JP2005234470A - Optical device and imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To not only reduce the size of the shape of a main body but also increase the size of a lens aperture even in a card type or thin type digital camera, and to incorporate telescope and zoom functions. <P>SOLUTION: A movable lens 50, a fixed lens 51, a movable lens 52, a fixed lens 53, and an imager 60 are disposed in an imaging lens section 15. By the forward or backward movement of connected plates 70, the fixed lenses 51 and 53 and the imager 60 are put into a sloping position when stored or put into an upright position when used for photographing. In the state where a lens group 14 is erect, a zooming operation is performed such that the movable lenses 50 and 52 move forward or backward on an optical axis by the drive of a zoom drive motor 32 as the connected plates 71 are moved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical device and an imaging device that can be reduced in size and thickness, and can increase a long focal length and a lens aperture.

  In recent years, digital cameras have become more sophisticated with high resolution of millions of pixels even in intermediate and compact cameras, while PC card type digital cameras that can be easily carried in pockets, For example, a thin digital camera having an appearance shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B has been put into practical use. As shown in FIG. 21, the digital camera has a configuration in which the lens optical axis and the normal axis of the CCD center are fixedly coincident with each other. The light passing through the filter 1 is collected by the lens 2 and imaged on the CCD 3. In this case, since the lens optical axis and the CCD center normal axis are on the same straight line, the focal length of the lens is limited by the thickness of the camera body. Therefore, since a zoom lens, a variable power lens, or the like cannot be disposed on the optical path, a single-focus camera that does not have an optical zoom function is generally obtained. A single-focus camera has many advantages such as the lens part can be reduced in size, the camera body can be easily made thinner, and focusing is not necessary for the user. On the other hand, since the focal length of the lens is limited by the thickness of the main body, it is necessary to reduce the lens diameter and the size of the CCD. Therefore, the lens processing accuracy is increased and an optical limit is generated. Further, when the size of the CCD is reduced, not only production difficulties are caused, but noise is increased, leading to a reduction in image quality, and high resolution is difficult.

  Therefore, even in a thin digital camera having high portability, a technique for increasing the lens aperture as much as possible and increasing the focal length and providing an optical zoom function of about 3 to several times has been developed. In general, when a camera has an optical zoom function, a single zoom lens that can shoot from wide angle to telephoto is incorporated. In many zoom lenses, a plurality of lens groups are combined, and a variable magnification lens is placed between the master lens and the objective lens, and moved back and forth on the optical axis. However, a digital camera with a built-in zoom lens has a problem that the optical system and the lens barrel are long, and the zoom and autofocus drive parts are also large, which makes them bulky and heavy.

  Therefore, as a thin digital camera with a built-in zoom, a “collapsed type” in which a lens barrel comes out only when used is common. However, even in the case of the “collapse type”, the case thickness of the digital camera is determined by the lengths of a plurality of lens groups arranged on the optical axis. Therefore, instead of retracting, as shown in FIG. 22, the optical axis is bent by the prism 5, the zoom lens group 6 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the camera, and the focal length is secured, but the main body thickness is not so thick. There is a digital camera having a structure (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-66309 A

  However, as in the patent document, in a digital camera in which the optical axis is bent by the prism 5 and the zoom lens group 6 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the camera thickness, the lens diameter cannot be increased, and the product thickness is determined by the lens diameter. There were difficulties. Further, as in Non-Patent Document 2, a digital camera that slides the variable magnification lens group 8 during storage has a problem that it is difficult to secure a focal length for a complicated structure. Moreover, when the structure which can fold the lens periphery part 10 like patent documents 3 and 4 is applied to the digital camera to utilize repeatedly, there exists a problem that it is difficult to employ | adopt from a material, durability, etc.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an optical device and an imaging device that can increase the lens diameter while reducing the shape of the main body even in a card-type or thin digital camera, and can incorporate a telephoto function, a zoom function, and the like. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an optical device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis and the plurality of lenses connected via a rotation support shaft and moved in at least one direction. A connecting portion that rotates the plurality of lenses around the rotation support shaft, and a folding mechanism that folds the plurality of lenses in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with the movement of the connecting portion. And

  As a preferred embodiment, for example, as in claim 2, in the optical device according to claim 1, the plurality of lenses include a zoom lens that moves in an optical axis direction, and the folding mechanism includes the connecting portion. In conjunction with this movement, the zoom lens may be moved in the optical axis direction and folded in a substantially horizontal posture including the plurality of lenses.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect, for example, as in claim 3, in the optical device according to claim 1 or 2, the optical device further includes an imaging unit that captures an image formed through the plurality of lenses, and the folding The mechanism may be configured to fold the imaging unit in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with the movement of the connecting unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, an optical device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis, and a support portion that supports each of the plurality of lenses via a rotation support shaft. And a storage mechanism for storing the plurality of lenses by rotating them around the rotation support shaft in a horizontal position in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses.

  As a preferred embodiment, for example, as in claim 5, in the optical device according to claim 4, the plurality of lenses include at least a focus adjustment lens, and the storage mechanism operates to push down the plurality of lenses. In conjunction with this, the focus adjustment lens may be moved in the optical axis direction, and the plurality of lenses may be rotated by the rotation support shaft and folded into a horizontal posture and stored.

  Further, as a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 6, in the optical device according to claim 4 or 5, a light bending portion that bends incident light by approximately 90 ° and introduces the light into the plurality of lenses; An imaging unit that captures an image formed through a lens, and the storage mechanism is configured to link at least one of the light bending unit and the imaging unit in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses. The lens may be folded and stored together with the lens in a horizontal posture.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a lens, a first optical path bending portion that reflects incident light incident through the lens, and the first optical path bending portion. A second optical path bending portion that reflects the reflected incident light; an imaging unit that captures an image formed through the lens, the first optical path bending portion, and the second optical path bending portion; and when not in use Comprises a storage mechanism for storing the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion by folding them in a horizontal posture in the main body.

  Further, as a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 8, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 7, one end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion facing each other is provided via a rotation support shaft. A connecting portion to be connected; and a slide portion that slides at least one other end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion; and the storage mechanism includes the first optical path by the slide portion. At least one other end of the bent portion and the second bent portion is slid and one end connected by the connecting portion is moved in the sliding direction of the slide portion, so that the first optical path bending means and the first The two bending means may be folded and stored in the main body in a horizontal posture.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit, a plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis, and the plurality of lenses connected via a rotation support shaft. A connecting portion that rotates the plurality of lenses around the rotation support shaft by moving in at least one direction, and a folding mechanism that folds the plurality of lenses in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with the movement of the connecting portion when not in use. And a tatami mechanism.

  Further, as a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 10, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 9, the plurality of lenses include a zoom lens group that moves by a zoom operation and a fixed lens group that does not move by the zoom operation. And the connecting portion connects a first connecting portion that connects the lenses of the zoom lens group that move in conjunction with each other by a zoom operation, and a second connecting portion that connects the lenses of the fixed lens group that do not move by the zoom operation. You may make it further comprise a connecting part and a zoom driving means for moving the zoom lens group back and forth in the optical axis direction by moving the first connecting means back and forth to perform a zoom operation.

  Further, as a preferable aspect, for example, as in claim 11, in the imaging device according to claim 9 or 10, aperture means is provided in the middle of the plurality of lenses, and adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging device. , Further comprising shutter means arranged on the front surface of the imaging unit and adjusting an exposure time to the imaging unit, and the folding mechanism is interlocked with the movement of the connecting unit when not in use, Any of the imaging unit, the diaphragm unit, and the shutter unit may be folded in a substantially horizontal posture.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis, and a support unit that supports each of the plurality of lenses via a rotation support shaft. And a storing mechanism for storing the plurality of lenses by rotating them around the rotation support shaft in a horizontal position in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses when not in use.

  Further, as a preferable aspect, for example, as in claim 13, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 12, the plurality of lenses include at least an objective-side focus adjustment lens disposed on the same optical axis, and a variable magnification. A zoom driving means for performing a zooming operation by moving the focus adjusting lens and the zooming lens back and forth.

  Further, as a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 14, in the imaging device according to claim 12 or 13, a light bending portion that introduces light into the plurality of lenses by bending incident light by 90 °, and the plurality of lenses An image sensor that captures an image formed via the image sensor, a diaphragm unit that is disposed in the middle of the plurality of lenses and adjusts the amount of light incident on the image sensor, and is disposed in front of the image sensor. Shutter means for adjusting the exposure time to the element, and the storage mechanism interlocks with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses when not in use, and at least the light bending portion, the imaging element, the diaphragm means, Further, any one of the shutter means may be folded and stored together with the plurality of lenses in a horizontal posture.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to the invention described in claim 15 includes a lens, a first optical path bending portion that reflects incident light incident through the lens, and the first optical path bending portion. A second optical path bending portion that reflects the reflected incident light; an imaging device that captures an image formed through the lens, the first optical path bending portion, and the second optical path bending portion; and when not in use The first optical path bending portion and the second bending portion are provided with a storage mechanism that folds and stores the first optical path bending portion and the second bending portion in a horizontal posture in the main body.

  Further, as a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 16, in the imaging device according to claim 15, one end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion facing each other is provided via a rotation support shaft. The storage mechanism is coupled to an operation of pushing down the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion when not in use, and at least of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion. One other end may be slid and stored in a folded state in the main body.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis are connected via the rotation support shaft, and are moved in at least one direction to thereby move the plurality of lenses around the rotation support shaft. In conjunction with the movement of the connecting portion that rotates the lens, the folding mechanism folds the plurality of lenses in a substantially horizontal position, so even with card-type or thin digital cameras, There are advantages that the aperture can be increased and that a telephoto and zoom function can be incorporated.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, the folding mechanism moves the zoom lens included in the plurality of lenses in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the connecting portion, thereby The lens can be folded in a generally horizontal position, so even with card-type or thin digital cameras, the lens aperture can be increased while the lens aperture is reduced, and telephoto and zoom functions are built-in. The advantage that it can be obtained.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the imaging unit that captures an image formed through the plurality of lenses is folded in a substantially horizontal posture by the folding mechanism in conjunction with the movement of the connecting unit. As a result, even with a card-type or thin digital camera, it is possible to increase the lens aperture while reducing the shape of the main body, and to have an advantage that a telephoto function and a zoom function can be incorporated.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis are supported by the support portion via the rotation support shaft, and the plurality of lenses are pushed down by the storage mechanism. In conjunction with this, the plurality of lenses are rotated by the rotating support shaft and folded into a horizontal posture so that they can be stored in a horizontal posture. In addition, there is an advantage that a telephoto function and a zoom function can be incorporated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the focus adjustment lens is moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses by the storage mechanism, and includes the plurality of lenses. Since it is rotated on a rotating spindle and folded into a horizontal position, it can be stored in a card-type or thin digital camera, while the lens shape can be reduced while the lens aperture is increased. The advantage that it can be incorporated is obtained.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the light that is introduced into the plurality of lenses by bending the incident light by approximately 90 ° in conjunction with the operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses that capture the formed image by the storage mechanism. Since at least one of the bending part and the imaging part is folded and stored together with the plurality of lenses in a horizontal posture, even in a card-type or thin digital camera, the lens diameter is increased while the lens shape is reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that a telephoto and zoom function can be incorporated.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when not in use, the storage mechanism reflects the incident light incident through the lens by the first optical path bent portion and the first optical path bent portion. The second bent part that reflects the incident light is folded and stored in the main body in a horizontal posture, so that the focal length can be increased while reducing the shape of the main body even in a card-type or thin digital camera. And the lens aperture can be increased.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the storage mechanism causes the slide portion to slide at least one other end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion and is connected by the connecting portion. The first optical path bending means and the second bending means are folded and stored in the main body in a horizontal posture by moving one end thereof in the sliding direction of the slide portion. Even in a digital camera, there is an advantage that the focal length can be increased and the lens aperture can be increased while reducing the main body shape.

  According to the invention of claim 9, when not in use, the folding mechanism connects the plurality of lenses via the rotation support shaft and moves the rotation support shaft in at least one direction so that the rotation support shaft is used as the axis. In conjunction with the movement of the connecting part that rotates the plurality of lenses, the plurality of lenses are folded in a substantially horizontal posture, so even with card-type or thin digital cameras, the focal length is increased while reducing the body shape. The advantage that the lens aperture can be increased is obtained.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the zoom lens group includes a zoom lens group that moves by a zoom operation and a fixed lens group that does not move by the zoom operation, and moves in conjunction with the zoom operation. The lenses of the group are connected by a first connecting part, the lenses of the fixed lens group that are not moved by the zoom operation are connected by a second connecting part, and the first connecting means is moved back and forth by a zoom driving means. Since the zoom lens group is moved back and forth in the optical axis direction for zooming operation, even with a card type or thin digital camera, the lens diameter can be increased while reducing the body shape, There is an advantage that a telephoto and zoom function can be incorporated.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the amount of light incident on the image sensor is adjusted by the diaphragm unit disposed in the middle of the plurality of lenses, and the shutter unit disposed on the front surface of the imaging unit is used. Adjusting the exposure time to the imaging unit, and interlocking with the movement of the connecting unit when not in use by the folding mechanism, so that any one of the imaging unit, the diaphragm unit, and the shutter unit is in a substantially horizontal posture. Since it is folded, even in a card type or thin digital camera, it is possible to increase the lens diameter while reducing the shape of the main body, and to incorporate a telephoto function and a zoom function.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of lenses are arranged in parallel on the same optical axis, each of the plurality of lenses is supported by the support portion via the rotation support shaft, and the storage mechanism In conjunction with the operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses when in use, the plurality of lenses are rotated by the rotating support shaft and folded into a horizontal posture so that they can be stored in a card-type or thin digital camera. The advantage is that the lens aperture can be increased while reducing the zoom ratio, and the telephoto and zoom functions can be incorporated.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of lenses are configured at least from an objective-side focus adjustment lens and a zooming lens arranged on the same optical axis, and the zoom driving means Since the zoom lens is operated by moving the focus adjustment lens and the zoom lens back and forth, it is possible to increase the lens aperture while reducing the shape of the main body even in card-type and thin digital cameras. In addition, there is an advantage that a telephoto and zoom function can be incorporated.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, incident light is bent by 90 ° by an optical bending portion and introduced into the plurality of lenses, and images formed through the plurality of lenses are captured by the imaging device, and the plurality of the plurality of lenses are captured. A diaphragm unit disposed in the middle of the lens adjusts the amount of light incident on the image sensor, and a shutter unit disposed in front of the image sensor adjusts an exposure time to the image sensor, and the storage mechanism In conjunction with the operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses when not in use, at least one of the light bending portion, the image pickup device, the diaphragm unit, and the shutter unit is folded and stored together with the plurality of lenses in a horizontal posture. As a result, even with card-type and thin digital cameras, the lens aperture can be increased while the body shape is reduced. The advantage is obtained that it is possible to built the like ability.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the incident light incident through the lens is reflected by the first optical path bending portion, and the incident light reflected by the first optical path bending portion is reflected by the second optical path bending. The first optical path bent portion is captured by an imaging device and reflected by the lens and imaged through the lens, the first optical path bent portion, and the second optical path bent portion, and is stored by the storage mechanism when not in use. And the second bent part are folded and housed in a horizontal posture in the main body, so that even in a card type or a thin digital camera, the lens diameter can be increased while reducing the main body shape. The telephoto and zoom functions can be built in.

  According to the invention described in claim 16, the opposing ends of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion are connected via a rotation support shaft, and the storage mechanism allows the In synchronization with the operation of pushing down the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion, at least one other end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion is slid into the main body. Since it is folded and stored in a horizontal position, even a card-type or thin digital camera has the advantage that the lens aperture can be increased while the body shape is reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A. First embodiment A-1. Configuration of First Embodiment FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing an external configuration of a digital camera with a zoom equipped with a folding lens unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a digital camera 11 includes a main body 13 provided with an LCD (liquid crystal) monitor 12 and an imaging lens unit 15 including a lens group 14. In addition to the LCD monitor 12, the main body 13 is provided with various switches (power switch 20, mode switch 21, shutter button 22, zoom operation switch 23, etc.) and a slot 30 for mounting a memory card. Yes.

  The imaging lens unit 15 includes a lower case 30 and an upper case 31, and as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper case 31 is folded when not photographed (portable). The upper case 31 is folded in the same direction as the main body 13 and is used in a state where the upper case 31 is raised in the direction of the arrow A during photographing. The imaging lens unit 15 is provided with a lens group 14 including a zoom lens arranged in the longitudinal direction so that a subject image incident from one end is formed on a CCD disposed at the other end. . The imaging lens unit 15 includes a zoom drive motor 32 that performs optical zoom by moving a part of the lens group 14 in the optical axis direction.

  Although the LCD monitor 12 is used as a viewfinder, the imaging lens unit 15 faces upward (in a direction perpendicular to the thickness) of the camera body. Therefore, the imaging lens unit 15 is configured to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 40 with respect to the main body unit 13 provided with the LCD monitor 12 as shown in FIG. At the time of non-photographing (when carrying), when the imaging lens unit 15 is folded, it becomes a thin card shape and can be used as a camera with a telephoto zoom in the raised state.

  Next, FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the internal structure of the folding imaging lens unit. Inside the imaging lens unit 15, a moving lens 50 (object side), a fixed lens 51, a moving lens 52, a fixed lens 53 (image forming side), and an image sensor (CCD, CMOS) 60 are disposed. The fixed lens 51, the fixed lens 53, and the image pickup device 60 are rotatably connected by connecting plates 70, 70. When the connecting plates 70, 70 are moved back and forth, the fixed lens 51 is stored in a state of being tilted obliquely when stored. Sometimes it becomes vertical.

  Further, the moving lens 50 and the moving lens 52 are connected by connecting plates 71 and 71. A female screw 72 is fixed to the side surfaces of the connecting plates 71, 71. The female screw 72 has a male screw 73 cut into a bolt-shaped shaft, like a bolt & nut or a rack & pinion gear. Biting into. The male screw 73 is connected to the zoom drive motor 32 and the speed adjustment row 33, and rotates through the speed adjustment row 33 by the rotation of the zoom drive motor 32. Thereby, in the state where the lens group 14 is raised, the connecting screws 71 and 71 for movement to which the female screw 72 is fixed move back and forth by the female screw 72 linearly moving on the male screw 73 in the axial direction. The focusing moving lens 50 and the moving lens 52 connected to the connecting plates 71 and 71 are also moved back and forth on the optical axis in conjunction with each other.

  Instead of a rack and pinion gear, etc., other driving methods such as moving back and forth with a belt or wire, or pulling a connecting plate pulled with a spring from the opposite side and moving it may be used. Further, among the frames that fix the moving lenses 50 and 51 connected to and interlocking with the connecting plates 71 and 71 for movement, the lens frame (inner frame) is further nested in the frame (outer frame) of the moving lens 50. The lens frame (inner frame) can be finely moved in the outer frame. First, the lens frame (inner frame) can be driven in focus and then zoomed.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the structure of the folding imaging lens unit according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a simple optical correction type three-group zoom lens is described as an example. FIG. 3A shows a state where the lens group 14 is folded and stored in a parallelogram shape, and FIG. 3B shows an initial state caused. Each lens 50 to 53 is mounted in a rectangular lens frame, and each lens frame is rotatably connected to a corresponding connecting plate 70 or 71 by a joint (such as a screw or a rivet) provided at an end, and the upper surface case 31. When the lens frame is caused to rise, the lens frame also rises together, and when the upper case 31 is slid while being suppressed from above, it is folded in conjunction. Since the lens frames are always kept parallel, the lenses 50 to 53 do not collide with each other. The top case 31 may be provided with a motor for opening and closing, and may be configured to get up electrically by switch operation.

  In the first embodiment, in the three-group zoom lens unit, on the same optical axis, in order from the objective side, the moving lens 50 (convex) of the focusing system (focusing), and the variable magnification system (variator) fixed lens 51 (concave) A lens 52 (convex) that moves in conjunction with the moving lens 50, an aperture and an imaging system (relay / master) lens 53 (convex) are arranged, and an imaging device with a shutter mechanism having the same outer shape as the lens frame 60 is provided. Further, as described above, the fixed lenses 51 and 53 and the image sensor 60 are connected to the connecting plate 70 provided at the top and bottom, and the moving lenses 50 and 52 that move in conjunction with zooming are provided at the zoom provided at the top, bottom, left and right. It is connected to a connecting plate 71 for movement.

  In the connecting plate 70 for fixing, the upper surface side is at the imaging side end of the upper surface case 31, the lower surface side is slightly on the objective side of the lower surface case 30, and the position is shifted with a screw or the like according to the dimension position at the time of folding The upper case 31 is lifted together when it is lifted, and is automatically folded when it is closed. It should be noted that a spring or a positioning member may be added so that the lens frame is raised vertically with high accuracy. While the frame of the moving lenses 50 and 52 rises in conjunction with the frame of the fixed lenses 51 and 53, it is pushed and folded by the upper surface, but a spring or a positioning member may be added similarly.

  FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views showing the wide-angle and telephoto lens positions in the imaging lens unit. The moving lenses 50 and 52 connected to the moving connecting plate 71 change the focal length and function as a zoom lens when moved back and forth across the fixed lens 51 (concave) during zooming. At the position where the moving lenses 50 and 52 are close to the lens 53 (FIG. 4A), the shortest focal length is a low magnification (Wide, wide angle) state, and conversely, the position is far from the lens 53 (FIG. 4B). )) Is the highest magnification (Tele, telephoto) state with the longest focal length.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the structure of the shielding plate in the folding imaging lens unit according to the first embodiment described above. Shield plates 80 and 81 are provided on both side surfaces of the lower case 30 and the upper case 31. The shielding plates 80 and 81 are for preventing external light from entering from the lateral direction. The shielding plate 80 is provided on both side surfaces of the lower case 30, and a pin is movably fitted in a long hole formed on each side surface. Moreover, the shielding board 81 is provided in the both sides | surfaces of the upper surface case 31, and it has fitted the pin to the long hole currently formed in the side surface so that a movement is possible. The shielding plate 80 and the shielding plate 81 are connected by connecting plates 85 and 85 that are rotatably provided, and are arranged so as to slide from above and below. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5A, the shielding plates 80 and 81 are housed inside the imaging lens unit 15 in a state where the upper case 31 is folded, and are shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. As described above, when the upper case 31 is raised, the upper case 31 rises in conjunction with the slide of the upper case 31 and is held in a state where a part thereof overlaps.

  Next, FIGS. 6A, 6 </ b> B, and 6 </ b> C are schematic diagrams for explaining an example of the zooming operation of the imaging lens unit 15 described above. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lens configuration according to the present embodiment employs an optical correction type three-group lens that does not defocus even with a simple linear movement (an example). The lens group is raised from the folded state shown in FIG. 6A, and the front and rear moving lenses 50 and 52 are connected and moved back and forth by the zoom drive motor 32 with the fixed lens 51 interposed therebetween. As shown in (b), it is set as Wide (wide angle), and as shown in FIG. 6 (c), it is set as Tele (telephoto).

  Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital camera with zoom according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the digital camera includes a zoom & imaging unit 140 and a body unit 141. The zoom & imaging unit 140 includes the imaging lens unit 15, the opening / closing control unit 150, the opening / closing motor 151, the folding / opening / closing mechanism 152, the timing control unit 153, the A / D conversion unit 149, the shutter control unit 156, and the aperture control. 157, zoom & lens control unit 158, focus detection unit 159, AF control unit 160, light receiving sensor 161, photometry / exposure measurement unit 162, and the like. The main body 141 includes an image signal processing unit 154, an image data memory 155, a system control unit 163, a flash control unit 164, a strobe 165, a power supply control unit 166, a battery 167, an operation unit 168, a display image data memory 169, The display unit 170 includes a display memory 1701, other data memory 172, an I / O interface 173, a communication unit / transmission / reception unit 174, an I / O interface 175, a removable external memory 176, and the like.

  The opening / closing controller 150 drives the opening / closing motor 151 by a user operation. The opening / closing motor 151 opens and closes the imaging lens unit 15 by operating a folding / opening / closing mechanism 152 corresponding to the upper surface case 31, the lower surface case 30, the connecting plates 70 and 71 of the imaging lens unit 15 described above. Further, the folding / opening / closing mechanism 152 can be opened and closed manually by the user himself / herself as described above.

  The timing controller 153 drives the image sensor (CCD) 60 at a predetermined timing. The image sensor 60 converts an image formed through the lens group into an electrical signal and supplies the electrical signal to the A / D converter 149. The A / D conversion unit 149 converts the electrical signal from the image sensor 60 into a digital signal and supplies the digital signal to the image signal processing unit 154 as an image signal. The image signal processing unit 154 performs image processing (image correction, compression, etc.) on the image signal and supplies it to the system control unit 163. The image data memory 155 stores the captured image data.

  The shutter control unit 156 controls opening / closing (exposure time) of a shutter (electrical or mechanical) disposed immediately before the image sensor 60. The diaphragm control unit 157 controls a diaphragm mechanism disposed immediately before the lens 53 to control the amount of light (exposure) reaching the image sensor 60. The zoom & lens control unit 158 drives the zoom drive motor 32 to move the moving lenses 50 and 52 back and forth along the optical axis to change from Wide (wide angle) to Tele (telephoto), while AF (autofocus) ) According to the control from the control unit 160, the zoom drive motor 32 is driven, and the front and rear positions of the movable lenses 50 and 52 are finely adjusted to perform focusing. The focus detection unit 159 captures an image formed on the image sensor 60 through the lens group by a half mirror, and detects the focus by a contrast method or a phase difference method. The AF control unit 160 controls the zoom & lens control unit 158 so that the focus detection unit 159 detects in-focus.

  The light receiving sensor 161 detects external light and supplies it to the photometric / exposure measuring unit 162. The photometry / exposure measurement unit 162 measures the external light detected by the light receiving sensor 161, measures the exposure, and supplies it to the system control unit 163. The system control unit 163 controls the aperture for the aperture control unit 157 according to the measured exposure. The flash control unit 164 controls the light emission and the light emission amount of the strobe 165 as necessary (underexposure) according to the control by the system control unit 163. The power supply control unit 166 supplies the power from the battery 167 to the flash control unit 164 and notifies the system control unit 163 of the remaining amount of the battery 167. The battery 167 includes a secondary battery or a dry battery.

  The operation unit 168 includes various switches (power switch 20, mode switch 21, shutter button 22, zoom operation switch 23, and the like). The display image data memory 169 temporarily stores display image data. The display unit 170 includes a liquid crystal display and displays a through image at the time of shooting, various setting menus, a reproduction image, and the like. The program memory 171 stores various programs for operating the digital camera, such as a shooting program, an image processing program, and a reproduction program. The other data memory 172 stores user information, date information, various setting contents, and the like. The I / O interface 173 exchanges data between the system control unit 163 and the communication unit / transmission / reception unit 174. The communication unit / transmission / reception unit 174 transmits / receives image data between the digital camera and the external device via the I / O interface 173. The I / O interface 175 exchanges data between the system control unit 163 and the removable external memory 176. The removable external memory 176 is a removable storage medium and stores compressed image data.

  In particular, the digital camera according to the first embodiment is provided with a motor 151 for opening and closing the imaging lens unit 15 so that it can be opened and closed either manually or electrically by a control circuit, and the moving lenses 50 and 52 are automatically detected by focus detection. It is a fully automatic system that can be driven and autofocused, and can be zoomed in both T / W directions with a single button while maintaining focus (focus), and white movement control such as exposure by photometry can be performed.

A-2. Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the first embodiment described above will be described. Here, FIGS. 8 to 9 are flowcharts for explaining an outline of operations (zoom drive control and camera shooting / playback control) when the digital camera according to this embodiment is turned on.

  When the power is turned on, it is first determined whether or not it is a shooting mode (S10). If the photographing mode is set, the folding lens unit 15 is manually or electrically driven (S12). Next, the zoom lens is set to the initial position (S14), the zoom lens is driven and set to the normal position (standard magnification of 1) (S16), the photometry / exposure meter unit is activated, and the flash is charged. (S18). Next, the shutter speed / aperture / program is set according to the set shooting mode (S20), focusing processing (focusing) is performed by focus detection and lens driving, and the input image is displayed on the display unit as a through display (S22).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a zoom operation has been performed (S24). When a zoom operation is performed, the zoom drive motor 32 is controlled to zoom according to the W / T zoom operation, and an input image formed on the image sensor 60 is displayed on the display unit 170 as a through display (S26). ). On the other hand, when the zoom operation is performed, the process proceeds to the next step without performing zoom driving.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a shooting operation has been performed by pressing the shutter button 22 (S28). When the shutter button 22 is pressed, the exposure / shutter speed / flash emission and the like are automatically controlled according to the set shooting mode and the data of the photometry / exposure measurement unit 162 (S30). Next, the photographed image is recorded in the image data memory 155 and displayed on the display unit 170 via the display image data memory 169 (S32). Next, it is determined whether to record a captured image (S34). When a captured image is recorded, the captured image data is encoded / converted / compressed (S36), and the image processed image data is recorded in the image data memory 155 (S155). Thereafter, the process returns to a predetermined process.

  If the shutter button 22 has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not another operation has been performed (S40). If the other operation has been performed, processing corresponding to the operation is performed (S42). Thereafter, the process returns to a predetermined process.

  If the camera is turned on but is not in the shooting mode, it is determined whether or not the playback mode is selected (S50 in FIG. 10). If the playback mode is set, the zoom lens is returned to the initial position (S52). Next, the folding imaging lens unit 15 is folded and stored manually or electrically (S54). Next, the last reproduced image or the last captured image data is read from the image data memory 155 and displayed on the display unit 170 (S56). Next, it is determined whether or not an image selection operation has been performed (S58). If an image selection operation has been performed, the corresponding image data is read from the image data memory 155 and reproduced and displayed on the display unit 170 (S60). Thereafter, the process returns to a predetermined process.

  On the other hand, if the playback mode is not selected, or if no image is selected in the playback mode, it is determined whether or not another operation has been performed (S62). If another operation has been performed, processing corresponding to the operation is performed. (S64). Thereafter, the process returns to a predetermined process.

  Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of the digital camera when the power is turned off. When the power is turned off, the zoom lens is first returned to the initial position (S70). Next, the folding imaging lens unit 15 is folded and stored manually or electrically (S72). Then, the power to the imaging unit 140 such as the photometry / exposure measurement unit 162, the focus detection unit 159, the zoom & lens control unit 158, the display unit 170, and the like is disconnected in a predetermined order (S74), and predetermined data is backed up. After that, the power supply to the system control unit 163 is turned off (S76).

According to the first embodiment described above, a plurality of lens groups are connected, and when not in use, the lens groups are stored obliquely in a parallelogram shape so that they can be used during shooting.
Therefore, there is no restriction that the lens diameter cannot be made larger than the thickness of the main body as in the conventional thin optical camera type thin zoom camera, and a thin camera can be constructed even with a bright lens with a larger aperture. it can.

1) Even a multi-function camera that requires a plurality of lenses and a lens driving unit, such as autofocus and optical zoom, can be realized in a thin and small portable size.
2) The structure is simple and the folding operability is good because the lens group stands up / folds up naturally by simply opening and closing the upper case with a parallelogram-shaped variable link.
3) Since the lens frames are always parallel to each other even when they are folded, there is no risk of the lenses colliding with each other and damaging each other.
4) If the connecting plate is configured separately, a group-by-group moving operation such as a lens group that moves in conjunction with a telephoto zoom and a lens group that does not move in a fixed manner can be easily added.
5) Since a circuit board such as an image sensor, a diaphragm, a shutter unit, and the like can be configured with the same shape as the lens frame, a module and an optical system that can be folded together can be easily added.

B. Modification of First Embodiment Next, a modification of the first embodiment described above will be described. In the first embodiment described above, a rectangular lens frame is connected in a ladder shape at the top, bottom, left, and right to form a parallelogram-shaped link structure, but a circular or irregular frame is also connected at the side or the center of the lower surface. Alternatively, other link structures may be used. In the first embodiment described above, the movable lens group is driven back and forth with bolts and nuts rotated by a motor, but other means such as a rack and pinion, a belt, a wire, a spring, a cam mechanism, etc. are used. May be. A plurality of drive systems may be provided to move several groups independently. Further, a lens frame may be provided in a nested manner in the lens frame and moved finely.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, an example of the optical correction type three-group zoom is shown, but other zoom mechanisms such as a smaller / larger number of lens groups, other lens configurations, and a mechanical correction type may be used. In the first embodiment described above, the zoom lens is configured as a telephoto zoom. However, the zoom lens may be configured as a wide-angle zoom, an autofocus lens, a distance measuring or photometric lens, or another optical system / unit.

C. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the external appearance (when not photographing) of the digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance (during shooting) of the digital camera according to the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when not in use, as shown in FIG. 12, the zoom lens group is folded horizontally by pressing down on the upper case 200 (in the vertical direction in the main body), and in use, as shown in FIG. By pulling out the upper case 200, the zoom lens group 201 is raised in the vertical direction (horizontal direction in the main body). In the second embodiment, the lens group is mounted in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the main body 202, but after the incident optical axis is bent at a right angle by the mirror 203, the lens group passes through the zoom lens group 201 and the image sensor (CCD). ) 204. Therefore, it is possible to shoot in a normal posture with the front of the main body facing the subject, like a normal camera.

  Next, FIGS. 14A to 14C are perspective views showing the configuration of the zoom lens group according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14A shows a state in which a zoom lens group 201 including a focusing lens 2011 and a variator (magnification) lens 2012, a mirror 203, and an image sensor 204 are housed. The zoom lens group 201 and the mirror 203 are shown in FIG. It is folded and stored so as not to overlap. FIG. 14B shows a state in which the zoom lens group 201 is raised, and as described above, the zoom lens that is rotatably supported by the support unit 205 by pulling out the upper case 200. The group 201, the mirror 203, and the image sensor 204 rise perpendicularly to the optical axis. FIG. 14C shows a zoom operation, and the zoom lens group 201 is moved up and down independently by the motors 210 and 211 with the zoom lens group 201 raised.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, there is no restriction that the lens diameter cannot be increased beyond the thickness of the main body as in the conventional thin optical camera of the bent optical axis method, and a bright lens having a larger aperture is used. Also, a thin camera can be configured. Further, unlike the first embodiment described above, the lenses are not folded over or stored at an oblique position. Therefore, the thickness of the camera body during storage can be further reduced.

  In the second embodiment described above, the second group zoom lens is used as the base, but other lens groups may be used.

D. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing an external view of a digital camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing an external view of the digital camera. is there.

  A lens unit 220, a finder 221 and a flash 222 are provided in front of the digital camera. A shutter button 223 and a power button 224 are disposed on the upper surface. On the other hand, on the back side of the digital camera, a display unit (LCD) 225, a menu button 226, a cross key 227, a folding mirror 228, and a lever switch 229 are appropriately arranged. The foldable mirror 228 is flattened on the main body surface by sliding the lever switch 229 downward in order to enter the shooting mode, and by sliding the lever switch 229 upward in order to stand up, play or not shoot. It is designed to be stored.

  FIGS. 16A to 16D are views showing the appearance of the digital camera according to the third embodiment viewed from four directions. The folding mirror 228 includes a first mirror 250, a second mirror 251, and a light-shielding hellows 252 disposed on both side surfaces of the folding mirror 228 for preventing external light from entering the optical system. The first mirror 250 and the second mirror 251 are opposed to each other at 45 ° with the folding mirror 228 raised. The lens unit 220 includes a filter 253 and a lens 254. As a result, the light passing through the filter 253 is collected by the lens 224, reflected by the first mirror 250 and the second mirror 251 disposed at 45 °, and imaged on the image sensor (CCD) 255. The

  Next, FIG. 17 is a side perspective view showing the state of the optical system of the digital camera according to the third embodiment during photographing and the state during non-photographing. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the digital camera according to the third embodiment viewed from the back side in the state in which the optical system is housed. The first mirror 250 and the second mirror 251 are supported by a mirror hinge 301, a mirror guide pin 302, and a mirror guide rail 303 attached on the substrate 300. By sliding and moving the mirror guide pin 302 on the groove of the mirror guide rail 303, the first mirror 250 and the second mirror 251 can be accommodated on substantially the same plane. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the folding mirror 228 viewed from the back in a folded state. It can be seen that the folding mirror 228 is folded on the same surface on the back surface of the main body.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the two mirrors can be folded and stored in the main body when not photographing, and change the optical path of the incident light and the optical path length by inclining 45 ° on the optical axis at the time of photographing. Therefore, the focal length can be increased and the lens aperture can be increased while reducing the size and thickness of the digital camera. Further, the lens surface and the image pickup element surface can be arranged on substantially the same plane, so that it is possible to reduce the load in circuit design and component assembly process, and further reduce the thickness and size.

E. Modification of Third Embodiment Next, a modification of the above-described third embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 19 is a side perspective view showing a modification of the above-described third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the first mirror 250 and the second mirror 251 are single-sliding with a single hinge, but as shown in FIG. 19, both the first mirror 250 and the second mirror 251 are used. The hinges 305 and 306 may be fixed at both ends, and the hinges 305 and 306 may be housed so as to be folded around the rotation shaft. Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, although the mirror guide rail 303 was made into the linear structure, a more suitable curve may be sufficient.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera with a zoom equipped with a folding lens unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a foldable imaging lens part. It is a side view which shows the structure of the folding type imaging lens part by this 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the lens position at the time of a wide angle and telephoto in an imaging lens part. It is a side view which shows the structure of the shielding board in the foldable imaging lens part by this 1st Embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a zooming operation of the imaging lens unit 15; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera with a zoom by this 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations (zoom drive control and camera photographing / playback control) when the digital camera according to the present embodiment is turned on. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations (zoom drive control and camera photographing / playback control) when the digital camera according to the present embodiment is turned on. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations (zoom drive control and camera photographing / playback control) when the digital camera according to the present embodiment is turned on. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of an operation when the digital camera is powered off. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance (at the time of non-shooting) of the digital camera by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance (at the time of imaging | photography) of the digital camera by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the zoom lens group by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the digital camera by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance which looked at the digital camera by the 3rd Embodiment from 4 directions. It is a side see-through | perspective view which shows the state at the time of imaging | photography of the optical system of the digital camera by this 3rd Embodiment, and the state at the time of non imaging | photography. It is the perspective view seen from the back surface of the state which folded the folding mirror 228. FIG. It is side surface perspective drawing which shows the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the conventional thin digital camera. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the optical system of the conventional thin digital camera. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the optical system of the conventional thin digital camera.

Explanation of symbols

11 Digital camera (imaging device, optical device)
12 Monitor 13 Body 14 Lens (plural lenses)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Imaging lens part 20 Power switch 21 Mode switch 22 Shutter button 23 Zoom operation switch 30 Slot 30 Lower surface case 31 Upper surface case 32 Zoom drive motor (zoom drive means)
33 Transit (zoom drive means)
40 Rotating shaft 50 Moving lens (zoom lens)
52 Moving lens (zoom lens)
53 Fixed lens (aperture means)
60 Imaging unit 70, 70 connecting plate (connecting unit, second connecting unit)
71, 71 connecting plate (connecting part, first connecting part)
80, 81 Shield plate 85, 85 Connection plate (connection part)
140 Image pickup unit 141 Main body unit 150 Opening / closing control unit 151 Opening / closing motor 152 Folding / opening / closing mechanism 153 Timing control unit 149 A / D conversion unit 154 Image signal processing unit 155 Image data memory 156 Shutter control unit 157 Control unit 158 Lens control unit 159 Focus detection unit 160 Control unit 161 Light receiving sensor 162 Photometry / exposure measurement unit 163 System control unit 164 Flash control unit 165 Strobe 166 Power supply control unit 167 Battery 168 Operation unit 169 Display image data memory 170 Display unit 171 Program memory 172 Data memory 173 Interface 174 Transmission / reception unit 175 Interface 176 Detachable external memory 200 Upper surface case 201 Zoom lens group (plural lenses)
2011 Focusing Lens (Lens, Focusing Lens)
2012 Variator lens (lens)
202 Main body 203 Mirror (light bending part)
204 Image sensor (imaging part)
205 Support part (support part)
210, 211 Motor (zoom drive means)
220 Lens (lens)
221 Finder 222 Flash 223 Shutter button 224 Lens 224 Power button 226 Menu button 227 Four-way key 228 Folding mirror 229 Lever switch 250 First mirror (first optical path bending portion)
251 Second mirror (second optical path bending portion)
252 Shading hello 253 Filter 254 Lens 300 Substrate 301 Mirror hinge (connection part)
302 Mirror guide pin (slide part)
303 Mirror guide rail 305, 306 Hinge

Claims (16)

A plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis;
Connecting the plurality of lenses via a rotation support shaft, and rotating the plurality of lenses around the rotation support shaft by moving in at least one direction;
An optical device comprising: a folding mechanism that folds the plurality of lenses in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with movement of the connecting portion. The plurality of lenses include a zoom lens that moves in an optical axis direction,
2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the folding mechanism moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the connecting portion and folds the zoom lens in a substantially horizontal posture including the plurality of lenses. The optical device described. An image capturing unit that captures an image formed through the plurality of lenses;
The optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the folding mechanism folds the imaging unit in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with the movement of the connecting unit. A plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis;
A support portion for supporting each of the plurality of lenses via a rotation support shaft;
An optical device comprising: a storage mechanism that stores the plurality of lenses in a horizontal posture by rotating the plurality of lenses with the rotation support shaft in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses. The plurality of lenses includes at least a focusing lens,
The storage mechanism moves the focus adjustment lens in the optical axis direction in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses, and rotates the rotation adjustment shaft including the plurality of lenses to the horizontal posture. 5. The optical device according to claim 4, wherein the optical device is folded and stored. A light bending portion that bends incident light by approximately 90 ° and introduces the light into the plurality of lenses; and an imaging portion that captures an image formed through the plurality of lenses,
5. The storage mechanism is configured to store at least one of the light bending portion and the imaging portion in a horizontal posture together with the plurality of lenses in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses. Or the optical apparatus of 5. A lens,
A first optical path bend that reflects incident light incident through the lens;
A second optical path bend that reflects incident light reflected by the first optical path bend;
An imaging unit that captures an image formed through the lens, the first optical path bending unit, and the second optical path bending unit;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a storage mechanism that stores the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion in a horizontal posture by folding the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion when not in use. A connecting portion that connects opposite ends of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion via a rotation support shaft; and at least one of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion. A slide part for sliding the other end;
The storage mechanism slides at least one other end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion by the slide portion and one end connected by the connecting portion in the slide direction of the slide portion. 8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image pickup device is moved so that the first optical path bending means and the second bending means are folded and stored in a horizontal posture in the main body. An imaging unit;
A plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis;
Connecting the plurality of lenses via a rotation support shaft, and rotating the plurality of lenses around the rotation support shaft by moving in at least one direction;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a folding mechanism that folds the plurality of lenses in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with movement of the connecting portion when not in use. The plurality of lenses include a zoom lens group that moves by a zoom operation, and a fixed lens group that does not move by a zoom operation,
The connecting portion includes a first connecting portion that connects the lenses of the zoom lens group that move in conjunction with a zoom operation, and a second connecting portion that connects the lenses of the fixed lens group that do not move with a zoom operation. When,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a zoom driving unit that moves the first connecting unit back and forth to move the zoom lens group back and forth in the optical axis direction to perform a zoom operation. A diaphragm unit that is disposed in the middle of the plurality of lenses and adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging device;
Further comprising shutter means disposed on the front surface of the imaging unit and adjusting an exposure time to the imaging unit;
The folding mechanism is configured to fold one of the imaging unit, the diaphragm unit, and the shutter unit in a substantially horizontal posture in conjunction with the movement of the connecting unit when not in use. The imaging apparatus according to 9 or 10. A plurality of lenses arranged in parallel on the same optical axis;
A support portion for supporting each of the plurality of lenses via a rotation support shaft;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a storage mechanism that stores the plurality of lenses by rotating them around the rotation support shaft in a horizontal position in conjunction with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses when not in use. The plurality of lenses include at least an objective-side focus adjusting lens disposed on the same optical axis, and a zoom lens.
13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a zoom driving unit that performs a zooming operation by moving the focus adjustment lens and the zooming lens back and forth. A light bending portion for bending incident light by 90 ° and introducing it into the plurality of lenses;
An image sensor that captures an image formed through the plurality of lenses;
A diaphragm unit that is disposed in the middle of the plurality of lenses and adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging device;
Further comprising shutter means disposed on the front surface of the image sensor and adjusting an exposure time to the image sensor;
The storage mechanism is interlocked with an operation of pushing down the plurality of lenses when not in use, and at least one of the light bending portion, the image pickup device, the diaphragm unit, and the shutter unit is placed in a horizontal posture together with the plurality of lenses. 14. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image pickup apparatus is folded and stored. A lens,
A first optical path bend that reflects incident light incident through the lens;
A second optical path bend that reflects incident light reflected by the first optical path bend;
An imaging device that captures an image formed through the lens, the first optical path bending section, and the second optical path bending section;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a storage mechanism that stores the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion in a main body while being folded in a horizontal posture when not in use. One end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion facing each other is connected via a rotation support shaft, and the storage mechanism is configured so that the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion are not in use. The first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion are slid at the other end of the first optical path bent portion and the second bent portion in conjunction with the operation of pushing down the portion, and are folded and stored in a horizontal posture in the main body. The imaging device according to claim 15.

Images