JP2007225713A - Imaging apparatus and control method for same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of reducing burden on a photographer by appropriately controlling the position of a macro-photographing optical element without depending on a manual operation performed by a photographer, thereby securely focusing on a subject in a proximity distance, and to provide a control method for the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: a regular photographing optical element that can be focused on a subject in a regular distance zone; the macro-photographing optical element that can be selectively inserted into or separated from a photographing optical axis separately from the regular photographing optical element and can be focused on a subject in a proximity distance zone, which is closer than the regular distance zone, during the insertion; and a drive mechanism that drives the macro-photographing optical element between the inserting position on the photographing optical axis and the separating position from the photographing optical axis; a means for making a judgement whether a subject is in the regular distance zone or the proximity distance zone; and an insertion control means for automatically inserting the macro-photographing optical element into the inserting position by the drive mechanism when the judgement means judges that the subject is in the proximity distance zone. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus including a macro imaging optical element for close-up photography (close-up photography) and a control method thereof.

  In an imaging device equipped with a macro imaging optical element of a type that can be inserted into and removed from the imaging optical axis, it is left to the photographer to decide whether or not to insert the macro imaging optical element and to perform the insertion / removal operation. It was. Further, there is a possibility that the macro photographing optical element is forgotten to be inserted even though the subject is in the close position.

  The present invention provides an imaging apparatus including a macro imaging optical element that can be inserted into and removed from the imaging optical axis, by appropriately controlling the position of the macro imaging optical element without manual operation by a photographer. The objective is to reduce the burden on the photographer by ensuring that the subject can be in focus.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a normal photographing optical element that can focus on a subject in a normal distance zone, and is selectively inserted into and removed from the photographing optical axis separately from the normal photographing optical element. A macro imaging optical element that enables focusing on a subject in a closer proximity zone, and a drive mechanism that drives the macro imaging optical element to an insertion position on the imaging optical axis and a separation position from the imaging optical axis. Means for determining whether the subject is located in the normal distance zone or the proximity distance zone, and when the determination means determines that the subject is in the proximity distance zone, the driving mechanism moves the macro imaging optical element to the insertion position. It is characterized by having insertion control means for automatic insertion.

  For example, a focusing lens group capable of moving back and forth in the optical axis direction as a constituent element of the normal photographing optical element is provided, and the determination unit moves the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction, and changes the contrast data of the subject image due to the movement. The distance zone where the subject is located may be determined based on the determination. Specifically, the determination unit can automatically determine that the subject is in the proximity distance zone when contrast exceeding a predetermined reference value is not obtained as a result of movement of the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction. Alternatively, as a result of movement of the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction, contrast exceeding a predetermined reference value cannot be obtained, and the direction of the peak of contrast is on the side where the focusing lens group is focused on a close object. In some cases, the determination unit may determine that the subject is in the proximity distance zone. In any of these methods, after the macro imaging optical element is inserted by the insertion control unit, the determination unit further moves the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction again to obtain contrast change data of the subject image. If so, it is more preferable.

  The present invention also provides a normal photographing optical element that can focus on a subject in a normal distance zone, and is selectively inserted into and removed from the photographing optical axis separately from the normal photographing optical element. In a control method of an imaging apparatus including a macro imaging optical element that enables focusing on a subject in a close distance zone that is closer than the normal distance zone, whether the subject is located in the normal distance zone or the close distance zone And a step of automatically inserting the macro imaging optical element at the insertion position when it is determined that the subject is located in the proximity zone.

  According to the present invention described above, the position of the macro imaging optical element can be appropriately controlled without depending on the manual operation, so that the object at a close distance can be surely focused, and the burden on the photographer can be reduced. .

  The zoom lens barrel 71 of the digital camera 70 whose cross section is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is taken out from the camera body 72 toward the subject side, and is stored in the camera body 72 (collapsed). ) State. FIG. 1 shows a shooting state in which the upper half section of the zoom lens barrel 71 is at the tele end and the lower half section is at the wide end. As shown in FIG. 8, the zoom lens barrel 71 includes a second group linear guide ring 10, a cam ring 11, a first outer cylinder 12, a second outer cylinder 13, a linear guide ring 14, a third outer cylinder 15, and a helicoid ring. A plurality of substantially concentric annular (cylindrical) members such as 18 and a fixed ring 22 are provided, and a common central axis of these annular members is illustrated as a barrel central axis Z0.

  The imaging optical system of the zoom lens barrel 71 includes, in order from the object side, a first lens group LG1, a shutter S and an aperture A, a second lens group LG2, a third lens group (focusing lens group) LG3, a low-pass filter LG4, and a CCD ( And a macro lens (macro photographing optical element) ML as an insertion optical element that can be inserted and removed between the second lens group LG2 and the third lens group LG3 in the photographing state. Each optical element from the first lens group LG1 to the CCD 60 excluding the macro lens ML constitutes a normal optical element located on a common photographing optical axis (common optical axis) Z1 in the photographing state. The photographing optical axis Z1 is parallel to the lens barrel central axis Z0 and is eccentric downward with respect to the lens barrel central axis Z0. Zooming is performed by moving the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 along a photographing optical axis Z1 along a predetermined locus, and focusing is performed by moving the third lens group LG3 in the same direction. In the following description, the description of the optical axis direction means a direction parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. In the following description, the front-rear direction means a direction along the photographing optical axis Z1, and the subject side is the front and the image plane side is the rear.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixed ring 22 is fixed in the camera body 72, and the CCD holder 21 is fixed to the rear part of the fixed ring 22. A CCD 60 and a low-pass filter LG4 are supported on the CCD holder 21, and an LCD 20 for displaying images and photographing information is provided at the rear of the CCD holder 21.

  Between the CCD holder 21 and the fixed ring 22, an AF guide shaft 52 and a detent shaft 53 that are parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1 are fixed. An AF lens frame (third group lens frame) 51 that holds the third lens group LG3 includes a guide hole 51a that is slidably fitted to the AF guide shaft 52, and a rotation prevention hole that is slidably fitted to the rotation prevention shaft 53. 51b, which is guided straight in the optical axis direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the AF motor 160 for driving the AF lens frame 51 has a drive shaft 160a parallel to the photographic optical axis Z1, and an AF nut 54 with respect to a feed screw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 160a. Are screwed together. The AF lens frame 51 includes a guide groove 51m in the optical axis direction, and a rotation restricting protrusion 54a of the AF nut 54 is slidably fitted into the guide groove 51m. The AF nut 54 is driven by the AF motor 160. The shaft 160a moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction by forward and reverse rotation. The AF lens frame 51 further has a stopper projection 51n positioned behind the AF nut 54. The AF lens frame 51 is urged forward by an AF frame urging spring 55, and the forward moving end of the AF lens frame 51 is determined by the stopper projection 51 n coming into contact with the AF nut 54. When the AF nut 54 is moved rearward in accordance with the rotation of the drive shaft 160a of the AF motor 160, the AF lens frame 51 is pressed by the AF nut 54 and moved rearward. Conversely, when the AF nut 54 is moved forward, the AF lens frame 51 is moved forward following the AF nut 54 by the biasing force of the AF frame biasing spring 55. With the above structure, the AF lens frame 51 can be moved back and forth in the optical axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a zoom motor 150 and a reduction gear box 74 are supported on the upper portion of the fixed ring 22. The reduction gear box 74 has a reduction gear train inside, and transmits the driving force of the zoom motor 150 to the zoom gear 28 (FIGS. 8 and 11 to 13). The zoom gear 28 is pivotally attached to the fixed ring 22 by a zoom gear shaft 29 parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed ring 22, a female helicoid 22a that is inclined with respect to the photographic optical axis Z1, three rectilinear guide grooves 22b that are parallel to the photographic optical axis Z1, and a female helicoid Three oblique grooves 22c parallel to 22a, and a circumferential sliding groove 22d communicating with the front end of each oblique groove 22c are formed. The female helicoid 22a is not formed in the non-helicoid region 22z (FIG. 12) in the front part of the stationary ring 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the helicoid ring 18 includes a male helicoid 18a that is screwed into the female helicoid 22a, and a rotational sliding protrusion 18b that is positioned in the oblique groove 22c and the rotational sliding groove 22d. Have on the surface. On the male helicoid 18a, an annular gear 18c screwed with the zoom gear 28 is formed. Accordingly, when a rotational force is applied from the zoom gear 28 to the annular gear 18c, the helicoid ring 18 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction while rotating in a state where the female helicoid 22a and the male helicoid 18a are in a screwed relationship, and the male helicoid 18a When moving forward until reaching the non-helicoid region 22z, the male helicoid 18a is disengaged from the female helicoid 22a, and the circumferential rotation about the lens barrel central axis Z0 is performed by the engagement relationship between the rotational sliding groove 22d and the rotational sliding protrusion 18b. Only do. The oblique groove 22c is a relief groove formed to avoid interference between the rotary sliding protrusion 18b and the stationary ring 22 when the female helicoid 22a and the male helicoid 18a are screwed together.

  A rotation transmission projection 15a (FIGS. 11 and 14) projecting rearward from the rear end portion of the third outer cylinder 15 is fitted into a rotation transmission recess 18d (FIG. 11) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the helicoid ring 18. Has been. In FIG. 11, only one rotation transmission recess 18d is shown, but the rotation transmission recess 18d and the rotation transmission projection 15a are provided at three positions in the circumferential direction, and the positions in the circumferential direction correspond to each other. The rotation transmitting projections 15a and the rotation transmitting recess 18d are coupled so as to be capable of relative sliding in the direction along the lens barrel central axis Z0, and are relatively rotated in the circumferential direction around the lens barrel central axis Z0. It is bound impossible. That is, the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18 rotate integrally. Further, the helicoid ring 18 is formed with a fitting recess 18e by notching a partial region on the inner diameter side of the rotary sliding projection 18b, and the fitting projection 15b fitted into the fitting recess 18e is rotated. When the sliding protrusion 18b engages with the rotational sliding groove 22d, it simultaneously engages with the rotational sliding groove 22d (see FIG. 3).

  Between the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18, three separation biasing springs 25 (FIGS. 4, 6, 11, and 13) that bias each other in the separation direction in the optical axis direction are provided. ing. The separation biasing spring 25 is composed of a compression coil spring, and its rear end is housed in a spring insertion recess 18 f that opens at the front end of the helicoid ring 18, and the front end abuts against the spring contact recess 15 c of the third outer cylinder 15. ing. The separation biasing spring 25 presses the fitting projection 15b toward the front side wall surface of the rotary sliding groove 22d and presses the rotary sliding projection 18b toward the rear side wall surface of the rotary sliding groove 22d. .

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, on the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder 15, a relative rotation guide protrusion 15d protruding in the inner diameter direction, a circumferential groove 15e centering on the lens barrel central axis Z0, Three rotation transmission grooves 15f parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1 are formed. A plurality of relative rotation guide protrusions 15d are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction. The rotation transmission groove 15f is formed at a circumferential position corresponding to the rotation transmission protrusion 15a, and a rear end portion of the rotation transmission groove 15f is opened rearward through the rotation transmission protrusion 15a. Further, a circumferential groove 18g centering on the lens barrel central axis Z0 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the helicoid ring 18 (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 11). A rectilinear guide ring 14 is supported inside the combined body of the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, 11, and 15, three rectilinear guide protrusions 14 a projecting in the outer diameter direction are sequentially formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rectilinear guide ring 14 from the rear in the optical axis direction, and the circumferential direction A plurality of relative rotation guide protrusions 14b and 14c provided at different positions and a circumferential groove 14d centering on the lens barrel central axis Z0 are formed. The rectilinear guide ring 14 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction with respect to the fixed ring 22 by engaging the rectilinear guide protrusion 14a with the rectilinear guide groove 22b. In addition, the third outer cylinder 15 has a circumferential groove 15e engaged with the relative rotation guide protrusion 14c and a relative rotation guide protrusion 15d engaged with the circumferential groove 14d, so that the third outer cylinder 15 is relative to the rectilinear guide ring 14. It is coupled to be rotatable. The circumferential groove 15e and the relative rotation guide projection 14c, and the circumferential groove 14d and the relative rotation guide projection 15d are loosely fitted so as to be slightly movable in the optical axis direction. Further, the helicoid ring 18 is also coupled to the linear guide ring 14 so as to be relatively rotatable by engaging the circumferential groove 18g with the relative rotation guide protrusion 14b. The circumferential groove 18g and the relative rotation guide protrusion 14b are loosely fitted so as to be relatively movable in the optical axis direction.

  The straight guide ring 14 is formed with three through guide grooves 14e penetrating the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 15, each penetration guide groove 14e includes circumferential groove portions 14e-1 and 14e-2 which are formed in the circumferential direction in parallel and both circumferential groove portions 14e-1 and 14e-2. And a lead groove portion 14e-3 to be connected. A cam ring roller 32 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 11 is fitted into each through guide groove 14e. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 16, the cam ring roller 32 is fixed to the cam ring 11 via a roller fixing screw 32a, and is provided with three different positions in the circumferential direction. The cam ring roller 32 further passes through the through guide groove 14 e and is fitted into the rotation transmission groove 15 f of the third outer cylinder 15. As shown in FIG. 14, three roller pressing pieces 17a provided on the roller urging spring 17 are fitted in the vicinity of the front end portion of each rotation transmission groove 15f. When the cam ring roller 32 engages with the circumferential groove 14e-1, the roller biasing spring 17 presses the cam ring roller 32 rearward by the roller pressing piece 17a, and the cam ring roller 32 and the through guide groove 14e ( Backlash between the circumferential grooves 14e-1) is taken (see FIG. 3).

  From the above structure, the mode of extension from the fixed ring 22 to the cam ring 11 is understood. That is, when the zoom gear 28 is driven to rotate in the lens barrel feeding direction by the zoom motor 150 in the lens barrel retracted state shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the helicoid ring 18 rotates due to the relationship between the female helicoid 22a and the male helicoid 18a. While being forwarded. The helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 are rotatable and rotatable relative to the linear guide ring 14 by the engagement relationship between the circumferential grooves 14d, 15e and 18g and the relative rotation guide protrusions 15b, 14c and 14d, respectively. Since they are coupled so as to move in the axial direction (the direction along the lens barrel central axis Z0), when the helicoid ring 18 is rotated out, the third outer cylinder 15 is also extended forward while rotating in the same direction. Accordingly, the rectilinear guide ring 14 moves straight forward together with the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15. Further, the rotational force of the third outer cylinder 15 is transmitted to the cam ring 11 via the rotation transmission groove 15 f and the cam ring roller 32. Since the cam ring roller 32 is also fitted in the penetrating guide groove 14e, the cam ring 11 is drawn forward with respect to the linear guide ring 14 while rotating in accordance with the shape of the lead groove 14e-3. As described above, the rectilinear guide ring 14 itself also moves straight forward together with the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18, and as a result, the cam ring 11 has a rotational advance according to the lead groove 14 e-3 and a rectilinear guide. An amount of movement in the optical axis direction is added to the amount of linear movement of the ring 14 forward.

  The above rotation feeding operation is performed while the male helicoid 18a and the female helicoid 22a are screwed together. At this time, the rotational sliding projection 18b moves in the skew groove 22c. When the helicoid ring 18 is extended to the photographing position shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the male helicoid 18a and the female helicoid 22a are unscrewed, and the rotary sliding protrusion 18b rotates and slides from the skew groove 22c. Enter into the groove 22d. Then, since the rotational output by the helicoid does not act, the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 only rotate at a fixed position in the optical axis direction due to the engagement relationship between the rotational sliding protrusion 18b and the rotational sliding groove 22d. To do. The cam ring roller 32 enters the circumferential groove 14e-1 of the penetrating guide groove 14e almost simultaneously with the rotation sliding protrusion 18b entering the rotation sliding groove 22d from the skew groove 22c. Then, no forward moving force is applied to the cam ring 11, and the cam ring 11 only rotates at a fixed position according to the rotation of the third outer cylinder 15.

  When the zoom gear 28 is rotationally driven in the lens barrel storage direction, the reverse operation is performed. Then, when the helicoid ring 18 is rotated until the cam ring roller 32 enters the circumferential groove 14e-2 of the penetrating guide groove 14e, each member retracts to the storage position shown in FIGS.

  Subsequently, the structure ahead of the cam ring 11 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, on the inner peripheral surface of the rectilinear guide ring 14, there are three first rectilinear guide grooves 14f and six second rectilinear guide grooves 14g parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1, respectively in the circumferential direction. Are formed at different positions. The first rectilinear guide groove 14f is composed of a pair of grooves located on both sides of the three second rectilinear guide grooves 14g out of the six, and the second group rectilinear guide ring 10 is in relation to the three first rectilinear guide grooves 14f. Three rectilinear guide protrusions 10a (FIGS. 10 and 20) are slidably engaged. On the other hand, six rectilinear guide protrusions 13a (FIGS. 9 and 18) projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the second outer cylinder 13 are slidably engaged with the second rectilinear guide groove 14g. Yes. Therefore, both the second outer cylinder 13 and the second group rectilinear guide ring 10 are guided in the straight direction in the optical axis direction via the rectilinear guide ring 14. The second group rectilinear guide ring 10 guides the second group lens moving frame 8 supporting the second lens group LG2 linearly in the optical axis direction, and the second outer cylinder 13 supports the first lens group LG1. The outer cylinder 12 is guided straight in the optical axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 20, the second group rectilinear guide ring 10 that guides the second lens group LG2 rectilinearly has three rectilinear guide keys from the ring portion 10b connecting the three rectilinear guide protrusions 10a to the front. 10c is projected. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outer edge portion of the ring portion 10b can rotate relative to the circumferential groove 11e formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the cam ring 11, and cannot move in the optical axis direction. The linear guide key 10 c is engaged and extends inside the cam ring 11. Each rectilinear guide key 10c has a pair of guide surfaces parallel to the photographic optical axis Z1 on its side surface, and these guide surfaces are rectilinear guide grooves of the second group lens moving frame 8 supported inside the cam ring 11. By engaging with 8a (FIGS. 10 and 21), the second group lens moving frame 8 is guided in a straight line in the optical axis direction.

  A second group guide cam groove 11 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cam ring 11. As shown in FIG. 17, the second group guide cam groove 11a is composed of a front cam groove 11a-1 and a rear cam groove 11a-2 whose positions are different in the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction. A second group cam follower 8b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second group lens moving frame 8 is engaged with the second group guide cam groove 11a. As shown in FIG. 21, the second group cam follower 8b is composed of a front cam follower 8b-1 and a rear cam follower 8b-2 that have different positions in the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction, and the front cam follower 8b-1 is a front cam. The distance between the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction is determined so that the rear cam follower 8b-2 is engaged with the groove 11a-1 and the rear cam follower 8b-2 is engaged with the rear cam groove 11a-2. Since the second group lens moving frame 8 is linearly guided in the optical axis direction via the second group linear guide ring 10, when the cam ring 11 rotates, the second group lens moving frame 8 follows the shape of the second group guide cam groove 11 a. Moves along a predetermined locus in the optical axis direction.

  Inside the second group lens moving frame 8, a second group lens frame 6 holding the second lens group LG2 is supported. As shown in FIG. 10, the second group lens frame 6 includes a lens tube 6a that supports the second lens group LG2, a swing center tube 6b having a shaft hole 6d formed at the center, a lens tube 6a, and a swing center tube 6b. And a stopper arm 6e extending from the lens cylinder 6a in the outer diameter direction. A stopper projection 6f is provided on the rear surface side of the stopper arm 6e (FIGS. 24 and 25). The lens cylinder 6a and the swinging central cylinder 6b in the second group lens frame 6 are cylindrical bodies whose central axes are parallel to each other, and the central axes are parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. The shaft hole 6 d of the swing center tube 6 b is fitted so as to be rotatable relative to the retraction rotation shaft 33. The front end portion and the rear end portion of the retraction rotation shaft 33 are respectively supported by the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37, and the front and rear second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 are two by a support plate fixing screw 66. It is fixed to the group lens moving frame 8. That is, the second group lens frame 6 is supported by the second group lens moving frame 8 so as to be rotatable (swingable) about the retraction rotation shaft 33. The retraction rotation shaft 33 is at a position decentered from the photographing optical axis Z1, and the second group lens frame 6 has the revolving rotation shaft 33 as the rotation center and the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 coincides with the photographing optical axis Z1. The retraction for storage (FIG. 1, FIG. 24 to FIG. 27, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33) and the retraction for making the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 eccentric from the photographing optical axis Z1 (retraction optical axis Z2). It can be rotated between positions (FIGS. 2, 28 and 29). As shown in FIGS. 24 to 29, the second lens group moving frame 8 is provided with a rotation restricting pin 35 that abuts against the stopper arm 6e and restricts the second lens group frame 6 from rotating at the photographing position. . A second group lens frame return spring 39 (FIG. 10) made up of a torsion spring is provided around the swing center tube 6b, and the second group lens frame return spring 39 causes the second group lens frame 6 to move the stopper arm 6e. It is urged to rotate in the direction of contact with the rotation restricting pin 35, that is, the photographing position. Further, in order to remove backlash in the optical axis direction of the second group lens frame 6 with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8, the swinging central cylinder 6b is moved forward (second group in the optical axis direction) by an axial pressing spring 38 formed of a compression coil spring. The lens frame support plate 36 side) is pressed.

  The second group lens frame 6 moves integrally with the second group lens moving frame 8 in the optical axis direction. The CCD holder 21 has a cam projection 19 (FIG. 11) projecting forward at a position engageable with the second group lens frame 6, and the second group lens moving frame 8 moves in the storage direction to move the CCD holder. When approaching 21, the cam projection 19 presses the second group lens frame 6 and rotates it to the retracted position for storage against the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39 (see FIGS. 28 and 29).

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 29, a retraction cam surface 19 a that is inclined with respect to the optical axis is formed at the tip of the cam projection 19, and on one side surface that is continuous with the retraction cam surface 19 a. A retracted position holding surface 19b parallel to the optical axis is formed. The cam protrusion 19 has a curved cross-sectional shape that forms a part of a cylinder centering on the retraction rotation shaft 33, and the retraction cam surface 19a is formed as a lead surface on the end surface of the cylindrical body. . The retreat cam surface 19a has a shape that gradually protrudes forward in the optical axis direction as it proceeds from the side closer to the photographing optical axis Z1 to the side farther from the side. A guide key 19c parallel to the optical axis is provided on the lower surface (convex surface) side of the cam projection 19. Cam projection insertion openings 36a and 37a are formed in the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 at positions corresponding to the cam projections 19, respectively. The second group lens frame support plate 37 further has a guide key entry groove 37b into which the guide key 19c can enter in a part of the cam projection insertion / removal opening 37a.

  In addition to the second group lens frame return spring 39, a rotation transmission spring 40 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the swing center tube 6 b of the second group lens frame 6. The rotation transmission spring 40 is a torsion spring having a fixed spring end portion 40a and a movable spring end portion 40b. The fixed spring end portion 40a is fixed to the swing arm 6c of the second group lens frame 6, and the movable spring end portion 40b is When the second group lens frame 6 is in the above-described photographing position, it is in a position facing the cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 37a (positioned in front of the cam protrusion 19).

  From the above structure, when the second lens group moving frame 8 moves rearward in the optical axis direction and approaches the CCD holder 21 when the zoom lens barrel 71 is shifted from the photographing state to the housed state, the second group lens frame supporting plate 37 is moved. The cam protrusion 19 is inserted into the cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 37a (FIGS. 28 and 29), and the retracting cam surface 19a at the tip of the cam protrusion 19 contacts the movable spring end 40b of the rotation transmitting spring 40. When the second group lens frame 6 moves backward while the movable spring end 40b and the retracting cam surface 19a are in contact with each other, the movable spring end 40b is pressed in the radial direction of the retracting rotation shaft 33 according to the shape of the retracting cam surface 19a. A force is generated, and the rotational force is transmitted to the second group lens frame 6 via the fixed spring end 40a. The second group lens frame 6 that receives the rotational force is retracted from the above-described photographing position (FIGS. 1, 24 to 27, 32, and 33) with the retracting operation of the second group lens moving frame 8. Toward (FIGS. 2, 28 and 29), the second group lens frame return spring 39 rotates against the urging force of the retraction rotation shaft 33 against the urging force. When the second group lens frame 6 is rotated to the retracted position for storage, the movable spring end 40b gets over the retracted cam surface 19a and engages with the retracted position holding surface 19b. Thereafter, the second group lens moving frame 8 moves backward. Even if it goes, the turning power in the retracting direction is not applied to the second group lens frame 6. The retracting rotation operation of the second group lens frame 6 is set to be completed before the second group lens frame 6 is retracted to the position of the rear AF lens frame 51, and the second group lens frame 6 and the AF lens frame are set. 51 does not interfere. The second group lens moving frame 8 continues to retract until the second group lens frame 6 reaches the retracted position, even after the second group lens frame 6 reaches the retracted position. The second group lens frame 6 moves backward together with the second group lens moving frame 8 while being held at the retracted position with the movable spring end 40b engaged with the retracted position holding surface 19b. When the zoom lens barrel 71 reaches the retracted state shown in FIG. 2, the cam protrusion 19 protrudes forward from the cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 36a of the second group lens frame support plate 36 as shown in FIGS.

  When the zoom lens barrel 71 is extended from the housed state of FIG. 2 to the photographing state of FIG. 1, the movable spring end 40b of the rotation transmitting spring 40 is moved from the retracting cam surface 19a of the cam projection 19 contrary to the housed operation. When the second group lens frame 6 moves forward until it moves away, the second group lens frame 6 is rotated from the retracted position for storage to the shooting position by the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39. At this time, the stopper arm 6e of the second group lens frame 6 comes into contact with the rotation restricting pin 35, and the rotation end of the second group lens frame 6 in the urging direction of the second group lens frame return spring 39 is determined. That is, the second group lens frame 6 is held at the photographing position by the second group lens frame return spring 39 and the rotation restricting pin 35.

  The spring force (hardness) of the rotation transmitting spring 40 transmits the rotational force to the second group lens frame 6 without being bent by the rotational resistance acting on the second group lens frame 6 itself in a normal lens barrel storing operation. Is set to That is, the elastic restoring force of the rotation transmitting spring 40 is set to be stronger than the urging force that the second group lens frame return spring 39 holds the second group lens frame 6 in the photographing position.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 18, three rectilinear guide grooves 13 b are formed in the optical axis direction on the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder 13 that guides the first lens group LG1 so as to move in the circumferential direction. The three engaging protrusions 12a formed on the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the first outer cylinder 12 are slidably fitted to the straight guide grooves 13b. That is, the first outer cylinder 12 is guided in a straight line in the optical axis direction via the straight guide ring 14 and the second outer cylinder 13. Further, a radially inner flange 13 c is formed on the inner peripheral surface in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the second outer cylinder 13, and this inner circumferential flange 13 c is a circumferential groove 11 c (FIG. 3) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 11. 5, 10, and 16) are slidably engaged with each other, so that the second outer cylinder 13 can be relatively rotated with respect to the cam ring 11 and cannot be relatively moved in the optical axis direction. Yes. On the other hand, the first outer cylinder 12 has three first-group rollers 31 projecting in the inner diameter direction, and each first-group roller 31 has three first-group guide cam grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 11. 11b (FIGS. 10 and 16) is slidably fitted.

  The first group lens frame 1 is supported in the first outer cylinder 12 via the first group adjustment ring 2. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9, the first lens group LG <b> 1 is fixed to the first group lens frame 1, and the male adjusting screw 1 a formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof is the inner peripheral surface of the first group adjusting ring 2. Are screwed into the female adjusting screw 2a. A combined body of the first group lens frame 1 and the first group adjustment ring 2 is supported on the inner side of the first outer cylinder 12 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, and the first group retaining ring 3 is 1 with respect to the first outer cylinder 12. The group adjustment ring 2 is retained forward.

  A shutter unit 76 having a shutter S and an aperture A is supported between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2. The shutter unit 76 is fixed inside the second group lens moving frame 8.

  The zoom lens barrel 71 having the above structure operates as follows. Since the cam ring 11 has already been described up to the stage where the cam ring 11 is extended from the storage position to the fixed position rotation state, it will be briefly described. In the lens barrel storage state of FIG. 2, the zoom lens barrel 71 is completely stored in the camera body 72. When the main switch 73 (FIG. 22) provided on the outer surface of the digital camera 70 is turned on in the lens barrel storage state, the zoom motor 150 is controlled by the control circuit (determination means, insertion control means) 75 (FIG. 22). Driven in the feeding direction. The zoom gear 28 is rotationally driven by the zoom motor 150, and the combined body of the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 is rotated out according to the helicoid (male helicoid 18a, female helicoid 22a). The straight guide ring 14 moves straight forward together with the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18. At this time, the cam ring 11 to which the rotational force is applied from the third outer cylinder 15 has a lead structure (cam ring roller) provided between the linearly moving guide ring 14 and the linearly moving guide ring 14. 32, the combined movement with the feeding portion by the lead groove 14e-3) is performed. When the helicoid ring 18 and the cam ring 11 are drawn out to a predetermined position in front, the functions of the respective rotary feeding structures (helicoid, lead) are canceled and only the circumferential rotation about the lens barrel central axis Z0 is performed. become.

  When the cam ring 11 rotates, on the inner side, the second group lens moving frame 8 guided linearly through the second group linear guide ring 10 is in the optical axis direction due to the relationship between the second group cam follower 8b and the second group guide cam groove 11a. Is moved along a predetermined trajectory. 2, the second group lens frame 6 in the second group lens moving frame 8 is moved upward from the photographing optical axis Z1 by the action of the cam projection 19 protruding from the CCD holder 21 (see FIG. 2). The second lens group is held in the retracted position for storage (decentered on the retracting optical axis Z2), and the second group lens frame 6 is cam-projected while the second group lens moving frame 8 is extended to the zoom region. 19, the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39 is rotated to the photographing position (FIG. 1) where the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 coincides with the photographing optical axis Z1. Thereafter, the second group lens frame 6 is held at the photographing position until the zoom lens barrel 71 is moved again to the storage position.

  Further, when the cam ring 11 rotates, the first outer cylinder 12 guided linearly through the second outer cylinder 13 on the outside of the cam ring 11 is related to the first group roller 31 and the first group guide cam groove 11b. Is moved along a predetermined locus in the optical axis direction.

  That is, the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 are extended with respect to the imaging surface (CCD light receiving surface), respectively, with the former moving amount of the cam ring 11 with respect to the fixed ring 22 and the first moving position with respect to the cam ring 11 respectively. It is determined as a total value of the cam feed amount of the outer cylinder 12, and the latter is a sum value of the forward movement amount of the cam ring 11 with respect to the fixed ring 22 and the cam feed amount of the second group lens moving frame 8 with respect to the cam ring 11. Determined. Zooming is performed by moving the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 on the photographing optical axis Z1 while changing the air interval between them. When the lens barrel is extended from the storage position of FIG. 2, first, the wide end extended state shown in the lower half section of FIG. 1 is obtained, and when the zoom motor 150 is further driven in the lens barrel extension direction, the upper half section of FIG. As shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the zoom lens barrel 71 of the present embodiment, the distance between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 is large at the wide end, and the first lens group LG1 and the second lens at the tele end. The group LG2 moves in the direction of mutual approach, and the interval is reduced. Such a change in the air gap between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 is given by the locus of the second group guide cam groove 11a and the first group guide cam groove 11b. In the zoom region (zooming use region) between the tele end and the wide end, the cam ring 11, the third outer cylinder 15, and the helicoid ring 18 perform only the above-mentioned fixed position rotation and do not advance or retreat in the optical axis direction. The zooming operation in the zoom region is executed according to the operation of the zoom switch 90 (FIG. 22).

  The digital camera 70 has a photometric distance measuring switch 95 and a shutter release switch 96 (FIG. 22). When the zoom lens barrel 71 is in the zoom region, by operating the photometry distance measuring switch 95, the photometry operation by the photometry module and the distance measurement operation by the distance measurement module are performed, and the obtained subject luminance information and subject distance information are obtained. Is input to the control circuit 75. The control circuit 75 drives the AF motor 160 according to the subject distance, thereby moving the third lens group LG3 (AF lens frame 51) along the photographing optical axis Z1 to execute focusing. Further, by operating the shutter release switch 96, the shutter S is opened and the imaging process via the CCD 60 is executed. The photometric distance measuring switch 95 and the shutter release switch 96 can be turned on by half-pressing operation and full-pressing operation of a common shutter release button.

  When the main switch 73 is turned off, the zoom motor 150 is driven in the lens barrel retracting direction, and the zoom lens barrel 71 performs a retracting operation opposite to the above-described feeding operation, resulting in the retracted state of FIG. In the middle of the movement to the storage position, the second group lens frame 6 is rotated to the storage retreat position by the cam projection 19 and retracts together with the second group lens movement frame 8. When the zoom lens barrel 71 is moved to the storage position, the second lens group LG2 is stored at the same position as the third lens group LG3 and the low-pass filter LG4 in the optical axis direction (overlapping in the radial direction of the lens barrel). . Due to the retracting structure of the second lens group LG2 during storage, the storage length of the zoom lens barrel 71 is shortened, and the thickness of the camera body 72 in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 can be reduced.

  The zoom lens barrel 71 further includes a macro lens ML that can be inserted into and removed from the photographing optical path between the second lens group LG2 and the third lens group LG3 in the photographing state. The macro lens ML is held by a macro lens holding frame 80 that can rotate around a retraction rotation shaft 33 that is common to the second group lens frame 6. A driving mechanism of the macro lens ML will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the macro lens holding frame 80 includes a front support plate 80a and a rear support plate 80b, and is fitted to one end portion of the front support plate 80a so as to be rotatable relative to the retraction rotation shaft 33. A round shaft hole 80c is provided. The front support plate 80a has a cylindrical projection 80c-1 centered on the shaft hole 80c, and the rear support plate 80b has a circular hole 80c-2 at a position facing the shaft hole 80c. Each of the front support plate 80a and the rear support plate 80b includes a swing arm 80d extending in the radial direction centering on the shaft hole 80c, and a lens sandwiching a circular opening 80e provided continuously to the swing arm 80d. It has a part 80f. The front support plate 80a is further provided with a stopper portion 80g located at the end opposite to the shaft hole 80c, and a lens holding ring portion 80k formed on the lens clamping portion 80f on the surface facing the support plate 80b. ing. The lens holding ring portion 80k has an annular shape surrounding the circular opening 80e. The front support plate 80a and the rear support plate 80b are fixed to each other by a fixing screw 80j in a state where the locking claw 80h is engaged with the locking hole 80i. Then, in a state where the front support plate 80a and the rear support plate 80b are combined, the retraction rotation shaft 33 is inserted into the shaft hole 80c and the circular hole 80c-2, so that the macro lens holding frame 80 is retracted. 33 is supported so as to be rotatable about 33.

  The macro lens ML is held inside the lens holding ring portion 80k so as to face the respective circular openings 80e of the front support plate 80a and the rear support plate 80b. The lens clamping portions 80f of the front support plate 80a and the rear support plate 80b prevent the macro lens ML from coming off in the front-rear direction.

  The macro lens holding frame 80 is provided with a friction gear 82, an idle gear 83, and a rotation control gear 84 between the front support plate 80a and the rear support plate 80b. An idle gear 83 is engaged with the friction gear 82, and a rotation control gear 84 is engaged with the idle gear 83. The friction gear 82 and the idle gear 83 are respectively supported by a rotating shaft 82x and a rotating shaft 83x that project from the front support plate 80a. The rotation control gear 84 is rotatably fitted to a cylindrical protrusion 80c-1 provided on the front support plate 80a. Since the cylindrical protrusion 80c-1 is concentric with the retraction rotation shaft 33, the rotation control gear 84 is rotated about the retraction rotation shaft 33. An idle gear 85 is engaged with the rotation control gear 84, and a drive gear 86 is engaged with the idle gear 85. The rotation shaft 85x of the idle gear 85 and the rotation shaft 86x of the drive gear 86 are supported by shaft holes formed in the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37, respectively. The rotation axes 82x, 83x, 85x, and 86x of the gears are parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1, and the axis of the cylindrical protrusion 80c-1 (retraction rotation shaft 33) that is the rotation center of the rotation control gear 84 is also included. It is parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. Accordingly, each gear constituting the gear train from the friction gear 82 to the drive gear 86 is rotated by a rotation center parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. The friction gear 82 is pressed and urged toward the rear support plate 80b by a washer spring 82a, and a rotational resistance of a predetermined magnitude acts.

  The drive gear 86 is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions by a macro lens drive motor 87 (FIG. 22) mounted on the second group lens moving frame 8. The macro lens drive motor 87 is provided in the shutter unit 76 together with an actuator for driving the shutter S and the diaphragm A. As shown in FIGS. 24, 26, and 28, the shutter unit 76 and the macro lens holding frame 80 are in a positional relationship spaced apart in the optical axis direction with the second group lens frame 6 interposed therebetween, and the drive gear 86 is a shutter unit. In order to transmit the driving force from the macro lens drive motor 87 on the 76 side to the idle gear 85 on the macro lens holding frame 80 side, it is formed as a gear member that is long in the optical axis direction. When the drive gear 86 is rotated, the rotation control gear 84 is rotated via the idle gear 85. Here, since the friction gear 82 is given rotational resistance by the washer spring 82a, when the rotation control gear 84 rotates, the rotation control gear 84 and the idle gear 83 are in a relationship between the sun gear and the planetary gear. The idle gear 83 moves (revolves) on the circumferential surface of the rotation control gear 84. As a result, the macro lens holding frame 80 is reciprocally rotated about the retraction rotation shaft 33 in accordance with forward and reverse rotation of the drive gear 86, and similarly to the second lens group LG2 held by the second group lens frame 6, The insertion position (FIGS. 26, 27, 30, and 32) where the macro lens ML advances on the photographing optical axis Z1 and the separation position (FIGS. 24, 25, and 28) moved on the retracting optical axis Z2. 29, 31 and 33). Specifically, when the driving gear 86 rotates in the K1 direction in FIGS. 31 to 33, the macro lens ML advances on the photographing optical axis Z1, and when the driving gear 86 rotates in the K2 direction, the macro lens ML retracts. Detach to the axis Z2 side.

  When the macro lens holding frame 80 is rotated to the insertion position of the macro lens ML, the stopper portion 80g comes into contact with the stopper projection 6f of the second group lens frame 6 as shown in FIG. The rotation of the holding frame 80 is restricted. Further, when the macro lens holding frame 80 is rotated to the disengagement position of the macro lens ML, as shown in FIG. 33, the stopper portion 80g with respect to the stopper projection 8c provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second group lens moving frame 8. Comes into contact with each other, and the rotation of the macro lens holding frame 80 in the detaching direction is restricted.

  With the above structure, when the zoom lens barrel 71 is in the photographing state of FIG. 1, it is independent of a zooming and focusing drive mechanism for driving the first lens group LG1, the second lens group LG2, and the third lens group LG3. Then, the insertion / removal operation of the macro lens ML on the photographing optical axis Z1 (the rotation of the macro lens holding frame 80) can be arbitrarily performed. Specifically, FIGS. 24, 25, and 33 show a state in which the macro lens ML is detached from the photographing optical axis Z1 in the photographing state, and the macro lens ML is inserted on the photographing optical axis Z1 in the photographing state. 26, 27, and 32 are shown in FIG. As can be seen from these drawings, since the macro lens holding frame 80 reciprocally rotates inside the second group lens moving frame 8, the third lens in the entire zoom region from the wide end to the tele end shown in FIG. The macro lens ML can be arbitrarily inserted and removed without hindering the operation of other optical elements such as the group LG3. In the inserted state of the macro lens ML, the macro lens ML is positioned immediately after the second lens group LG2, and the emitted light beam from the second lens group LG2 enters the third lens group LG3 through the macro lens ML. On the other hand, when the macro lens ML is detached, the photographing light flux does not pass through the macro lens ML.

  The digital camera 70 includes a macro lens insertion switch 88 and a macro lens removal switch 89 as means for inserting / removing the macro lens ML (FIG. 22). In response to the operation of the macro lens insertion switch 88 and the macro lens separation switch 89, the macro lens drive motor 87 is driven forward and reverse. Specifically, when the macro lens insertion switch 88 is operated, the drive gear 86 is rotated in the K1 direction by the macro lens drive motor 87, and when the macro lens release switch 89 is operated, the drive gear 86 is driven by the macro lens drive motor 87. Is rotated in the aforementioned K2 direction. The macro lens driving motor 87 is a pulse motor, and the control circuit 75 moves the macro lens holding frame 80 from the above-mentioned disengagement position to the insertion position when an ON signal (macro lens insertion signal) of the macro lens insertion switch 88 is input. When the number of drive pulses of the macro lens drive motor 87 is controlled so as to rotate and an ON signal (macro lens release signal) of the macro lens release switch 89 is input, the macro lens holding frame 80 is moved from the insertion position to the release position. The number of drive pulses of the macro lens drive motor 87 is controlled so as to rotate.

  When the digital camera 70 is in the photographing state shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit 75 drives the macro lens driving motor 87 in the insertion direction in response to the ON signal of the macro lens insertion switch 88, thereby causing the macro lens ML (macro lens holding frame). 80) is inserted on the photographic optical axis Z1 and the macro lens driving motor 87 is driven in the detaching direction in accordance with the ON signal of the macro lens detaching switch 89, thereby causing the macro lens ML (macro lens holding frame 80) to shoot. Detach from Z1 to the retracting optical axis Z2 side.

  When the macro lens holding frame 80 is in the insertion position on the photographic optical axis Z1 and the transition signal from the photographing state of FIG. 1 to the retracted state of FIG. 2 is output, that is, the macro lens insertion switch 88 is on. When the main switch 73 of the digital camera 70 is turned off, the control circuit 75 drives the macro lens drive motor 87 in the detaching direction, and inserts the macro lens ML (macro lens holding frame 80) on the photographing optical axis Z1. To a disengagement position on the retracting optical axis Z2. Subsequently, the control circuit 75 drives the zoom motor 150 in the lens barrel storage direction, and the second group lens moving frame 8 is moved backward in the optical axis direction. Then, as described above, by the action of the cam projection 19, the second group lens frame 6 performs retraction rotation from the photographing position on the photographing optical axis Z1 to the retracting position on the retracting optical axis Z2 side. If the macro lens holding frame 80 is already at the disengagement position on the retracting optical axis Z2 when the main switch 73 is turned off, the control circuit 75 omits the driving of the macro lens driving motor 87 and the mirror by the zoom motor 150. A cylinder storage operation is performed. FIGS. 28 and 29 show a state in which both the second group lens frame 6 and the macro lens holding frame 80 are retracted with respect to the photographing optical axis Z1. As can be seen from the figure, the second lens group LG2 and the macro lens ML are retreated in the same direction around the retraction rotation shaft 33, and as a result, are positioned adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction on the retraction optical axis Z2. ing. Thus, by retracting the second lens group LG2 and the macro lens ML in the same direction, the retracting drive space can be made smaller than when retracting in different directions. Further, since the second group lens frame 6 and the macro lens holding frame 80 are pivotally supported by a common rotation shaft called the retraction rotation shaft 33, the number of parts can be reduced and the support structure can be simplified.

  The control circuit 75 continues to drive the zoom motor 150 in the lens barrel storage direction even after the retraction rotation of the second group lens frame 6 is completed. Then, the second group lens moving frame 8 is further retracted along with the second group lens frame 6 and the macro lens holding frame 80, and finally reaches the position shown in FIG. 2, the second lens group LG2 is retracted to substantially the same position as the third lens group LG3 and the low-pass filter LG4 in the optical axis direction (position overlapping the lens barrel radial direction), and the macro lens ML is connected to the CCD 60. It is retracted to substantially the same position in the optical axis direction (position overlapping in the lens barrel radial direction). That is, the storage length of the zoom lens barrel 71 is substantially reduced by the thickness of the second lens group LG2 and the macro lens ML, which makes it possible to make the digital camera 70 thinner. In the lens barrel storage state of FIG. 2, the control circuit 75 does not drive the macro lens driving motor 87 when any of the operation signals of the macro lens insertion switch 88 and the macro lens removal switch 89 is input.

  Contrary to the lens barrel storage operation described above, when the main switch 73 is turned on in the storage state of FIG. 2 and a transition signal to the shooting state of FIG. The zoom lens barrel 71 is driven to the aforementioned photographing state by driving in the extending direction. During the transition from the storage state to the photographing state, the second group lens frame 6 is rotated from the retracting position for storage to the photographing position, and the second lens group LG2 advances onto the photographing optical axis Z1. During this lens barrel feeding operation, the control circuit 75 does not drive the macro lens drive motor 87, and the macro lens holding frame 80 keeps the macro lens ML at the disengagement position on the retracting optical axis Z2 while moving the second lens group moving frame. 8 is moved forward in the optical axis direction.

  When the photographing state of FIG. 1 is changed to the retracted state of FIG. 2, the macro lens holding frame 80 is moved away from the macro lens driving motor 87 by the revolving rotation operation of the second group lens frame 6 instead of the driving force of the macro lens driving motor 87 described above. Can be rotated. That is, in the photographing state, as shown in FIG. 32, the stopper projection 6f of the second group lens frame 6 is in contact with the stopper portion 80g, and the second group lens frame 6 is retracted in the clockwise direction of FIG. By rotating, the stopper projection 6f presses the stopper portion 80g, and the macro lens holding frame 80 is rotated together with the second group lens frame 6 to the disengagement position. With this configuration, even if the macro lens drive motor 87 is not correctly driven due to some error, when the main switch 73 is turned off, the macro lens ML and the macro lens holding frame 80 are surely detached from the photographing optical axis Z1, and the rear The lens barrel storage operation can be reliably performed without interfering with the AF lens frame 51 and the CCD holder 21. That is, a fail-safe structure is provided that allows the macro lens holding frame 80 to be forcibly detached and rotated when the lens barrel is stored.

  In the above zoom lens barrel 71 including the detachable macro lens ML, it is necessary to prevent interference with other optical elements when the macro lens ML is inserted. Specifically, the macro lens ML moves integrally with the second lens group LG2 in the optical axis direction, and is inserted into the space between the second lens group LG2 and the third lens group LG3. It is necessary to prevent interference between ML and the third lens group LG3.

  FIG. 34 shows a first control mode for preventing interference between the macro lens ML and the third lens group LG3. The movable range of the third lens group LG3 (AF lens frame 51) by the AF motor 160 in the shooting state is a forward movement end LG3-F indicated by a one-dot chain line in the lower half of FIG. 34 and a rear movement end LG3-R indicated by a solid line. This movable range is defined as a maximum operating range R1. Note that the position of the third lens group LG3 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 34 is the storage position of the third lens group LG3 in the storage state of the zoom lens barrel 71, and this storage position is the rearward movement end LG3 at the time of shooting. It is located behind -R.

  In the photographing state of the digital camera 70, the second lens group LG2 is closest to the third lens group LG3 at the wide end. As can be seen from FIG. 34, when the photographic optical system is at the wide end, the front moving end LG3-F of the third lens group LG3 is in a positional relationship overlapping with the macro lens ML in the optical axis direction.

  When the macro lens ML is retracted to the retracting optical axis Z2 side in the wide end photographing state of FIG. 34 (when the macro lens separation switch 89 is on), the control circuit 75 moves from the front moving end LG3-F to the rear moving end. The AF motor 160 is controlled to move the third lens group LG3 within the maximum operating range R1 up to LG3-R. In the retracted state of the macro lens ML, it is not necessary to secure the insertion space on the photographic optical axis Z1, so that even if the third lens group LG3 is moved to the front moving end LG3-F, it may interfere with the macro lens ML. Absent. Further, even if the lens is moved to the front moving end LG3-F, the third lens group LG3 does not interfere with the second lens group LG2. On the other hand, when the macro lens ML is inserted in the wide-end shooting state of FIG. 34 (when the macro lens insertion switch 88 is on), the control circuit 75 sets the operating range of the third lens group LG3 by the AF motor 160 to the maximum operating range. By switching to a limited operation range R2 that is narrower than R1, the third lens group LG3 and the macro lens ML are prevented from overlapping in the optical axis direction. Specifically, in the limited operation range R2, the movement amount of the third lens group LG3 (AF operation range) is set so as not to move further forward than the limited movement end LG3-L slightly behind the front movement end LG3-F. Is controlled. As shown in the upper half section of FIG. 34, when the third lens group LG3 is positioned at the limit moving end LG3-L, the macro lens ML and the macro lens ML3 are inserted into the macro lens ML even when the macro lens ML is inserted on the photographing optical axis Z1. The lenses ML do not interfere with each other.

  FIG. 35 shows a second control mode for preventing interference between the macro lens ML and the third lens group LG3. Curves LG1-Q and LG2-Q in FIG. 35 indicate the movement trajectories of the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 in the optical axis direction when the zoom motor 150 is driven in the photographing state, respectively.

  In the form of FIG. 34 described above, the AF operation range of the third lens group LG3 is switched according to the insertion / removal of the macro lens ML. However, in the form of FIG. 35, in the shooting state according to the insertion / removal of the macro lens ML. Switch the zoom operation range. That is, when the macro lens ML is detached, the control circuit 75 moves the second lens group LG2 to the maximum retracted position indicated by LG2-W1 in FIG. To control. On the other hand, when the macro lens ML is inserted, even when the zoom switch 90 is operated to the wide end side, the control circuit 75 moves the second lens group LG2 from the maximum retraction position LG2-W1 to the front limit retraction position LG2-W2. However, the operation of the zoom motor 150 is limited so that the photographing optical system does not advance to the wide angle side. At this time, the operating range of the first lens group LG1 as well as the second lens group LG2 is limited, and the first lens group LG1 is stopped at the limit position LG1-W2 behind the original wide end position LG1-W1. That is, in the form of FIG. 35, the photographing optical system is driven in the full zoom range F1 using the entire mechanical zoom region in the detached state of the macro lens ML, and in the inserted state of the macro lens ML, the operating range on the wide end side is The photographing optical system is driven within the limited zoom range F2. Since the macro lens ML moves in the optical axis direction together with the second lens group LG2, the rearward movement end of the second lens group LG2 is limited to the limit retreat position W2, so that the rearward movement end of the macro lens ML is also shifted forward. Will be. As a result, as shown in the upper half section of FIG. 35, even if the third lens group LG3 is moved to the aforementioned forward movement end LG3-F (maximum movement range R1), the third lens group LG3 and the macro lens ML are Does not interfere.

  The digital camera 70 includes an operation range selection switch 91 (FIG. 22). By operating the operation range selection switch 91, a mode for limiting the AF operation range as shown in FIG. 34 and a zoom operation range as shown in FIG. Can be selected. Instead of such manual selection, the control circuit 75 may automatically switch the mode.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the macro lens ML is inserted, the operating range of the third lens group LG3 that is the focusing lens group and the operating range of the zoom lens group including the second lens group LG2 are limited. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a large space in the optical system in advance for preventing the interference with the inserted macro lens ML, and the enlargement of the lens barrel can be prevented. When the macro lens ML is not inserted, the restriction on the operating range is released, so that it is possible to perform photographing with the original specifications (zoom range and focusing range) of the photographing optical system.

  Further, the digital camera 70 automatically determines whether or not the subject is in the macro area (close-up shooting state) during focusing, and the macro lens ML is independent of the photographer's manual operation (the macro lens insertion switch 88 is turned on). Is automatically inserted onto the photographing optical axis Z1.

  36 and 37 are graphs showing the concept of macro automatic determination. In these graphs, the vertical axis represents the MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) value of the electronic image obtained via the CCD 60, and the horizontal axis represents the movement position of the third lens group LG3 which is the focusing lens group. In the horizontal axis direction, the closer the position of the third lens group LG3 is to the left, the closer to the subject position.

  At the time of automatic macro determination, the control circuit 75 drives the AF motor 160 in a state where the macro lens ML is retracted to the retracting optical axis Z2 side, and the third lens group LG3 is moved over the entire operating range (FIGS. 34 and 35). Between the front moving end LG3-F and the front moving end LG3-R). The operation of the third lens group LG3 is a scan operation for obtaining a contrast peak (focus peak) of a subject. As a result of the scan operation, an MTF value as shown in FIG. 36 is obtained. In FIG. 36, the peak value PP of the contrast is located closer to the closer side than the scan range of the third lens group LG3, but the MTF data obtained by the scan operation of the third lens group LG3 is indicated by the solid line in the figure. The region of the two-dot chain line including the actual peak value PP is not obtained as data.

  The control circuit 75 determines whether or not a focus peak can be detected from the MTF data obtained by the scan operation. In this determination, a reference value CR in the vertical axis direction is determined, and when the MTF data includes a value exceeding the reference value CR, the focus peak position (subject to be focused) can be focused on the point in the horizontal axis direction. Distance). In the MTF data of the solid line portion in FIG. 36, since there is no portion that reaches the reference value CR, it is determined that the focus peak is not detected in the normal distance zone where the normal photographing optical element can be focused.

  FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are flowcharts showing the control when the focus peak is not detected in the normal distance zone. The scanning operation (step S11) by the third lens group LG3 and the determination of the MTF data obtained as a result of the scanning operation (step S12) are as described above, and are common to FIGS.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 38, when the focus peak is not detected as a result of the scanning operation in the normal distance zone, the subject is considered to be in the close distance zone (macro position), and the macro lens ML is immediately placed on the photographing optical axis Z1. The type of control to insert. That is, when the focus peak is not detected (N in step S12), the control circuit 75 drives the macro lens driving motor 87 to insert the macro lens ML on the photographing optical axis Z1 (step S21). Then, after inserting the macro lens ML, the AF motor 160 is driven to move the third lens group LG3 in the optical axis direction, and the scanning operation is performed again (step S22).

  In the flowchart of FIG. 39, when a focus peak is not detected in the scan operation in the normal distance zone, the content of the MTF data is further read to determine whether or not the subject is in the close distance zone (macro position). It is. That is, when the focus peak is not detected (N in step S12), the tendency of the MTF data is subsequently checked (step S31). In the MTF data in the solid line portion of FIG. 36, the MTF value increases as it moves closer to the short distance side in the scan range, and the MTF value is maximized at the position closest to the scan range. From this tendency, the control circuit 75 determines that the actual peak value PP exceeding the reference value CR is closer to the short distance side (Y in step S31), and drives the macro lens driving motor 87 to move the macro lens ML. It is inserted on the photographing optical axis Z1 (step S32). Then, after inserting the macro lens ML, the AF motor 160 is driven to cause the third lens group LG3 to perform the scanning operation again (step S33).

  FIG. 37 shows MTF data obtained as a result of the rescan operation in step S22 of FIG. 38 and step S33 of FIG. Since the macro lens ML is inserted during the re-scanning operation and the close-up photographing state is set, the contrast peak value PP that is out of the scanning range in the state of FIG. 36 is detected within the scanning range. The control circuit 75 stops the third lens group LG3 at a position corresponding to the peak value PP to bring it into a focused state.

  If a peak of contrast exceeding the reference value CR cannot be detected even after re-scanning with the macro lens ML inserted, the macro lens ML is automatically detached from the insertion position on the photographing optical axis Z1 to the retracting optical axis Z2 side. You may control to.

  As described above, when the focusing lens group (third lens group LG3) performs a scanning operation during focusing, and it is determined that the peak value of the contrast is in the macro region as a result of the scanning operation, the macro lens ML is automatically set. Since it is inserted, the trouble of the photographer determining whether or not to perform macro photography is saved, and the operability of the camera is improved.

  The above-described automatic insertion operation of the macro lens ML can be performed, for example, during an AF operation by operating the photometric distance measuring switch 95. Alternatively, an independent operation member for entering the automatic insertion mode of the macro lens ML may be provided separately from the photometric distance measuring switch 95.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and can be changed without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, since the macro lens ML can be automatically inserted in the digital camera 70 of the above embodiment, the macro lens insertion switch 88 that is manually operated by the photographer can be omitted.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the macro lens ML is inserted into and removed from the optical axis by a rotation operation around the retraction rotation shaft 33, but the driving mode of the macro photographing optical element is not limited to rotation. For example, the macro imaging optical element may be inserted / removed by linear movement in a direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the zoom lens barrel as in the illustrated embodiment, but can be applied to a single focus type lens barrel.

It is sectional drawing in the imaging | photography state of the digital camera to which this invention is applied. It is sectional drawing of the accommodation state of the zoom lens barrel of the digital camera. It is sectional drawing to which some zoom lens barrels in a tele end were expanded. It is sectional drawing to which some zoom lens barrels in the wide end were expanded. It is sectional drawing to which a part of zoom lens barrel in the accommodation state was expanded. It is sectional drawing to which a part of zoom lens barrel in the accommodation state was expanded. It is a perspective view which shows the whole zoom lens barrel. It is a disassembled perspective view of a zoom lens barrel. It is a disassembled perspective view of the element regarding the support mechanism of a 1st lens group. It is a disassembled perspective view of the element regarding the support mechanism of a 2nd lens group and a macro lens. It is a disassembled perspective view of the element regarding the feeding mechanism from a stationary ring to a 3rd outer cylinder. It is a development top view of a fixed ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a helicoid ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a 3rd outer cylinder. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a rectilinear guide ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a cam ring. It is a development top view seeing through and showing the 2nd group guide cam groove of the inner peripheral surface side of a cam ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a 2nd outer cylinder. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a 1st outer cylinder. It is an expansion | deployment top view of 2nd group rectilinear advance guide ring. It is a development top view of the 2nd group lens movement frame. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship of the one part electrical component of a digital camera. It is a disassembled perspective view of the mechanism which drives a macro lens. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the zoom lens barrel is in a photographing state and the macro lens is detached from the photographing optical axis. FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view in which a second group lens moving frame is added to FIG. 24. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which a zoom lens barrel is in a photographing state and a macro lens is inserted on a photographing optical axis. FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view in which a second group lens moving frame is added to FIG. 26. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the zoom lens barrel is in a retracted state and both the second lens group and the macro lens are retracted from the photographing optical axis. FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view in which a second group lens moving frame is added to FIG. 28. It is a front view of a macro lens insertion / removal mechanism when the macro lens is at an insertion position on the photographing optical axis. It is a front view of a macro lens insertion / removal mechanism when a macro lens exists in a removal position. It is the figure which looked at the 2nd group lens frame and macro lens holding frame from the front when both the 2nd lens group and a macro lens are located on the imaging optical axis. It is the figure which looked at the 2nd group lens frame and macro lens holding frame from the front when a 2nd lens group is located on an imaging optical axis and a macro lens is retracted | saved to the retracting optical axis side. It is sectional drawing of a digital camera which shows switching control of AF operation range at the time of macro lens insertion and separation. It is sectional drawing of a digital camera which shows switching control of the zoom operation range at the time of macro lens insertion and separation. It is a graph which shows the result of the scanning operation | movement of a focusing lens in macro automatic determination control. It is a graph which shows the result of the rescanning operation | movement of the focusing lens after macro lens insertion in macro automatic determination control. It is a flowchart figure which shows the 1st form of macro automatic insertion control. It is a flowchart figure which shows the 2nd form of macro automatic insertion control.

Explanation of symbols

6 Group 2 lens frame 8 Group 2 lens moving frame 10 Group 2 linear guide ring 11 Cam ring 12 First outer cylinder 13 Second outer cylinder 14 Linear guide ring 15 Third outer cylinder 18 Helicoid ring 19 Cam projection 22 Fixed ring 28 Zoom gear 33 Retraction rotation shaft 51 AF lens frame (3 group lens frame)
60 CCD
70 Digital camera 71 Zoom lens barrel 72 Camera body 73 Main switch 75 Control circuit (determination means, insertion control means)
76 Shutter unit 80 Macro lens holding frame 87 Macro lens drive motor (drive mechanism for macro imaging optical element)
88 Macro lens insertion switch 89 Macro lens release switch 90 Zoom switch 91 Operating range selection switch 95 Metering distance measuring switch 96 Shutter release switch 150 Zoom motor 160 AF motor A Aperture (normal optical element)
S Shutter (normal optical element)
LG1 first lens group (normal optical element)
LG2 Second lens group (normal optical element)
LG3 Third lens group (normal optical element, focusing lens group)
LG4 Low-pass filter (normal optical element)
ML macro lens (macro photography optical element)
Z0 Lens barrel central axis Z1 Imaging optical axis Z2 Retraction optical axis

Claims (8)

A normal photographic optical element capable of focusing on a subject in a normal distance zone;
A macro imaging optical element that is selectively inserted into and removed from the imaging optical axis separately from the normal imaging optical element, and enables focusing on a subject in a close-distance zone closer to the normal distance zone when inserted;
A drive mechanism for driving the macro imaging optical element to an insertion position on the imaging optical axis and a separation position from the imaging optical axis;
Means for determining whether the subject is located in the normal distance zone or the proximity distance zone; and when the determination means determines that the subject is in the proximity distance zone, the macro mechanism optical element is inserted into the insertion position by the drive mechanism. Insertion control means for automatically inserting
An imaging device comprising: 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the normal photographing optical element includes a focusing lens group that can advance and retract in an optical axis direction.
An image pickup apparatus for determining the distance zone where the subject is located based on the change data of the contrast of the subject image caused by the movement of the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines that the subject is in the close distance zone when contrast exceeding a predetermined reference value is not obtained as a result of movement of the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction. . 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination means is unable to obtain a contrast exceeding a predetermined reference value as a result of movement of the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction, and a direction of a peak of contrast is a movement range of the focusing lens group. An imaging device that determines that the subject is in the proximity distance zone when the subject is on the side focusing on the subject at short distance. 5. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit further moves the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction again after the macro imaging optical element is inserted by the insertion control unit, and the subject image is captured. An imaging device that obtains contrast change data. A normal photographing optical element that can focus on a subject in a normal distance zone, and a normal photographing optical element that is selectively inserted and removed from the photographing optical axis separately from the normal photographing optical element. In an imaging device comprising a macro imaging optical element that enables focusing on a subject in a close proximity zone,
Determining whether the subject is located in the normal distance zone or the proximity distance zone;
Automatically inserting a macro imaging optical element at the insertion position when it is determined that the subject is located in the proximity distance zone;
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: The control method for an image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the normal photographing optical element has a focusing lens group capable of moving back and forth in the optical axis direction,
In the above-described step of determining the zone where the subject is located, the focusing lens group is moved in the optical axis direction, and a distance zone where the subject is located is determined based on the change data of the contrast of the subject image due to the movement. . 8. The method of controlling an image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising, after the step of automatically inserting a macro imaging optical element at the insertion position, moving the focusing lens group in the optical axis direction again to change the contrast of the subject image. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising the step of:

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