JP2010181684A - Lens barrel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens barrel supporting a lens group by a shaft, whose positional accuracy is high. <P>SOLUTION: The lens barrel 3 includes: an imaging optical system O which includes a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2 and a third lens group G3 and in which light passes through the first lens group, the second lens group and the third lens group in order from an object side; a first supporting frame 10 which supports the first lens group; a second supporting frame 20 which supports the second lens group; a third supporting frame 30 which supports the third lens group; a body frame 70 which incorporates the second supporting frame and the third supporting frame; a first guide shaft 59 which is engaged with the first supporting frame, the second supporting frame and the third supporting frame and fixed to the body frame; and a second guide shaft 69 which is engaged with the first supporting frame, the second supporting frame and the third supporting frame and fixed to the body frame. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens barrel having a bending optical system.

  In recent years, digital cameras using image sensors have become widespread. In a digital camera, not only an increase in the number of pixels of an image sensor, but also a higher performance is required for a lens barrel that forms an optical image on the image sensor. Specifically, there is a demand for a lens barrel equipped with a zoom lens system with higher magnification.

On the other hand, in the field of digital cameras, there is a demand for downsizing the main body in order to improve portability. For this reason, downsizing of an image pickup apparatus including a lens barrel and an image pickup element, which is considered to greatly contribute to downsizing of the main body, is demanded. In order to reduce the size of the image pickup apparatus, a so-called bending optical system in which an optical path is bent in the middle of a zoom lens system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).
Japanese Patent No. 3925457 JP 2007-17957 A JP 2007-271649 A JP 2005-351932 A

  (1) In a lens barrel that supports a lens group with a shaft, there is a first problem that the positional accuracy of the lens barrel may be a problem.

  (2) In a lens barrel that employs a bending optical system, there is a second problem that it is difficult to achieve both ease of manufacturing and ensuring strength.

  (3) In a lens barrel that employs a lens driving device that drives an image blur correction lens in a bending optical system, there is a third problem that the lens barrel may be large.

  (1) The first problem is solved by the following lens barrel.

The lens barrel is
An imaging optical system having a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, and transmitting light from the subject side in the order of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group;
A first support frame for supporting the first lens group;
A second support frame for supporting the second lens group;
A third support frame for supporting the third lens group;
A body frame containing the second support frame and the third support frame;
A first guide shaft that engages with the first support frame, the second support frame, and the third support frame and is fixed to the main body frame;
A second guide shaft that engages with the first support frame, the second support frame, and the third support frame and is fixed to the main body frame.

  (2) The second problem is solved by the following lens barrel.

The lens barrel is a lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side and has a bending optical element that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. A lens group;
A movable lens group movable in a direction along the second optical axis;
A lens housing that houses the movable lens group therein and has a main body frame having an opening in one of the directions along the first optical axis, and a cover member arranged to cover the opening When,
A mechanism for supporting the moving lens group so as to be movable relative to the lens housing in a direction along the second optical axis, the support mechanism having a support frame for supporting the moving lens group;
A driving unit that is attached to the opening side of the main body frame and drives the moving lens group in a direction along the second optical axis.

  (3) The third problem is solved by the following lens barrel.

A lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side and has a bending optical element that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. A lens group;
An image blur correction lens group disposed on the second optical axis;
A lens driving device that supports the image blur correction lens group so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis,
The lens driving device includes:
A fixed frame that does not move relative to the second optical axis;
A slide shaft fixed to the fixed frame and arranged in parallel with a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis;
A support frame that supports the image blur correction lens group,
The slide shaft is fixed to the support frame so as to sandwich the slide shaft from the direction along the second optical axis, the movement of the support frame in the direction along the second optical axis is restricted, and the support frame is A bearing that allows movement in a plane perpendicular to the second optical axis,
The slide shaft is disposed at an angle greater than 0 degree and less than 90 degrees with respect to the first optical axis.

  (1) In a lens barrel that supports a lens group with a shaft, the positional accuracy of the lens barrel can be increased.

  (2) Alternatively, in a lens barrel that employs a bending optical system, it is easy to achieve both ease of manufacture and ensuring strength.

  (3) Alternatively, in a lens barrel that employs a lens driving device that drives an image blur correction lens in a bending optical system, the lens barrel can be made smaller.

<Overview of digital camera>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of the digital camera 1. FIG.

  The digital camera 1 is a camera for acquiring an image of a subject, and a bending optical system is employed for high magnification and miniaturization.

  In the following description, the six surfaces of the digital camera 1 are defined as follows.

  The surface facing the subject when the digital camera 1 is shooting is the front surface of the camera body 2 and the opposite surface is the back surface. Up and down vertical direction of the subject and rectangular image captured by the digital camera 1 (generally, aspect ratio (ratio of long side to short side) is 3: 2, 4: 3, 16: 9, etc.) When photographing is performed so as to coincide with each other, a surface facing upward in the vertical direction is an upper surface, and a surface on the opposite side is a lower surface. Further, when shooting is performed so that the vertical direction of the subject and the vertical direction of the rectangular image captured by the digital camera 1 coincide with each other, the left side when viewed from the subject side is the left side, and vice versa. The side surface is the right side surface. The above definition does not limit the usage posture of the digital camera 1.

  According to the above definition, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front surface, the top surface, and the right side surface.

  Note that not only the six surfaces of the digital camera 1 but also the six surfaces of each component arranged in the digital camera 1 are defined in the same manner. In other words, the above definition is applied to the six surfaces of each component member arranged in the digital camera 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system having a Y axis orthogonal to the front surface of the camera body 2 is defined. According to this definition, the direction from the back side to the front side is the Y-axis positive direction, the direction from the right side to the left side is the X-axis positive direction, and is orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis and is on the bottom side The direction from the top to the top side is the Z-axis positive direction.

  Hereinafter, in each drawing, it demonstrates on the basis of this XYZ coordinate system. That is, the X-axis positive direction, the Y-axis positive direction, and the Z-axis positive direction in each drawing indicate the same direction.

<Overall configuration of digital camera>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 mainly includes a camera body 2 that accommodates each unit, a lens barrel 3 that forms an optical image of a subject, and an imaging unit 90. The imaging unit 90 includes an imaging device 91 that converts an optical image into an image signal. Examples of the imaging device 91 include a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. .

  A release button 4, an operation dial 5, a power switch 6, and a zoom adjustment lever 7 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 2 so that a photographer can perform operations such as an imaging operation. The release button 4 is a button for the photographer to input the exposure timing. The operation dial 5 is a dial for the photographer to make various settings regarding the photographing operation. The power switch 6 is a switch for the photographer to operate the digital camera 1 on and off. The zoom adjustment lever 7 is a lever for the photographer to adjust the zoom magnification, and is rotatable within a predetermined angle range around the release button 4. A liquid crystal monitor 8 that displays an image acquired by the image sensor 91 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 2.

<Configuration of lens barrel>
The lens barrel 3 has an imaging optical system O that forms an optical image of the subject. Further, the lens barrel 3 has various mechanisms for supporting the imaging optical system O. Since these various mechanisms perform operations such as a zooming operation, focusing operation, and image blur correction operation of the imaging optical system O, each lens group of the imaging optical system can be moved. Various mechanisms have been devised in order to prevent the optical characteristics of the imaging optical system O from deteriorating and to facilitate manufacture. These are described in detail below.

(1) Imaging Optical System First, the imaging optical system O will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the imaging optical system O. As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging optical system O includes a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a third lens group G3, and a fourth lens group G4.

  The first lens group G1 is a lens group having a negative refractive power as a whole, and is provided so as to take in a light beam incident along the first optical axis A1 from the subject. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is supported by the first support frame 10, and the first lens L1, the prism PR (an example of a bending optical element), the second lens L2, and the third lens L3. And have. The first lens L1 has a first optical axis A1, and the second lens L2 and the third lens L3 have a second optical axis A2 that is substantially orthogonal to the first optical axis A1. The prism PR is, for example, an internal reflection prism, and has a reflecting surface PR1 that reflects a light beam incident along the first optical axis A1 in a direction along the second optical axis A2. In the digital camera 1, the first optical axis A1 coincides with the Y axis, and the second optical axis A2 coincides with the Z axis.

  The second lens group G2 is a lens group having a positive refractive power as a whole, and takes in the light beam bent by the first lens group G1. Specifically, the second lens group G2 is supported by the second support frame 20, and includes a fourth lens L4, a fifth lens L5, a sixth lens L6, and a seventh lens L7. ing. The fourth to seventh lenses L4 to L7 are supported by the second support frame 20 so that the optical axes of the fourth to seventh lenses L4 to L7 substantially coincide with the second optical axis A2. The second support frame 20 is provided so as to be movable in the direction along the second optical axis A2 with respect to the main body frame 70, and the fourth to seventh lenses L4 to L7 are second from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. It moves together in the direction along the optical axis A2. Therefore, the second lens group G2 can function as a zooming group that performs zooming of the imaging optical system O.

  The third lens group G3 includes an eighth lens L8 that takes in the light beam transmitted through the second lens group G2, and has a positive refractive power. The eighth lens L8 is supported by the third support frame 30 so that the optical axis of the eighth lens L8 coincides with the second optical axis A2. The third support frame 30 is provided so as to be movable in the direction along the second optical axis A2 with respect to the main body frame 70, and the eighth lens L8 is positioned on the second optical axis A2 from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. Move in the direction along. For this reason, the eighth lens L8 can function as a focus lens.

  The fourth lens group G4 includes a ninth lens L9 that captures light transmitted through the third lens group G3, and functions as an image blur correction lens. The ninth lens L9 is supported by a later-described lens driving device 40 so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis A2. The optical axis of the fourth lens group G4 faces substantially the same direction as the second optical axis A2. The fourth lens group G4 does not move in the direction along the second optical axis A2.

  The aperture stop of the imaging optical system O is always located on the first lens group G1 side of the second lens group G2. The position of the aperture stop changes as the second lens group G2 changes from the wide angle end to the telephoto end. The aperture unit 22 (light quantity adjustment unit) is located at the position of the aperture stop. The aperture unit 22 is fixed to the second support frame 20, and moves together with the second lens group G2 in the direction along the second optical axis A2.

  The arrow shown on the right side of FIG. 3 represents the movement of each lens unit in the second optical axis A2 direction during zooming from the wide-angle end (Wide end) to the telephoto end (Tele end). During the zooming operation, the first lens group G1 and the fourth lens group G4 do not move in the direction of the second optical axis A2. The second lens group G2 moves from the second optical axis A2 direction lower side (Z direction negative side) to the second optical axis A2 direction upper side (Z axis positive direction side) during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. Move a lot. The third lens group G3 moves from the second optical axis A2 direction lower side (Z direction negative side) to the second optical axis A2 direction upper side (Z axis positive direction side) during zooming operation from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. Moving. The third lens group G3 moves independently up and down in the second optical axis A2 direction (Z-axis direction) during focus adjustment (focusing). A part of the movement range of the second lens group G2 in the second optical axis A2 direction overlaps a part of the movement range of the third lens group G3 in the second optical axis A2 direction.

  The imaging optical system O does not move in the direction of the first optical axis A1 during the zooming operation. Accordingly, the size of the imaging optical system O in the first optical axis A1 direction can be reduced. Further, a part or all of each of the lenses L2 to L9 constituting the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, and the fourth lens group G4 is not a circle when viewed from the second optical axis A2 direction, but in front of the circle ( The size of the imaging optical system O in the first optical axis A1 direction can be further reduced by adopting a shape in which the Y axis positive direction side) and the rear side (Y axis negative direction side) are cut. Accordingly, the size of the camera body 2 in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) can be reduced. In the present embodiment, only the ninth lens L9 having a relatively large lens diameter has a shape in which the above-described circle is cut. The first lens L1 also has a shape in which the top (Z-axis positive direction) and bottom (Z-axis negative direction) of the circle are cut when viewed from the first optical axis A1 direction. That is, the first lens L1 and the ninth lens L9 have a shape closed by an arc and two lines when viewed from the optical axis direction. Each lens L1 to L9 may be a circle or a shape closed by an arc and at least one line when viewed from the optical axis direction. In FIG. 3, for convenience of drawing, the first lens L1 and the ninth lens L9 are also shown as circles when viewed from the optical axis direction.

(2) Lens Case The imaging optical system O described above is housed in the lens case. 4 is a perspective view of the lens barrel 3 as seen from the direction in which the front, top, and right sides can be seen. FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from the direction in which the back surface, top surface, and left side surface of the lens barrel 3 can be seen. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lens barrel 3 as viewed from the back side with the back plate 73 (an example of a cover member) and the like removed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lens barrel 3 cut along a plane including the first optical axis and the second optical axis. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the imaging optical system O includes a main body frame 70 whose back surface is open, a back plate 72 that covers an opening on the back surface of the main body frame 70, and a first surface fixed to the top surface of the main body frame 70. The support frame 10 and the master flange 42 fixed to the lower surface of the main body frame 70 are accommodated. The main body frame 70, the back plate 72, the first support frame 10, and the master flange 42 constitute a lens housing.

  In the imaging optical system O, only the first lens L1 is exposed to the outside. The imaging unit 90 is accommodated in the master flange 42. Then, the light incident from the first lens L1 is guided to the imaging surface of the imaging unit 90. The lens housing is configured such that light does not enter the imaging surface of the imaging unit 90 from other than the first lens L1.

  In order to take advantage of the fact that the size of the imaging optical system O in the first optical axis A1 direction can be reduced, the lens housing is also configured to have a small size in the first optical axis A1 direction. The size of the lens housing in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than the size in the width direction (X-axis direction). Many of the members housed in the lens housing are arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the imaging optical system 0.

(3) First Support Frame The imaging optical system O is supported by each support frame. Specifically, the first lens group G1 is fixed to the first support frame 10 by, for example, adhesion. The first support frame 10 is fixed to the end of the main body frame 70 on the Z axis positive direction side. The first support frame 10 includes a first support frame main body 11 and a cover cap 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the first support frame body 11 is fixed with the first lens L1, the prism PR, the second lens L2, and the third lens L3 of the first lens group G1.

  FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the assembly of the first support frame 10 and the assembly of the first lens group G1. The second lens L2 and the third lens L3 are cemented with each other. As shown in FIG. 8A, the second lens L2 and the third lens L3 are fixed by caulking by thermally deforming the first support frame body 11 in the opening on the lower surface of the first support frame body 11. . As shown in FIG. 8B, the prism PR is bonded to the first support frame body 11 with an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 8C, the light shielding sheet 13 is disposed in front of the prism PR. The light shielding sheet 13 has an opening, and the light shielding portion prevents light from entering from around the front surface of the prism PR. As shown in FIG. 4D, the first lens L 1 is fixed to the front surface of the first support frame main body 11. The position of the first lens L1 relative to the first support frame main body 11 is adjusted so that the first lens group G1 as a whole satisfies predetermined optical characteristics. Hereinafter, this adjustment is referred to as “alignment”. After alignment, the first lens L1 is fixed to the first support frame body 11 with an adhesive. Details of alignment will be described later. As shown in FIG. 8E, the light shielding sheet 13 </ b> B is fixed to the first support frame main body 11 so as to cover the hole on the back surface of the first support frame main body 11. As shown in FIG. 8F, the sheet 13C is fixed to the lower surface of the first support frame main body 11 so as to cover the periphery of the third lens L3. As shown in FIG. 8G, the cushion 13D is fixed to the front surface of the cover cap 12. As shown in FIG. 8H, the cover cap 12 is fixed to the front surface of the first support frame main body 11. The cover cap 12 covers the periphery of the first lens L1 when viewed from the front (subject side). Thus, the first support frame 10 that supports the first lens group G1 is completed.

  Next, “alignment” will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining alignment. As shown in FIG. 9A, a wall portion 14 is formed on the front surface of the first support frame body 11 so as to protrude forward so as to surround the periphery of the first lens L1. The position of the wall portion 14 in the first optical axis A1 direction overlaps the position of the side surface of the first lens L1 in the first optical axis A1 direction. The first support frame main body 11 is formed with four contact portions 15 that are contacted when the first lens L1 is fixed. Further, the wall portion 14 has a cutout portion 16 cut out in the first optical axis A1 direction so that the side surface of the first lens L1 is exposed in a state where the first lens L1 is in contact with the contact portion 15. , 17. The first lens L1 has a shape in which the top and bottom of a circular lens are cut off when viewed from the optical axis A1 direction. In other words, the first lens L1 has a shape closed by an arc and two lines (more specifically, a straight line) when viewed from the optical axis A1 direction. One notch portion 17 faces the first side face L1C along the line of the first lens L1. The remaining three notches 16 face the second side face L1R along the arc of the first lens L1.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, a gap is secured between the side surface of the first lens L1 and the wall portion 14 in a state where the first lens L1 is in contact with the contact portion 15. Accordingly, the first lens L1 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis A1 within the range inside the wall portion 14. However, in order to reduce the size of the first support frame 10 as a whole, the wall portion 14 is shaped along the side surface of the first lens L1 when viewed from the front. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the first side face L1C is inclined with respect to the wall portion 14 facing the first side face L1C, the gap in the Z-axis direction between the first lens L1 and the wall portion 14 Becomes smaller. The first lens L1 cannot be translated in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first support frame body 11. In other words, the first lens L1 may not be translated in the direction orthogonal to the first side face L1C with respect to the first support frame body 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first lens L1 is pushed by the stick B1 from the notch 17 provided in the wall 14 facing the first side face L1C. Specifically, the first side surface L1C on the upper side of the first lens L1 is pushed from the direction orthogonal to the first optical axis A1 by the protrusion rod B1. As a result, the first lens L1 rotates and the lower first side face L1C of the first lens L1 comes into contact with the wall portion 14. And the movement amount of the Z direction with respect to the 1st support frame main body 11 of the 1st lens L1 is ensured.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, the chuck bar B2 is inserted from each of the three notches 16 facing the second side face L1R. The chuck bar B2 is pressed against the first lens L1 in the respective axial directions. As shown in FIG. 9D, the tip of the chuck bar B2 has a shape cut obliquely with respect to each axis. The front end surface is in contact with an edge portion on the front side (Y direction positive side) of the second side surface L1R. The first lens L1 receives the axial force and the first optical axis A1 (Z-direction positive side) force from the chuck bar B2. As a result, the first lens L1 is chucked by the chuck bar B2. The first lens L1 is moved relative to the first support frame main body 11 by moving the chuck bar B2 while being chucked. At this time, only the parallel movement of the chuck bar B2 is sufficient, and the rotational movement around the axis parallel to the first optical axis A1 is unnecessary. This is because an allowance for parallel movement can be secured by the process shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the alignment process. The first lens L1 is moved to a position satisfying predetermined optical characteristics as a whole of the first lens group G1, and stopped at that position.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 9E, an adhesive 18 is applied around the first lens L1 to fix the first lens L1 to the first support frame body 11. The adhesive 18 is, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 8H, the cover cap 12 is fixed to the first support frame body 11 after alignment. The notch 16 and the notch 17 are covered with the cover cap 12. The cover cap 12 has a shielding portion that covers the notch 16 and the notch 17. Thereby, the entrance of light from the notch 16 and the notch 17 is prevented.

(4) Second Support Frame Returning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second support frame 20 will be described. The second lens group G2 is fixed to the second support frame 20 by adhesion, for example. A first guide shaft 59 and a second guide shaft 69 are fixed to the main body frame 70. By the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69, the second support frame 20 is supported so as to be movable along the second optical axis A2.

  Specifically, the second support frame 20 includes a second support frame main body 21 to which the second lens group G2 is fixed, a first guide portion 23 that slides with the first guide shaft 59, and a second guide shaft 69. And a second guide portion 24 that slides, and a first drive member 25 that receives the drive force generated by the first drive unit 50. The second support frame 20, the first guide shaft 59, and the second guide shaft 69 constitute a first support mechanism S1 that movably supports the second lens group G2. The second support frame 20 is guided mainly by the first guide shaft 59. The second guide shaft 69 prevents the second support frame 20 from rotating around the first guide shaft 59.

(5) First Drive Unit The first drive unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining attachment positions of the first drive unit and the second drive unit. The second support frame 20 is driven by the first drive unit 50. Specifically, the first drive unit 50 supports the first drive motor 51, the first lead screw 52 that is rotationally driven by the first drive motor 51, and the first drive motor 51 and the first lead screw 52. And a first frame 53.

  The first frame 53 is fixed to the main body frame 70. The first drive member 25 is screwed into the first lead screw 52. The first drive member 25 is supported by the second support frame main body 21 so as to be rotatable and move integrally in the axial direction. With these configurations, when the first lead screw 52 rotates, the second support frame 20 moves along the second optical axis A2.

(6) Aperture Unit and Shutter Unit A diaphragm unit 22 and a shutter unit 29 are fixed to the second support frame 20. The aperture unit 22 is fixed to the first lens group G1 side of the second support frame 20, and the shutter unit 29 is fixed to the imaging unit 90 side (opposite side of the first lens group G1 side) of the second support frame 20. ing. The aperture unit 22 and the shutter unit 29 are integrated with the second support frame 20 and are driven in the direction of the second optical axis A2 by the first drive unit 50.

  The shutter unit 29 has a shutter mechanism 29a provided so as to open and block the optical path along the second optical axis A2, and a shutter drive motor 27 that drives the shutter mechanism. The shutter drive motor 27 is disposed closer to the first lens group G1 than the shutter mechanism 29a in the direction along the second optical axis A2.

  Further, the shutter unit 29 includes a neutral density filter (an example of an optical element) that can be inserted into and retracted from the optical path along the second optical axis A2, and a filter drive motor that drives the neutral density filter. 28 (an example of an element driving motor). The filter drive motor 28 is disposed closer to the first lens group G1 than the neutral density filter in the direction along the second optical axis A2.

(7) 3rd support frame The 3rd support frame 30 is demonstrated using FIG. 6 and FIG. The third lens group G3 is fixed to the third support frame 30 by caulking, for example. The third support frame 30 is supported by the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69 so as to be movable along the second optical axis A2. Specifically, the third support frame 30 includes a third support frame main body 31 to which the third lens group G3 is fixed, a third guide portion 33 that slides with the second guide shaft 69, and a first guide shaft 59. And a fourth guide part 34 that slides, and a second drive member 35 that receives the drive force generated by the second drive unit 60.

  The third support frame 30, the first guide shaft 59, and the second guide shaft 69 constitute a second support mechanism S2 that movably supports the third lens group G3. The third support frame 30 is guided mainly by the second guide shaft 69. The first guide shaft 59 prevents the third support frame 30 from rotating around the second guide shaft 69.

  By the way, in addition to passing between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 between the first lens group G1 and the fourth lens group G4, a third support is provided between the second support frame 20 and the main body frame 70. There is a light path between the frame 30 and the main body frame 70, between the second support frame 20 and the back plate 72, or between the third support frame 30 and the back plate 72. Between the second support frame 20 and the main body frame 70, between the third support frame 30 and the main body frame 70, between the second support frame 20 and the back plate 72, or between the third support frame 30 and the back plate 72. The light that passes through is unnecessary light. That is, the light that does not pass through the imaging optical system O and reaches the imaging unit 90 through the gap between the fixed member and the moving member is unnecessary light. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a path of unnecessary light. The arrows shown in FIG. 11 are unnecessary light paths.

  In order to suppress unnecessary light, it is preferable to reduce a gap between a fixing member such as the main body frame 70 and the back plate 72 and a moving member such as the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30. However, in order to move smoothly, it is preferable to provide a certain gap. Therefore, in the embodiment, the gap between the fixing member such as the main body frame 70 and the back plate 72 and the moving member such as the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 is reduced, but is not lost. In the present embodiment, the gap between the back plate 72 and the second support frame 20 is larger than the gap between the main body frame 70 and the second support frame 20. Similarly, the gap between the back plate 72 and the third support frame 30 is larger than the gap between the main body frame 70 and the third support frame 30. This is because the positions of the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 are determined with respect to the main body frame 70 via the first guide shaft 59 or the second guide shaft 69. This is because the accuracy of the gap and the gap between the main body frame 70 and the third support frame 30 is relatively high. Further, since the back plate 72 is fixed to the main body frame 70, the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 have the main frame 70 and the first guide shaft 59 or the main body frame 70 and the second guide with respect to the back plate 72. This is because the position is determined via the shaft 69 and the accuracy of the gap between the back plate 72 and the second support frame 20 and the gap between the back plate 72 and the third support frame 30 is relatively low.

  Further, in order to suppress unnecessary light, the size of the gap between the fixing member such as the main body frame 70 and the back plate 72 and the moving member such as the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 in the second optical axis A2 direction. Is preferably increased. This is because unnecessary light that has entered the gap is repeatedly reflected and attenuated until it exits in the direction of the second optical axis A2. Since the second lens group G2 includes a plurality of lenses L4 to L7, the second support frame 20 that supports the second lens group G2 inevitably has a relatively large size in the second optical axis A2 direction. Therefore, the size of the gap between the main body frame 70 and the second support frame 20 in the second optical axis A2 direction and the size of the gap between the back plate 72 and the second support frame 20 in the second optical axis A2 direction are relatively large. growing. Therefore, unnecessary light passing through these gaps is attenuated. However, since the third lens group G3 includes only a single lens (eighth lens L8), the third support frame 30 that supports the third lens group G3 takes into account the downsizing of the lens barrel 3. The size in the second optical axis A2 direction is relatively small. Therefore, the size of the gap between the main body frame 70 and the second support frame 20 in the second optical axis A2 direction and the size of the gap between the back plate 72 and the second support frame 20 in the second optical axis A2 direction are relatively large. It gets smaller.

  In the present embodiment, the third support frame 30 has a first shielding rib 35 protruding from the third support frame main body 31 in the second optical axis A2 direction on the back side (Y-axis negative direction side). The first shielding rib 35 faces the lens housing (specifically, the back plate 72) on the back side (Y-axis negative direction side) of the third support frame 30. Thereby, the size of the gap between the third support frame 30 and the back plate 72 in the second optical axis A2 direction is relatively large, and unnecessary light passing through the gap is attenuated.

  The first shielding rib 35 may be provided only on the front side (Y-axis positive direction side) of the third support frame 30, and the front side (Y-axis positive direction side) and the back side (Y-axis negative direction side). You may provide in both. However, the third support frame 30 is preferably provided at least on the back side (Y-axis negative direction side) of the third support frame 30. That is, the back side is the opening side of the main body frame 70. A back plate 72 is disposed on the opening side of the main body frame 70. For this reason, as already described, the gap between the third support frame 30 and the back plate 72 is relatively large. Therefore, since unnecessary light easily enters this gap, the first shielding rib 35 is particularly effective for attenuating unnecessary light passing through this gap.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the size of the end portion of the third support frame 30 in the X-axis direction in the second optical axis A2 direction is the second size of the portion of the third support frame 30 where the first shielding rib 35 is disposed. It is smaller than the size in the direction of the optical axis A2. The third support frame 30 is smaller in size in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction when viewed from the second optical axis A2 direction. Therefore, the angle formed by the second optical axis A2 and the line connecting the second lens group G2 and the end in the X-axis direction of the third support frame 30 is the first shielding rib of the third support frame 30 from the second lens group G2. It is larger than the angle formed by the line connecting the portions where 35 is disposed and the second optical axis A2. Therefore, of the light transmitted through the second lens group G2, the light that reaches the end of the third support frame 30 in the X-axis direction reaches the portion of the third support frame 30 where the first shielding rib 35 is disposed. Less than the light to be. Therefore, even if the size of the end portion of the third support frame 30 in the X-axis direction in the second optical axis A2 direction is smaller than the size of the first shielding rib 35 in the second optical axis A2 direction, unnecessary light is not much. It doesn't matter. Further, the size of the end portion of the third support frame 30 in the X-axis direction in the second optical axis A2 direction is made smaller than the size of the first shielding rib 35 in the second optical axis A2 direction, so that the third support frame. The space below the end in the X-axis direction of 30 can be used effectively. In the present embodiment, when the third support frame 30 is closest to the bottom surface of the main body frame 70 in the use state, that is, when the third support frame 30 is most positioned in the negative Z-axis direction, the first shielding rib 35 is provided. Is formed in the main body frame 70 so as not to interfere with the main body frame 70. In the present embodiment, the escape portion 73 is a notch formed on the opening side of the main body frame 70, and therefore the strength of the main body frame 70 does not decrease so much. Further, the thickness (size in the Z-axis direction) of the portion of the main body frame 70 facing the lower side of the end portion in the X-axis direction of the third support frame 30 is determined from the thickness of the escape portion 73 (size in the Z-axis direction). It is also bigger. Therefore, the strength of the main body frame 70 can be increased.

  Note that, as in the present embodiment, the second shielding rib 36 protruding from the third support frame main body 31 in the direction of the second optical axis A2 may also be provided at the end of the third support frame 30 in the X-axis direction. . The size of the second shielding rib 36 in the second optical axis A2 direction may be larger than the size of the first shielding rib 35 in the second optical axis A2 direction, but is preferably smaller for the reasons described above.

(8) Second Drive Unit The second drive unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 10. The third support frame 30 is driven by the second drive unit 60. Specifically, the second drive unit 60 includes a second drive motor 61, a second lead screw 62 (an example of a second drive shaft) that is rotationally driven by the second drive motor 61, a second drive motor 61, And a second frame 63 that supports the second lead screw 62. In FIG. 6, the second frame 63 is removed so that the inside of the main body frame 70 is easy to see. However, as shown in FIG. It is fixed. The second drive member 35 is screwed into the second lead screw 62. The screw shape of the second lead screw 62 is not shown, but has the same screw shape as that of the first lead screw 52. The second drive member 35 is supported by the third support frame main body 31 so as to be rotatable and move integrally in the axial direction. With these configurations, when the second lead screw 62 rotates, the third support frame 30 moves along the second optical axis A2.

  The arrangement of the second frame 63 will be described more specifically. The second drive unit is inserted into the main body frame 70 from the opening side of the main body frame 70, and the second lead screw 62 is disposed at a predetermined position. And the 2nd frame 63 is fixed to the opening part side of the main body frame 70, ie, the back side, with a screw. A portion of the second frame 63 that supports the second lead screw 62 is disposed so as to enter the inside of the main body frame 70 from the opening side of the main body frame 70. Therefore, the second drive unit 60 can be attached to the main body frame 70 in a state where the second drive unit 60 is assembled, that is, in a state where the second frame 63 supports the second drive motor 61 and the second lead screw 62. It is easy to assemble. Further, it is not necessary to provide a hole or notch for inserting the second drive unit 60 into the main body frame 70 on the left side surface of the main body frame 70. The main body frame 70 of the embodiment does not have a hole or notch for insertion into the main body frame 70 on the left side surface. Therefore, the main body frame 70 has high strength.

  The reason why the opening is provided on the back surface of the main body frame 70 is to facilitate the work of incorporating the second support frame 20 or the third support frame 30 into the main body frame 70. A part of the movement range of the second lens group G2 in the second optical axis A2 direction overlaps a part of the movement range of the third lens group G3 in the second optical axis A2 direction. Therefore, a member fixed in the second optical axis A2 direction cannot be arranged between the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 in the second optical axis A2 direction. The main body frame 70 needs to have a space including the movement range of the second lens group G2 in the second optical axis A2 direction and the movement range of the third lens group G3 in the second optical axis A2 direction. The first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69 are arranged inside the main body frame 70 (the movement range of the second lens group G2 in the second optical axis A2 direction or the third lens group G3 in the second optical axis A2 direction). It cannot be fixed to the main body frame 70 in the movement range), but needs to be fixed above and below the main body frame 70, respectively. Therefore, for example, when the opening portion of the main body frame 70 is provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the main body frame 70, the area of the opening portion is small and the depth from the opening portion of the internal space is increased. It becomes difficult to incorporate into the main body frame 70. Therefore, assembling work is facilitated by providing the opening on the back surface as in this embodiment. The opening is preferably provided on the largest side surface of the main body frame 70. In the case of the lens barrel 3, the opening may be provided on the front surface.

(9) Lens Driving Device FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the lens driving device. FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the lens driving device. The fourth lens group G4 is supported by the lens driving device 40 so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis A2. Specifically, the lens driving device 40 includes a master flange 42 and a fourth support frame 41 supported so as to be movable with respect to the master flange 42 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The fourth support frame 41 supports the fourth lens group G4.

  Specifically, the fourth support frame 41 has a long hole 43 extending in the X-axis direction when viewed from the second optical axis A2 direction. The rotating shaft 44 is fixed to the master flange 42. The rotation shaft 44 has an axial direction substantially parallel to the second optical axis A2 direction, and protrudes from the master flange 42 toward the fourth support frame 41. The rotating shaft 44 is engaged with the elongated hole 43. The rotation shaft 44 allows the fourth support frame 41 to move in the long axis direction of the long hole 43 and allows the fourth support frame 41 to rotate about the rotation shaft 44. Further, the rotation shaft 44 restricts the long hole 43 from moving in the Y-axis direction. The fourth lens group G4 moves in the long axis direction (substantially the X axis direction) of the long hole 43 as the fourth support frame 41 moves in the long axis direction of the long hole 43. Further, the fourth lens group G4 rotates around the rotation shaft 44 as the fourth support frame 41 rotates around the rotation shaft 44. Since the rotation range is not so large, the fourth lens group G4 substantially moves in the Y-axis direction.

  In order to restrict the movement range of the fourth support frame 41, the fourth support frame 41 has a restriction hole 45 that is open when viewed from the direction of the second optical axis A2. The restriction pin 46 is fixed to the master flange 42. The restriction pin 46 has an axial direction substantially parallel to the second optical axis A2 direction, and protrudes from the master flange 42 toward the fourth support frame 41. The restriction pin 46 is inserted into the restriction hole 45. The fourth support frame 41 can move relative to the master flange 42 by the amount of the gap between the restriction hole 45 and the restriction pin 46 viewed from the second optical axis A2 direction, and further movement is restricted. In other words, the movement of the fourth support frame 41 with respect to the master flange 42 is restricted when the side surface of the restriction hole 45 contacts the restriction pin 46.

  In order to restrict the movement of the fourth support frame 41 in the direction of the second optical axis A2, the fourth support frame 41 includes a first bearing 47a and a second bearing 47b. Further, the first slide shaft 48 a and the second slide shaft 48 b are fixed to the master flange 42. The first slide shaft 48a and the second slide shaft 48b are parallel to a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis A2. The first bearing 47a is disposed so as to sandwich the first slide shaft 48a from the second optical axis A2 direction. The second bearing 47b is disposed so as to sandwich the second slide shaft 48b from the second optical axis A2 direction. The first bearing 47a, the first slide shaft 48a, the second bearing 47b, and the second slide shaft 48b restrict the fourth support frame 41 from moving in the second optical axis A2 direction with respect to the master flange 42. It is allowed to move in a plane orthogonal to the two optical axes A2.

  The first slide shaft 48a is disposed obliquely with respect to the Y axis. The first slide shaft 48a is also arranged obliquely with respect to the X axis. That is, the first slide shaft 48a is disposed at an angle greater than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the Y axis. The first slide shaft 48 a is fixed to the back surface of the master flange 42 and a surface (right side surface) substantially orthogonal to the back surface of the master flange 42. Thereby, it can arrange | position in less space compared with the 2nd slide shaft 48b.

  A coil 49 is fixed to the master flange 42. A magnet (not shown) is fixed to the fourth support frame 41. Then, by energizing the coil, the fourth support frame 41 is driven with respect to the master flange 42 by magnetic force. The magnet may be fixed to the master flange 42 and the coil may be fixed to the fourth support frame 41.

<Arrangement features>
Further, the lens barrel 3 has a feature in the arrangement of each component. Specifically, in order to improve the positional accuracy of the first support frame 10, the second support frame 20, and the third support frame 30, the following features are provided.

  The second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 are positioned by the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69. FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a process of incorporating the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 into the main body frame 70. As shown in FIG. 13A, the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69 are inserted from the upper surface side of the main body frame 70. As shown in FIG. 13B, the second support frame 20 is inserted into the main body frame 70 from the opening of the main body frame 70. As shown in FIG. 13C, the first guide shaft 59 is engaged with the first guide portion 23 of the second support frame 20, and the second guide shaft 69 is engaged with the second guide portion 24. As shown in FIG. 13D, the third support frame 30 is inserted into the main body frame 70 from the opening of the main body frame 70. As shown in FIG. 13E, the first guide shaft 59 is engaged with the fourth guide portion 34 of the third support frame 30, and the second guide shaft 69 is engaged with the third guide portion 33. As shown in FIG. 13 (F), the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69 are inserted to the bottom surface of the main body frame 70. The first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69 are fixed to the main body frame 70. At this time, the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69 protrude from the upper surface of the main body frame 70. The first support frame 10 is provided with a first positioning hole 19a and a second positioning hole 19b. When the first support frame 10 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body frame 70, the first guide shaft 59 is engaged with the first positioning hole 19a as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the second guide shaft 69 is engaged with the second positioning hole 19b. Accordingly, the first support frame 10 is positioned by the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69. Thereafter, the first support frame 10 is fixed to the main body frame 70.

  As described above, the first support frame 10, the second support frame 20, and the third support frame 30 are engaged by the same member, specifically, the first guide shaft 59 and the second guide shaft 69. . Therefore, the positional accuracy of the first support frame 10, the second support frame 20, and the third support frame 30 can be increased.

<Operation of digital camera>
The operation of the digital camera 1 will be described. Since the basic operation of the digital camera 1 is not different from that of the conventional camera, the description of the basic operation is omitted.

(1) Zooming operation during shooting When the power is turned on, for example, the imaging optical system O is set to the wide-angle end (the state shown in FIG. 10). When the zoom adjustment lever 7 is operated to the telephoto side, the second support frame 20 and the third support frame 30 are operated by the first drive unit 50 and the second drive unit 60 according to the rotation angle and operation time of the zoom adjustment lever 7. Are driven in a direction along the second optical axis A2. Specifically, when the first lead screw 52 is rotationally driven by the first drive motor 51 of the first drive unit 50, the second support frame 20 moves toward the first lens group G1 along the second optical axis A2. Move (see, for example, FIG. 11). When the second lead screw 62 is rotationally driven by the second drive motor 61 of the second drive unit 60, the third support frame 30 moves toward the first lens group G1 along the second optical axis A2 (for example, FIG. 6). The second support frame 20 moves linearly from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, but the third support frame 30 is turned back to the imaging unit 90 side and moved again to the first lens group G1 side.

  When the zoom adjustment lever 7 is operated to the wide angle side, the second support frame 20 is driven to the imaging unit 90 side by the first drive unit 50 according to the rotation angle and operation time of the zoom adjustment lever 7, and the second drive. The third support frame 30 is driven to the image pickup unit 90 side by the unit 60.

  Thus, the zoom ratio of the imaging optical system O is increased by moving the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 along the second optical axis A2.

(2) Operation of Lens Driving Device The fourth lens group G4 is driven by the lens driving device 40 in accordance with the amount of shake in the pitch direction and yaw direction detected by the shake detection sensor. Thereby, the position of the optical image of the subject can be adjusted according to the shake of the digital camera 1, and the shake of the image can be corrected.

<Other embodiments>
The lens driving mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention will be described collectively in this section.

(1)
The lens barrel 3 described above can be applied not only to a digital camera but also to an imaging device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

(2)
The first drive unit 50 and the second drive unit 60 may be other drive units such as an electromagnetic actuator.

(3)
The escape portion 73 is a notch formed on the opening side of the main body frame 70, but may be a hole formed in the main body frame 70.

(4)
The “lens barrel” is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and is a concept including a rectangular shape as in the present embodiment.

<Features of the embodiment>
Characteristic parts in the above embodiment are listed below. The invention included in the above embodiment is not limited to the following.

[A1]
The lens barrel is a lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side, and a bending optical element (for example, a prism as an example) that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. PR) having a first lens group (for example, the first lens group G1);
A movable lens group (as an example, a third lens group G3) movable in a direction along the second optical axis;
A lens case (main body frame 70 as an example) that houses the moving lens group therein;
A mechanism for supporting the movable lens group so as to be movable relative to the lens housing in a direction along the second optical axis, the support frame supporting the movable lens group (for example, a third support frame) 30) having a support mechanism,
The support frame is provided at a support frame main body (third support frame main body 31 as an example) that supports the moving lens group, and an end of the support frame main body in the direction along the first optical axis, and the support frame And a shielding rib projecting in a direction along the second optical axis from the frame body (first shielding rib 35 as an example).

  Thereby, unnecessary light can be suppressed.

[A2]
A lens barrel according to A1,
The size in the direction along the second optical axis of the portion of the support frame where the shielding rib is provided is along the first optical axis and the axis orthogonal to the second optical axis of the support frame. It is larger than the size of the end portion in the direction of the second optical axis.

  Thereby, the space adjacent to the end of the support frame in the direction along the axis orthogonal to the first optical axis and the second optical axis can be used effectively.

[A3]
A lens barrel according to A1 or A2,
The lens housing is disposed so as to cover a main body frame (for example, the main body frame 70) having an opening in one of the directions along the first optical axis (for example, the back surface) and the opening. A cover member (back plate 72 as an example),
The shielding rib is provided at an end of the support frame main body on the cover member side.

  Thereby, the unnecessary light of the part which unnecessary light passes easily can be suppressed effectively. In addition, the degree of freedom in designing a lens housing that facilitates assembly of the lens barrel is improved.

[A4]
A lens barrel according to any one of A1 to A3,
A second lens group (as an example, a second lens group) disposed between the first lens group and the moving lens group along the second optical axis and movable in the direction along the second optical axis. A lens group).

[A5]
A lens barrel according to A4,
A part of the moving range of the second lens group in the direction along the second optical axis overlaps with a part of the moving range of the moving lens group in the direction along the second optical axis.

  Even if a lens configuration in which unnecessary light is more likely to be generated is employed, unnecessary light can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the degree of freedom in lens design is improved.

[A6]
A lens barrel according to any one of A1 to A5,
The lens housing has a hole provided so that the shielding ribs do not interfere with the movement of the moving lens group, or a relief part formed as a notch (escape part 73 as an example).

  Thereby, it is easy to ensure the strength while reducing the size of the lens housing.

[A7]
In the lens barrel according to any one of A1 to A6, the moving lens group is configured by only a single lens (eighth lens L8 as an example).

  Even if a lens configuration in which unnecessary light is more likely to be generated is employed, unnecessary light can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the degree of freedom in lens design is improved.

[B1]
The lens support structure includes a lens (first lens L1 as an example) and a support frame (first support frame 10 as an example) that supports the lens,
The lens has a shape closed by an arc and at least one line when viewed from the optical axis direction, and includes a first side surface (as an example, the first side face L1C) along the line, and the arc. A second side surface (as an example, the second side surface L1R),
The support frame includes a wall portion (as an example, a wall portion 14) whose position in the optical axis direction overlaps the position in the optical axis direction of the first side surface, and a portion facing the first side surface of the wall portion. And a first notch portion (notch portion 17 as an example).

  Thereby, a 1st side surface can be pushed from a 1st notch part. And the position adjustment with respect to the support frame of a lens is easy.

[B2]
In the lens support structure according to B <b> 1, the wall portion has a shape along the first side surface and the second side surface when viewed from the optical axis direction. As a result, the lens whose first side surface is pushed from the first notch can be brought into a desired posture along the wall. And the position adjustment with respect to the support frame of a lens is easy.

[B3]
The lens support structure according to B2, wherein the lens has a shape closed by an arc and at least two lines. Thereby, it is easier to make the lens whose first side surface is pressed from the first notch into a desired posture.

[B4]
The lens support structure according to any one of B1 to B3, wherein the support frame is a second notch portion (as an example, a notch portion 16) provided at a portion facing the second side surface of the wall portion. Have Thereby, the circular arc or 2nd side surface of a lens can be pushed from a 2nd notch part. And the position adjustment with respect to the support frame of a lens is easy.

[B5]
5. The lens support structure according to any one of B1 to 4, wherein the support frame includes a contact portion (for example, a contact portion 15) that contacts the lens in the optical axis direction. Thereby, position adjustment with respect to a support frame can be performed, contacting the said lens to a contact part. And the position adjustment with respect to the support frame of a lens is easy.

[C1]
The lens barrel
It has a first lens group (first lens group G1 as an example), a second lens group (second lens group G2 as an example), and a third lens group (third lens group G3 as an example). An imaging optical system that transmits light in the order of the lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group (imaging optical system O as an example);
A first support frame (as an example, the first support frame 10) that supports the first lens group;
A second support frame (as an example, the second support frame 20) that supports the second lens group;
A third support frame (as an example, the third support frame 30) that supports the third lens group;
A body frame containing the second support frame and the third support frame (body frame 70 as an example);
A first guide shaft (as an example, a first guide shaft 59) engaged with the first support frame, the second support frame, and the third support frame and fixed to the main body frame;
A second guide shaft (as an example, a second guide shaft 69) that is engaged with the first support frame, the second support frame, and the third support frame and is fixed to the main body frame.

  Thereby, the positional accuracy of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group can be increased.

[C2]
A lens barrel according to C1,
The first guide shaft is fixed to the main body frame between the first support frame and the second support frame,
The second guide shaft is fixed to the main body frame between the first support frame and the second support frame.

  Thereby, the intensity | strength of a 1st guide shaft and a 2nd guide shaft can be raised. In addition, the positional accuracy of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group can be further increased.

[C3]
The lens barrel according to C1 or C2, wherein the first lens group bends a light beam incident along a first optical axis in a direction along a second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. It has a bending optical element (prism PR as an example).

[C4]
The lens barrel according to any one of C1 to C3, wherein the second support frame and the third support frame are movable along the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft.

[C5]
A lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side, and a bending optical element (for example, a prism as an example) that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. PR) having a first lens group (for example, the first lens group G1);
A movable lens group (as an example, a third lens group G3) movable in a direction along the second optical axis;
A main body frame (for example, main body frame 70) having the moving lens group housed therein and having an opening in one of the directions along the first optical axis, and a cover arranged to cover the opening A lens housing having a member (back plate 72 as an example);
A mechanism for supporting the movable lens group so as to be movable relative to the lens housing in a direction along the second optical axis, the support frame supporting the movable lens group (for example, a third support frame) 30) having a support mechanism;
A drive unit (as an example, the second drive unit 60) that is attached to the opening side of the main body frame and drives the movable lens group in a direction along the second optical axis.

  Thereby, the assembly of the lens barrel is easy, and the strength of the lens barrel (particularly the main body frame) can be increased.

[C6]
A lens barrel according to C5,
The drive unit is
The drive motor (second drive motor 61 as an example);
A lead screw that is rotationally driven by the drive motor (second lead screw 62 as an example);
A frame for supporting the drive motor and the lead screw (second frame 63 as an example);
Have
The frame is fixed to the opening side of the main body frame.

[C7]
A lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side, and a bending optical element (for example, a prism as an example) that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. PR) having a first lens group (for example, the first lens group G1);
An image blur correction lens group (for example, a fourth lens group G4) disposed on the second optical axis;
A lens driving device (lens driving device 40 as an example) that supports the image blur correction lens group so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis,
The lens driving device includes:
A fixed frame (as an example, a master flange 42) that does not move with respect to the second optical axis;
A slide shaft (first slide shaft 48a as an example) fixed to the fixed frame and arranged in parallel with a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis;
A support frame (fourth support frame 41 as an example) that supports the image blur correction lens group;
The slide shaft is fixed to the support frame so as to sandwich the slide shaft from the direction along the second optical axis, the movement of the support frame in the direction along the second optical axis is restricted, and the support frame is A bearing that allows movement in a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis (as an example, the first bearing 47a),
The slide shaft is disposed at an angle greater than 0 degree and less than 90 degrees with respect to the first optical axis.

  Thereby, the size of the lens driving device can be reduced, and the size of the lens barrel can be reduced.

  The present invention is useful in the field of cameras. It is also useful in the field of mobile phones having camera functions.

Schematic perspective view of digital camera 1 Schematic perspective view of digital camera 1 Configuration diagram of imaging optical system O The perspective view seen from the direction in which the front surface, upper surface and right side surface of the lens barrel 3 can be seen The perspective view seen from the direction which can see the back, top, and left side of lens barrel 3 A perspective view of the lens barrel 3 viewed from the back side with the back plate 73 and the like removed. Cutaway view of lens barrel 3 cut along a plane including the first optical axis and the second optical axis The figure for demonstrating the assembly of the 1st support frame 10 and the assembly of the 1st lens group G1. Illustration for explaining alignment The perspective view for demonstrating the attachment position of a 1st drive unit and a 2nd drive unit Diagram showing the path of unnecessary light The figure for demonstrating a lens drive device The figure for demonstrating the process of incorporating the 2nd support frame 20 and the 3rd support frame 30 in the main body frame 70. FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Camera body 3 Lens barrel 10 1st support frame 12 Cover cap 13, 13B Light shielding sheet 14 Wall part 15 Contact part 16, 17 Notch part 18 Adhesive 19a 1st positioning hole 19b 2nd positioning hole 20 Second support frame 21 Second support frame body 22 Aperture unit (light quantity adjustment unit)
23 1st guide part 24 2nd guide part 25 1st drive member 27 Shutter drive motor (cut-off drive motor)
28 Filter drive motor (element drive motor)
29 Shutter unit (light path blocking unit)
30 Third support frame 35 First shielding rib 36 Second shielding rib 40 Lens driving device 41 Fourth support frame 42 Master flange 43 Long hole 44 Rotating shaft 45 Restriction hole 46 Restriction pin 47a First bearing 47b Second bearing 48a First Slide shaft 48b Second slide shaft 49 Coil 50 First drive unit 51 First drive motor 52 First lead screw (first drive shaft)
53 1st frame 60 2nd drive unit (2nd drive shaft)
61 2nd drive motor 62 2nd lead screw 63 2nd frame 70 Main body frame 72 Back plate G1 1st lens group G2 2nd lens group G3 3rd lens group G4 4th lens group L1C 1st side surface L1R 2nd side surface

Claims (7)

An imaging optical system having a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, and transmitting light from the subject side in the order of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group;
A first support frame for supporting the first lens group;
A second support frame for supporting the second lens group;
A third support frame for supporting the third lens group;
A body frame containing the second support frame and the third support frame;
A first guide shaft that engages with the first support frame, the second support frame, and the third support frame and is fixed to the main body frame;
A second guide shaft engaged with the first support frame, the second support frame, and the third support frame and fixed to the main body frame;
A lens barrel comprising: The first guide shaft is fixed to the main body frame between the first support frame and the second support frame,
The second guide shaft is fixed to the main body frame between the first support frame and the second support frame.
The lens barrel according to claim 1. The first lens group includes a bending optical element that bends a light beam incident along a first optical axis in a direction along a second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis.
The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2. The second support frame and the third support frame are movable along the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft.
The lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side and has a bending optical element that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. A lens group;
A movable lens group movable in a direction along the second optical axis;
A lens housing that houses the movable lens group therein and has a main body frame having an opening in one of the directions along the first optical axis, and a cover member arranged to cover the opening When,
A mechanism for supporting the moving lens group so as to be movable relative to the lens housing in a direction along the second optical axis, the support mechanism having a support frame for supporting the moving lens group;
A drive unit attached to the opening side of the main body frame and driving the movable lens group in a direction along the second optical axis;
A lens barrel. The drive unit is
The drive motor;
A lead screw that is rotationally driven by the drive motor;
A frame that supports the drive motor and the lead screw;
Have
The frame is fixed to the opening side of the main body frame,
The lens barrel according to claim 5. A lens barrel that forms an optical image of a subject,
A lens group that takes in a light beam from the subject side and has a bending optical element that bends the light beam incident along the first optical axis in a direction along the second optical axis that intersects the first optical axis. A lens group;
An image blur correction lens group disposed on the second optical axis;
A lens driving device that supports the image blur correction lens group so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis,
The lens driving device includes:
A fixed frame that does not move relative to the second optical axis;
A slide shaft fixed to the fixed frame and arranged in parallel with a plane orthogonal to the second optical axis;
A support frame that supports the image blur correction lens group,
The slide shaft is fixed to the support frame so as to sandwich the slide shaft from the direction along the second optical axis, the movement of the support frame in the direction along the second optical axis is restricted, and the support frame is A bearing that allows movement in a plane perpendicular to the second optical axis,
The slide shaft is disposed at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the first optical axis.
Lens barrel.

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