JP2006106309A - Lens barrel and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To downsize an imaging apparatus while securing the optical path length of an optical system large. <P>SOLUTION: An optical system 14 is provided with an objective lens 20, first to third prisms 22, 24, 26, a zoom lens 28, a focus lens 30, first to third fixed lenses 32, 34, 36 and a diaphragm mechanism 38. Further, the optical system 14 has first to third optical paths L1, L2, L3 which guide a subject to an imaging device 18 through the objective lens 20. The first optical path L1 is constituted by an optical path part extending from the objective lens 20 to the first prism 22. The second optical path L2 is constituted by an optical path part extending from the first prism 22 to the second prism 24. The third optical path L3 is constituted by an optical path part extending from the second prism 24 to the imaging element 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens barrel and an imaging device.

There has been proposed a lens barrel in which an optical system having an objective lens, a focus lens, and a zoom lens is incorporated, in which the optical path of the optical system is bent 90 degrees by a right-angle prism (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). .
In such a lens barrel, the optical path of the optical system is constituted by two optical paths orthogonal to each other, so that the space occupied by the lens barrel is reduced.
JP-A-8-248318 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-20191

However, in recent years, there has been a demand for downsizing of an image pickup apparatus in which such a lens barrel is incorporated. Therefore, the optical path length of the optical system becomes a problem, and the zoom lens and the focus lens necessary for securing the zoom magnification are required. There is a problem that the moving stroke cannot be made large.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a lens barrel and an imaging apparatus that are advantageous in reducing the size of the imaging apparatus while ensuring a large optical path length of the optical system.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a lens barrel of the present invention includes an optical system that guides a subject image to an image sensor, and a lens barrel that has a vertical height and a horizontal width and accommodates the optical system and the image sensor. The optical system includes an objective lens, a first optical path bending means, a zoom lens, and a focus lens, and the imaging element and the objective lens are located above the lens barrel. The first optical path bending means is disposed at a lower portion of the lens barrel, and the optical path of the optical system extends downward from the objective lens and extends from the objective lens to the first optical path bending means. A first optical path; a second optical path extending in the width direction of the barrel from the end of the first optical path by the first optical path bending means; and the second optical path by the first optical path bending means. Extending upward from the end of the optical path to the image sensor. The zoom lens is arranged in one of the first optical path and the third optical path, and the focus lens is arranged in the other of the first optical path and the third optical path. It is characterized by.
In addition, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an optical system that guides a subject image to an imaging element, and a case that has an upper and lower height and a left and right width and that houses the optical system and the imaging core and forms an exterior. The optical system includes an objective lens, a first optical path bending means, a zoom lens, and a focus lens, and the imaging element and the objective lens are disposed on an upper part of the case, and One optical path bending means is disposed in the lower part of the case, and the optical path of the optical system extends downward from the objective lens and extends from the objective lens to the first optical path bending means; and A second optical path extending in the width direction of the case from the end of the first optical path by the first optical path bending means, and upward from the end of the second optical path by the first optical path bending means Extending to the image sensor The zoom lens is arranged in one of the first optical path and the third optical path, and the focus lens is arranged in the other of the first optical path and the third optical path. And

Therefore, according to the present invention, the image pickup device and the objective lens are arranged at the upper part of the lens barrel, the first optical path bending means is arranged at the lower part of the lens barrel, and the optical path of the optical system extends downward from the objective lens. A first optical path from the objective lens to the first optical path bending means, a second optical path extending in the width direction of the lens barrel from the end of the first optical path by the first optical path bending means, and a first The optical path bending means includes a third optical path that extends upward from the end of the second optical path and reaches the imaging device, and the optical path of the optical system is folded back exactly 180 degrees in the vertical direction. The vertical dimension of the lens barrel can be shortened while securing the above.
Since the vertical dimension of the lens barrel can be shortened in this way, the vertical space occupied by the lens barrel in the case can be reduced, which is advantageous in reducing the size of the imaging apparatus.

  The first optical path from the objective lens to the first optical path bending means is extended downward from the objective lens for the purpose of reducing the size of the imaging apparatus while ensuring a large optical path length of the optical system. And a second optical path extending in the width direction of the lens barrel from the end of the first optical path by the first optical path bending means, and an upward extending from the end of the second optical path by the first optical path bending means. And a third optical path leading to the image sensor.

Next, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, an imaging apparatus incorporating the lens barrel of the present invention will be described.
1 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lens barrel according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the optical system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the lens barrel in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image pickup apparatus in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 is a digital still camera, and includes a rectangular plate-shaped case 102 constituting an exterior, and the case 102 has a thickness in the front-rear direction, a width in the left-right direction, and a height in the vertical direction. Have In the present specification, the left and right sides of the case 102 are assumed to be viewed from the front.
The case 102 has a front wall 102A that faces the front, a rear wall 102B that faces the rear, an upper wall 102C that faces the upper side, 102D that faces the lower side, and left and right side walls 102E and 102F that face the left and right sides. 102B extend in the vertical and horizontal directions and are parallel to each other.
The lens barrel 10 according to the present invention is incorporated in the right side portion of the case 102 as shown by a two-dot chain line in the drawing. The lens barrel 10 has a lens barrel 12, and the lens barrel 12 has a length, a width, and a thickness as a whole, the length direction is directed in the vertical direction, the width direction is directed in the left-right direction, Are assembled in the case 102 with the front and rear direction facing each other.
As shown in FIG. 5, the lens barrel 10 is provided with an image sensor 18 and an optical system 14 that guides a subject image to the image sensor. The optical system 14 has an objective lens 20, and the objective lens 20 is provided on the upper part of the front wall 12 </ b> A of the lens barrel 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the objective lens 20 is arranged facing the front of the case 102 through a lens opening 103 provided in the front wall 102 </ b> A of the case 102 in a state where the lens barrel 10 is incorporated in the case 102. Is done.
A flash 104 that emits photographing auxiliary light is provided on the left side of the lens opening 103 of the front wall 102 </ b> A of the case 102.
A shutter button 106 is provided on the left side of the upper wall 102 </ b> C of the case 102.
The rear wall 102B of the case 102 has a display 108 (FIG. 5) on which images such as still images and moving images, characters and symbols are displayed, a zoom switch for performing a zooming operation of the photographing optical system 104, and various operations. There are provided operation switches 110 (FIG. 5) including a cross switch and operation buttons for performing, a mode switch for switching the imaging apparatus 100 to a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, a playback / editing mode, and the like.
Further, in the case 102, a memory housing for detachably storing a storage medium 112 (FIG. 5) such as a memory card for recording an image such as a still image or a moving image is provided at the left side of the lens barrel 12. A circuit board that constitutes a chamber (not shown), a battery housing room (not shown) that detachably houses a battery that constitutes the power source of the imaging device 100, an image processing unit 120, a display processing unit 122, and a control unit 124 described later. Etc. are housed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging element 18 is configured by a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like that captures a subject image formed by the optical system 14.
An image picked up by the image pickup device 18 is output as an image pickup signal to the image processing unit 120, and image data of a still image or a moving image is generated based on the image pickup signal and recorded in the storage medium 112. The image data is displayed on the display 108 by the display processing unit 122.
Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a control unit 124 including a CPU that controls the image processing unit 120 and the display processing unit 122 in accordance with operations of the shutter button 106 and various operation switches 110.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lens barrel 12 has a flat plate shape having a width, a length, and a thickness as a whole, and the lens barrel 12 includes a front wall 12A, a rear wall 12B, an upper wall 12C, and a lower wall. It has a wall 12D and left and right side walls 12E, 12F.
The optical system 14 is housed in a housing space defined by the front wall 12A, the rear wall 12B, the upper wall 12C, the lower wall 12D, and the side walls 12E and 12F.
In the present embodiment, the lens barrel 12 includes a front wall 12A, a rear wall 12B, an upper wall 12C, a lower wall 12D, and left and right side walls 12E and 12F, which are respectively a front wall 102A, a rear wall 102B, an upper wall 102C, The lower wall 102D and the left and right side walls 102E and 102F are arranged in parallel.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical system 14 includes an objective lens 20, first to third prisms 22, 24, 26, a zoom lens 28, a focus lens 30, and first to third lenses. Fixed lenses 32, 34, and 36 and a diaphragm mechanism 38 are provided.
The optical system 14 includes first to third optical paths L1, L2, and L3 that guide the subject image to the image sensor 18 through the objective lens 20.
Further, the lens barrel 12 is provided with a first drive mechanism 40 that moves the zoom lens 28, a second drive mechanism 42 that moves the focus lens 30, and a third drive mechanism 44 that drives the aperture mechanism 38. It has been.

The image sensor 18 and the objective lens 20 are provided above the lens barrel 12 at intervals in the width direction of the lens barrel 12, and the first and second prisms 22 and 24 are mirrored below the image sensor 18 and the objective lens 20. Arranged at the bottom of the cylinder 12.
More specifically, the objective lens 20 is disposed on the front wall 12A of the lens barrel 12 so as to face forward, and the image sensor 18 is attached to the upper wall 12C of the lens barrel 12 with its light receiving surface facing downward. It is worn.
The objective lens 20 faces the front of the case 12 through the opening 103, and is configured to collect and guide light rays from the subject image as incident light from the front to the rear.
The third prism 26 is disposed at a position in the lens barrel 12 positioned behind the objective lens 20 and is configured to bend the incident light that has passed through the objective lens 20 downward 90 degrees and guide it to the first prism 22. Has been. In the present embodiment, the second optical path bending means 52 is configured by the third prism 26.
The optical path portion from the objective lens 20 to the first prism 22 forms a first optical path L1. In this embodiment, the first optical path L1 is the fourth optical path from the objective lens 20 to the third prism 26. L4 and a fifth optical path L5 that extends downward from the end of the fourth optical path L4 by the third prism 26 and reaches the first prism 22.
The first prism 22 is configured to guide the incident light guided from the third prism 26 to the second prism 24 by bending it by 90 degrees in the width direction.
A second optical path L <b> 2 is configured by an optical path portion from the first prism 22 to the second prism 24.
The second prism 24 is configured to bend the incident light guided from the first prism 22 upward 90 degrees and guide it to the image sensor 18.
A third optical path L3 is configured by the optical path portion from the second prism 24 to the image sensor 18.
In the present embodiment, the first optical path bending means 50 is constituted by two prisms of the first and second prisms 22 and 24.
In other words, the optical path of the optical system 14 extends downward from the objective lens 20 and the first optical path L1 from the objective lens 20 to the first prism 22 (first optical path bending means 50) and the first prism. 22 (first optical path bending means 50) and a second optical path L2 extending in the width direction of the barrel 12 from the end of the first optical path L1, and a second prism 24 (first optical path bending means 50). ), And a third optical path L3 extending upward from the end of the second optical path L2 and reaching the image sensor 18. Note that the first optical path bending means 50 is optional, such as a single prism or another optical member.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the zoom lens 28 is configured by joining a plurality of lenses in this embodiment, and is held by the zoom lens frame 2802 so that the optical axis coincides with the optical axis O1 of the first optical path L1. The zoom lens frame 2802 is supported by a guide mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable along the optical axis O1 of the first optical path L1.
In the present embodiment, the focus lens 30 is configured by joining a plurality of lenses, and is disposed in a state in which the optical axis is held by the zoom lens frame 3002 so that the optical axis coincides with the optical axis O3 of the third optical path L3. 3002 is supported by a guide mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable along the optical axis O3 of the third optical path L3.
In the present embodiment, the first fixed lens 32 is composed of a single lens, and the optical axis between the third prism 26 and the zoom lens 28 coincides with the optical axis O1 of the first optical path L1. The lens barrel 12 is fixed.
In this embodiment, the second fixed lens 34 is composed of a single lens, and the optical axis between the zoom lens 28 and the first prism 22 coincides with the optical axis O1 of the first optical path L1. The lens barrel 12 is fixed.
In the present embodiment, the third fixed lens 36 includes two lenses 3602 and 3604 in which a plurality of lenses are joined, and the optical axis of the third fixed lens 36 between the second prism 24 and the focus lens 30 is a third optical path. It is fixed to the lens barrel 12 so as to coincide with the optical axis O3 of L3.
The aperture mechanism 38 is disposed between the first prism 22 and the second prism 24 and is fixed to the barrel 12 so as to be positioned on the optical axis O2 of the second optical path L2. The aperture mechanism 38 has an opening 3802 through which the incident light passing along the second optical path L2 passes, and the size of the opening 3802 is changed by a third drive mechanism 44 described later, thereby opening the opening 3802. The amount of the incident light passing therethrough is adjusted. As a specific configuration of the diaphragm mechanism 38, for example, an aperture 3802 is formed by two iris blades, and the size of the opening 3802 can be changed by moving the two iris blades toward and away from each other. .
The first drive mechanism 40 moves the zoom lens frame 2802 and the zoom lens 28 along the first optical path L1, and is disposed in a space between the first optical path L1 and the third optical path L3. The control unit 124 is configured to be controlled.
In this embodiment, the motor 4002, a male screw 4004 connected to a drive shaft of the motor 4002, and a female screw formed on a zoom lens frame 2802 into which the male screw 4004 is screwed are driven. As a result, the zoom lens 28 is moved along the first optical path L1.
The second drive mechanism 42 moves the focus lens frame 3002 and the focus lens 30 along the third optical path L3, and is disposed in a space between the first optical path L1 and the third optical path L3. The control unit 124 is configured to be controlled.
In this embodiment, the motor 4202, a male screw 4204 connected to the drive shaft of the motor 4202, and a female screw formed on the focus lens frame 3002 to which the male screw 4204 is screwed, the male screw 4204 is rotationally driven by the motor 4202. As a result, the focus lens 30 is moved along the third optical path L3.
The third drive mechanism 44 changes the size of the opening 3802 of the diaphragm mechanism 38, and is disposed in the space between the first optical path L1 and the third optical path L3, and is controlled by the control unit 124 described above. It is configured to be controlled.
In this embodiment, the optical system 14 is configured so that the incident light in the optical path portion from the second fixed lens 34 to the focus lens 30 in the optical path of the optical system 14 becomes parallel light.
According to such a configuration, the zoom lens 28 is moved along the first optical path L <b> 1 by the first drive mechanism 40, so that the zooming operation of the optical system 14 is performed.
Further, the focusing lens 30 is moved along the third optical path L3 by the second drive mechanism 42, whereby the focusing operation of the optical system 14 is performed.
Further, the diaphragm mechanism 38 is driven by the third drive mechanism 44, whereby the amount of the incident light guided from the optical system 14 to the image sensor 18 is adjusted.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the imaging device 18 and the objective lens 20 are disposed on the upper portion of the lens barrel 12, the first optical path bending means 50 is disposed on the lower portion of the lens barrel 12, and the optical path of the optical system 14 is A first optical path L1 extending downward from the objective lens 20 to the first optical path bending means 50 and the end of the first optical path L1 from the end of the first optical path L1 by the first optical path bending means 50. The second optical path L2 extending in the width direction and the third optical path extending upward from the end of the second optical path L2 by the first optical path bending means 50 and reaching the image sensor 18 are optical. Since the optical path of the system 14 is folded back exactly 180 degrees in the vertical direction, the vertical dimension of the lens barrel 12 can be shortened while ensuring the optical path length.
Since the vertical dimension of the lens barrel 12 can be shortened in this way, the vertical space occupied by the lens barrel 12 in the case 102 can be reduced, which is advantageous in reducing the size of the imaging apparatus 100.
More specifically, the vertical dimension of the lens barrel 12 is shortened, but the dimension in the width direction is increased by the length of the second optical path L2. However, since the degree of freedom in the shape change and layout of the imaging device components such as the memory storage chamber, the battery storage chamber, and the circuit board disposed at the left side of the barrel 12 in the case 102 is large, the barrel 12 Even if the dimension in the width direction of the imaging apparatus 100 becomes large, the dimension can be absorbed by the change or layout of the shape of the imaging device components in the case 102. The vertical dimension can be shortened without changing the width, which is advantageous in reducing the size of the imaging apparatus 100.
Further, since the optical path length of the optical system 14 can be increased without increasing the vertical dimension of the lens barrel 12, the movement stroke S1 of the zoom lens 28 and the movement of the focus lens 30 in the optical system 14 are shown in FIG. Since a large stroke S2 can be secured, it is advantageous in increasing the zoom magnification of the optical system 14 without increasing the size of the lens barrel 12 and the imaging device 100.
In this embodiment, the space between the first optical path L1 and the third optical path L3 is a dead space, and the first, second, and third drive mechanisms 40, 42, and 44 are arranged in this space. Therefore, the dead space can be effectively used, which is advantageous in reducing the size of the lens barrel 12.
In addition, since the first, second, and third drive mechanisms 40, 42, and 44 are accommodated in the space between the first optical path L1 and the third optical path L3 inside the barrel 12, Compared to the configuration in which the first, second, and third drive mechanisms 40, 42, and 44 are exposed to the outside, the first, second, and third are applied to the impact applied from the outside of the lens barrel 12. This is advantageous in protecting the drive mechanisms 40, 42, 44.
In the present embodiment, the optical system 14 is configured so that the incident light in the optical path portion from the second fixed lens 34 to the focus lens 30 in the optical path of the optical system 14 becomes parallel light. This is advantageous in suppressing the optical influence on the incident light reflected by the first and second prisms 22 and 24.
Further, since the diaphragm mechanism 38 is disposed between the first and second prisms 22 and 24, the incident light passing through the diaphragm mechanism 38 is also parallel light, and a portion of the aperture 3802 of the diaphragm mechanism 38. This is advantageous in preventing a problem such that incident light is reflected on the edge of the iris blade constituting the opening 3802 to cause stray light when passing through the lens.

Next, Example 2 will be described.
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the first optical path bending means 50 is composed of two prisms, the first and second prisms 22 and 24. In the second embodiment, the first optical path bending means 50 is composed of a single prism 25.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the lens barrel 12 of the second embodiment.
In the following description, the same members and portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different portions from the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the image sensor 18 and the objective lens 20 are provided above the lens barrel 12 at intervals in the width direction of the lens barrel 12, and a single prism 25 is below the image sensor 18 and the objective lens 20. In the lower part of the lens barrel 12.
Similar to the first embodiment, the third prism 26 is disposed at a position in the lens barrel 12 located behind the objective lens 20, and the incident light that has passed through the objective lens 20 is bent downward by 90 degrees to form the prism 25. It is configured to guide.
The first optical path L1 is configured by the optical path portion from the objective lens 20 to the prism 25. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first optical path L1 is the first optical path L1 from the objective lens 20 to the third prism 26. The fourth optical path L4 and the fifth optical path L5 extending downward from the end of the fourth optical path L4 by the third prism 26 and reaching the first prism 22 are configured.
The prism 25 is configured to bend the incident light guided from the third prism 26 by 90 degrees in the width direction and guide the incident light to the imaging element 18 by bending the incident light 90 degrees upward. Has been.
Therefore, the second optical path L2 is configured by an optical path portion that bends the incident light guided from the third prism 26 by 90 degrees in the width direction, and the incident light is bent 90 degrees upward and guided to the image sensor 18. A third optical path L3 is configured by the optical path portion.
In other words, the optical path of the optical system 14 extends downward from the objective lens 20 and the first optical path L1 from the objective lens 20 to the prism 25 (first optical path bending means 50) and the prism 25 (first optical path). The second optical path L2 extending in the width direction of the lens barrel 12 from the end of the first optical path L1 by the bending means 50) and the end of the second optical path L2 by the prism 25 (first optical path bending means 50). And a third optical path L3 extending upward from the unit and reaching the image sensor 18.
The aperture mechanism 38 is disposed between the prism 25 and the focus lens 30 and is fixed to the lens barrel 12 so as to be positioned on the optical axis O3 of the third optical path L3. The aperture mechanism 38 has an opening 3802 through which the incident light passing along the third optical path L3 passes, and the size of the opening 3802 is changed by the third drive mechanism 44 to pass through the opening 3802. The light quantity of the incident light is configured to be adjusted.
The third drive mechanism 44 changes the size of the opening 3802 of the diaphragm mechanism 38, and is disposed in the space between the first optical path L1 and the third optical path L3, and is controlled by the control unit 124 described above. It is configured to be controlled.
Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the optical system 14 is arranged so that the incident light in the optical path portion from the second fixed lens 34 to the focus lens 30 in the optical path of the optical system 14 becomes parallel light. It is configured.
According to such a configuration, the zoom lens 28 is moved along the first optical path L <b> 1 by the first drive mechanism 40, so that the zooming operation of the optical system 14 is performed.
Further, the focus lens 30 is moved along the third optical path L3 by the second drive mechanism 42, so that the focusing operation of the optical system 14 is performed.
Further, the diaphragm mechanism 38 is driven by the third drive mechanism 44, whereby the amount of the incident light guided from the optical system 14 to the image sensor 18 is adjusted.

Needless to say, the same effects as in the first embodiment are also achieved in the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, since the first optical path bending means 50 is constituted by the single prism 25, the number of parts and the number of assembling steps can be reduced, which is advantageous in reducing the cost, and the optical member. Therefore, it is advantageous to secure optical accuracy.

Next, a conventional example and an example will be compared and described.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a conventional lens barrel, and the same members and portions as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
A conventional lens barrel 10 'includes an objective lens 20, a zoom lens 28, a focus lens 30, first to third fixed lenses 32, 34, and 36 as an optical system 14', and a diaphragm mechanism (not shown). And.
The optical system 14 ′ has an optical path L 10 that guides the subject image to the image sensor 18 through the objective lens 20.
Further, a first drive mechanism 40 that moves the zoom lens 28 and a third drive mechanism 44 that drives the aperture mechanism 38 are provided outside the wall of the lens barrel 12 ′. In the vicinity of the wall portion, a second drive mechanism 42 for moving the focus lens 30 is provided.

The objective lens 20 is arranged at the upper part of the lens barrel 12, and the image sensor 18 is arranged at the lower part of the lens barrel 12 '.
The optical path of the optical system 14 ′ is constituted by an optical path L 10 that extends downward from the objective lens 20 and extends in a straight line from the objective lens 20 to the image sensor 18.
Therefore, in the conventional example, the optical path of the optical system 14 ′ has a large dimension in the vertical direction, the space occupied in the vertical direction of the lens barrel 12 is increased, and the vertical size of the lens barrel 12 and the imaging device 100 is reduced. This is a disadvantage compared to the present invention.
Further, in order to increase the optical path length of the optical system 14 ', the optical path L10 must be expanded, and the zoom lens 28 in the optical system 14' is required to increase the magnification of the optical system 14 '. If the movement stroke S1 and the movement stroke S2 of the focus lens 30 are enlarged, the size of the lens barrel 12 and the imaging device 100 is increased, which is disadvantageous compared to the present invention.
In addition, since the first, second, and third drive mechanisms 40, 42, and 44 are exposed to the outside of the lens barrel 12 'or disposed near the wall portion of the lens barrel 12, the lens barrel 12' The first, second, and third drive mechanisms 40, 42, and 44 are directly subjected to an impact applied from the outside, which is disadvantageous in protecting these drive mechanisms as compared with the present invention.

In each of the embodiments, the case where the optical system housed in the lens barrel is incorporated in the case of the imaging device has been described. However, the present invention is naturally applicable to the case where the optical system is incorporated directly in the case of the imaging device. Is done.
In each embodiment, the second optical path bending means 52 is provided at a position in the lens barrel 12 located behind the objective lens 20, and the first optical path L <b> 1 extends from the objective lens 20 to the second optical path bending means. And a fifth optical path L5 that extends downward from the end of the fourth optical path L4 by the second optical path bending means 52 and reaches the first optical path bending means 50. However, the present invention may have a configuration without the second optical path bending means 52. In this case, the objective lens 20 has a light beam whose optical axis is the first optical path L1. It is arranged so as to coincide with the axis O1.
In the present embodiment, a digital still camera is exemplified as the image pickup apparatus. However, the present invention can of course be applied to an image pickup apparatus such as a video camera or a television camera.

1 is a perspective view of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the front. It is the perspective view which looked at the lens barrel in Example 1 from the front. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of an optical system in Example 1. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration inside a lens barrel in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the lens-barrel 12 of Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the conventional lens barrel.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Imaging device, 10 ... Lens barrel, 12 ... Lens barrel, 14 ... Optical system, 18 ... Imaging element, 20 ... Objective lens, 50 ... First optical path bending means, 28 ... Zoom lens, 30... Focus lens, L1... First optical path, L2... Second optical path, L3.

Claims (18)

An optical system for guiding the subject image to the image sensor;
A lens barrel having a vertical height and a horizontal width and including the optical system and a lens barrel that houses the imaging device;
The optical system includes an objective lens, a first optical path bending means, a zoom lens, and a focus lens,
The imaging element and the objective lens are arranged at the upper part of the lens barrel, and the first optical path bending means is arranged at the lower part of the lens barrel,
An optical path of the optical system extends downward from the objective lens and extends from the objective lens to the first optical path bending means, and an end of the first optical path by the first optical path bending means A second optical path extending in the width direction of the lens barrel from a portion, and a third optical path extending upward from an end of the second optical path by the first optical path bending means and reaching the imaging device Consisting of
The zoom lens is disposed in one of the first optical path and the third optical path, and the focus lens is disposed in the other of the first optical path and the third optical path.
A lens barrel characterized by that.   The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the imaging element and the objective lens are provided at an upper portion of the lens barrel and spaced from each other in a width direction of the lens barrel.   2. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the lens barrel has a front wall extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and the first optical path extends in parallel with the front wall of the lens barrel. Lens barrel.   The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the second optical path extends in a direction orthogonal to the first optical path.   The lens barrel has a front wall extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and the third optical path extends in parallel to the front wall of the lens barrel in a direction orthogonal to the second optical path. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein:   The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein a lens barrel is incorporated in the lens barrel, and the optical system and the imaging device are accommodated in the lens barrel.   The lens barrel has a front wall extending in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and the objective lens is disposed on an upper portion of the front wall of the lens barrel and is located behind the objective lens. Second optical path bending means is provided at a position in the lens barrel, and the first optical path is formed by a fourth optical path from the objective lens to the second optical path bending means, and the second optical path bending means. The lens barrel according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth optical path extending downward from an end of the fourth optical path and reaching the first optical path bending means.   A first drive mechanism for moving the zoom lens along the optical path of the optical system; and a second drive mechanism for moving the focus lens along the optical path of the optical system. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the second driving mechanism is disposed in a space between the first optical path and the third optical path.   A diaphragm mechanism disposed in the optical path of the optical system; and a third drive mechanism for driving the diaphragm mechanism, wherein the third drive mechanism is between the first optical path and the third optical path. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the lens barrel is disposed in the space. An optical system for guiding the subject image to the image sensor;
An imaging apparatus comprising a case having an upper and lower height and a left and right width and housing the optical system and the imaging device and constituting an exterior,
The optical system includes an objective lens, a first optical path bending means, a zoom lens, and a focus lens,
The imaging element and the objective lens are disposed on an upper portion of the case, and the first optical path bending means is disposed on a lower portion of the case,
An optical path of the optical system extends downward from the objective lens and extends from the objective lens to the first optical path bending means, and an end of the first optical path by the first optical path bending means A second optical path extending in the width direction of the case from a portion, and a third optical path extending upward from the end of the second optical path by the first optical path bending means and reaching the imaging device Configured,
The zoom lens is disposed in one of the first optical path and the third optical path, and the focus lens is disposed in the other of the first optical path and the third optical path.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that.   The image pickup apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image pickup element and the objective lens are provided in the upper part of the case with a space in the width direction of the case.   The imaging according to claim 10, wherein the case has a front wall extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and the first optical path extends in parallel with the front wall of the case. apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second optical path extends in a direction orthogonal to the first optical path.   The case has a front wall extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and the third optical path extends parallel to the front wall of the case in a direction orthogonal to the second optical path. The imaging device according to claim 10.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a lens barrel is incorporated in the case, and the optical system and the imaging element are accommodated in the lens barrel.   The case has a front wall extending in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and the objective lens is disposed on the upper part of the front wall of the case toward the front, and is located in the case located behind the objective lens. Is provided with a second optical path bending means, and the first optical path includes a fourth optical path from the objective lens to the second optical path bending means, and the fourth optical path bending means by the second optical path bending means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a fifth optical path extending downward from an end of the optical path to the first optical path bending means.   A first drive mechanism for moving the zoom lens along the optical path of the optical system; and a second drive mechanism for moving the focus lens along the optical path of the optical system. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second driving mechanism is disposed in a space between the first optical path and the third optical path.   A diaphragm mechanism disposed in the optical path of the optical system; and a third drive mechanism for driving the diaphragm mechanism, wherein the third drive mechanism is between the first optical path and the third optical path. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the imaging device is disposed in a space.

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