JP2013064885A - Exchange lens - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an exchange lens with a zooming function with good operability which is small sized and inexpensive, capable of easily changing operations between a manual mode and an electrical mode and executing an initializing action correctly and in a short time.SOLUTION: The exchange lens, in the manual mode, carries out a zooming action by detecting travel of a first lens group by a manual operation and driving a second lens group by an actuator. The exchange lens, in the electrical mode, carries out a zooming action by driving a first lens group by the actuator, detecting the travel of the first lens group and driving the second lens group as well as setting a resetting position regarding the travel of the second lens group within a region outside the region in which the first lens group is capable of travelling in the optical axis direction and within the region in which the second lens group is capable of being travelled in the optical axis direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens having a zoom function for changing a focal length of a photographing optical system manually or electrically.

  A technique related to the electric zoom device is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. This patent document 1 discloses a digital camera that switches manual zoom to automatic operation. In this digital camera, a lens unit can be attached to the camera body, and an electric zoom device is detachably attached to the outer periphery of the lens unit, and a manual provided on the outer periphery of the lens unit by the electric zoom device. Electric zoom is performed by rotating the zoom ring for operation. The electric zoom device is separate from the digital camera, and is provided with a rotating body that rotates the zoom ring and a zoom button.

JP 2007-108373 A

However, in Patent Document 1, in order to perform an operation with electric zoom, a separate electric zoom device must be attached to the digital camera, and a separate electric zoom device is attached to the digital camera. As a result, the entire digital camera becomes larger and unusable, and the cost is increased by a separate electric zoom device.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and is a compact and low-cost zoom function that can easily change the operation between the manual mode and the electric mode and has good operability. An object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable lens.

  An interchangeable lens according to a main aspect of the present invention is an interchangeable lens having first and second lens groups that are movable in the optical axis direction in order to perform optical zoom. Receiving an operation member for moving the first lens group, a position detection unit for detecting the position of the first lens group that moves in response to an operation instruction to the operation member, and a focal point of the interchangeable lens A storage unit that stores information on each position of the first lens group and the second lens group corresponding to a distance; information on the position of the first lens group detected by the position detection unit; And a controller that controls the movement of the second lens group based on the information related to the position stored in the storage unit, and the controller is configured to control the optical axis direction of the first lens group. Movable range Outside in and within a movable range relative to the optical axis of the second lens group, to set the reset position on the movement of the second lens group.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an interchangeable lens having a zoom function that is small in size and low in cost, and that can easily change the operation between the manual mode and the electric mode, and has good operability.

The block block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the interchangeable lens which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram showing the interchangeable lens. The figure which shows the positional relationship from the wide (Tele) to Tele (Tele) of the 2nd and 3rd zoom lens group in the same interchangeable lens. The figure which shows the pulse number corresponding to each zoom position of the 2nd and 3rd zoom lens group in the interchangeable lens. The specific block diagram which shows the 2nd zoom group drive mechanism in the interchangeable lens. FIG. 5 is a specific configuration diagram illustrating a third zoom group driving mechanism in the interchangeable lens. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reset position of the third zoom lens group when the lens position of the second zoom lens group in the interchangeable lens is closer to the reference position on the wide side than the lens position of the third zoom lens group. The figure which shows the reset position of the 3rd zoom lens group when the lens position of the 2nd zoom lens group in the same interchangeable lens is closer to the reference position on the tele side than the lens position of the 3rd zoom lens group. The zoom starting start flowchart in the interchangeable lens. The zoom position reset drive flowchart in the same interchangeable lens. The electric zoom state reset drive flowchart in the interchangeable lens. The manual zoom state reset drive flowchart in the interchangeable lens. The zoom drive flowchart in the interchangeable lens. 5 is a flowchart of zoom mode detection in the interchangeable lens. A mode processing flowchart in the interchangeable lens. The manual zoom mode processing flowchart in the interchangeable lens. The electric zoom mode process flowchart in the interchangeable lens. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a modification of a third zoom group driving mechanism in the interchangeable lens.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the interchangeable lens 1, and FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of the interchangeable lens 1. The interchangeable lens 1 can be attached to and detached from the camera body 2.
On the exterior of the interchangeable lens 1, a manual focus (MF) ring 3 and a ring-shaped operation member 4 for switching the zoom function are provided. The operation member 4 for switching the zoom function is movable in the same direction as the optical axis P (arrow A direction) with respect to the exterior of the interchangeable lens 1 and rotates in the circumferential direction (arrow B direction) of the interchangeable lens 1. Is possible. The rotation operation of the operation member 4 for switching the zoom function in the arrow B direction is referred to as a manual zoom operation.

  The interchangeable lens 1 includes a first zoom lens group 5, a second zoom lens group (first lens group: M.ZM) 6, and a third zoom lens group (second lens group: P). .ZM) 7 and a fourth zoom lens group 8 are provided. Of these first to fourth zoom lens groups 5 to 8, the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 can be driven. The fourth zoom lens group 8 is a focus lens group (hereinafter referred to as focus lens group 8). A diaphragm 31 is provided on the optical axis P between the first zoom lens group 5 and the second zoom lens group 6.

  FIG. 3 shows the positional relationship between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 from wide to tele. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the zoom (Zoom) position, and the vertical axis indicates the position of the zoom lens group. FIG. 4 shows the number of pulses corresponding to each zoom position of the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 in FIG. The zoom positions of the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 are position-controlled by the number of drive pulse signals emitted from the lens control unit 9.

  The second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 are maintained so that the positional relationship between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 is maintained as shown in FIG. Are controlled by the lens control unit 9, the in-focus state is maintained and the zoomed state is set to a predetermined zoom position. In the figure, the locus of the second zoom lens group 6 is a straight line for simplification of explanation. Depending on the characteristics of the interchangeable lens 1, the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 may both have non-linear loci. Information indicating the positional relationship between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 (hereinafter referred to as positional relationship information) is stored in the storage unit 10 in advance.

The second zoom lens group 6 is provided with a second zoom group (M.ZM) drive mechanism 11. The second zoom group driving mechanism 11 moves the second zoom lens group 6 in the direction of the optical axis P. This second zoom group drive mechanism 11 uses, for example, a stepping motor as a drive motor, and this stepping motor is driven in microsteps, so that the second zoom lens group 6 can be adjusted with respect to the optical axis P by position control with high accuracy. Move in the direction.
The second zoom group drive mechanism 11 can switch between a manual zoom mode and an electric zoom mode. When the manual zoom mode is set, the second zoom lens drive mechanism 11 responds to a manual operation on the operation member 4 for switching the zoom function. The group 6 is moved in the direction of the optical axis P, and when the electric mode is set, the stepping motor is driven in micro steps in response to a zoom drive signal from the lens control unit 9, and the second zoom lens group 6 is moved to the optical axis P. Move in the direction of.
The operation member 4 for switching the zoom function is either a manual zoom that receives a manual operation to control the movement of the second zoom lens group 6 or an electric zoom that controls the movement of the second zoom lens group 6 electrically. Functions as a zoom switching unit for switching to.

FIG. 5 shows a specific configuration diagram of the second zoom group driving mechanism 11.
The second zoom group driving mechanism 11 includes a second zoom group actuator 17 such as a stepping motor. The second zoom group actuator 17 is provided with a second zoom group screw 40. The second zoom group screw 40 is provided with a second zoom lens group 6 via a coupling mechanism 41 made of, for example, a lead nut or the like.

The second zoom group driving mechanism 11 includes a manual mechanism and an electric mechanism. As a manual mechanism of the second zoom group drive mechanism 11, a support member 42 provided on the zoom function switching operation member 4, a rotation support member 43 provided on the support member 42, and a rotation support member 43 are provided. It has a speed increasing gear 45 rotatably provided through a shaft 44 and a motor shaft gear 46 that meshes with the speed increasing gear 45.
In this manual mechanism, when the zoom function switching operation member 4 is switched to the manual zoom position, the speed increasing gear 45 is connected to the motor shaft gear 46 in a clutch manner. When the zoom function switching operation member 4 is manually operated by the user in this state, the zoom function switching operation member 4 overcomes the detent torque of the second zoom group actuator 17 and rotates the motor shaft gear 46. As a result, the second zoom lens group 6 moves in the direction of the optical axis P by a manual operation.

On the other hand, as the electric mechanism, for example, a second zoom group actuator 17 such as a stepping motor, a motor shaft 14a of the second zoom group actuator 17, and a second zoom group provided on the motor shaft 14a. Screw 40.
When the zoom function switching operation member 4 is switched to the electric zoom position, the support member 42, the rotation support member 43, and the speed increasing gear 45, which are manual mechanisms, are integrally retracted to the dotted line position shown in FIG. By retracting these manual mechanisms, the speed increasing gear 45 is separated from the motor shaft gear 46, and the connection between the zoom function switching operation member 4 and the motor shaft 14a of the second zoom group actuator 17 is released.
In the state of switching to the electric zoom, when the electric zoom command is issued from the lens control unit 9 to the second zoom group driving mechanism 11, the second zoom group actuator 17 is driven to drive the second zoom group. The rotation screw 40 rotates, and the rotation of the second zoom group screw 40 moves the second zoom lens group 6 in the direction of the optical axis P.

The second zoom lens group 6 is provided with a second zoom group (M.ZM) position detector 13. The second zoom group position detector 13 detects the position of the second zoom lens group 6 and is, for example, a linear encoder.
The third zoom lens group 7 is provided with a third zoom group (P.ZM) drive mechanism 14. The third zoom group driving mechanism 14 moves the third zoom lens group 7 in the direction of the optical axis P. The third zoom group driving unit 14 corresponds to the movement position of the second zoom lens group 6 in accordance with the positional relationship information between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 shown in FIG. The third zoom lens group 7 is made to follow the position. The third zoom group driving mechanism 14 uses, for example, a stepping motor and performs highly accurate position control by microstep driving.
FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration diagram of the third zoom group driving mechanism 14.
The third zoom group driving mechanism 14 receives the command from the lens control unit 9 and moves and drives the third zoom lens group 7 in the direction of the optical axis P. The third zoom group driving mechanism 14 includes a third zoom group actuator 50 such as a stepping motor. The third zoom group actuator 50 includes a moving mechanism that converts the driving of the actuator 50 into movement of the third zoom lens group 7 in the direction of the optical axis P, that is, the third zoom group actuator 50. A third zoom group screw 51 is provided, and a third zoom lens group 7 is provided on the third zoom group screw 51 via a coupling mechanism 52 made of, for example, a lead nut.

The third zoom lens group 7 is provided with a third zoom group position detector 15 as a reset position detector. The third zoom group position detector 15 detects that the third zoom lens group 7 has moved to the reset position. For example, the third zoom group position detector 15 is a light shield as a moving body that moves integrally with the third zoom lens group 7. A plate 53 and, for example, a photo interrupter (PI) 54 and the like are included.
The light shielding plate 53 is formed in, for example, an elongated plate shape or a rod shape, and the longitudinal direction thereof is provided along the same direction as the direction of the optical axis P. When the third zoom lens group 7 moves in the direction of the optical axis P, the longitudinal direction of the light shielding plate 53 moves along the direction of the optical axis P.
The photo interrupter (PI) 54 is provided at a position corresponding to the reset position of the third zoom lens group 7, detects the light shielding plate 53, and sends a reset position signal to the lens control unit 9. The photo interrupter (PI) 54 is formed, for example, by arranging a light emitting element and a light receiving element so as to face each other. A light shielding plate 53 enters between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the light receiving element emits light. When the received light is shielded, a reset position signal is output when the light is shielded.

  The electric zoom operation mechanism 16 includes, for example, an electric zoom operation button and the like, and sends an electric zoom operation signal to the lens control unit 9 when the user presses the electric zoom operation button. The lens control unit 9 sends a zoom drive signal to the second zoom group drive mechanism 11 during the period when the electric zoom operation signal is input from the electric zoom operation mechanism 16, and causes the second zoom lens group 6 to emit light. Move in the direction of axis P.

  The lens control unit 9 reads out the positional relationship information as shown in FIG. 3, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 10 in the state set to the electric zoom mode, and the second zoom lens group 6 according to the positional relationship information. The third zoom lens group 7 is controlled to follow the position corresponding to the movement position of the second zoom lens group 6. That is, the lens control unit 9 is based on the position information of the second zoom lens group 6 detected by the second zoom group position detection unit 13 and the positional relationship information stored in the storage unit 10. The third zoom lens group 7 is controlled to move.

  When the operation member 4 for switching the zoom function is manually operated (in the arrow B direction) by the user in the state set to the manual zoom mode, the second zoom lens group 6 includes the operation member 4 for switching the zoom function. It moves in the direction of the optical axis P in response to a manual operation. In the state of this manual zoom mode, the lens control unit 9 moves the third zoom to a position corresponding to the movement position in the second zoom lens group 6 by manual operation according to the positional relationship information stored in advance in the storage unit 10. The lens group 7 is controlled to follow.

The lens control unit 9 is outside the movable range with respect to the direction of the optical axis P of the second zoom lens group 6 and within the movable range with respect to the direction of the optical axis P of the third zoom lens group 7. A reset position relating to the movement of the third zoom lens group 7 is set.
This reset position is set to a position where the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 do not interfere with each other.
7 and 8 show the lens positions of the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 with respect to the wide-tele zoom position, and the lens positions of the second zoom lens group 6 respectively. Each reset position of the 3rd zoom lens group 7 by a difference is shown.
In FIG. 7, the third zoom lens in the case where the optical position of the second zoom lens group 6 is closer to the reference position (0 pulse) than the lens position of the third zoom lens group 7 at an arbitrary zoom position. The reset position of the zoom lens group 7 is indicated, and the reset position of the third zoom group 7 is set outside the movable range of the second zoom group 6 and on the wide side. Indicates.
In the drawing, a region G in which the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 may collide (collision) is shown. In the mechanical manual mode, the third zoom lens group 7 moves to a position corresponding to the position of the second zoom lens group 6 following the movement of the second zoom lens group 6. For example, when the second zoom lens group 6 moves at a rapid speed due to the zoom operation of the mechanical manual operation of the user, for example, the third zoom lens group 7 follows the movement of the second zoom lens group 6 at the rapid speed. There are cases where it is not possible. When the third zoom lens group 7 is located within the range of the region G, and the second zoom lens group 6 is suddenly moved within the range of the region G by manual operation, the second zoom lens The group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 may collide and step out.
In such a step-out state, a normal zoom operation cannot be performed, so it is necessary to reset (initialize) the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7.

In the present interchangeable lens 1, the reset position RS1 of the third zoom lens group 7 includes the end point on the wide side of the movable range of the second zoom lens group 6 in the optical axis direction and the third zoom lens group. 7 is set to the end point on the wide side. In other words, the reset position RS1 of the third zoom lens group 7 is set outside the collision region G where the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 collide on the wide side. .
The reset position of the second zoom lens group 6 is arranged at a reset position RS2 that is a position of the second zoom group 6 that forms a predetermined optical zoom state corresponding to the reset position RS1 of the third zoom lens group 7. Is done. For example, the optical zoom state is reset as shown in FIG. 7 by positioning the second zoom lens group 6 at the reset position RS1 and the third zoom lens group 7 at the reset position RS2 during the reset operation. It is possible to set the zoom position at the time.

FIG. 8 shows a modified example, and an optical configuration in which the lens position of the third zoom lens group 7 is closer to the reference position (0 pulse) than the lens position of the second zoom lens group 6 at an arbitrary zoom position. In this case, the reset position RS3 of the third zoom lens group 7 is shown, and the reset position of the third zoom lens group 7 is set outside the movable range of the second zoom lens group 6 and tele (Tele ) Indicates the settings located on the side.
In the interchangeable lens 1 of the present modification example, the reset position RS3 of the third zoom lens group 7 includes the telescopic end point of the movable range of the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7. It is set between the tele side (Tele) side end. In other words, the reset position RS3 of the third zoom lens group 7 is set outside the collision (collision) region G between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 on the telephoto side. .
The reset positions RS1 and RS3 of the third zoom lens group 7 are set outside the movable range of the second zoom lens group 6 and in the vicinity of the end of the movement range of the second zoom lens group 6. . In the vicinity of the end of the moving range of the second zoom lens group 6, the driving variation of the second zoom group driving mechanism 11 when the manual zoom mode is set, and the driving variation due to the temperature change of the mechanism 11. This is a position where the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 do not interfere with each other. For example, the vicinity of the movement range end of the second zoom lens group 6 is set to, for example, 1 cm outside the movement range from the inner and outer boundaries of the second zoom lens group 6.

The reset position of the second zoom lens group 6 is arranged at a reset position RS4 that is a position of the second zoom group 6 that forms a predetermined optical zoom state corresponding to the reset position RS3 of the third zoom lens group 7. Is done. For example, the optical zoom state is reset as shown in FIG. 8 by positioning the second zoom lens group 6 at the reset position RS3 and the third zoom lens group 7 at the reset position RS4 during the reset operation. It is possible to set the zoom position at the time.
As will be described later, the lens control unit 9 controls to move the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 to the zoom position at the time of reset when the power zoom mode is in the electric zoom mode. Further, the lens control unit 9 may control to move the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 to the zoom position at the time of resetting in the electric zoom mode even when the power is turned off.

In the case of the optical configuration shown in FIG. 7, the lens control unit 9 performs the second operation detected by the second zoom group position detection unit 13 after the reset operation of moving the third zoom lens group 7 to the reset position RS1. Based on the positional information of the zoom lens group 6 and the positional relationship information stored in the storage unit 10, the third zoom lens group 7 is controlled to move to a position that forms the focal length of the interchangeable lens 1.
The lens control unit 9 moves the third zoom lens group 7 to the reset position RS1 when the power is turned on and the position stored in the storage unit 10 when switched to the electric zoom by the operation member 4 for switching the zoom function. Based on the relationship information, the second zoom lens group 6 is controlled to move to a position that optically forms the focal length of the interchangeable lens 1 corresponding to the reset position RS1 of the third zoom lens group 7.

Next, the zoom operation of the interchangeable lens configured as described above will be described.
First, the lens controller 9 activates the zoom operation according to the zoom activation start flowchart shown in FIG.
When the lens control unit 9 confirms that the power supply of the interchangeable lens 1 is turned on in step S1, the lens control unit 9 resets the zoom position by the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 in step S2. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the zoom position has been reset, that is, whether or not the reset operation has been successful. As a result of this determination, if the zoom position resetting operation is successful, the lens controller 9 moves the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 in accordance with the zoom mode and zoom operation in step S4. Perform zoom drive processing.

  During the zoom driving process, the lens control unit 9 determines in step S5 whether or not the power of the interchangeable lens 1 is turned off. If the power is not turned off, the lens control unit 9 performs the zoom driving process. continue. When the power is turned off (OFF), the lens control unit 9 ends the zoom driving process.

Next, the zoom position reset drive in step S2 will be described with reference to the zoom position reset drive flowchart shown in FIG.
When the lens control unit 9 confirms that the power supply of the interchangeable lens 1 is turned on as described above, the initial state of the electric circuits of the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 is initialized in step S10. In step S11, the third zoom group position detector 15 is turned on, and the second zoom group position detector 13 is turned on.

In step S12, the lens control unit 9 reads the switching state of the operation member 4 for switching the zoom function and determines whether or not the electric zoom mode is set. If the result of this determination is that the electric zoom mode is set, the lens control section 9 performs reset driving of the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 in the electric zoom state in step S13.
As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the manual zoom mode is set instead of the electric zoom mode, the lens controller 9 determines in step S14 the second and third zoom lens groups 6 in the manual zoom mode. , 7 is reset.

  Thereafter, when the reset driving of the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 in the electric zoom mode or the manual zoom mode is finished, the lens control unit 9 in step S15, the third zoom group position detector 15 Is turned off, and the second zoom group position detector 13 is turned off.

Next, the electric zoom state reset drive in step S13 will be described with reference to the electric zoom state reset drive flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S20, the lens controller 9 is outside the movable range with respect to the direction of the optical axis P of the second zoom lens group 6 and within the movable range with respect to the direction of the optical axis P of the third zoom lens group 7. In the case of the optical configuration shown in FIG. 7, for example, the third zoom lens group 7 is moved to a reset position RS1 where the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 do not interfere with each other.
In step S <b> 21, the lens control unit 9 moves the second zoom lens group 6 to the reset position RS <b> 2 corresponding to the reset position RS <b> 1 of the third zoom lens group 7.

  On the other hand, in the case of the optical configuration shown in FIG. 8, the lens control unit 9 is outside the movable range with respect to the direction of the optical axis P of the second zoom lens group 6 and is in the third zoom lens group in step S20. The third zoom lens group 7 is moved to a reset position RS3 that is within a movable range with respect to the direction of the optical axis P of 7 and does not interfere with the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7. In step S <b> 21, the lens control unit 9 moves the second zoom lens group 6 to the reset position RS <b> 4 corresponding to the reset position RS <b> 3 of the third zoom lens group 7.

  That is, in the third zoom group driving mechanism 14, when a driving command to the reset position is received from the lens control unit 9 as shown in FIG. 6, the third zoom group actuator 50 such as a stepping motor is driven. By this driving, the third zoom lens group 7 is moved in the direction of the optical axis P through the coupling mechanism 52 made of, for example, a lead nut or the like by the rotation of the third zoom group screw 51. The moving direction of the third zoom lens group 7 is the direction in which the reset position RS1 exists. As the third zoom lens group 7 moves, the light shielding plate 53 also moves in the direction of the optical axis P.

Since the photo interrupter (PI) 54 is provided corresponding to the reset position of the third zoom lens group 7, the light shielding plate 53 is disposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the photo interrupter (PI) 54. When 53 enters and blocks light emitted from the light emitting element and received by the light receiving element, a reset position signal is output when the light is blocked.
Since the lens control unit 9 stops driving the third zoom group actuator 50 at the time when the reset position signal output from the photo interrupter (PI) 54 is taken in, the second zoom lens group is stopped at this time. 6 stops at the reset position RS1.
Further, when the third zoom lens group 7 is moved in the opposite direction to the reset position RS1, the lens control unit 9 includes a light shielding plate between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the photo interrupter (PI) 53. A reset position signal is output when the light is not in the light-shielded state due to movement from the state in which the light enters and is light-shielded.

  Next, the manual zoom state reset drive in step S14 will be described with reference to the manual zoom state reset drive flowchart shown in FIG.

  Even in the manual zoom mode, the lens control unit 9 is outside the movable range in the direction of the optical axis P of the second zoom lens group 6 in step S30, as in step S20. Within a movable range of the third zoom lens group 7 with respect to the direction of the optical axis P, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 do not interfere with each other. The third zoom lens group 7 is moved to the reset position RS1 or RS3.

After moving the third zoom lens group 7 to the reset position RS1, the lens control unit 9 moves the third zoom lens group 7 so that the positional relationship shown in FIG. 4 is maintained in step S31. The second zoom lens group 6 is driven to a position corresponding to the optical zoom state where the second zoom lens group 6 is located. That is, in the manual zoom mode, the third zoom lens group 7 is moved so as to be in an optical zoom state corresponding to the position of the second zoom lens group 6 that is a zoom position set by the user.
In the case of the optical configuration shown in FIG. 8, the lens controller 9 drives the third zoom lens group 7 to the reset position RS3, and then maintains the positional relationship as shown in FIG. The third zoom lens group 7 is driven to a position corresponding to the optical zoom state in which the second zoom lens group 6 is located.

  As described above, an example of performing the operation of resetting the zoom position by the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 when it is confirmed that the power supply of the interchangeable lens 1 is turned on has been described. First, the lens control unit 9 may perform an operation of resetting the positions of the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 when the power is turned off.

Next, the zoom drive in step S4 will be described with reference to the zoom drive flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S40, the lens control unit 9 determines whether the zoom mode is the manual zoom mode setting or the electric zoom mode setting. In step S41, the lens control unit 9 switches to the determined manual zoom mode or electric zoom mode. The corresponding zoom drive process is performed, a standby process (Wait) is performed in step S42, and it is determined in step S43 whether or not an abnormal state is present. As a result of this determination, the lens control unit 9 returns to step S40 if it is not in an abnormal state, and stops zoom driving by moving the second and third zoom lens groups 6 and 7 if it is abnormal.

Next, the zoom mode detection in step S40 will be described with reference to the zoom mode detection flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S50, the lens control unit 9 determines whether the zoom function switching operation member 4 is switched to the manual zoom position and whether the zoom mode is the manual zoom mode setting or the electric zoom mode setting. If the zoom function switching operation member 4 is switched to the manual zoom position as a result of this determination, the lens control unit 9 determines that the manual zoom mode is set.
On the other hand, if the zoom function switching operation member 4 has not been switched to the manual zoom position but has been switched to the electric zoom mode position, the lens control unit 9 determines that the electric zoom mode is set in step S51. judge.

Next, the mode process in step S41 will be described with reference to a mode process flowchart shown in FIG.
In step S60, the lens controller 9 determines whether or not the mode determined in step S40 is the manual zoom mode. If the result of this determination is manual zoom mode, the lens control section 9 performs manual zoom mode processing in step S61. On the other hand, if the mode is the electric zoom mode, the lens controller 9 performs the electric zoom mode process in step S62.

Next, the manual zoom mode process in step S61 will be described with reference to the manual zoom mode process flowchart shown in FIG.
When the manual zoom mode is set, the second zoom group drive mechanism 11 is in a state where the speed increasing gear 45 is connected to the motor shaft gear 46 in a clutch manner as shown in FIG. When the zoom function switching operation member 4 is manually operated by the user, the zoom function switching operation member 4 overcomes the detent torque of the second zoom group actuator 17 and rotates the motor shaft gear 46. As a result, the second zoom lens group 6 moves in the direction of the optical axis P.

The second zoom group position detector 13 detects the position of the second zoom lens group 6 using, for example, a linear encoder. In step S70, the lens controller 9 captures the position detection of the second zoom lens group 6 detected by the second zoom group position detector 13.
In step S71, the lens control unit 9 detects the current position of the second zoom lens group 6 by the second zoom group position detector 13, and sequentially updates the current position of the second zoom lens group 6.
In step S72, the lens control unit 9 reads the positional relationship information between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 as shown in FIG. 3 stored in the storage unit 10, and in step S73. The third zoom lens group 7 is driven following the position of the second zoom lens group 6.

Next, the electric zoom mode process in step S62 will be described with reference to the electric zoom mode process flowchart shown in FIG.
When the electric zoom mode is set, as shown in FIG. 5, in the second zoom group drive mechanism 11, the support member 42, the rotation support member 43, and the speed increasing gear 45, which are manual mechanisms, are integrated with each other in FIG. The speed increasing gear 45 moves away from the motor shaft gear 46, and the connection between the zoom function switching operation member 4 and the motor shaft 14a of the second zoom group actuator 17 is released. The In this state, when an electric zoom command is issued from the lens control unit 9 to the second zoom group driving mechanism 11, the second zoom group screw 40 is rotated by driving the second zoom group actuator 17. The rotation of the second zoom group screw 40 moves the second zoom lens group 6 in the direction of the optical axis P.

The second zoom group position detector 13 detects the position of the second zoom lens group 6 using, for example, a linear encoder. In step S80, the lens control unit 9 captures the position detection of the second zoom lens group 6 detected by the second zoom group position detector 13, and in step S81, the current position of the second zoom lens group 6 is acquired. And the current position of the second zoom lens group 6 is sequentially updated.
In step S72, the lens control unit 9 reads the positional relationship information between the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 as shown in FIG. 3 stored in the storage unit 10, and in step S73. The third zoom lens group 7 is driven following the position of the second zoom lens group 6.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the position information of the second zoom lens group 6 detected by the second zoom group position detection unit 13 and the positional relationship information stored in the storage unit 10 are included. Based on this, the third zoom lens group 7 is controlled to move to the position where the focal length of the interchangeable lens 1 is formed, so that a separate electric zoom device is not attached to the digital camera, and the entire digital camera is downsized. This improves the usability and further reduces the cost by not using a separate electric zoom device.

  Further, the third zoom lens group is outside the movable range of the second zoom lens group 6 in the direction of the optical axis P and within the movable range of the third zoom lens group 7 in the direction of the optical axis P. 7, reset positions RS <b> 1 and RS <b> 4 that do not interfere with the second zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 are set. Thus, when reset driving is performed in the manual mode, if the second zoom lens group 6 moves at a rapid speed, for example, by a zoom operation of a mechanical manual operation by the user, the third zoom lens group 7 Since the third zoom lens group 7 is moved to the reset positions RS1 and RS4 that do not interfere with the second zoom lens group 6 even if it cannot follow the movement of the zoom lens group 6 due to the rapid speed, the second zoom lens group 6 moves to the second position. Collision between the zoom lens group 6 and the third zoom lens group 7 can be avoided.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified as follows.
FIG. 18 shows a configuration diagram of the third zoom group driving mechanism 14. For example, a light shielding plate 53 as a moving body is provided in the coupling mechanism 52. Similarly to the above, the light shielding plate 53 is formed in, for example, an elongated plate shape or a rod shape, and the longitudinal direction thereof is provided along the same direction as the direction of the optical axis P.
The photo interrupter (PI) 54 is provided opposite to the position where the light shielding plate 53 is disposed, and is provided at a position corresponding to the reset position of the third zoom lens group 7. This is sent to the lens controller 9.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  1: interchangeable lens, 2: camera body, 3: manual focus (MF) ring, 4: operation member for switching zoom function, 5: first zoom lens group, 6: second zoom lens group (first Lens group: M.ZM), 7: Third zoom lens group (second lens group: P.ZM), 8: Fourth zoom lens group, 31: Diaphragm, 9: Lens control unit, 10: Memory , 11: second zoom group (M.ZM) drive mechanism, 13: second zoom group position detection unit, 14: third zoom group (P.ZM) drive mechanism, 14a: second zoom group 17: second zoom group actuator, 40: second zoom group screw, 41: coupling mechanism, 42: support member, 43: rotation support member, 44: shaft, 45: speed increase Gear, 46: Motor shaft gear, 50: Third zoom Use actuator 51: the third zoom group screw, 52: coupling mechanism, 53: light-shielding plate 53, 54: photo-interrupter (PI).

Claims (9)

In an interchangeable lens having first and second lens groups that are movable in the optical axis direction in order to perform optical zoom,
An operation member for moving the first lens group in response to the optical zoom operation instruction;
A position detection unit that detects a position of the first lens group that moves in response to an operation instruction to the operation member;
A storage unit for storing information on each position of the first lens group and the second lens group corresponding to a focal length of the interchangeable lens;
A control unit that controls movement of the second lens group based on information on the position of the first lens group detected by the position detection unit and information on the position stored in the storage unit;
Comprising
The controller is configured to move the second lens group outside the movable range of the first lens group in the optical axis direction and within the movable range of the second lens group in the optical axis direction. Set the reset position for movement,
An interchangeable lens characterized by that.   2. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the reset position is set to a position where the second lens group and the first lens group do not interfere with each other. The operation member moves the first lens group in a manual zoom mode,
The control unit controls movement of the second lens group based on information on the position of the first lens group moved in the manual zoom mode and information on the position stored in the storage unit. To
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:   The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the movement of the second lens group to the reset position when power is turned on.   The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the movement of the second lens group to the reset position when the power is shut off.   The control unit, after a reset operation for moving the second lens group to the reset position, the position information of the first lens group detected by the position detection unit and the position stored in the storage unit 6. The interchangeable lens according to claim 4, wherein movement control of the second lens group is performed to a position that forms the focal length based on the information regarding.   The interchangeable lens according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the movement of the second lens group to a zoom position corresponding to the first lens group after the reset operation. A zoom switching unit that switches to either manual zoom that controls movement of the first lens group in response to an operation instruction to the operation member, or electric zoom that controls movement of the first lens group electrically;
When the zoom switching unit switches to the electric zoom, the control unit moves the second lens group to the reset position when the power is turned on, and stores information on the position stored in the storage unit. Based on the reset position of the second lens group based on the movement of the first lens group to a position that optically forms the focal length,
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1. A zoom driving mechanism for moving and driving the second lens group in response to a command from the control unit;
The zoom driving mechanism includes a motor, a moving mechanism that converts driving of the motor into movement of the second lens group in the optical axis direction, a moving body that moves integrally with the second lens group, A reset position detector provided at a position corresponding to the reset position of the second lens group, and detecting the moving body and sending a reset position signal to the controller.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 1.

Images