fixed member, and the excess lengths of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are different in length. ,before The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are located in positions that do not overlap with the optical elements of the first optical system and the second optical system when viewed from the optical axis direction. Of these, the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first optical system and the second optical system are aligned.It is characterized by being arranged in a specific position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device and imaging device that are simple in configuration and space-saving, even when using a flexible printed circuit board. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how an image sensor is tilted. [Figure 5] This is a side view of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the electrical system. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the process for determining the movement of the focus lens. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination and the amount of excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 12] This is a side view showing only the optical elements of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 13] This is a flattened view of the Flexible Printed Circuit Board 800. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 15] This is a magnified cross-sectional view of the second excess length portion 802 of the interchangeable lens. [Figure 16]It is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the interchangeable lens 200 at the position of the first extra length portion 801. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the connection destination and the extra length amount of the flexible printed circuit board 800 of the second embodiment.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the embodiments. Also, the lens device 200 is also referred to as an interchangeable lens 200. The lens device 200 (interchangeable lens) can be detachably attached to various imaging devices 100. Further, the "extra length portion" refers to the length (extra length) with a margin in the length of the FPC in order to absorb the influence of the driving or the like in preparation for the driving (movement) of components or the like when components and components or components and fixed members are connected by the FPC. In FIGS. 10 and 17, the length of the FPC corresponding to the "extra length portion" is illustrated as the "extra length amount". In this specification, the coordinate system is basically set such that the optical axis direction is "Z", the width direction of the lens device 200 is "X", and the lens height direction orthogonal to these is "Z".

[0012] (First optical system: Second optical system) The lens device (interchangeable lens) 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention has two optical systems (first optical system, second optical system) arranged in parallel and symmetrically with respect to each other, and is configured such that two image circles are formed in parallel on one imaging element. The two optical systems are arranged horizontally at a predetermined distance (baseline length). When viewed from the image side (in other words, when viewed from the imaging element side), the image formed by the right optical system (first optical system) is recorded as a moving image or a still image for the right eye, and the image formed by the left optical system (second optical system) is recorded as a moving image or a still image for the left eye. As will be described later, the first optical system is the "right-eye optical system 201R" and the second optical system is the "left-eye optical system 201L".

[0013] When the present invention is applied to a 3D display, VR goggles, etc., and videos or still images (videos) are viewed, the viewer's right eye sees an image for the right eye, and their left eye sees an image for the left eye. At this time, because images with "parallax" are projected to the right and left eyes due to the "baseline length" of the left and right optical systems, the viewer can obtain a sense of depth. Thus, the lens device of this embodiment is a lens device for stereoscopic imaging that can form two images with "parallax" using a first optical system and a second optical system.

[0014] ("First optical system": Right eye optical system: "Second optical system": Left eye optical system) In the following explanation, the first optical system (right eye optical system) will be denoted with "R" at the end of its designation, and the second optical system (left eye optical system) will be denoted with "L" at the end of its designation. Generally, descriptions common to both the right and left eye optical systems will not have "R" or "L" at the end of their designations. However, in diagrams such as Figure 1, "R" and "L" may be included in the illustrations.

[0015] (First Embodiment) (Figure 1: Cross-sectional view of interchangeable lens 200; Figure 2: Front view of interchangeable lens 200) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view of the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 as a lens device has a right-eye optical system 201R as a "first optical system" and a left-eye optical system 201L as a "second optical system". The right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L are each capable of imaging with a field of view of 180 degrees or more. Hereinafter, the right-eye optical system 201R and the left-eye optical system 201L will also be referred to as the "left and right-eye optical system".

[0016] (First optical axis OA1: Second optical axis OA2: Third optical axis OA3: Lens group 211: Lens group 221: Lens group 231A, 231B) The left and right eye optical systems each have a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 which is approximately perpendicular to the first optical axis, and a third optical axis OA3 which is parallel to the first optical axis, set in order from the subject side. Furthermore, the left and right eye optical systems each have a lens group 211 arranged along the first optical axis OA1, a lens group 221 arranged along the second optical axis OA2, and lens groups 231A and 231B arranged along the third optical axis OA3. Note that in Figure 1, the "R" and "L" designations are not used for the lens groups 231A and 231B.

[0017] (First prism 220: Second prism 230) Furthermore, each of the left and right eye optical systems includes a first prism 220 that bends a light beam parallel to the first optical axis OA1 and guides it to the second optical axis OA2, and a second prism 230 that bends a light beam parallel to the second optical axis OA2 and guides it to the third optical axis OA3. In the following description, the optical axis direction is the direction that extends from the subject side to the imaging plane side (image sensor side), and is parallel to the first optical axis OA1. In this embodiment, the optical systems are arranged left and right, but they may also be arranged vertically. The exterior of the interchangeable lens 200 is covered by an exterior member 310 (similar to Figures 5, 15, and 17).

[0018] (Figure 3: Schematic diagram of the imaging device 100) (Interchangeable lens 200; Camera body 110; Image sensor 111; Lens base 300 (first movable member)) Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment. In Figures 3 and 4, the coordinate system is such that the Z direction is the optical axis direction and the X direction is the width direction of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 includes an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body 110 to which the interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached. The camera body 110 has an image sensor 111 as a single imaging sensor. In this embodiment, the left and right eye optical systems are supported on the lens base 300, which is the "first movable member," so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111 (in the optical axis direction).

[0019] (Drive unit 500: Right eye drive unit 500R (second movable member)) A drive unit 500 is attached to the lens base 300. A right eye drive unit (first adjustment unit) 500R is attached to the right eye optical system 201R for movement relative to the lens base 300. The right eye drive unit 500R moves the right eye optical system 201R as a "second movable member" to adjust the focus of the right eye optical system 201. With this configuration, the right eye optical system 201R can move relative to the direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111 (in the direction of the optical axis). The left and right eye optical systems can be extended by the drive unit 500 to adjust the focus. In this embodiment, a DC motor, a stepping motor, etc. are used as the drive source, but other electrical drive sources may be used.

[0020] (Lens mount section 202: Camera mount section 122) The interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via a lens mount portion 202 and a camera mount portion 122, which act as connecting members. The image sensor 111 is positioned so that its imaging surface is parallel to the lens mount portion 202. However, due to manufacturing tolerances, it is difficult to make the imaging surface perfectly parallel to the lens mount portion 202, and in reality, the image sensor 111 is fixed with its imaging surface slightly tilted relative to the lens mount portion 202.

[0021] (Figure 4: Explanatory diagram showing the tilt of the image sensor 111) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tilt of the image sensor 111. During the manufacturing process, the interchangeable lens 200 is adjusted so that the difference in the distance from the lens mount portion 202 between the imaging position of the right eye optical system 201R and the imaging position of the left eye optical system 201L, the so-called "flange back" distance, becomes "0". However, due to the tilt of the image sensor 111, the left and right eye optical systems do not necessarily always achieve the optimal focus position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the right eye optical system is configured to be movable relative to the lens base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111 (optical axis direction: Z direction), making it possible to adjust the focal position of the left and right eye optical systems.

[0022] (Figure 5: Side view of interchangeable lens 200) (MF operation ring 601: AF / MF switch SW700: Adjustment mode switch 701) Figure 5 is a side view of the interchangeable lens 200. The left and right eye optics are positioned to protrude from the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 has an MF operation ring 601 and an AF / MF switch SW 700. The interchangeable lens 200 is configured to be switchable between autofocus mode ("AF mode") and manual focus mode ("MF mode") by the AF / MF switch SW 700. The interchangeable lens 200 also has an adjustment mode switch 701.

[0023] (Focus Mode: Adjustment Mode: MF Operation Ring 601) By operating the adjustment mode switch 701, it is possible to switch between the focus mode used during imaging and the "adjustment mode" for adjusting the focal position of the left and right eye optics. In "focus mode," the left and right eye optics are driven together using the drive unit 500, allowing them to move freely in the optical axis direction (Z direction). In "adjustment mode," only the right eye optics 201R is driven using the right eye drive unit 500R. When driving, the MF operation ring 601 can be used for operation.

[0024] In "AF mode," the focus of the left and right eye optics is adjusted based on subject information. In "MF mode," the focus of the left and right eye optics is adjusted based on rotational operation of the MF operation ring 601, which is an operating element. Specifically, when the AF / MF switch SW700 is set to "MF," when the user rotates the MF operation ring 601, the left and right eye optics move in the direction of the optical axis. In this embodiment, "AF mode" and "MF mode" are switched using the AF / MF switch SW700, but it may also be configured so that the mode can be switched by selecting an appropriate setting item from the menu screen of the camera body 110.

[0025] (Figure 6: Block diagram of the electrical system) Figure 6 is a block diagram of the electrical system of the imaging device 100. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a right eye optical system 201R, a left eye optical system 201L, a lens mount section 202, a right eye drive section 500R, a drive section 500, an MF operation ring 601, an encoder 602, an AF / MF switch SW 700, and a lens system control section 209. The camera body 110 includes an image sensor 111, an A / D conversion section 112, an image processing section 113, a display section 114, an operation section 115, a memory section 116, an AF detection section 117, a system control section 118, and a camera mount section 122. When the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount section 202 and the camera mount section 122, the system control section 118 and the lens system control section 209 are electrically connected.

[0026] (Image sensor 111: A / D conversion unit 112: Image processing unit 113) As the subject image, the right eye image formed via the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye image formed via the left eye optical system 201L are formed side by side on the image sensor 111. The image sensor 111 converts the formed subject image (optical signal) into an analog electrical signal. The A / D conversion unit 112 converts the analog electrical signal output from the image sensor 111 into a digital electrical signal (image signal, digital signal of the subject image, etc.). The A / D conversion unit 112 may be built into the image sensor 111. The image processing unit 113 performs various image processing on the digital electrical signal output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0027] (Display unit 114: Operation unit 115: Memory unit 16: AF detection unit 117) The display unit 114 displays various information. The display unit 114 is implemented by, for example, an electronic viewfinder, a liquid crystal panel, etc. The operation unit 115 functions as a user interface for the user to give instructions to the imaging device 100. If the display unit 114 is equipped with a touch panel, the touch panel also becomes part of the operation unit 115. The storage unit 116 stores various data and programs, such as image data of image processing performed by the image processing unit 113. The storage unit 116 is implemented by, for example, a storage device such as ROM, RAM, or HDD. The AF detection unit 117 calculates the drive amount of the right eye drive unit 500R and the drive unit 500 based on the digital electrical signal (image signal) output from the A / D conversion unit 112.

[0028] (System Control Unit 118) The system control unit 118 provides overall control of the entire imaging device 100. The system control unit 118 is implemented, for example, by a CPU. The system control unit 118 can realize various processes of the embodiment of the present invention by executing programs stored in the memory unit 116 while loading them into RAM.

[0029] (Figure 7: Flowchart showing the process for determining the movement of the focus lens) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process by which the system control unit 118 and the lens system control unit 209 determine the movement of the focus lens. The process shown in Figure 7 is started in response to the power of the imaging device 100 being turned ON.

[0030] (Step S101: Step S102: Step S103) In step S101, the lens system control unit 209 moves the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L to their initial positions in the drive unit 500. In step S102, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether the AF / MF switch SW700 is set to "AF". If it is determined to be set to "AF" (YES), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be set to "AF", i.e., set to "MF" (NO), the process proceeds to step S107. In step S103, the lens system control unit 209 obtains the respective drive amounts of the drive unit 500 calculated by the AF detection unit 117 using the AF detection results of the left and right images.

[0031] (Step S104; Step S105; Step S106) In step S104, the lens system control unit 209 determines whether or not it has detected a half-press operation of the shutter button by the user. If it is determined that a half-press operation of the shutter button has been detected (YES), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that a half-press operation of the shutter button has not been detected (NO), the system enters a wait state in step S104. In step S105, the lens system control unit 209 drives the drive units 500 with the drive amounts obtained in step S103, moving the left and right eye optical systems to predetermined positions. In step S106, the lens system control unit 209 executes a still image capture operation in response to a full press of the shutter button by the user.

[0032] (Step S107: Step S108) Meanwhile, in step S107, the lens system control unit 209 acquires the amount of rotation (operation amount) of the MF operation ring 601 by the user, which is detected by the encoder 602. In step S108, the lens system control unit 209 determines the drive amount of the drive unit 500 using the amount of rotation of the MF operation ring 601. In this embodiment, still image capture has been used as an example for explanation, but the same process can be performed for video capture. In this embodiment, the detection result by the AF detection unit 117 is used to move the right eye optical system 201R to match the position of the left eye optical system 201L when in "MF mode", but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0033] In other words, one of the left or right eye optical systems can be moved to eliminate the difference in focus. If there is sufficient depth of field, a slight difference in focus between the left and right images is not a problem, so this alignment operation may be omitted. In this embodiment, the left and right eye optical systems are equipped with a whole-eye focusing mechanism that allows focus adjustment by moving all the lenses, but they may also be equipped with an inner-eye focusing mechanism that allows focus adjustment by moving some of the lenses.

[0034] ("Imaging Mode": "Focus Adjustment Mode") The adjustment mode switch 701 (see Figure 5) has the function of switching between "imaging mode" and "focus adjustment mode" for correcting the difference in focus between the left and right eyes. In "imaging mode," the left eye optical system 201L and the right eye optical system 201R are driven together during focusing. In "focus adjustment mode," the difference in focus between the left and right optical systems can be corrected by driving either the left eye optical system 201L or the right eye optical system 201R relative to the other.

[0035] Specifically, in the "focus adjustment mode" for left-right focus difference, rotating the MF operation ring 601 causes only the right eye optical system 201R to be driven in the optical axis direction. The MF operation ring 601 for manual focus is operated so that when the image of the left eye optical system 201L displayed on the display unit 114 is in focus, the image of the right eye optical system 201R is also in focus. This allows the focus difference between the left eye optical system 201L and the right eye optical system 201R to be adjusted.

[0036] (Figures 8 and 9: Perspective views showing only the internal structure of interchangeable lens 200; Figure 10: Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the connection points and excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800; Figure 11: Front view showing only the internal structure of interchangeable lens 200) Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a perspective view from the front, and Figure 9 is a perspective view from the rear. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the connection points of the flexible printed circuit board 800, which serves as the flexible printed circuit board of the interchangeable lens 200, and the amount of movement and excess length of each connection point. Figure 11 is a front view showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In the coordinate system of Figures 8, 9, and 11, the "X direction" is the width direction of the imaging device 100, the "Z direction" is the optical axis direction, and the "Y direction" is the direction perpendicular to XY (height direction of the imaging device 100).

[0037] (Circuit board 810 (first fixing part): Flexible printed circuit board 800) The interchangeable lens 200 includes a circuit board 810 fixed in the optical axis direction as a "first fixed part". The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the circuit board 810 (first fixed part) to the lens base 300 as a movable member. The lens base 300 is driven perpendicular to the imaging plane (in the optical axis direction) when focusing is performed. As described above, the right eye optical system 201R is attached to the lens base 300 and is configured to be driven relatively by the drive of the right eye drive unit 500R (not shown).

[0038] (Connection configuration of the flexible printed circuit board 800: Exterior component 310 (second fixing part)) The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the lens base 300 and the right eye drive unit 500R. The interchangeable lens 200 is equipped with an exterior member 310 that is fixed in the optical axis direction as a "second fixing part". The aforementioned AF / MF switch SW700, adjustment mode switch 701, and MF operation ring 601 are connected to the exterior member 310. Each drive unit and operation unit needs to be connected to the circuit board 810 and the flexible printed circuit board 800 for power supply, control, etc. The positions of the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 do not change even when focusing operations are performed, but the lens base 300, the right eye optical system 201R, etc. need to be driven in the direction perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111 (in the optical axis direction) during focusing operations.

[0039] (“Extra length portion”: 1st extra length portion 801 (1st extra length portion): 2nd extra length portion 802 (2nd extra length portion): 3rd extra length portion 803 (3rd extra length portion)) Therefore, when connecting with the flexible printed circuit board 800, an "extra length portion" is provided to absorb changes in relative position. The flexible printed circuit board 800 has a first extra length portion 801. The first extra length portion 801 has extra length when the relative position of the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300 changes. The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a second extra length portion 802 (second extra length portion). The second extra length portion 802 connects the right eye optical system 201R and the exterior member 310. The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a third extra length portion 803 (third extra length portion).

[0040] The third excess length section 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R, and is the excess length when the relative position of the right eye optical system 201R with respect to the lens base 300 changes. As mentioned above, the relative position of the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 and the lens base 300 changes, and the relative position of the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R also changes. Therefore, the first excess length section 801 and the second excess length section 802 are configured to have different excess lengths. As an example, the amount of excess length in the first excess length section 801 is set considering the relative positional displacement between the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300. In other words, it corresponds to the amount of drive that the lens base 300 moves during focusing.

[0041] The second excess length portion 802 is set considering the relative positional misalignment between the exterior member 310 and the right eye optical system 201R. The right eye optical system 201R also moves relative to the lens base 300, and the flexible printed circuit board 800 also includes a third excess length portion 803. The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R. The excess length of the third excess length portion 803 is set as the sum of the drive amount of the lens base 300 and the drive amount of the right eye optical system 201R.

[0042] Since the right eye optical system 201R moves relative to the lens base 300, the third excess length portion 803 is set taking into account this relative movement. This configuration makes it possible to connect a fixed member and a movable member with different relative movement amounts using a single flexible printed circuit board. In this embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 via the lens base 300. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the number of flexible printed circuit boards extending from the circuit board 810 to one. Furthermore, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the movement direction (optical axis direction: Z direction) of the lens base 300 (movable member), thus contributing to space saving.

[0043] (Figure 11: Front view showing only the internal structure of interchangeable lens 200) In a lens device 200 having two optical systems, left and right, as in this embodiment, the optical unit including the lens base 300 tends to be wide in the direction in which the optical systems are arranged, i.e., in the left-right direction in Figure 11. This means that there are likely to be limitations on the position through which the flexible printed circuit board 800 extending from the circuit board 810 passes. By reducing the number of flexible printed circuit boards 800 extending from the circuit board, efficient arrangement becomes possible, and a space-saving structure can be provided.

[0044] (Figure 10: Explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination and excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800) (Summary of extra content: First extra section 801: Second extra section 802: Third extra section 803) The "first excess length portion 801" is the excess length when the relative position of the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300 changes. The relative position of the lens base 300 to the circuit board 810 changes according to the lens base drive amount. The "second excess length portion 802" is the excess length when connecting the right eye optical system 201R and the exterior member 310. The "third excess length portion 803" is the excess length when the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R are connected and the relative position of the right eye optical system 201R with respect to the lens base 300 changes. The lens base 300 moves within the lens base drive amount, and the right eye optical system 201R moves within the right eye optical system movement amount. Therefore, the excess length of the third excess length portion 803 is set as the sum of the drive amount of the lens base 300 and the drive amount of the right eye optical system 201R.

[0045] (Figure 12: Side view showing only the optical elements of interchangeable lens 200) Figure 12 is a side view showing only the optical elements of the interchangeable lens 200. The "first optical axis OA1," "second optical axis OA2," and "third optical axis OA3" in Figure 12 are the same as those shown in Figure 1. As mentioned above, the right eye optical system 201R has a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 which is approximately perpendicular to the first optical axis, and a third optical axis OA3 which is parallel to the first optical axis, set in order from the subject side. Generally, in wide-angle optical systems, the diameter of the optical elements on the subject side tends to be larger. Therefore, the external shape of the product tends to be determined by the diameter of the lens arranged on the front side. In the case of a configuration like the lens device 200 of this embodiment, in which two optical systems are arranged side by side, if the flexible printed circuit board 800 is placed at the ends in the direction in which the optical systems are arranged, i.e., in the left-right direction in Figure 12, the interchangeable lens 200 tends to become larger.

[0046] On the other hand, by avoiding the placement of optical systems near the vertical ends of the lens base 300 in Figure 12, where the two optical systems are arranged side by side, it becomes easier to position the flexible printed circuit board 800. As mentioned above, the product's external shape tends to be determined by the diameter of the lens positioned at the front. Therefore, by positioning the flexible printed circuit board 800 outside the outer diameter of the lens positioned on the third optical axis OA3 (outside the dashed line shown in Figure 12: see arrow), efficient placement of the flexible printed circuit board 800 becomes possible. Accordingly, it is preferable that the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 be positioned in the vertical space outside the diameter of the optical element when viewed from the optical axis direction.

[0047] (Figure 13: Unfolded view of the flexible printed circuit board 800 laid flat) Figure 13 is an unfolded view of the flexible printed circuit board 800 laid flat. As shown in Figure 13, the first excess portion 801 and the second excess portion 802 are arranged to be parallel to each other when laid flat. In this embodiment, the first excess portion 801 and the second excess portion 802 are formed by bending the flexible printed circuit board 800 with a certain curvature.

[0048] By arranging the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 parallel to each other when unfolded on a flat surface, it becomes possible to make their bending directions the same. By aligning the rolling direction of the FPC with the vertical direction in Figure 13, the reliability of bending both the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 can be improved, thereby improving the reliability of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0049] (Figure 14: Side view showing only the internal structure of interchangeable lens 200) Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lens base 300 in a direction perpendicular to the drive direction, showing only the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 200 of this embodiment. In Figure 14, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are arranged so as not to overlap. If the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 were arranged to overlap when viewed from the X direction, there is a concern that the internal structure would easily become larger, resulting in a larger interchangeable lens 200. Therefore, by arranging them in this way, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0050] (Figure 15: Enlarged cross-sectional view of the second excess length 802) Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second excess portion 802. The second excess portion 802 has a first fixed surface 804 as a surface fixed to a fixed member, a second fixed surface 805 as a surface fixed to a movable member, and a U-turn portion 806. The first fixed surface 804 and the second fixed surface 805 are planes facing each other parallel to each other. The U-turn portion 806 connects the first fixed surface 804 and the second fixed surface 805. The second fixed surface 805 is fixed to the lens base 300, and the first fixed surface 804 is fixed to the exterior member 310. When the lens base 300 moves relative to the exterior member 310, the first fixed surface 804 and the second fixed surface 805 move relative to each other in a direction parallel to the planes while remaining facing each other.

[0051] On the other hand, the U-turn section 806 moves in the driving direction while maintaining its shape. Since the first fixed surface 804 and the second fixed surface 805 are arranged parallel to the driving direction, the distance between them does not change much even when the right eye optical system 201R is driven. The U-turn section 806 is held in place by the reaction force when the flexible printed circuit board 800 is bent, so its shape can be kept constant to a certain extent, and its behavior can be stabilized. Since the bending stress acting on the flexible printed circuit board 800 does not change easily, the reliability of the second excess length section 802 can be improved.

[0052] Thus, the second excess length portion 802 comprises a first fixed surface 804 fixed to a fixed member and a second fixed surface 805 fixed to a movable member (300). A U-turn portion 806 is formed in the space between the first fixed surface 804 and the second fixed surface 805, where the flexible printed circuit board 800 is bent into a U-shape. This improves the reliability of the second excess length portion 802. This configuration may be adopted in at least one of the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802.

[0053] (Figure 16: Cross-sectional view showing the inside of the interchangeable lens 200 at the position of the first excess length portion 801) Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the interchangeable lens 200 at the position of the first excess length portion 801. The lens base 300 has a first plane 301. The first plane 301 is a plane parallel to the driving direction of the lens base 300. The first plane 301 has a first projection 302 (first projection). The lens base 300 also has a second projection 303 (second projection). The second projection 303 is positioned spaced apart from the first plane 301.

[0054] Furthermore, the second projection 303 and the first projection 302 are positioned so as not to face each other in the normal direction of the first plane 301. When the relative position of the lens base 300 and the circuit board 810 changes, the arc shape of the first excess length portion 801 changes. By providing the first projection 302 on the first plane 301 and positioning the second projection 303 so as not to face the first projection 302, the location of the arc shape created by providing excess length in the first excess length portion 801 can be adjusted.

[0055] More specifically, the bulge of the arc appears near the first projection 302, that is, in a position that does not face the second projection 303. By adjusting the position of the bulge in this way, unintended contact with surrounding parts can be suppressed, and the reliability of the interchangeable lens 200 can be improved. Therefore, the reliability of the interchangeable lens 200 can be improved by the configuration described below. In other words, the lens base 300 (movable member) has a first plane 301 parallel to the direction of movement, a first projection 302 provided on the first plane 301, and a second projection 303 at a position spaced apart from the first plane 301. Furthermore, the second projection 303 is configured not to face the first projection 302.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) (Figure 17: Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the connection destination and excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 in the second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the connection point and the shape of the excess length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 of the interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a circuit board 810. The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the circuit board 810 (fixed part) and the lens base 300 (movable member). The lens base 300 is driven in the direction perpendicular to the imaging plane (optical axis direction) when focusing is performed. As described above, the right eye optical system 201R is attached to the lens base 300 and is configured to be driven relatively by the right eye drive unit 500R.

[0057] The flexible printed circuit board 800 is configured to connect the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R. The interchangeable lens 200 is equipped with an exterior component 310 (fixed part). The exterior component 310 is connected to the aforementioned AF / MF switch SW700, adjustment mode switch 701, MF operation ring 601, etc. Each drive unit and operation unit needs to be connected to the circuit board 810 and the flexible printed circuit board 800 for power supply and control. The positions of the circuit board (fixed part) 810 and the exterior component 310 remain unchanged even when focusing operations are performed, but the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R need to be driven (moved) in the direction perpendicular to the image sensor (optical axis) during focusing operations.

[0058] (1st extra length part 801: 2nd extra length part 802) Therefore, when connecting with the flexible printed circuit board 800, an excess length is provided to absorb changes in relative position. The flexible printed circuit board 800 has a first excess length 801. The first excess length 801 connects the lens base 300 and the circuit board 810. The first excess length 801 has excess length to accommodate changes in the relative position of the lens base 300. The flexible printed circuit board 800 also has a second excess length 802. The second excess length 802 connects the right eye optical system 201R and the exterior member 310.

[0059] (3rd extra length section 803) Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board 800 has a third excess length portion 803. The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R, and is the excess length when the relative position of the right eye optical system 201R with respect to the lens base 300 changes. As described above, the lens base 300 moves within the lens base drive amount, and the right eye optical system 201R also moves within the right eye optical system movement amount. Therefore, the relative position of the circuit board 810 and the exterior member 310 and the lens base 300 changes, and the relative position of the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R changes. For this reason, the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are configured to have different excess lengths.

[0060] As an example, the excess length of the first excess length 801 is set considering the misalignment of the relative positions of the circuit board 810 and the lens base 300. In other words, the excess length of the first excess length 801 corresponds to the amount of drive required for the lens base 300 to move during focusing. The second excess length 802 is set considering the misalignment of the relative positions of the exterior member 310 and the right eye optical system 201R.

[0061] Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board 800 includes a third excess length portion 803. The third excess length portion 803 connects the lens base 300 and the right eye optical system 201R. Since the right eye optical system 201R moves relative to the lens base 300, the third excess length portion 803 is set taking into account the amount of this relative movement. For example, the third excess length portion 803 is set as the sum of the drive amount of the lens base 300 (lens base drive amount) and the drive amount of the right eye optical system 201R (right eye optical system movement amount). As shown in Figure 15, in this embodiment, the first excess length portion 801 (read "802" as "801" in Figure 15) has a first fixed surface 804 and a second fixed surface 805, and the first fixed surface 804 and the second fixed surface 805 are structured to face each other. Thus, the structure of the first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 may be reversed compared to the first embodiment.

[0062] (Summary of the main parts of the present invention) The lens device 200 includes a lens base 300 (movable member) that holds at least one of the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L so as to be movable in the optical axis direction. It also includes an exterior member 310, a circuit board 810, etc. (fixed members) fixed in the optical axis direction, and the movable member and the fixed member are connected by a flexible printed circuit board 800. The flexible printed circuit board 800 has a first excess length portion 801 for connection to the fixed member and a second excess length portion 802 of a different length from the first excess length portion 801. The first excess length portion 801 and the second excess length portion 802 are positioned so as not to overlap with the optical elements constituting both optical systems when viewed from the optical axis direction of the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L. As a result, the overall length of the flexible printed circuit board 800 is shortened and does not need to be divided, so the number of boards used is reduced, resulting in a cheaper and simpler configuration and space saving.

[0063] (modified version) Furthermore, space can be saved by configuring the lens device 200 as shown below. Specifically, it includes a camera mount section 122 and a lens mount section 202, which are coupling parts having an opening and are coupled to the imaging device 100 on which the image sensor 111 is located. The optical axis centers of at least one optical element of the right eye optical system 201R (first optical system) and the left eye optical system 201L (second optical system) 201L are located inside the opening. The first excess length section 801 and the second excess length section 802 are configured to be located outside the tangents that touch the outer diameters of the multiple optical elements constituting the right eye optical system 201R and the left eye optical system 201L, respectively, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0064] Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board 800 can be configured as follows to further reduce costs and save space. Specifically, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 800 (FPC) is a connector terminal that connects to the camera body 110, and the other end is a connector terminal that connects to other FPCs fixed to the exterior components of the imaging device 100 and lens device 200. In addition, space can be further reduced if, for example, multiple movable members such as the lens base 300 that move in the direction of the optical axis do not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lens group.

[0065] <Addendum> This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A lens device having a movable member that holds at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, a fixed member fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed circuit board that connects the movable member and the fixed member, The aforementioned flexible printed circuit board is It has a first excess length portion (801) and a second excess length portion (802) for connecting to the fixing member, and the excess lengths of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are different in length. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are A lens device characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are arranged in positions that do not overlap with the optical elements of both optical systems when viewed from the optical axis direction. (Configuration 2) The fixing member is It comprises a first fixing part and a second fixing part, The aforementioned flexible printed circuit board is The lens device according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is connected by the first fixing portion and the first excess length portion, and by the second fixing portion and the second excess length portion. (Configuration 3) The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible printed circuit boards are arranged in parallel when unfolded. (Configuration 4) comprising a second movable member that is driven relative to the movable member, The aforementioned flexible printed circuit board is The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a third excess length portion connecting the aforementioned movable member and the second movable member. (Configuration 5) The first optical system is the right eye optical system, The third excess length portion connects the lens base, which can adjust the focal position of the right eye optical system in the optical axis direction by the drive unit, to the right eye optical system. The lens device according to configuration 4, characterized in that it is the excess length when the relative position of the right eye optical system with respect to the lens base changes. (Configuration 6) The lens device according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the first fixed part is a circuit board incorporated into an imaging device, and the second fixed part is an exterior member of the lens device. (Configuration 7) The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable member does not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable member. (Configuration 8) The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that it is positioned in the upper and lower space outside the diameter of the optical element when viewed from the direction of the optical axis. (Configuration 9) It comprises a coupling portion having an opening that connects to an imaging device on which an image sensor is arranged, The optical axis centers of at least one optical element of the first optical system and the second optical system are located inside the aperture. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the lens is positioned outside the tangent lines that tangent to the outer diameters of the plurality of optical elements constituting the first optical system and the second optical system, respectively. (Configuration 10) At least one of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion is It comprises a first fixed surface fixed to the fixed member and a second fixed surface fixed to the movable member, The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that a U-turn portion is formed in the space between the first fixed surface and the second fixed surface facing each other, by bending the flexible printed circuit board into a U-shape. (Configuration 11) comprising a first plane parallel to the direction of movement of the movable member, a first projection provided on the first plane, and a second projection at a position spaced apart from the first plane, The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the second projection does not face the first projection. (Configuration 12) An imaging device on which the lens device described in Configuration 1 or 2 can be attached or detached. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100 Imaging device 110 Camera body 111 Image sensor 112 A / D Conversion Unit 113 Image Processing Unit 114 Display section 115 Operation section 116 Memory section 117 AF detection unit 118 System Control Unit 122 Camera mount section 200 Lens Device (Interchangeable Lenses) 201R Right eye optical system 201L Left eye optical system 202 Lens mount section 209 Lens System Control Unit 220 First Prism 230 Second Prism 300 lens base 310 Exterior components 500 Drive Unit 500R Right eye drive unit 601 MF Operating Ring 602 encoder 700 AF / MF Switch 701 Adjustment Mode Switch 800 Flexible Printed Circuit Boards 801 1st extra length 802 2nd Remaining Department 803 3rd Remaining Department 810 circuit board

Claims

1. A lens device having a movable member that holds at least one of a first optical system and a second optical system arranged side by side so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, a fixed member fixed in the optical axis direction, and a flexible printed circuit board connecting the movable member and the fixed member, The aforementioned flexible printed circuit board is It has a first excess length portion and a second excess length portion for connecting to the fixing member, and the excess lengths of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are different in length. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are A lens device characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first optical system and the second optical system are aligned, at a position that does not overlap with the optical elements of both optical systems when viewed from the optical axis direction.

2. The aforementioned fixing member is It comprises a first fixing part and a second fixing part, The aforementioned flexible printed circuit board is The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is connected by the first fixing portion and the first excess length portion, and by the second fixing portion and the second excess length portion.

3. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible printed circuit boards are arranged in parallel when unfolded.

4. It comprises a second movable member that is driven relative to the aforementioned movable member, The aforementioned flexible printed circuit board is The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a third excess length portion connecting the movable member and the second movable member.

5. The first optical system is a right-eye optical system, The third excess length portion is, A drive unit connects the lens base, which allows adjustment of the focal position of the right eye optical system in the optical axis direction, to the right eye optical system. The lens device according to claim 4, characterized in that it is the excess length when the relative position of the right eye optical system with respect to the lens base changes.

6. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first fixed part is a circuit board incorporated into an imaging device, and the second fixed part is an exterior member of the lens device.

7. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable member does not overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable member.

8. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is arranged in the upper and lower space outside the diameter of the optical element when viewed from the direction of the optical axis.

9. It comprises a coupling portion having an aperture, which is coupled to an imaging device on which an image sensor is arranged, The optical axis centers of at least one optical element of the first optical system and the second optical system are located inside the aperture. The first excess length portion and the second excess length portion are The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, it is positioned outside the tangents that are tangent to the outer diameters of the plurality of optical elements constituting the first optical system and the second optical system, respectively.

10. At least one of the first excess length portion and the second excess length portion is It comprises a first fixed surface fixed to the fixed member and a second fixed surface fixed to the movable member, The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a U-turn portion formed by bending the flexible printed circuit board into a U-shape is configured in the space between the first fixed surface and the second fixed surface facing each other.

11. The movable member comprises a first plane parallel to the direction of movement of the movable member, a first projection provided on the first plane, and a second projection positioned spaced apart from the first plane. The lens device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second projection is not facing the first projection.

Images