JP5790321B2 - Lens barrel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens barrel that retracts a lens group in one form and uses the lens group extended to a predetermined position in another form.

  In imaging apparatuses such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera (hereinafter referred to as “digital camera”), improvement in portability as well as improvement in photographing performance is strongly demanded. For this reason, in the imaging apparatus, at the time of non-shooting, at least a part of the lens groups is retracted from the shooting position on the shooting optical axis, and the distance between the lens groups is as small as possible, less than the minimum required for shooting. In some cases, the camera case is retracted (collapsed retracted state), and is taken out from the camera case so that the distance between these lens groups is a distance required for shooting during shooting. In this imaging apparatus, by setting the lens barrel in the retracted state, it is possible to reduce the length dimension (hereinafter also referred to as the thickness dimension) in the photographing optical axis direction when the movable lens barrel is accommodated. It can be made suitable.

  However, in this technique, the retracted position of the lens group retracted from the imaging position (on the imaging optical axis) is substantially inside the maximum outer diameter of the fixed cylinder portion of the camera body. Therefore, although the thickness dimension when the movable lens barrel is stored can be reduced, the outer diameter of the fixed barrel portion increases, and the camera body (imaging device) is viewed from the front (subject side). There is an inconvenience that the size becomes large.

  Therefore, a lens barrel having a configuration in which at least one of the retracted lens groups is held by a retracting lens holding frame that retracts outside the inner diameter of the fixed cylinder portion is already known (see Patent Document 1). In this lens barrel, a retraction frame drive mechanism having a retraction frame drive source different from a movable lens barrel drive source (advance and retraction drive source) for moving the movable lens barrel in the direction of the photographing optical axis. When retracted (when not photographing), the retractable lens holding frame is retracted to the retracted position outside the fixed tube portion. As a result, in the lens barrel, the outer diameter of the fixed cylinder portion is increased without causing an increase in the distance between the lens groups when the lens barrel is retracted, as compared with a configuration in which the lens group is retracted inside the conventional fixed cylinder portion. Can be suppressed.

  However, in the conventional lens barrel described above, the retracting frame driving source for the retracting frame driving mechanism is provided in addition to the advance / retreat driving source. There is room for improvement from the viewpoint of cost control.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a lens barrel capable of suppressing operating noise and cost while allowing the retractable lens group to be retracted outside the inner diameter of the fixed cylinder portion. The purpose is to provide.

  The lens barrel according to claim 1 is configured such that at least a part of the plurality of lens groups is retracted to move the lens group from the retracted storage state in which the lens group is stored to move to the subject side. Preferably, a plurality of lens holding members that respectively hold the plurality of lens groups, a movable lens barrel that holds the lens holding members therein, and a fixed cylinder portion that holds the movable lens barrels therein. A movable lens barrel drive source for operating the movable lens barrel with respect to the fixed barrel portion, and each lens holding member has all the lens groups on the same photographing optical axis in the photographing state. In the retracted state, the retractable lens including at least one lens group can be moved to the retracted position outside the inner diameter position of the fixed cylinder portion. A retractable lens holding member that holds the retractable lens holding frame between the photographing position and the retracted position, and a movable lens barrel drive source. And a driving force transmitting unit that converts the driving force into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving unit and transmits the driving force to the retracting frame driving unit.

  In the lens barrel according to the present invention, it is possible to retract the retractable lens group to the outside of the inner diameter of the fixed cylinder portion, and to suppress the operation sound and cost.

It is typical sectional drawing which shows the lens barrel 10 as an example which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing each configuration of the lens barrel 10 in an exploded manner. It is a perspective view showing typically lens barrel 10 in a retracted storage state. It is a perspective view which shows typically the lens barrel 10 in the extended position (photographing state). It is a front view which shows typically a mode that the lens barrel 10 of the retracted accommodation state was seen from the to-be-photographed object side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the driving force transmission part 42 with a perspective view. It is explanatory drawing shown in the top view which looked at the structure of the driving force transmission part 42 from the direction orthogonal to imaging | photography optical axis OA. It is explanatory drawing which mainly shows the structure of the evacuation frame drive part 41 in the evacuation frame drive mechanism 40, The structure of the drive force transmission part 42 is abbreviate | omitted and shown. It is explanatory drawing which expand | deploys and shows the level | step-difference part 65 of the evacuation frame drive part 41 in the circumferential direction (The rotation direction around the axis line of the 3rd lens holding frame rotation base 63). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the helical cam member 58, (a) shows the state which located the intermediate position of the circumferential position P5 and the circumferential position P6 shown in FIG. 12 in the front, (b) Fig. 12 shows a state where an intermediate position between the circumferential position P6 and the circumferential position P7 shown in Fig. 12 is located in front, and Fig. 12 (c) shows an intermediate position between the circumferential position P1 and the circumferential position P2 shown in Fig. The state located in the front is shown. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the 1st notch part 73 in the spiral main-body part 71 (spiral cam member 58) in the circumferential direction (rotation direction around the axis line of the spiral main-body part 71). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relative positional relationship of the groove part of the level | step-difference part 65, the spiral cam member 58, and the cam follower 56 using the 1st interference part 56a and the 2nd interference part 56b. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external configuration of a camera 100 using a lens barrel 10 according to the present invention as viewed from the subject side, in which (a) is a state in which a photographing lens is retracted into a camera body. , (B) shows a state in which the photographing lens protrudes from the camera body. It is a typical perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera 100 seen from the back side which is a photographer side. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a camera 100. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a lens barrel and an imaging apparatus having the lens barrel according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  A schematic configuration of a lens barrel 10 as an embodiment of a lens barrel according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 2, for easy understanding, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, the fourth lens group 14, the shutter / aperture unit 15, the solid-state imaging device 16, the first lens. The holding frame 17, the second lens holding frame 18, and the cam cylinder 26 are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical apparatus including the lens barrel 10 includes a first lens group 11, a second lens group 12, a third lens group 13, a fourth lens group 14, a shutter / aperture unit 15, a solid-state image sensor. 16, a first lens holding frame 17, a second lens holding frame 18, a fixed frame 21 (see FIG. 2), a first rotating cylinder 22, a first liner 23, a second rotating cylinder 24, and a second liner 25. , A cam cylinder 26, a rectilinear cylinder 27, a drive motor 28 (see FIG. 3 and the like), a long gear 29 (see FIG. 3 and the like), and a lens barrel base 30. The first rotating cylinder 22, the second rotating cylinder 24, and the rectilinear cylinder 27 function as a movable lens barrel.

  This optical device (photographing lens system) will be described in terms of the photographing state (see FIGS. 1 and 4). From the subject side, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13 and the fourth lens are arranged. The groups 14 are sequentially arranged, and a shutter / aperture unit 15 is inserted between the second lens group 12 and the third lens group 13, and a CCD (charge) is provided on the image plane side of the fourth lens group 14. A solid-state imaging element 16 configured using a coupling element) or the like is disposed. The first lens group 11 to the fourth lens group 14 constitute a zoom lens having a variable focal length. In this specification, the optical axis in the photographing lens system, that is, the rotationally symmetric axis that is the central axis position of the optical element group in the photographing state is defined as the photographing optical axis OA.

  The first lens group 11 is composed of one or more lenses. The first lens group 11 is fixed and held on a rectilinear cylinder 27 via a first lens holding frame 17 as a lens holding member that holds them integrally. The first lens holding frame 17 has a function of moving the first lens group 11 integrally along the photographing optical axis OA.

  The second lens group 12 includes one or more lenses. In the second lens group 12, a cam follower 18 a provided on a second lens holding frame 18 as a lens holding member that holds them integrally is passed through a cam groove 26 a for the second lens group of the cam cylinder 26. It is inserted into the rectilinear groove 25 a of the second liner 25 so as to be able to interfere, and is supported by the cam cylinder 26 and the second liner 25. The second lens holding frame 18 has a function of moving the second lens group 12 integrally along the photographing optical axis OA.

  The third lens group 13 is composed of one or more lenses. The third lens group 13 is integrally held by a third lens holding frame 51 serving as a lens holding member, and is disposed on the shooting optical axis OA (shooting optical path) in a shooting state, and is retracted and accommodated later. In the state (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 etc.), it is retracted from the photographing optical axis OA (photographing optical path). The third lens holding frame 51 integrally moves the third lens group 13 along the photographic optical axis OA, and moves the third lens group 13 on the photographic optical axis OA and outside the fixed cylinder portion 21a (described later). And a function of moving integrally with the retreat position. This will be described in detail later.

  The fourth lens group 14 includes one or more lenses. The fourth lens group 14 is integrally held by a fourth lens holding frame 31 as a lens holding member, and is arranged on the shooting optical axis OA (shooting optical path) in the shooting state. The fourth lens holding frame 31 has a function of moving the fourth lens group 14 integrally along the photographing optical axis OA by a driving force from a driving mechanism (not shown). In the present embodiment, the fourth lens group 14 is used as a focus lens for focusing, that is, focusing. In the present embodiment, the fourth lens holding frame 31 is configured so that the fourth lens group 14 is as close to the solid-state imaging device 16 as possible on the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) in the retracted state although not shown. Has been. Note that the fourth lens holding frame 31 may be configured to retract the fourth lens group 14 from the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) in the retracted state.

  The shutter / aperture unit 15 includes a shutter and an aperture stop. In the shutter / aperture unit 15, a cam follower (not shown) formed integrally therewith is passed through the cam groove 26 b for the shutter / aperture unit of the cam cylinder 26 and into a rectilinear groove 25 a of the second liner 25. The cam cylinder 26 and the second liner 25 are inserted so that they can interfere with each other.

  The fixed frame 21 is fixed to the lens barrel base 30 and has a cylindrical fixed cylinder portion 21a (see FIG. 2 and the like) on the inside. The lens barrel base 30 has a plate shape, and has a rectangular shape that is equal to the outer shape of the fixed frame 21 when viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a rectilinear groove 21b and a cam groove 21c along the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder portion 21a of the fixed frame 21. A key portion 23a (described later) of the first liner 23 is inserted into the rectilinear groove 21b so as to interfere, and a cam follower 22a (described later) of the first rotating cylinder 22 is inserted into the cam groove 21c so as to interfere. Although not shown, the cam groove 21c has an end on the subject side parallel to the end surface of the fixed cylinder 21a (along the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA). The first rotary cylinder 22 is fitted inside the fixed cylinder portion 21a.

  The first rotating cylinder 22 has a cylindrical shape that can be fitted inside the fixed cylinder portion 21a. A helicoid cam follower 22 a and a gear portion 22 b are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the first rotating cylinder 22. A guide groove 22c and a rectilinear groove 22d are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating cylinder 22. The guide groove 22c is provided along a plane orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA and has an annular shape. The guide groove 22c functions as a rectilinear guide member. The rectilinear groove 22d is a guide groove along the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path).

  The first rotating cylinder 22 is provided in the fixed cylinder portion 21a by inserting a cam follower 22a into the cam groove 21c so as to interfere with it. The first rotating cylinder 22 can be rotated about the photographing optical axis OA with respect to the fixed cylinder portion 21a, that is, the lens barrel base 30, and with the rotation, the cam follower 22a and the cam groove 21c The guide action moves in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA (photographing optical path). A first liner 23 is fitted inside the first rotating cylinder 22.

  The first liner 23 has a cylindrical shape that can be fitted inside the first rotating cylinder 22. A key portion 23 a and a follower 23 b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first liner 23. The key portion 23a is formed so as to protrude from the base end portion, and is inserted into the rectilinear groove 21b of the fixed cylinder portion 21a so as to be able to interfere. The follower 23b is provided so as to protrude from the center of rotation toward the radial direction (hereinafter also referred to as a radial direction) along a plane orthogonal to the imaging optical axis OA. The imaging optical axis in the first rotating cylinder 22 is provided. It is inserted through the insertion groove 22e along the OA (imaging optical path) so as to interfere with the annular guide groove 22c. With such a configuration, the first rotating cylinder 22 and the first liner 23 move integrally with respect to the fixed cylinder portion 21a in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path), and the photographing optical axis OA. Relative rotation around is possible. For this reason, the first liner 23 is rotatable with respect to the first rotating cylinder 22 which is a rotating cylinder, and the photographing optical axis OA with respect to the fixed cylinder portion 21 a integrally with the first rotating cylinder 22. It can be moved in the direction and functions as a straight guide cylinder that can be fitted inward of the first rotating cylinder 22.

  A straight groove 23c and a helicoid 23d are provided on the inner surface of the first liner 23. The rectilinear groove 23c is provided along the direction of the photographic optical axis OA (photographic optical path). A key portion 25b is provided in the rectilinear groove 23c so as to interfere with the outer periphery of a base end portion, which will be described later, of the second liner 25. The helicoid 23d is meshed with a helicoid 24a formed on the outer peripheral surface of a base end portion to be described later of the second rotating cylinder 24.

  Further, the first liner 23 is formed with a relief groove 23e. The escape groove 23e is provided through a peripheral wall portion as the first liner 23 so as to pass a cam follower 24b of the second rotary cylinder 24 described later, and is formed in a spiral shape equal to the helicoid 23d. . The escape grooves 23e are sized in size so as to create a gap between the escape follower 23e and the cam follower 24b so as not to hinder the movement of the cam follower 24b.

  Next, a flange portion 23 f is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first liner 23. The flange portion 23f protrudes with a predetermined width dimension in the radial direction at the base end portion of the outer peripheral surface and is provided along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface. A part of the flange portion 23f seen in the circumferential direction is the key portion 23a. It overlaps the protruding base part. The second rotating cylinder 24 is fitted inside the first liner 23.

  The second rotating cylinder 24 has a cylindrical shape that can be fitted inside the first liner 23. A helicoid 24 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the second rotating cylinder 24, and this helicoid 24 a is engaged with a helicoid 23 d provided on the inner periphery of the first liner 23. A cam follower 24 b projects from the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the base end portion of the second rotary cylinder 24, and the cam follower 24 b passes through the relief groove 23 e of the first liner 23 to form the inner part of the first rotary cylinder 22. It is inserted in a rectilinear groove 22d provided in the periphery so as to be able to interfere.

  With such a configuration, when the first rotating cylinder 22 rotates around the photographing optical axis OA, the cam follower 24b of the second rotating cylinder 24 is pushed by the rectilinear groove 22d of the first rotating cylinder 22, and the second The rotating cylinder 24 rotates around the optical axis. At this time, as described above, the first liner 23 is prevented from rotating due to interference with the rectilinear groove 21b of the fixed cylinder portion 21a of the key portion 23a, so that the helicoid 23d and the helicoid 24a are guided. By the action, the second rotating cylinder 24 moves in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA with respect to the first liner 23.

  A guide groove 24 c and a cam groove 24 d are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotating cylinder 24. The guide groove 24c is provided along a plane orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path), and a follower (or key) 25c of a second liner 25 described later is inserted so as to be able to interfere. With such a configuration, the second liner 25 and the second rotating cylinder 24 move integrally in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path) and can be relatively rotated around the photographing optical axis OA. It is said that. The cam groove 24 d is a cam groove for moving the rectilinear cylinder 27. A second liner 25 is fitted inside the second rotating cylinder 24.

  The second liner 25 has a cylindrical shape that can be fitted inside the second rotating cylinder 24. The second liner 25 is formed with a key portion 25b, a follower (or key) 25c, and a rectilinear groove 25d on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion. The key portion 25b protrudes in a hook shape from the rear end of the second liner 25 toward the outside in the radial direction. The key portion 25b is slidably in contact with the rear end surface of the second rotary cylinder 24, and the tip portion is inserted in the rectilinear groove 23c of the first liner 23 so as to be able to interfere. Further, the follower (or key) 25 c protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second liner 25 toward the radially outer side. The follower (or key) 25c is inserted into the guide groove 24c of the second rotating cylinder 24 so as to be able to interfere with it, so that only the rectilinear moving force of the second rotating cylinder 24 that moves straight while rotating is supplied to the second liner. This is a linear guide member that is applied to 25. The rectilinear groove 25d is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second liner 25 along the axial direction. For this reason, the second liner 25 moves integrally with the second liner 24 in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA (photographing optical path) with respect to the first liner 23 and rotates around the photographing optical axis OA. Is prevented.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the second liner 25, a rectilinear groove 25a along the direction of the photographic optical axis OA (imaging optical path) and a guide groove 25e along the plane orthogonal to the photographic optical axis OA (imaging optical path) are formed. ing. In the rectilinear groove 25a, the cam follower 18a (see FIG. 1) of the second lens holding frame 18 passed through the cam groove 26a for the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 passed through the cam groove 26b. And a cam follower (not shown). Although not shown, a follower (or a key), which is a straight guide member provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface (front side) of the cam cylinder 26, is inserted into the guide groove 25e so as to interfere with it. The cam cylinder 26 has a cylindrical shape and is fitted into the inner periphery of the second liner 25. The cam cylinder 26 has a locking projection (not shown) protruding from the outer periphery of the base end portion and is fitted into the base end portion of the second rotary cylinder 24, and rotates integrally with the second rotary cylinder 24. To do. With such a configuration, the cam cylinder 26 and the second liner 25 are integrally moved in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path) and can be relatively rotated around the photographing optical axis OA. Yes.

  Between the second liner 25 and the second rotating cylinder 24, the base end side of the rectilinear cylinder 27 is inserted (see FIG. 1). The rectilinear cylinder 27 has a cylindrical shape that can be fitted inside the second rotating cylinder 24. On the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the base end portion of the rectilinear cylinder 27, a cam follower 27a is provided so as to protrude. The cam follower 27a is inserted in a cam groove 24d formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second rotary cylinder 24 so as to be able to interfere. Although not shown, a key portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rectilinear cylinder 27, and the key portion is inserted into the rectilinear groove 25d on the outer peripheral surface of the second liner 25 so as to be able to interfere. For this reason, the rectilinear cylinder 27 can be moved (straightly moved) in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA (photographing optical path) with respect to the second liner 25, and rotation around the photographic optical axis OA is prevented. Has been.

  In the lens barrel 10, a drive motor 28 and a long gear 29 are provided for zooming operations of the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15. (See FIGS. 3 and 4). This drive motor 28 is appropriately rotated and driven under the control of a central processing unit 204 (control unit), which will be described later, and, as shown in FIG. It is possible to output (transmit) a driving force from an output shaft (not shown). In this embodiment, the drive motor 28 is a geared motor, and the rotational drive in the output gear 28a can be sufficiently decelerated. For this reason, since it is not necessary to use the gear for deceleration, it can be set as a simple structure, and generation | occurrence | production of the sound resulting from those tooth contact by using those gears can be prevented. A long gear 29 is engaged with the output gear 28a.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the long gear 29 has a long cylindrical shape as a whole, and is provided on the lens barrel base 30 along the photographing optical axis OA. The long gear 29 has a plurality of teeth formed by a plurality of grooves along the photographing optical axis OA on the outer peripheral surface, and is provided on the lens barrel base 30 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the photographing optical axis OA. ing. The long gear 29 is engaged with the output gear 28a on the one hand and the gear portion 22b of the first rotating cylinder 22 on the other hand when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA (see FIG. 5). Regardless of the position of the long rotating gear 29 in the direction of the optical axis OA (imaging optical path) of the first rotating cylinder 22 with respect to the lens barrel base 30 (see the imaging state in FIG. 4 and the retracted storage state in FIG. 3) The length is such that it is possible to maintain the state of being engaged with the gear portion 22b.

  Next, the operation of the lens barrel 10 described above will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the lens barrel 10 in the retracted retracted state (collapsed state), and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the lens barrel 10 in the photographing state. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the lens barrel 10 in the retracted state (collapsed state) is viewed from the subject side. In FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the fixed frame 21 (fixed cylinder portion 21 a) is omitted for easy understanding of the operation.

  In the lens barrel 10, the first rotating cylinder 22 is rotationally driven by appropriately transmitting the driving force of the driving motor 28 through the long gear 29 and the output gear 28a meshed with the gear portion 22b. (See FIG. 5). When the long gear 29 is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction in the retracted state (see FIG. 3), the first rotating cylinder 22 is moved to the fixed cylinder portion 21a by the guiding action of the cam follower 22a and the cam groove 21c. On the other hand, it moves forward toward the subject (object) side in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. Further, when the first rotary cylinder 22 is driven to rotate, the rectilinear groove 22 d pushes the cam follower 24 b of the second rotary cylinder 24, so that the second rotary cylinder 24 takes the photographing optical axis with respect to the first liner 23. The second rotating cylinder 24 moves in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA relative to the first liner 23 by the guiding action of the helicoid 23d and the helicoid 24a of the first liner 23 that rotates around the OA and is prevented from rotating. To do. As a result, the first rotating cylinder 22, the first liner 23, and the second rotating cylinder 24 are brought out to a position where photographing is possible, for example, to the wide-angle end (wide-angle position) (see FIG. 4). At this time, in the lens barrel 10, as described above, the second liner 25, the cam barrel 26, and the rectilinear advance in accordance with the operations of the first rotary barrel 22, the first liner 23, and the second rotary barrel 24. By appropriately rotating and reciprocating the tube 27, the first lens group 11 held by the first lens holding frame 17, the second lens group 12 held by the second lens holding frame 18, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 However, the zooming operation is performed as prescribed. As will be described later, the third lens group 13 integrally held by the third lens holding frame 51 is disposed on the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path) and performs a zooming operation as specified. Further, although not shown, the fourth lens group 14 held integrally by the fourth lens holding frame 31 performs a focusing operation as predetermined on the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path).

  In the configuration described above, the first rotating cylinder 22 is not simply engaged with the fixed cylinder portion 21a by a helicoid, but a helicoid cam groove 21c (FIG. 2) whose subject side end is parallel to the end surface of the fixed cylinder 21a. Since the cam follower 22a is inserted in such a way as to be able to interfere, when moving from the retracted retracted state to the shooting state (wide-angle position), the cam follower 22a is first moved to the subject side while rotating, and reaches the maximum extended position during the rotation. To do. That is, at the early stage of the feeding operation, the first rotating cylinder 22 and the first liner 23 which are the lens barrels close to the fixed cylinder portion 21a are completely drawn out, thereby taking the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path). A space for inserting the third lens holding frame 51 is secured in advance. Thereafter, the first rotating cylinder 22 rotates at a fixed position without moving in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path). Thus, the cam follower 22a and the cam groove 21c function as a helicoid as a cam mechanism that connects the first rotating cylinder 22 and the fixed cylinder portion 21a in this embodiment.

  Further, when the first rotating cylinder 22 moves from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, it rotates while maintaining the maximum extension position in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA, so that the first lens group 11 and the second lens group 12 are rotated. In addition, the shutter / aperture unit 15 performs a zooming operation as predetermined, and as described later, the third lens group 13 performs a zooming operation as described below, and the fourth lens group 14 performs a focusing operation as predetermined. For this reason, the lens barrel 10 is in the photographing state when the first rotating cylinder 22 is positioned between the wide-angle position and the telephoto position in the idling region.

  The position of the first rotary cylinder 22 and the like is not shown in the drive motor 28, but a zoom count comprising a pinion gear having an encoder shape fixed directly to the output shaft and a photo interrupter installed in the vicinity thereof. It can be controlled using the count of drive pulses generated by the detector. For this reason, the drive motor 28 functions as a movable lens barrel drive source for moving the movable lens barrel forward and backward in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA, and a lens holding frame that drives the movable lens holding frame via the movable lens barrel. It functions as a driving means.

  Next, features of the lens barrel 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the driving force transmission unit 42 in a perspective view, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the driving force transmission unit 42 in a plan view seen from a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA. It is. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram mainly showing the configuration of the retracting frame driving unit 41 in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, and the configuration of the driving force transmitting unit 42 is omitted. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the stepped portion 65 of the retracting frame driving portion 41 in the circumferential direction (rotating direction around the axis of the third lens holding frame rotating base 63). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the spiral cam member 58. FIG. 10A shows a state where an intermediate position between the circumferential position P5 and the circumferential position P6 shown in FIG. (B) shows a state in which the intermediate position between the circumferential position P6 and the circumferential position P7 shown in FIG. 12 is located in front, and (c) shows the circumferential position P1 and the circumferential position P2 shown in FIG. This shows a state in which the intermediate position is positioned in front. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the first cutout 73 in the spiral main body 71 (spiral cam member 58) developed in the circumferential direction (the rotational direction around the axis of the spiral main body 71). FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relative positional relationship between the stepped portion 65, the groove portion of the spiral cam member 58, and the cam follower 56 using the first interference portion 56a and the second interference portion 56b. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, for easy understanding, a portion where the outer peripheral surface is notched by the first notch portion 73 is indicated by a white background, and other portions are indicated by dots. In FIG. 11 (FIG. 12), the left-right direction when viewed from the front corresponds to the circumferential direction of the spiral main body 71 (spiral cam member 58). 9 and 11, the aspect in which the stepped portion 65 or the first cutout portion 73 rotates with respect to the first interference portion 56a or the second interference portion 56b that moves along the direction of the photographing optical axis OA is understood. For the sake of simplicity, the first interference portion 56a or the second interference portion 56b is moved relative to the stepped portion 65 or the first cutout portion 73.

  In the lens barrel 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a third lens holding frame 51 is provided along the side portion of the barrel base 30 (fixed frame 21). An accommodation space 21 </ b> Q (see FIG. 5) is formed at one corner of the fixed frame 21 as a retracted position where the third lens holding frame 51 is accommodated. The accommodating space 21Q is provided at an outer position of the fixed cylinder portion 21a of the fixed frame 21, and an inward position of the fixed cylinder portion 21a is formed by a notch (not shown) provided in the fixed cylinder portion 21a. The third lens holding frame 51 can be moved between Therefore, the third lens holding frame 51 can be retracted outside the maximum outer diameter of the movable lens barrel in the retracted retracted state (here, the maximum outer diameter of the first rotating cylinder 22) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 3). (See FIG. 5).

  The third lens holding frame 51 is disposed between the shutter / aperture unit 15 and the fourth lens holding frame 31 as shown in FIG. The third lens holding frame 51 is retracted from the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) in the retracted state (see FIG. 3) of the movable lens barrel (the rotary cylinders 22 and 24 and the rectilinear cylinder 27) into the fixed frame 21. It is accommodated in the accommodating space 21Q (retracted position), and enters the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) in the advanced state (see FIGS. 1 and 4) from the fixed frame 21 of the movable lens barrel (imaging position). It is possible to move in the photographic optical axis OA direction (feeding direction).

  In the lens barrel 10, as described above, after the first rotating cylinder 22 has been extended to the subject side to the maximum extension position, the advancing operation of the third lens holding frame 51 is started. In order to drive the third lens holding frame 51, a retracting frame driving mechanism 40 is provided (see FIGS. 3 and 4). As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the retracting frame driving mechanism 40 includes a retracting frame driving unit 41 and a driving force transmitting unit 42. The driving force transmission unit 42 converts the driving force of the driving motor 28 that advances and retracts the movable lens barrel in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving unit 41, and transmits the driving force to the retracting frame driving unit 41. The transmission is interrupted according to the position of the first rotating cylinder 22. Further, the retracting frame driving unit 41 causes the third lens holding frame 51 to enter and retract (rotate) by the driving force transmitted from the driving force transmitting unit 42, and moves the third lens holding frame 51 back and forth (straight forward). Operation).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the retracting frame driving unit 41 corresponds to the third lens holding frame 51 that holds the third lens group 13, and includes a third group main guide shaft 52, a third group sub guide. A shaft 53 (see FIG. 8), a cam follower main shaft 54, a cam follower auxiliary shaft 55, a cam follower 56, and a compression torsion spring 57 are provided.

  The third lens holding frame 51 holds the third lens group 13 at one end and is inserted into the third group main guide shaft 52 so that the other end is rotatable and slidable, as shown in FIG. The third lens holding part 61, the third lens holding frame arm part 62, and the third lens holding frame rotating base part 63 are provided.

  The third lens holding unit 61 is located on one end side (tip side) of the third lens holding frame 51 and holds the third lens group 13. The third lens holding portion 61 is a frame member that has a cylindrical shape as a whole.

  The third lens holding frame arm part 62 connects the third lens holding part 61 and the third lens holding frame rotation base part 63 with different positions in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA, and the third lens holding frame. The arm part in 51 is comprised. The third lens holding frame rotation base 63 is continuous with the other end side.

  The third lens holding frame rotation base 63 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and allows through movement of the third group main guide shaft 52 while allowing relative movement with the third group main guide shaft 52. Have The third lens holding frame rotation base 63 is provided with a curved wall 64 that presents a plate-like member that is curved around the axis of the through hole 63a (third group main guide shaft 52). The curved wall portion 64 is provided with a step portion 65 that is concave with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder. The stepped portion 65 has a cam surface 65a having a cam slope shape inclined toward the photographing optical axis OA direction on the base end side (image surface side), and a plane intersecting the photographing optical axis OA substantially perpendicularly on the subject side. And a front engagement surface 65b (see FIG. 9). The cam surface 65a accommodates the third lens holding frame 51 in a retracted position (collapsed retracted state (see FIGS. 3 and 5)) according to an interference position with a first interference portion 56a of a cam follower 56 described later. The third lens group 13 is inserted on the (photographing optical path) and rotated between the photographing position (photographing state (see FIG. 4)). In addition, the front engagement surface 65b is inserted on the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) according to the position of the cam follower 56 in the imaging optical axis OA direction in a state where a first interference portion 56a described later interferes. The three lens group 13 is moved back and forth.

  The third lens holding frame rotation base 63 is rotatable about the axis of the third group main guide shaft 52 by inserting the third group main guide shaft 52 through the through hole 63a and in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. It is possible to move to.

  The third group main guide shaft 52 is provided on the lens barrel base 30 substantially parallel to the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) of the third lens group 13 at an outer position of the fixed cylinder portion 21a. For this reason, the third lens holding frame 51 is appropriately rotated around the third group main guide shaft 52 to retract the third lens group 13 to the outside of the fixed cylinder portion 21a of the fixed frame 21, thereby accommodating the space 21Q. And a retracted position (collapsed retracted state (see FIGS. 3 and 5)), and a shooting position (shooting state (see FIG. 4)) in which the third lens group 13 is inserted on the shooting optical axis OA (shooting optical path). , And can be rotated between the two. In addition, the third lens holding frame 51 is appropriately moved along the third group main guide shaft 52 at the shooting position (shooting state), so that the third lens group inserted on the shooting optical axis OA (shooting optical path). 13 can be moved (straightly moved) on the photographing optical axis OA.

  In the third lens holding frame 51, a stopper 51 a is projected from an intermediate position of the third lens holding frame arm 62. The stopper 51a is provided on the front side in the rotation direction (see arrow A1) from the storage position (storage space 21Q) to the shooting position (on the shooting optical axis OA). The stopper 51a is positioned so as to position the third lens group 13 held by the third lens holding frame 51 on the shooting optical axis OA (shooting position) by interfering with the third group sub guide shaft 53. (Refer to the third lens holding frame 51 and the third group sub-guide shaft 53 shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). The third group sub-guide shaft 53 has a rod shape and is provided on the lens barrel base 30 so as to extend in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. The third group sub-guide shaft 53 is provided substantially in parallel with the third group main guide shaft 52, and the third lens group 13 (third lens) is cooperated with the stopper 51 a and the compression torsion spring 57. The holding frame 51) has a positioning function for setting the photographing position (on the photographing optical axis OA). The third lens holding frame 51 is rotated and moved by receiving a driving force from a cam follower 56 provided on the cam follower main shaft 54.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the cam follower main shaft 54 is substantially parallel to the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path) of the third lens group 13 at the outer position of the fixed cylinder portion 21a. Is provided. A cam follower 56 is provided on the cam follower main shaft 54 so as to be movable in the axial direction thereof.

  The cam follower 56 is provided such that the cam follower main shaft 54 is movably inserted. The cam follower 56 includes a first interference portion 56a, a second interference portion 56b, and a rotation stop projection 56c (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The first interference part 56a is provided so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA, and the step of the third lens holding frame 51 (the curved wall part 64 of the third lens holding frame rotation base 63) described above. It is possible to contact (interference) the cam surface 65a and the front engagement surface 65b of the portion 65. The second interference portion 56b is provided so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA, and can contact (interference) with a groove portion (a first notch portion 73) of a spiral cam member 58 described later. .

  The rotation stop projection 56c slidably receives the cam follower sub shaft 55 while sandwiching the cam follower sub shaft 55 provided on the lens barrel base 30 in a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis OA. (See FIGS. 5-7). The cam follower subshaft 55 is provided on the lens barrel base 30 at a position in the vicinity of the cam follower main shaft 54 and substantially parallel to the photographing optical axis OA (shooting optical path). For this reason, the rotation stopper projection 56c functions as a rotation stopper that prevents the cam follower 56 from rotating around the cam follower main shaft 54 by interfering with the sandwiched cam follower countershaft 55. That is, since the rotation of the cam follower 56 is prevented by the rotation stop projection 56c interfering with the cam follower subshaft 55, as described later, the groove portion (the first notch portion 73 and the first notch portion 73 and the cam follower 56) is rotated. Due to the guiding action of the second notch portion 76) and the second interference portion 56b, it moves forward and backward along the photographing optical axis OA. Therefore, the cam follower 56 functions as an intermediate member that is moved in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40. In the present embodiment, the first interference unit 56a and the second interference unit 56b are provided so as to exist on the same straight line that is substantially orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA. A compression torsion spring 57 is provided to apply a predetermined force to the third lens holding frame 51 provided with a stepped portion 65 with which the first interference portion 56a of the cam follower 56 contacts (interferes).

  The compression torsion spring 57 is provided between the third lens holding frame rotating base 63 of the third lens holding frame 51 and a pressing plate 66 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) attached to the tip of the third group main guide shaft 52. The third group main guide shaft 52 is disposed around the periphery. The compression torsion spring 57 has one arm portion 57a fixed to the third lens holding frame arm portion 62 of the third lens holding frame 51, and the other arm portion 57b fixed to the presser plate 66 although not shown. ing. Therefore, the compression torsion spring 57 causes the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens holding frame rotation base 63) to move on the subject side (pressing plate 66) on the third group main guide shaft 52 (in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA). ) Toward the image plane side (lens barrel base 30) (rearward direction (lower side when viewed from front in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7)) (hereinafter referred to as straight forward bias) And is always pushed in the direction of rotation about the third group main guide shaft 52 from the storage position toward the position on the photographing optical axis OA (shooting position (shooting state)) (hereinafter also referred to as rotation bias). ). The direction in which the third lens holding frame rotation base 63, that is, the third lens holding frame 51 is urged to rotate is indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG. Accordingly, the compression torsion spring 57 functions as a holding frame linearly urging means that urges the third lens holding frame 51 to move straight toward the image plane in the direction along the third group main guide shaft 52. The three-lens holding frame 51 functions as a holding frame rotation urging unit that urges the third lens holding frame 51 to rotate toward the photographing position in the direction around the third group main guide shaft 52. In the retracting frame driving unit 41, the driving force is transmitted from the driving force transmitting unit 42 as described above.

  The drive force transmission unit 42 includes a spiral cam member 58 in addition to a cam follower main shaft 54, a cam follower sub shaft 55, a cam follower 56, and a compression torsion spring 57 shared with the retracting frame drive unit 41.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spiral cam member 58 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. In this embodiment, the spiral cam member 58 is made of a resin material, and is integrated with a spiral body portion 71 rotatably provided on the lens barrel base 30 and above (the subject side in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA). And a spiral auxiliary part 72 attached to the head (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the spiral main body 71 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is provided between the spiral first cutout 73 and the first cutout 73 as viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. A gear portion 74 and a connecting portion 75 for connecting the spiral auxiliary portion 72 are provided. The first cutout portion 73 is formed by cutting out the outer peripheral surface of the spiral body portion 71. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first cutout portion 73 has a downward flat surface 73a, a downward inclined surface 73b, and a first inclined surface 73b. An opposing inclined surface 73c, a first upward inclined surface 73d, a second opposing inclined surface 73e, and a second upward inclined surface 73f are defined.

  The downward flat surface 73a is provided at a position of the lower end of the spiral main body 71, that is, the spiral cam member 58 (on the imaging surface side in the direction of the imaging optical axis OA) along a plane orthogonal to the imaging optical axis OA. The downward flat surface 73 a faces the lens barrel base 30, and forms a space between which the second interference portion 56 b of the cam follower 56 can be received. Further, the downward flat surface 73a can come into contact with the second interference portion 56b while sliding relatively. The downward flat surface 73a is formed so as to extend in a predetermined length dimension when viewed in the rotation direction (circumferential direction) around the axis of the spiral main body 71 (spiral cam member 58). ing. This predetermined length dimension is such that, as will be described later, in the long gear 29 with which the gear portion 74 is engaged, the first rotating cylinder 22 rotated through the engaged gear portion 22b reaches the maximum extended position from the storage position. It corresponds to the amount of rotation until. A downward inclined surface 73b is provided continuously to the downward flat surface 73a.

Its downward inclined surface 73b is provided as a flat surface which forms the inclined at a predetermined first angle for the photographing optical axis O A. The downward inclined surface 73b can come into contact with the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 while sliding relatively. The downward inclined surface 73b has a position and a length dimension as viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. The cam surface 65a of the step portion 65 of the third lens holding frame 51 has the third lens holding frame 51 in the storage position (collapsed). It is set equal to the position and the length dimension of the cam follower 56 that contact the first interference part 56a when rotating between the storage state) and the position on the photographing optical axis OA. In addition, the predetermined first angle described above takes into consideration the load on the drive motor 28 due to interference (guide action) between the first interference portion 56a of the cam follower 56 and the step portion 65 of the third lens holding frame 51. The third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) is set from the viewpoint of promptly moving between the storage position (collapsed storage state) of the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) and the position on the photographing optical axis OA. A first opposing inclined surface 73c is provided opposite to the downward inclined surface 73b.

The first opposing inclined surface 73c is provided with the subject side of the photographing optical axis OA as a reference (0 degree), and the first opposing inclined surface 73c and the photographing optical axis OA are inclined at a predetermined first angle. ing. The first opposing inclined surface 73c is provided with an interval that allows the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 to be received while providing a gap with the downwardly inclined surface 73b. A first upward inclined surface 73d is provided continuously to the first opposing inclined surface 73c.

The first upward inclined surface 73d is a flat surface in which the subject side of the photographic optical axis OA is a reference (0 degree), and the first upward inclined surface 73d and the photographic optical axis OA are inclined at a predetermined second angle. It is provided as. The first upward inclined surface 73d can come into contact with the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 while sliding relatively. The predetermined second angle described above takes into account the load on the drive motor 28 due to interference (guide action) between the first interference portion 56a of the cam follower 56 and the step portion 65 of the third lens holding frame 51, while taking into account the load on the drive motor 28. This is set from the viewpoint of promptly moving the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) between the position where the third lens group 13 (the third lens holding frame 51) enters the imaging optical axis OA and the imaging position (imaging state). The second angle of this predetermined, in the present embodiment, when the object side of the photographing optical axis OA as a reference (0 degrees), small for the photographing optical axis O A than a predetermined first angle described above inclined (A steep slope is obtained when a plane orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA is used as a reference ). A second opposing inclined surface 73e is provided continuously to the downward inclined surface 73b while facing a part of the first upward inclined surface 73d.

Its second opposing inclined surfaces 73e are provided forms an inclined by a predetermined second angle for the photographing optical axis O A. The second opposing inclined surface 73e is provided with an interval that allows the second interfering portion 56b of the cam follower 56 to be received while providing a gap with the first upward inclined surface 73d. A second upward inclined surface 73f is provided continuously to the first upward inclined surface 73d opposed to the second opposing inclined surface 73e.

  The second upward inclined surface 73f is provided as a curved surface whose inclination with respect to the direction of the photographing optical axis OA changes. The second upward inclined surface 73f can come into contact with the second interference part 56b of the cam follower 56 while sliding relatively. This second upwardly inclined surface 73f is a photographic light from the viewpoint of executing the zooming operation of the third lens group 13 that matches the zooming operation of the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15. A mode of change in inclination with respect to the direction of the axis OA is set. For this reason, the second upward inclined surface 73 f functions as a cam surface for the zooming operation of the third lens group 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second upward inclined surface 73f has a boundary position (a circumferential position P6 described later) with the first upward inclined surface 73d through a gear portion 22b meshed with the long gear 29. The first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 correspond to positions at which the wide-angle position is set in the photographing state as the first rotating cylinder 22 is rotated.

  For this reason, the first cutout 73 extends on the outer peripheral surface of the spiral main body 71 such that the lower end extends in a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis OA and then spirals upward toward the upper end. ing. In the spiral main body portion 71, a gear portion 74 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the first cutout portions 73 when viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA.

  The gear portion 74 is configured such that a plurality of teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spiral main body portion 71 by a plurality of grooves along the photographing optical axis OA, and can be engaged with the long gear 29. (See FIGS. 3 to 5). The gear portion 74 has a flat portion 74a extending from one end to the other end along a plane (downward flat surface 73a) orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA, and one end continuous with the other end of the flat portion 74a. And an inclined portion 74b extending toward the other end while spirally rising toward the side. The flat portion 74a is provided above (on the subject side) the downward flat surface 73a of the first cutout 73 and along the downward flat surface 73a. The flat portion 74a exists below a part of the first upward inclined surface 73d of the first notch 73 and a part of the second upward inclined surface 73f.

  The inclined portion 74b is above the downward inclined surface 73b and the second opposing inclined surface 73e, and does not interfere with the downward inclined surface 73b, the second opposing inclined surface 73e, and the second upward inclined surface 73f. They are provided in parallel with them at an inclination angle. The inclined portion 74b exists below the second upward inclined surface 73f.

  The gear portion 74 is formed from the flat portion 74a to the inclined portion 74b when viewed in the photographing optical axis OA direction in a state where the spiral main body portion 71 (spiral cam member 58) and the long gear 29 are provided on the lens barrel base 30. It is possible to engage with the long gear 29 while reaching the upper end (see FIGS. 3 to 5). In other words, in the spiral main body 71 (spiral cam member 58), the position of the gear portion 74 viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA is set within the range of the length dimension of the long gear 29. Further, the gear portion 74 has a tip (one end of the flat portion 74a) and the other end (the other end of the inclined portion 74b) when viewed in the rotation direction around the axis of the spiral main body portion 71 (spiral cam member 58). These positions are equal to each other (see FIG. 5). For this reason, the gear part 74 can always mesh | engage any one place from the flat location 74a to the inclination location 74b with the elongate gear 29 (refer FIG. 5).

  The spiral auxiliary portion 72 is connected to the connecting portion 75 of the spiral main body portion 71 (see FIGS. 3 to 7). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spiral auxiliary portion 72 has a cylindrical shape having an outer dimension equal to that of the spiral main body portion 71 as a whole, and a second cutout portion 76 is formed by cutting out the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 11, the second notch 76 has an auxiliary slope facing a part of the first upward slope 73d defined by the first notch 73 of the spiral body 71 and the second opposing slope 73e. A surface 76a is defined. The auxiliary inclined surface 76a is continuous with the second opposing inclined surface 73e in a state where the spiral auxiliary portion 72 is connected to the helical main body 71, and a part of the first upward inclined surface 73d and the second opposing inclined surface. An interval that allows the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 to be received while providing a gap is formed with respect to 73e.

  As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, a spiral auxiliary member 72 is connected to the spiral body 71 to form a spiral cam member 58. The spiral cam member 58 can receive the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 while providing a gap by the first notch portion 73 of the spiral main body portion 71 and the second notch portion 76 of the spiral auxiliary portion 72. A spiral groove is formed (see FIG. 11). Further, in the helical cam member 58, the gear portion 74 of the spiral main body portion 71 is engaged with the long gear 29, so that the driving force of the driving motor 28 is appropriately transmitted via the output gear 28a to be rotationally driven. . Then, the cam follower 56 is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cam follower main shaft 54, and is prevented from rotating around the cam follower main shaft 54 due to the interference between the rotation stop protrusion 56 c and the cam follower sub shaft 55. Accordingly, the cam follower main shaft 54 extends in a straight direction, that is, in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA, by the guiding action caused by the interference between the groove portions (the first notch portion 73 and the second notch portion 76) of the spiral cam member 58 and the second interference portion 56b. Can be made.

  Next, the third lens holding frame 51 configured in this way is retracted to the outside from the fixed cylinder portion 21a of the fixed frame 21 by the retracting frame driving mechanism 40 (collapsed retracted state). And the action when rotating between the shooting position (shooting state) where the third lens group 13 is inserted on the shooting optical axis OA, and the forward / backward movement along the shooting optical axis OA at the shooting position (shooting state). The operation at that time will be described.

  In the third lens holding frame 51 (its retracting frame driving unit 41), the third lens holding frame rotating base 63 can slide and move on the cam surface 65a of the stepped portion 65 provided on the curved wall 64. The cam follower 56 is rotated about the third group main guide shaft 52 by linearly moving in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA by the guiding action of the first interference portion 56a of the cam follower 56 in contact with the cam follower 56. For this reason, the step part 65 (cam surface 65a) functions as a cam protrusion, and the first interference part 56a of the cam follower 56 functions as a cam pin. As a result, the cam surface 65a of the stepped portion 65 and the first interference portion 56a cause the third lens holding frame to move the cam follower 56 as an intermediate member (advancing / retracting member) that is linearly moved along the photographing optical axis OA. The rotation conversion mechanism which converts into rotational motion around the third group main guide shaft 52 in 51 is constituted. As described above, when the long gear 29 is appropriately driven to rotate by the drive motor 28, the cam follower 56 is arranged on the cam follower main shaft 54 by the guiding action caused by the interference between the groove portion of the helical cam member 58 and the second interference portion 56b. To move in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. Due to the movement of the cam follower 56 in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA, the position of the first interference portion 56a of the cam follower 56 with respect to the stepped portion 65 of the curved wall portion 64 of the third lens holding frame rotation base 63 in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA Changes.

  The operation of the third lens holding frame 51 with respect to the interference position between the stepped portion 65 and the first interference portion 56a will be described. When the cam follower 56 is at the most image plane side in the movable range (rear and lower in front view), the first interference portion 56a is rearward to the lower end position (rear end and lower end in front view) of the cam surface 65a. It is moved (see FIG. 12). Here, in a scene where the first interference portion 56a is in contact with the cam surface 65a, as shown in FIG. 9, the third lens holding frame rotation base portion 63 is rotationally biased by the compression torsion spring 57 (see arrow A1). Therefore, the first interference portion 56a (the right lower end portion (contact side portion) thereof and the cam surface 65a (the lower end position thereof) are pressed against each other (see the first interference portion 56a at the height position L1). The first interference portion 56a is pushed from the cam surface 65a in a direction orthogonal to the cam surface 65a by the rotation bias (see arrow A1) to the third lens holding frame rotation base 63. Here, the cam follower 56 is driven. Therefore, the cam follower 56 is prevented from rotating around the cam follower main shaft 54 due to the interference between the rotation stop projection 56c and the cam follower subshaft 55. In a scene in contact with 65a, the third lens holding frame rotation base 63 is pushed upward (on the subject side and upward in FIG. 9 as viewed from the front) by the cam follower 56. As will be described later, the second interference portion 56b is pressed against the groove portion of the spiral cam member 58 (the downward flat surface 73a or the downward inclined surface 73b of the first notch 73 of the spiral main body portion 71) (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), movement to the subject side (upward) is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the lower right end portion (contact side portion) of the first interference portion 56a is in contact with the lower end position of the cam surface 65a (see the height position L1), the third lens holding frame is rotated. The moving base 63, that is, the third lens holding frame 51 accommodates the third lens group 13 in the accommodating space 21 </ b> Q of the fixed frame 21 as the retracted position, and the retracted position (retracted position) retracted to the outside from the fixed cylinder portion 21 a. The position is set so as to be in the retracted and retracted state (see FIGS. 3 and 5) which is a rotating posture. For this reason, in the cam follower 56, the position that is closest to the image plane side (rear and lower in front view) is defined as the storage position S. As described above, when the cam follower 56 (first interference portion 56a) is in the storage position S, the compression torsion spring 57 is most charged in the direction around the axis (rotation biasing direction).

  When the cam follower 56 moves forward (from the object side and above the front view) from the storage position S, the position where the lower right end (contact side) of the first interference portion 56a contacts with the cam surface 65a changes (height position L2). Etc.). Then, in the third lens holding frame rotation base 63, the rotation force from the compression torsion spring 57 (see arrow A1) corresponds to the position where the cam surface 65a and the first interference portion 56a (the lower left end thereof) are in contact. The third lens group 13 held by the third lens holding frame 51 in accordance with the rotation posture of the third lens group 13 from the storage position (accommodation space 21Q) onto the photographing optical axis OA. It moves (rotates) toward (see arrow A1 in FIG. 5). Thereafter, when the first interference portion 56a (cam follower 56) is set to the height position L2, the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens holding frame rotating base 63) further rotates, and the stopper 51a is third. It interferes with the group sub-guide shaft 53 (contacts (see the third lens holding frame 51 shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5)). As a result, the third lens group 13 is placed on the photographing optical axis OA. The posture (rotational position) at which the stopper 51a and the third group sub guide shaft 53 interfere with each other is a position where the retraction of the third lens group 13 from the photographing optical axis OA is started during the retraction operation. Accordingly, the retreat start position B in the cam follower 56 is obtained. As described above, when the stopper 51a is in an attitude (rotational position) that interferes with the third group sub-guide shaft 53, the third lens holding frame 51 is prevented from rotating further. For this reason, the third lens holding frame 51 is pushed toward the image plane side (downward) by the straight forward bias from the compression torsion spring 57 regardless of the interference between the first interference portion 56a and the cam surface 65a. It is pressed against the lens barrel base 30.

  In this state, when the cam follower 56 is further moved forward, the third lens holding frame 51 is kept pressed against the lens barrel base 30, so that the first interference portion 56a is at the height position L2. It is moved forward (from the retreat start position B) to the front side (subject side and upward in front view). Thereafter, when the first interference portion 56a reaches the height position L3, the upper surface thereof is in contact with the front engagement surface 65b. At this time, since the third lens holding frame rotation base 63 is urged to rotate in the direction of the arrow A1 (see FIG. 9), the first interference portion 56a (its upper surface) is located near the front end on the right side in the drawing. It is in contact with the engaging surface 65b.

  In this state, when the cam follower 56 (first interference portion 56a) is further moved forward, the first interference portion 56a (the upper surface thereof) pushes the front engagement surface 65b forward, and the third lens holding frame rotates. Since the base 63 is pushed forward, the third lens group 13 is appropriately moved to the subject side to enter a photographing state (a wide-angle position W or a telephoto position T described later). In the present embodiment, the height position L4 that is the lowest end in the photographing state is set to the wide-angle position W, and the height position L5 that is the topmost in the photographing state is set to the telephoto position T. For this reason, when the cam follower 56 (first interference portion 56a) is at the telephoto position T (height position L5), the compression torsion spring 57 is most charged in the axial direction (straight forward biasing direction). At this time, since the third lens holding frame rotation base 63 is urged to rotate (see arrow A1), the position on the photographing optical axis OA restricted by the third group sub-guide shaft 53 is maintained (FIG. 5). reference). Accordingly, the position of the third lens group 13 in the photographing state (position on the photographing optical axis OA) is appropriately changed by appropriately changing the position of the cam follower 56 (first interference unit 56a) in the front-rear direction. Thus, the zooming operation can be performed in a predetermined manner.

  Here, in the lens barrel 10, when the cam follower 56 reaches the wide-angle position W, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / The aperture unit 15 is set to a wide angle position in the shooting state. In the lens barrel 10, when the cam follower 56 reaches the telephoto position T, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 are set to the telephoto position in the photographing state.

  The cam follower 56 is seen in a position in the groove (the first notch 73 and the second notch 76) of the spiral cam member 58 of the second interference part 56b, that is, in the circumferential direction with respect to the spiral cam member 58 (the groove). The position on the cam follower main shaft 54, that is, the position in the photographing optical axis OA direction (front-rear direction) is determined by the position of the second interference portion 56b. Specifically, when the second interference portion 56b is present at a location defined by the downward flat surface 73a of the first cutout portion 73 of the spiral main body portion 71 in the groove portion of the spiral cam member 58 (a circumferential position described later) The cam follower 56 is positioned at the lowest end (image plane side) in the movement range on the cam follower main shaft 54 (in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA). In addition, the second interference portion 56b has a portion (circumference) defined by the downward inclined surface 73b and the first opposing inclined surface 73c of the first notch 73 from the portion defined by the downward flat surface 73a in the groove portion. Directional positions P2 to P3), locations defined by the first upward inclined surface 73d and the second opposing inclined surface 73e (see the circumferential position P4 to P6), the second upward inclined surface 73f and the spiral auxiliary portion 72. As the cam follower 56 moves to a location defined by the auxiliary inclined surface 76a of the second notch 76 (refer to the circumferential position P6 to P7), the cam follower 56 moves within the moving range on the cam follower main shaft 54 (in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA). From the position of the lowermost end (image plane side), it moves upward (subject side). In this embodiment, when the long gear 29 is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the second interference portion 56b moves from a circumferential position P1 to a circumferential position P7, which will be described later, with respect to the groove portion of the spiral cam member 58. It is set to move relatively.

  The second interference portion 56b is configured such that the helical cam member 58 is rotationally driven by the rotation of the long gear 29 meshed with the gear portion 74 of the helical main body portion 71, so that the interference position in the groove portion of the helical cam member 58, that is, The position of the spiral cam member 58 viewed in the circumferential direction changes. As described above, since the long gear 29 moves between the retracted storage state and the photographing state of the first rotating cylinder 22, the driving force of the drive motor 28 is appropriately transmitted via the output gear 28a. And is driven to rotate. In the spiral cam member 58, the position of the second follower 56b, that is, the cam follower 56 on the cam follower main shaft 54 (in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA) is changed in conjunction with the change in the position (state) of the first rotating cylinder 22. The groove portions (the first notch portion 73 and the second notch portion 76) are set so as to allow them.

  First, when the second interference portion 56b is present at a location defined by the downward flat surface 73a of the first cutout portion 73 of the spiral main body portion 71 in the groove portion of the spiral cam member 58 (from a circumferential position P1 described later). The cam follower 56 is at a height position L1 (the position at the lowermost end (image plane side) in the movement range on the cam follower main shaft 54). At this time, as described above, the first interference portion 56a (the lower right end portion (contact side portion) thereof is the lower end position of the cam surface 65a of the stepped portion 65 of the curved wall portion 64 of the third lens holding frame rotation base portion 63. The cam follower 56 is in contact with the (rear end) and is pushed upward (subject side) by the rotation bias to the third lens holding frame rotation base 63. Therefore, the second interference unit 56b is The upper end surface is pressed against the downward flat surface 73a.

  The second interference part 56b is the tip side (the opposite side of the downwardly inclined surface 73b provided in the downward flat surface 73a of the first notch 73 in the groove part, and FIG. The first rotating cylinder 22 is set in a retracted state (see FIGS. 3 and 5). At this time, as described above, the cam follower 56 is the lowest position (image plane side) height position L1 (storage position S) in the moving range on the cam follower main shaft 54 (in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA). The three-lens holding frame rotation base 63, that is, the third lens holding frame 51 is in the retracted and retracted state (see FIGS. 3 and 5), and the third lens group 13 is accommodated in the accommodating space 21Q of the fixed frame 21 (FIG. 5). reference).

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates and moves from the storage position to the maximum feeding position. At this time, since the downward flat surface 73a has a predetermined length dimension as described above, the second interference portion 56b has the downward flat surface as the helical cam member 58 is rotated by the long gear 29. While maintaining the state in contact with the surface 73a, it moves relatively from the circumferential position P1 to the boundary position with the downward inclined surface 73b (referred to as the circumferential position P2). At this time, since the position where the second interference portion 56b is in contact with the downward flat surface 73a is changed, the cam follower 56 maintains the height position L1 (storage position S). Here, in the lens barrel 10, since the first rotating cylinder 22 has moved to the maximum extended position, the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens group 13) is moved onto the imaging optical axis OA (imaging optical path). It is possible to enter.

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is further rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates while maintaining the maximum extended position. At this time, as described above, since the cam follower 56 is pushed upward (subject side), the second interference unit 56b changes from a state in contact with the downward flat surface 73a to a state in contact with the downward inclined surface 73b. And move upward (subject side) following the shape of the downward inclined surface 73b. Then, since the cam follower 56 moves from the height position L1 (storage position S) toward the height position L2 (retraction start position B), the interference position between the first interference portion 56a and the cam surface 65a ( Due to the guiding action, the third lens group 13 moves from the accommodation space 21Q of the fixed frame 21 toward the photographing optical axis OA (see FIG. 5).

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is further rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates while maintaining the maximum extended position. Then, the 2nd interference part 56b arrives at a boundary position with the 2nd opposing inclined surface 73e, maintaining the state which contact | connects the downward inclined surface 73b (it is set as the circumferential direction position P3). At this time, since the length dimension of the downward inclined surface 73b viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA is set as described above, the cam follower 56 reaches the height position L2 (retraction start position B), The stopper 51a of the third lens holding frame 51 interferes with the third group sub guide shaft 53, so that the third lens group 13 is positioned on the photographing optical axis OA (see FIG. 5).

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is further rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates while maintaining the maximum extended position. At this time, as described above, since the third lens holding frame 51 is prevented from further rotation, the third lens holding frame 51 is moved to the image plane side (lower side) by the straight advance bias from the compression torsion spring 57. To the lens barrel base 30. For this reason, the cam follower 56 moves downward (image surface side) due to the interference of the first interference portion 56a with the cam surface 65a while releasing the state of being pushed upward (subject side) from the cam surface 65a. Thus, the height position L2 is maintained. For this reason, the second interference part 56b moves in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) relatively without changing the height position inside the groove part as the helical cam member 58 is rotated by the long gear 29. To do. Then, the 2nd interference part 56b transfers to the state (it is set as the circumferential position P4) from the state which touches the downward inclined surface 73b in the circumferential position P3 from the state which contacts the 1st upward inclined surface 73d.

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is further rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates while maintaining the maximum extended position. Then, the second interference unit 56b moves upward (subject side) from the circumferential position P4 following the shape of the first upward inclined surface 73d in contact therewith. For this reason, the cam follower 56 moves forward from the height position L2 and reaches the height position L3. Therefore, as described above, the upper surfaces of the first interference portion 56a and the cam surface 65a are the front engagement surfaces 65b. To touch. The position of the second interference part 56b at this time is defined as a circumferential position P5. Thereafter, the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens holding frame rotation base 63) is in a state of being pushed toward the image plane side (lower side) by the straight advance bias from the compression torsion spring 57. The first interfering portion 56a (cam follower 56) is pushed to the image surface side (lower side) by a straight forward bias from the compression torsion spring 57 via the front engaging surface 65b that comes into contact therewith.

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is further rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates while maintaining the maximum extended position. Then, the second interference unit 56b moves upward (subject side) following the shape of the first inclined surface 73d in contact with the second interference unit 56b from the circumferential position P5. For this reason, the cam follower 56 is moved forward from the height position L3 to the height position L4 (photographing position) against the straight forward bias from the compression torsion spring 57.

  Thereafter, when the long gear 29 is further rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction, the first rotary cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b rotates while maintaining the maximum extended position. Then, the second interfering portion 56b is relative to the boundary position (referred to as the circumferential position P6) between the circumferential position P5 and the second upward inclined face 73f while maintaining a state in contact with the first upward inclined face 73d. To shift to a state in contact with the second upward inclined surface 73f. At this time, the cam follower 56 reaches the height position L4 (the wide-angle position W at the lowest end of the photographing position) against the urging force from the compression torsion spring 57.

  Thereafter, the long gear 29 is appropriately rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction, so that the first rotating cylinder 22 engaged with the gear portion 22b maintains the maximum extended position as described above. The first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 are zoomed with the rotation. At this time, the second interference unit 56b appropriately moves upward (subject side) or downward (image plane side) following the shape of the second upward inclined surface 73f that is in contact therewith. Therefore, the position of the cam follower 56 in the front-rear direction is appropriately changed between the height position L4 (wide-angle position W) and the height position L5 (the telephoto position T at the uppermost end of the photographing position). As described above, the position of the third lens group 13 in the photographing state (position on the photographing optical axis OA) is appropriately changed, and the zooming operation is performed as predetermined.

  When the long gear 29 (first rotary cylinder 22) is rotated in the reverse direction by driving the drive motor 28, the spiral cam member 58, the cam follower 56, and the third lens holding frame 51 are moved via the long gear 29. It can move in the opposite direction and reverse the operation described above.

  As described above, in the lens barrel 10, the second interference portion 56b is in contact with the boundary position between the downward flat surface 73a and the downward inclined surface 73b from the circumferential position P1 in contact with the distal end side of the downward flat surface 73a. Until the circumferential position P 2, the cam follower 56 does not change from the height position L 1 that is the lowermost end of the cam follower main shaft 54, and the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) accommodates the fixed frame 21. It is accommodated in the space 21Q (see FIG. 5). For this reason, during this period, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, a transmission blocking section is configured to block transmission of the driving force of the driving motor 28 via the long gear 29 from the driving force transmitting unit 42 to the retracting frame driving unit 41.

  Further, in the lens barrel 10, the second interference portion 56b is located at the boundary position between the downward inclined surface 73b and the second opposing inclined surface 73e from the circumferential position P2 in contact with the downward inclined surface 73b at the above-described boundary position. The cam follower 56 changes from the height position L1 to the height position L2 on the cam follower main shaft 54 until the contacted circumferential position P3, and the first interference portion 56a, the cam surface 65a, and the compression torsion spring 57 cooperate with each other. The third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) rotates and moves from the accommodation space 21Q onto the photographing optical axis OA. Therefore, during this time, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the driving force transmission unit 42 applies the driving force of the driving motor 28 via the long gear 29 to the photographing optical axis OA of the cam follower 56 at the first angle on the downward inclined surface 73b. This is a first transmission section in which it is converted into a pushing force in the direction and transmitted to the retracting frame driving unit 41. Further, during this time, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the driving force transmission unit 42 becomes a rotation posture control section for controlling the rotation posture of the third lens holding frame 51 in cooperation with the cam surface 65a and the compression torsion spring 57. . At this time, the lower end portion of the third lens holding frame 51 is pressed against the lens barrel base 30 regardless of the rotation posture by the straight advance bias from the compression torsion spring 57.

  Further, in the lens barrel 10, the second interference portion 56 b starts from the circumferential position P3 that contacts the downward inclined surface 73 b at the above-described boundary position, and contacts the first upward inclined surface 73 d that faces the circumferential direction. Until the direction position P4, the cam follower 56 does not change from the height position L2 of the cam follower main shaft 54. After that, the cam follower 56 is between the circumferential position P4 in contact with the first upward inclined surface 73d at the facing position and the circumferential position P5 displaced by a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. Changes from the height position L2 to the height position L3 on the cam follower main shaft 54, and shifts from a state where the first interference portion 56a is in contact with the cam surface 65a to a state where it is in contact with the front engagement surface 65b. Therefore, during this period, in the retracting frame drive mechanism 40, the driving force transmission unit 42 is a control switching section that switches between the control in the rotation posture control section described above and the control in the optical axis position control section described later.

  In the lens barrel 10, the first upward inclined surface 73d and the second upward inclined surface from the circumferential position P5 in contact with the first upward inclined surface 73d at the position in the circumferential direction described above. The cam follower 56 changes from the height position L3 to the height position L4 on the cam follower main shaft 54 until the circumferential position P6 is in contact with the boundary position with 73f, and the first interference portion 56a and the front engagement surface 65b are compressed. In cooperation with the torsion spring 57, the third lens group 13 (the third lens holding frame 51) moves straight on the photographing optical axis OA to the photographing position (the wide-angle position W which is the lowest end in this embodiment). Therefore, during this period, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the driving force transmitting unit 42 applies the driving force of the driving motor 28 via the long gear 29 to the imaging light of the cam follower 56 at the second angle on the first upward inclined surface 73d. This is a second transmission section that converts the force to push in the direction of the axis OA and transmits it to the retracting frame drive unit 41. During this time, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the driving force transmission unit 42 cooperates with the front side engagement surface 65 b and the compression torsion spring 57 to shoot the optical axis of the third lens holding frame 51, that is, the third lens group 13. This is a position control section on the optical axis for controlling the position viewed in the OA direction. At this time, the third lens holding frame 51 causes the third lens group 13 to be positioned on the photographing optical axis OA regardless of the position in the photographing optical axis OA direction by the rotation bias from the compression torsion spring 57.

  In the lens barrel 10, the second interference portion 56 b has a circumference in contact with the second upward inclined surface 73 f at the front end thereof from the circumferential position P 6 in contact with the second upward inclined surface 73 f at the boundary position described above. Until the direction position P7, the cam follower 56 changes from the height position L4 to the height position L5 on the cam follower main shaft 54, and the first interference portion 56a, the front engagement surface 65b, and the compression torsion spring 57 cooperate. The third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) moves straight within the range of the photographing position on the photographing optical axis OA (between the wide-angle position W and the telephoto position T in this embodiment). Therefore, during this period, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the driving force transmitting unit 42 applies the driving force of the driving motor 28 via the long gear 29 to the cam follower with the changing inclination (cam surface) on the second upward inclined surface 73f. This is a third transmission section that converts the force to 56 in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA and transmits it to the retraction frame drive unit 41. During this time, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the driving force transmission unit 42 cooperates with the front engagement surface 65 b and the compression torsion spring 57 in the optical axis position control section, that is, the third lens holding frame 51, This is a shooting position control section for controlling the shooting position (from the wide-angle position W to the telephoto position T) viewed in the direction of the shooting optical axis OA of the third lens group 13. At this time, the third lens holding frame 51 causes the third lens group 13 to be positioned on the photographing optical axis OA regardless of the position in the photographing optical axis OA direction by the rotation bias from the compression torsion spring 57.

  For this reason, the driving force transmission unit 42 causes the groove portions (the downward flat surface 73a and the downward inclined surface 73b) of the spiral cam member 58 to interfere with the second interference unit 56b in the transmission cutoff section and the first transmission section. This prevents the cam follower 56, which is pushed forward (subject side) on the cam follower main shaft 54, from moving forward by the rotation bias from the compression torsion spring 57 via the cam surface 65a and the first interference portion 56a. However, the position of the cam follower 56 in the front-rear direction is adjusted.

  In addition, the driving force transmission unit 42 includes a groove portion (the first upper portion thereof) of the helical cam member 58 in the second transmission section and the third transmission section from the circumferential position P4 of the second interference section 56b to the second transmission section. The cam follower main shaft is caused by a straight advance bias from the compression torsion spring 57 via the front engagement surface 65b and the first interference portion 56a by causing the second inclined surface 73d and the second upward inclined surface 73f) to interfere with the second interference portion 56b. The position of the cam follower 56 in the front-rear direction is adjusted while preventing the cam follower 56 pushed rearward (image surface side) 54 from moving backward.

  From this, the driving force transmission unit 42 cooperates with the groove of the helical cam member 58 from the end of the first transmission interval until the second interference unit 56b reaches the circumferential position P4. 56b serves as a transmission path switching section in which the movement of the cam follower 56 is restricted, that is, the transmission path of the driving force of the drive motor 28 by the groove of the spiral cam member 58 and the second interference section 56b.

  Thus, in the lens barrel 10, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 are moved to the storage position (collapsed storage state) and the shooting position (shooting state) by driving the drive motor 28. ) And a zooming operation as predetermined, and in conjunction with the zooming operation, the third lens group 13 performs a zooming operation as predetermined. Further, in the lens barrel 10, when the first rotating cylinder 22 reaches the maximum extended position by driving of the drive motor 28, the third lens holding frame 51 starts to enter immediately, and the third lens group 13. Starts shifting from the retracted position (collapsed storage state) to the shooting position (shooting state). That is, when the cam follower 56 is set to the storage position S (height position L1), the third lens group 13 is stored in the retracted position (accommodating space 21Q) where it is retracted from the photographing optical axis OA to the outside of the fixed cylinder portion 21a. Is done. When the cam follower 56 is set to the retract start position B (height position L2), the third lens group 13 is set to a position on the photographing optical axis OA, and the cam follower 56 is telephoto from the wide angle position W (height position L4). When the position is T (height position L5), the third lens group 13 is in the shooting position (shooting state). As described above, when the first rotating cylinder 22 reaches the maximum extended position, the entering operation of the third lens holding frame 51 is started immediately. The time required can be minimized.

  Next, an example in which the camera 100 (imaging device) 100 is configured by adopting the optical system device including the lens barrel 10 shown in the above-described embodiment as a photographing optical system will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera 100 as seen from the front side that is the object, that is, the subject side, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera 100 as seen from the back side that is the photographer side. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the camera 100. Although the camera 100 is described here, a camera in which a camera function is incorporated in a portable information terminal device such as a so-called PDA (personal data assistant) or a mobile phone has recently appeared.

  Many of such portable information terminal devices have functions and configurations substantially the same as those of the camera 100, although the appearance is slightly different, and the lens according to the present invention is included in such a portable information terminal device. An optical system device including the lens barrel 10 may be employed. Similarly, an optical system apparatus including the lens barrel 10 according to the present invention may be employed in the image input apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the camera 100 includes a photographing lens 101, a shutter button 102, a zoom lever 103, a finder 104, a strobe 105, a liquid crystal monitor 106, an operation button 107, a power switch 108, a memory card slot 109, and communication. A card slot 110 and the like are provided. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the camera 100 also includes a light receiving element 201, a signal processing device 202, an image processing device 203, a central processing unit (CPU) 204, a semiconductor memory 205, a communication card 206, and the like. Further, although not clearly shown, each of these units is operated by being fed by a battery as a driving power source.

  The camera 100 includes a photographing lens 101 and a light receiving element 201 as an area sensor such as a CCD (charge coupled device) imaging element, and is a photographing target formed by the photographing lens 101 that is a photographing optical system. An image of an object, that is, a subject is read by the light receiving element 201. As the photographing lens 101, an optical system apparatus including the lens barrel 10 according to the present invention as described in the present embodiment is used. Specifically, an optical system apparatus is configured by using a lens or the like that is an optical element that configures the lens barrel 10 (for example, the light receiving element 201 is configured by using the solid-state imaging device 16 (see FIG. 4)). The lens barrel 10 has a mechanism for holding each lens or the like so that the lens can be moved at least for each lens group. The photographing lens 101 incorporated in the camera 100 is usually incorporated in the form of this optical system device.

  The output of the light receiving element 201 is processed by the signal processing device 202 controlled by the central processing unit 204 and converted into digital image information. Image information digitized by the signal processing device 202 is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing device 203 controlled by the central processing unit 204 and then recorded in a semiconductor memory 205 such as a nonvolatile memory. In this case, the semiconductor memory 205 may be a memory card loaded in the memory card slot 109 or a semiconductor memory built in the camera body. The liquid crystal monitor 106 can display an image being photographed, or can display an image recorded in the semiconductor memory 205. The image recorded in the semiconductor memory 205 can also be transmitted to the outside via a communication card 206 or the like loaded in the communication card slot 110.

  When the camera 100 is carried, the photographic lens 101 is in a retracted retracted state and is buried in the body of the camera 100 as shown in FIG. When the user operates the power switch 108, the power is turned on, and the lens barrel is extended as shown in FIG. At this time, in the lens barrel 10 of the photographing lens 101, the optical systems of the respective groups constituting the zoom lens are arranged at, for example, a wide-angle position, and by operating the zoom lever 103, the optical systems of the respective groups of optical systems are arranged. When the arrangement is changed, the zooming operation to the telephoto end can be performed.

  Note that it is desirable that the optical system of the finder 104 is also scaled in conjunction with the change in the angle of view of the photographing lens 101.

  In many cases, focusing is performed by half-pressing the shutter button 102. Focusing in the zoom lens of the present embodiment can be performed mainly by moving the fourth lens group 14. When the shutter button 102 is further pushed down to the fully depressed state, photographing is performed, and then the processing as described above is performed.

  When the image recorded in the semiconductor memory 205 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 106 or transmitted to the outside via the communication card 206 or the like, the operation button 107 is operated in a predetermined manner. The semiconductor memory 205 and the communication card 206 are used by being loaded into dedicated or general-purpose slots such as the memory card slot 109 and the communication card slot 110, respectively.

  When the photographic lens 101 is in the retracted storage state, the third lens group 13 is retracted from the photographic optical axis OA (imaging optical path) and stored in parallel with the first lens group 11 and the second lens group 12. Therefore, the camera 100 can be further reduced in thickness.

  In the lens barrel 10 of this embodiment, the retractable frame driving mechanism 40 drives the movable lens barrel to move the movable lens barrel forward and backward in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA with respect to the fixed barrel portion 21a (fixed frame 21). The third lens holding frame 51 as the retractable lens holding frame is shifted (rotated) between the storage position (collapsed storage state) and the shooting position (shooting state) by the driving force of the drive motor 28 as the source. Thus, the movable lens barrel and the third lens holding frame 51 can be moved between the retracted storage state and the photographing state by a single drive motor 28, so that the movable lens barrel drive source and the retraction frame are used. Compared to the configuration in which the drive source is driven, it is possible to reduce the operation sound when the transition operation is performed.

  In the lens barrel 10, the retracting frame driving unit 41 holds the third lens by the driving force of the driving motor 28 that advances and retracts the movable lens barrel transmitted from the driving force transmitting unit 42 in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. Since the frame 51 is moved forward and backward (rotating) and the third lens holding frame 51 is moved back and forth (straight forward), the first lens group 11 by a single drive source with a simple configuration, The zoom operation of the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 can be performed, and the third lens group 13 can be retracted to the outside of the fixed cylinder portion 21a.

  Further, in the lens barrel 10, the driving force transmission unit 42 converts the driving force of the driving motor 28 that advances and retracts the movable lens barrel in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving unit 41. Since it is transmitted to the retraction frame drive unit 41, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13 and the shutter / aperture unit 15 are accommodated by a single drive source with a simple configuration. It is possible to shift between the position (collapsed storage state) and the shooting position (shooting state).

  In the lens barrel 10, the driving force transmission unit 42 converts the driving force of the driving motor 28 that moves the movable lens barrel back and forth in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving unit 41 to convert the retracting frame. Since the transmission is transmitted to the drive unit 41 and the transmission is interrupted according to the position of the first rotary cylinder 22, the first lens group 11 and the second lens by a single drive source with a simple configuration. The zoom lens 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 can be zoomed, the third lens group 13 can be retracted to the outside of the fixed cylinder portion 21 a, and the first rotating cylinder 22 can be photographed. The third lens group 13 can be moved back and forth according to the position in the direction of the optical axis OA.

  In the lens barrel 10, the driving force transmission unit 42 uses the driving force of the driving motor 28 that advances and retracts the movable lens barrel in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA to advance and retreat the cam follower 56 as an intermediate member in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. The movement is converted to movement and transmitted to the retracting frame driving unit 41, and the retracting frame driving unit 41 rotates the cam follower 56 in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA in the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens group 13). Since the operation is converted into an operation and an advancing / retreating operation, the third lens group 13 is shifted between the storage position (collapsed storage state) and the shooting position (shooting state) by the driving force of the drive motor 28 with a simple configuration. Can do.

  In the lens barrel 10, the retraction frame driving mechanism 40 of the third lens holding frame 51 as a retraction lens holding frame uses a length for rotating the first rotating cylinder 22 instead of using a retraction frame driving source. Since the spiral cam member 58 that can be meshed with the shank gear 29 is provided and the cam follower 56 having the second interference portion 56b corresponding to the groove portion is used, the movable lens barrel drive source and the retracting frame are used. Compared with the configuration for driving the drive source, the configuration can be made simpler, and the cost can be reduced and the size can be reduced. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the helical cam member 58 is formed of a resin material, it can be formed more easily and the cost can be reduced.

  In the lens barrel 10, the retracting frame driving mechanism 40 of the third lens retaining frame 51 as the retracting lens retaining frame moves the movable lens barrel in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA with respect to the fixed tube portion 21a (fixed frame 21). The third lens holding frame 51 is moved forward and backward in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA at the photographing position by the driving force of the driving motor 28 as the driving source for the movable lens barrel to be advanced and retracted. The zoom lens (zooming (magnification setting) operation) can be used with the first lens at the shooting position (shooting state) as compared with the configuration in which the movable lens barrel drive source and the retracting frame drive source are driven. It is possible to reduce the operation sound when the group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 are zoomed.

  In the lens barrel 10, the retracting frame driving mechanism 40 moves the spiral cam member 58 of the retracting frame driving unit 41 and the third lens holding frame rotating base 63 (the stepped portion 65) of the driving force transmitting unit 42 into the cam follower main shaft. 54 is connected by a cam follower 56 (the first interference portion 56a and the second interference portion 56b) that is movable in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA by means of 54, so that the first drive by a single drive source can be achieved with a simple configuration. The third lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 can be operated in a zooming manner, and the third rotation cylinder 22 can be moved according to the position in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. The lens group 13 can be retracted to the outside of the fixed cylinder portion 21a.

  In the lens barrel 10, a single drive motor 28 is used to move the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, the third lens group 13, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 between a retracted state and a photographing state, and zooming. Since the operation can be performed, power consumption and running cost can be suppressed.

  In the lens barrel 10, the gear portion 74 of the spiral cam member 58 of the retracting frame driving portion 41 is meshed with the long gear 29 meshed with the gear portion 22 b of the first rotating cylinder 22, and the spiral cam member 58 is driven. The cam follower 56 (the first interference portion 56a and the second interference portion 56b) in which the third lens holding frame rotation base portion 63 (the step portion 65) of the force transmission portion 42 is movable in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA. Since the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) is rotated and moved back and forth, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 are retracted. It can be linked to the transition operation and zooming operation between the state and the shooting state. For this reason, more appropriate and quick movement can be enabled while suppressing the complexity of the configuration. This is because, for example, even when the unexpected large force acts on the lens barrel 10 and the movable lens barrel has moved relatively, the first lens group 11 accompanying the movement. Since the third lens group 13 (the third lens holding frame 51) can follow the movement of the second lens group 12 and the shutter / aperture unit 15, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defocusing.

  In the lens barrel 10, a part of the zoom lens is configured, and the position is set relative to the positions of the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 on the photographing optical axis OA. Since the third lens group 13 is a retractable lens, they can be moved together (generally) by a single drive motor 28 to move more appropriately and quickly while suppressing complication of the configuration. Can be possible.

  In the lens barrel 10, the retracting frame driving mechanism 40 uses the long gear 29 for rotating the movable lens barrel, that is, the first rotating barrel 22 by the drive motor 28 as a movable lens barrel drive source. Since the third lens holding frame 51 as the retractable lens holding frame is rotated and moved forward and backward, it is not necessary to change the basic configuration of the movable lens barrel and the drive motor 28, so that it is simple. It can be configured.

  In the lens barrel 10, the driving force transmitting portion 42 is photographed by the cam follower main shaft 54 in the spiral groove portion of the spiral cam member 58 that is rotated about the axis along the photographing optical axis OA direction by the driving force of the driving motor 28. Since the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 that is movable in the direction of the axis OA interferes, the driving force of the drive motor 28 is converted into a mode corresponding to the retraction frame driving portion 41 with a simple configuration. Can do.

In the lens barrel 10, the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) in the retracting frame driving unit 41 is placed in the accommodation space 21 </ b> Q and the photographing optical axis in the spiral groove of the helical cam member 58 of the driving force transmission unit 42. The downward inclined surface 73b, which is a portion corresponding to the region to be rotated and moved on the OA, is set to the first angle, and the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) in the retracting frame driving unit 41 is set to the photographing optical axis. Since the first upward inclined surface 73d corresponding to the area to be moved forward and backward on the OA is at the second angle, the movable lens barrel and the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens group 13) Can be driven more stably. This is due to the following. In the retraction frame driving unit 41, when the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) is rotationally moved, the cam surface 65a inclined with respect to the photographing optical axis OA direction and the first moving in the photographing optical axis OA direction. When the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) is moved in a straight line against the rotation bias by the compression torsion spring 57 using the interference (guide action) with the interference portion 56a, the photographic light Resisting the straight forward bias by the compression torsion spring 57 by utilizing the interference (guide action) between the front engagement surface 65b orthogonal to the direction of the axis OA and the first interference part 56a moving in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA. Therefore, when the third lens group 13 (third lens holding frame 51) is rotated, a larger load is required to move the cam follower 56. Therefore, when the subject side of the photographic optical axis OA is set as a reference (0 degree), the downward inclined surface 73b corresponding to the former with respect to the photographic optical axis OA is changed to the first upward inclined surface 73d corresponding to the latter. By setting the first angle to an inclination larger than (second angle) (a gentle gradient when a plane orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA is used as a reference ), the load required for rotational driving of the helical cam member 58 increases. Therefore, fluctuations in the load on the drive motor 28 can be suppressed, and stable operation can be achieved.

  In the lens barrel 10, the spiral groove of the spiral cam member 58 of the driving force transmission unit 42 is provided with the downward flat surface 73 a along the plane orthogonal to the photographic optical axis OA direction. Since one rotary cylinder 22 can be extended, it is possible to prevent the movable lens barrel and the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens group 13) from interfering with each other.

  In the lens barrel 10, the gear portion 74 of the helical cam member 58 of the driving force transmitting portion 42 can always mesh with the long gear 29 at any one of the flat portion 74 a to the inclined portion 74 b. Thus, the helical cam member 58 can be appropriately interlocked with the rotation of the long gear 29. For this reason, the driving force transmission unit 42 can appropriately transmit the driving force of the driving motor 28 to the retraction frame driving unit 41 while converting the driving force into a mode corresponding to the retraction frame driving unit 41.

  In the lens barrel 10, the gear portion 74 of the spiral cam member 58 of the driving force transmission portion 42 is a first cutout portion 73 as viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis OA on the outer peripheral surface of the spiral main body portion 71 (spiral cam member 58). Therefore, the helical cam member 58, that is, the retracting frame drive mechanism 40 and thus the lens barrel 10 can be reduced in size while being able to always mesh with any one portion of the long gear 29. Can do.

  In the lens barrel 10, the first interference is generated in the cam follower 56 that connects the helical cam member 58 of the retracting frame driving unit 41 and the third lens holding frame rotating base 63 (the stepped portion 65) of the driving force transmitting unit 42. Since the part 56a and the second interference part 56b are provided so as to be substantially on the same straight line orthogonal to the photographing optical axis OA, a simpler configuration can be achieved and the size can be reduced.

  In the lens barrel 10, the rotational urging force from the compression torsion spring 57 to the third lens holding frame 51 interferes with the cam surface 65 a of the step portion 65 provided on the third lens holding frame rotation base 63 and the cam surface 65 a. The groove portion of the helical cam member 58 rotated by the driving force of the driving motor 28 (the downward flat surface 73a and the downward surface thereof) is converted into a force pushed forward (subject side) to the cam follower 56 by the one interference portion 56a. Since the second interference portion 56b can follow the inclined surface 73b), the driving force of the driving motor 28 is converted into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving portion 41, that is, the movement of the cam follower 56 in the front-rear direction with a simple configuration. Then, it can be transmitted to the retraction frame drive unit 41.

  In the lens barrel 10, the linearly urging force from the compression torsion spring 57 to the third lens holding frame 51 interferes with the front engaging surface 65 b of the stepped portion 65 provided on the third lens holding frame rotating base 63 and the same. The groove portion of the helical cam member 58 rotated by the driving force of the driving motor 28 (the first upward inclination thereof) is converted into a force pushing backward (image plane side) toward the cam follower 56 by the first interference portion 56a. Since the second interference portion 56b can follow the surface 73d and the second upward inclined surface 73f), the driving force of the drive motor 28 corresponds to the retracting frame drive portion 41, that is, the cam follower 56 with a simple configuration. It can be converted into movement in the front-rear direction and transmitted to the retraction frame drive unit 41.

  In the lens barrel 10, in the driving force transmission portion 42, the groove portion of the helical cam member 58 is switched while switching the transmission path of the driving force of the driving motor 28 by the groove portion of the helical cam member 58 and the second interference portion 56 b in the transmission route switching section. Since the position of the cam follower 56 in the front-rear direction is adjusted by the interference between the second interfering portion 56b and the second interfering portion 56b, the operation of the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens group 13) is different (rotation operation and forward / backward movement). The rotation urging and the straight urging to the third lens holding frame 51 by the compression torsion spring 57 for the operation) can be efficiently used.

  In the lens barrel 10, in the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the helical cam member 58 of the retracting frame driving unit 41 and the third lens holding frame rotating base 63 (the stepped portion 65) of the driving force transmitting unit 42 are connected to the cam follower main shaft. Since the connection is made by a cam follower 56 that can be moved in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA by 54, a simple configuration can be achieved, and a smaller configuration can be achieved, contributing to further downsizing. Can do.

  In the lens barrel 10, in the spiral cam member 58 of the driving force transmission portion 42 of the retracting frame driving mechanism 40, the groove portion is formed by the first notch portion 73 of the spiral body portion 71 and the second notch portion 76 of the spiral auxiliary portion 72. Since it is formed in a spiral shape that can receive the second interference portion 56b of the cam follower 56 while providing a gap, it is possible to reliably prevent the second interference portion 56b from dropping from the groove portion.

  In the lens barrel 10, in the retracting frame driving unit 41, the movement of the cam follower 56 in which the stepped portion 65 of the third lens holding frame rotation base 63 and the first interference portion 56 a of the cam follower 56 are linearly moved is a third. Since the rotation conversion mechanism that converts the rotational movement of the lens holding frame 51 around the third group main guide shaft 52 is configured, the third lens holding frame 51 can be operated with a simple configuration. For this reason, it can be set as a smaller structure and it can contribute to size reduction more.

  In the lens barrel 10, the third lens holding frame 51 (third lens group 13) is positioned outside the fixed cylinder portion 21 a of the fixed frame 21 and has the maximum outer diameter of the movable lens barrel in the retracted state. That is, the movable lens barrel can be accommodated without causing an increase in the outer diameter of the fixed cylinder portion 21a because it can be retracted to the accommodating space 21Q located outside the maximum outer diameter of the first rotating cylinder 22. It is possible to reduce the dimension in the photographing optical axis direction at the time.

  Therefore, in the lens barrel 10 (camera 100 having the lens barrel) according to the present invention, the retractable lens group (13) can be retracted to the outside of the inner diameter of the fixed cylinder portion 21a, and operation noise and cost can be suppressed. be able to.

  In the above-described embodiment, the lens barrel 10 as an example of the lens barrel according to the present invention has been described. However, the lens barrel 10 is retracted from the retracted storage state in which at least a part of the plurality of lens groups is retracted to store the lens group. A plurality of lens holding members that respectively hold the plurality of lens groups, and a movable lens barrel that holds the lens holding members therein so that at least a part of the lens group is moved to the subject side to obtain a shooting state. Each of the lens holders, and a fixed cylinder portion that holds the movable lens barrel therein, and a movable lens barrel drive source for operating the movable lens barrel relative to the fixed barrel portion. The member sets all the lens groups in the shooting position on the same shooting optical axis in the shooting state and removes the retractable lens including at least one lens group from the inner diameter position of the fixed cylinder portion in the retracted state. A lens barrel including a retractable lens holding member that movably holds at least one of the lens groups to be retracted to a retracted position of the lens, wherein the retractable lens holding frame is disposed between the photographing position and the retracted position. A retraction frame drive unit to be moved; and a driving force transmission unit that converts the driving force from the movable lens barrel drive source into a mode corresponding to the retraction frame drive unit and transmits the converted driving force to the retraction frame drive unit. Any lens barrel may be used, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiments, the third lens holding frame 51 is a retractable lens holding member (retractable lens holding frame). However, if the zoom lens is configured, a holding member that holds another lens group is used. The retractable lens holding member may be used, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the spiral cam member 58 is constituted by the spiral main body portion 71 and the spiral auxiliary portion 72. However, the drive motor 28 that is output (transmitted) by rotation around the axis along the photographing optical axis OA. The gear portion 74 that rotates the helical cam member 58 around an axis along the photographic optical axis OA in response to the driving force and a cam follower 56 as an intermediate member that is movable in the direction of the photographic optical axis OA by the rotation. What is necessary is just to have the groove part which receives the 2nd interference part 56b so that it can interfere in order to move to OA direction, and is not limited to an above-described Example.

  In the embodiment described above, the third lens group 13 is zoomed in a predetermined manner in conjunction with the zooming operations of the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12, and the shutter / aperture unit 15 by driving the drive motor 28. However, the retractable lens holding frame (the third embodiment in the above embodiment) is driven by the driving force from the movable lens barrel drive source (the drive motor 28 in the above embodiment) for operating the movable lens barrel. Any lens group 13) may be used as long as it moves between the retracted position and the photographing position, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the first rotating cylinder 22 moves from the retracted retracted state to the photographing state (wide-angle position), the first rotating cylinder 22 is initially rotated to the object side and reaches the maximum extended position during the rotation. However, it is only necessary that the third lens holding frame 51 can be prevented from interfering with the members constituting the photographing optical system when the third lens holding frame 51 starts to enter. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  Although the lens barrel of the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and design changes and additions are allowed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is done.

10 Lens barrel 11 First lens group (as an example of a plurality of lens groups) 12 Second lens group (as an example of a plurality of lens groups) 13 Third lens group (as an example of a retractable lens) A fourth lens group 17 (as an example of a lens holding member) a first lens holding frame 18 (as an example of a lens holding member) 21a a fixed cylinder portion 22 (a fixed cylinder) First rotating cylinder 24 (as an example of a movable lens barrel) 27 (as an example of a movable lens barrel) rectilinear cylinder 28 (as an example of a movable lens barrel) Drive motor 31 (as an example of a drive source for a movable lens barrel) 4th lens holding frame (as an example of a lens holding member) 40 Retraction frame drive mechanism 41 Retraction frame drive unit 42 Drive force transmission unit 51 (Retraction level A third lens holding frame 56 (as an example of an intermediate holding frame) 56 (as an example of an intermediate member) a cam follower 56a a first interference portion 56b a second interference portion 58 a spiral cam member 65 a stepped portion 65a a cam surface 65b a front engagement surface 73 ( First cut-out portion 73b (as an example of a portion having a first angle) 73d (as an example of a portion having a first angle) First notch 73b (as an example of a portion having a first angle) Upwardly inclined surface 74 Gear portion 76 (on the outer peripheral surface of the helical cam member) Second cutout portion 100 (as an example constituting the groove portion of the helical cam member) Camera OA Imaging optical axis (as an example of an imaging device)

JP 2007-10899 A

Claims (9)

Each of the plurality of lens groups is held so that at least a part of the plurality of lens groups is retracted and the lens group is accommodated to move to a subject state from at least a part of the lens group to the subject side. A plurality of lens holding members, a movable lens barrel holding each of the lens holding members therein, a fixed cylinder portion holding the movable lens barrel inside, and the movable lens mirror with respect to the fixed cylinder portion A movable lens barrel drive source for operating the cylinder,
Each of the lens holding members sets all the lens groups in the shooting position on the same shooting optical axis in the shooting state, and in the retracted storage state, the retracting lens including at least one lens group is located outside the inner diameter position of the fixed cylinder portion. A lens barrel including a retractable lens holding member that movably holds at least one of the lens groups to be retracted to a retracted position of
A retraction frame drive unit that moves the retraction lens holding member between the photographing position and the retraction position;
A driving force transmitting unit that converts driving force from the movable lens barrel driving source into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving unit and transmits the driving force to the retracting frame driving unit, and
The movable lens barrel drive source operates the movable lens barrel by transmitting a driving force to the movable lens barrel via an output gear that rotates about an axis along the photographing optical axis direction.
The driving force transmission unit includes an intermediate member that is movable in the photographing optical axis direction, and converts the rotation of the output gear into movement of the intermediate member in the photographing optical axis direction;
The retractable frame driving unit converts the movement of the intermediate member in the photographing optical axis direction into the movement of the retractable lens holding member between the photographing position and the retracted position. . Each of the plurality of lens groups is held so that at least a part of the plurality of lens groups is retracted and the lens group is accommodated to move to a subject state from at least a part of the lens group to the subject side. A plurality of lens holding members, a movable lens barrel holding each of the lens holding members therein, a fixed cylinder portion holding the movable lens barrel inside, and the movable lens mirror with respect to the fixed cylinder portion A movable lens barrel drive source for operating the cylinder,
Each of the lens holding members sets all the lens groups in the shooting position on the same shooting optical axis in the shooting state, and in the retracted storage state, the retracting lens including at least one lens group is located outside the inner diameter position of the fixed cylinder portion. A lens barrel including a retractable lens holding member that movably holds at least one of the lens groups to be retracted to a retracted position of
A retraction frame drive unit that moves the retraction lens holding member between the photographing position and the retraction position;
A driving force transmitting unit that converts driving force from the movable lens barrel driving source into a mode corresponding to the retracting frame driving unit and transmits the driving force to the retracting frame driving unit, and
The lens barrel, wherein the retractable lens holding member is pivotally supported on an axis oriented in the photographing optical axis direction and is movable in the photographing optical axis direction . The movable lens barrel drive source operates the movable lens barrel by transmitting a driving force to the movable lens barrel via an output gear that rotates about an axis along the photographing optical axis direction.
The driving force transmission unit includes an intermediate member that is movable in the photographing optical axis direction, and converts the rotation of the output gear into movement of the intermediate member in the photographing optical axis direction;
The retracting frame drive unit, the movement of the intermediate member photographing optical axis direction, claims and converting the movement to and from the photographing position and the retracted position of the retractable lens retaining member 2 The lens barrel described in 1. The driving force transmission unit includes a helical cam member provided with a helical groove that converts the rotation of the output gear into movement of the intermediate member in the photographing optical axis direction;
The retracting frame driving unit has a cam surface that converts movement of the intermediate member in the photographing optical axis direction into movement of the retracting lens holding member between the photographing position and the retracted position,
The intermediate member protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis and can interfere with the cam surface of the retracting frame driving portion, and projects in the direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis to transmit the driving force. the lens barrel according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that it has a second interference part the possible interference with the groove parts, the. The outer circumferential surface of the spiral cam member is provided with a gear portion that is sandwiched between the groove portions when viewed in the photographic optical axis direction and that rotates the output cam and rotates the spiral cam member. The lens barrel according to claim 4 . The retracting frame driving unit has an engaging surface that causes the retracting lens holding member that is in the photographing position by the guide action of the first interference unit and the cam surface to move forward and backward on the photographing optical axis,
The groove has a first angle with respect to the photographic optical axis where the second interfering part interferes with the first interfering part and the cam surface interfering with respect to the photographic optical axis subject side. The position where the second interference portion is inclined while the first interference portion and the engagement surface interfere with each other at a second angle with respect to the photographing optical axis with respect to the photographing optical axis subject side. Tilt,
The lens barrel according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the first angle is set to be larger than the second angle. The groove portion is a part of a portion where the second interference portion interferes when the retracting lens holding member is in the retracted position and the first interference portion and the cam surface interfere with each other. The lens barrel according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein is orthogonal to the photographing optical axis. The lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the retractable lens holding member holds the lens group constituting the zoom lens among the plurality of lens groups. An image pickup apparatus using the lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .