JP2001249263A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera having the stable resolution performance and having the reduced cost. SOLUTION: The camera is provided with a fixed barrel 20 fixed to the camera main body, a rotary ring 21 which is rotated around an optical axis in accordance with the drive of a 1st driving gear 1, a focus barrel 22 which is connected to the rotary ring 21 through a cam mechanism and which is moved straight in the optical axis direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotary ring 21, and a rotary moving barrel 23 which is, as for the optical axis direction, locked by the focus barrel 22 and moved in accordance with the movement of the focus barrel 22 in the optical axis direction, and as for the rotating direction of the barrel 23, freely rotated around the optical axis with respect to the focus barrel 22 and rotated in accordance with the drive of a 2nd driving gear 2, and photographing is performed after performing a zooming operation by changing a distance between two lens groups by the 2nd driving gear 2, setting the desired magnification by changing the relative distance between the two lens groups, thereafter, performing a focusing operation while keeping the distance between the two lens groups by the 1st driving gear 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a camera provided with a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, compact cameras having a lens shutter type zoom lens have been widely used. In such a camera, in order to make the camera thinner and smaller, the zoom lens barrel is further retracted than the focal length variable area of the zoom lens during non-shooting so that the lens tip does not protrude from the camera body. There are many commercial products. In most of these cameras, a focus adjustment method for changing and adjusting a relative positional relationship of each lens group constituting a zoom lens at each zoom position (each focal length position) is used for focus adjustment. For example, in a so-called two-unit zoom lens, focus adjustment is performed by adjusting the position of a subsequent lens group with respect to a preceding lens group.

[0003]

However, in the above-described focus adjustment method, the relative position of the subsequent lens unit with respect to the preceding lens unit may be deviated from the original state, and in such a case, slight displacement may occur. This also has a large effect on the resolution performance of the lens, and in order to obtain a good image, it is necessary to keep the relative positional accuracy of each lens group high. Therefore, there is a problem that high parts accuracy and assembly accuracy are required, and it is difficult to manufacture a camera at low cost.

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera capable of obtaining stable resolution performance and reducing cost.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera comprising a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups, and the zoom lens forms a predetermined image of an object. In a camera that forms an image on a surface,
A first driving source, a second driving source, and a driving operation of the first driving source cause a focusing operation to be performed while maintaining a distance between the plurality of lens groups, and a driving operation of the second driving source. A lens driving mechanism for performing a zoom operation by changing the distance between the plurality of lens groups by driving.

The first camera of the present invention performs a zoom operation involving a change in the distance between the plurality of lens groups by driving the second drive source, and changes the relative distance between the plurality of lens groups. Then, a desired magnification is set, and then a photograph is taken by performing a focus operation while maintaining the distance between the plurality of lens groups by driving the first drive source. For this reason, compared with the conventional technique of performing focus adjustment by adjusting the position of the subsequent lens group with respect to the preceding lens group, for example, the relative position of those lens groups is maintained and the resolution performance of the lens is improved with high accuracy. The focus operation is performed while maintaining the resolution, and a photograph having a stable resolution can be obtained.

Here, the first camera of the present invention includes:
The following aspects are included. That is, in a camera that includes a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups and forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image forming plane by the zoom lens, a first driving source and a driving of the first driving source are performed. A rotating ring that rotates around the optical axis, a focus cylinder that is connected to the rotating ring, and that moves straight in the optical axis direction with the rotation of the rotating ring; a second drive source; The focus barrel is locked and moves with the movement of the focus barrel in the optical axis direction. The focus barrel is rotatable around the optical axis with respect to the focus barrel, and is driven by the second drive source. A rotating moving cylinder that rotates,
A plurality of lens holding frames respectively holding the plurality of lens groups which are respectively connected to the rotatable barrel and move in the optical axis direction relative to the rotatable barrel with the rotation of the rotatable barrel. It is characterized by the following.

In the camera according to the above aspect, the plurality of lens groups move straight in the direction of the optical axis relatively with the rotation of the rotatable barrel which is rotated by the driving of the second drive source. A zoom operation is performed with a change in the distance between the lens groups, and then, with the rotation of the rotating ring that rotates around the optical axis by driving the first drive source, focus is maintained while maintaining the distance between the plurality of lens groups. The photographing is performed by performing the operation. For this reason, a stable resolution performance can be obtained as compared with the conventional technique of performing focus adjustment by adjusting the position of the subsequent lens group with respect to the previous lens group.

Here, in the first camera of the present invention, the first driving source performs a focus operation by rotational driving, and the first driving source is rotationally driven in the forward direction to perform focusing. An operation may be performed.

Further, in the first camera of the present invention, the first driving source performs a focus operation by rotational driving, and the first driving source is rotationally driven in a reverse direction to perform a focusing operation. May be performed.

As described above, the first camera of the present invention may be configured so that the focus operation is performed by the rotational drive to the zoom-up side, or the focus operation is performed by the rotational drive to the zoom-down side. It may be configured to perform this.

Further, it is preferable that the focus cylinder retracts the rotary moving cylinder to a position where photographing is impossible with respect to a camera body.

By forming the focus barrel so that the rotary moving barrel is retracted to a position where photographing is not possible with respect to the camera body, the camera can be made thinner and smaller.

A second camera among the cameras of the present invention that achieves the above object has a built-in zoom lens, and a relative position in the optical axis direction of each of a plurality of lens groups constituting the zoom lens. Lens barrel assembly for changing the focal length by changing the positional relationship, and a second lens barrel for changing the position of the first lens barrel assembly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane A driving unit for driving the second lens barrel assembly, and then using the driving force to drive the second lens barrel assembly; Is transmitted to the first lens barrel assembly via the connecting portion.

The second camera of the present invention includes the following modes. That is, a first lens barrel assembly that has a built-in zoom lens and changes the focal length by changing the relative positional relationship in the optical axis direction of each of a plurality of lens groups that constitute the zoom lens; A connecting portion for connecting the first lens barrel assembly to a second lens barrel assembly for changing the position of the first lens barrel assembly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane; First driving the second lens barrel assembly, and then transmitting the driving force to the first lens barrel assembly via driving of the second lens barrel assembly, A driving force non-transmission area that does not transmit the driving force is provided in a connection portion between the first lens barrel assembly and the second lens barrel assembly; The focus adjustment is performed while only the lens barrel assembly is driven.

In the second camera according to the above aspect, in the driving force non-transmission area, the focus is maintained without changing the relative positional relationship between the plurality of lens groups constituting the zoom lens in the optical axis direction. Adjustments are made. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a photograph in which the resolution performance of the lens is stably maintained with high accuracy compared to the conventional technology in which focus adjustment is performed by adjusting the position of the front lens group with respect to the rear lens group, for example. This eliminates the need for high component precision and assembly precision, and reduces costs. Further, since the camera of the above aspect performs both the zoom operation and the focus operation by one drive source, the configuration is also simplified.

The second camera of the present invention for achieving the above object also includes the following mode. That is, a first lens barrel assembly that has a built-in zoom lens and changes the focal length by changing the relative positional relationship in the optical axis direction of each of a plurality of lens groups that constitute the zoom lens;
A connecting portion for connecting the first lens barrel assembly to a second lens barrel assembly for changing the position of the first lens barrel assembly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane; First, the second lens barrel assembly is driven, and then the driving force is transmitted to the first lens barrel assembly via driving of the second lens barrel assembly, Both the first lens barrel assembly and the second lens barrel assembly are stored in the camera body when the camera is not in use, and are stored outside the camera body in the use state. A driving force non-transmission area that does not transmit the driving force is provided in the connecting portion, and focus adjustment is performed while only the second lens barrel assembly is driven in the driving power non-transmission area. And the driving force non-transmission area is included in the storage area. To.

The second camera according to the above aspect has the driving force non-transmission area and the driving force non-transmission area is the storage area, so that the focusing operation can be performed while maintaining the interval between the plurality of lens groups. As a result, a photograph in which the resolution performance of the lens is stably maintained with high accuracy can be obtained, and the camera can be made thinner and smaller.

Here, in the second camera of the above aspect, the driving force in one direction of the one driving source in the storage area is used to drive the second lens barrel assembly in the storage area in the extending direction. Alternatively, the driving source may be used to adjust the focus using a driving force in the other direction.

Further, the second camera of the present invention can be expressed as follows. That is, the second camera of the present invention includes a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups, and in a camera that forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image forming plane by the zoom lens, A drive source that can be driven freely and a zoom operation involving a change in the distance between the plurality of lens groups is performed by driving the drive source in a first direction. A lens driving mechanism for performing a focusing operation while maintaining a distance between the plurality of lens groups by driving in a second direction opposite to the first direction. .

Here, the second camera of the present invention further includes the following aspects. That is, in a camera that includes a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups and forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image forming plane by the zoom lens, a driving source that can be driven in forward and reverse directions freely, A first rotary moving cylinder that moves in the optical axis direction while rotating about the optical axis by driving the driving source, and a first rotary movement that is locked to the first rotary moving cylinder in the optical axis direction; It moves with the movement of the tube in the optical axis direction.
By engaging the first rotationally movable cylinder with play, the first rotationally movable cylinder is rotated around the optical axis with the rotation of the first rotationally movable cylinder and the rotation direction of the first rotationally movable cylinder is reversed. Then, while the first rotary moving cylinder rotates by the predetermined rotational angle, the rotation is stopped irrespective of the rotation of the first rotary moving cylinder, and when the first rotary moving cylinder rotates by the predetermined rotational angle, A second rotatable cylinder that is engaged with the first rotatable cylinder and rotates again with the rotation of the first rotatable cylinder; and a second rotatable cylinder connected to the second rotatable cylinder.
And a plurality of range holding frames respectively holding the plurality of lens groups, which move in the optical axis direction relative to the second rotation moving cylinder with the rotation of the rotation moving cylinder. I do.

Here, in the second camera of the above aspect, the lens barrel including the first rotary moving barrel, the second rotary moving barrel, and the plurality of lens holding frames is arranged with respect to the camera body. It is preferable that the camera can be retracted to a position where photographing is not possible.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, first, the first of the cameras of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment of the second camera will be described, and then the second embodiment of the camera of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera equipped with a zoom lens according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a collapsed state in which a zoom lens barrel supporting the zoom lens is housed in a camera body. 2 is the camera shown in FIG.
It is a perspective view which shows the maximum extension state in which the zoom lens barrel is extended to the maximum.

The camera 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a zoom lens composed of a plurality of lens groups. The zoom lens adjusts the focal length together with the zoom operation, and converts the image of the subject into a predetermined image plane. A camera that forms an image on top. At the center of the front of the camera 10, a zoom lens barrel 11 having a zoom lens therein is provided. The zoom lens barrel 11 incorporates a lens driving mechanism according to the present invention. A strobe light emission window 12, a viewfinder objective window 13, and an AF light emission window 14 are provided on an upper front part of the camera 10.
a and the AF light receiving window 14b and the AE light receiving window 15 are arranged. A shutter button 16 is arranged on the upper surface of the camera 10. Further, a built-in battery 400 (see FIGS. 9 and 20) for controlling the entire camera 10 is mounted on the camera 10.

A zoom operation lever is disposed on the back of the camera 10 (not shown). When one of the zoom operation levers is pressed, the zoom lens barrel 11 is shown in FIG. When the zoom lens is moved from the retracted state toward the maximum extended state shown in FIG. 2 and the other zoom operation lever is pressed, the zoom lens barrel 11 is moved from the maximum extended state shown in FIG. 2 to the collapsed state shown in FIG. Move towards.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the zoom lens barrel of the camera shown in FIGS.

FIG. 3 shows that the driving operation of the first driving gear 1 causes the focusing operation to be performed while maintaining the distance between the plurality of lens groups, and the driving of the second driving gear 2 allows the focusing operation to be performed between the plurality of lens groups. Zoom lens barrel 1 having a lens drive mechanism for performing a zoom operation involving a change in distance between the lens barrels
1 is shown. The first and second drive gears 1 and 2 are driven by electric motors 418 and 419 described later (see FIG. 9). These electric motors 418 and 419 are driven by receiving electric power from the built-in battery 400 described above. The electric motor 418 and the first driving gear 1 are connected by a gear train (not shown), and a driving mechanism from the electric motor 418 to the first driving gear 1 is a first mechanism referred to in the first camera of the present invention. It corresponds to a driving source. Similarly,
The electric motor 419 and the second drive gear 2 are connected by a gear train (not shown), and a drive mechanism extending from the electric motor 419 to the second drive gear 2 is the same as the first camera of the present invention. 2 drive source.

The zoom lens barrel 11 has a fixed barrel 20 fixed to the camera body, a rotating ring 21 that rotates around the optical axis by driving the first drive gear 1, and is connected to the rotating ring 21. A focus barrel 22 that moves straight in the optical axis direction with the rotation of the rotating ring 21; and a focus barrel 22 that is locked in the optical axis direction and moves with the focus barrel 22 in the optical axis direction. In the rotation direction, there is provided a rotatable moving cylinder 23 rotatable around the optical axis with respect to the focus cylinder 22 and rotated by driving the second drive gear 2.

The fixed cylinder 20 is provided with a fitting rotation groove 201 in which the rotating ring 21 is fitted, and a straight key groove 202 extending in the optical axis direction.

The rotating ring 21 is provided with a cam groove 213 obliquely to the optical axis direction and overlapping a part of the straight key groove 202. In addition, the rotating ring 21 includes
A driven gear 211 with which the first driving gear 1 meshes is provided.

In the focus barrel 22, a cam pin 221 is provided upright on the outer wall of the focus barrel 22. The cam pin 221 is inserted into an overlapping portion between the straight key groove 202 and the cam groove 213. This focus cylinder 22
Is to retract the rotary moving cylinder 23 to a position where photographing is not possible with respect to the camera body.

The rotary moving barrel 23 is provided with a rotary connecting portion 232 connected to the focus barrel 22 and a driven gear 231 meshed with the second drive gear 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in which the zoom lens barrel is housed in the camera body.

The zoom lens barrel 11 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the rotatable barrel 23 via respective cam mechanisms, and the optical axis is relatively set with respect to the rotatable barrel 23 as the rotatable barrel 23 rotates. The front group support frame 272 and the rear group support frame 302 (which correspond to the plurality of lens groups according to the present invention), each holding a front lens unit 271 and a rear lens unit 301 (corresponding to a plurality of lens groups in the present invention). (Corresponding to a plurality of lens holding frames).

The first driving gear 1 is meshed with a driven gear 211 provided on a rotating ring 21, and when the first driving gear 1 rotates, the rotational driving force is applied to the driven gear 21.
1 and the rotating ring 21 rotates about the optical axis. The rotating ring 21 is a ring-shaped member surrounding the outer periphery of the fixed cylinder 20 fixed to the camera body 9. The rotating connecting portion 212 of the rotating ring 21 is fitted in the fitting rotating groove 201 of the fixed cylinder 20. A cam pin 221 erected on the outer wall of the focus barrel 22 is inserted into both the straight key groove 202 of the fixed barrel 20 and the cam groove 213 of the rotary ring 21. The cam pin 221 rotates the rotary ring 21. As a result, the slider slidably moves in the optical axis direction according to the cam groove 213.

At the front end of the focus barrel 22, a fitting rotation groove 223 in which the end of the linear key ring 24 is fitted, and a fitting rotation in which the rotation connection part 232 of the rotary moving barrel 23 is fitted. A groove 222 is provided. A straight key groove 224 is formed on the inner wall of the focus barrel 22, and a straight key 241 provided on the straight key ring 24 is fitted therein. The rectilinear key ring 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the inner wall surface of the rotary moving cylinder 23, and has a slit-shaped rectilinear key groove extending linearly in the optical axis direction through the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface. 243 are formed. Further, further inside the straight key ring 24, the front lens unit 2 is provided.
71, a shutter unit 28 is attached to the rectilinear moving cylinder 25 which is a main support of the front group unit 27. A cam pin 251 stands upright on the outer wall of the rectilinear moving cylinder 25, and the cam pin 251 is engaged with a cam groove 233 formed on the inner wall surface of the rotating moving cylinder 23. Further, a cam pin 303 stands upright on an outer wall of the rear group support frame 302 of the rear group unit 30, and the cam pin 303 penetrates a straight key groove 243 provided in the straight key ring 24, and an inner wall surface of the rotary moving cylinder 23. Is engaged with the cam groove 234 formed in the groove. Further, a lens nameplate 29 is provided on the front surface of the straight moving cylinder 25.
Is attached. The front cover 3 is shown above and below the rectilinear moving cylinder 25 in FIG.

The power of the camera 10 thus configured is turned on. Then, only the first drive gear 1 rotates in a predetermined direction (forward rotation direction), and the rotation driving force is transmitted to the rotation ring 21 via the driven gear 211, and the rotation ring 21 moves the optical axis. Rotate to the center. Further, the cam pin 221 inserted into the overlapping portion of the straight key groove 202 and the cam groove 213 of the focus cylinder 22 is moved in the optical axis direction (left in FIG. Direction). In this way,
The zoom lens barrel 11 in the retracted state is extended.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 showing the zoom lens barrel extended from the camera body.

At the time when the power is turned on and the zoom lens barrel 11 is extended, as shown in FIG. 5, the relative positions of the front lens unit 271 and the rear lens unit 301 are as shown in FIG. The relative positions of the front lens unit 271 and the rear lens unit 301 in the retracted state shown in FIG. Here, the zoom operation lever is operated to the tele side. Then, a zoom operation toward the tele side (zoom-up operation) is performed.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a state where the zoom operation of the camera shown in FIG. 1 is performed.

In this zoom operation, only the second drive gear 2 rotates in a predetermined direction (forward rotation direction), and its rotational driving force is transmitted to the rotary moving cylinder 23 via the driven gear 231. The rotary moving cylinder 23 rotates around the optical axis. Then, the cam pin 251 moves in the optical axis direction (left direction in FIG. 6) according to a predetermined path pattern of the cam groove 233 provided in the rotary moving cylinder 23. Then, the straight moving cylinder 2
5 is extended in the optical axis direction. A cam pin 303 is engaged with a cam groove 234 having another path pattern formed on the inner wall surface of the rotatable cylinder 23. Therefore, the rear unit 30 also moves along the optical path according to the other path pattern. Move in the direction. Thus, the zoom operation of the zoom lens barrel 11 is performed.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 showing a state in which the zoom operation shown in FIG. 6 has been performed and a further zoom operation has been performed.

From the state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed, only the second drive gear 2 further rotates forward. Then, the rotatable cylinder 23 further rotates around the optical axis, and thereby the cam groove 23 provided in the rotatable cylinder 23 is provided.
In accordance with the third predetermined path pattern, the cam pin 251 further moves in the same optical axis direction (left direction in FIG. 7) as described above, and the straight moving barrel 25 is further extended. Further, the rear group moving cam pin 303 further moves in the optical axis direction according to the path pattern of the cam groove 234 formed on the inner wall surface of the rotary moving cylinder 23, so that the rear group unit 30 further moves in the optical axis direction. . In this manner, a further zoom operation of the zoom lens barrel 11 is performed.

On the other hand, when the zoom operation lever is operated to the wide side, a zoom operation to the wide side (zoom down operation) is performed. In this zoom-down operation, only the second driving gear 2 rotates in the reverse direction, and its rotational driving force is transmitted to the rotary moving cylinder 23 via the driven gear 231, and the rotary moving cylinder 23 rotates about the optical axis. By doing so, the cam pin 251 moves in the optical axis direction opposite to the optical axis direction in the case of the zoom-up operation (rightward in FIG. 6) according to the path pattern of the cam groove 233 provided in the rotary moving cylinder 23. . Then, the rectilinear moving cylinder 25 moves in the optical axis direction. Further, since the cam pin 303 is engaged with the cam groove 234 of the rotary moving cylinder 23, the rear group unit 30
Also moves in the optical axis direction according to the path pattern of the cam groove 234. In this way, the zoom lens barrel 11 can be moved to the initial extended state shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 showing a state in which the zoom operation shown in FIG. 6 has been performed and a further zoom operation has been performed.

From the state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed, only the second drive gear 2 further rotates forward. Then, the rotatable cylinder 23 further rotates around the optical axis, and thereby the cam groove 23 provided in the rotatable cylinder 23 is provided.
In accordance with the third predetermined path pattern, the cam pin 251 further moves in the same optical axis direction (left direction in FIG. 7) as described above, and the straight moving barrel 25 is further extended. Further, the rear group moving cam pin 303 further moves in the optical axis direction according to the path pattern of the cam groove 234 formed on the inner wall surface of the rotary moving cylinder 23, so that the rear group unit 30 further moves in the optical axis direction. . In this manner, a further zoom operation of the zoom lens barrel 11 is performed.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the shutter button is pressed and the focus operation is performed in the state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 7 is performed.

When the shutter button 12 is pressed in a state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 7 is performed, before the shutter is actually opened / closed, an active type auto-focusing device mounted on the camera 10 can reach the subject. Is measured, and the focus is adjusted by adjusting the amount of movement by a control signal provided by an AF signal representing the measured distance. Specifically, the first
Only the driving gear 1 rotates in the reverse direction, and its rotational driving force is transmitted to the rotating ring 21 via the driven gear 211, and the rotating ring 21 rotates about the optical axis. Then, the straight key groove 202 and the cam groove 2 of the focus cylinder 22 are formed.
Cam pin 221 inserted in the overlapping portion with
Moves in the optical axis direction (to the right in FIG. 8) in accordance with the cam groove 213 with the rotation of the rotary ring 21, and accordingly, the focus barrel 22 also moves in the same optical axis direction. Here, the rotating cylinder 2 is provided in the fitting rotation groove 222 of the focus cylinder 22.
Since the three rotation connecting portions 232 are connected, the rotary moving cylinder 23 also moves in the same optical axis direction. Further, since the rear group unit 30 having the rear group lens unit 301 is also engaged with the rotary moving barrel 23, the group unit 30 thereafter moves together in the same optical axis direction. In addition, the rotary moving cylinder 23
The cam pin 251 of the rectilinear moving cylinder 25 is
Are engaged, the rectilinear moving cylinder 25 also moves in the same optical axis direction. Therefore, the front group unit 27 also moves in the same optical axis direction. In this way, the focus adjustment is performed by moving the front group unit 27 and the rear group unit 30 integrally in the same optical axis direction, in other words, by returning the entire zoom lens to the camera body 9 side.
Therefore, the relative position between the front lens unit 271 and the rear lens unit 301 is the same as the relative position between the front lens unit 271 and the rear lens unit 301 in the zoom operation state shown in FIG. is there.

As described above, the camera 10 of this embodiment performs a zoom operation involving a change in the distance between the two lens groups (the front lens unit 271 and the rear lens unit 301) by the second drive gear 2. To change the relative distance between the two lens groups to the desired magnification,
Next, by performing a focusing operation while maintaining a distance between the two lens groups by the first drive gear 1,
Photographing is performed. For this reason, in the conventional technology of performing focus adjustment by adjusting the position of the subsequent lens group with respect to the preceding lens group, the relative position error of each lens group generated due to component accuracy and assembly accuracy is caused. It is difficult to obtain a good image because the resolution of the lens deteriorates due to a slight shift. However, in the present embodiment, the relative positions of the respective lens groups are maintained and the resolution of the lens is maintained with high accuracy. The focus operation is performed as it is, and a stable resolution photograph can be obtained. Therefore, high component accuracy and assembly accuracy are not required, and cost can be reduced.

In the focus operation in the above-described embodiment, the focus adjustment is performed by rotating the first drive gear 1 and the rotary moving barrel 23 in the reverse direction to retract the focus barrel 22 by a predetermined amount. In this case, the stroke of the cam groove 213 overlaps with the region in which the focus barrel 22 is extended for the zoom operation, and includes a region for the focus operation. In addition to this driving method, it is possible to achieve the intention of the first camera of the present invention in another embodiment (not shown) described below. That is, the first drive gear 1 and the rotary moving cylinder 23
The focus is adjusted by rotating the focus barrel 22 by a predetermined amount by rotating the focus barrel 22 in the direction in which the focus barrel 22 is extended, that is, in the forward direction. In this case, the stroke of the cam groove 213 includes an area for the focus operation in addition to an area for extending the focus cylinder 22 for the zoom operation.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of the camera of this embodiment.

The camera 10 has a built-in battery 400 mounted thereon, and the power from the built-in battery 400 is supplied directly to the driver IC 401 and is also supplied to the CPU 403 after being stabilized by the regulator 402. The output voltage of the regulator 402 is monitored by the reset circuit 404. This reset circuit 404
When the output voltage of the regulator 402 drops to the minimum voltage at which the CPU 403 can operate normally, the regulator 402 plays a role of stopping the operation of the CPU 403 to prevent the camera 10 from running out of control.

The CPU 403 has an EEPR in which various programs and data executed by the CPU 403 are stored.
OM 405, battery check circuit 406 for monitoring remaining capacity of built-in battery 400, liquid crystal display panel (LCD) in finder for performing various displays in finder
407, a display LED 408, an AF (autofocus) light emitting LED 409, a zoom operation switch 410 that is turned on and off in response to an operation of a zoom operation lever provided on the back of the camera 10, and a flash circuit 411 are connected. The CPU 403 receives instructions and information or performs control according to the connection destination. Further, a crystal oscillator 420 for generating a basic clock required for the operation of the CPU 403 is also connected to the CPU 403. Further, the CPU 403 includes
The driver IC 401 described above is also connected. The driver IC 401 drives the electric motors 413, 417, 418, and 419 in response to an instruction from the CPU 403. Further, the driver IC 401 is also connected to a shutter sensor 414 for detecting the timing when the shutter starts to open, an AE light receiving sensor 415 for detecting the brightness of the object scene, and an AF light receiving sensor 416 for measuring a distance to a subject.

Here, the driver IC 401 has a built-in shutter drive driver for driving an electric motor 413 for opening and closing the shutter, and this shutter drive driver receives an instruction from the CPU 403 and operates the electric motor for opening and closing the shutter. 413, the shutter sensor 414
The shutter is opened and closed from the timing of opening the shutter detected by the AE to the timing corresponding to the information on the brightness of the object scene detected by the AE light receiving sensor 415. By doing so, one frame of shooting is performed.

The driver IC 401 includes a film feed driver and a focus operation driver for driving an electric motor 417 for film feed, an electric motor 418 for focus operation, and an electric motor 419 for zoom operation. , Built-in zoom operation driver.

The film feed driver drives the electric motor 417 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 403.
When the photographing of one frame is completed, the photographic film is wound up by one frame, and when the photographing to the last frame is completed, the photographic film is rewound into a film patrone (not shown).

The driver for focus operation is AF
The electric motor 418 according to the distance measurement result of the light receiving sensor 416
To perform a focus operation for focus adjustment.

Further, the zoom operation driver performs a CP operation when the CPU 403 detects that the zoom operation switch 410 is turned on or off in response to the operation of the zoom operation lever.
In response to an instruction from U403, the electric motor 419 is driven to move the zoom lens barrel 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) to the tele side or the wide side.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a power-on program started when the power of the camera is turned on.

This program is executed by the CPU 40 shown in FIG.
3 is executed. When the power of the camera 10 is turned on,
In step S11, the electric motor 418 shown in FIG.
Is driven, and the driving force of the electric motor 418 is transmitted to the first driving gear 1, whereby the first driving gear 1 rotates forward, and the feeding operation shown in FIG. 5 from the retracted state shown in FIG. The state is shifted to this state and this routine ends.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the zoom operation program.

When a zoom operation is instructed by operating the zoom operation switch 410 (see FIG. 9), in step S21, the electric motor 4 shown in FIG.
19 is driven, the driving force of the electric motor 419 is transmitted to the second drive gear 2 to perform a zoom operation, and the routine ends. As a result, the state is shifted from the above-mentioned extended state shown in FIG. 5 to the zoom state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a shutter button on program which is started when the shutter button of the camera is pressed.

When the shutter button of the camera 10 is pressed, the distance to the subject is measured by the auto-focusing device, and the focusing operation in step S31 is performed, together with the photometric operation for measuring the brightness of the subject to be photographed. In this focusing operation, the electric motor 418 is driven based on a control signal provided by an AF signal representing the measured distance, whereby the first drive gear 1 is rotated in reverse to move the position of the entire zoom lens to the camera. The focus adjustment is performed by changing the position of the entire zoom lens with respect to the focus plane by the operation of returning to the main body 9 side.

Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not to perform strobe light emission based on the amount of light obtained by the photometry operation. If it is determined that strobe light emission is not necessary, the shutter is opened and closed to execute step S32. Proceed to S33.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the strobe light needs to be emitted, a series of operations of opening the shutter to emit the strobe light and closing the shutter are performed, and the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, in preparation for the next photographing, the electric motor 418 is driven to rotate the first drive gear 1 forward to return the position of the entire zoom lens to the state before photographing. Also, the electric motor 417 is driven to wind up the photographic film by one frame, and this routine ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a power-off program started when an operation of turning off the power of the camera is performed.

When the operation of turning off the power of the camera 10 is performed, first in step S41, the electric motor 41 is turned off.
9 is driven, this driving force is transmitted to the second drive gear 2, and the second drive gear 2 rotates in the reverse direction, so that the zoom lens barrel 11 is brought to the initial extended state shown in FIG. Moving. Next, the electric motor 418 is driven, and this driving force is transmitted to the first drive gear 1, and the first drive gear 1 is also rotated in the reverse direction.
The routine is shifted to the collapsed state shown in FIG. Then, the power of the camera 10 is turned off.

In the camera 10 of the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 5, the entire zoom lens is extended from the camera body 9 to the maximum, and the focus adjustment is performed on the entire zoom lens. Is returned to the camera body 9 side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the power is turned on, the entire zoom lens is extended from the camera body 9 to a predetermined position, and the focus is adjusted. The adjustment may be made by further extending the entire zoom lens from its predetermined position.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the focus barrel 22 has a collapsible region in which the zoom lens barrel 11 supporting the zoom lens retracts to the same position as the front cover 3 of the camera 10. In the collapsed area, the example of the camera 10 having the focus area in which the entire zoom lens is returned to the camera body 9 side as shown in FIG. 8 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the camera having the collapsed area. The first camera of the present invention can also be applied to a camera in which the focus barrel 22 has only a focus area and the zoom lens barrel 11 projects beyond the front cover 3.

Next, the second camera of the present invention among the cameras of the present invention
An embodiment of the camera will be described.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 have been described as perspective views showing an embodiment of the first camera of the present invention among the cameras, the appearance shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is not changed. It can also be adopted as an embodiment of the second camera of the present invention. Hereinafter, FIGS. 1 and 2 are treated as perspective views showing the appearance of an embodiment of the second camera of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the zoom lens barrel of the camera shown in FIGS.

The zoom lens barrel 11 shown in FIG. 14 is provided with a drive gear 501 that can be driven in forward and reverse directions. The drive gear 501 includes a flat gear portion 5101 formed at an end and a flat gear portion 5102 formed along the circumference. The drive gear 501 is driven by an electric motor 618 (see FIG. 20). The electric motor 618 receives electric power from the built-in battery 400 and drives in the forward and reverse directions. The electric motor 618 and the flat gear portion 5101 of the driving gear 501 are connected by a gear train (not shown), and a driving mechanism from the electric motor 618 to the driving gear 501 corresponds to a driving source referred to in the second camera of the present invention. I do.

The zoom lens barrel 11 is driven by the driving source in the first direction (positive direction) to change the distance from the focal position of the plurality of lens units and the distance between the lens units. And a second operation of the driving source following the zoom operation, which is opposite to the forward direction.
(In the opposite direction), a zoom lens driving mechanism for performing a focusing operation while maintaining the interval between the plurality of lens groups is incorporated. FIG. 14 shows a fixed barrel 509, a first rotating barrel 520, and a second rotating barrel 521, which constitute this zoom lens driving mechanism.

The fixed barrel 509 is fixed to the camera body. The fixed barrel 509 has a cam groove 5091 formed obliquely with respect to the optical axis direction and a cam groove 5091 formed parallel to the optical axis direction. A straight keyway 5092 is provided.

In FIG. 14, the first rotary moving cylinder 520
Is cut away to show the structure inside.

The first rotary moving cylinder 520 has a driven gear 5 meshed with a flat gear portion 5102 of a driving gear 501.
201, a fitting rotation groove 5202 formed by fitting a rotation connecting portion 5211 described later of the second rotary moving cylinder 521,
An engagement pin 5203 formed in the fitting rotation groove 5202
And a cam pin 5204 erected on the outer wall of the first rotary moving cylinder 520. Cam pin 5204
Are inserted into the cam grooves 5091 of the fixed cylinder 509.
The first rotary moving cylinder 520 moves in the optical axis direction according to the cam groove 5091 while rotating around the optical axis by driving the drive gear 501.

The second rotary moving cylinder 521 is provided with a rotary connecting portion 5211 in the fitting rotary groove 5202 of the first rotary moving cylinder 520.
Are fitted and rotatably attached to the first rotary moving cylinder 520 without changing the relative position in the optical axis direction. The rotation connecting portion 5211 has a connected portion 5212 formed by cutting out a part of the circumference. This connected part 5
212 has two walls 5212a and 5212b.
An engagement pin 5203 enters this connected portion 5212. The second rotary moving barrel 521 moves while moving in the optical axis direction together with the movement of the first rotary moving barrel 520 in the optical axis direction.
Regarding the rotation direction, the engaging pin 5203 is connected to the first rotary moving cylinder 520 by the wall portions 5212a and 5212a.
It is in a non-engaged state until it comes into contact with any one of 12b. The section in the non-engaged state is called a non-engaged area. The engagement pin 5203 is in contact with the wall portion 5212a of the connected portion 5212 when the zoom lens barrel 11 is retracted in the camera body. The rotation of the first rotation moving cylinder 520 is started, and the engagement pin 5203 is moved to the wall portion 5212.
When it comes into contact with b, it rotates together with the second rotary moving cylinder 521, and the rotation driving of the second rotary moving cylinder 521 performs the zoom operation driving as described below.

The structure of the zoom lens driving mechanism provided in the zoom lens barrel 11 will be further described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 showing the zoom lens barrel retracted in the camera body.

As shown in FIG. 15, the camera 10 of the present embodiment comprises a first rotary moving cylinder 520 and a front group unit 523.
However, when the camera is not used, the camera collapses to a position where it does not protrude from the camera body.

The front group unit 523 is connected via a helicoid convex screw 5221 to a helicoid concave screw 5213 provided on the second rotary moving cylinder 521, and the second group 523 is rotated by the rotation of the second rotary moving cylinder 521. It is moved straight forward in the optical axis direction relative to the rotary moving cylinder 521 and is fed out. Since the rear group unit 525 is engaged with the cam groove 5214 provided in the second rotary moving cylinder 521 via the rear group cam pin 5253, the rear group unit 525 rotates with the rotation of the second rotary moving cylinder 521.
Similarly, it moves straight and is fed out.

The flat gear portion 5102 of the drive gear 501 has
Driven gear 520 provided on first rotary moving cylinder 520
When the driving gear 501 rotates, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the driven gear 5201, whereby the first rotary moving cylinder 520 rotates around the optical axis and is fed. As described above, the rotation connecting portion 5211 of the second rotation moving cylinder 521 is fitted in the fitting rotation groove 5202 of the first rotation movement cylinder 520, and the first rotation movement cylinder 520 is also fitted. The cam pin 5204 of the cam groove 50 of the fixed cylinder 509
When the first rotary moving barrel 520 rotates, the cam pin 5204 is inserted into the first rotary moving barrel 52 because the first rotary moving barrel 520 rotates.
With the rotation of 0, it is guided by the cam groove 5091 and moves forward in the optical axis direction. In addition, the second rotary moving cylinder 521 also
Together with the movement of the rotary moving cylinder 520, it moves forward in the optical axis direction. The rotation of the second rotary moving cylinder 521 around the optical axis will be described later.

The fitting rotation part 52 of the second rotary moving cylinder 521
15 includes a rotation connecting portion 5271 of the straight key ring 527.
Are fitted. A straight key 5272 provided on a straight key ring 527 is fitted into a straight key groove 5092 formed on the inner wall of the fixed cylinder 509. For this reason, the straight key ring 527 goes straight with the second rotary cylinder 521 in the optical axis direction, but is prevented from rotating around the optical axis. In addition, the straight key ring 527 is
Is formed in a cylindrical shape along the inner cylinder of the rotary moving cylinder 521, and a slit-shaped linear keyway 5273 extending linearly in the optical axis direction is formed in that portion.

Further, on the outer wall of the straight moving cylinder 522,
A helicoid convex screw 5221 is provided, and a helicoid concave screw 522 is provided on the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder of the second rotary moving cylinder 521.
13 is provided, and the helicoid concave screw 5213 is provided.
Is engaged with a helicoid convex screw 5221. On the other hand, a straight key groove 5222 provided on the inner surface of the straight moving cylinder 522
Is engaged with the straight key 5274 of the straight key ring 527. For this reason, the straight moving cylinder 522 is
The rotation around the optical axis is prevented by 274, and the helicoid concave screw 5213 is caused by the rotation of the second rotary moving cylinder 521.
In the direction of the optical axis.

Further, the rear group support frame 5 of the rear group unit 525
A rear group cam pin 5253 is provided upright on the outer wall of the second rotation moving cylinder 521, and the rear group cam pin 5253 penetrates a straight key groove 5273 provided in the straight key ring 527. It is engaged with the groove 5214. For this reason, the rear lens unit 5251 is
The rotation about the optical axis is prevented by the straight key 5273, and the cam groove 5214 of the second rotary moving cylinder 521 in the optical axis direction is accompanied by the rotation of the second rotary moving cylinder 521.
Move according to the predetermined route pattern.

Further, a lens name plate 526 is attached to the front surface of the straight moving cylinder 522. Further, the front cover 503 is provided above and below the first rotary moving cylinder 520 in FIG.
It is shown.

The power of the camera 10 thus configured is turned on. Then, the electric motor 618 (see FIG. 20)
Rotates in the forward direction, and the driving force is transmitted to the spur gear portion 5101 to rotate the drive gear 501 in the forward direction. The first rotary moving cylinder 52 is provided on the flat gear portion 5102 of the drive gear 501.
Since the 0 driven gear 5201 is meshed, the first rotary moving cylinder 520 moves forward while rotating around the optical axis according to the flat gear portion 5102 of the driving gear 501. As described above, the fitting rotation groove 5202 of the first rotation moving cylinder 520
The rotary connection portion 5211 of the second rotary moving cylinder 521 is fitted in the, the cam pin 5204 of the first rotary moving cylinder 520 is inserted into the cam groove 5091 of the fixed cylinder 509, The engagement pin 5203 (see FIG. 14)
At the beginning of the rotation drive of the first rotary moving cylinder 520,
The wall portion 5212 provided on the second rotary moving cylinder 521
a, the engagement pin 5203 is separated from the wall portion 5212a and is opposed to the wall portion 5212b with the start of the rotation driving of the first rotary moving cylinder 520.
Head for. Then, the engaging pin 5203 is moved to the wall 521.
2b, the engagement pin 5203 is in a non-engagement state in which the engagement pin 5203 does not engage with the second rotary moving cylinder 521. In the combined region, the second rotary moving cylinder 521 is not driven to rotate. Therefore, in the non-engagement region, the rotational driving force of the first rotationally movable cylinder 520 does not drive the second rotationally movable cylinder 521 and the respective mechanical components connected to the second rotationally movable cylinder 521. Therefore, without changing the relative relationship between the front group unit 523 and the rear group unit 525, the first rotation moving cylinder 520 and the entire lens barrel mechanism component connected thereto are guided and extended by the cam groove 5091. . Next, when the engaging pin 5203 comes into contact with the wall portion 5212b, the first rotary moving barrel 520 is driven to rotate together with the second rotary moving barrel 521. Each lens barrel mechanism component connected to the rotary moving barrel 521 is driven to feed out the first rotary moving barrel 520 and the entire lens barrel mechanism component connected thereto, and the relative position between the front group unit 523 and the rear group unit 525 is increased. It will also change the relationship. In this way, the cam pin 524 erected on the first rotary moving cylinder 520 reaches a predetermined position in the stroke of the cam groove 5091, and the first rotary moving cylinder 520 and the entire lens barrel mechanism component connected thereto are fed out by a predetermined amount. Then, the lens barrel position is detected by a known method (not shown), the drive power supply is turned off, the initial feeding operation is stopped, and a standby state for the next operation is maintained. Here, the non-engagement region is made to coincide with a predetermined position of the stroke of the cam groove 5204. That is, the structure of the mechanism in which the width of the non-engagement area is made equal to the initial feeding amount,
(I.e., a mechanism in which the width of the non-engagement region is accommodated in the initial feeding amount), and these are related other mechanisms. The selection is made in consideration of the balance with the department. In the present embodiment, a mechanism is provided for matching the width of the non-engagement region with the initial feeding amount.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 in an initial extended state in which the zoom lens barrel is extended from the camera body.

When the power is turned on and the initial extension of the zoom lens barrel 11 is performed, as shown in FIG. 16, the front lens unit 5231 and the rear lens unit 525 are provided.
The relative position to 1 is the same as the relative position between the front lens unit 5231 and the rear lens unit 5251 in the retracted state shown in FIG. Here, the zoom operation lever is operated to the tele side. Then, a zoom operation to the tele side is performed.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the camera shown in FIG. 1 is zoomed to the telephoto side.

In this zoom operation, the driving gear 501 further rotates forward and the first rotary moving cylinder 520 is moved through the driven gear 5201 meshed with the spur gear portion 5102 so that the cam groove 5 rotates.
In response to 091, it is fed while further rotating about the optical axis. Here, the engaging pin 5203 is in contact with the wall 5212b, and the second rotary moving cylinder 521 is also rotated around the optical axis via the engaging pin 5203 while the first rotary moving cylinder 521 is rotating. It advances together with 520. Then, the rectilinear moving cylinder 522 is moved in the optical axis direction (left direction in FIG. 17) by the above-described operation via the helicoid concave screw 5213 provided on the second rotary moving cylinder 521 and the helicoid convex screw 5221 provided on the rectilinear moving cylinder 522. ).
Further, the second rotary moving cylinder 521 is formed on the inner wall surface.
A cam groove 5214 having another guide portion has a cam pin 52
53 is engaged, so that the rear group unit 525 also moves straight in the optical axis direction according to the other guide portion. Thus, the zoom operation of the zoom lens barrel 11 toward the telephoto side is performed. In the present embodiment, the zoom operation is performed toward the telephoto side, and when the user has completed the zoom operation at the time when an arbitrary focal length is obtained, the zoom pin 5203 abuts on the wall portion 5212b as it is when the user completes the zoom operation. Is maintained as a standby state for the next different operation.

On the other hand, when the zoom operation lever is operated to the wide side, the zoom operation to the wide side is performed.
In the zoom operation on the wide side, the driving gear 501 rotates in the reverse direction, and its rotational driving force is transmitted to the first rotary moving barrel 520 via the driven gear 5201, and the first rotary moving barrel 520 is moved along the optical axis. 14 is rotated in reverse.
Engaging pin 5203 in contact with the wall portion 5212b shown in FIG.
Only the first rotary moving cylinder 520 is moved in the reverse direction until abuts against the wall 5212a. The engagement pin 520
3 comes into contact with the wall 5212a, the first rotary moving cylinder 5
Further rotation in the opposite direction of the second rotation moving cylinder 5
The zoom lens 11 is moved in the opposite direction with the accompanying movement from the tele side to the wide side, and the zoom operation of the zoom lens barrel 11 to the wide side is performed via the operation in the opposite direction to the above. When the zoom operation to the wide side is performed and the zoom operation is completed when a desired focal length is obtained, the first rotary moving cylinder 520 is rotated forward to obtain a standby state for the next different operation. And then stop.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the zoom operation toward the tele side shown in FIG. 17 has been further performed.

From the state where the telephoto zoom operation shown in FIG. 17 is performed, the drive gear 501 further rotates forward. Then, the first rotationally movable cylinder 520 and the second rotationally movable cylinder 521 follow the drive transmission path as described above, and further rotate around the optical axis in the optical axis direction (to the left in FIG. 18). Is fed out along. Accordingly, the front group unit 5 follows the drive transmission path as described above.
23 and the rear group unit 525 are linearly moved out along the optical axis direction while relatively changing the interval. In this way, the zoom lens barrel 11 is further extended to the telephoto side and is extended.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 18 is performed, and after the zoom operation is completed, the shutter button is pressed to adjust the focus.

When the shutter button 12 is pressed in a state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 18 is performed, before the shutter is released and opened / closed, the active type auto-focusing device mounted on the camera 10 causes the subject to move. Is measured, and a control signal provided by an AF signal representing the measured distance adjusts the movement amount of the entire zoom lens to perform focus adjustment. Specifically, the driving gear 501 rotates in the reverse direction, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the first rotary moving cylinder 520 via the driven gear 5201. As a result, the first rotary moving cylinder 520 rotates in the reverse direction about the optical axis, but at the beginning of rotation, the engagement pin 5203 of the first rotary moving cylinder 520 is linked to the second rotary moving cylinder 521. The wall 5 abuts against the wall 21b (see FIG. 14) of the portion 212, and separates from the wall 5212b as the rotation progresses.
It moves in the direction approaching 212a. In the non-engagement region until the engagement pin 5203 comes into contact with the wall portion 5212a, only the first rotating cylinder 520 rotates around the optical axis, and the cam pin 5204 of the first rotating cylinder 520 is fixed to the fixed cylinder 509. Is retracted by being guided by the cam groove 5091, but the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the second rotary moving cylinder 521, and the second rotary moving cylinder 521 is retracted integrally with the first rotary moving cylinder 520. Second rotary moving cylinder 52
1 is engaged with the rectilinear moving barrel 522 and the rear group unit 525, which are components of the front group unit 523, so that when the second rotary moving barrel 521 is retracted without being driven to rotate, the front group unit 523 is rotated. The rear group unit 525 changes its position with respect to the focal plane of the camera without relatively changing the interval. Here, if the guide portion of the cam groove 5091 between the non-engagement regions is set to a shape and dimension corresponding to focus adjustment, a movement amount corresponding to a desired focus position can be obtained based on the AF signal. And focus adjustment (focus adjustment) can be performed. As described above, the front lens unit 5231 and the rear lens unit 5251 move integrally in the optical axis direction. In other words, the focus adjustment is performed by the operation of integrally returning the entire zoom lens to the camera body. Done. Therefore, the relative positions of the front lens unit 5231 and the rear lens unit 5251 are shown in FIG.
This is the same state as the relative position between the front group lens unit 5231 and the rear group lens unit 5251 in the zoom operation state. In the conventional technique of adjusting the focus by adjusting the position of the subsequent lens group with respect to the preceding lens group, a slight shift due to an error in the relative position of each lens group caused by component accuracy and assembly accuracy. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a good image because the resolution performance of the lens is deteriorated. However, in the present invention, the focus is adjusted while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the lens groups. Focus adjustment can be performed while maintaining high performance, and a photograph with a stable resolution can be obtained. Therefore, the cost can be reduced without requiring a high degree of component accuracy or assembly accuracy. Further, in the second camera of the present invention, both the zoom operation and the focus operation in the zoom lens barrel 11 are performed by one drive mechanism from the electric motor 618 to the drive gear 501, so that the configuration is simplified. Is done.

FIG. 20 is a circuit block diagram of the camera of this embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 which is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of the first camera of the present invention described above. Here, differences from FIG. 9 will be described.

The circuit shown in FIG. 9 is provided with an electric motor 418 for focus operation and an electric motor 419 for zoom operation separately.
Although a driver for focus operation and a driver for zoom operation are built in C401, the circuit shown in FIG. 20 is replaced with two electric motors 418 and 419 in FIG.
An electric motor 618 that is used for both the zoom operation and the focus operation is provided, and correspondingly, the driver IC 401 includes the driver IC shown in FIG.
Instead of both the focus operation driver and the zoom operation driver described above, a zoom / focus operation driver used for both the zoom operation and the focus operation is built in.

The driver for zoom / focus operation incorporated in the driver IC 401 shown in FIG. 20 operates in the CPU 403 when the ON / OFF of the zoom operation switch 410 corresponding to the operation of the zoom operation lever is detected by the CPU 403 in the zoom operation. The electric motor 618 is driven in the forward direction to move the zoom lens barrel 11 to the telephoto side, or the electric motor 618 is driven in the reverse direction to operate the zoom lens barrel 11 in the wide direction. On the other hand, in the focus operation, the electric motor 618 is driven in the reverse direction according to the distance measurement result of the AF light receiving sensor 416 to perform a focus operation for focus adjustment.

The CPU 403 in FIG. 20 is the same as the CPU 403 in FIG.
A program similar to the program described with reference to FIGS. CP in FIG.
The program operating in U403 has a slightly different operation form, but is shown by the same program flowcharts as FIGS. Therefore,
Here, illustration of the flowcharts again is omitted, and here, FIGS. 10 to 13 are regarded as flowcharts of programs operated by the CPU 403 in FIG.
These flowcharts will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a power-on program started when the power of the camera is turned on.

This program is executed by the CPU 4 shown in FIG.
03 is executed. When the power of the camera 10 is turned on, in step S11, the electric motor 618 shown in FIG. 20 is driven in the forward direction, and the driving force of the electric motor 618 is transmitted to the driving gear 501, whereby the driving gear 5
01 makes a forward rotation to shift from the retracted state shown in FIG. 15 described above to the initial extended state shown in FIG. 16, and this routine ends.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the zoom operation program.

Zoom operation switch 410 (see FIG. 20)
When the zoom operation is instructed by operating
In step S21, the electric motor 618 is further driven in the forward direction, and the driving force of the electric motor 618 is transmitted to the drive gear 501 to perform a zoom operation, and this routine ends. As a result, the state is shifted from the extended state shown in FIG. 16 to the zoom state shown in FIG. 17 or FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a shutter button on program which is started when the shutter button of the camera is pressed.

When the shutter button of the camera 10 is pressed, the distance to the subject is measured by the autofocus device, and the focusing operation in step S31 is performed, together with the photometric operation for measuring the brightness of the subject to be photographed. In this focusing operation, the electric motor 618 is driven in the reverse direction based on the control signal provided by the AF signal representing the measured distance, whereby the driving gear 501 is rotated in the reverse direction to move the position of the entire zoom lens to the camera. The focus is adjusted by changing the position of the entire zoom lens with respect to the focus plane by the operation of returning to the main body.

Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not to perform strobe light emission based on the amount of light obtained by the photometry operation. If it is determined that strobe light emission is not necessary, the shutter is opened and closed to execute step S32. Proceed to S33.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the strobe light needs to be emitted, a series of operations of opening the shutter to emit the strobe light and closing the shutter are performed, and the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the electric motor 618 is driven in the forward direction to rotate the drive gear 501 in the forward direction in order to prepare for the next photographing, thereby returning the position of the entire zoom lens to the state before photographing. Also, the electric motor 417 is driven to wind up the photographic film by one frame, and this routine ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a power-off program started when an operation of turning off the power of the camera is performed.

When the operation of turning off the power of the camera 10 is performed, in step S41, the electric motor 618 is driven in the reverse direction, the driving force is transmitted to the drive gear 501, and the drive gear 501 rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the zoom lens barrel 11 is shifted to the retracted state shown in FIG. 15, and this routine ends. Then, the power of the camera 10 is turned off.

Note that, in the second embodiment of the camera of the present invention described with reference to FIGS.
The mechanism is configured with the state in which the engagement pin 5203 standing upright on the rotary moving cylinder 520 is in contact with the wall 5212b provided on the second rotary moving cylinder 521 as a standby position.
Naturally, it is also possible to configure the mechanism with the state of contact with the wall 5212a facing the wall 5212b as the standby position. In this case, unlike the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 14 and subsequent figures, even when performing focus adjustment, the drive direction of the drive source is rotationally driven in the same direction as the extension direction of the zoom lens barrel. Will do it. More specifically, the position of the engagement pin 5203 in the non-engagement area in the standby state can be set arbitrarily, and the related mechanism and operation sequence are designed so as to be appropriate for the set position. You can respond by doing.

Further, as the mechanism for forming the non-engagement region, it is naturally possible to use not only the above-described structure of the engagement pin and the cutout portion but also another mechanism.

In the above embodiment, when the camera is not in use, the entire zoom lens barrel is retracted to the position where it does not protrude from the camera body. However, when the camera is not in use, the zoom lens is not necessarily used. There is no need to retract the entire barrel to a position where it does not protrude from the camera body,
If only a part is retracted or stored, or if there is a margin in the size of the camera in the optical axis direction, the first rotary moving cylinder functions only for focus adjustment without having a retractable area. Naturally, it is possible to configure the mechanism and the operation sequence, and the intended essence of the second camera of the present invention is that when adjusting the focus in the non-engagement area, the plurality of lens groups constituting the zoom lens are adjusted. The focus adjustment is performed while maintaining the relative positional relationship in the optical axis direction unchanged.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a camera capable of achieving stable resolution performance and reducing costs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera equipped with a zoom lens according to an embodiment of the first camera of the present invention, showing a collapsed state in which a zoom lens barrel supporting the zoom lens is housed in a camera body. It is.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1, showing a maximum extension state in which a zoom lens barrel is extended maximum.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a zoom lens barrel of the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1, showing a zoom lens barrel retracted in a camera body.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which a zoom lens barrel is extended from a camera body.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a zoom operation is performed on the camera shown in FIG. 1;

7 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 showing a state where a further zoom operation has been performed from a state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 6 has been performed.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where a focus operation is performed by pressing a shutter button in a state where the zoom operation shown in FIG. 7 is performed.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a power-on program started when the power of the camera is turned on.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a zoom operation program.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a shutter button on program started when a shutter button of the camera is pressed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a power-off program started when an operation of turning off the power of the camera is performed.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the zoom lens barrel of the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1, showing a retracted state in which the zoom lens barrel is housed in the camera body.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the camera shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the zoom lens barrel is extended from the camera body.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the camera shown in FIG. 1 performs a zoom operation toward a telephoto side.

18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the zoom operation toward the tele side shown in FIG. 17 has been performed and a zoom operation toward the further tele side has been performed.

19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the zoom operation shown in FIG. 18 is performed, and after the zoom operation is completed, the shutter button is pressed to adjust the focus.

FIG. 20 is a circuit block diagram of the camera of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 first drive gear 2 second drive gear 3 front cover 9 camera body 10 camera 11 zoom lens barrel 12 strobe light emission window 13 finder objective window 14 a AF light emission window 14 b AF light reception window 15 AE light reception window 16 shutter button 20 fixed Cylinder 21 Rotating ring 22 Focus cylinder 23 Rotating moving cylinder 24 Straight key ring 25 Straight moving cylinder 27 Front group unit 28 Shutter unit 29 Lens name plate 30 Rear group unit 201, 222, 223 Fitting rotation groove 202, 224, 243 Straight key groove 211, 231 Driven gear 212, 232 Rotating connection part 213, 233, 234 Cam groove 221, 251, 303 Cam pin 271 Front group lens unit 272 Front group support frame 301 Rear group lens unit 302 Rear group support frame 400 Built-in battery 401 Driver IC 402 Regulator 403 CPU 404 Reset circuit 405 EEPROM 406 Battery check 407 Liquid crystal display panel (LCD) in viewfinder 408 Display LED 409 LED for AF (auto focus) light emission 410 Zoom operation switch 411 Strobe circuit 413, 417, 418, 419 Electric motor 414 Shutter sensor 415 AE light receiving sensor 416 AF light receiving sensor 420 Crystal oscillator 501 Drive gear 503 Front cover 509 Fixed cylinder 520 First rotating cylinder 521 Second rotating cylinder 522 Straight moving cylinder 523 Front group unit 524 Shutter unit 525 Rear group unit 526 Lens name plate 527 Linear key ring 5091, 5092, 5222, 5273 Linear key groove 5101, 5102 Flat gear section 5201 Driven gear 52 2,5215 Fitting rotation groove 5203 Engagement pin 5204,5253 Cam pin 5211,5271 Rotation connection part 5212 Linked part 5212a, 5212b Wall part 5213 Helicoid concave screw 5214 Cam groove 5221 Helicoid convex screw 5231 Front group lens unit 5232 Front Group support frame 5251 Rear group lens unit 5252 Rear group support frame 5253 Rear group cam pins 5272, 5274 Straight key 618 Electric motor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G02B 7/04 DZ (72) Inventor Yoji Naka 3--11-46 Izumi, Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama 2H044 BD07 BD10 BE02 BE08 BF03 DA01 DA02 DA04 DB02 DD03 EF03 EF07 EF10 2H101 BB07 DD62

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A camera, comprising: a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups, wherein the zoom lens forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image forming surface; a first driving source; a second driving source; Driving the first drive source to perform a focus operation while maintaining the distance between the plurality of lens groups, and changing the distance between the plurality of lens groups by driving the second drive source; And a lens drive mechanism for performing a zoom operation involving the following. 2. A camera, comprising: a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups, wherein the zoom lens forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image plane; a first driving source; and the first driving source. A rotating ring that rotates around the optical axis by driving the optical axis; a focus cylinder that is connected to the rotating ring and that moves straight in the optical axis direction with the rotation of the rotating ring; a second driving source; Is locked by the focus barrel and moves with the movement of the focus barrel in the optical axis direction, and the second drive source is rotatable about the optical axis with respect to the focus barrel in the rotation direction. And a plurality of lens groups that are respectively connected to the rotatable barrel and that move in the optical axis direction relative to the rotatable barrel with rotation of the rotatable barrel. Do A camera comprising a number of lens holding frames. 3. The focusing device according to claim 1, wherein the first driving source performs a focusing operation by rotational driving, and performs the focusing operation by rotating the first driving source in a positive direction. The described camera. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first drive source performs a focus operation by rotational driving, and performs the focus operation by rotationally driving the first drive source in a reverse direction. The described camera. 5. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the focus barrel retracts the rotary moving barrel to a position where photographing is not possible with respect to a camera body. 6. A first lens barrel set having a built-in zoom lens and varying a focal length by changing a relative positional relationship in a direction of an optical axis of each of a plurality of lens groups constituting the zoom lens. A driving unit for driving the driving source, comprising a connecting part for connecting the three-dimensional body and a second lens barrel assembly for changing the position of the first lens barrel assembly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane; First, the second lens barrel assembly is driven using a force, and then the driving force is transmitted to the first lens barrel assembly via the connecting portion by driving the second lens barrel assembly. A camera characterized in that: 7. The connecting portion, the position of which is changed in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane, and serves as a mechanism for moving the first and second lens barrel assemblies without changing the distance between them. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the camera is a camera. 8. A first lens barrel set having a built-in zoom lens and varying a focal length by changing a relative positional relationship of each of a plurality of lens groups constituting the zoom lens in an optical axis direction. A drive unit having a connecting part for mutually connecting the three-dimensional body and a second lens barrel assembly for changing the position of the first lens barrel assembly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane; First driving the second lens barrel assembly using the driving force, and then transmitting the driving force to the first lens barrel assembly via driving the second lens barrel assembly Wherein a driving force non-transmission area that does not transmit the driving force is provided in a connection portion between the first lens barrel assembly and the second lens barrel assembly, and the driving force non-transmission area includes the driving force non-transmission area. A camera wherein focus adjustment is performed while only the second lens barrel assembly is driven. 9. A first lens barrel set having a built-in zoom lens and varying a focus adjustment by changing a relative positional relationship in a direction of an optical axis of each of a plurality of lens groups constituting the zoom lens. A drive unit having a connecting part for mutually connecting the three-dimensional body and a second lens barrel assembly for changing the position of the first lens barrel assembly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photographing focal plane; First driving the second lens barrel assembly using the driving force, and then transmitting the driving force to the first lens barrel assembly via driving the second lens barrel assembly Wherein both the first lens barrel assembly and the second lens barrel assembly are housed in the camera body when the camera is not in use, and are extended out of the camera body in the use state. Having a storage area, wherein the driving force is not transmitted to the connecting portion without transmitting the driving force. And a focus adjustment is performed while only the second lens barrel assembly is driven in the driving force non-transmission area, and the driving force non-transmission area is included in the storage area. Camera. 10. In the storage area, the driving force of the one drive source in one direction is used for driving the second lens barrel assembly in the storage area in the extension direction, and the drive source is driven in the other direction. 10. The camera according to claim 9, wherein the driving force is used for focus adjustment. 11. A drive system, comprising: a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups, wherein the zoom lens forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image forming plane in a camera capable of driving in a forward direction and a reverse direction freely. A driving source in a first direction to perform a zoom operation with a change in the distance between the plurality of lens groups, and a first operation of the driving source following the zoom operation. A camera comprising: a lens driving mechanism for performing a focusing operation while maintaining a distance between the plurality of lens groups by driving in a second direction opposite to the direction. 12. A driving source, comprising: a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups, wherein the zoom lens forms an image of a subject on a predetermined image forming surface; A first rotary moving cylinder that moves in the optical axis direction while rotating about the optical axis by driving the driving source; and a first rotary moving cylinder that is locked to the first rotary moving cylinder in the optical axis direction. Moves with the movement of the rotary moving cylinder in the optical axis direction,
With respect to the rotation direction, the first rotary moving cylinder rotates around the optical axis with the rotation of the first rotary moving cylinder by loosely engaging with the first rotary moving cylinder. When the rotation direction of the first rotation moving cylinder is reversed, the rotation stops while the first rotation moving cylinder rotates by a predetermined rotation angle regardless of the rotation of the first rotation moving cylinder, and the first rotation moving cylinder rotates the predetermined rotation. At the time of rotation by the angle, the first rotation moving cylinder engages with the first
A second rotatable cylinder that rotates again with the rotation of the rotatable cylinder, and a second rotatable cylinder that is connected to the second rotatable cylinder, respectively, as the second rotatable cylinder rotates. And a plurality of range holding frames that respectively move the plurality of lens groups and move in the optical axis direction relative to the camera. 13. A lens barrel including the first rotary moving barrel, the second rotary moving barrel, and the plurality of lens holding frames, which can be retracted forward to a position where photographing is not possible with respect to a camera body. 13. The camera according to claim 12, wherein