JP4481611B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera that captures subject light with a solid-state imaging device and generates an image signal.

  In recent years, in addition to a conventional type of camera that takes a picture on a silver salt film, a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD image pickup device or a MOS image pickup device is provided, and an object is imaged on the solid-state image pickup device to generate an image signal Types of digital cameras are rapidly spreading.

  This digital camera is also required to have portability as well as shooting performance. The focal length can be changed and a desired angle of view can be taken, and the taking lens is retracted in a thin body for convenient portability. It is being stored.

  The photographic lens with variable focal length is composed of three groups of front lens group, rear lens group, and focus lens in order from the front in the optical axis direction. The focal length is variable and the focus is adjusted by moving the focus lens. The type of photographic lens used is widely adopted. Further, usually, a light amount control member such as a shutter or a diaphragm is provided between the front group lens and the rear group lens or between the rear group lens and the focus lens.

  Conventionally, a reduction in thickness has been achieved by retracting such a distance between the lens and the shutter as much as possible. However, there is a limit to the reduction in thickness.

  In order to realize further thinning, it is considered that one of the photographing lenses is retracted so as to be removed from the optical axis, but the lens itself is retracted. It can be realized, or what kind of advancing / retracting mechanism can be used to retract to the required position when retracting with a simple mechanism and correctly advance on the optical axis when extending There are no proposals for this point.

  Conventionally, in order to change the focal length, it is known that the rear group lens is arranged on the optical axis to be telephoto, and then the wide angle is obtained by removing the group lens from the optical axis (see Patent Document 1). This proposal is only for changing the focal length and does not contribute to the thinning of the camera.

Further, as a technique related to the present invention described later, there is a shutter using an electro-optical element such as a liquid crystal shutter using liquid crystal (see Patent Documents 2 and 3) and a PLZT shutter using a polarizing plate (see Patent Document 4). Are known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-34769 JP-A-9-163240 JP 2001-61165 A JP-A-8-304875

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera that is effectively thinned by retracting a part of a photographing lens to a suitable position when the lens barrel is retracted.

The first digital camera of the present invention that achieves the above object is a digital camera that captures subject light and generates an image signal.
In order from the front in the optical axis direction, the photographic lens is composed of three groups of a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, and the focal length is variable.
A lens barrel that accommodates the photographing lens, has an opening in front of the photographing lens, and has an internal space defined by a wall on the rear, and can be extended and retracted to adjust the focal length when extended. When,
A solid-state imaging device supported by the wall, which receives an object light imaged by the photographing lens and generates an image signal;
The lens barrel is
When the lens barrel is retracted, the second lens group is retracted to the second lens group retracting position deviated from the optical axis of the photographing lens, and when extended, the second lens group is advanced onto the optical axis. Lens group advance and retreat mechanism,
When the lens barrel is retracted, the third lens group is retracted to the third lens group retracting position deviated from the optical axis of the photographing lens, and at the time of extension, the third lens group is advanced onto the optical axis. And a lens group advance / retreat mechanism.

  The present invention relates to a digital camera having a three-group photographic lens including a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group, and includes a second lens group and a third lens group. Since both of them are retracted to respective retracted positions deviating from the optical axis of the photographing lens, the thickness can be further reduced when the lens barrel is retracted as compared with the prior art.

  The lens barrel may include a focus adjustment mechanism that performs focus adjustment by moving the third lens group in the optical axis direction.

Here, in the present invention, the lens barrel is
A second lens group guide frame that moves in the optical axis direction along with the extension and retraction and determines the position of the second lens group in the optical axis direction, and holds the second lens group and the second lens. A second lens group holding frame that is pivotally supported by a group guide frame and that pivots the second lens group on the photographic lens optical axis when extended and pivots to the second lens group retracting position when retracted. As well as
A third lens group guide frame that moves in the optical axis direction along with the extension, retraction, and focus adjustment to determine the position of the third lens group in the optical axis direction, and holds the third lens group and the third lens group. The third lens group is supported by the third lens group guide frame, and the third lens group is rotated on the optical axis of the photographing lens when extended, and is rotated to the retracted position of the third lens group when retracted. It is preferable to have a frame.

  In the case of a conventional camera that moves each group constituting the photographic lens only in the optical axis direction, each lens group has a lens frame corresponding to each group that determines the position of each group in the optical axis direction. Then, the lens frames of the second lens group and the third lens group of these lens frames are each divided into a guide frame and a holding frame, and the holding frame is pivotable with respect to the guide frame. As a result, the second lens group held by the second lens group holding frame and the second lens group held by the third lens group holding frame are respectively rotated. . By doing so, the second lens group and the third lens group can be retracted to the retracted positions when retracted by a simple mechanism, and can be accurately advanced on the optical axis when extended.

Here, the second lens group holding frame is urged in a direction in which the second lens group is rotated on the optical axis of the photographing lens,
The wall has a shape projecting into the internal space, and has a turning action portion that contacts the second lens group holding frame when retracted and acts on turning of the second lens group holding frame.
The second lens group holding frame may have an action receiving part that is pushed by the turning action part when retracted to turn the second lens group to the second lens group retracting position.

  Further, when the second lens group holding frame is extended, the action receiving portion and the turning action portion are separated from each other, and the second lens group is advanced onto the photographing lens optical axis by the urging action. It is preferable that the

Further, the turning action part is formed with a taper at the tip,
The action receiving portion is pushed by the taper of the turning action portion when retracted, thereby turning the second lens group from the photographing lens optical axis and retracting the second lens group to the second lens group retracting position. It may be.

Alternatively, the third lens group holding frame is urged in a direction of turning the third lens group on the optical axis,
The wall has a shape projecting into the internal space, and has a turning action portion that contacts the third lens group holding frame when retracted and acts on turning of the third lens group holding frame.
The third lens group holding frame may have an action receiving part that is pushed by the turning action part when retracted to turn the third lens group to the third lens group retracting position.

  Further, when the third lens group holding frame is extended, the action receiving portion and the turning action portion are separated from each other, and the third lens group is advanced onto the photographing lens optical axis by the biasing action. It is preferable that the

Here, the action receiving portion is a plate-shaped member that is pushed by the turning action portion and moves to the wall side while moving around the turning action portion when retracted, and is inclined obliquely with respect to the optical axis. Alternatively, the turning action part is formed with a taper at the tip,
The action receiving portion is pushed by the taper of the turning action portion when retracted, thereby turning the third lens group from the photographing lens optical axis to retreat to the third lens group retracting position. It may be.

Further, in the present invention, the solid-state imaging device is disposed at a position protruding from the wall into the internal space and supported by the wall,
The second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame are set in a recessed portion defined by the solid-state image sensor and the wall, beside the solid-state image sensor, when retracted. It is preferable that the second lens group and the third lens group are respectively rotated to the lens group retracted position and the third lens group retracted position.

  In the case of a digital camera equipped with a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, the above-described depression on the side of the solid-state image sensor tends to become a dead space. Therefore, as described above, the hollow portion is effectively used, and the second lens group and the third lens group are retracted to the hollow portion, so that the thickness can be further reduced when retracted.

  Alternatively, in the present invention, the second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame may be arranged such that, when retracted, the first lens group, the second lens group, which are perpendicular to the optical axis, And the second lens group retracted position and the third lens set at respective positions beside the first lens group when the lens barrel is retracted, and a plane crossing the three members of the third lens group is defined. It is also a preferred embodiment that the second lens group and the third lens group are respectively turned to the group retract position.

  In this way, the second lens group and the third lens group are retracted so that the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group are aligned on a substantially single plane. In this way, it is possible to further reduce the thickness when retracted.

  In the present invention, the second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame may be configured such that the rotation center with respect to the second lens group guide frame and the third lens group guide frame is an optical axis. It is preferable to have it in the position on the opposite side to each other.

  By setting the rotation centers of the second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame at positions opposite to each other across the optical axis of the photographing lens, the thickness of the second lens group holding frame can be reduced. The two lens groups and the third lens group can be turned without interfering with each other.

Further, in the digital camera of the present invention, the amount of light for controlling the amount of subject light that is housed in the lens barrel and moves integrally with the second lens group in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens and passes through the photographing lens. A control member,
The second lens group advancing / retreating mechanism retracts the light amount control member to the second lens group retracting position integrally with the second lens group at the time of retracting, and at the time of extension, It is also a preferable form that the lens unit is made to advance on the optical axis of the photographing lens integrally with the second lens group.

Further, in the digital camera of the present invention, the amount of light that controls the amount of subject light that is housed in the lens barrel and moves integrally with the third lens group in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens and passes through the photographing lens. A control member,
The third lens group advancing / retreating mechanism retracts the light amount control member to the third lens group retracting position integrally with the third lens group at the time of retracting, and at the time of extension, It is also a preferable form that the lens unit is made to advance on the optical axis of the photographing lens integrally with the third lens group.

  In these cases, the light quantity control member is preferably a light quantity control member using an electro-optic element.

Here, the light amount control member may be a diaphragm member that controls the amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens by controlling the aperture diameter, or
The light amount control member may be a shutter member that controls the amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens by controlling the shutter speed.

  When the lens barrel is retracted, by retracting the light amount control member integrally with the second lens group or integrally with the third lens group, a specific example of the lens barrel including the photographing lens and the light amount control member is provided. Depending on the configuration, the retracted thickness can be further reduced.

In the digital camera of the present invention, a subject that is housed in the lens barrel and moves integrally with the second lens group and the third lens group in the optical axis direction of the photographic lens and passes through the photographic lens. Comprising first and second light quantity control members for controlling the quantity of light;
The second lens group advancing / retreating mechanism retracts the first light quantity control member integrally with the second lens group to the second lens group retracting position when retracted, and the first lens group advancing / retreating mechanism when retracting. The light amount control member is advanced on the optical axis of the photographing lens integrally with the second lens group,
The third lens group advancing / retreating mechanism retracts the second light quantity control member to the third lens group retracting position integrally with the third lens group at the time of retraction, It is also a preferred embodiment that the light amount control member is advanced on the optical axis of the photographing lens integrally with the third lens group.

  Here, it is preferable that at least one of the first and second light quantity control members is a light quantity control member using an electro-optic element.

  One or the other of the first and second light quantity control members normally controls a diaphragm member for controlling the light quantity of subject light passing through the photographing lens by controlling the aperture diameter, and controls the shutter speed, respectively. This is a shutter member that controls the amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens.

The second digital camera of the present invention that achieves the above object is a digital camera that captures subject light and generates an image signal.
In order from the front in the optical axis direction, the photographing lens is composed of three groups of a front lens group, a rear lens group, and a focus lens, and the focal length is variable and the focus lens is adjusted by moving the focus lens;
A lens barrel that accommodates the above-described photographic lens, has an opening in front of the photographic lens, and has an internal space defined by a wall on the rear side, and can be extended and retracted, and the focal length is adjusted when extended. When,
A solid-state imaging device supported by the wall, which receives an object light imaged by a photographing lens and generates an image signal;
The lens barrel is
When retracted, the rear group lens is retracted to the rear group lens retracted position deviating from the photographing lens optical axis, and at the time of extension, the rear group lens advancing / retreating mechanism is configured to advance the group lens on the optical axis;
When retracted, the focus lens is retracted to a focus lens retracting position that is out of the optical axis of the photographing lens, and when extended, the focus lens is provided with a focus lens advancing / retreating mechanism that advances the focus lens on the optical axis. And

  The present invention relates to a digital camera having a three-group photographic lens including a front group lens, a rear group lens, and a focus lens, and both the rear group lens and the focus lens are located at respective retracted positions off the photographic lens optical axis. Since it is retracted, it is possible to make it thinner even when retracted.

Here, in the present invention, the lens barrel is
A rear group guide frame that moves in the optical axis direction along with the extension, collapsing and focal length adjustment to determine the position of the rear group lens in the optical axis direction, and holds the rear group lens and is pivotally supported by the rear group guide frame. A rear group holding frame for turning the group lens on the optical axis of the taking lens when extended and turning to the rear group lens retracting position when retracted;
A focus lens guide frame that moves in the optical axis direction along with the extension, retraction, and focus adjustment to determine the position of the focus lens in the optical axis direction, and holds the focus lens and is pivotally supported by the focus lens guide frame. A focus lens holding frame is preferably provided that rotates on the optical axis of the photographing lens when extended and rotates to the focus lens retracting position when retracted.

  In the case of a conventional camera that moves each group constituting the photographic lens only in the optical axis direction, each lens group has a lens frame corresponding to each group that determines the position of each group in the optical axis direction. In these lens frames, the rear lens group frame and the focus lens lens frame are each divided into a guide frame and a holding frame, and the holding frame is pivotally supported with respect to the guide frame. The rear group lens held by the rear group holding frame and the focus lens held by the focus lens holding frame are configured to rotate. By doing so, the rear group lens and the focus lens can be retracted to the respective retracted positions when retracted by a simple mechanism, and can be accurately advanced on the optical axis when extended.

Further, in the present invention, the solid-state imaging device is disposed at a position protruding from the wall into the internal space and supported by the wall,
The rear group holding frame and the focus lens holding frame are, when retracted, a rear group lens retracted position and a focus lens retracted position that are set in a hollow portion defined by the solid-state image sensor and the wall beside the solid-state image sensor. It is preferable that the rear lens group and the focus lens are respectively rotated.

  In the case of a digital camera equipped with a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, the above-described depression on the side of the solid-state image sensor tends to become a dead space. Therefore, as described above, by making effective use of the hollow portion and retracting the rear lens group and the focus lens into the hollow portion, the thickness can be further reduced when retracted.

  Alternatively, in the present invention, the rear group holding frame and the focus lens holding frame define a plane that intersects the front group lens, the rear group lens, and the focus lens perpendicular to the optical axis when retracted. It is also preferable that the rear group lens and the focus lens are respectively rotated to the rear group lens retracted position and the focus lens retracted position that are set at positions on the side of the front group lens when retracted.

  In this way, even when the rear group lens and the focus lens are retracted so that the front group lens, the rear group lens, and the focus lens are arranged substantially on one plane, the thickness can be further reduced.

  In the present invention, the rear group holding frame and the focus lens holding frame have rotation centers with respect to the rear group guide frame and the focus lens guide frame at positions opposite to each other across the optical axis. It is preferable.

  By setting the rotation center of the rear group holding frame and focus lens holding frame to positions opposite to each other across the optical axis of the taking lens, the rear group lens and the focus lens can interfere with each other while reducing the thickness. It can be turned without.

In the digital camera of the present invention, a light amount control member that controls the amount of subject light that is housed in the lens barrel and moves integrally with the rear lens group in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens and passes through the photographing lens. Prepared,
The rear group lens advancing / retracting mechanism retracts the light amount control member to the rear group retract position integrally with the rear group lens when retracted, and shoots the light amount control member integrally with the rear group lens when extended. It is also a preferred form to advance on the lens optical axis.

The digital camera according to the present invention further includes a light amount control member that controls the amount of subject light that is housed in the lens barrel and moves integrally with the focus lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens and passes through the photographing lens. ,
The focus lens advancing / retracting mechanism retracts the light amount control member to the focus lens retracted position integrally with the focus lens when retracted, and also retracts the light amount control member integrally with the focus lens when retracted. It is also a preferred form that it is to advance upward.

In the digital camera of the present invention described above, the amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens by moving integrally with the rear lens group and the focus lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens housed in the lens barrel is controlled. Comprising first and second light quantity control members;
The rear group lens advancing / retreating mechanism retracts the first light amount control member to the rear group retract position integrally with the rear group lens when retracted, and moves the first light amount control member to the rear group lens when extended. Integrate with the photographic lens optical axis,
The focus lens advancing / retreating mechanism retracts the second light amount control member to the focus lens retracted position integrally with the focus lens when retracted, and integrates the second light amount control member with the focus lens when extended. In addition, it is also a preferred form that the lens is advanced on the optical axis of the photographing lens.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the lens barrel is retracted, the second lens group and the third lens group of the photographic lens are retracted to suitable positions, so that the thickness can be further reduced as compared with the related art.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  1 and 2 are external perspective views of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a retracted state of a lens barrel 100 incorporating a zoom lens in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the lens barrel 100 of the digital camera 1 is extended. It is shown.

  The lens barrel 100 of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 incorporates a photographing lens composed of three groups as will be described later, and the focus is obtained by moving these lens groups in the optical axis direction. The distance is adjusted, and the focus is adjusted by moving the third group focus lens in the optical axis direction.

  An auxiliary light emission window 12 and a viewfinder objective window 13 are arranged at the upper front of the digital camera 1 shown in FIGS. A shutter button 14 is disposed on the upper surface of the digital camera 1.

  A zoom operation switch is provided on the rear surface (not shown) of the digital camera 1. When one of the zoom operation switches is pressed, the lens barrel 100 is extended to the telephoto side while the button is being pressed, and the zoom operation switch is When the other is pressed, the lens barrel 100 moves to the wide-angle side while continuing to press.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the lens barrel in the extended state is viewed from the optical axis direction. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the sectional line FF ′ of FIG. 8, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the sectional line AA ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 3, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a line DD ′, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fault line GG ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 3. Similarly, in order to avoid the complexity and incomprehension of the figure, the figure for explanation given with reference numerals and the figure with a fault line are separated. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the telephoto end state having the longest focal length along the cross-sectional line AA ′ of FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 shows the cross-sectional line FF ′ on the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the wide end with the shortest focal length along the cross-sectional line AA ′ in FIG. 4, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line GG ′ in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing main components in the wide end state along the sectional line DD ′ in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing main components of the lens barrel in the retracted state of the digital camera according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 as seen from the optical axis direction. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the fault line EE ′, FIG. 13 is a view showing the fault line BB ′ and the fault line CC ′ on the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 12, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the fault line CC ′, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the fault line EE ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is along the fault line BB ′ of FIG. It is sectional drawing.

  In the following, description will be made mainly with reference to FIG. 7 and with reference to other drawings as necessary.

  The lens barrel 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 16 accommodates a photographing lens 110 including three groups of a front lens group 111, a rear lens group 112, and a focus lens 113 in order from the front in the optical axis direction. ing. In this photographic lens 110, the focal length changes when the rear group lens 112 moves between the tele end shown in FIG. 7 and the wide end shown in FIG. 9, and the focus lens 113 moves in the optical axis direction. Thus, the focus adjustment is performed.

  At the front end of the internal space, an opening 102 through which the photographic lens 110 is viewed is formed. On the rear side, a wall member 103 fixed to the camera body or constituting a part of the camera body is disposed. The outline is demarcated by the wall member 103 and a plurality of cylinders described later.

  A CCD solid-state image sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as CCD) 120 is attached to the wall member 103 so as to protrude into the internal space 101. By disposing the CCD 120 at a position protruding into the internal space 101, a recessed portion 104 defined by the CCD 120 and the wall member 103 is formed on the side of the CCD 120.

  Further, a feed screw 131 (see FIG. 11) is rotatably supported on the wall member 103, and a nut member 132 shown in FIG. 11 is screwed onto the feed screw 131, and the nut member 132 is engaged with the nut member 132. The focus lens guide member 133 that guides the focus lens 113 in the optical axis direction is fixed. The focus lens guide member 133 is fixed to the nut member 132, and a guide rod 205 protruding from the wall member 103 is inserted into a fork-shaped groove 133a (see FIG. 3) provided in the focus lens guide member 133. It is inserted. Therefore, the focus lens guide member 133 moves in the optical axis direction by the rotation of the feed screw 131.

  Further, a focus lens holding frame 134 for holding the focus lens is pivotally supported on the focus lens guide member 133 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 206, and the focus lens 113 is moved to the photographing lens 110 by the coil spring 107. The spring is biased in a direction located on the optical axis. The rotation range of the focus lens holding frame 134 is such that the focus lens 113 held on the focus lens holding frame 134 moves on the optical axis of the photographing lens 110 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) and the CCD 120. This is a range of turning between the focus lens retracted position (see FIG. 14) that has entered the side recess 104.

  A mechanism for revolving the focus lens holding frame 134 to revolve to the focus lens retraction position set in the recessed portion 104 will be described later.

  The feed screw 131 into which the nut member 132 to which the focus lens guide member 133 is fixed is screwed is rotationally driven by a focus motor (not shown) provided on the camera body side, and is fixed to the nut member 132 by the rotation of the feed screw 131. The focus lens guide member 132 and the focus lens holding frame 134 pivotally supported by the focus lens guide member 132 move in the optical axis direction, so that the focus lens 113 held by the focus lens holding frame 134 emits light. The position of the focus lens 113 is adjusted so that the subject image moves in the axial direction and a focused subject image is projected on the front surface of the CCD 120.

  A fixed cylinder 140 is fixed to the wall member 103, and a rotating cylinder 150 is provided inside the fixed cylinder 140. The rotary cylinder 150 is provided with a gear 151 meshed with a columnar gear 105 (see FIG. 3) on its outer periphery, and the columnar gear 105 is rotationally driven by a lens barrel drive motor (not shown). The rotating cylinder 150 rotates. A cam groove 141 is formed on the inner wall of the fixed cylinder 140, and a cam pin 152 fixed to the rotary cylinder 150 is fitted into the cam groove 141. When a rotational driving force is received through the optical axis, it moves forward or backward in the optical axis direction while rotating.

  In addition, a rotary cylinder side linear key ring 154 is provided inside the rotary cylinder 150 so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotary cylinder 150, but not relatively movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the rotary cylinder 150. Further, a key plate 155 is fixed to the rotary cylinder side rectilinear key ring 154, and the key plate 155 is fitted into a key groove 142 formed on the inner wall of the fixed cylinder 140 and extending in the optical axis direction. The rotary cylinder side linear key ring 154 is prevented from rotating by the fixed cylinder 140 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, when the rotary cylinder 150 moves in the optical axis direction while rotating, the rotary cylinder-side linear key ring 154 is not rotated because it is prevented from rotating with respect to the fixed cylinder 140, but in the optical axis direction, the rotary cylinder 150 is not rotated. Move with.

  A rotatable intermediate cylinder 160 is provided inside the rotary cylinder 150. A cam groove 156 is formed on the inner wall of the rotary cylinder 150, and a cam groove 157 is formed in the rotary cylinder side linear key ring 154 so as to penetrate the outer periphery and the inner periphery thereof. In the groove 156, a cam pin 161 provided in the intermediate cylinder 160 is inserted through the cam groove 157 of the rotary cylinder-side linear advance key ring 154. Therefore, when the rotary cylinder 150 rotates and moves in the optical axis direction, the intermediate cylinder 160 also rotates in accordance with the shape of the cam groove of the rotary cylinder 150 and the rotary cylinder-side linear key ring 154, and further relative to the rotary cylinder 150. Move in the direction of the optical axis.

  An intermediate cylinder side straight key ring 164 is provided inside the intermediate cylinder 160. The rotary cylinder side rectilinear key ring 154 described above is formed with a rectilinear key 158, and the intermediate cylinder side rectilinear key ring 164 is fitted into the rectilinear key 158 of the rotary cylinder side rectilinear key ring 154. The intermediate cylinder side rectilinear key ring 164 is relatively rotatable with respect to the intermediate cylinder 160, while relative movement in the optical axis direction with respect to the intermediate cylinder 160 is prohibited. Therefore, when the intermediate cylinder 160 rotates and moves relative to the rotating cylinder 150 in the optical axis direction, the intermediate cylinder side rectilinear key ring 164 does not rotate, but the intermediate cylinder 160 moves in the optical axis direction. Moves straight in the direction of the optical axis.

  A cam groove 165 for guiding the rear group guide frame 170 is formed on the inner wall of the intermediate cylinder 160, and a cam pin 171 fixed to the rear group guide frame 170 is provided in the cam groove 165. The cylinder side straight key ring 164 is inserted in a state of being prevented from rotating. Therefore, when the intermediate cylinder 160 rotates, the rear group guide frame 170 moves straight in the optical axis direction according to the shape of the cam groove 165 on the inner wall of the intermediate cylinder 160.

  A shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group guide frame 170 in front of the optical axis direction. The shutter unit 179 has a diaphragm member that controls the amount of subject light that passes through the photographing lens 110 by controlling the aperture diameter, and the amount of subject light that passes through the imaging lens 110 by controlling the shutter speed. Both of the shutter members are provided.

  Further, a rear group holding frame 172 that holds the rear group lens 112 is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft 173 with respect to the rear group guide frame 170 at the rear in the optical axis direction. The rotation range of the rear group holding frame 172 is such that the rear group lens 112 held by the group holding frame 172 then moves to the optical axis of the photographing lens 110 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) and the CCD 120 side. It is the range which turns between the retreat positions (refer FIG. 14) which enter into the hollow part 104 of this. A coil spring 174 is provided around the rotation shaft 173, and the rear group holding frame 172 is spring-biased by the coil spring 174 in a direction in which the rear group lens 112 rotates on the optical axis of the photographing lens 110. And is also urged in the direction of the optical axis.

  A mechanism for turning the rear group holding frame 172 to cause the rear group lens 112 to turn and retract to the retracted position set in the recessed portion 104 will be described later.

  The intermediate tube 160 is formed with another cam groove 166 for guiding the front group frame 180 holding the front group lens 111, and the cam pin 181 provided in the front group frame 180 is formed in the cam groove 166. Has entered. Further, the front group frame 180 is stopped by the intermediate cylinder side rectilinear key ring 164 so as to freely move in the optical axis direction. Therefore, when the intermediate cylinder 160 rotates, the front group frame 180 moves straight in the optical axis direction with respect to the intermediate cylinder 160 according to the shape of the cam groove 166.

  7, when the rotational driving force in the retracted direction is transmitted to the rotary cylinder 150 via the columnar gear 105 when the telephoto end is in the telephoto end of FIG. 7, the telephoto end of FIG. 14 and 16 are retracted through the wide end state, and conversely, the rotational driving force in the feeding direction is transmitted to the rotating cylinder 150 when in the retracted state shown in FIGS. Then, the retracted state shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 is extended from the wide end state shown in FIG. 9 to the tele end state shown in FIG. 7 via the wide end state.

  When shooting, the zoom operation switch described above is operated to adjust the focal length between the tele end shown in FIG. 7 and the wide end shown in FIG. 9, thereby setting a desired shooting angle of view. The focus lens 113 is focused to a position where the highest contrast can be obtained by contrast detection based on the image signal obtained by the CCD 120. Thereafter, when the shutter button is pressed, an image signal representing the subject at that time is generated by the CCD 120, subjected to appropriate image processing, and recorded.

  Next, a mechanism for turning the focus lens 113 to the focus lens retracting position when retracted will be described.

  As described above, the focus lens holding frame 134 that holds the focus lens 113 is rotatably supported by the focus lens guide frame 133 by the rotation shaft 206, and the focus lens 113 is placed on the optical axis of the photographing lens 110 by the coil spring 107. The spring is biased in the direction of the position.

  Here, the wall member 103 that defines the rear surface of the inner space 101 of the lens barrel 100 has an inner portion of the engagement portion 134a of the focus lens holding frame 134 within the retraction direction movement locus as shown in FIG. A convex portion 208 having a shape protruding into the space 101 is formed.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the convex portion provided on the wall member and the engaging portion of the focus lens holding frame as seen from a direction 90 degrees different from the direction shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the convex portion 208 provided on the wall member is provided with a tapered surface 208a that engages with the engaging portion 134a of the focus lens holding frame. Therefore, when the feed screw 131 rotates and the focus lens 113 moves in a direction approaching the CCD 120, the engaging portion 134a of the focus lens holding frame 134 contacts the tapered surface 208a of the convex portion 208 and along the tapered surface 208a. As a result, the focus lens holding frame 134 is rotated around the rotation shaft 206, and the focus lens 113 held by the focus lens holding frame 134 is rotated away from the position on the optical axis of the photographing lens 110. It moves to the focus lens retracting position (see FIG. 14) set in the recessed portion 104 on the side.

  14 and 16, when moved in the feeding direction from the retracted state, the projection 208 protruding from the wall member 103 is disengaged from the focus lens holding frame 134, and the focus lens holding frame 134 is attached to the coil spring 107. 12 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 12 to the state shown in FIG. 3, and thereby the focus lens 113 is turned from the focus lens retracted position shown in FIG. 14 to a position on the optical axis.

  Next, a mechanism for turning the rear group lens 112 to the rear group lens retracted position when retracted will be described. The mechanism for rotating the rear lens group 112 to the retracted position is similar to the mechanism for rotating the focus lens 113 to the retracted position described above.

  As described above, the rear group holding frame 172 that holds the rear group lens 112 is rotatably supported by the rear group guide frame 170 by the rotating shaft 173, and the rear group lens 112 is light of the photographing lens 110 by the coil spring 174. It is spring-biased in a direction located on the shaft. A lever member 175 shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 is also rotatably supported by the rear group guide frame 170 by a rotation shaft 176. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear group holding frame 172 is provided with a fork-like engagement groove 178, and an engagement pin 177 provided at one end of the lever member 175 enters the engagement groove 178. It is out.

  Here, the wall member 103 that defines the rear surface of the internal space 101 of the lens barrel 100 has a retracted end 175a opposite to the direction in which the pin 177 of the lever member 175 is provided, as shown in FIG. A convex portion 209 having a shape protruding into the internal space 101 is formed in the direction movement locus, and a tapered surface 209 a is provided on the tip side of the convex portion 209. Therefore, when the rotary cylinder 150 rotates in the retracted direction, the intermediate cylinder 160 and the rear group guide frame 170 cam-engaged with the intermediate cylinder 160 also move in the retracted direction, and the end 175a of the lever member 175 is the taper of the convex portion 209. It strikes the surface 209a and moves along the tapered surface 209a, whereby the lever member 175 rotates from the rotational position shown in FIG. 3 to the rotational position shown in FIG. Then, since the pin 177 of the lever member 175 enters the fork-like engagement groove 178 of the rear group holding frame 172, the rear group holding frame 172 also rotates around the rotation shaft 173, and the rear group lens 112 Is retracted from the position on the optical axis shown in FIG. 3 to the retracted position shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the retracted position is a recessed portion 104 formed on the side of the CCD 120.

  14 and FIG. 16, when moved in the feeding direction from the retracted state, the projection 209 protruding from the wall member 103 and the lever member 175 shown in FIG. 10 are disengaged, and the rear group holding frame 172 is a coil spring. 12 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 12 to the state shown in FIG. 3, whereby the rear lens group 112 is turned from the retracted position shown in FIG. 14 to a position on the optical axis.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, both the focus lens 113 and the rear group lens 112 are retracted to the recessed portion 104 on the side of the CCD 120 when retracted. In the case of a digital camera equipped with a conventional retracting and feeding mechanism that does not have a mechanism for retracting the photographic lens from the optical axis but retracts while it is disposed on the optical axis, the hollow portion 104 tends to become a dead space. In this embodiment, since both the focus lens 113 and the rear lens group 112 are removed from the optical axis and retracted to the recessed portion 104, the recessed portion 104 is effectively used, and the thickness can be further reduced as compared with the prior art. realizable.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the digital camera shown in FIGS.

  The digital camera 1 includes the above-described photographing lens 110, shutter unit 179, and CCD image sensor 120. The subject image formed on the CCD image sensor 120 via the photographing lens 110 and the shutter unit 179 is converted into an analog image signal by the CCD image sensor 120. Here, the shutter unit 179 is for suppressing the occurrence of smear due to light when reading an analog signal from the CCD image sensor 120.

  Moreover, the auxiliary light emission part 130 is provided here, This auxiliary light emission part 130 light-emits auxiliary light at the time of low illumination. In addition, the auxiliary light emitting unit 130 can emit light when necessary other than low illuminance.

  The camera 1 also includes an analog signal processing unit 501, an A / D unit 502, a digital signal processing unit 503, a temporary memory 504, a compression / decompression unit 505, a built-in memory (or memory card) 506, An image monitor 507 and a drive circuit 508 are provided. The CCD image sensor 120 is driven at a timing generated by a timing generation circuit (not shown) in the drive circuit 508, and outputs an analog image signal. The drive circuit 508 also includes a drive circuit that drives the photographing lens 110, the shutter unit 179, the auxiliary light emitting unit 130, and the like. The analog image signal output from the CCD image sensor 120 is subjected to analog signal processing by the analog signal processing unit 501, A / D converted by the A / D unit 502, and digital signal processed by the digital signal processing unit 503. Data representing the digital signal processed signal is temporarily stored in temporary memory 504. The data stored in the temporary memory 504 is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 505 and recorded in the built-in memory (or memory card) 506. Depending on the shooting mode, the compression process may be omitted and the recording may be performed directly in the built-in memory 506. The data stored in the temporary memory 504 is read out to the image monitor 507, whereby an image of the subject is displayed on the image monitor 507.

  Further, the camera 1 is provided with a CPU 509 for controlling the entire camera 1, an operation switch group 510 including a zoom operation switch and the like, and a shutter button 14. By operating the operation switch group 510, Photographing is performed by setting a desired photographing state including setting a desired angle of view and pressing the shutter button 14.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment described below, the external appearance and schematic circuit configuration are substantially the same as the external appearance (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and schematic circuit configuration (see FIG. 18) in the first embodiment described above. Even if there is a difference, the description of the characteristic part of the present invention is not necessary, so illustration and description are omitted here, and only the configuration of the lens barrel will be described. In the description of the lens barrel, the same reference numerals as those in the drawings (FIGS. 3 to 17) of the first embodiment are used for the same components as those in the first embodiment. Only the differences will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the main components when the lens barrel in the extended state of the digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the optical axis direction. FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the same tomographic line as the tomographic line FF 'shown in FIG. 8 which is a figure of corresponding 1st Embodiment mentioned above. 20 is a diagram showing a sectional line DD ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a sectional line GG ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. . FIG. 22 shows the telephoto end with the longest focal length along the same fault line as the fault line AA ′ shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the wide end with the shortest focal length along the same tomographic line as in FIG. 22, and FIG. 24 is a wide view along the tomographic line GG ′ in FIG. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components in the wide end state along the sectional line DD ′ in FIG. 20. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing main components of the digital camera according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 25 when the lens barrel in the retracted state is viewed from the optical axis direction. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same fault line as the fault line EE ′ shown in FIG. 15, which is a diagram of the first embodiment described above corresponding to FIG. 27, and FIG. 27 and FIG. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure taken along the same fault line as the fault line CC ′ and fault line BB ′ shown in FIG. 13 which is the diagram of the first embodiment described above corresponding to FIG. 26; .

  In the case of the first embodiment described above, the shutter unit 179 is disposed on the front side in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear group guide frame 170, and the rear group holding frame 172 is disposed on the rear side in the optical axis direction with respect to the rear group guide frame 170. However, in the case of the second embodiment, the shutter unit 179 is attached to the rear group guide frame 170 on the rear side in the optical axis direction, and the rear group holding frame 172 is attached to the front side of the rear group guide frame 170. ing.

  In the second embodiment, the shape of the focus lens 113 and the shape of the focus lens holding frame 134 that holds the focus lens 113 are different from those in the first embodiment.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the convex portion 209 protruding from the wall member 103 in FIG. 10 in the first embodiment is not provided, and the lever member 175 that engages with the convex portion 209 is not provided.

  In the second embodiment, instead, a stepping motor 190 and a drive gear 191 fixed to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 190 for transmitting the rotational driving force of the stepping motor 190 to the rear group holding frame 172 are provided. A transmission gear 192 for transmitting the driving force, a receiving gear 193 fixed to the rear group holding frame 172, and a photo interrupter 194 for detecting that the rear group holding frame 172 is on the optical axis. Is provided.

  In the rear group lens 112, the rotational driving force of the stepping motor 190 is transmitted to the rear group holding frame 172 via the driving gear 191, the transmission gear 192, and the receiving gear 193, and then the group holding frame 172 is rotated around the rotation shaft 173. By rotating, it rotates between a position on the optical axis and a retracted position. Also in this second embodiment, a coil spring 174 (see FIG. 22) is provided around the rotation shaft 173, and the rear group lens 112 stays stably at a position on the optical axis by the biasing force of the coil spring 174. Can do.

  As in the second embodiment, a driving source for turning the rear group lens 112 by rotating the rear group holding frame 172 may be provided separately from the retracting lens barrel and the driving source for feeding.

  In the case of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the optical axis crossing all three groups constituting the photographing lens 110 at the time of retracting, that is, the front group lens 111, the rear group lens 112, and the focus lens 113 is arranged. A vertical plane can be defined. As described above, the rear lens group 112 and the focus lens 113 can also be retracted effectively so that the three lens groups are arranged substantially on one plane.

  FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the telephoto end state of the longest focal length of the digital camera of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30 is the focus of the digital camera of the third embodiment as in FIG. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the third embodiment, which is the same as FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, showing the state of the wide end with the shortest distance.

  29 to 31 correspond to FIGS. 7, 9, and 14 in the first embodiment described above, respectively, and the differences from the first embodiment described above are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. In the embodiment, instead of the shutter unit 179 being fixed to the rear group guide frame 170, the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 in the third embodiment shown here. The shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 and is disposed in front of the rear group lens 112. Here, the shutter unit 179 is of a type that controls the amount of light using an electro-optical element such as liquid crystal or PLZT (polarizing plate), and the shutter unit 179 is controlled by controlling the aperture diameter. Both an aperture for controlling the amount of light passing through and a shutter for controlling the amount of light passing therethrough by controlling the shutter speed are incorporated.

  Since this shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 that holds the rear group lens 112, when retracted, the rear unit lens 179 and the rear group lens 112 are set in the recessed portion 104 as shown in FIG. When retracted to the group retract position and extended, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the rear group lens 112 is advanced on the optical axis.

  The mechanism for retracting and retracting with advancement and advancement is the same as in the case of the first embodiment described above, and redundant illustration and description are omitted here.

  FIG. 32 is a sectional view along the optical axis showing the telephoto end state of the longest focal length of the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is the focus of the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment as in FIG. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the fourth embodiment, which is the same as FIGS. 32 and 33, showing the state of the wide end with the shortest distance.

  FIGS. 32 to 34 are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 22, 23, and 27, respectively, in the second embodiment described above. The difference from the second embodiment described above is the second embodiment described above. In the embodiment, the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group guide frame 170 as in the case of the first embodiment, whereas in the fourth embodiment shown here, the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group holding frame 172. It is a point that has been. However, unlike the case of the third embodiment described above (FIGS. 29 to 31), the shutter unit 179 is disposed behind the rear group lens 112 in the optical axis direction. Here, as in the case of the third embodiment described above, the shutter unit 179 is of a type that controls the amount of light using an electro-optical element such as liquid crystal or PLZT. The shutter unit 179 has an aperture diameter. Both a diaphragm for controlling the amount of light passing therethrough by controlling the shutter and a shutter for controlling the amount of light passing therethrough by controlling the shutter speed are incorporated.

  Since the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 that holds the rear group lens 112, the rear group is set at a position substantially aligned with the front group lens 111 as shown in FIG. The lens is retracted together with the rear lens group 112 to the retracted position, and is advanced along the optical axis together with the rear lens group 112 as shown in FIGS.

  The mechanism of retracting and retracting with advancement and extension is the same as in the case of the second embodiment described above, and redundant illustration and description are omitted here.

  As described above, in the present invention, the rear unit lens and the shutter unit may be retracted and advanced together according to the collapse and extension.

  FIG. 35 is a sectional view along the optical axis showing the telephoto end state of the longest focal length of the digital camera of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is the focus of the digital camera of the fifth embodiment as in FIG. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the fifth embodiment, which is the same as FIGS. 35 and 36, showing the state of the wide end with the shortest distance.

  These FIGS. 35 to 37 are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 7, 9, and 14, respectively, in the first embodiment described above. The differences from the first embodiment described above are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. In the embodiment, instead of the shutter unit 179 being fixed to the rear group guide frame 170, in the fifth embodiment shown here, the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the focus lens holding frame 134. The shutter unit 179 is fixed to the focus lens holding frame 134 and is disposed in front of the focus lens 113. Here, the shutter unit 179 is of a type that controls the amount of light using an electro-optical element such as liquid crystal or PLZT (polarizing plate), and the shutter unit 179 is controlled by controlling the aperture diameter. Both an aperture for controlling the amount of light passing through and a shutter for controlling the amount of light passing therethrough by controlling the shutter speed are incorporated.

  Since the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the focus holding frame 134 that holds the focus lens 113, when retracted, as shown in FIG. 37, the shutter unit 179 moves to the focus retraction position set in the recessed portion 104 together with the focus lens 113. At the time of retraction and extension, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the lens advances along with the focus lens 113 on the optical axis.

  The mechanism for retracting and retracting with advancement and advancement is the same as in the case of the first embodiment described above, and redundant illustration and description are omitted here.

  38 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the telephoto end state of the longest focal length of the digital camera according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 is the focus of the digital camera according to the sixth embodiment as in FIG. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the sixth embodiment, which is the same as FIGS. 38 and 39, showing the state of the wide end with the shortest distance.

  38 to 40 correspond to FIGS. 7, 9, and 14 in the first embodiment described above, respectively, and the difference from the first embodiment described above is the first embodiment described above. In the embodiment, a shutter unit 179 in which both a diaphragm and a shutter are incorporated is fixed to the rear group guide frame 170, whereas in the sixth embodiment shown here, the diaphragm and the shutter in the first embodiment are not combined. Instead of the shutter unit 179 incorporating both, an aperture unit 1791 incorporating a diaphragm for controlling the amount of light passing therethrough by controlling the aperture diameter, and controlling the amount of light passing therethrough by controlling the shutter speed And a shutter unit 1792 not including an aperture, and the aperture unit 1791 and the shutter unit. 792, a point that is fixed to the respective rear group holding frame 172 and the focus lens holding frame 134. The aperture unit 1791 and the shutter unit 1792 are disposed on the front side in the optical axis direction of the rear group lens 112 and on the front side in the optical axis direction of the focus lens 113, respectively. Here, both of the diaphragm unit 1791 and the shutter unit 1792 are of a system that controls the amount of light using an electro-optical element such as liquid crystal or PLZT.

  Since the aperture unit 1791 and the shutter unit 1792 are fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 that holds the rear group lens 112 and the focus lens holding frame 134 that holds the focus lens 113, respectively, as shown in FIG. Then, the rear group lens 112 and the focus lens 113 are retracted to the rear group retract position and the focus lens retract position respectively set in the recessed portion 104, and when extended, as shown in FIGS. It advances on the optical axis together with the focus lens 113.

  The mechanism for retracting and retracting with advancement and advancement is the same as in the case of the first embodiment described above, and redundant illustration and description are omitted here.

  41 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the telephoto end state of the longest focal length of the digital camera according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42 is the focus of the digital camera according to the seventh embodiment as in FIG. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the seventh embodiment, which is the same as FIGS. 41 and 42, showing the state of the wide end with the shortest distance.

  These FIGS. 41 to 43 are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 22, 23, and 27, respectively, in the second embodiment described above, and the difference from the second embodiment described above is the second embodiment described above. In the form, as in the case of the first embodiment, the shutter unit 179 is fixed to the rear group guide frame 170, whereas in the seventh embodiment shown here, as in the case of the above-described sixth embodiment, A diaphragm unit 1791 incorporating a diaphragm and a shutter unit 1792 incorporating a shutter are fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 and the focus lens holding frame 134, respectively. The aperture unit 1791 is disposed on the rear side in the optical axis direction of the rear group lens 112, and the shutter unit 1792 is disposed on the front side in the optical axis direction of the focus lens 113. Also in the seventh embodiment, as in the case of the fifth embodiment described above, both the aperture unit 1791 and the shutter unit 1792 are of a system in which the light amount is controlled using an electro-optical element such as liquid crystal or PLZT. .

  Since the aperture unit 1791 and the shutter unit 1792 are fixed to the rear group holding frame 172 that holds the rear group lens 112 and the focus lens holding frame 134 that holds the focus lens 113, respectively, as shown in FIG. Further, together with the rear group lens 112 and the focus lens 113, the rear group lens and the focus lens 113 are retracted to the rear group retract position and the focus lens retract position, which are set almost at the side of the front group lens 111, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the lens advances along the optical axis together with the rear lens group 112 and the focus lens 113.

  The mechanism for retracting and retracting with advancement and advancement is the same as in the case of the first embodiment described above, and redundant illustration and description are omitted here.

  In these sixth and seventh embodiments, the aperture unit 1791 is fixed to the rear group holding frame 172, and the shutter unit 1792 is fixed to the focus lens holding frame 134. Conversely, the rear group holding is performed. The shutter unit 1792 may be fixed to the frame 172, and the aperture unit 1791 may be fixed to the focus lens holding frame 134.

  FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing main parts in the extended state of the digital camera according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of illustration, only an engaging portion 134a described later is shown in a top view.

  In the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 44, the shape of the member used when the focus lens is retracted from the optical axis is different from the shape of the member used in the first embodiment. explain. In the members used in the eighth embodiment, the same types of members as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment. .

  As described in the first embodiment, the focus lens holding frame 134 that holds the focus lens 113 is rotatably supported by the focus lens guide frame 133 by the rotation shaft 206, and the focus lens 113 is photographed by the coil spring 107. The spring is biased in a direction located on the optical axis 110.

  Further, the wall member 103 that defines the rear surface of the inner space 101 of the lens barrel 100 has a convex shape that protrudes into the inner space 101 within the movement path of the engaging portion 134a of the focus lens holding frame 134 in the retracted direction. A portion 208 is formed.

  The engaging portion 134 a of the eighth embodiment is a collar that spirally protrudes outside the substantially cylindrical boss portion that is a rotatable engaging portion with the rotation shaft 206, and this collar is against the wall 103. Tilted.

  FIG. 45 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 17 in the first embodiment. The convex portion provided on the wall member and the engaging portion of the focus lens holding frame are viewed from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 44 by 90 °. It is the schematic diagram shown.

  FIG. 45 shows a convex portion 208 provided on the wall member that engages with the engaging portion 134a of the focus lens holding frame. Again, the engaging portion 134a is a convex portion provided on the wall member. It is shown tilted with respect to the portion 208.

  In the digital camera of the eighth embodiment, when the feed screw 131 rotates and the focus lens 113 moves in a direction approaching the CCD 120, the engaging portion 134a of the focus lens holding frame 134 contacts the convex portion 208 and extends around it. As a result, the focus lens holding frame 134 rotates around the rotation shaft 106, and the focus lens 113 held by the focus lens holding frame 134 rotates away from the position on the optical axis of the photographing lens 110, The focus lens is moved to the retracted position of the focus lens set in the recessed portion 104 on the side of the CCD 120. When the retracted state moves in the feeding direction, the projection 208 protruding from the wall member 103 is disengaged from the focus lens holding frame 134, and the focus lens holding frame 134 is rotated by the biasing force of the coil spring 107, Thereby, the focus lens 113 turns from the focus lens retracted position to a position on the optical axis.

  In the third to seventh embodiments, the shutter unit 179 (or the aperture unit 1791 and the shutter unit 1792) has been described as using an electro-optical element such as liquid crystal or PLZT. The shutter unit 179 (aperture unit 1791 or shutter unit 1792) retracted together with the lens (or focus lens) does not necessarily use an electro-optical element, and mechanical shutter that mechanically controls the aperture diameter and shutter speed. It may be a unit or an iris shutter (or aperture) unit that advances and retracts an iris with a predetermined opening on the optical axis.

  Furthermore, although it has been described here that both a diaphragm and a shutter are provided, a unit that serves both as a diaphragm and a shutter may be provided. In this respect, the same applies to a shutter unit using an electro-optical element, and a unit that uses an electro-optical element and serves as both a diaphragm and a shutter may be provided.

  In the first, second, and eighth embodiments, the shutter unit 179 remains on the optical axis without being retracted when retracted. In the description of the first, second, and eighth embodiments, the structure of the shutter unit 179 was not mentioned, but the shutter unit that remains on the optical axis when retracted is also a shutter unit that uses an electro-optic element. It may be a mechanical shutter unit or an iris shutter unit.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the description has been made with the digital camera for still image shooting in mind, but the digital camera for moving image shooting or the digital camera for both still image shooting and moving image shooting is also described. The present invention can be similarly applied, and in the above embodiment, the photographing lens is composed of three groups of a front lens group, a rear lens group, and a focus lens in order from the front in the optical axis direction. Although the description has been given by taking as an example a photographing lens that is variable in distance and adjusts the focus by moving the focus lens at the rear end in the optical axis direction, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to the rear end in the optical axis direction. The present invention can be applied to general digital cameras having a photographing lens of a type that adjusts focus by moving a focus lens that is not positioned. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the guide frame and the holding frame are used to advance and retreat the photographic lens with respect to the optical axis, and a member is run on a convex portion having a taper at the tip portion or is pushed by the convex portion. The case where a plate-like object is provided so as to rotate around the convex portion 208 or a drive source that rotates the holding frame is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the photographing lens As long as the guide frame and the holding frame are used for advancing and retreating with respect to the optical axis, and the guide frame can be moved back and forth between the photographic lens optical axis and the retracted position, the guide frame can be used. And it does not have to be due to the holding frame.

1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the main components seeing the lens barrel in the extended state of the digital camera of 1st Embodiment of this invention from an optical axis direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fault line A-A ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fault line D-D ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 3. It is the figure which showed the tomographic line G-G 'on the same sectional drawing as FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a tele end state with the longest focal length along the tomographic line A-A ′ of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fault line F-F ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 7. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the wide end with the shortest focal length along the tomographic line A-A ′ of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a fault line G-G ′ in FIG. 6. It is sectional drawing which shows the main components of the state of a wide end along the tomographic line D-D 'of FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the main components seeing the lens barrel in the retracted state of the digital camera of the first embodiment from the optical axis direction. It is the figure which showed fault line B-B 'and fault line C-C' on the same sectional drawing as FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the fault line C-C ′ of FIG. 13. It is the figure which showed the tomographic line E-E 'on the same sectional drawing as FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the fault line B-B ′ of FIG. 13. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the convex part provided in the wall member, and the engaging part of the focus lens holding frame from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 11 by 90 degrees. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the digital camera shown in FIGS. It is the schematic diagram which showed the main components seeing the lens barrel in the extended state of the digital camera of the second embodiment of the present invention from the optical axis direction. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a tomographic line D-D ′ on the same sectional view as FIG. 19. It is the figure which showed the tomographic line G-G 'on the same sectional drawing as FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a tele end state with the longest focal length along the same cross-sectional line as the cross-sectional line A-A ′ shown in FIG. 4, which is a diagram of the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of the wide end of the shortest focal distance along the same tomographic line as FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the main components of the state of a wide end along the tomographic line G-G 'of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the main components of the state of a wide end along the tomographic line D-D 'of FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the main components seeing the lens barrel in the retracted state from the optical axis direction of the digital camera of the second embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure cut along the same fault line as the fault line CC shown in FIG. 13 which is a figure of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure cut along the same fault line as the fault line B-B 'shown in FIG. 13 which is a figure of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing in alignment with an optical axis which shows the state of the tele end of the longest focal distance of the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing a state at the wide end with the shortest focal length of the digital camera of the third embodiment, similarly to FIG. 29. It is sectional drawing which follows the optical axis which shows the retracted state of the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment same as FIG. 29, FIG. It is sectional drawing in alignment with an optical axis which shows the state of the tele end of the longest focal distance of the digital camera of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the optical axis which shows the state of the wide end of the shortest focal distance of the digital camera of 4th Embodiment similarly to FIG. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the fourth embodiment, the same as in FIGS. 32 and 33. It is sectional drawing in alignment with an optical axis which shows the state of the tele end of the longest focal distance of the digital camera of 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the state of the wide end with the shortest focal length of the digital camera of the fifth embodiment, similar to FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the fifth embodiment, which is the same as FIGS. 35 and 36. It is sectional drawing in alignment with an optical axis which shows the state of the tele end of the longest focal distance of the digital camera of 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the optical axis which shows the state of the wide end of the shortest focal distance of the digital camera of 6th Embodiment similarly to FIG. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view along the optical axis showing the retracted state of the digital camera of the sixth embodiment, the same as in FIGS. 38 and 39. It is sectional drawing in alignment with an optical axis which shows the state of the tele end of the longest focal distance of the digital camera of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the optical axis which shows the state of the wide end of the shortest focal distance of the digital camera of 7th Embodiment similarly to FIG. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along the optical axis, showing a retracted state of the digital camera of the seventh embodiment, which is the same as FIGS. 41 and 42. It is sectional drawing which shows the main components of the extended state of the digital camera of 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is drawing equivalent to FIG. 17 in 1st Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Lens barrel 101 Internal space 102 Opening 103 Wall member 104 Indentation part 105 Columnar gear 110 Shooting lens 111 Front group lens 112 Rear group lens 113 Focus lens 120 CCD solid-state image sensor 131 Feed screw 132 Nut member 133 Focus lens guide frame 134 Focus Lens holding frame 140 Fixed cylinder 141 Cam groove 142 Key groove 150 Rotating cylinder 151 Gear 152 Cam pin 154 Fixed cylinder side rectilinear key ring 155 Key plate 156 Cam groove 157 Cam groove 160 Intermediate cylinder 161 Cam pin 164 Intermediate cylinder side rectilinear key ring 165 Cam groove 166 Cam Groove 170 Rear group guide frame 171 Cam pin 172 Rear group holding frame 173 Rotating shaft 174 Coil spring 175 Lever member 175a End 176 Rotating shaft 177 Engaging pin 178 Engagement Joint groove 179 Shutter unit 180 Front group frame 181 Cam pin 205 Guide rod 206 Rotating shaft 208 Convex portion 208a Tapered surface 209 Convex portion 209a Tapered surface 1791 Aperture unit 1792 Shutter unit

Claims (18)

In digital cameras that capture subject light and generate image signals,
A photographic lens having a variable focal length, consisting of three groups of a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group in order from the subject side to the imaging side in the optical axis direction;
The photographic lens is housed, the photographic lens has an opening on the subject side, and the imaging side has an internal space defined by a wall, and can be extended and retracted freely. A lens barrel,
A solid-state imaging device supported by the wall, which receives an object light imaged by the photographing lens and generates an image signal;
The lens barrel is
A second lens group guide frame that moves in the optical axis direction along with the retracting and retracting and determines the position of the second lens group in the optical axis direction;
The second lens group is supported by a first rotation shaft that is parallel to the optical axis direction provided in the second lens group guide frame and is supported by the second lens group guide frame, and the second lens group is supported by the photographic lens optical axis. A second lens group holding frame having an actuated portion that receives an action corresponding to the extension and retraction of the lens barrel, which is spring-biased in the direction of pivoting upward. The second lens group is swung from above the optical axis of the photographing lens against the force and retracted to the second lens group retracting position provided in the recessed portion formed on the side of the imaging element. A second lens group holding frame for moving the second lens group on the optical axis of the photographing lens by spring bias;
A lever member rotatably supported by a second rotating shaft provided in the second lens group guide frame and parallel to the optical axis direction, and an action portion acting on the acting portion at one end; And having a shape protruding from the wall into the internal space at the other end, and having a tapered surface formed at the tip, the first pressed portion to be pressed by the tapered surface at the other end And when the first retracted part is pushed by the taper surface of the first turning action part, the first turning part rotates around the second rotation axis and the acting part causes the acting part to move to the actuated part. A lever member that operates to rotate the second lens group holding frame about the first rotation axis to retract the second lens group to the second lens group retracting position;
A third rotation provided from the wall in parallel to the optical axis direction from the wall to move in the optical axis direction along with the extension, collapsing and focus adjustment to determine the position of the third lens group in the optical axis direction. A third lens group guide frame supported by the shaft and moving in the optical axis direction;
The third lens group is held and supported rotatably around the third rotation axis, and the third lens group moves in accordance with the movement of the third lens group guide frame in the optical axis direction. A third lens group holding frame that is spring-biased in a direction to rotate the lens group on the optical axis of the photographing lens, and has a shape that protrudes from the wall into the internal space when retracted, and is tapered at the tip. And a second pressed portion that is pushed by the tapered surface of the second swivel acting portion formed with a surface, and the second pressed portion is pushed against the tapered surface of the second swivel acting portion when retracted. In this way, a recess is formed on the side of the image sensor by rotating about the third rotation axis against the spring bias and turning the third lens group from the optical axis of the imaging lens. The second pressed portion is retracted to the third lens group retracting position provided on the second lens unit, and the second pressed portion is moved to the second turning operation when extended. The third lens group by spring-biased by away from the parts is intended and a third lens group holding frame to be advanced to the photographic lens optical axis,
The second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame define a plane that intersects the second lens group and the third lens group perpendicular to the optical axis when retracted. A digital camera characterized in that the second lens group and the third lens group are rotated to the second lens group retracted position and the third lens group retracted position, respectively. The solid-state imaging device is disposed at a position protruding from the wall into the internal space and supported by the wall,
The second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame are three of the solid-state imaging device, the second lens group, and the third lens group that are perpendicular to the optical axis when retracted. The second lens group and the third lens group are turned to the second lens group retracted position and the third lens group retracted position, respectively, in which a plane crossing the person is defined. The digital camera according to claim 1.   The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a focus adjustment mechanism that performs focus adjustment by moving the third lens group in the optical axis direction.   The second lens group holding frame and the third lens group holding frame are mutually connected with the rotation center with respect to the second lens group guide frame and the third lens group guide frame sandwiching the optical axis. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is located at an opposite position. Comprising the light quantity control member for controlling the light quantity of the subject light passing through the second lens group and integrally moves with the imaging lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens housed in the lens inside the body The digital camera according to claim 1. Comprising the light quantity control member for controlling the light quantity of the subject light passing through the third lens group and integrally moves with the imaging lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens housed in the lens inside the body The digital camera according to claim 1.   7. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the light quantity control member is a light quantity control member using an electro-optic element.   7. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the light amount control member is a diaphragm member that controls a light amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens by controlling an aperture diameter.   7. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the light amount control member is a shutter member that controls a light amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens by controlling a shutter speed. The amount of subject light passing through the photographic lens is controlled by moving integrally with the second lens group and the third lens group in the optical axis direction of the photographic lens housed in the lens barrel. claim 1 digital camera according to comprising the first and second light quantity control member.   The digital camera according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second light quantity control members is a light quantity control member using an electro-optic element.   One and the other of the first and second light amount control members respectively control the aperture member for controlling the light amount of the subject light passing through the photographing lens by controlling the aperture diameter, and the shutter speed. 12. The digital camera according to claim 10, wherein the digital camera is a shutter member that controls the amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens. In digital cameras that capture subject light and generate image signals,
A photographic lens comprising three groups of a front lens group, a rear lens group, and a focus lens in order from the subject side to the image forming side in the optical axis direction, the focal length being variable and the focus lens being adjusted by moving the focus lens; ,
A lens that accommodates the photographing lens, has an opening on the subject side, and has an internal space defined by a wall on the image forming side. The lens can be extended and retracted, and the focal length can be adjusted when extended. The lens barrel,
A solid-state imaging device supported by the wall, which receives an object light imaged by the photographing lens and generates an image signal;
The lens barrel is
A rear group lens guide frame that moves in the optical axis direction with extension and retracts and determines the position of the rear group lens in the optical axis direction;
The rear group lens is held and supported by a first rotation shaft that is provided in the rear group lens guide frame and is parallel to the optical axis direction, and the rear group lens is pivoted on the optical axis of the photographing lens. A rear group lens holding frame having an actuated portion that receives an action corresponding to the feeding and retracting of the lens barrel that is spring-biased, and the actuated portion resists the spring bias when the rear group is retracted A lens is swung from the optical axis of the photographing lens and retracted to a rear group lens retracting position provided in a recess formed on the side of the imaging element, and the rear lens group is moved by a spring bias when being extended. A rear lens group holding frame that advances on the optical axis;
A lever member rotatably supported by a second rotation shaft provided in the rear group lens guide frame and parallel to the optical axis direction, and having an action portion acting on the actuated portion at one end. The other end has a first pressed portion to be pushed by the tapered surface of the first turning action portion having a shape protruding from the wall into the internal space and having a tapered surface at the tip when retracted. When the lens barrel is retracted, the first pressed portion is pressed against the tapered surface of the first turning action portion to rotate around the second rotation axis, and the rear lens group holding frame is accordingly moved to the covered portion. A lever member that rotates around the first rotation axis by receiving the action of the action portion and retracts the rear group lens to the rear group lens group retract position;
Axis from a wall to a third rotating shaft provided in parallel to the optical axis direction from the wall to move in the optical axis direction along with the feeding, collapsing and focus adjustment to determine the position of the focus lens in the optical axis direction A focus lens guide frame that is supported and moves in the direction of the optical axis;
The focus lens is held in the optical axis of the photographing lens, and is supported in a rotatable manner around the third rotation axis and moves in accordance with the movement of the focus lens guide frame in the optical axis direction. A focus lens holding frame that is spring-biased in a direction to pivot upward, and has a shape that protrudes from the wall into the internal space when retracted, and a second pivoting action portion having a tapered surface at the tip. A second pressed portion that is pressed against the tapered surface; and when retracted, the second pressed portion is pressed against the tapered surface of the second turning action portion to resist the spring bias. 3 is rotated about the rotation axis of 3 and the focus lens is swung from the optical axis of the photographing lens to be retracted to a focus lens retracting position provided in a recessed portion formed on the side of the imaging element. The second pressed part is The spring loaded by away from the second pivot acting portion are those having a focus lens holding frame for advancing said focus lens to said photographing lens optical axis,
The rear group lens holding frame and the focus lens holding frame define a plane that intersects the rear group lens and the focus lens perpendicular to the optical axis when retracted. A digital camera characterized in that the first rear lens group and the focus lens are respectively turned to a lens retracting position. The solid-state imaging device is disposed at a position protruding from the wall into the internal space and supported by the wall,
The rear group holding frame and the focus lens holding frame define a plane that intersects the solid imaging element, the rear group lens, and the focus lens perpendicular to the optical axis when retracted. 14. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein the rear group lens and the focus lens are respectively turned to a retracted position and a focus lens retracted position.   The rear group holding frame and the focus lens holding frame have rotation centers with respect to the rear group guide frame and the focus lens guide frame at positions opposite to each other across the optical axis. The digital camera according to claim 13. Characterized by comprising a light quantity control member for controlling the amount of subject light passing through the rear lens group and integrally moves with the imaging lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens housed in the lens inside the body The digital camera according to claim 13. Claims, characterized in that it comprises a light control member for controlling the amount of subject light passing through the focusing lens integrally with moving the photographing lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens housed in the lens inside the body Item 14. The digital camera according to Item 13. First and second, which are accommodated in the lens barrel and move integrally with the rear lens group and the focus lens in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens, respectively, and control the amount of subject light passing through the photographing lens. the digital camera according to claim 13, comprising the light amount control member.

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