JP2011203385A - Lens driving device and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problems of a conventional lens barrel: when the length of a flexible substrate is increased, a large storage space is required for storing the flexible substrate or contact with peripheral components is highly likely to occur to cause disconnection.SOLUTION: A lens driving device includes: a third lens frame 58 holding a lens; a rear barrel 11 supporting the third lens frame 58 so as to be moved in an optical-axis direction through a guide shaft; a linear motor 60; and a flexible substrate 75. The linear motor 60 moves the third lens frame 58 in the optical-axis direction, and the flexible substrate 75 is electrically connected to the linear motor 60. The linear motor 60 includes a magnet 77 and a coil 61 which is supported on the third lens frame 58 and receives magnetic force of the magnet 77 to generate thrust force. The rear barrel 11 is provided with a concave portion 90 for retreat, to which a part of the third lens frame 58 is to be inserted. An intermediate portion of the flexible substrate 75 having one end connected to the coil 61 is interposed between the third lens frame 58 and the rear barrel 11 in the concave portion 90 for retreat.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens driving device that drives a lens holding frame that holds a lens with a linear motor in the optical axis direction of the lens, and an imaging device including the lens driving device, and in particular, uses a coil and a magnet as the linear motor. The present invention relates to a lens driving apparatus and an imaging apparatus.

  In general, a lens barrel of a digital still camera has a lens that guides a subject image to an image sensor, a lens holding frame that holds the lens, and a drive mechanism that moves the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction of the lens. Is disposed in front of the image sensor. These lenses and the lens holding frame are arranged inside the lens barrel, and the lens holding frame is moved by the operation of the driving mechanism so that the image of the subject is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element by the lens. .

  In such a lens barrel, a lens holding frame having a focusing function generally includes a screw shaft extending in the optical axis direction, a support member that rotatably supports both ends of the screw shaft, and a screw shaft. It has a screwed nut and a rotary motor that rotationally drives the screw shaft. The screw shaft is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of the lens, and the nut and the lens holding frame are connected by an arm member to be integrally formed. The motor is driven to rotate the screw shaft, and the lens holding frame is moved together with the nut, thereby moving the lens in the optical axis direction to exert the focus function.

In a lens barrel having a high zoom magnification, the motor used to exhibit this focusing function can secure a large space inside the barrel, and thus can be disposed inside the barrel. . On the other hand, in a popular machine having a zoom magnification of about 3 to 5 times, it is difficult to dispose a motor inside the lens barrel as the lens barrel is reduced in thickness. Many have provided a motor outside the cylinder.
Furthermore, the performance of the image sensor has been dramatically improved, and accordingly, the focus drive speed has been increased, the stop accuracy has been improved, and the quietness during operation has been demanded at a high level. Since it is difficult to respond to such a request with a rotary motor, instead of this, a lens mirror using a so-called linear motor in which a stator (stator) and a rotor (moving element) are developed on a straight line. A tube has been proposed.

  As a conventional lens driving device using a linear motor, for example, there is a device described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a lens barrel and an imaging apparatus that improve the operability by improving the moving speed of the lens in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel described in Patent Document 1 includes a base, an imaging device, a lens and a lens holding frame, a guide mechanism that supports the lens holding frame so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the lens, and a linear as a driving mechanism. A motor and a position detection mechanism are provided, and these are disposed inside the lens barrel.

  The linear motor includes a coil provided on one of the base and the lens holding frame, a magnet provided on the other of the base and the lens holding frame, and current supply means for supplying a current to the coil. The magnet has a magnetic pole surface extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens, and two magnetic poles are arranged side by side on the magnetic pole surface. The coil is characterized in that the winding is wound around an axis perpendicular to the magnetic pole surface, and the winding end surface is arranged to face the magnetic pole surface. According to the lens barrel described in Patent Document 1, a certain amount of gap can be secured inside the barrel, and a linear motor can be disposed near the lens. Therefore, a gap for wiring the flexible substrate can be secured, and the flexible substrate can be routed along the inner surface of the lens barrel.

  However, the lens barrel described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to mount a camera shake prevention mechanism. That is, in recent digital still cameras, mounting of a camera shake prevention mechanism has become a standard specification. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the lens barrel due to the space limitation inside the lens barrel, and it is difficult to adopt the lens barrel described in Patent Document 1 as a popular machine. As a solution to such a problem, for example, a lens barrel as described in Patent Document 2 is provided.

  Patent Document 2 describes a lens barrel and an optical device that reduce the overall length of the lens when retracted and are excellent in portability. The lens barrel described in Patent Document 2 has a barrel member that moves in the optical axis direction within a range from a retracted state to a photographing state with respect to a fixed barrel by rotation of a cam ring. A holding frame that holds the lens and a linear drive unit that drives the holding frame in the optical axis direction by a coil and a magnet are provided behind the lens barrel member. In this lens barrel, the shape of the third group movement holding frame is devised, and an arm portion for connecting the frame portion holding the third group lens and the moving portion of the linear motor is provided. This third group movement holding frame connects the third group lens frame and a linear motor disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the lens, and the lens is moved in the optical axis direction by driving the linear motor.

  According to such a lens barrel described in Patent Document 2, it has become possible to reduce the size and thickness of the lens barrel having a linear motor to some extent. It was not satisfactory, and the following problems occurred.

  Generally, linear motors as drive mechanisms are classified into an MC (moving coil) system in which a coil is disposed on the movable side and an MM (moving magnet) system in which a magnet is disposed on the movable side. The MM system is easy to feed power to the coil because the coil is arranged on the fixed side, but the movable part becomes heavy because the magnet is arranged on the movable side, which is disadvantageous for downsizing and thinning of the lens barrel. is there. On the other hand, the MC method is advantageous for downsizing and thinning because the movable part is lighter than the MM method, but it is necessary to feed power to the coil and position detector by a flexible substrate. It is necessary to consider that the movement of the movable part is not affected by the above.

  Considering the advantages of downsizing and thinning the lens barrel, the linear motor structure is assumed to be the MC system. Then, in the MC type linear motor, since the coil side reciprocates, in order to allow the movement of the coil, the middle part of the flexible board is bent by 180 degrees, and one end of the flexible board is connected to the coil side. Must be connected to the power supply. In this case, when the flexible substrate is bent 180 degrees, a reaction force is generated by the elasticity of the flexible substrate itself, and the reaction force acts as a resistance force against the moving force on the coil side.

  In order to reduce the reaction force of the flexible substrate, it is necessary to make the curved portion as long as possible. However, in this case, the flexible substrate becomes long, and a large storage space is required to store the long flexible substrate. Further, when the flexible substrate becomes longer, the probability of contact with peripheral components increases, and problems such as occurrence of disconnection due to contact also occur. Furthermore, the lens driving mechanism using a linear motor cannot hold the position of the lens holding frame when no power is supplied. As a result, when no power is supplied, the lens holding frame collides with a portion that restricts the movement range of the lens holding frame due to an external force or the like, and noise is generated due to the collision.

JP 2006-65129 A JP 2005-321696 A

  The problem to be solved is that in the conventional lens barrel, if the flexible substrate is lengthened, a large storage space is required to store the long flexible substrate, and it becomes difficult to reduce the size and thickness. In addition, disconnection due to contact with peripheral parts occurs. Furthermore, in a lens driving mechanism using a linear motor, the position of the lens holding frame cannot be held when no power is supplied, and the lens holding frame collides with a part that regulates its moving range due to an external force or the like, and abnormal noise is generated. There was a problem that occurred.

  The lens driving device of the present invention includes a lens holding frame that holds a lens, a rear barrel that supports the lens holding frame so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the lens via a guide shaft, and the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction. And a linear motor that is moved to the position and a flexible substrate. The linear motor includes a magnet and a coil that is supported by the lens holding frame and generates thrust by receiving the magnetic force of the magnet, and a flexible substrate is electrically connected to the coil. The rear lens barrel is provided with a recess into which a part of the lens holding frame is inserted, and the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate having one end connected to the coil is interposed between the lens holding frame and the rear lens barrel. Intervene.

  The imaging device of the present invention includes a lens holding frame that holds a lens, a rear barrel that supports the lens holding frame so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis of the lens via a guide shaft, a linear motor, and a flexible substrate. And a lens driving device having the above. The linear motor is a power source that moves the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction of the lens, and a flexible substrate is electrically connected to the linear motor. Further, the linear motor has a magnet and a coil that is supported by the lens holding frame and generates thrust by receiving the magnetic force of the magnet, and a recess in which a part of the lens holding frame is inserted into the rear barrel. Is provided. A midway portion of the flexible substrate having one end connected to the coil is interposed between the lens holding frame and the rear lens barrel in the recess.

  According to the lens driving device and the imaging device of the present invention, the moving part of the linear motor and the supporting part that movably supports the linear motor can be connected by a flexible substrate having a short length. Can be made thinner and thinner. In addition, the possibility of disconnection of the flexible substrate due to contact with peripheral components can be eliminated, and the movement of the lens holding frame due to external force or the like when no power is supplied can be restricted to prevent the occurrence of collision noise.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of embodiment of the lens barrel provided with the lens drive device of this invention. It is a front view of the lens barrel shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view in which a central portion of the lens barrel shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of a rear barrel related to the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1. It is the perspective view which looked at the 3rd lens frame which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the one surface side. It is the perspective view which looked at the 3rd lens frame which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the other surface side. It is explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the 3rd lens frame and linear motor which concern on the lens barrel shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state before a 3rd lens frame is assembled | attached to the rear lens barrel which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1, and a flexible substrate is inserted | pinched. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state after assembling a 3rd lens frame in the rear part barrel which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1, and pinching the flexible substrate. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the principal part of the state which assembled the linear motor in the rear part barrel which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the one surface side. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the principal part of the state which assembled the linear motor in the rear part barrel which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the side surface. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the principal part in the state which assembled the linear motor to the rear part barrel which concerns on the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the bottom face. It is sectional drawing of the XX line part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a rear lens barrel, a third lens frame, and a flexible base end related to the lens barrel shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory view showing a state in which the third lens frame is separated from the rear lens barrel. It is explanatory drawing which cut | disconnected the principal part at the time of retraction of the lens-barrel shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a rear lens barrel, a third lens frame, and a flexible base end related to the lens barrel illustrated in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory diagram at the time of retracting when the third lens frame approaches the rear lens barrel. FIG. 18 shows another example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 and is an explanatory view at the time of collapsing when the third lens frame approaches the rear barrel. It is the perspective view which looked at the digital still camera which showed an example of embodiment of the imaging device using the lens-barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the front side. It is the perspective view which looked at the digital still camera which showed an example of embodiment of the imaging device using the lens-barrel shown in FIG. 1 from the back side.

  A concave part into which a part of the lens holding frame is inserted is provided in the rear barrel of the lens barrel, and the middle part of the flexible substrate having one end connected to the coil is connected to the lens holding frame and the rear barrel in the concave part. Intervene between them. This makes it possible to reduce the size and thickness of the entire lens driving device, eliminate the possibility of disconnection of the flexible substrate due to contact with peripheral components, and further, when the lens is not energized, Generation of abnormal noise (collision sound) based on movement can be prevented.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A lens barrel 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment to which the lens driving device of the present invention is applied, and is configured as a retractable lens barrel used in a digital still camera. The collapsible lens barrel 1 includes a photographing optical system composed of a plurality of optical elements such as lenses and filters, and an annular body and a frame that support each component of the photographing optical system in a fixed or movable manner. It consists of mechanics. This mechanic system is operated by manual operation. However, a power system such as a motor or a gear may be provided to automatically operate the mechanic system.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the photographing optical system of the lens barrel 1 includes a first lens group 2, a second lens group 3, and a third lens group 4 arranged in order from the subject side. It is a group lens configuration. The first lens group 2 and the second lens group 3 are constituted by a combination of a plurality of lenses, and the third lens group 4 is constituted by a combination of one or two or more lenses. The zoom function is exhibited by the first lens group 2 and the second lens group 3, and the zooming operation of the optical system can be executed by moving both the lens groups 2 and 3 by a predetermined amount in the optical axis direction. In addition, the focusing function is exhibited by the third lens group 4, and the focusing operation of the optical system can be executed by moving the third lens group 4 by a predetermined amount in the optical axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens barrier unit 5 is disposed in front of the first lens group 2 in the optical axis direction, and the second lens group 3 is disposed behind the first lens group 2 in the optical axis direction. The third lens group 4 and the automatic exposure device 6 are disposed behind the second lens group 3 in the optical axis direction. A rear barrel 11 is disposed behind the third lens group 4 in the optical axis direction, and an imaging element 17 is attached to the rear barrel 11 so that the center of the imaging surface coincides with the optical axis of the lens group. It has been. As the image sensor 17, for example, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) or a CCD (charge coupled device) can be applied.

  A fixed ring 10 is detachably fixed to a front surface which is one surface of the rear barrel 11 by a fixing means such as a screw, and the fixed ring 10 and the rear barrel 11 are integrally configured. An opening hole 18 penetrating the thick part back and forth is provided at a substantially central portion of the rear barrel 11, and the imaging element 17 is arranged via the mounting member 19 so as to close the opening hole 18. 11 is fixed. A first rectilinear guide ring 7, a cam ring 8, and a second rectilinear guide ring 9 are accommodated inside the fixed ring 10, and the first lens group 2 to the third lens group are inside the cam ring 8 and the like. 4 and the lens barrier unit 5 are accommodated.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first lens group 2 includes a first lens 21 composed of a combination of a plurality of lenses (two in this embodiment), and a first lens that holds the first lens 21. It has a frame 22 and a first moving frame 23 that holds the first lens frame 22. The first moving frame 23 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of (three in this embodiment) cam pins 24 projecting inward and outward in the radial direction are provided at equal angular intervals on one side of the cylindrical portion. The lens barrier unit 5 is fixed to the first moving frame 23. The lens barrier unit 5 protects the photographing optical system by closing an optical path that is a photographing aperture on the objective lens side of the lens group when not photographing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens barrier unit 5 includes two open / close blades 31 formed symmetrically, a base member 32 that slidably holds the open / close blades 31, and the open / close blades 31. An opening / closing ring 33 that opens and closes and a barrier cover 34 are provided. The barrier cover 34 protects the front side of the opening / closing blade 31. The opening / closing blade 31 is provided with a drive arm 35 for opening and closing the blade. The drive arm 35 of the opening / closing blade 31 is configured to be rotated by relative movement of the lens barrier unit 5 with respect to the fixed ring 10 in the optical axis direction. That is, the drive arm 35 is rotated by the relative movement of the lens barrier unit 5 in the optical axis direction with respect to the fixed ring 10, whereby the opening / closing blade 31 is opened / closed to open / close the optical path of the lens barrier unit 5.

  A decorative ring 14 for adjusting the appearance of the lens barrel is attached to the first moving frame 23 to which such a lens barrier unit 5 is attached. The decorative ring 14 is fixed to the first moving frame 23 by attaching a double-sided tape with release paper to the front end surface of the barrier cover 34 that defines the front end opening of the lens barrier unit 5 and the adhesive force of the double-sided tape.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second lens group 3 includes a second lens 25 composed of a combination of a plurality of lenses (three lenses in this embodiment), and a second lens that holds the second lens 25. It has a frame 26, a front ring 27, and a second moving frame 28. The front ring 27 is disposed on the front side of the second lens frame 26 and prevents the second lens frame 26 from falling off the second moving frame 28. The second moving frame 28 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and three sets of cam pins 29 and two guide grooves 30 are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The three sets of cam pins 29 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the two guide grooves 30 extend in the cylinder axis direction in parallel with each other at two positions rotated and displaced by 180 degrees.

  The automatic exposure device 6 is disposed behind the second moving frame 28 in the optical axis direction. The automatic exposure apparatus 6 sets the exposure amount by measuring the amount of light passing through the lens group, and is mechanically connected to the second moving frame 28 and integrally configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stationary ring 10 has a body portion formed in a cylindrical shape, and four axial grooves 37 and three cams are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the body portion. A groove 38 and a circumferential groove 39 extending in the circumferential direction are provided. The circumferential groove 39 is provided on the distal end side of the stationary ring 10 (the side opposite to the side on which the rear barrel 11 is fixed), and the distal end side of the four axial grooves 37 and the distal end side of the three cam grooves 38. Are communicated with each other. The four axial grooves 37 are extended in parallel to the optical axis direction, and the three cam grooves 38 are inclined at an appropriate angle so as to draw a spiral around the optical axis. The rear barrel 11 is fixed to one end of the fixed ring 10 in the optical axis direction, and the first moving frame 23 and the like covered with the decorative ring 14 can project from the other end in the optical axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cam ring 8 has a body portion 8a formed in a cylindrical shape and a flange portion 8b formed continuously on one side in the axial direction of the body portion 8a. ing. An inner cam groove 42 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 8a of the cam ring 8, and an outer cam groove 43 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 8a. Three sets of cam pins 29 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second moving frame 28 are slidably engaged with the inner cam groove 42. In addition, the inner cam grooves 43 are slidably engaged with the inner convex portions of the three cam pins 24 provided on the first moving frame 23. The flange portion 8 b of the cam ring 8 is provided with a gear portion 51 extending in the circumferential direction. A part of the gear portion 51 is exposed to the outside by a notch provided in the fixed ring 10. A power source mounting portion 52 for mounting the cam ring drive actuator 12 is provided outside the notch of the fixed ring 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first rectilinear guide ring 7 is formed of a cylinder body into which the body portion 8 a of the cam ring 8 is fitted, and three rectilinear guides extending on the inner peripheral surface thereof in the cylinder axis direction. A groove 45 is provided. At the rear end portion of the first rectilinear guide ring 7, an outward flange portion 7 a that is developed radially outward is provided. The flange portion 7a of the first rectilinear guide ring 7 is provided with five claw-like convex portions 46 protruding outward in the radial direction. Of the five claw-shaped convex portions 46, four claw-shaped convex portions 46 can be engaged with four axial grooves 37 provided in the fixed ring 10, and the first linear guide ring is thereby engaged. 7 is configured to fit inside the stationary ring 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second rectilinear guide ring 9 is formed of a ring-shaped member having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the flange portion 8 b of the cam ring 8, and has three claw-like shapes protruding radially outward on the outer periphery thereof. A convex portion 48 is provided. The three claw-shaped convex portions 48 can be engaged with three of the four axial grooves 37 provided in the fixed ring 10, and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 of the fixed ring 10 is engaged by the engagement. It is configured to fit inside. Furthermore, two rod-shaped convex portions 48 projecting to one surface side are provided on the radially inner side of the second linear guide ring 9. The two rod-shaped convex portions 48 are disposed at positions that are rotationally displaced by approximately 180 degrees, and are slidably engaged with the two guide grooves 30 of the second moving frame 28.

  Thus, although the cam ring 8 can rotate around the optical axis of the lens group, it is necessary to prevent the first moving frame 23 and the second moving frame 28 from being rotated with the rotation of the cam ring 8. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first moving frame 23 is engaged with the three rectilinear guide grooves 45 provided on the first rectilinear guide ring 7 at the outer convex portions of the three cam pins 24 provided thereon. At the same time, two rod-like convex portions 48 provided on the second linear guide ring 9 are slidably engaged with the two guide grooves 30 provided on the second moving frame 28.

  The cam ring 8, the first rectilinear guide ring 7 and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 are respectively fitted by a bayonet system. Thereby, the first rectilinear guide ring 7 and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 can move straight without being rotated by the cam ring 8 with respect to the rotation of the cam ring 8, and the optical axis of the cam ring 8. Move in unison with movement in the direction. Further, the first rectilinear guide ring 7 is provided with a claw-like convex portion 47 slidably engaged with an axial groove 37 provided in the fixed ring 10, and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 is similarly provided with the fixed ring 10. A claw-like convex portion 48 that is slidably engaged with the axial groove 37 is provided. Therefore, the first rectilinear guide ring 7 and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 can move only in the optical axis direction with respect to the fixed ring 10, and are prevented from moving in the rotational direction.

  The cam ring 8 that causes such an operation is rotationally driven by a cam ring drive actuator 12. The cam ring drive actuator 12 is attached to a power source mounting portion 52 provided on the fixed ring 10, and the drive gear 16 meshed with the output gear 53 of the cam ring drive actuator 12 is exposed to the notch of the fixed ring 10. The cam ring 8 is meshed with the gear portion 51. The drive gear 16 is rotatably supported by the fixed ring 10.

  The cam ring drive actuator 12 includes an electric motor 54, an output gear 53, and a gear train 55 in which a plurality of gears that transmit the rotational force of the electric motor 54 to the output gear 53 are housed in a casing. The electric motor 54 is fixed to the casing, the output gear 53 is rotatably supported by the casing, and the cam ring drive actuator 12 is attached to the fixed ring 10 by screwing the casing to the fixed ring 10. As a result, when the cam ring drive actuator 12 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the drive gear 16 via the reduction gear train of the gear train 55, and as a result, the cam ring 8 rotates according to the rotation direction of the electric motor 54. Driven.

  The movement (advance and retreat) of the cam ring 8 in the optical axis direction is due to the rotational movement of the cam ring 8, and the first movement frame 23 and the second movement frame 28 are moved in the optical axis direction by the rotational movement of the cam ring 8. Moved. Therefore, the first moving frame 23 and the second moving frame 28 move in the optical axis direction by the rotational movement of the cam ring 8 and its position, move from the retracted position to the telephoto end via the wide angle end, and increase the focal length. It can be changed and adjusted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the third lens 57 of the third lens group 4 is integrally formed by being fixed to the third lens frame 58 with an adhesive. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the third lens frame 58 includes a lens holding part 62 that holds the third lens 57, a motor holding part 63, and an arm part 64. The motor holding part 63 is a part on which a part of the linear motor 60 serving as a power source for the focusing operation is mounted. The arm portion 64 connects the lens holding portion 62 and the motor holding portion 63, and in view of the fact that the linear motor 60 cannot be installed in the vicinity of the third lens 57, the lens holding portion 62 and the motor holding portion. This is a portion provided to integrate the portion 63.

  The lens holding portion 62 is formed of a ring-shaped frame, and the third lens 57 is bonded and fixed with an adhesive. A bearing projection piece 65 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lens holding portion 62 so as to project outward in the radial direction. A bearing groove 66 for a bearing made of a notch that opens to the side is provided at the tip of the bearing projection piece 65. A second guide shaft 73 is slidably engaged with the bearing groove 66 to prevent the third lens frame 58 from rotating when the third lens frame 58 moves in the optical axis direction. One end of an arm portion 64 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the lens holding portion 62.

  The arm portion 64 extends outward in the radial direction of the lens holding portion 62, and the motor holding portion 63 is connected to the distal end on the extending side. The arm part 64 is formed to be bent so as to protrude to one surface side (one side in the optical axis direction) of the lens holding part 62. As described above, the arm portion 64 is bent to provide a stepped portion, so that the cam ring 8 and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 can be disposed on the concave side of the stepped portion. To prevent interference. A flexible substrate 75 is disposed on the convex side of the arm portion 64. Therefore, an engaging protrusion 67 for engaging and holding the flexible substrate 75 is provided on the convex side of the arm portion 64.

  The motor holding portion 63 has a rising piece 63a, a connecting piece 63b, a facing piece 63c, an inner wall piece 63d, and a support piece 63e. The rising piece 63a is erected from one end of the arm portion 64, and the connecting piece 63b is developed in a direction perpendicular to the tip. The opposing piece 63c is continuously developed at the tip of the connecting piece 63b, and the opposing piece 63c is disposed opposite the rising piece 63a with a predetermined gap. The inner wall piece 63d is arranged so as to close one side of the space surrounded by the three surfaces of the rising piece 63a, the connecting piece 63b, and the opposing piece 63c, and the linear motor 60 is placed in the space surrounded by these. A coil 61 is arranged.

  The support piece 63e is disposed in parallel with the facing piece 63c in a space surrounded by the rising piece 63a, the connecting piece 63b, the facing piece 63c, and the inner wall piece 63d. A through hole 68 through which the yoke 76 is inserted is provided between the opposing piece 63c and the support piece 63e of the connecting piece 63b. The opposing piece 63c is provided with a storage hole 69 penetrating between the front and back surfaces, and a position detector 71 for detecting the position of the third lens 57 in the optical axis direction is attached to the storage hole 69. It has been. As the position detector 71, for example, a Hall element, an MR sensor (magnetoresistance element) or the like can be applied.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the linear motor 60 includes a coil 61, a yoke 76, a magnet (for example, magnetic steel, neodymium magnet, etc.) 77, and the like. The coil 61 is formed in a rectangular tube shape by appropriately winding a coil wire such as a copper wire, and a square central hole 78 is provided at the center. The yoke 76 and the support piece 63e are inserted into the center hole 78 of the coil 61, and the coil 61 is fixed to the support piece 63e standing on the edge of the through hole 68 with an adhesive.

  The yoke 76 has a U-shaped cross section made of a magnetic material such as iron, and a closing body 79 is attached to the opening thereof. The yoke 76 includes a fixed piece 76a, an insertion piece 76b disposed opposite to the fixed piece 76a, and a connecting piece 76c that connects between the end portions of the fixed piece 76a and the insertion piece 76b. A magnet 77 is fixed to the inside of the fixed piece 76a, so that the magnetic force of the magnet 77 is applied to the entire yoke 76 connected in an annular shape by attaching a closing body 79 to the open end. By receiving the magnetic force of the magnet, a thrust is generated in the coil 76 in a predetermined direction. The fixing piece 76 a is provided with a positioning hole for positioning the yoke 76 at a predetermined position of the rear barrel 11 and an insertion hole for screwing the yoke 76 to the rear barrel 11.

  The insertion piece 76b of the yoke 76 is inserted through the central hole 78 of the coil 61 fixed to the motor holding portion 63 of the third lens frame 58 and the through hole 68 provided in the connection piece 63b. At this time, the facing piece 63c of the motor holding portion 63 is opposed to the magnet 77, and the magnetic force of the magnet 77 is applied to the position detector 71 housed in the housing hole 69 of the facing piece 63c. By detecting the relative position of the magnet 77 with respect to the position detector 71, the position of the third lens 57 in the optical axis direction can be detected via the third lens frame 58.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, etc., a flexible substrate 75 is provided to supply power to the coil 61 fixed to the motor holding portion 63 of the third lens frame 58. The flexible substrate 75 has a U-shaped portion 75a, a base portion 75b, an intermediate portion 75c, a distal end portion 75d, and a proximal end portion 75e. The U-shaped portion 75a is composed of a U-shaped portion, the intermediate portion 75c is continuous on one side, the base end portion 75e is continuous on the other side, and the base end portion 75e is outside the device. Has been derived. The U-shaped portion 75 a is disposed along one surface of the arm portion 64 of the third lens frame 58 and has a first engagement hole 80 a that is engaged with an engagement protrusion 67 provided on the arm portion 64. . One end of the U-shaped portion 75 a is fixed to the arm portion 64 by press-fitting the engagement protrusion 67 into the first engagement hole 80 a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the base portion 75 b of the flexible substrate 75 is disposed so as to face the outer surface of the inner wall piece 63 d of the motor holding portion 63. Both ends of the coil wire drawn from both ends of the coil 61 are soldered and electrically connected to the base portion 75b so that energization is possible. The front end portion 75d of the flexible substrate 75 is bent 90 degrees at a portion continuous with the base portion 75b, extends to the back surface of the position detector 71 along the inner side of the opposed piece 63c, and is soldered to the position detector 71. Can be energized. The intermediate portion 75c of the flexible substrate 75 is formed in an L shape, and by bending each end thereof by 90 degrees, the U-shaped portion 75a of the arm portion 64 developed in the vertical direction and the inner wall piece 63d. To the base portion 75b.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the motor holding portion 63 is provided with a bearing portion 81 that guides the movement of the third lens frame 58 in the optical axis direction of the third lens 57. A first guide shaft 82 is fitted to the bearing portion 81 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. One end of the first guide shaft 82 in the axial direction is fixedly supported on the rear barrel 11, and the other end in the axial direction is fixedly supported on the fixed ring 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear barrel 11 is made of a plate-like member having the same size as the stationary ring 10, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape penetrating between the front and back surfaces at the center. Opened holes 18 are provided. The opening hole 18 is provided in a boss portion 84 that bulges to one surface side, and the image sensor 17 is attached to the back side of the boss portion 84 via an attachment member. An annular recess 85 extending in the circumferential direction is provided outside the boss portion 84 of the rear barrel 11 in the radial direction. A second guide shaft 86 is erected on the boss portion 84 of the rear barrel 11, and a first guide shaft 82 is erected outside the annular recess 85.

  The second guide shaft 86 is formed integrally with the rear barrel 11, and a bearing groove 66 of a bearing projection piece 65 provided on the third lens frame 58 is slidably engaged with the second guide shaft 86. Yes. The first guide shaft 82 is erected by press-fitting one end into a bearing boss portion 87 provided in the rear barrel 11, and the first guide shaft 82 is inserted into the hole of the bearing portion 81 of the third lens frame 58. It is slidably inserted. Further, the rear barrel 11 is provided with a motor arrangement portion 88 in which the linear motor 60 is arranged.

  The motor arrangement portion 88 is formed so as to protrude outward from the outer edge of the rear barrel 11 and has a lower surface portion 88a surrounding the lower surface side and a side surface portion 88b surrounding the side surface side. The motor holding portion 63 of the third lens frame 58 is disposed in a portion surrounded by the lower surface portion 88a and the side surface portion 88b, and the first guide shaft 82 is erected. A retracting recess composed of a recess corresponding to the shape of the third lens frame 58 guided by the first guide shaft 82 and the second guide shaft 86 and moving in the optical axis direction (forward and backward). 90 is provided in the rear barrel 11. Of the third lens frame 58, the bulging side of the arm portion 64 on which the flexible substrate 75 is disposed is inserted into and removed from the recess 90 for retraction.

  The retracting recess 90 of the rear barrel 11 is provided with a yoke hole 91 for allowing the yoke 76 of the linear motor 60 to pass therethrough and a substrate hole 92 for leading the flexible substrate 75 to the outside. In the vicinity of the substrate hole 92, the flexible substrate 75 is abutted and elastically deformed, and elastic force is generated on the flexible substrate 75 so that the third lens frame 58 is moved in one of the optical axis directions (the third lens 57 is connected to the image sensor 17). The projecting protrusion 93 is provided to be urged in a direction away from the projection. The yoke hole 91 is provided on the side surface 88 b side of the motor arrangement portion 88, and the board hole 92 is provided on the lower surface portion 88 a side of the motor arrangement portion 88. The board hole 92 is formed as an elongated hole that is slightly larger than the flexible board 75, and a projecting protrusion 93 is extended along one side thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a cutout portion 94 for attaching the yoke 76 of the linear motor 60 is provided on the side surface portion 88 b of the motor placement portion 88 of the rear barrel 11. A communication groove 95 into which the communication piece 76 c of the yoke 76 is fitted is provided at the lower portion of the notch portion 94, and a yoke hole 91 is communicated with an inner end portion of the communication groove 95. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, the fixed piece 76 a of the yoke 76 is fitted into the notch 94, the communication piece 76 c of the yoke 76 is interposed in the communication groove 95, and the insertion piece 76 b has the yoke hole 91. It penetrates and protrudes to one surface side of the rear barrel 11. The fixing piece 76a is provided with a positioning hole and an insertion hole, and the yoke 76 can be attached to and detached from the rear barrel 11 by tightening a fixing screw 98 inserted into the insertion hole in a state of being positioned using the positioning hole. It is fixed to.

  A substrate groove 99 in which the base end portion 75 e of the flexible substrate 75 is accommodated is provided on the surface side of the substrate hole 92 of the motor arrangement portion 88. The substrate groove 99 is provided with a press-fitting boss 101 for press-fitting and fixing the base end portion 75 e of the flexible substrate 75. By press-fitting the press-fitting boss 101 into the second engagement hole 80b provided in the base end portion 75e of the flexible substrate 75, the base end portion 75e is fixed, and the tip of the base end portion 75e is pulled out from the rear barrel 11 to be the main of the lens device. Connected to flexible substrate.

  The rear barrel 11 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 101 for positioning and a plurality of insertion holes 102 for screwing. On the other hand, the stationary ring 10 is provided with positioning protrusions at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 101, and through holes are provided at positions corresponding to the insertion holes 102. A fixing screw is inserted into each insertion hole in a state where the positioning projections are fitted in these positioning holes, and the fixing ring 10 and the rear barrel 11 are detachably fixed by the fixing screws.

  FIG. 9 shows an initial state in which the third lens frame 58 is assembled to the rear barrel 11. In this state, the first guide shaft 82 erected on the rear barrel 11 is slidably inserted into the bearing portion 81 provided on the motor holding portion 63 of the third lens frame 58. At the same time, the second guide shaft 86 is slidably inserted into the bearing groove 66 provided in the bearing projection piece 65 of the lens holding portion 62 of the third lens frame 58. The third lens frame 58 is slidable in the optical axis direction of the third lens 57 by the first guide shaft 82 and the second guide shaft 86, but is rotated in the rotation direction around the optical axis. Is supported so as to be movable only in the optical axis direction.

  At this time, the coil 61 of the linear motor 60 is fixed to the motor holding portion 63 arranged in the motor arrangement portion 88 of the rear barrel 11, and the coil wire drawn from both ends of the coil 61 is used as a base. It is electrically connected to the portion 75b. Further, the insertion piece 76 b of the yoke 76 is inserted into the central hole 78 of the coil 61, and the opening opposite to the communication piece 76 c is closed by the closing body 79. Thus, the coil 61 is movable in the optical axis direction integrally with the third lens frame 58 along the communication piece 76c within the range of the length of the communication piece 76c.

  In this case, a retracting recess 90 is provided on the surface of the rear lens barrel 11 facing the third lens frame 58 and at a position corresponding to the arm portion 64, and the flexible substrate 75 is provided in the retracting recess 90. A U-shaped portion 75a is accommodated. One end of the U-shaped portion 75 a is fixed to the arm portion 64 by the engagement protrusion 67, and a base end portion 75 e continuous to the other end is drawn out from the board hole 92. Then, the base end portion 75 e of the flexible substrate 75 gets over the elastic protrusion 93 provided in the retracting recess 90 and enters the substrate hole 92, and is led out to the back side of the retracting recess 90.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the third lens frame 58 incorporated in the rear lens barrel 11 approaches the rear lens barrel 11 along the optical axis, that is, a state when the lens barrel is retracted. At this time, together with the third lens frame 58, the cam ring 8 and the second rectilinear guide ring 9 disposed in front of the third lens frame 58 in the optical axis direction move until just before coming into contact with the rear barrel 11. The amount of movement of the third lens frame 58 in the optical axis direction is detected by a position detector 71 provided in the motor holding unit 63. That is, the position detector 71 can detect the amount of movement of the third lens 57 by reading the change in the position relative to the magnet 77 disposed opposite thereto as a change in magnetic force.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a flexible substrate 75 for supplying power to the coil 61 and the position detector 71 of the linear motor 60 is disposed on the lower surface of the arm portion 64 of the third lens frame 58, and the arm portion 64 and the like. A recess 90 for retraction for avoiding contact with the rear lens barrel 11 was provided. As a result, the flexible substrate 75 can be accommodated in the rear barrel 11 using the recess 90 for retraction, and contact with a rotating member such as the cam ring 8 is avoided. Can be prevented from occurring. In addition, during the focusing operation, the U-shaped portion 75a of the flexible substrate 75 is elastically bent and deformed in a direction perpendicular to the surface around the curved portion, so that a large resistance force is not generated during the operation. It can operate smoothly.

  Furthermore, a projecting protrusion 93 is provided in the retracting recess 90 of the rear barrel 11, and the flexible substrate 75 is passed therethrough. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the third lens frame 58 is retracted to a predetermined position when the lens barrel is retracted, one piece of the U-shaped portion 75 a of the flexible substrate 75 becomes the projecting protrusion. 93 is pressed. Thereby, one piece of the U-shaped part 75a is elastically deformed in an arc shape, and a resilient force is generated around the elastically deformed part. As a result, since the base end portion 75e continuous to one piece of the U-shaped portion 75a is fixed to the rear barrel 11 by the press-fitting boss 97, elasticity acts on the opposite side to the base end portion 75e of the one piece. Will do.

  The third lens frame 58 is urged away from the rear barrel 11 by the elasticity generated in one piece of the U-shaped portion 75a, and the arm portion 64 is pressed against the second rectilinear guide ring 9. In this manner, the third lens frame 58 is prevented from operating when no power is applied during retraction by applying the third lens frame 58 to the second linear guide ring 9 with the elasticity of the flexible substrate 75. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise when the third lens frame 58 collides with the second rectilinear guide ring 9.

  In the lens barrel 1 having such a configuration, when the cam ring 8 is rotated, the cam ring 8 moves forward or backward while rotating according to the rotation direction. At the same time, the first moving frame 23, the second moving frame 28, and the third lens frame 58 move in the optical axis direction. Due to the rotation and position of the cam ring 8, the first moving frame 23, the second moving frame 28, and the third lens frame 58 move in the optical axis direction, from the retracted position to the telephoto end via the wide angle end. The focal length can be changed.

  In this case, the third lens frame 58 changes from the retracted position shown in FIG. 10 to the wide-angle position or the telephoto position shown in FIG. 9, and contributes to the adjustment of the focal length. At this time, a flexible substrate 75 for supplying power to the coil 61 of the linear motor 60 and the position detector 71 is disposed on the lower surface of the arm portion 64 of the third lens frame 58 to avoid contact with the arm portion 64 and the like. For this purpose, the recess 90 for retraction is provided in the rear barrel 11. For this reason, the flexible substrate 75 can be accommodated in the recess 90 for retraction, and contact with a rotating member such as the cam ring 8 can be avoided to prevent occurrence of problems such as disconnection in the flexible substrate 75. Can do. In addition, since the U-shaped portion 75a of the flexible substrate 75 is elastically bent and deformed during the focusing operation, it can operate smoothly without generating a large resistance force during the operation.

  Further, an elastic protrusion 93 is provided in the retracting recess 90 of the rear barrel 11, and when the third lens frame 58 is retracted to a predetermined position when the lens barrel is retracted, the flexible substrate 75 is used for elastic. It was set as the structure pressed on the protrusion 93. FIG. As a result, the flexible substrate 75 can be elastically deformed in an arc shape to generate an elastic force around the elastically deforming portion, and the third lens frame 58 can be urged away from the rear barrel 11. Accordingly, the arm portion 64 is pressed against the second rectilinear guide ring 9, and the third lens frame 58 is applied to the second rectilinear guide ring 9 by the elasticity of the flexible substrate 75. In addition, the third lens frame 58 cannot be operated when no power is applied during the retracted state, so that the generation of abnormal noise due to the movement of the third lens frame 58 can be prevented.

  FIG. 18 shows a modification of the noise prevention mechanism described in the above embodiment. The abnormal noise prevention mechanism shown in the above-described embodiment causes the tip of the projecting protrusion 93 to protrude inside the fixing surface of the rear barrel 11 of the base end portion 75e of the flexible substrate 75, and is substantially the same as the fixing surface. The surface on the substrate side of the arm portion 64 of the third lens frame 58 when retracted was set at the matching position. Then, the base end portion 75e of the flexible substrate 75 is elastically deformed in an arc shape so as to project in a mountain shape by the fixed surface of the rear barrel 11, the projecting protrusion 93, and the surface of the arm portion 64 on the substrate side. The substrate 75 is configured to generate elasticity.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment of the noise preventing mechanism, the tip of the bullet projection 105 is made to substantially coincide with the fixed surface of the rear barrel 11 of the base end portion 75e of the flexible substrate 75, while the bullet projection is used. The relationship between the ridge 105 and the arm portion 64 of the third lens frame 58 is set similarly. That is, when the lens barrel is retracted, the substrate-side surface of the arm portion 64 of the third lens frame 58 is located outside the tip of the bullet ridge 105 and the flexible substrate 75 is formed by a step with the tip of the bullet ridge 105. Is given elasticity. Reference numeral 106 shown in FIG. 18 is a press-fitting boss that fixes the base end portion 75 e of the flexible substrate 75 to the fixing surface of the rear barrel 11.

  In this second embodiment, the base end portion 75e of the flexible substrate 75 is elastically deformed into a slanted shape on one side by the elastic protrusion 105 and the substrate-side surface of the arm portion 64, and the flexible substrate 75 is elastically elastic. Is generated. By adopting such a configuration, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  First straight guide ring 7, cam ring 8, second straight guide ring 9, fixed ring 10, rear barrel 11, first lens frame 22, first moving frame 23, second lens frame 26, second moving frame 28 As the material of the third lens frame 58 and the like, for example, PC, ABS or the like can be used. However, it is not limited to these materials, and other engineering plastics, alloys, etc. can be used.

  19 and 20 show a digital still camera 110 as a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus using the lens barrel 1 of the present invention. The digital still camera 110 includes a device main body 111 having a horizontally long casing, a lens barrel 1 that is a lens device built in the device main body 111, and the like.

  The apparatus main body 111 includes a front case 114 and a rear case 115 that are overlapped in the front-rear direction and formed with openings on the left and right sides, a side case 116 that closes one opening in the longitudinal direction of both cases, and the other opening in the longitudinal direction. And an opening / closing lid 117 capable of opening and closing the part. Inside the device main body 111, the lens barrel 1, the flash device, and other devices and devices are incorporated. The opening / closing lid 117 opens and closes a battery storage portion and a memory storage portion which are provided to be opened on the side surface of the apparatus main body 111. A battery power source such as a lithium secondary battery is detachably stored in the battery storage unit. In addition, an external storage device such as a semiconductor storage memory is detachably stored in the memory storage portion.

  A circular lens opening 118 is provided on the side case 116 side, which is one side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface of the front case 114 that forms the front surface of the apparatus main body 111. A decorative ring 119 is provided at the edge of the lens opening 118 for reasons such as improving the appearance of the design. A lens barrel 1 having a lens group facing a subject is incorporated inside the lens opening 118, and a retractable type whose length in the optical axis direction can be expanded and contracted by the lens barrel 1. A lens device is configured. The retractable lens barrel 1 is disposed concentrically with the lens opening 118, and as shown in FIG. 19, the movable lens barrel passes through the lens opening 118 and extends in front of the apparatus main body 111 when extended. Protruding.

  A light emitting unit 121 of a flash device is disposed on the front surface of the apparatus main body 111. On the upper surface of the apparatus main body 111, a power switch 122, a mode switch 123, a shutter button 124, and a zoom button 125 are arranged. The power switch 122 is a pressing operation type switch, and is a switch for switching on / off power supplied by a battery power source or the like. The mode switch 123 is a slide-type changeover switch, and can selectively switch between a mode for taking a still image, a mode for taking a moving image, a mode for reproducing and editing the taken image, and the like. The shutter button 124 for photographing and the zoom button 125 for enlarging / reducing the image of the subject are respectively push-operated switches.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 127, a function button 128, and a plurality of operation buttons 129 showing a specific example of the display unit are arranged on the back surface of the apparatus main body 111. The liquid crystal display 127 displays a subject image corresponding to the subject based on the image signal supplied from the lens barrel 1, and is disposed at a substantially central portion on the back surface of the apparatus main body 111. The function button 128 is a button switch that selectively switches a menu.

  When photographing with the digital still camera 110, first, the power switch 122 is turned on, and power is supplied from the built-in battery power source to the control device, the cam ring drive actuator 12, and the like. As a result, the cam ring drive actuator 12 operates, and the lens barrel 1 starts to extend, and the state shown in FIG. 19 is obtained. As a result, a shooting operation can be performed by the digital still camera 110, and normal shooting, continuous shooting, and other operations can be performed by pointing the shooting lens toward the subject and pressing the shutter button.

  When shooting with the digital still camera 110 is completed, the power switch 122 is turned off. As a result, the cam ring drive actuator 12 starts the reverse operation, and the lens barrel 1 is moved backward. As a result, the lens barrel 1 is retracted to a state as shown in FIGS. At this time, the flexible substrate 75 that electrically connects the inside and outside of the lens barrel 1 is disposed along the one surface of the third lens frame 58 in the lens barrel 1 and is attached to the rear barrel 11. It is accommodated in the provided recess 90 and pulled out from there. Therefore, when the lens barrel 1 is extended and retracted, the flexible substrate 75 does not come into contact with unscheduled components, and it is possible to prevent problems such as disconnection due to contact with the components.

  On the other hand, at the time of no energization after the lens barrel 1 is retracted, the elastic protrusion 93 provided on the rear barrel 11 abuts on the flexible substrate 75 to generate elasticity in the flexible substrate 75, and the third The lens frame 58 is urged in a direction away from the rear barrel 11. Therefore, in a non-energized state, the third lens frame 58 can be prevented from moving due to vibration based on external input, and the generation of abnormal noise that occurs when the third lens frame 58 collides with other parts is prevented. can do.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a U-shaped bent portion that allows the third lens frame 58 to move in the optical axis direction is provided in the flexible substrate 75, and the bent portion is disposed on the lower surface of the arm portion 64. In addition, the rear lens barrel 11 is provided with a retracting recess 93 and retracted there. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide a space for the flexible substrate 75 outside the lens barrel, the lens barrel can be reduced in size. When the lens barrel is retracted, the flexible substrate 75 is retracted in a retracting space provided in the rear lens barrel, thereby avoiding contact with peripheral components such as the cam ring 8 that rotates, and the flexible substrate 75 is disconnected. Can be prevented from occurring.

  Further, in a non-energized state in which the lens barrel is in the retracted state, the elastic protrusion 93 provided on the rear lens barrel 11 is brought into contact with the flexible substrate 75, and elasticity is generated in the flexible substrate 75, whereby the third lens. The frame 58 is configured to be biased in a direction away from the rear barrel 11. Therefore, in the non-energized state, the third lens frame 58 can be prevented from moving due to vibration based on external input, and the third lens frame 58 can collide with other parts to generate noise. The occurrence of defects can be prevented.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a digital still camera is applied as the imaging device has been described. It is. Furthermore, although the example using the third group lens as the optical lens has been described, it may be a fourth group lens or a fifth group lens or more.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens barrel, 2 ... 1st lens group, 3 ... 2nd lens group, 4 ... 3rd lens group, 7 ... 1st rectilinear guide ring, 8 ... Cam ring, 9 ... 2nd rectilinear guide ring, 10 ... Fixed ring, 11 ... Rear barrel, 12 ... Cam ring drive actuator, 17 ... Imaging element, 21 ... First lens, 22 ... First lens frame, 23 ... First moving frame, 24, 29 ... Cam pin, 25 ... First 2 lenses, 26 ... second lens frame, 28 ... second moving frame, 30 ... guide groove, 57 ... third lens, 58 ... third lens frame (lens holding frame), 60 ... linear motor, 61 ... coil, 62 ... Lens holding part, 63 ... Motor holding part, 64 ... Arm part, 66 ... Bearing groove, 71 ... Position detector, 73 ... Second guide shaft, 75 ... Flexible substrate, 75a ... U-shaped part, 75e ... Base end Part, 76 ... York, 77 Magnet: 79 ... Closed body 81 ... Bearing portion 82 ... First guide shaft 86 ... Second guide shaft 90 ... Recessed recess (recess) 91 ... Hole for yoke 92 ... Hole for substrate 93,105 ... Projection ridge, 94 ... Notch, 110 ... Digital still camera (imaging device)

Claims (7)

A lens holding frame for holding the lens;
A rear barrel that supports the lens holding frame movably in the optical axis direction of the lens via a guide shaft;
A linear motor for moving the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction;
A flexible substrate electrically connected to the linear motor,
The linear motor has a magnet and a coil that is supported by the lens holding frame and generates thrust by receiving the magnetic force of the magnet,
The rear barrel is provided with a recess into which a part of the lens holding frame is inserted,
A lens driving device in which a middle portion of the flexible substrate, one end of which is connected to the coil, is interposed between the lens holding frame and the rear barrel in the recess. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens holding frame includes a lens holding portion that holds the lens, a coil support portion that supports the coil, and an arm portion that connects the lens holding portion and the coil support portion. Drive device. In the concave portion of the rear barrel, a convex portion that can contact the flexible substrate is provided,
When the lens holding frame approaches the rear barrel, the flexible substrate is made elastic by being sandwiched between the convex portion and the arm portion, and the lens holding frame is removed from the rear barrel by the elasticity. The lens driving device according to claim 2, wherein the lens driving device is biased in a direction away from the lens. In the vicinity of the convex portion in the concave portion, a hole penetrating the rear barrel in the thickness direction is provided,
The lens driving device according to claim 3, wherein the other end of the flexible substrate is inserted into the hole and pulled out. 2. The guide shaft includes a first guide shaft that guides the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction of the lens, and a second guide shaft that restricts rotation of the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction. The lens driving device described. A position detector for detecting the position of the lens in the optical axis direction is provided in the coil support part,
The lens driving device according to claim 2, wherein one end of the flexible substrate is electrically connected to the position detector. A lens holding frame for holding a lens, a rear barrel that supports the lens holding frame so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the lens via a guide shaft, and a linear motor for moving the lens holding frame in the optical axis direction And a flexible substrate electrically connected to the linear motor, and a lens driving device,
The linear motor has a magnet and a coil that is supported by the lens holding frame and generates thrust by receiving the magnetic force of the magnet,
The rear barrel is provided with a recess into which a part of the lens holding frame is inserted,
An imaging apparatus in which a middle portion of the flexible substrate, one end of which is connected to the coil, is interposed between the lens holding frame and the rear barrel in the recess.

Images