WO2024101035A1

WO2024101035A1 - Interchangeable lens and imaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2024101035A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/035944
Authority: WO
Inventors: 克昌三宅; 祐一羽毛田; 浩司西田
Original assignee: ソニーグループ株式会社
Priority date: 2022-11-11
Filing date: 2023-10-02
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a movable body that has an optical element for controlling light and a movable frame for holding the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in the optical axis direction of the optical element; a locking member that has a locking part for locking the movable body and is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position; a support base that movably supports the locking member; and an urging spring that urges the locking member toward the locking position, and when the locking member is held in the unlocking position in the first movement range, and the movable body is moved to a prescribed position toward one side in the optical axis direction in the second movement range, holding of the locking member in the unlocking position is released.

Description

Interchangeable lenses and imaging devices

This technology relates to the technical field of interchangeable lenses that can be attached and detached to a device body having an imaging element, and imaging devices equipped with the same.

In the structures used for photographing, such as various imaging devices like video cameras and still cameras, and interchangeable lenses, an optical system with optical elements like lenses is arranged inside.

In some such structures, an optical element such as a lens is held in a movable frame to form a movable body, which is moved in the optical axis direction. For example, zooming and focusing are performed by moving the movable body in the optical axis direction.

In the imaging devices and interchangeable lenses described above, for example, there are some that restrict the movement of a movable body by locking it with a locking mechanism when not in use (when not taking pictures), or restrict the movement of a movable body that functions as a correction optical system by locking it with a locking mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a configuration, for example, when the power button is operated to turn off the power, the locking mechanism is configured to operate by the driving force of an actuator.

By restricting the movement of the movable body in this way, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the movable body moving unnecessarily in the optical axis direction when not in use and coming into contact with other structures and generating abnormal noise, and it is also possible to prevent the user from becoming aware of a malfunction due to abnormal noise.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-289466

Incidentally, when using an imaging device or interchangeable lens, it is conceivable that, for example, the interchangeable lens may be removed from the device body or the battery may be removed while the power is on. In such special usage conditions, there is a risk that electricity will not be applied to the actuator and the locking mechanism will not work. Therefore, in such special usage conditions, abnormal noise will be generated due to movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction, and the abnormal noise may make the user aware of a malfunction.

The interchangeable lens and imaging device of this technology aim to prevent unnecessary movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction, regardless of the state of use.

The interchangeable lens according to the present technology includes a movable body having an optical element for controlling light and a movable frame for holding the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in the optical axis direction of the optical element, a locking member having a locking portion for locking the movable body and being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a support base for movably supporting the locking member, and a biasing spring for biasing the locking member in a direction approaching the locked position, the locking member being held in the unlocked position in the first movement range, and the held state of the locking member in the unlocked position being released when the movable body is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction in the second movement range.

As a result, when the movable body moves in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second range of movement, the locking member is moved toward the locking position by the biasing force of the biasing spring, and the movable body is locked by the locking member.

The imaging device according to the present technology comprises a device body having an imaging element that converts a captured optical image into an electrical signal, and an interchangeable lens that is detachably attached to the device body, the interchangeable lens comprising a movable body having an optical element that controls light and a movable frame that holds the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in the optical axis direction of the optical element, a locking member having a locking portion that locks the movable body and being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a support base that movably supports the locking member, and a biasing spring that biases the locking member in a direction approaching the locked position, the locking member being held in the unlocked position in the first movement range, and the state of the locking member being held in the unlocked position being released when the movable body is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction in the second movement range.

As a result, in the interchangeable lens, when the movable body in the second movement range moves to one side in the optical axis direction, the locking member is moved toward the locking position by the biasing force of the biasing spring, and the movable body is locked by the locking member.

2 to 14 show an embodiment of an exchange lens and an imaging device according to the present technology, and this figure is a perspective view of the imaging device. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal structure of an interchangeable lens. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the arrangement position of the lock mechanism, etc. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lock mechanism as viewed from a different direction than in FIG. 4 . 7 and 8, the operation of the locking mechanism and the like is shown, and this figure is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is held in the unlocked position. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a locking operation for a movable body is being performed by a locking mechanism. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a movable body is locked by a locking mechanism. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism according to another embodiment. 11 and 12 show the operation of a locking mechanism and the like according to another configuration, and this figure is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is held in the unlocked position. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a locking operation for a movable body is being performed by a locking mechanism. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a movable body is locked by a locking mechanism. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which a protrusion is provided on a lock portion. FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device.

Below, the form for implementing this technology will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.

In the embodiment shown below, the imaging device of the present technology is applied to a still camera, and the interchangeable lens of the present technology is applied to an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from the device body of the still camera.

The scope of application of this technology is not limited to still cameras and interchangeable lenses that can be attached to and detached from the main body of a still camera. This technology can be widely applied to, for example, various imaging devices that are incorporated into video cameras and other devices as imaging devices, and to interchangeable lenses that can be attached to and detached from the main body of these imaging devices.

In the following explanation, the directions of front, back, up, down, left and right are indicated as viewed from the photographer when taking pictures with a still camera. Therefore, the object side is the front and the image plane side is the rear.

Note that the directions of front, back, up, down, left and right shown below are for convenience of explanation, and the implementation of this technology is not limited to these directions.

<Configuration of Imaging Device>
The image pickup device 100 is composed of a device body 200 and an interchangeable lens 1 (see FIG. 1).

The device main body 200 is made up of the necessary parts arranged inside and outside the outer casing 201.

The outer casing 201 has a number of different operation units 202 arranged, for example, on the top and rear surface. The operation units 202 include, for example, a power button, a shutter button, a zoom knob, a mode switching knob, etc.

A display (display unit) (not shown) is disposed on the rear surface of the outer housing 201. A circular opening (not shown) is formed on the front surface of the outer housing 201, and the area surrounding the opening is provided as a mount for attaching the interchangeable lens 1. An image sensor (not shown), such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), is disposed inside the outer housing 201, and the image sensor is located behind the opening.

<Interchangeable lens configuration>
The interchangeable lens 1 is for use in, for example, an interchangeable lens type digital camera.

The interchangeable lens 1, for example, has a first lens barrel section 2 and a second lens barrel section 3, and the second lens barrel section 3 is movable in the optical axis direction relative to the first lens barrel section 2 (see Figures 1 and 2). The first lens barrel section 2 is provided with a first operating ring 4 that functions as a zoom ring and a second operating ring 5 that functions as a focus ring. Manual zooming is performed by rotating the first operating ring 4, and manual focusing is performed by rotating the second operating ring 5.

In the interchangeable lens 1, for example, when the first operating ring 4 is rotated in one direction, the second lens barrel portion 3 is extended from the first lens barrel portion 2, and when the first operating ring 4 is rotated in the other direction, the second lens barrel portion 3 is retracted into the first lens barrel portion 2. The state in which the second lens barrel portion 3 is most extended from the first lens barrel portion 2 is the telephoto end state, and the state in which the second lens barrel portion 3 is most retracted into the first lens barrel portion 2 is the wide-angle end state.

The rear end of the first lens barrel section 2 is provided with a lens mount (not shown) that is, for example, bayonet-connected to the mount section of the device body 200. The second lens barrel section 3 is provided with a photographing lens 6 located at the frontmost side.

The configuration of the interchangeable lens 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured with one or three or more lens barrel sections, for example. Also, the interchangeable lens 1 does not need to be provided with an operation ring, and may be configured with one or three or more operation rings.

A fixed frame 7 is disposed inside the interchangeable lens 1 (see FIG. 2). The fixed frame 7 has an annular base plate portion 7a facing the front-rear direction, a first cylindrical portion 7b protruding rearward from the outer periphery of the base plate portion 7a, and a second cylindrical portion 7c protruding forward from the inner periphery of the base plate portion 7a.

A roughly annular mounting base 8 is disposed inside the first cylindrical portion 7b (see Figures 2 and 3). The mounting base 8 is disposed in a fixed state relative to the fixed frame 7.

A fixed lens 9 is held on the mounting base 8. One axial end of a pair of guide shafts 10 is attached to the mounting base 8. The pair of guide shafts 10 extend in the front-to-rear direction (optical axis direction) and are positioned in parallel. The other axial end of the pair of guide shafts 10 is attached to the base plate portion 7a of the fixed frame 7.

A pair of linear motors 12 are arranged inside the fixed frame 7 at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction, each via a bracket 11. Each pair of linear motors 12 is positioned between a pair of guide shafts 10.

A movable body 13 is movably supported on the pair of guide shafts 10. The movable body 13 has a lens 14 that functions as an optical element for controlling light, and a movable frame 15 that holds the lens 14. Note that in the interchangeable lens 1, other elements such as an aperture that controls light other than the lens 14 may be used as the optical element. The movable frame 15 has a lens holding portion 15a formed in a substantially annular shape, and a pair of bearing portions 15b that protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holding portion 15a. The bearing portions 15b of the movable frame 15 are each supported by the guide shafts 10. The movable frame 15 is provided with an action protrusion 15c that protrudes outward.

The driving force of the linear motor 12 is transmitted to the movable frame 15, and the movable body 13 is moved in the optical axis direction by the transmitted driving force. Note that the driving means for moving the movable body 13 in the optical axis direction is not limited to the linear motor 12, and for example, a piezoelectric element or the like may be used as the driving means.

The movable body 13 is movable in the optical axis direction within a first movement range and a second movement range. The first movement range is the movement range when zooming and focusing are performed, and the second movement range is a movement range different from the first movement range and is the movement range when locked by a locking mechanism described below.

A locking mechanism 16 is disposed inside the fixed frame 7. The locking mechanism 16 is attached, for example, to the fixed frame 7 or the mounting base 8, and is positioned between the guide shaft 10 and the bracket 11 (see FIG. 3).

The locking mechanism 16 is constructed with the necessary parts supported or attached to a support base 17 (see Figures 4 and 5).

The support base 17 has a base member 18 and a pressing member 19, which are joined together by screws or the like.

The base member 18 has a main body 20 formed in a predetermined shape and a pair of support protrusions 21 protruding in the same direction from the main body 20. The pair of support protrusions 21 are positioned spaced apart from each other in the front and rear. The pressing member 19 has a pressing portion 19a attached to the main body 20, a spring support shaft portion 19b protruding forward from the pressing portion 19a, and a spring receiving protrusion 19c protruding forward from the pressing portion 19a.

An actuator 22 is attached to the main body 20. The actuator 22 is, for example, a drive motor, and a gear 23 is fixed to an output shaft (motor shaft) whose axial direction is in the front-rear direction. A sensor 24 is attached to the main body 20. The sensor 24 is, for example, an optical type.

A locking member 25 is rotatably supported on the support base 17. The locking member 25 has a rotating shaft portion 26 extending forward and backward, two supported shaft portions 27 each protruding in opposite axial directions from the rotating shaft portion 26, a locking portion 28 protruding laterally from the rotating shaft portion 26, a protrusion 29 protruding forward from the tip of the locking portion 28, a spring hook portion 30 protruding forward from the tip surface of the protrusion 29, and a protruding piece portion 31 protruding laterally from the rotating shaft portion 26. A gear portion 26a is formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft portion 26.

The locking member 25 has one supported shaft portion 27 inserted and supported in the main body portion 20 and the other supported shaft portion 27 inserted and supported in the pressing member 19, and is rotated relative to the support base 17 with the rotating shaft portion 26 as a fulcrum. The locking member 25 is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member 25 is supported on the support base 17, the gear portion 26a is engaged with the gear 23. Therefore, the driving force of the actuator 22 is transmitted to the locking member 25 via the gear 23.

The locking portion 28 is formed in a shape with multiple surfaces facing in different directions, with the rear surface being formed as the locking surface 28a and one side surface being formed as the sliding surface 28b.

A holding lever 32 is supported on a pair of support protrusions 21 of the support base 17 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The holding lever 32 has a shaft portion 33 extending front-rear and a flat plate-shaped acted portion 34 facing front-rear and connected to one end of the shaft portion 33 in the axial direction, and each part of the shaft portion 33 is penetrated by the pair of support protrusions 21, and the acted portion 34 is located on the rear surface side of the rear support protrusion 21. The tip of the shaft portion 33 is provided as a restricting portion 33a and protrudes forward from the front surface of the front support protrusion 21.

A retaining ring 35 is fixed to the shaft portion 33. The retaining ring 35 is composed of two members including a washer, for example, and is positioned between the pair of support protrusions 21. A compression coil spring 36 is supported on the shaft portion 33 between the rear support protrusion 21 and the retaining ring 35. The shaft portion 33 is passed through the compression coil spring 36. The holding lever 32 is biased by the compression coil spring 36 in a direction in which the restricting portion 33a protrudes forward from the front surface of the front support protrusion 21.

A biasing spring 37 is supported on the pressing member 19. For example, a torsion coil spring is used as the biasing spring 37, and the biasing spring 37 is composed of a coil portion 37a, a first arm portion 37b, and a second arm portion 37c.

The coil portion 37a of the biasing spring 37 is supported by the spring support shaft portion 19b of the pressing member 19, the first arm portion 37b is engaged with the spring receiving protrusion 19c of the pressing member 19, and the second arm portion 37c is engaged with the spring hook portion 30 of the locking member 25. Therefore, the biasing spring 37 applies a biasing force in a first rotation direction to the locking member 25. The first rotation direction is the direction from the unlocked position to the locked position. The locking member 25 is rotated in the first rotation direction from the unlocked position to the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37, and is rotated in the second rotation direction from the locked position to the unlocked position by the driving force of the actuator 22.

<Operation of lock mechanism, etc.>
The operation of the lock mechanism 16 and the like will now be described with reference to FIGS.

First, we will explain the operation of the lock mechanism 16 and other parts when the power is turned on and off.

When the interchangeable lens 1 is attached to the device body 200 and the power button, which is one of the operation units 202, is operated to turn the power on, the movable body 13 is in a state in which it can move within the first movement range, and is in a state in which it can take pictures, for example (see FIG. 6). When the movable body 13 is in a state in which it can move within the first movement range, the action protrusion 15c of the movable frame 15 is in a state in which it is not in contact with the acted upon portion 34 of the holding lever 32 in the locking mechanism 16, or in a state in which it is in contact with the acted upon portion 34 but does not press the acted upon portion 34.

At this time, the holding lever 32 is held at the rear moving end by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 36, and the protruding piece 31 of the locking member 25 is engaged in a state in which it is pressed against the restricting part 33a of the holding lever 32 by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37, and the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position. When the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position, the protruding piece 31 is in a position that blocks the light output by the sensor 24, and the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is in the unlocked position.

When shooting is finished and the power button is operated to turn off the power, the movable body 13 is made movable within the second range of movement, and a driving current is supplied from the battery to the linear motor 12, causing the movable body 13 to move forward within the second range of movement (see FIG. 7). As the movable body 13 moves forward, the actuating protrusion 15c presses the acted portion 34 of the holding lever 32, and the holding lever 32 moves forward against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 36.

When the holding lever 32 is moved forward, the engagement of the protruding piece 31 with the restricting portion 33a is released, and the locking member 25 is made rotatable toward the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37. Therefore, the sliding surface 28b of the locking portion 28 of the locking member 25 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the movable frame 15.

The movable body 13 is moved forward until its front end surface comes into contact with, for example, the base plate portion 7a of the fixed frame 7, and its forward movement is stopped. At this time, the movable frame 15 climbs over the lock portion 28, and the lock member 25 is rotated to the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37 (see FIG. 8). When the lock member 25 is rotated to the locked position, the lock surface 28a of the lock portion 28 engages with the rear end surface of the movable body 13, and the movable body 13 is locked by the lock member 25.

When the locking member 25 is rotated to the locked position, the protrusion 31 is in a position that does not block the light output by the sensor 24, and the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 has been rotated to the locked position.

When the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25, the front end surface of the movable body 13 is in contact with the base plate portion 7a of the fixed frame 7, the movable body 13 is clamped from the front and rear by the base plate portion 7a and the locking portion 28, and movement of the movable body 13 in the front-rear direction is restricted. The base plate portion 7a is a portion that is known as the mechanical end that contacts the movable body 13 at the moving end of the movable body 13, but this mechanical end is not limited to the base plate portion 7a and may be another portion in the internal structure of the interchangeable lens 1.

On the other hand, when the power button is operated to turn the power on while the movable body 13 is locked by the locking mechanism 16, the actuator 22 starts to be driven. When the actuator 22 starts to be driven, the driving force of the actuator 22 rotates the locking member 25 in the opposite direction to the previous direction to the unlocked position (see FIG. 6).

When the locking member 25 is rotated to the unlocked position, the locking state of the movable body 13 by the locking mechanism 16 is released, so that the movable body 13 is moved rearward in the second movement range and made movable in the first movement range. When the movable body 13 is moved rearward, the retaining lever 32 is moved to its rear movement end by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 36, the driving force of the actuator 22 is stopped, and the protruding piece 31 of the locking member 25 is again engaged in a state in which it is pressed against the restricting part 33a of the retaining lever 32 by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37. Therefore, the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position again, and the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is positioned in the unlocked position.

Next, we will explain the operation of the locking mechanism 16 and other components when the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200 with the power on, and when the battery is removed from the device body 200 with the power on.

When the power is on, the movable body 13 is movable within a first range of movement, and is in a state in which, for example, photography is possible (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the holding lever 32 is held at the rear end of movement by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 36, and the protruding piece 31 of the locking member 25 is engaged in a state in which it is pressed against the restricting part 33a of the holding lever 32 by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37, and the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position. When the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position, the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is positioned in the unlocked position.

When the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200 or the battery is removed from the device body 200 while the power is on, the battery is placed in a state where it cannot supply driving current to the linear motor 12, and the movable body 13 is placed in a state where it cannot move by the driving force of the linear motor 12. Therefore, the movable body 13 is placed in a state where it can move freely within the first and second movement ranges.

When the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200, the interchangeable lens 1 is generally placed on a desk or the like with the photographic lens 6 facing downwards, so that a downward (forward) moving force is generated in the movable body 13 due to its own weight. Even if the interchangeable lens 1 is not placed on a desk or the like when it is removed from the device body 200, a forward moving force is often applied to the movable body 13 during the removal operation in which the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200 or when the interchangeable lens 1 is gripped and moved. In particular, when the interchangeable lens 1 is swung back and forth or up and down, a situation arises in which a forward (downward) moving force is inevitably applied to the movable body 13.

When a downward (forward) moving force or forward moving force due to its own weight is applied to the movable body 13 in this way, the movable body 13 is in a state in which it can move freely within the first and second movement ranges, so that the acting protrusion 15c presses the acted upon portion 34 of the holding lever 32, and the holding lever 32 is moved forward against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 36 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, just as when the power is turned off as described above, the front end surface of the movable body 13 comes into contact with the base plate portion 7a of the fixed frame 7 and the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25 (see FIG. 8). At this time, the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 has been rotated to the locked position.

On the other hand, when the movable body 13 is locked by the locking mechanism 16, the interchangeable lens 1 is attached to the device body 200, a battery is installed in the device body 200, and the power is turned on by operating the power button, the actuator 22 starts to be driven, just as when the power is turned on as described above, and the locking member 25 is rotated to the unlocked position by the driving force of the actuator 22 and held there (see Figure 6). At this time, the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is in the unlocked position.

<Effects of the locking mechanism>
As described above, the interchangeable lens 1 having the locking mechanism 16 and the imaging device 100 equipped with the same are provided with the locking member 25 that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the biasing spring 37 that biases the locking member 25 in a direction approaching the locked position, and when the movable body 13 is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second movement range, the held state of the locking member 25 in the unlocked position is released.

Therefore, when the movable body 13 moves in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second range of movement, the locking member 25 moves (rotates) toward the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37, and the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25, so that it is possible to prevent the movable body 13 from moving unnecessarily in the optical axis direction regardless of the state of use. This makes it possible to prevent inconveniences such as the movable body 13 moving unnecessarily in the optical axis direction and coming into contact with other structures, causing abnormal noise, and also makes it possible to avoid the user becoming aware of a malfunction due to abnormal noise.

In particular, when the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200 while the device body 200 is powered on, or when the battery is removed from the device body 200 while the device body 200 is powered on, unnecessary movement of the movable body 13 in the optical axis direction can be prevented, thereby avoiding the generation of abnormal noise or the recognition of a malfunction due to the generation of abnormal noise.

In addition, when the movable body 13 is moved in one direction in the optical axis direction by its own weight, the locking member 25 is moved toward the locked position, so no driving means is required to move the locking member 25 toward the locked position, and the locking member 25 can be operated with a simple configuration while reducing manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, because the locking member 25 rotates between the locked position and the unlocked position, the movement space of the locking member 25 is small, which allows the interchangeable lens 1 to be made more compact.

Furthermore, because the axial direction of the rotation axis (rotation axis portion 26) of the locking member 25 coincides with the optical axis direction, it is possible to set the rotation area of the locking member 25 to a range close to the movable body 13, thereby enabling the interchangeable lens 1 to be made even more compact.

In addition, a sensor 24 is provided to detect the movement position (rotation position) of the locking member 25.

Therefore, since it is possible to control the movement of the movable body 13 based on the detection results of the sensor 24, it is possible to prevent the movement of the movable body 13 when the locking member 25 is in the locked position, thereby avoiding unnecessary contact between the locking portion 28 and the movable body 13. In addition, it is possible to prevent the passage of electricity to operate the movable body 13 when the locking member 25 is in the unlocked position, thereby reducing power consumption.

Furthermore, an actuator 22 is provided to move the locking member 25 from the locked position to the unlocked position, so that the actuator 22 moves the locking member 25 from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the locking member 25 can be reliably moved to the unlocked position when necessary.

Furthermore, a drive motor is used as the actuator 22, and the output shaft of the drive motor and the axial direction of the rotation shaft (rotation shaft portion 26) of the locking member 25 are aligned.

As a result, it is possible to position the locking member 25 and the actuator 22 close to each other, and the overall space required for positioning the locking member 25 and the actuator 22 is small, making it possible to miniaturize the interchangeable lens 1. In addition, it is possible to position the locking member 25 and the actuator 22 along the movable body 13, making it possible to further miniaturize the interchangeable lens 1.

In addition, because the actuator 22 is attached to the support base 17 that supports the locking member 25, etc., no special parts are required for attaching the actuator 22, and the manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the number of parts in the interchangeable lens 1.

Furthermore, a holding lever 32 is provided that holds the locking member 25 in the unlocked position and is movable in a predetermined direction. When the movable body 13 moves in one direction in the optical axis direction, the holding lever 32 moves, and thereby the holding state of the locking member 25 by the holding lever 32 is released.

As a result, the locking member 25 is released from its locked position as the movable body 13 moves in one direction in the optical axis direction, so that the locking member 25 can be reliably moved toward the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37, improving the reliability of the locking operation for the movable body 13.

Furthermore, because the holding lever 32 is movable in the optical axis direction, the movement space of the holding lever 32 can be set within a range along the movable body 13, making it possible to reduce the size of the interchangeable lens 1.

<Other configurations of the lock mechanism>
Next, other configurations of the lock mechanism will be described (see Figs. 9 to 12). The lock mechanism 16A according to the other configuration differs from the above-described lock mechanism 16 in that the support base is not provided with a support protrusion and that the holding lever, the retaining ring, and the compression coil spring are not provided. Therefore, in the following description of the configuration of the lock mechanism 16A, only the parts that are different from the lock mechanism 16 will be described in detail, and the other parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those used for the similar parts in the lock mechanism 16 and will not be described.

In a configuration in which the lock mechanism 16A is used, the movable frame 15 of the movable body 13 does not have an action protrusion 15c, but has a sliding protrusion 15d that protrudes outward (see FIG. 9). The sliding protrusion 15d extends in the optical axis direction and is formed with a small width.

The locking mechanism 16A is configured with the necessary parts supported or attached to a support base 17A. The support base 17A has a base member 18A and a pressing member 19. The base member 18A is configured with a main body portion 20A formed in a predetermined shape and does not have a support protrusion 21.

The operation of the locking mechanism 16A etc. is explained below (see Figures 10 to 12).

First, we will explain the operation of the lock mechanism 16A etc. when the power is turned on and off.

When the interchangeable lens 1 is attached to the device body 200 and the power button, which is one of the operation units 202, is operated to turn the power on, the movable body 13 is made movable within the first movement range, and is in a state in which, for example, photography is possible (see FIG. 10). When the movable body 13 is in a state in which it is movable within the first movement range, the sliding surface 28b of the locking portion 28 of the locking member 25 is in surface contact with the tip surface of the sliding protrusion 15d. Therefore, when the movable body 13 is moved within the first movement range, the sliding surface 28b slides on the sliding protrusion 15d.

At this time, the sliding surface 28b is in contact with the tip surface of the sliding protrusion 15d, so that the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position. When the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position, the protrusion 31 is in a position that blocks the light output by the sensor 24, and the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is in the unlocked position.

When shooting is finished and the power button is operated to turn the power off, the movable body 13 is made movable within the second range of movement, and a driving current is supplied from the battery to the linear motor 12, causing the movable body 13 to move forward within the second range of movement (see Figure 11).

When the movable body 13 is moved forward to a predetermined position, the sliding state of the sliding surface 28b against the sliding protrusion 15d is released, and the locking member 25 is rotated toward the locking position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37.

At this time, the front end surface of the movable body 13 comes into contact with, for example, the base plate portion 7a of the fixed frame 7. Therefore, the forward movement of the movable body 13 is stopped, and the locking member 25 is rotated to the locked position (see FIG. 12). When the locking member 25 is rotated to the locked position, the locking surface 28a of the locking portion 28 engages with the rear end surface of the movable body 13, and the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25.

When the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25, the front end surface of the movable body 13 is in contact with the base plate portion 7a of the fixed frame 7, and the movable body 13 is clamped from the front and rear by the base plate portion 7a and the locking portion 28, restricting the movement of the movable body 13 in the front-rear direction.

On the other hand, when the power button is operated to turn the power on while the movable body 13 is locked by the locking mechanism 16A, the actuator 22 starts to be driven. When the actuator 22 starts to be driven, the driving force of the actuator 22 rotates the locking member 25 in the opposite direction to the previous direction to the unlocked position (see FIG. 10).

When the locking member 25 is rotated to the unlocked position, the locked state of the movable body 13 by the locking mechanism 16A is released, so that the movable body 13 is moved rearward in the second movement range and is made movable in the first movement range. When the movable body 13 is moved rearward, the drive of the actuator 22 is stopped, and the sliding surface 28b of the locking member 25 again comes into surface contact with the tip surface of the sliding protrusion 15d, and the locking member 25 is again held in the unlocked position. At this time, the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is positioned in the unlocked position.

Next, we will explain the operation of the lock mechanism 16A etc. when the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200 with the power on, and when the battery is removed from the device body 200 with the power on.

When the power is on, the movable body 13 is movable within a first range of movement, and is in a state in which, for example, photography is possible (see FIG. 10). At this time, the sliding surface 28b of the locking portion 28 of the locking member 25 is in surface contact with the tip surface of the sliding protrusion 15d, and the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position. When the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position, the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 is positioned in the unlocked position.

When the interchangeable lens 1 is removed from the device body 200, as described above, if the interchangeable lens 1 is placed on a desk or the like with the photographic lens 6 facing downward, a downward (forward) moving force is generated in the movable body 13 due to its own weight, and even if the interchangeable lens 1 is not placed on a desk or the like, a forward moving force is often applied to the movable body 13.

When the movable body 13 is subjected to a downward (forward) moving force or a forward moving force due to its own weight and moves to a predetermined position, the sliding state of the sliding surface 28b against the sliding protrusion 15d is released (see FIG. 11), and the locking member 25 is rotated to the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37 (see FIG. 12). When the locking member 25 is rotated to the locked position, the locking surface 28a of the locking portion 28 engages with the rear end surface of the movable body 13, and the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25.

When the locking member 25 is rotated to the locked position, the sensor 24 detects that the locking member 25 has been rotated to the locked position.

On the other hand, when the power button is operated to turn the power on while the movable body 13 is locked by the locking mechanism 16A, the driving force of the actuator 22 rotates the locking member 25 to the unlocked position (see FIG. 10).

<Effects of locking mechanisms according to other configurations>
As described above, the interchangeable lens 1 having the locking mechanism 16A and the imaging device 100 equipped with the same are provided with the locking member 25 that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the biasing spring 37 that biases the locking member 25 in a direction approaching the locked position, and when the movable body 13 is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second movement range, the held state of the locking member 25 in the unlocked position is released.

Therefore, when the movable body 13 moves in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second range of movement, the locking member 25 is moved toward the locked position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 37, and the movable body 13 is locked by the locking member 25, so that it is possible to prevent the movable body 13 from moving unnecessarily in the optical axis direction regardless of the state of use. This makes it possible to prevent inconveniences such as the movable body 13 moving unnecessarily in the optical axis direction and coming into contact with other structures, generating abnormal noise, and also makes it possible to avoid the user becoming aware of a malfunction due to abnormal noise.

In addition, because the actuator 22 is attached to the support base 17A that supports the locking member 25, etc., no special parts are required for attaching the actuator 22, and the manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the number of parts in the interchangeable lens 1.

Furthermore, the locking portion 28 is formed with a sliding surface 28b that can slide on a part of the movable body 13, and as the movable body 13 moves in one direction in the optical axis direction, the contact state between the part of the movable body 13 and the sliding surface 28b is released, and the locking member 25 is moved toward the locked position.

Therefore, because the locking member 25 is held in the unlocked position by a portion of the movable body 13 sliding against the sliding surface 28b, no dedicated member is required to hold the locking member 25 in the unlocked position, and the manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the number of parts in the interchangeable lens 1.

Furthermore, the movable body 13 is provided with a sliding protrusion 15d that slides on the sliding surface 28b.

Therefore, when the movable body 13 moves in the optical axis direction, the sliding surface 28b slides against the sliding protrusion 15d, making it possible to reduce the sliding load of the movable body 13, and the movable body 13 can be locked while ensuring a stable operating state of the movable body 13.

＜Other＞
In the above, an example was shown in which the sliding protrusion 15d was provided on the movable body 13, but conversely, a sliding protrusion protruding toward the movable body 13 may be provided on the locking portion 28, and the sliding protrusion of the locking portion 28 may slide on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 13. Also, a sliding protrusion may not be provided on either the movable body 13 or the locking portion 28, and the sliding surface 28b may slide on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 13.

Furthermore, one or more protrusions 28c may be provided on the locking portion 28, and the protrusions 28c may be configured to slide on the sliding protrusion 15d (see FIG. 13). The protrusions 28c may be formed, for example, in a hemispherical shape, and when multiple protrusions are provided, they may be provided spaced apart in the front and rear.

Protrusion 28c is provided on locking portion 28, and protrusion 28c slides on sliding protrusion 15d, which makes it possible to further reduce the sliding load when movable body 13 moves in the optical axis direction, and the movable body 13 can be locked while ensuring a more stable operating state of the movable body 13. In particular, by forming protrusion 28c into a shape such as a hemisphere, protrusion 28c slides on movable body 13 in a point contact state, which makes it possible to further reduce the sliding load when movable body 13 moves in the optical axis direction and ensure a more stable operating state of the movable body 13.

In addition, even if the protrusion 28c is provided on the locking portion 28, the movable body 13 may not be provided with a sliding protrusion 15d, and the protrusion 28c may be configured to slide on the outer circumferential surface of the movable body 13.

In addition, the locking portion 28 may not be provided with a protrusion 28c, and multiple protrusions may be provided on the movable body 13 at intervals in the front and rear, and the sliding surface 28b may be configured to slide on the protrusions provided on the movable body 13.

<One embodiment of the imaging device>
An example of the configuration of an embodiment of an imaging device according to the present technology will be described below (see FIG. 14 ).

The imaging device 100 has a camera block 90 that handles the imaging function, a camera signal processing unit 91 that performs signal processing such as analog-to-digital conversion of the captured image signal, and an image processing unit 92 that performs recording and playback processing of the image signal. The imaging device 100 also has a display unit 93 that displays the captured image, an R/W (reader/writer) 94 that writes and reads the image signal to the memory 99, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 95 that controls the entire imaging device 100, a lens drive control unit 96 that controls the drive of the lens arranged in the camera block 90, and an operation unit 97 (202) such as various switches that allow the user to perform required operations.

The camera block 90 is, for example, an interchangeable lens 1.

The imaging device 100 is provided with an imaging element 98 such as a CCD or CMOS that converts the optical image captured by the camera block 90 into an electrical signal.

The camera signal processing unit 91 performs various signal processing operations on the output signal from the image sensor 98, such as converting it to a digital signal, removing noise, correcting image quality, and converting it to a luminance and color difference signal.

The image processing unit 92 performs processes such as compression encoding, decompression decoding of image signals based on a specified image data format, and conversion of data specifications such as resolution.

The display unit 93 has a function of displaying various data such as the operating status of the user on the operation unit 97 and captured images. Note that the imaging device 100 does not necessarily need to be provided with a display unit 93, and may be configured so that captured image data is sent to another display device and the image is displayed.

The R/W 94 writes image data encoded by the image processing unit 92 to the memory 99 and reads image data recorded in the memory 99.

The CPU 95 functions as a control processing unit that controls each circuit block provided in the imaging device 100, and controls each circuit block based on instruction input signals from the operation unit 97, etc.

The lens drive control unit 96 controls the drive source that moves the lens based on a control signal from the CPU 95.

The operation unit 97 outputs an instruction input signal to the CPU 95 in response to operations by the user.

The memory 99 is, for example, a semiconductor memory that can be inserted into a slot connected to the R/W 94 or a semiconductor memory that is pre-installed inside the imaging device 100.

The operation of the imaging device 100 is described below.

When in standby for shooting, under the control of the CPU 95, the captured image signal is output to the display unit 93 via the camera signal processing unit 91 and displayed as a camera-through image. In addition, when an instruction input signal is input from the operation unit 97, the CPU 95 outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit 96, and the lens is moved under the control of the lens drive control unit 96.

When a photographing operation is performed by an instruction input signal from the operation unit 97, the photographed image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 91 to the image processing unit 92, where it is compressed and encoded, and converted into digital data in a specified data format. The converted data is output to the R/W 94 and written to the memory 99.

When playing back image data recorded in memory 99, the R/W 94 reads out the specified image data from memory 99 in response to an operation on the operation unit 97, and after the image processing unit 92 performs decompression and decoding processing, the playback image signal is output to the display unit 93, and the playback image is displayed.

In addition, in this technology, "imaging" refers to all or part of a series of processes, from photoelectric conversion processing in which the light captured by the imaging element 98 is converted into an electrical signal, to conversion of the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 91, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to compression/encoding/decompression/decoding processing of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format and conversion processing of data specifications such as resolution by the image processing unit 92, and writing of the image signal to memory 99 by the R/W 94.

In other words, "imaging" may refer only to the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal, or may refer to the process from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal to the process of converting the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 91, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc. ... to the process of converting the light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal to the process of converting the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 91, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., It may refer to the process of compressing, encoding, expanding and decoding the image signal based on a predetermined image data format by the image sensor 98, and the process of converting data specifications such as resolution by the image sensor 98, and the process of converting the output signal from the image sensor 98 to a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 91, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion to luminance and color difference signals, and the process of compressing, encoding, expanding and decoding the image signal based on a predetermined image data format by the image processing unit 92, and the process of converting data specifications such as resolution by the image processing unit 92, and it may also refer to the process of writing the image signal to the memory 99 by the R/W 94.

The order of each process in the above process may be changed as appropriate.

Furthermore, in this technology, the camera block 90 and the imaging device 100 may be configured to include only some or all of the imaging element 98, camera signal processing unit 91, image processing unit 92, and R/W 94 that perform the above processing.

Furthermore, the camera block 90 may be configured to include some of the image sensor 98, camera signal processing unit 91, image processing unit 92, and R/W 94.

<This technology>
The present technology can also be configured as follows.

(1)
a movable body having an optical element for controlling light and a movable frame for holding the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in a direction along an optical axis of the optical element;
a locking member having a locking portion for locking the movable body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
a support base that movably supports the lock member;
a biasing spring that biases the locking member in a direction approaching the locking position,
the locking member is held at the unlocked position in the first range of movement,
an interchangeable lens, wherein the held state of the locking member at the unlocked position is released when the movable body is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second movement range.

(2)
The interchangeable lens according to (1), wherein the locking member is moved towards the locking position when the movable body is moved in one direction in the optical axis direction by its own weight.

(3)
The interchangeable lens according to (1) or (2), wherein the locking member is rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position.

(4)
The interchangeable lens according to (3) above, wherein an axial direction of a rotation axis of the locking member is aligned with an optical axis direction.

(5)
The interchangeable lens according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a sensor for detecting a movement position of the locking member.

(6)
The interchangeable lens according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising an actuator that moves the locking member from the locked position toward the unlocked position.

(7)
A drive motor is used as the actuator,
The locking member is rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position,
The interchangeable lens according to (6), wherein an output shaft of the drive motor and an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the locking member are aligned.

(8)
The interchangeable lens according to (6) or (7), wherein the actuator is attached to the support base.

(9)
a holding lever is provided which is movable in a predetermined direction and holds the locking member at the unlocked position;
The interchangeable lens according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the retaining lever is moved in association with the movement of the movable body in one direction in the optical axis direction, thereby releasing the retaining state of the locking member by the retaining lever.

(10)
The interchangeable lens according to (9) above, wherein the holding lever is movable in the optical axis direction.

(11)
The locking portion has a sliding surface formed on a part of the movable body, the sliding surface being slidable on the part of the movable body,
The interchangeable lens described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the locking member is moved toward the locked position by releasing contact between a part of the movable body and the sliding surface as the movable body moves in one direction in the optical axis direction.

(12)
The interchangeable lens according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the movable body is provided with a sliding protrusion that slides against the sliding surface.

(13)
The interchangeable lens according to (12) above, wherein the lock portion is slid along the sliding protrusion in a state of point contact.

(14)
The camera includes a main body having an image sensor for converting a captured optical image into an electrical signal, and an interchangeable lens that is detachably attached to the main body;
The interchangeable lens is
a movable body having an optical element for controlling light and a movable frame for holding the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in a direction of an optical axis of the optical element;
a locking member having a locking portion for locking the movable body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
a support base that movably supports the lock member;
a biasing spring that biases the locking member in a direction approaching the locking position,
the locking member is held at the unlocked position in the first range of movement,
the locking member is released from its held state at the unlocked position when the movable body is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second movement range.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Imaging device 200 Device body 1 Interchangeable lens 13 Movable body 14 Lens 15 Movable frame 17 Support base 22 Actuator 24 Sensor 25 Locking member 28 Locking portion 28b Sliding surface 32 Holding lever 37 Pressing spring

15d Sliding protrusion

17A Support base 98 Imaging element

Claims

a movable body having an optical element for controlling light and a movable frame for holding the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in a direction along an optical axis of the optical element;
a locking member having a locking portion for locking the movable body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
a support base that movably supports the lock member;
a biasing spring that biases the locking member in a direction approaching the locking position,
the locking member is held at the unlocked position in the first range of movement,
an interchangeable lens, wherein the held state of the locking member at the unlocked position is released when the movable body is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second movement range.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 , wherein the locking member is moved towards the locking position when the movable body is moved in one direction in the optical axis direction by its own weight.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 , wherein the locking member is rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 3 , wherein an axial direction of the rotation shaft of the locking member coincides with an optical axis direction.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor for detecting a movement position of the locking member.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 , further comprising an actuator that moves the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.
A drive motor is used as the actuator,
The locking member is rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position,
The interchangeable lens according to claim 6 , wherein an output shaft of the drive motor and an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the locking member are aligned.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 6 , wherein the actuator is attached to the support base.
a holding lever is provided which is movable in a predetermined direction and holds the locking member at the unlocked position;
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining lever is moved in association with the movement of the movable body in one direction in the optical axis direction, thereby releasing the retaining state of the locking member by the retaining lever.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 9 , wherein the holding lever is movable in the optical axis direction.
The locking portion has a sliding surface formed on a part of the movable body, the sliding surface being slidable on the part of the movable body,
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 , wherein the locking member is moved towards the locked position by releasing a contact state between a part of the movable body and the sliding surface as the movable body moves in one direction in the optical axis direction.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 11 , wherein the movable body is provided with a sliding protrusion that slides against the sliding surface.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 12 , wherein the locking portion is slid along the sliding protrusion in a state of point contact.
The camera includes a main body having an image sensor for converting a captured optical image into an electrical signal, and an interchangeable lens that is detachably attached to the main body;
The interchangeable lens is
a movable body having an optical element for controlling light and a movable frame for holding the optical element, the movable body being movable in a first movement range and a second movement range in a direction along an optical axis of the optical element;
a locking member having a locking portion for locking the movable body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
a support base that movably supports the lock member;
a biasing spring that biases the locking member in a direction approaching the locking position,
the locking member is held at the unlocked position in the first range of movement,
an imaging device in which the locking member is released from the held state at the unlocked position when the movable body is moved to a predetermined position in one direction in the optical axis direction within the second movement range.