JP4520170B2 - Optical element retracting mechanism of lens barrel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical element retraction mechanism for a lens barrel that retreats a part of a plurality of optical elements constituting a photographing optical system to a position different from a photographing optical axis position in a housed state.

There is no end to the demand for miniaturization of the camera, and a storage type lens barrel that shortens the lens barrel when not photographing is required to further reduce the storage length. To achieve this, the present applicant retracts a part of the optical elements of the photographing optical system to a position different from the photographing optical axis when retracted, and retracts the retracting optical element backward along with the other optical elements in the optical axis direction. Proposed a lens barrel ( Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-315861 ).

JP 2003-315861 A

  The mechanism for driving the retracting optical element that performs the complicated operation as described above is required to have particularly high operation accuracy. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel capable of driving an optical element retracted to a position different from the photographing optical axis in a stored state with high accuracy.

The present invention supports a non-rotating member; a rectilinear advance / retreat member that is relatively movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the non-rotating member and guided linearly in the optical axis direction; and a retracting optical element that constitutes a part of the photographing optical system. , the retracted optical element holding member supported on the movable linearly reciprocating members of the optical elements in the on-axis position is located on the optical axis and off-axis position to disengage from the optical axis; a non-rotating member, the optical element holding member is formed by projecting the optical axis direction toward the side, the optical element holding member in contact with the pressed portion of the optical element holding member side when the relative spacing of the rectilinear reciprocating members and the non-rotating member is equal to or less than a predetermined amount Pressing protrusions that move from the on-axis position to the off-axis position; and provided on the non-rotating member and the linear advance / retreat member, at least when the optical element holding member moves from the on-axis position to the off-axis position or held at the off-axis position Slidably engaged with each other in the optical axis direction It is characterized by having; sliding engagement portion for to restrict the moving direction of the rectilinear reciprocating member with respect to non-rotating member.

  The sliding engagement portion is preferably a guide key and a key groove provided on one and the other of the non-rotating member and the rectilinear advance / retreat member.

The non-rotating member is positioned rearward in the optical axis direction relative to the rectilinear advance / retreat member , and the rectilinear advance / retreat member moves rearward in the optical axis direction when the lens barrel is retracted from the photographing state, and the rectilinear advance / retreat member moves backward. may be pressed portion is configured to abut to so that the pressing projection of the non-rotating member of the optical element holding member side by.

  The non-rotating member can be a fixed member that does not move in the optical axis direction.

The timing at which the sliding engagement portion is engaged can be arbitrarily set. For example, when the optical element holding member is moved from the on-axis position to the off-axis position by pressing the pressing protrusion, the sliding engagement portion is engaged. Good.

It is preferable that the pressing protrusion of the non-rotating member has a retracting holding surface parallel to the optical axis, and the optical element holding member is engaged with the retracting holding surface and held at the off-axis position. Further, the sliding engagement portion of the non-rotating member side may be provided on the pressing projection, specifically, it is preferably a guide key which is formed on the outer surface of the pressing projection. The length of the guide key can be arbitrarily set. For example, the guide key may be formed only in a partial region of the outer surface of the pressing protrusion in the optical axis direction. Further, it is preferable to form a protrusion entry hole for allowing the pressing protrusion to enter on the straight advance / retreat member side, and to form a key groove as a sliding engagement portion on the inner wall surface of the protrusion entry hole.

  It is preferable that the rectilinear advance / retreat member is an annular body, and the optical element holding member is supported inside the annular rectilinear advance / retreat member so as to be movable along a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, it is preferable that the optical element holding member is rotatably supported by a rotation center axis parallel to the optical axis provided inside the linear advance / retreat member. When the optical element holding member is such a swinging member, it is desirable that the projection entry hole also serves as a storage space for the rotation center axis of the optical element holding member.

The pressing protrusion provided on the non-rotating member preferably has a cam surface inclined with respect to the optical axis as a contact surface with the optical element holding member.

  The optical element retracting mechanism of the present invention preferably further includes an on-axis position holding means for holding the optical element holding member at the on-axis position in the photographing state. The on-axis position holding means may include a biasing spring that biases the optical element holding member to the axial position, and a stopper that determines a moving end of the optical element holding member in a biasing direction by the biasing spring. preferable.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is particularly effective when applied to a lens barrel in which the rectilinear advance / retreat ring is rectilinearly guided via at least one rectilinear guide relay member that can move linearly in the optical axis direction independently of the rectilinear advance / retreat member. It is.

  The lens barrel of the present invention further includes a rear optical element positioned between the retracting optical element and the non-rotating member in the photographing state. In the retracted state, the retracting optical element has a position in the optical axis direction relative to the rear optical element. It is preferable to overlap.

  The non-rotating member can be, for example, an image sensor holder that holds the image sensor. The retracted optical element can be a lens group.

  According to the above-described optical element retracting mechanism of the lens barrel of the present invention, at least when the retaining member of the retracting optical element is in the off-axis position (retracted state), the advance / retreat direction of the rectilinear advance / retreat member with respect to the non-rotating member Since the guide key and the key groove for restricting are provided, the retracting optical element can be driven with high accuracy.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on illustrated embodiments. In addition, in order to make it easy to identify a member, in some drawings, the thickness of the outline line is different for each member or the line type is different. In the cross-sectional views, there are actually places at different positions in the circumferential direction, but there are places on the same cross-section in the drawing.

[Overall description of lens barrel]
First, the overall structure of the zoom lens barrel 71 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the zoom lens barrel 71 is mounted on the digital camera 70, and the photographing optical system has a first lens group LG1, a shutter S and an aperture A, and a second lens in order from the object side. It comprises a group (retracting optical element) LG2, a third lens group (rear optical element) LG3, a low-pass filter (rear optical element) LG4, and a solid-state image sensor (rear optical element, hereinafter CCD) 60. The optical axis of the photographing optical system is Z1. The photographing optical axis Z1 is parallel to the rotation center axis (hereinafter referred to as the lens barrel center axis Z0) of each annular member constituting the appearance of the zoom lens barrel 71, and is relative to the lens barrel center axis Z0. It is eccentric downward. Zooming is performed by moving the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 back and forth along the photographing optical axis Z1 along a predetermined locus, and focusing is performed by moving the third lens group LG3 in the same direction. In the following description, “optical axis direction” means a direction parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1 unless otherwise specified.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a fixed ring 22 is fixed in the camera body 72, and a CCD holder (non-rotating member, fixed member, imaging device holder) 21 is fixed to the rear part of the fixed ring 22. A CCD 60 is supported on the CCD holder 21 via a CCD base plate 62, and a low-pass filter LG4 is supported at the front of the CCD 60 via a filter holder 21b and a packing 61. The filter holder 21b is integrally formed as a part of the CCD holder 21. At the rear of the CCD holder 21, an LCD 20 for displaying images and shooting information is provided.

  An AF lens frame (third group lens frame) 51 that holds the third lens group LG3 is supported in the fixed ring 22 so as to be linearly movable in the optical axis direction. That is, the front end portion and the rear end portion of a pair of AF guide shafts 52 and 53 parallel to the photographing optical axis Z 1 are fixed to the fixed ring 22 and the CCD holder 21, respectively. The guide holes 51a and 51b formed in the AF lens frame 51 are slidably fitted. In this embodiment, the clearance between the AF guide shaft 53 and the guide hole 51b is larger than the clearance between the AF guide shaft 52 and the guide hole 51a. That is, the AF guide shaft 52 is a main guide shaft (giving strict accuracy), and the AF guide shaft 53 is a sub (non-rotating) guide shaft. An AF nut 54 is screwed with a feed screw formed on the drive shaft of the AF motor 160. As shown in FIG. 1, the AF nut 54 has a rotation restricting protrusion 54a, the AF lens frame 51 has a guide groove 51m in the optical axis direction, and the rotation restricting protrusion 54a is slidable with respect to the guide groove 51m. It fits in. The AF lens frame 51 further includes a stopper protrusion 51n positioned behind the AF nut 54. The AF lens frame 51 is urged forward by an AF frame urging spring 55, and the forward moving end of the AF lens frame 51 is determined by the stopper projection 51 n coming into contact with the AF nut 54. When the AF nut 54 moves rearward in the optical axis direction, the AF lens frame 51 is pressed by the AF nut 54 and moved rearward. With the above structure, when the drive shaft of the AF motor 160 is rotated forward and backward, the AF lens frame 51 is advanced and retracted in the optical axis direction. It is also possible to press the AF lens frame 51 directly (without using the AF nut 54) and move it backward against the AF frame biasing spring 55.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a zoom motor 150 and a reduction gear box 74 are supported on the upper portion of the fixed ring 22. The reduction gear box 74 has a reduction gear train inside, and transmits the driving force of the zoom motor 150 to the zoom gear 28. The zoom gear 28 is pivotally attached to the fixed ring 22 by a zoom gear shaft 29 parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. The zoom motor 150 and the AF motor 160 are controlled by a camera control circuit 140 (FIG. 19) via a lens drive control FPC (flexible printed circuit) board 75 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed ring 22.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the fixed ring 22, there are a female helicoid 22a, three rectilinear guide grooves 22b parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1, three skew grooves 22c parallel to the female helicoid 22a, and each skew groove 22c. A circumferential sliding groove 22d communicating with the front end is formed. The rotary sliding groove 22d is formed in the vicinity of the front end portion of the stationary ring 22, and the female helicoid 22a is not formed in the front annular region 22z immediately after the rotary sliding groove 22d (see FIG. 8).

  The helicoid ring 18 has a male helicoid 18a threadedly engaged with the female helicoid 22a and a rotational sliding protrusion 18b engaged with the skew groove 22c and the rotational sliding groove 22d on the outer peripheral surface (FIGS. 4 and 4). 9). A spur gear portion 18c having gear teeth parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1 is formed on the male helicoid 18a, and the spur gear portion 18c is screwed to the zoom gear 28. Accordingly, when a rotational force is applied from the zoom gear 28 to the spur gear portion 18c, the helicoid ring 18 advances and retreats in the optical axis direction while rotating in a state where the female helicoid 22a and the male helicoid 18a are in a screwed relationship, and to some extent forward. When moved, the male helicoid 18a is disengaged from the female helicoid 22a, and only the circumferential rotation about the lens barrel central axis Z0 is performed by the engagement relationship between the rotational sliding groove 22d and the rotational sliding protrusion 18b.

  The skew groove 22c is a relief groove formed to avoid interference between the rotary sliding protrusion 18b and the stationary ring 22 when the female helicoid 22a and the male helicoid 18a are screwed together. The skew groove 22c is a female helicoid 22a. It is deeper than the bottom. In the female helicoid 22a, the circumferential interval between a pair of helicoid peaks sandwiching each skew groove 22c is wider than the circumferential interval between other helicoid peaks, and the male helicoid 18a is a helicoid mountain with a wide circumferential interval. In order to engage, the three helicoid peaks 18a-W located behind the rotary sliding protrusion 18b are wider in the circumferential direction than the other helicoid peaks.

  The stationary ring 22 is further formed with a stopper insertion / removal hole penetrating the outer peripheral surface and the rotary sliding groove 22d. The stopper insertion / removal hole 22e restricts the rotation of the helicoid ring 18 beyond the imaging region. Therefore, the disassembly stopper 26 for attaching and detaching can be attached.

  A rotation transmission projection 15a (FIG. 11) projecting rearward from the rear end of the third outer cylinder 15 is fitted into a rotation transmission recess 18d (FIGS. 4 and 10) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the helicoid ring 18. Has been. The rotation transmission recesses 18d and the rotation transmission projections 15a are provided at three positions with different positions in the circumferential direction, and the rotation transmission projections 15a and the rotation transmission recesses 18d corresponding to the circumferential positions correspond to the central axis of the lens barrel. Relative sliding in the direction along Z0 is possible and coupled in a circumferential direction around the lens barrel central axis Z0 so that relative rotation is impossible. That is, the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18 rotate integrally. Further, the helicoid ring 18 is formed with a fitting recess 18e by notching a partial area on the inner diameter side of the rotary sliding projection 18b, and the fitting projection 15b fitted into the fitting recess 18e is rotated. When the sliding protrusion 18b engages with the rotational sliding groove 22d, it simultaneously engages with the rotational sliding groove 22d (see the upper half section of the lens barrel in FIG. 6).

  Between the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18, there are provided three separation direction biasing springs 25 that bias each other in the separation direction in the optical axis direction. The separating-direction biasing spring 25 is a compression coil spring, and its rear end is housed in a spring insertion recess 18 f that opens at the front end of the helicoid ring 18, and its front end abuts against the spring contact recess 15 c of the third outer cylinder 15. It touches. The separation direction biasing spring 25 presses the fitting projection 15b toward the front side wall surface of the rotary sliding groove 22d and presses the rotary sliding projection 18b toward the rear side wall surface of the rotary sliding groove 22d. Thus, the backlash in the optical axis direction of the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18 with respect to the fixed ring 22 is removed.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder 15, there are claw-like relative rotation guide protrusions 15d projecting in the inner diameter direction, a circumferential groove 15e centered on the lens barrel central axis Z0, and a photographing optical axis Z1. Three parallel roller fitting grooves 15f are formed (FIGS. 4 and 11). A plurality of relative rotation guide protrusions 15d are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction. The roller fitting groove 15f is formed at a circumferential position corresponding to the rotation transmission protrusion 15a, and a rear end portion thereof is opened rearward through the rotation transmission protrusion 15a. Further, a circumferential groove 18g centering on the lens barrel central axis Z0 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the helicoid ring 18 (FIGS. 4 and 10). A rectilinear guide ring (straight guide relay member) 14 is supported inside the combined body of the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18. On the outer peripheral surface of the rectilinear guide ring 14, there are three rectilinear guide protrusions 14a projecting in the outer diameter direction in order from the rear in the optical axis direction, and a plurality of claw-like relative rotation guides provided at different positions in the circumferential direction. Protrusions 14b and 14c and a circumferential groove 14d centering on the lens barrel central axis Z0 are formed (FIGS. 4 and 12). The rectilinear guide ring 14 is guided linearly in the optical axis direction with respect to the fixed ring 22 by engaging the rectilinear guide protrusion 14a with the rectilinear guide groove 22b. In addition, the third outer cylinder 15 has a circumferential groove 15e engaged with the relative rotation guide protrusion 14c and a relative rotation guide protrusion 15d engaged with the circumferential groove 14d, so that the third outer cylinder 15 is relative to the rectilinear guide ring 14. It is coupled to be rotatable. The circumferential groove 15e and the relative rotation guide projection 14c, and the circumferential groove 14d and the relative rotation guide projection 15d are loosely fitted so as to be slightly movable in the optical axis direction. Further, the helicoid ring 18 is also coupled to the linear guide ring 14 so as to be relatively rotatable by engaging the circumferential groove 18g with the relative rotation guide protrusion 14b. The circumferential groove 18g and the relative rotation guide protrusion 14b are loosely fitted so as to be relatively movable in the optical axis direction.

  The linear guide ring 14 is formed with three roller guide through grooves 14e penetrating the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 12, each roller guide through-groove 14e has circumferential front and rear circumferential groove portions 14e-1 and 14e-2 formed in the circumferential direction, and both circumferential groove portions 14e-1 and 14e-2. And a lead groove 14e-3 for connecting the two. A cam ring roller 32 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 11 is fitted into each roller guide through groove 14e. The cam ring roller 32 is fixed to the cam ring 11 via a roller fixing screw 32a, and is provided with three different positions in the circumferential direction. The cam ring roller 32 further passes through the roller guide through groove 14e and is fitted into the roller fitting groove 15f on the inner peripheral surface of the third outer cylinder 15. Three roller pressing pieces 17a provided on the roller biasing spring 17 are fitted in the vicinity of the front end portion of each roller fitting groove 15f (FIG. 11). When the cam ring roller 32 engages with the circumferential groove portion 14e-1, the roller pressing piece 17a abuts against the cam ring roller 32 and presses backward, and the cam ring roller 32 and the roller guide through groove 14e (circumferential direction) Take backlash with the groove 14e-1).

  From the above structure, the mode of extension from the fixed ring 22 to the cam ring 11 is understood. In other words, when the zoom gear 28 is rotationally driven in the lens barrel feeding direction by the zoom motor 150, the helicoid ring 18 is fed forward while rotating due to the relationship between the female helicoid 22a and the male helicoid 18a. The helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 are rotatable and rotatable relative to the linear guide ring 14 by the engagement relationship between the circumferential grooves 14d, 15e and 18g and the relative rotation guide protrusions 15d, 14c and 14b, respectively. Since they are coupled so as to move in the axial direction (the direction along the lens barrel central axis Z0), when the helicoid ring 18 is rotated out, the third outer cylinder 15 is also extended forward while rotating in the same direction. Accordingly, the rectilinear guide ring 14 moves straight forward together with the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15. Further, the rotational force of the third outer cylinder 15 is transmitted to the cam ring 11 via the roller fitting groove 15 f and the cam ring roller 32. Since the cam ring roller 32 is also fitted in the roller guide through groove 14e, the cam ring 11 is extended forward with respect to the linear guide ring 14 while rotating according to the shape of the lead groove 14e-3. As described above, the rectilinear guide ring 14 itself also moves straight forward together with the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18, and as a result, the cam ring 11 has a rotational advance according to the lead groove portion 14 e-3 and a rectilinear guide. An amount of movement in the optical axis direction is added to the amount of linear movement of the ring 14 forward.

  The above-described feeding operation is performed while the male helicoid 18a and the female helicoid 22a are screwed together. At this time, the rotary sliding protrusion 18b moves in the oblique groove 22c. When the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 are fed out by a predetermined amount, the screw engagement between the male helicoid 18a and the female helicoid 22a is released, and the rotational sliding protrusion 18b and the fitting protrusion 15b eventually rotate from the oblique groove 22c. It enters into the moving groove 22d. Then, since the rotation output by the helicoid does not act, the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 are arranged in the optical axis direction by the engagement relationship between the rotation sliding projection 18b and the fitting projection 15b and the rotation sliding groove 22d. Only rotation is performed at a fixed position. The cam ring roller 32 enters the circumferential groove 14e-1 of the penetrating guide groove 14e almost simultaneously with the rotation sliding protrusion 18b entering the rotation sliding groove 22d from the skew groove 22c. Then, no forward moving force is applied to the cam ring 11, and the cam ring 11 only rotates at a fixed position according to the rotation of the third outer cylinder 15.

  When the zoom gear 28 is rotationally driven in the lens barrel storage direction, the reverse operation is performed. When the helicoid ring 18 is rotated until the cam ring roller 32 enters the circumferential groove portion 14e-2 of the roller guide through groove 14e, each of the above-described lens barrel members retracts to the position shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the structure ahead of the cam ring 11 will be described. On the inner peripheral surface of the rectilinear guide ring 14, three first rectilinear guide grooves 14f and six second rectilinear guide grooves 14g parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1 are formed in different positions in the circumferential direction. . The first rectilinear guide groove 14f is composed of a pair of groove portions located on both sides of three of the six second rectilinear guide grooves 14g, and the second rectilinear guide ring ( Three crotch-shaped protrusions 10a (FIGS. 3 and 15) provided on the linear guide relay member 10 are slidably engaged. On the other hand, six rectilinear guide protrusions 13a (FIGS. 2 and 17) projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the second outer cylinder 13 are slidably engaged with the second rectilinear guide groove 14g. Yes. Therefore, both the second outer cylinder 13 and the second group rectilinear guide ring 10 are guided in the straight direction in the optical axis direction via the rectilinear guide ring 14.

  The second group rectilinear guide ring 10 is a member for linearly guiding the second group lens moving frame (straight advance / retract member) 8 that supports the second lens group LG2. It is a member for guiding the first outer cylinder 12 to be supported straightly.

  First, the support structure of the second lens group LG2 will be described. The second group rectilinear guide ring 10 has three rectilinear guide keys 10c projecting forward from a ring portion 10b connecting the three crotch protrusions 10a (FIGS. 3 and 15). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer edge portion of the ring portion 10b can rotate relative to the circumferential groove 11e formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the cam ring 11, and cannot move relative to the optical axis. The linear guide key 10 c is engaged and extends inside the cam ring 11. Each rectilinear guide key 10c has a pair of guide surfaces parallel to the photographic optical axis Z1 on its side surface, and these guide surfaces are rectilinear guide grooves of the second group lens moving frame 8 supported inside the cam ring 11. By engaging with 8a, the second group lens moving frame 8 is guided straight in the axial direction. The rectilinear guide groove 8 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the second group lens moving frame 8.

  The second group rectilinear guide ring 10 is provided with three rectilinear guide keys 10c having different positions in the circumferential direction. One of the rectilinear guide keys 10c-W is an FPC (exposure control FPC) (to be described later). Flexible printed circuit) In order to serve also as a supporting member for the substrate 77, the width is wider in the circumferential direction than the remaining two linear guide keys 10c. The wide rectilinear guide key 10c-W is formed with an FPC through hole 10d penetrating in the radial direction by partially notching the vicinity of the connection portion with the ring portion 10b. As shown in FIG. The substrate 77 extends from the rear of the ring portion 10b to the outer peripheral surface side of the linear guide key 10c-W through the FPC through hole 10d, and is bent backward at the tip of the linear guide key 10c-W. Correspondingly, one of the three rectilinear guide grooves 8a is a wide rectilinear guide groove 8a-W with which a wide rectilinear guide key 10c-W can be engaged. The central portion of the rectilinear guide groove 8a-W is a penetrating portion through which the exposure control FPC board 77 can pass, and a bottomed portion for supporting the rectilinear guide key 10c-W is provided on both sides of the penetrating portion. Is formed. On the other hand, the remaining two rectilinear guide grooves 8 a are bottomed grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the second group lens moving frame 8. The second group lens moving frame 8 and the second group rectilinear guide ring 10 can be combined only at a specific rotational phase in which the rectilinear guide key 10c-W can be engaged with the rectilinear guide groove 8a-W.

  A second group guide cam groove 11 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cam ring 11. As shown in FIG. 14, the second group guide cam groove 11a is composed of a front cam groove 11a-1 and a rear cam groove 11a-2 whose positions are different in the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction. Both the front cam groove 11a-1 and the rear cam groove 11a-2 are cam grooves formed by tracing the basic trajectory α of the same shape, but each does not cover the entire area of the basic trajectory α. The front cam groove 11a-1 and the rear cam groove 11a-2 are different from each other in the area occupied on the basic locus α. The basic trajectory is a conceptual cam groove shape including all lens barrel use areas (use areas) including a zoom area and a storage area, and an assembly / disassembly area of the lens barrel. In other words, the lens barrel use area is an area in which the movement of the second group lens moving frame 8 can be controlled by the cam groove shape, and is used to distinguish from the assembly / disassembly area. The zoom area is an area for controlling the movement between the wide end and the tele end in the lens barrel use area, and is used to distinguish it from the storage area. When the cam ring 11 includes a pair of the front cam groove 11a-1 and the rear cam groove 11a-2, three groups of two-group guide cam grooves 11a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

  A second group cam follower 8b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second group lens moving frame 8 is engaged with the second group guide cam groove 11a. Similar to the second group guide cam groove 11a, the second group cam follower 8b is also equally spaced in the circumferential direction with a pair of front cam follower 8b-1 and rear cam follower 8b-2 having different positions in the optical axis direction and circumferential direction as one group. The front cam followers 8b-1 are engaged with the front cam grooves 11a-1, and the rear cam followers 8b-2 are engaged with the rear cam grooves 11a-2 in the optical axis direction. A circumferential interval is defined.

  Since the second group lens moving frame 8 is linearly guided in the optical axis direction via the second group linear guide ring 10, when the cam ring 11 rotates, the second group lens moving frame 8 becomes light according to the second group guide cam groove 11a. Move in the axial direction with a predetermined trajectory.

  Inside the second group lens moving frame 8, a second group lens frame (optical element holding member, swinging member) 6 for holding the second lens group LG2 is supported. The second group lens frame 6 is supported by a pair of second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 via a second group rotation shaft (rotation center axis) 33, and the second group frame support plates 36 and 37. Is fixed to the second group lens moving frame 8 by a support plate fixing screw 66. The second group rotation shaft 33 is parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1 and is eccentric with respect to the photographing optical axis Z1, and the second group lens frame 6 has the second group rotation shaft 33 as the rotation center, and the second lens group LG2. And a storage position where the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 is displaced from the imaging optical axis Z1 to the retracting optical axis Z2 that coincides with the imaging optical axis Z1. It can be rotated to the retracted position (off-axis position, FIG. 7). The second group lens moving frame 8 is provided with a rotation restricting pin (on-axis position holding means, stopper) 35 for restricting the second group lens frame 6 to rotate at the photographing position. The second group lens frame return spring (on-axis position holding means, urging spring) 39 is urged to rotate in the contact direction with the rotation restricting pin 35. The axial pressing spring 38 performs backlash removal in the optical axis direction of the second group lens frame 6.

The second group lens frame 6 moves integrally with the second group lens moving frame 8 in the optical axis direction. The CCD holder 21 is cam projection to a position capable of engaging the second lens group frame 6 (the pressing protrusion) 21a (Fig. 4) is projected toward the front, the second lens group moving frame as shown in FIG. 7 When 8 moves in the storing direction and approaches the CCD holder 21, the cam surface formed at the tip of the cam projection 21a engages with the second group lens frame 6 and rotates to the storing retracted position. This two-group retraction structure will be described later.

  Next, a support structure for the first lens group LG1 will be described. Three rectilinear guide grooves 13b are formed in the optical axis direction on the inner peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder 13 that is guided linearly in the optical axis direction via the rectilinear guide ring 14. In addition, three engagement protrusions 12a formed on the outer peripheral surface near the rear end portion of the first outer cylinder 12 are slidably fitted in each of the straight guide grooves 13b (FIGS. 2, 17, and 18). reference). That is, the first outer cylinder 12 is guided in a straight line in the optical axis direction via the straight guide ring 14 and the second outer cylinder 13. The second outer cylinder 13 has an inner diameter flange 13 c directed in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface near the rear end portion, and the inner diameter flange 13 c slides in a circumferential groove 11 c provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 11. By engaging with each other, the second outer cylinder 13 is coupled to the cam ring 11 so as to be rotatable relative to the cam ring 11 but not movable relative to the optical axis. On the other hand, the first outer cylinder 12 has three first group rollers (cam followers) 31 projecting in the inner diameter direction, and each of the first group rollers 31 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cam ring 11. The guide cam groove 11b is slidably fitted.

  The first group lens frame 1 is supported in the first outer cylinder 12 via the first group adjustment ring 2. The first lens group LG1 is fixed to the first group lens frame 1, and the male adjustment screw 1a formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof is screwed with the female adjustment screw 2a formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first group adjustment ring 2. . By adjusting the screwing position of the adjusting screw, the position of the first group lens frame 1 can be adjusted in the optical axis direction with respect to the first group adjusting ring 2.

  The first group adjusting ring 2 has a pair of guide protrusions 2b (only one is shown in FIG. 2) protruding in the outer diameter direction, and the pair of guide protrusions 2b is on the inner peripheral surface side of the first outer cylinder 12. Are slidably engaged with a pair of first-group adjustment ring guide grooves 12b. The first group adjustment ring guide groove 12b is formed in parallel with the photographic optical axis Z1, and the first group adjustment ring 2 and the first group lens frame 1 are arranged according to the engagement relationship between the first group adjustment ring guide groove 12b and the guide projection 2b. The combined body can be moved back and forth in the optical axis direction with respect to the first outer cylinder 12. Further, the first group retaining ring 3 is fixed to the first outer cylinder 12 by a retaining ring fixing screw 64 so as to block the front of the guide protrusion 2b. Between the spring receiving portion 3a of the first group retaining ring 3 and the guide projection 2b, a first group biasing spring 24 made of a compression coil spring is provided, and the first group adjusting ring 2 causes the first group adjusting ring 2 to light. It is biased axially rearward. The first group adjusting ring 2 is engaged with the front surface of the first group retaining ring 3 (the surface on the side visible in FIG. 2) by engaging an engaging claw 2c projecting on the outer peripheral surface near the front end thereof. The maximum position of the rearward movement in the optical axis direction relative to the outer cylinder 12 is regulated (see the upper half section in FIG. 6). On the other hand, by compressing the first group biasing spring 24, the first group adjusting ring 2 can move a little forward in the optical axis direction.

  A shutter unit 76 having a shutter S and an aperture A is supported between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2. The shutter unit 76 is supported on the inner side of the second group lens moving frame 8, and the air distance between the shutter S and the aperture stop A between the second lens group LG2 is fixed. Two actuators 131 and 132 (FIG. 19) for driving the shutter S and the diaphragm A are arranged one by one at the front and rear positions with the shutter unit 76 interposed therebetween. An exposure control FPC board 77 for connecting to the control circuit 140 is extended.

  In addition to the shutter S, a lens barrier mechanism is provided at the front end of the first outer cylinder 12 to close the photographing aperture and protect the photographing optical system (first lens group LG1) when not photographing. The lens barrier mechanism includes a pair of barrier blades 104 and 105 that are rotatable about a rotation shaft provided at a position eccentric with respect to the lens barrel central axis Z0, and urges the barrier blades 104 and 105 in the closing direction. A pair of barrier urging springs 106, a barrier drive ring 103 that can be rotated about the central axis Z0 of the barrel, and engage with the barrier blades 104 and 105 by rotation in a predetermined direction, and the barrier drive ring 103 A barrier drive ring biasing spring 107 that biases 103 in the barrier opening direction and a barrier pressing plate 102 positioned between the barrier blades 104 and 105 and the barrier drive ring 103 are provided. The urging force of the barrier drive ring urging spring 107 is set to be stronger than the urging force of the barrier urging spring 106, and when the zoom lens barrel 71 is extended to the zoom region (FIG. 6), the barrier driving ring is attached. The biasing spring 107 holds the barrier driving ring 103 at the angular position for opening the barrier, and the barrier blades 104 and 105 are opened against the barrier biasing spring 106. During the movement of the zoom lens barrel 71 from the zoom region to the storage position (FIG. 7), the barrier drive ring pressing surface 11d (FIGS. 3 and 13) of the cam ring 11 opposes the barrier drive ring 103 in the barrier opening direction. The barrier driving ring 103 is disengaged from the barrier blades 104 and 105, and the barrier blades 104 and 105 are closed by the biasing force of the barrier biasing spring 106. The front part of the lens barrier mechanism is covered with a barrier cover 101 (decorative plate).

  The overall feeding and storing operation of the zoom lens barrel 71 having the above structure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 conceptually shows the relationship between the main members of the zoom lens barrel 71. “S” in parentheses after the reference numeral of each member is a fixed member, and “L” is in the optical axis direction. A member that performs only linear movement, “R” indicates a member that performs only rotation, and “RL” indicates a member that moves in the optical axis direction while rotating. Moreover, the member in which two symbols are written in parentheses means that the operation mode is switched during feeding and storage.

  Since the cam ring 11 has already been described up to the stage where the cam ring 11 is extended from the storage position to the fixed position rotation state, a brief description will be given. 7, the zoom lens barrel 71 is completely stored in the camera body 72, and the front surface of the camera 70 is flat so that the zoom lens barrel 71 does not protrude from the camera body 72. Yes. When the zoom gear 28 is driven to rotate in the extending direction by the zoom motor 150 from the lens barrel storage state, the combined body of the helicoid ring 18 and the third outer cylinder 15 is rotated and extended according to the helicoid (male helicoid 18a, female helicoid 22a). The straight guide ring 14 moves straight forward together with the third outer cylinder 15 and the helicoid ring 18. At this time, the cam ring 11 to which the rotational force is applied by the third outer cylinder 15 is a lead structure (cam ring roller) provided between the linear movement of the linear guide ring 14 and the linear guide ring 14. 32, the combined movement with the feeding portion by the lead groove 14e-3) is performed. When the helicoid ring 18 and the cam ring 11 are drawn out to a predetermined position in front, the functions of the respective rotary feeding structures (helicoid, lead) are canceled and only the circumferential rotation about the lens barrel central axis Z0 is performed. become.

  When the cam ring 11 rotates, on the inner side, the second group lens moving frame 8 guided linearly through the second group linear guide ring 10 is in the optical axis direction due to the relationship between the second group cam follower 8b and the second group guide cam groove 11a. Is moved along a predetermined trajectory. 7, the second group lens frame 6 in the second group lens moving frame 8 is decentered upward from the photographic optical axis Z1 by the action of the cam projection 21a protruding from the CCD holder 21 (AF lens frame). The second lens group LG2 is retracted from the photographing optical axis Z1 and is at the retracted optical axis Z2 position. The second group lens frame 6 is separated from the cam projection 21a while the second group lens moving frame 8 is extended from the storage position to the zoom region, and the second lens group LG2 is biased by the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39. The optical axis is rotated to a photographing position (FIG. 6) that coincides with the photographing optical axis Z1. Thereafter, the second group lens frame 6 is held at the photographing position until the zoom lens barrel 71 is moved again to the storage position.

  Further, when the cam ring 11 rotates, the first outer cylinder 12 guided linearly through the second outer cylinder 13 on the outside of the cam ring 11 is related to the first group roller 31 and the first group guide cam groove 11b. Is moved along a predetermined locus in the optical axis direction.

  That is, the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 are extended with respect to the imaging surface (CCD light receiving surface), respectively, with the former moving amount of the cam ring 11 with respect to the fixed ring 22 and the first moving position with respect to the cam ring 11. It is determined as a sum of the cam feed amount of the outer cylinder 12 and the latter is a sum of the amount of forward movement of the cam ring 11 relative to the fixed ring 22 and the cam feed amount of the second group lens moving frame 8 relative to the cam ring 11. Determined. Zooming is performed by moving the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 on the photographing optical axis Z1 while changing the air interval between them. When the lens barrel is extended from the storage position of FIG. 7, first, the wide end extended state shown in the lower half cross section of FIG. 6 is obtained, and when the zoom motor 150 is further driven in the lens barrel extending direction, the upper half cross section of FIG. As shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the zoom lens barrel 71 of the present embodiment, the distance between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 is large at the wide end, and the first lens group LG1 and the second lens at the tele end. The group LG2 moves in the direction of mutual approach, and the interval is reduced. Such a change in the air gap between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 is given by the locus of the second group guide cam groove 11a and the first group guide cam groove 11b. In the zoom region (zooming use region) between the tele end and the wide end, the cam ring 11, the third outer cylinder 15, and the helicoid ring 18 perform only the above-mentioned fixed position rotation and do not advance or retreat in the optical axis direction.

  In the zoom region, by driving the AF motor 160 according to the subject distance, the third lens group LG3 (AF lens frame 51) moves along the photographing optical axis Z1 to perform focusing.

  When the zoom motor 150 is driven in the lens barrel storage direction, the zoom lens barrel 71 performs a storage operation opposite to that at the time of the above-described extension, so that the storage position is completely stored in the camera body 72 (FIG. 7). Moved to. In the middle of the movement to the storage position, the second group lens frame 6 is rotated to the storage retreat position by the cam projection 21 a and retracts together with the second group lens movement frame 8. When the zoom lens barrel 71 is moved to the storage position, the second lens group LG2 is stored at the same position as the third lens group LG3 and the low-pass filter LG4 in the optical axis direction (overlapping in the radial direction of the lens barrel). . Due to the retracting structure of the second lens group LG2 during storage, the storage length of the zoom lens barrel 71 is shortened, and the thickness of the camera body 72 in the left-right direction in FIG. 7 can be reduced.

  The digital camera 70 includes a zoom finder that is linked to the zoom lens barrel 71. The zoom finder meshes the finder gear 30 with the spar gear portion 18c to obtain power from the helicoid ring 18. When the helicoid ring 18 rotates at the above-mentioned fixed position in the zoom region, the finder gear receives the rotational force. 30 rotates. The finder optical system includes an objective window 81a, a first movable variable lens 81b, a second movable variable lens 81c, a prism 81d, an eyepiece lens 81e, and an eyepiece window 81f, and first and second movable variable magnifications. Zooming is performed by moving the lenses 81b and 81c along a predetermined locus along the optical axis Z3 of the finder objective system. The optical axis Z3 of the finder objective system is parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. The holding frames 83 and 84 of the movable zoom lenses 81b and 81c are guided in a straight line so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis Z3 by guide shafts 85 and 86 (which appear to be overlapped in FIGS. 6 and 7), and A moving force is applied by a cam gear 90 (FIG. 5) that can be rotated about a rotation center axis parallel to the optical axis Z3. A reduction gear train is provided between the cam gear 90 and the finder gear 30. When the finder gear 30 rotates, the cam gear 90 is rotated, and as a result, the movable variable magnification lenses 81b and 81c advance and retract. The above components of the zoom finder are sub-assembled as a finder unit 80 shown in FIG.

[Description of lens barrel storage structure]
Next, details of the housing structure of the zoom lens barrel 71 including the retracting structure of the second lens group LG2 will be described. In the following description, the vertical (vertical) direction and the horizontal (horizontal) direction correspond to the vertical and horizontal directions viewed from the front or back of the camera as shown in FIGS. The front-rear direction is a direction parallel to the optical axis.

  The second lens group LG2 is supported on the second group lens moving frame 8 by each member shown in FIG. The second group lens frame 6 includes a lens tube 6a that supports the second lens group LG2, a swing arm 6c that extends in the radial direction of the lens tube 6a, a swing center tube 6b provided at the tip of the swing arm 6c, and It has a stopper arm 6e extending in a radial direction different from that of the swing arm 6c from the lens tube 6a. The swing center tube 6b is formed with a swing shaft hole 6d penetrating in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the second lens group LG2. A front spring support portion 6f and a rear spring support portion 6g each having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface are formed in the swing center tube 6b at front and rear positions in the optical axis direction across the connection portion with the swing arm 6c. On the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the front end portion of the front spring support portion 6f and in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the rear spring support portion 6g, spring retaining protrusions 6h and 6i are projected. A retracting action arm 6j extends from the swinging center tube 6b in a direction different from that of the swinging arm 6c, and a spring hooking hole 6k is formed in the retracting action arm 6j. The swing arm 6c is formed with a spring hooking hole 6p. The spring hooking hole 6k and the spring hooking hole 6p are shown in FIGS.

  A rearward projecting portion 6m projects from the swing arm 6c toward the rear of the optical axis, and a flat AF frame contact surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 is provided at the distal end of the rearward projecting portion 6m. 6n is formed. As shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, a light shielding ring 9 for blocking harmful light is fixed to the rear end portion of the lens tube 6a, but the AF frame contact surface 6n is more than the light shielding ring 9. Located behind the optical axis. That is, the AF frame contact surface 6n is located behind the rearmost part of the second lens group LG2 in the optical axis direction.

  The second group lens frame support plate 36 is an elongated plate-like member that is long in the vertical direction and narrow in the left-right direction, and in order from the top in the longitudinal direction, the first vertical hole 36a and the rotation shaft fitting hole 36b. A cam projection insertion / removal opening 36c, a screw insertion hole 36d, a laterally elongated hole 36e, and a second vertically elongated hole 36f are formed. Each of these holes is a through-hole penetrating the front and back of the second group lens frame support plate 36. On the outer periphery of the second group lens frame support plate 36, a concave spring hook 36g is formed.

  The second group lens frame support plate 37 is an elongated plate-like member having substantially the same shape as the second group lens frame support plate 36, and in order from the top in the longitudinal direction thereof, the first vertically long hole 37a and the rotation shaft are fitted. A hole 37b, a cam projection insertion / removal opening 37c, a screw threading hole 37d, a laterally long hole 37e, and a second vertically elongated hole 37f are formed. Unlike the screw insertion hole 36d on the second group lens frame support plate 36 side, the screw screwing hole 37d is a screw hole having a thread formed on the inner periphery. Each of these holes is a through-hole penetrating the front and back of the second group lens frame support plate 37. Further, a guide key entry groove 37g is formed in the cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 37c by cutting out a part of its inner edge.

  The support plate fixing screw 66 includes a screw shaft portion 66a and a rotation operation groove 66b formed at one end portion of the screw shaft portion 66a. A driver (adjuster) can be engaged with the rotation operation groove 66b. A screw insertion hole 36 d formed in the front second group lens frame support plate 36 has an opening diameter through which the screw shaft portion 66 a of the support plate fixing screw 66 can be inserted. The screw shaft portion 66a can be screwed into a screw screw hole 37d provided in the second group lens frame support plate 37 through the screw insertion hole 36d.

  The first eccentric shaft member 34X has a pair of front eccentric pins 34X-b and rear eccentric pins 34X-c at front and rear end portions sandwiching the large diameter shaft portion 34X-a. The front eccentric pin 34X-b and the rear eccentric pin 34X-c are formed coaxially so as to be eccentric with respect to the central axis of the large-diameter shaft portion 34X-a. A rotation operation groove 34X-d for engaging a driver (adjusting tool) is formed at the end of the front eccentric pin 34X-b. The second eccentric shaft member 34Y has the same structure as the first eccentric shaft member 34X. That is, it has a pair of front eccentric pins 34Y-b and rear eccentric pins 34Y-c at the front and rear ends sandwiching the large diameter shaft portion 34Y-a, and the front eccentric pins 34Y-b and the rear eccentric pins 34Y-c are: The large-diameter shaft portion 34Y-a is formed coaxially so as to be eccentric with respect to the central axis. A rotation operation groove 34Y-d for engaging a driver (adjustment tool) is formed at the end of the front eccentric pin 34Y-b.

A spring housing hole 6z (FIGS. 31 and 43) having a larger inner diameter than the swinging shaft hole 6d is formed in the rear spring support portion 6g of the second group lens frame 6 so as to communicate with the swinging shaft hole 6d. The axial pressing spring 38 is accommodated in the spring accommodating hole 6z. The axial pressing spring 38 is a compression coil spring. The second group lens frame return spring 39 and the rotation transmission spring 40 are torsion springs, respectively. The second group lens frame return spring 39 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the front spring support 6f of the second group lens frame 6 to transmit the rotation. The spring 40 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the rear spring support 6g. The second group lens frame return spring 39 has a front spring end 39a and a rear spring end 39b extending in the front-rear direction, and the rotation transmission spring 40 includes a fixed spring end 40a protruding in the radial direction. And a movable spring end portion (pressed portion) 40b.

  The second group rotation shaft 33 has a diameter that can be relatively rotated with respect to the swinging shaft hole 6d of the second group lens frame 6 and fits in the radial direction without looseness, and the outer diameter size of both ends thereof is the second group lens frame. This corresponds to the inner diameter size of the rotation shaft fitting hole 36b of the support plate 36 and the rotation shaft fitting hole 37b of the second group lens frame support plate 37. The axis of the second group rotation shaft 33 inserted into the swing shaft hole 6d is parallel to the optical axis of the second lens group LG2. The second group rotating shaft 33 also has a flange 33a in the vicinity of the end on the rear side in the optical axis direction, and the flange 33a enters the spring accommodating hole 6z of the rear spring support portion 6g to the axial pressing spring 38. Can abut.

  The inside of the second group lens moving frame 8 having a single shape shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is a through space 8n penetrating in the optical axis direction, and an intermediate flange portion located substantially at the center in the optical axis direction of the through space 8n. In 8s, a two-group lens moving aperture 8t having a vertically long shape in the vertical direction is formed. The shutter unit 76 is fixed to the front side of the intermediate flange portion 8s. In addition, a lens tube entry recess 8q corresponding to the outer edge shape of the lens tube 6a and a stopper arm entry recess 8r corresponding to the outer edge shape of the stopper arm 6e are formed on the inner peripheral surface behind the intermediate flange portion 8s. (See FIG. 29).

  As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, when the second group lens moving frame 8 is viewed from the front, on the right side of the second group lens moving opening 8t, it is not overlapped with the second group lens moving opening 8t. A planar front support plate mounting surface 8c that is orthogonal to the axis Z0 (the photographing optical axis Z1, or the optical axis of the second lens group LG2) is formed. The front support plate mounting surface 8c is a hatched region in FIGS. 24 and 25, and is positioned in front of the intermediate flange portion 8s and the shutter unit 76 attached to the front surface of the intermediate flange portion 8s. The front support plate mounting surface 8c is a surface exposed to the front of the second group lens moving frame 8, and the second group lens moving frame 8 has three partial cylinders protruding forward from the front support plate mounting surface 8c. 8d is formed, and a front cam follower 8b-1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of each partial cylindrical portion 8d. On the other hand, a flat rear support plate mounting surface 8e parallel to the front support plate mounting surface 8c is formed behind the front support plate mounting surface 8c across the two intermediate flange portions 8s. The surface 8e is flush with the rear end surface of the second group lens moving frame 8.

  The second group lens moving frame 8 is formed with an eccentric shaft support hole 8f, a swinging center tube storage hole (projection entry hole) 8g, a screw insertion hole 8h, and an eccentric shaft support hole 8i in this order from the top. Each hole penetrates the front support plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e toward the optical axis direction. Further, a key groove (sliding engagement portion) 8p parallel to the optical axis is formed on the inner wall surface of the swing center tube storage hole 8g. It penetrates the mounting surface 8e. The upper eccentric shaft support hole 8f is formed to have an inner diameter that rotatably supports the large diameter shaft portion 34X-a of the first eccentric shaft member 34X, and the lower eccentric shaft support hole 8i is the second eccentric shaft support hole 8i. The large diameter shaft portion 34Y-a of the shaft member 34Y is formed to have an inner diameter size that rotatably supports the shaft member 34Y (see FIG. 31). On the other hand, the inner diameter size of the screw insertion hole 8h is formed large so that a considerable gap is formed between the screw shaft portion 66a of the support plate fixing screw 66 (see FIG. 31). Further, a front boss 8j and a rear boss 8k, which are concentric and cylindrical with the same diameter, protrude from the front support plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e. The second group lens moving frame 8 is further formed with a rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m penetrating the intermediate flange portion 8s in the front-rear direction at a position below the second group lens moving opening 8t.

  The rotation restricting pin 35 has an eccentric pin (stopper) 35b eccentric to the large diameter shaft portion 35a at one end of the large diameter shaft portion 35a inserted into the rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m. The other end portion has a rotation operation groove 35c for engaging a driver (adjusting tool). The large-diameter shaft portion 35a of the rotation restricting pin 35 does not rotate carelessly in a normal use state with respect to the rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m, but can be rotated when a certain amount of force is applied. Press fit.

  A state in which the above elements are combined is shown in FIGS. Assembly is performed as follows. First, the second group lens frame return spring 39 and the rotation transmission spring 40 are attached to the second group lens frame 6. The second group lens frame return spring 39 has a coil-shaped portion attached to the outer peripheral surface of the front spring support portion 6f of the swing center tube 6b, and a rear spring end 39b near the boundary between the swing center tube 6b and the swing arm 6c. (Fig. 22). The front spring end 39 a of the second group lens frame return spring 39 is not engaged with the second group lens frame 6. The rotation transmitting spring 40 has a coil-like portion attached to the outer peripheral surface of the rear spring support portion 6g of the swing center tube 6b, and one fixed spring end portion 40a is inserted into the spring hooking hole 6p of the swing arm 6c. The movable spring end 40b is inserted into the spring hooking hole 6k of the retracting arm 6j. The fixed spring end 40a is fixed to the spring hooking hole 6p, and the movable spring end 40b is allowed to move θ1 shown in FIG. . In a state where no external force is applied, the rotation transmitting spring 40 is supported by the second group lens frame 6 in a state where the fixed spring end portions 40a and 40b are slightly bent in the approaching direction. The part 40b comes into contact with one wall surface in the spring hooking hole 6k (FIG. 37). The second group lens frame return spring 39 and the rotation transmission spring 40 are prevented from coming off in the optical axis direction by the front and rear spring retaining projections 6h and 6i.

  Separately from the attachment of the second group lens frame return spring 39 and the rotation transmission spring 40, the second group rotation shaft 33 is swung after the axial pressing spring 38 is inserted into the spring housing hole 6z in the rear spring support 6g. Insert into the shaft hole 6d. The flange 33a of the second group rotating shaft 33 enters the rear spring support 6g and abuts against the axial pressing spring 38. The axial length of the second group rotating shaft 33 is longer than the axial length of the swinging central cylinder 6b, and both end portions of the second group rotating shaft 33 protrude forward and backward from the swinging central cylinder 6b.

  In parallel with the attachment of the above-mentioned members to the swing center tube 6b, the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y are respectively connected to the eccentric shaft support hole 8f and the eccentric shaft support hole 8i of the second group lens moving frame 8. Insert it in. In the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y, a part of the large-diameter shaft portion 34X-a and the large-diameter shaft portion 34Y-a have a larger diameter than the other regions in the front end side. Correspondingly, in the eccentric shaft support hole 8f and the eccentric shaft support hole 8i, the inner diameter size of a partial region in the front in the optical axis direction is larger than the inner diameter size of the other region (see FIG. 31). Therefore, when the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y are inserted from the front in the optical axis direction into the eccentric shaft support hole 8f and the eccentric shaft support hole 8i, respectively, the eccentric shaft support holes 8f and 8i. The insertion is restricted when the large-diameter portions of the large-diameter shaft portions 34X-a and 34Y-a abut on the step portion having the inner diameter size (position in FIG. 31). In this state, the front eccentric pin 34X-b and the front eccentric pin 34Y-b protrude from the front support plate mounting surface 8c, and the rear eccentric pin 34X-c and the rear eccentric pin 34Y-c protrude from the rear support plate mounting surface 8e. .

  Subsequently, the front end of the second group pivot shaft 33 protruding from the swing center tube 6b is inserted into the pivot shaft fitting hole 36b, and the rear end portion is inserted into the pivot shaft fitting hole 37b, while supporting the front. The second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are attached to the second group lens moving frame 8 so as to sandwich the plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e from the front and rear. At this time, three front eccentric pins 34X-b protruding from the front support plate mounting surface 8c with respect to the first vertically long hole 36a, the horizontally long hole 36e, and the second vertically long hole 36f of the front second group lens frame support plate 36, The front eccentric pin 34Y-b and the front boss 8j are engaged with each other. Further, three rear eccentric pins 34X-c projecting from the rear support plate mounting surface 8e with respect to the first vertically long hole 37a, the laterally long hole 37e and the second vertically long hole 37f of the rear two-group lens frame support plate 37, The eccentric pin 34Y-c and the rear boss 8k are engaged with each other. Each eccentric pin or boss fits in a corresponding long hole so that it can slide in the longitudinal direction but cannot move in the width direction.

  Finally, the screw shaft portion 66a of the support plate fixing screw 66 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 36d and the screw insertion hole 8h and then screwed into the screw screwing hole 37d. When the support plate fixing screw 66 is tightened in this state, the second group lens frame support plate 36 is pressed against the front support plate mounting surface 8c, and the second group lens frame support plate 37 is pressed against the rear support plate mounting surface 8e. The second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are fixed to the second group lens moving frame 8 in a state of being separated by an interval in the optical axis direction between the front support plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e. The That is, the front and rear second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 are fastened together with the second group lens moving frame 8. As a result, the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y are prevented from coming off in the optical axis direction by the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37. The second group rotation shaft 33 is regulated to move rearward by bringing the flange 33a into contact with the second group lens frame support plate 37, and the swinging central cylinder 6b is moved forward via an axial pressing spring 38 in a compressed state. In order to press, the front end portion of the swing center tube 6 b is pressed against the second group lens frame support plate 36. Thereby, the position in the optical axis direction of the second group lens frame 6 with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8 is kept constant. When the second group lens frame support plate 37 is fixed to the second group lens moving frame 8, the guide key entry groove 37g and the key groove 8p communicate with each other in the optical axis direction (see FIG. 30).

  When the second group lens frame support plate 36 is fixed, the front spring end 39a of the second group lens frame return spring 39 is engaged with the spring hook 36g. The rear spring end 39b is already engaged with the swing arm 6c, and by engaging the front spring end 39a and the spring hook 36g, the second group lens frame return spring 39 is bent, and the second group lens frame 6 is engaged. On the other hand, when viewed from the front in the optical axis direction (FIG. 32), a counterclockwise rotation urging force acts on the second group rotation shaft 33.

  Separately from the attachment of the second group lens frame 6, the rotation restriction pin 35 is inserted into the rotation restriction pin insertion hole 8 m of the second group lens moving frame 8. The rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m has an inner shape that restricts further insertion when the rotation restricting pin 35 is inserted to the position shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. As shown in FIG. 27, the eccentric pin 35b protrudes rearward from the rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m.

  In the state where the second group lens frame 6 is attached to the second group lens moving frame 8 as described above, the second group lens frame 6 can rotate (swing) about the second group rotation shaft 33. The swing center tube housing hole 8g of the second group lens moving frame 8 is formed sufficiently wide so that it does not interfere with the swing center tube 6b and the swing arm 6c even if the second group lens frame 6 swings. . Since the second group rotation shaft 33 is an axis parallel to the optical axis of the photographing optical axis Z1 and the second lens group LG2, the second lens group LG2 moves its optical axis along with the rotation of the second group lens frame 6. It is translated while maintaining a state parallel to the photographing optical axis Z1. One end of the second group lens frame 6 is determined by the tip of the stopper arm 6e coming into contact with the eccentric pin 35b. The second group lens frame return spring 39 biases the second group lens frame 6 in a direction in which the stopper arm 6e is brought into contact with the eccentric pin 35b.

  A shutter unit 76 is further attached to the second group lens moving frame 8. Sub-asserted to the state shown in FIGS. As can be seen from FIGS. 26 and 28, the shutter unit 76 is fixed to the front side of the intermediate flange portion 8s. The front support plate mounting surface 8c is positioned in front of the shutter S and the diaphragm A in the shutter unit 76 in the fixed state in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel 6a of the second group lens frame 6 has a partial region on the front end side located in the second group lens moving opening 8t, and immediately after the shutter unit 76 regardless of the angular position of the second group lens frame 6. It is supposed to be located in.

  As described above, the rectilinear guide grooves 8a-W of the second group lens moving frame 8 are formed wider in the circumferential direction than the remaining two rectilinear guide grooves 8a, and two groups of the rectilinear guide grooves 8a-W having the wider width are formed. A wide linear guide key 10c-W provided in the linear guide ring 10 is engaged. The rectilinear guide key 10c-W is formed with an FPC through hole 10d (FIG. 15) penetrating in the radial direction by partially cutting the vicinity of the connection portion with the ring portion 10b. The exposure control FPC board 77 extended from the shutter unit 76 is in phase with the straight guide groove 8a-W and the straight guide key 10c-W in the circumferential direction, and the straight guide groove 8a-W and the FPC through hole 10d. Through, it is guided to the outside of the second group lens moving frame 8.

  More specifically, the exposure control FPC board 77 is arranged as shown in FIG. 42 in a state in which the second group lens moving frame 8 and the second group linear guide ring 10 are combined. In the exposure control FPC board 77, the first linear portion 77a extends from the shutter unit 76 toward the rear in the optical axis direction, and then a U-shaped portion (loop shape) near the rear end portion of the second group lens moving frame 8. Part) 77b is formed and curved forward, the second linear part 77c is directed forward along the inner peripheral surface of the rectilinear guide key 10c-W, and is folded outward at the tip of the rectilinear guide key 10c-W. The third linear portion 77d extends rearward again along the outer peripheral surface of the straight guide key 10c-W. The tip of the third linear portion 77d extends to the rear of the second group lens moving frame 8 through the FPC through hole 10d and then extends to the outside of the fixed ring 22 through the FPC through hole 22q (FIG. 4). It is connected to the control circuit 140 outside the lens barrel via the substrate. In the exposure control FPC board 77, a part of the third linear portion 77d is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rectilinear guide key 10c-W using a double-sided tape or the like, and the second group lens moving frame 8 and the second group rectilinear guide ring. The size of the U-shaped portion 77c can be changed in accordance with the 10 relative movements.

  The second group lens moving frame 8 sub-assembled as described above is moved in the optical axis direction via the cam ring 11, and behind the second group lens moving frame 8 is the movement of the cam ring 11. An AF lens frame 51 is supported so as to be able to advance and retreat independently in the optical axis direction, and a CCD holder 21 is fixed behind the AF lens frame 51.

  The AF lens frame 51 is made of a light-shielding material. As shown in FIGS. 38 to 41 and FIGS. 44 to 47, a pair of arm portions 51d and 51e having guide holes 51a and 51b, and the arm portions 51d and 51e. And a front protruding cylindrical portion 51c that protrudes further forward. The forward projecting cylindrical portion 51c includes a front end surface (bottom surface) 51c1 that is perpendicular to the imaging optical axis Z1 and has a substantially square shape, and four side surfaces 51c3 that extend from each side of the front end surface 51c1 to the CCD 60 side in parallel to the imaging optical axis Z1. It has a box shape (square tube shape) having 51c4, 51c5 and 51c6, and the rear end portion on the opposite side to the front end surface 51c1 is open toward the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60 side. A circular opening 51c2 whose center coincides with the photographing optical axis Z1 is provided on the front end surface 51c1 of the forward projecting cylindrical part 51c, and the third lens group LG3 is supported inside the opening 51c2. The arm portions 51d and 51e have a photographing optical axis from the lower right portion and the upper left portion, that is, near the intersection line of the side surfaces 51c3 and 51c6 and from the vicinity of the intersection line of the side surfaces 51c4 and 51c5, as viewed from the front. It extends in the radial direction (radial direction) centered on Z1 (see FIG. 47). As can be seen from FIGS. 45 and 46, the arm portions 51d and 51e are provided on the side surfaces 51c3 and 51c6 and the rearmost portions of the side surfaces 51c4 and 51c5 in the optical axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the arm portions 51 d and 51 e of the AF lens frame 51 have respective tip portions protruding outside the annular portion 22 f of the fixed ring 22, and guides parallel to the optical axis are formed on the protruding tip portions. Holes 51a and 51b are formed. Correspondingly, an AF guide shaft 52 that engages with the guide hole 51a and performs main guidance of the AF lens frame 51, and an AF guide shaft 53 that engages with the guide hole 51b and performs auxiliary guidance of the AF lens frame 51; Are located outside the annular portion 22 f of the stationary ring 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixed ring 22 is provided with a pair of shaft support protrusions 22t1 and 22t2 protruding from the annular portion 22f in the outer diameter direction, and the shaft support protrusion 22t1 has a front end of the AF guide shaft 52. A shaft support hole 22v1 that supports the front portion of the AF guide shaft 53 is formed in the shaft support protrusion 22t2. The CCD holder 21 is formed with a pair of shaft support holes 21v1, 21v2 facing the shaft support holes 22v1, 22v2 in the optical axis direction. The shaft support holes 21v1 support the rear end portion of the AF guide shaft 52, The shaft support hole 21v2 supports the rear end portion of the AF guide shaft 53. In the annular portion 22f, in order to avoid interference with the arm portions 51d and 51e when the AF lens frame 51 moves in the optical axis direction, notches 22g and 22h in the optical axis direction along the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 ( FIG. 8) is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 47, the guide hole 51a and the guide hole 51b are formed at positions facing each other with respect to the photographing optical axis Z1, and the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 also correspond to the photographing optical axis. It is provided in a positional relationship facing Z1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the AF lens frame 51 is a part of the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c (surface on the rear side in the optical axis direction) with respect to the front surface (movement restricting surface) of the filter holder 21b constituting the CCD holder 21. Until the AF lens frame 51 moves to the rearward movement end, the tip of the cam projection 21a protruding from the CCD holder 21 toward the front in the optical axis direction is the AF lens. It protrudes forward from the frame 51 (see FIGS. 38, 40 and 41). On the extension of the cam protrusion 21a in the optical axis direction, a cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 37c of the second group lens frame support plate 37 and a cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 36c of the second group lens frame support plate 36 are located.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the distal end portion of the cam projection 21a is formed retracting cam surface 2 1c inclined with respect to the optical axis, on one side surface continuous to the retraction cam surface 21c, the optical axis A retraction position holding surface (retraction holding surface) 21d is formed in parallel. As can be seen from FIGS. 35 to 37 as viewed from the front, the cam protrusion 21a is formed to be wide in the radial direction about the photographing optical axis Z1, and the retracting cam surface 21c is the width of the cam protrusion 21a. Formed as an inclined surface that gradually increases the amount of projection forward in the optical axis direction as the direction advances from the inner diameter side of the lens barrel (side closer to the imaging optical axis Z1) to the outer diameter side of the lens barrel (side far from the imaging optical axis Z1) Has been. In FIG. 35 to FIG. 37, hatching is added to make it easy to distinguish the retreat cam surface 21c. The cam protrusion 21a is formed as a part of a cylinder centering on the second group rotation shaft 33 so as to avoid interference with the swinging central cylinder 6b of the second group lens frame 6, the lower surface side is convex and the upper surface side is It has a concave curved cross-sectional shape. The retraction cam surface 21c is a lead surface formed on the end surface of the partial cylindrical cam protrusion 21a. A rail-shaped guide key (sliding engagement portion) 21e parallel to the optical axis protrudes from the lower surface (convex surface) side of the cam projection 21a. The guide key 21e is formed only within a certain range from the base of the cam protrusion 21a, and is not formed near the tip of the cam protrusion 21a. The guide key 21e has a cross-sectional shape that can be engaged with the guide key entry groove 37g.

  The second lens group LG2 and the third lens group LG3 supported by the above structure operate in the following manner. As described above, the position of the second group lens moving frame 8 with respect to the CCD holder 21 in the optical axis direction is front and rear according to the locus of the second group guide cam groove 11a (front cam groove 11a-1 and rear cam groove 11a-2) of the cam ring 11. It is determined by combining the movement and the back-and-forth movement of the cam ring 11 itself. In short, the second group lens moving frame 8 is farthest from the CCD holder 21 in the vicinity of the wide end shown in the upper half of FIG. The second group lens moving frame 8 is retracted in the outer diameter direction within the second group lens moving frame 8 by using the backward movement of the second group lens moving frame 8 from the wide end to the storage position.

  In the zoom range from the wide end to the tele end, the position of the second group lens frame 6 is kept constant by bringing the stopper arm 6e into contact with the rotation restricting pin 35 by the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39. At this time, the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 coincides with the photographing optical axis Z1 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 29, at the photographing position of the second group lens frame 6, a part of the retracting arm 6j and the movable spring end 40b of the rotation transmitting spring 40 face the cam protrusion insertion / removal opening 37c.

  When the main switch of the camera is turned off from the photographing state, the control circuit 140 drives the AF motor 160, the AF lens frame 51 is retracted and approaches the CCD holder 21, and the rearward moving end shown in FIGS. It is stored in. The forward protruding cylindrical portion 51c of the AF lens frame 51 supports the third lens group LG3 on the front end surface 51c1 side, and the rear of the third lens group LG3 is an open space surrounded by the side surfaces 51c3, 51c4, 51c5 and 51c6. Therefore, when the AF lens frame 51 moves to the rearward movement end in FIG. 7, the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60 supported on the front surface of the CCD holder 21 enter the inside of the forward protruding cylindrical portion 51c and enter the third position. The distance from the lens group LG3 is reduced. Further, when the AF lens frame 51 reaches the rearward movement end, the tip end portion of the cam projection 21 a is projected forward from the AF lens frame 51.

  Subsequently, the control circuit 140 drives the zoom motor 150 in the storage direction, and the lens barrel storage operation described above is performed. When the zoom motor 150 is driven in the storing direction beyond the wide end, the cam ring 11 moves rearward in the optical axis direction while rotating due to the relationship between the roller guide through groove 14e and the cam ring roller 32. As can be seen from the relationship between the second group guide cam groove 11a and the second group cam follower 8b shown in FIG. However, since the amount of backward movement of the cam ring 11 with respect to the fixed ring 22 is larger than the amount of forward movement of the second group lens moving frame 8 within the cam ring 11, the second group lens moves during the storage operation. As a result, the frame 8 approaches the CCD holder 21.

  When the second group lens moving frame 8 continues to retreat together with the second group lens frame 6, the tip of the cam projection 21a eventually enters the cam projection insertion / removal opening 37c (FIG. 23). As described above, a part of the retracting arm 6j and the movable spring end 40b of the rotation transmission spring 40 face the cam projection insertion / removal opening 37c in the photographing state. At this time, the retracting arm 6j and the movable spring end The positional relationship seen from the front of the part 40b and the cam projection 21a is as shown in FIG. In the radial direction centered on the photographing optical axis Z1, the movable spring end 40b protrudes toward the cam protrusion 21a from the retracting arm 6j (excluding the protrusion for forming the spring hooking hole 6k). On the other hand, the retracting cam surface 21c is an inclined surface that increases the amount of forward projection as the distance from the photographing optical axis Z1 increases. In other words, the retracting cam surface 21c is an inclined surface that increases the amount of protrusion toward the front side of the paper as it goes to the right in FIG. 35, and the region of the retracting cam surface 21c that protrudes forward is the end of the movable spring. It is located behind 40b. Therefore, when the second group lens frame 6 moves backward to the CCD holder 21 side together with the second group lens moving frame 8 while maintaining the positional relationship of FIG. 35, the retracting cam surface 21c contacts the movable spring end 40b instead of the retracting action arm 6j. Touch. FIG. 40 shows the position of the second group lens frame 6 immediately before the movable spring end 40b comes into contact with the retraction cam surface 21c.

  When the second group lens frame 6 moves backward in a state where the movable spring end 40b and the retracting cam surface 21c are in contact with each other, a component force is generated that presses the movable spring end 40b in the clockwise direction in FIG. 35 according to the shape of the retracting cam surface 21c. The clockwise rotational force is transmitted to the second group lens frame 6 through the fixed spring end 40a on the other end side of the rotation transmitting spring 40. The spring force (hardness) of the rotation transmitting spring 40 is not deflected more than the state shown in FIG. 35 depending on the rotational resistance acting on the second group lens frame 6 itself in a normal barrel housing operation. 6 is set so as to transmit the rotational force to 6. That is, the elastic restoring force of the rotation transmitting spring 40 is set to be stronger than the urging force that the second group lens frame return spring 39 holds the second group lens frame 6 in the photographing position.

  The second group lens frame 6 that has received the rotational pressing force by the retreat cam surface 21c is moved from the photographing position (on-axis position) shown in FIG. Toward the off-axis position) about the second group rotation shaft 33 against the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39. Accordingly, the movable spring end 40b moves on the retracting cam surface 21c from the position of FIG. 35 toward the position of FIG. When the second group lens frame 6 rotates to the retracted position shown in FIG. 30, the movable spring end 40b gets over the retracted cam surface 21c and engages with the retracted position holding surface 21d as shown in FIG. Even if the frame 8 performs the backward movement, the turning power in the retracting direction is not applied to the second group lens frame 6. In the second group lens frame 6 held at the retracted position, the outer edge portion of the lens tube 6a enters the lens tube entry recess 8q, and the outer edge portion of the stopper arm 6e enters the stopper arm entry recess 8r.

  Even after the second group lens frame 6 reaches the retracted position, the second group lens moving frame 8 continues to retract until it reaches the storage position shown in FIG. The second group lens frame 6 moves back to the position shown in FIG. 41 together with the second group lens moving frame 8 while being held at the retracted position with the movable spring end 40b engaged with the retracted position holding surface 21d. At this time, the tip end portion of the cam projection 21a penetrates through the swinging center tube storage hole 8g and projects forward from the cam projection insertion / removal opening 36c.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 41, in the retracted state, the lens cylinder 6a is moved to a space outside (upper) the front protruding cylindrical part 51c of the AF lens frame 51, and the front protruding cylindrical part 51c is When photographing, the second lens group LG2 enters the space within the second group lens moving frame 8 where the second lens group LG2 was positioned, and the third lens group LG3 is positioned immediately after the shutter unit 76. Further, as can be seen from the comparison between FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, when the AF lens frame 51 is moved to the rearward movement end, the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60 are accommodated (entered) into the forward projecting cylindrical portion 51c and third. The relative distance in the optical axis direction with respect to the lens group LG3 is smaller than in the shooting state. That is, the second lens group LG2 is in a state in which the position in the optical axis direction is overlapped (arranged in the radial direction) with respect to the rear optical elements such as the third lens group LG3, the low-pass filter LG4, and the CCD 60. With conventional lens barrels that move optical elements such as lens groups that make up the photographic optical system only in the optical axis direction, the lens barrel storage length must be shortened beyond the total thickness of multiple optical elements. However, according to the structure of the present embodiment, the storage space for the second lens group LG2 in the optical axis direction can be substantially omitted, and the lens barrel storage length can be shortened. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the AF lens frame 51 and its support structure are particularly devised in order to obtain the above-described storage state with excellent space efficiency. First, as described above, the AF guide shaft 52 that performs the main guide of the AF lens frame 51 and the AF guide shaft 53 that performs the sub-guide are respectively outside the annular portion 22f of the fixed ring 22 and about the photographing optical axis Z1. It is arranged at the opposite position. Thus, when the lens barrel is retracted, the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 do not obstruct the housing of the first lens group LG1, the second lens group LG2, the third lens group LG3, and the low-pass filter LG4. Can be retracted deeper. In other words, the second group lens frame 6, the second group lens moving frame 8, or the movement located inside the fixed ring 22, such as the cam ring 11 and the helicoid ring 18 which are rotating rings for moving these in the optical axis direction. Since the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 can be freely arranged without being restricted by the members, the guide length of the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 with respect to the AF guide frame 51 is made sufficiently long so that the AF guide frame 51 can be highly accurately arranged. It became possible to guide. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the LCD 20 is disposed behind the zoom lens barrel 71 (on the extension of the photographing optical axis Z1), and the rear end portions of the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 are centered on the barrel central axis Z0. It is located outside the LCD 20 in the radial direction. With this configuration, the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 can be formed long backward without interfering with the LCD 20 which is a large member. This is also an effect obtained by positioning the AF guide shafts 52 and 53 outside the annular portion 22f of the fixed ring 22.

  Further, since the shape of the AF lens frame 51 is such that the arms 51d and 51e extend in the outer diameter direction from the rearmost portion of the forward protruding cylindrical portion 51c located on the photographing optical axis Z1, the forward protruding cylindrical shape An annular space surrounded by the outer surface of the portion 51c, the arm portions 51d and 51e, and the inner peripheral surface of the fixed ring 22 (arrangement positions of the AF guide shafts 52 and 53) is obtained. This annular space is used as a storage space for the second lens group LG2 retracted out of the photographing optical axis, and the cam ring 11 on the outer side of the second lens group LG2 (second group lens moving frame 8), the first to first lenses. It is also used as a space in which the rear ends of the annular members such as the third outer cylinders 12, 13 and 15 and the helicoid ring 18 are accommodated. Therefore, the space efficiency is good and the zoom lens barrel 71 can be retracted deeper (see FIG. 7). Unlike the present embodiment, when it is assumed that the arm portions 51d and 51e are provided not at the rear end portion of the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c but at the front end portion or the intermediate portion, each of the second lens group LG2 and the like. The element cannot be retracted deeply to the position of FIG.

  Further, in the AF lens frame 51, the third lens group LG3 is supported at the tip of the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c. In the lens barrel storage state shown in FIG. 7, the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60 are located behind the third lens group LG3. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a storage state more excellent in space efficiency.

  In addition to the above, in the storing operation from the wide end, not only the second group lens moving frame 8 but also the first outer cylinder 12 supporting the first lens group LG1 is retracted together with the cam ring 11, and the storing shown in FIG. In the state, the relative distance in the optical axis direction between the first lens group LG1 and the third lens group LG3 is also small with the shutter unit 76 interposed therebetween. In other words, in the zoom lens barrel 71 of the present embodiment, the length in the optical axis direction when retracting from the first lens group LG1 at the forefront of the photographing optical system to the rearmost CCD 60 is larger than that of the conventional lens barrel. And has been greatly shortened. The first lens group frame 1 is provided with a contact portion 1b (FIGS. 6 and 7) that protrudes rearward from the rearmost portion of the first lens group LG1 and can contact the shutter unit 76. The group LG1 is prevented from coming into direct contact with the shutter unit 76.

  When the main switch of the camera is turned on in the retracted state, the zoom motor 150 is driven in the feeding direction by the control circuit 140, and each of the above elements operates in the reverse manner. That is, the cam ring 11 is fed forward while rotating with respect to the linear guide ring 14, and the second group lens moving frame 8 and the first outer cylinder 12 move forward together with the cam ring 11. In the initial stage of advancement of the second group lens moving frame 8, the movable spring end 40b of the rotation transmitting spring 40 is engaged with the retracted position holding surface 21d, so that the second group lens frame 6 is maintained at the retracted position. When the second group lens moving frame 8 moves forward to some extent, the movable spring end 40b reaches the tip of the cam projection 21a, and is separated from the retracted position holding surface 21d and engages with the retracted cam surface 21c (FIG. 37). At this stage, the lens barrel 6a of the second group lens frame 6 has already moved forward from the forward projecting cylindrical portion 51c of the AF lens frame 51, and even if the second group lens frame 6 starts to rotate in the photographing position direction. It does not interfere with the AF lens frame 51. As the second group lens moving frame 8 further moves forward, the movable spring end 40b moves on the retreat cam surface 21c, and the second group lens frame 6 is retracted by the urging force of the second group lens frame return spring 39. Rotation starts from to the shooting position.

  When the second group lens frame 6 rotates to the angle (shooting-like position) shown in FIG. 35 while sliding the movable spring end 40b on the retreat cam surface 21c, and the second group lens moving frame 8 further moves forward, the movable spring The end 40b is separated from the retreat cam surface 21c. As a result, the restriction by the cam projection 21 a is completely released, and the second group lens frame 6 is engaged with the eccentric pin 35 b of the rotation restriction pin 35 by the biasing force of the second group lens frame return spring 39. It is held at the shooting position. That is, the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 coincides with the photographing optical axis Z1 as in the other lens groups. The rotation of the second group lens frame 6 to the photographing position is completed before reaching the wide end.

  Note that when the storage state is changed to the photographing state, the AF lens frame 51 is moved forward from the rearward movement end that is in contact with the filter holder 21b. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the AF lens frame 51 is moved forward. Even in this state, the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c covers the front of the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60, and the front protruding surface 51c1 and the side surfaces 51c3 to 53c6 of the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c are low-passed from portions other than the third lens group LG3. Excessive light incident on the filters LG4 and CCD 60 can be reduced. That is, the forward protruding cylindrical portion 51c of the AF lens frame 51 not only supports the third lens group LG3, but also functions as a storage portion that stores the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60 in the storage state, and the low-pass filter LG4 in the shooting state. Also, it functions as a light shielding unit that prevents the extra light from entering the CCD 60.

  With respect to the movable lens group, a high accuracy is required for the support structure in order not to impair the photographing performance. In particular, in the present lens barrel, not only the movement in the optical axis direction but also the retraction is performed with respect to the second lens group LG2. The accuracy required for the second group lens frame 6 and the second group rotation shaft 33 related to the retracting operation of the second lens group LG2 is several steps compared to a normal movable member. It will be expensive. For example, the second group lens moving frame 8 has a built-in shutter unit 76 (exposure control member such as shutter S and diaphragm A), but the rotation center axis corresponding to the second group rotation shaft 33 is assumed to be in front of the shutter unit 76. Or if it provides behind, the axial length of the said rotation center axis will be restrict | limited. Alternatively, the rotation center axis becomes a cantilevered support structure. However, since a minimum clearance for allowing relative rotation is required between the rotation center shaft such as the second group rotation shaft 33 and the shaft hole portion such as the swing shaft hole 6d, the rotation center is required. When the shaft length is short or the support structure is cantilevered, there is a possibility that a fall occurs between the two due to this clearance. The tilt that does not cause a problem with the conventional lens support structure must be eliminated with the optical accuracy required for the zoom lens barrel 71 of the present embodiment.

  In this lens group retracting structure, as can be seen from FIG. 31, the front support plate mounting surface 8 c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8 e that are spaced apart from each other across the shutter unit 76 are divided into the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 2. Since it is sandwiched between the group lens frame support plate 37 and the second group rotation shaft 33 is spanned between the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37, The support structure is a double-sided structure that does not easily collapse. In addition, since the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 related to the support of the second group rotation shaft 33 and the swinging center tube storage hole 8g are formed at positions that do not overlap the shutter unit 76, the second group rotation. The shaft length of the shaft 33 can be increased regardless of the shutter unit 76 (without causing interference). Actually, the axial length of the second group rotation shaft 33 of the present embodiment is long enough to be comparable to the length of the second group lens moving frame 8 in the optical axis direction. Correspondingly, the axial length of the swinging central cylinder 6b sandwiched between the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 is also increased. That is, a sufficiently long engagement length is secured between the swing shaft hole 6 d and the second group rotation shaft 33. From the above structure, there is little possibility that the second group lens frame 6 is tilted with respect to the second group rotation shaft 33, and the second group lens frame 6 can be driven with high accuracy.

  The second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are positioned by a front boss 8j and a rear boss 8k protruding from the front support plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e, respectively. The front support plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e are pressure-bonded by a common support plate fixing screw 66. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8, that is, the positional accuracy of the second group rotating shaft 33 with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8 may be increased. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the rear support plate mounting surface 8e is flush with the rear end surface of the second group lens moving frame 8, whereas the front support plate mounting surface 8c is in front of the second group lens moving frame 8. Further, a partial cylindrical portion 8d protrudes further forward, and the front support plate mounting surface 8c is not a front end surface of the second group lens moving frame 8 in a strict sense. However, in the case of a simple end face-shaped annular body such as the partial cylindrical portion 8d, the front and rear end faces may be directly sandwiched between a pair of shaft support plates.

  Further, in the above lens group retracting structure, if the second group lens frame 6 is gradually retracted and rotated using the entire range of the storage movement distance of the second group lens moving frame 8 from the wide end to the storage position, it is in the middle. Since the second group lens frame 6 interferes with the forward protruding cylindrical portion 51c of the AF lens frame 51, the revolving rotation of the second group lens frame 6 is completed within a short distance of the storage movement distance, and then the lens. It is necessary to leave a moving distance for translating the cylinder 6a rearward in the optical axis direction and retracting it to the space above the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c. In order to secure a sufficient retraction rotation angle with a short movement distance, a retraction cam surface 21c is provided with a so-called lead having a large crossing angle with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the second group lens moving frame 8 (ie, the direction parallel to the optical axis) It must be a tilted inclined surface. When pressing the movable spring end 40b with such a retracting cam surface 21c, compared to when pressing with a cam surface having a small crossing angle with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the second group lens moving frame 8 (the lead is neglected), A large reaction force acts on the cam projection 21a and the second group lens moving frame 8.

  The cam protrusion 21 a is a fixing member similar to the fixing ring 22. On the other hand, the second group lens moving frame 8 is guided in a straight line, but as shown in FIG. 19, it does not receive the straight guide directly from the fixed ring 22, but the straight guide ring 14 and the second group straight guide. This is a linear guide through an intermediate member such as the ring 10, and each linear guide mechanism has a fitting clearance. Therefore, when a large reaction force acts on the cam projection 21a or the second group lens moving frame 8, the positional relationship between the second group lens moving frame 8 and the CCD holder 21 is incorrect due to this fitting clearance. The possibility of affecting the evacuation operation must be considered. For example, when the second group lens frame 6 is rotated to the retracted position, if it advances further in the retract direction than the designed position (FIG. 30), it may interfere with the inner wall surface of the second group lens moving frame 8. On the other hand, if it stops before the designed retracted position, there is a risk of interference with the AF lens frame 51 and the like.

  In this lens group retracting structure, when the second group lens frame 6 is rotated to the retracted position, a guide key 21e provided on the cam protrusion 21a is engaged with the key groove 8p, whereby the cam protrusion 21a and the second group lens are engaged. It is possible to prevent the displacement of the moving frame 8 and hold the second group lens frame 6 at an accurate retracted position (see FIG. 24). Specifically, the movable spring end 40b is engaged with the retracted position holding surface 21d so that the retracted state of the second group lens frame 6 is maintained, and the second group lens moving frame 8 has a room for retreat. In the middle of the operation, the guide key 21e enters the swinging center tube storage hole 8g through the guide key entry groove 37g formed in the second group lens frame support plate 37, and engages with the key groove 8p. Since the guide key 21e and the key groove 8p are respectively a groove and a projection parallel to the optical axis, when the guide key 21e and the key groove 8p are engaged, the second group lens moving frame 8 and the cam protrusion 21a are in the optical axis direction. Is relatively movable, and the relative movement of the key groove 8p in the groove width direction is restricted. The groove width direction of the key groove 8p substantially coincides with the rotation direction of the second group lens frame 6. Therefore, even if a reaction acts on the second group lens moving frame 8 when the second group lens frame 6 is pressed by the retracting cam surface 21c, the second group lens moving frame 8 and the cam projection are engaged by the engagement of the guide key 21e and the key groove 8p. Since 21a is maintained in an appropriate positional relationship, there is no possibility that the retracted position of the second group lens frame 6 is shifted.

  In this embodiment, the timing for engaging the guide key 21e and the key groove 8p is after completion of the retracting operation of the second group lens frame 6 by the retracting cam surface 21c. It may be set during the operation or before the evacuation operation. The point is that when the second group lens frame 6 is finally held at the retracted position, the positional relationship between the second group lens moving frame 8 and the cam projection 21a should be accurate. The timing for engaging the guide key 21e and the key groove 8p can be arbitrarily set, for example, by changing the formation region (length) of the guide key 21e in the optical axis direction.

  In this embodiment, the guide key 21e on the cam projection 21a side is a convex portion and the key groove 8p on the second group lens moving frame 8 side is a concave portion.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide key 21e is formed on the cam projection 21a having the retreat cam surface 21c. However, a portion corresponding to the guide key 21e may be formed on the CCD holder 21 at a place other than the cam projection 21a. Is possible. However, from the viewpoint of simplifying the structure, the guide key 21e is preferably formed on the cam protrusion 21a together with the retracting cam surface 21c. In addition, it is more accurate to form the guide key 21e on the cam projection 21a itself, which is an engagement portion with the second group lens moving frame 8 (strictly, the second group lens frame 6) side with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8. It is also effective from the viewpoint of taking out.

  Further, in addition to the reaction force acting on the second group lens moving frame 8 and the cam projection 21a when the second group lens frame 6 is retracted and rotated, the positional accuracy of the parts constituting the lens group retracting mechanism is also the same as that of the second group lens frame 6. Affects operation accuracy. As described above, the amount of retraction rotation given to the second group lens frame 6 is not preferable even if it is excessive or insufficient, but in this embodiment, the second group lens is particularly in a state where the lens barrel 6a and the stopper arm 6e are retracted. Because of space saving by making it very close to the inner wall surface of the moving frame 8 (see FIG. 30), a force that causes the second group lens frame 6 to exceed the proper retraction position shown in FIG. If this is applied, stress will be applied to the retracting mechanism, and it is required to avoid this.

  In order to solve this, in the present lens group retracting structure, the position where the retracting cam surface 21c of the cam projection 21a and the retracting position holding surface 21d abut when the retracting rotation of the second group lens frame 6 is brought into rotation is transmitted instead of the retracting arm 6j. The movable spring end portion 40b of the spring 40 is used so that the movement error of the second group lens frame 6 can be absorbed by the rotation transmitting spring 40 being bent. As described above, the rotation transmission spring 40 transmits the rotational force to the second group lens frame 6 without being bent beyond the shape shown in FIGS. 35 and 37 in the normal retraction operation. Since there is still room to bend the portion 40b by θ1 at the maximum, even if there is a position error that the cam protrusion 21a is slightly shifted to the left side from the position of FIG. 37, the movable spring end 40b is fixed to the fixed spring end. The position error can be absorbed by bending in the direction approaching 40a. That is, the cam projection 21a is further in a state where the second group lens frame 6 (lens cylinder 6a and stopper arm 6e) is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second group lens moving frame 8 (lens cylinder entry recess 8q and stopper arm entry recess 8r). Even if the pressing force is applied, it is possible to prevent an excessive stress from being applied to the retracting mechanism of the second group lens frame 6 due to the rotation transmitting spring 40 being bent.

  In the present lens group retracting structure, as shown in FIG. 30, the swing arm 6c of the second group lens frame 6 held in the retracted position is formed in a straight guide groove 8a-W through which the exposure control FPC board 77 is inserted. Adjacent to the inside, the surface of the swing arm 6c on the outer diameter side covers a part of the bottom of the straight guide groove 8a-W. In other words, a rectilinear guide groove 8a-W is formed on the outer diameter side of the intermediate position of the line segment connecting the second group rotation shaft 33 and the retracting optical axis Z2, and the exposure control FPC board 77 is passed therethrough. Thus, when the second group lens frame 6 is in the retracted position, the swing arm 6c supports the exposure control FPC board 77 from the inner diameter side of the lens barrel (FIG. 30). The relationship between the exposure control FPC board 77 and the second group lens frame 6 in the supported state is shown by a solid line in FIG. In the figure, a two-dot chain line indicates the second group lens frame 6 at the photographing position. As can be seen from FIG. 43, the swing arm 6c pushes up the U-shaped portion 77b and the first linear portion 77a of the exposure control FPC board 77 from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the exposure control FPC board 77, It prevents slackening in the inner diameter direction of the lens barrel.

  Specifically, the swing arm 6c is provided with a linear support surface 6q and an inclined support surface 6r positioned behind the linear support surface 6q, and a rear protrusion 6m protrudes immediately after the inclined support surface 6r. ing. At the retracted position of the second group lens frame 6, the linear support surface 6q pushes up the first linear portion 77a in the outer diameter direction, and the inclined support surface 6r and the rear protrusion 6m push up the U-shaped portion 77b in the outer diameter direction. The inclined support surface 6r is inclined so as to follow the shape of the U-shaped portion 77b.

  In general, a flexible printed circuit board (flexible printed circuit board, hereinafter referred to as FPC) that connects an advancing / retreating member in the optical axis direction and a fixing member in a lens barrel requires a length corresponding to the maximum extended state of the advancing / retreating member. For this reason, when the amount of advancement / retraction of the advancement / retraction member is minimum, that is, in the lens barrel storage state, the length of the FPC is likely to be excessive. In particular, in the present embodiment, the second lens group LG2 is retracted on the retracting optical axis Z2, and the length in the optical axis direction when the zoom lens barrel 71 is stored is greatly shortened, and this tendency is strong. If the slack portion of the FPC interferes with or gets caught in other lens barrel components, it may cause a failure or breakage. Therefore, a structure that prevents the slack is necessary. There were many complicated things. On the other hand, in 71 of the present embodiment, focusing on the fact that the lens barrel storage state in which the exposure control FPC board 77 is likely to be slack is the retracted state of the second group lens frame 6, the second lens group in the retracted position. Since the exposure control FPC board 77 is pushed up in the outer diameter direction by using the frame 6, it is possible to reliably prevent the exposure control FPC board 77 from being loosened with a simple structure.

  In the retracting structure of the second group lens frame 6 of the present embodiment, the second group lens frame 6 moves backward while rotating when the second group lens frame 6 operates to the retracted position, so that the movement trajectory proceeds obliquely rearward from the photographing optical axis Z1. It becomes. On the other hand, the AF lens frame 51 is positioned behind the second group lens frame 6 in the photographing state. As shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, a retraction direction inclined surface 51h is formed on the front protruding cylindrical portion 51c of the AF lens frame 51 from the front end surface 51c1 to the upper side surface 51c5. The retraction direction inclined surface 51h is inclined so as to gradually move backward in the optical axis direction as it proceeds in the radial direction (outer diameter direction) centering on the photographing optical axis Z1, and in short, the second group lens frame 6 The surface is cut out along the movement locus of the lens barrel 6a. The retraction direction slope 51h is a curved concave surface corresponding to the outer shape of the lens tube 6a.

  As described above, during the lens barrel storing operation, the AF lens frame 51 reaches the rear moving end (storage position) where the AF lens frame 51 contacts the front surface of the filter holder 21b of the CCD holder 21 before the second group lens frame 6 is retracted. It is moved (FIGS. 40 and 41). When the retracting operation of the second group lens frame 6 is performed in this state, the rear end portion of the lens cylinder 6a moves obliquely rearward and approaches the retracting direction inclined surface 51h, and the retracting direction inclined surface 51h is glazed as shown in FIG. Moved to position. That is, the retraction operation of the second group lens frame 6 can be performed at a position close to the AF lens frame 51 by the amount that the retraction direction slope 51h is formed so as to avoid the interference with the lens cylinder 6a.

  Here, assuming that there is no inclined surface such as the retracting direction inclined surface 51h, in order to avoid interference with the AF lens frame 51, the rotation of the second group lens frame 6 to the retracted position is earlier than in this embodiment. Must complete. For this purpose, it is necessary to increase the backward movement amount of the second group lens moving frame 8 or to increase the protrusion amount of the cam projection 21a, but these are contrary to the miniaturization of the lens barrel. If the amount of backward movement of the second group lens moving frame 8 is constant, the inclination angle of the retracting cam surface 21c with respect to the optical axis must be increased. However, if the inclination of the cam surface is too large, the reaction force at the time of pressing is large. (Resistance) increases, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of smooth operation. On the other hand, in the retraction structure of the present embodiment, the retraction direction slope 51h is formed so that the retraction operation of the second group lens frame 6 can be executed even when the retraction is as close to the AF lens frame 51 as possible. Even with a relatively small amount of backward movement of the second group lens moving frame 8, the retracting cam surface 21c can be made into a reasonable shape, and both downsizing and smooth operation can be achieved. Further, the CD holder 21 is formed with a retracting direction inclined surface 21f that is continuous with the retracting direction inclined surface 51h of the AF lens frame 51, and the retracting direction inclined surface 21f functions in the same manner as the retracting direction inclined surface 51h. In the present embodiment, the AF lens frame 51 is a movable member in the optical axis direction. However, the above-described effect by the retraction direction inclined surface 51h is a type of lens mirror in which the member corresponding to the AF lens frame 51 does not move in the optical axis direction. It is also effective in a cylinder.

  As described above, in the retracting structure of the second group lens frame 6 of the present embodiment, when the AF lens frame 51 is moved from the shooting state to the retracted state, the retraction of the AF lens frame 51 from the focusing movable region (use position) is restricted by the filter holder 21b. In the state of being moved to the rearward movement end (retracted storage position) (FIGS. 40 and 41), even if the second group lens frame 6 performs the revolving rotation and the retreating operation (even when the retreating state is entered) It is designed not to interfere with the AF lens frame 51. When the main switch is turned off, the control circuit 140 first controls the AF motor 160 to move the AF lens frame 51 to the rearward movement end. However, if the AF lens frame 51 is not moved to the rearward movement end for some reason even if the main switch is turned off, it moves toward the retracted position while moving rearward in the optical axis direction together with the second group lens movement frame 8. There is a possibility that the AF lens frame 51 may overlap the movement locus of the second group lens frame 6 that is rotating (FIGS. 46 and 44).

  As a fail-safe structure, a rear projecting portion 6m that projects rearward in the optical axis direction than the second lens group LG2 is formed in the second group lens frame 6, and a front projecting cylindrical portion 51c of the AF lens frame 51 is formed. The front end surface 51c1 is formed with a rib-like front protrusion 51f protruding forward from the third lens group LG3 at a position facing the rear protrusion 6m (FIGS. 40, 41, 44 to 44). (See FIG. 47). As shown in FIG. 47, the front protrusion 51f has a rear protrusion 6m (AF frame contact) when the second group lens frame 6 rotates from the shooting position to the retracted position in the plane direction orthogonal to the shooting optical axis Z1. It is formed in a region corresponding to the movement locus of the surface 6n). Thus, until the second lens group frame 6 moves the second lens group LG2 onto the retracting optical axis Z2, the AF frame contact surface 6n, which is the rear end surface of the rear protrusion 6m, and the front surface of the front protrusion 51f. The inclined contact surfaces 51g are always facing each other. When the second group lens frame 6 and the AF lens frame 51 are brought close to each other in the optical axis direction, the AF frame contact surface 6n and the inclined contact surface 51g come into contact with each other first.

  Therefore, even if the second lens group frame 6 moves backward and retracts while the AF lens frame 51 does not move to the rearward moving end and stops at an incomplete retracted position, the front projecting portion 51f of the AF lens frame 51 does not move. Since the AF frame contact surface 6n of the rear protrusion 6m always comes into contact with the inclined contact surface 51g first, there is no possibility that the second lens group LG2 contacts the AF lens frame 51 and is damaged. In other words, as shown in FIG. 47, the movement trajectory of the AF frame contact surface 6n does not overlap the third lens group LG3 at any angular position of the second group lens frame 6. There is no possibility that other parts of the group lens frame 6 may come into contact with the third lens group LG3 and be damaged. With the above structure, the contact position between the second group lens frame 6 and the AF lens frame 51 is always limited to the rear protrusion 6m (AF frame contact surface 6n) and the front protrusion 51f (inclined contact surface 51g). The optical performance of the second lens group LG2 and the third lens group LG3 is not adversely affected. In addition, the second lens group frame 6 that is moving backward and retracting presses the inclined contact surface 51g via the AF frame contact surface 6n, so that the stopped AF lens frame 51 can be pushed backward. It is. As described above, the AF lens frame 51 can move rearward in the optical axis direction while sliding the rotation restricting protrusion 54a and the guide groove 51m even when the AF nut 54 is stopped. When the second group lens frame 6 presses the AF lens frame 51 rearward in the optical axis direction, the AF frame biasing spring 55 is compressed.

In the present embodiment, the AF frame contact surface 6n and the front protrusion 51f are in contact (possible) locations, but the contact (possible) location of the second group lens frame 6 and the AF lens frame 51 is different from this. It can also be. For example, one abutting surface may be formed in the recess instead of the tip of the protrusion. In short, the second lens group LG2 and the third lens group L3 need only be provided in the second group lens frame 6 and the AF lens frame 51 at a timing where they do not collide with other members.

  The second lens group LG2 moves (rotates) away from the photographing optical axis Z1 while receiving the pressing of the retracting cam surface 21c when the photographing state (use state) is changed to the retracted state (retracted state). Move backward in the axial direction. That is, the movement locus of the second lens group LG2 includes an inclined section that is inclined so as to be away from the photographing optical axis Z1 when the photographing optical axis Z1 is viewed from the side. Similarly, the rearward projecting portion 6m of the second group lens frame 6 is also retracted while moving (turning) upward in FIGS. The inclined contact surface 51g of the front protrusion 51f is formed as an inclined surface in a direction corresponding to the movement locus of the rear protrusion 6m. That is, the AF frame contact surface 6n of the rear protrusion 6m is a plane orthogonal to the photographing optical axis Z1, whereas the inclined contact surface 51g of the front protrusion 51f is as shown in FIGS. It is inclined by θ2 with respect to a plane orthogonal to the photographing optical axis Z1. Unlike this, if the front surface of the front protrusion 51f is a surface parallel to the AF frame contact surface 6n, the sliding resistance increases when both surfaces come into contact with each other while the second group lens frame 6 is retracted and rotated. Therefore, the retraction rotation of the second group lens frame 6 may be hindered. On the other hand, by making the front surface of the front protruding portion 51f an inclined surface such as the inclined contact surface 51g, even when the second group lens frame 6 is retracted and rotated, it contacts the AF frame contact surface 6n. It is possible to reduce the sliding resistance and reliably retract. In the present embodiment, θ2 is set to 3 degrees as a desirable inclination angle.

  Further, although the rear protrusion 6m and the front protrusion 51f are not in contact with each other, when the AF lens frame 51 is not completely retracted, the retracting-direction inclined surface 51h is arranged on the rear end portion (strictly speaking, the light shielding ring). 9) and can function as a fail-safe surface similar to the inclined contact surface 51g.

  This lens retracting mechanism also moves the optical axis position of the second lens group LG2 in a plane direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis Z1 when the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 does not coincide with the photographing optical axis Z1. Can be adjusted. Two types of optical axis position adjusting mechanisms are mounted, one of which is a position adjusting mechanism for the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8, and this adjustment is performed by the first eccentric shaft member. This is performed by rotating the 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y. The other is a mechanism for adjusting the contact position of the eccentric pin 35b with respect to the stopper arm 6e. This adjustment is performed by rotating the rotation restricting pin 35.

  First, the position adjusting mechanism of the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 with respect to the second group lens moving frame 8 will be described. The support structure of the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y has been described above. However, as shown in FIGS. 28, 32 and 33, the front eccentric pin 34X-b of the first eccentric shaft member 34X is obtained. Is slidable in the longitudinal (major axis) direction of the first vertically elongated hole 36a with respect to the first vertically elongated hole 36a, and is engaged so as not to be relatively movable in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The pin 34Y-b is slidable in the longitudinal (long axis) direction of the laterally long hole 36e with respect to the laterally long hole 36e, and is engaged so as not to be relatively movable in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the first longitudinal hole 36a and the longitudinal direction of the laterally long hole 36e are orthogonal to each other. Hereinafter, the former parallel to the vertical direction of the camera is referred to as the Y direction, and the latter parallel to the lateral direction of the camera is referred to as the X direction. .

  The long axis of the first vertically long hole 37 a formed in the rear second group lens frame support plate 37 is parallel to the long axis of the first long hole 36 a of the second group lens frame support plate 36. That is, the first vertically long hole 37a is a long hole long in the Y direction. The front and rear first vertical holes 36a and 37a are formed at positions where the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 face each other. The long axis 37e of the second group lens frame support plate 37 has a long axis parallel to the long axis of the horizontal hole 36e of the second group lens frame support plate 36. That is, the laterally long hole 37e is a long hole that is long in the X direction. The front and rear horizontal holes 36e and 37e are formed at positions where the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 face each other. As shown in FIG. 29, the rear eccentric pin 34X-c engages with the first longitudinal hole 37a so as to be slidable in the Y direction and not relatively movable in the X direction, like the front eccentric pin 34X-b. The front eccentric pin 34Y-b is engaged with the laterally long hole 37e so as to be slidable in the X direction and not relatively movable in the Y direction.

  Similarly to the first vertically long holes 36a and 37a and the horizontally long holes 36e and 37e, the second vertically long holes 36f and 37f have parallel long axes and are opposed to the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37. Is formed. The second vertically elongated holes 36f and 37f are elongated holes in the Y direction parallel to the first vertically elongated holes 36a and 37a. The front boss 8j and the rear boss 8k projecting from the second lens group moving frame 8 are engaged with the second vertically elongated holes 36f and 37f so as to be slidable in the Y direction and immovable in the X direction. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the large diameter shaft portion 34X-a and the large diameter shaft portion 34Y-a are engaged with the eccentric shaft support hole 8f and the eccentric shaft support hole 8i so as not to move in the radial direction. Therefore, the first eccentric shaft member 34X rotates around the adjustment shaft PX that is the central axis of the large diameter shaft portion 34X-a, and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y is the central axis of the large diameter shaft portion 34Y-a. It rotates about the adjustment axis PY1.

  The front eccentric pin 34Y-b and the rear eccentric pin 34Y-c are formed coaxially at a position that is eccentric with respect to the adjustment shaft PY1. Therefore, when the second eccentric shaft member 34Y is rotated about the adjustment shaft PY1, the arc direction locus about the adjustment shaft PY1 is substantially the Y direction with respect to the front eccentric pin 34Y-b and the rear eccentric pin 34Y-c. Movement force to is given. Since the front eccentric pin 34Y-b and the rear eccentric pin 34Y-c are engaged with the laterally elongated hole 36e and the laterally elongated hole 37e in a state where relative movement in the Y direction is restricted, the eccentric pins 34Y-b , 34Y-c is moved in the X direction in the respective laterally long holes 36e, 37e, and the moving force in the Y direction is transmitted to the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37. Here, the remaining two first vertically long holes 36 a and second vertically long holes 36 f formed in the second group lens frame support plate 36 are long holes in the Y direction and remain formed in the second group lens frame support plate 37. Since the two first vertically long holes 37a and the second vertically long hole 37f are also long holes in the Y direction, the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are projections ( The front eccentric pin 34X-b, the rear eccentric pin 34X-c, the front boss 8j, and the rear boss 8k) are guided and moved straight in the Y direction. As a result, the position of the second group lens frame 6 relative to the second group lens moving frame 8 is displaced in the Y direction, and the optical axis of the second lens group LG2 is adjusted in the Y direction.

  The front eccentric pin 34X-b and the rear eccentric pin 34X-c are formed coaxially at a position that is eccentric with respect to the adjustment shaft PX. Therefore, when the first eccentric shaft member 34X is rotated about the adjustment shaft PX, the arc direction trajectory centered on the adjustment shaft PX is approximately the X direction with respect to the front eccentric pin 34X-b and the rear eccentric pin 34X-c. Movement force to is given. Since the front eccentric pin 34X-b and the rear eccentric pin 34X-c are engaged with the first vertical hole 36a and the first vertical hole 37a in a state in which relative movement in the X direction is restricted, While the pins 34X-b and 34X-c are moved in the Y direction within the first longitudinal holes 36a and 37a, the moving force in the X direction is applied to the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37. Communicated. Here, the front eccentric pin 34Y-b and the rear eccentric pin 34Y-c can move in the X direction with respect to the laterally long hole 36e and the laterally long hole 37e, respectively. Since the movement in the X direction is restricted with respect to the second vertically long hole 36f and the second vertically long hole 37f, the second group lens frame supporting plate 36 and the second group lens frame supporting plate 37 have the second vertically long hole 36f and the second long hole 36f. It is swung around the lower end portion side having the vertically long hole 37f. The center of this swing is the relative position of the horizontally elongated holes 36e, 37e and the front and rear eccentric pins 34Y-b, 34Y-c and the second vertically elongated holes 36f, 37f and the front and rear bosses 8j, 8k. The center position changes as the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 swing. Since the second group rotation shaft 33 that supports the second group lens frame 6 is located away from the center of swing, the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are swung. The position of the rotation shaft 33 can be treated as approximating a linear movement in the X direction. Therefore, the position of the second lens group LG2 changes in the X direction by the rotation of the first eccentric shaft member 34X.

  In addition, as an optical axis adjustment mechanism using two eccentric shaft members, another form as shown in FIG. 50 is also possible. 50 is different in that the front boss 8j and the rear boss 8k are engaged with inclined long holes 36f ′ and 37f ′ inclined with respect to both the Y direction and the X direction. The inclined long holes 36f ′ and 37f ′ are parallel to each other and formed at symmetrical positions in the optical axis direction. Since the inclined long holes 36f ′ and 37f ′ contain both components in the X direction and the Y direction, when the second eccentric shaft member 34Y is rotated in the structure, the inclined long holes 36f ′ and 37f ′ are inclined with respect to the front boss 8j and the rear boss 8k. The long holes 36f ′ and 37f ′ are slightly displaced in the X direction while moving in the Y direction. As a result, the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 move in the Y direction while slightly swinging the vicinity of the lower end portion having the inclined long holes 36f ′ and 37f ′ in the X direction. Further, when the first eccentric shaft member 34X is rotated, the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support are included while including a slight displacement (swing) in the Y direction as in the previous embodiment. The plate 37 moves in the X direction. By combining these two types of movements, the position of the second group lens frame 6 can be appropriately changed within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis.

  The optical axis adjustment of the second lens group LG2 by the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y is performed with the support plate fixing screw 66 loosened. When the adjustment is completed, the support plate fixing screw 66 is tightened. Then, the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 sandwich the front support plate mounting surface 8c and the rear support plate mounting surface 8e while maintaining the adjusted positional relationship, and the second group rotation shaft. 33 is also maintained at the adjusted position. Since the optical axis position of the second lens group LG2 is determined based on the second group rotation axis 33, the adjusted optical axis position is maintained as a result. As a result of the adjustment of the optical axis position, the support plate fixing screw 66 also moves together with the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37. However, as shown in FIG. 31, the screw shaft portion 66a is located with respect to the screw insertion hole 8h. It is loosely fitted with a margin so that the support plate fixing screw 66 and the second group lens moving frame 8 do not interfere with each other when the optical axis position is adjusted.

  As a mechanism for adjusting the position by moving the moving object two-dimensionally, a second movable stage that can move forward and backward in a linear direction orthogonal to the first movable stage that can move forward and backward in a specific linear direction. A movable stage having a movable stage and a driving target supported thereon is known as a typical type. However, such a two-stage support structure has a drawback that the structure becomes complicated. On the other hand, the optical axis position adjusting mechanism of the lens barrel moves each of the second group lens frame support plates 36, 37 in both the X component direction and the Y component direction on a single plane (8c, 8e). Since it is supported as possible, a two-dimensional adjustment mechanism can be realized with a simple structure.

  In this embodiment, in order to improve the support stability of the second group lens frame 6, a pair of second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 spaced apart from each other are provided. However, the optical axis position of the second lens group LG2 is provided. If one of the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37 is movable, it is possible to make the structure movable. In this case, the adjustment mechanism also supports the one second group lens frame support. What is necessary is just to make it the form which moves only a board.

  However, in the present embodiment, as a more preferable form, a pair of front and rear support plates, the second group lens frame support plates 36 and 37, are provided, and the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y are paired in the front and rear directions. Eccentric pins are provided, and the second group lens moving frame 8 is also provided with a front and rear boss 8j and a rear boss 8k that form a pair of protruding portions. Then, when the first eccentric shaft member 34X or the second eccentric shaft member 34Y is rotated, the front and rear second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are maintained in parallel with each other with the same locus. Move in the same direction (same amount). For example, the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 are not affected by the rotation operation of either the front eccentric pin 34X-b or the rear eccentric pin 34X-c of the first eccentric shaft member 34X. The second group lens frame support plate moves evenly (same amount) in the X direction and rotates either the front eccentric pin 34Y-b or the rear eccentric pin 34Y-c of the second eccentric shaft member 34Y. The 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 move equally (the same amount) in the Y direction. As will be described later, in this embodiment, a rotational force is applied by a driver to the front eccentric pin 34X-b and the front eccentric pin 34Y-b on the second group lens frame support plate 36 side. The support plate 37 follows the second group lens frame support plate 36 without being kinked. Therefore, there is no possibility that the second group rotation shaft 33 will fall during the optical axis adjustment, and the optical axis adjustment of the second lens group LG2 can be performed easily and accurately.

  In addition, the first eccentric shaft member 34X and the second eccentric shaft member 34Y are sandwiched between the second group lens frame support plate 36 and the second group lens frame support plate 37 that are spaced apart from each other at the front and rear positions sandwiching the shutter unit 76. The axial length of the second group rotating shaft 33 is secured to be long enough to be comparable to the length of the second group lens moving frame 8 in the optical axis direction. Accurate optical axis adjustment is achieved.

  Next, adjustment of the optical axis position of the second lens group LG2 based on the relationship between the stopper arm 6e and the eccentric pin 35b will be described. 29 and 30, the rotation restricting pin 35 has the large-diameter shaft portion 35a inserted into the rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m, and the eccentric pin 35b is located behind the rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m. It protrudes to. As described above, in the insertion state of the large-diameter shaft portion 35a with respect to the rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8m, the eccentric pin 35b does not rotate carelessly, but if the predetermined rotational force is applied, the eccentric pin 35b is rotated. Is set to be able to. As shown in FIG. 27, the eccentric pin 35b is located on the movement locus of the stopper arm 6e. The eccentric pin 35b protrudes from the adjustment shaft PY2 passing through the center of the large-diameter shaft portion 35a at a position eccentric in the X direction (FIG. 34), and the rotation restricting pin 35 is centered on the adjustment shaft PY2. When rotated, the eccentric pin 35b is displaced in the Y direction. As described above, since the eccentric pin 35b is a member that determines the shooting position of the second group lens frame 6, when the eccentric pin 35b is displaced in the Y direction, the optical axis position of the second lens group LG2 at the shooting position results. Is moved in the Y direction. The adjustment of the optical axis position by the rotation restricting pin 35 can be used together with the adjustment by the second eccentric shaft member 34Y. In particular, the adjustment is performed as an auxiliary adjustment when the adjustment amount by the second eccentric shaft member 34Y is not sufficient. It is preferable to use the movement restriction pin 35.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the rotation operation grooves 34X-d, 34Y-d, and 35c in the first eccentric shaft member 34X, the second eccentric shaft member 34Y, and the rotation restricting pin 35 are all in the second group lens moving frame. 8 is exposed in front. The rotation operation groove 66 b of the support plate fixing screw 66 is also exposed in front of the second group lens moving frame 8. Therefore, the optical axis position adjustment work of the second lens group LG2 is all performed from the front of the second group lens moving frame 8. On the other hand, the first outer cylinder 12 attached to the outside of the second group lens moving frame 8 is formed with an inner diameter flange 12c for supporting the lens barrier mechanism on the inner diameter side, and the inner diameter flange 12c is formed by the first group retaining ring 3. At the same time, the front of the second lens group moving frame 8 is closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, four circular driver insertion holes 12d that expose the rotation operation grooves 34X-d, 34Y-d, 35c, and 66b forward are formed in the inner diameter flange 12c of the first outer cylinder 12. , 12e, 12f, and 12g are formed penetrating in the optical axis direction. Further, in the first group retaining ring 3, portions overlapping the driver insertion holes 12e, 12f and 12g are also cut out in a circular shape. By forming these driver insertion holes 12d, 12e, 12f and 12g, the first outer cylinder 12 is attached to the front of any of the rotation operation grooves 34X-d, 34Y-d, 35c and 66b. It is possible to engage the driver. Each driver insertion hole 12d, 12e, 12f and 12g is exposed by removing the barrier cover 101 and the lens barrier mechanism located behind the barrier cover 101, and practically does not disassemble the lens barrel components other than the lens barrier mechanism. In addition, the optical axis position of the second lens group LG2 can be adjusted while the camera is completed. Therefore, even if a position error of the second lens group LG2 occurs during assembly, it can be easily adjusted in the final assembly process, and the workability is excellent.

  As described above, the zoom lens barrel 71 of the present embodiment retracts the second lens group LG2 out of the photographing optical axis Z1, and then moves the second lens group LG2 to the rear optical element (third lens group LG3). By retracting the low-pass filter LG4 and the CCD 60) so as to overlap with each other in the radial direction, the length in the optical axis direction during storage can be significantly reduced as compared with the conventional lens barrel. Then, by providing a guide key 21e and a key groove 8p that are slidably engaging in the optical axis direction in the retracted state of the second lens group LG2, a cam groove 21a (CCD holder 21) is provided. The positional accuracy of the second group lens moving frame 8 is improved, and as a result, the second group lens frame 6 can be held at an accurate retracted position. That is, the retracting optical element can be driven with high accuracy.

  However, the specific structure of the zoom lens barrel 71 is an example in which the present invention can be implemented, and the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the timing for engaging the guide key 21e and the key groove 8p is after completion of the retracting operation of the second group lens frame 6 by the retracting cam surface 21c. May be set during the evacuation operation or before the evacuation operation.

  Further, as described above, in the linearly advancing / retracting member corresponding to the second group lens moving frame 8 and the non-rotating member corresponding to the CCD holder 21, a convex portion corresponding to the guide key 21e is provided, and any of them corresponds to the key groove 8p. It is possible to arbitrarily select whether or not to provide the concave portion to be provided. That is, contrary to the embodiment, a convex portion such as a guide key 21e may be provided on the second group lens moving frame 8 side, and a concave portion such as a key groove 8p may be provided on the cam projection 21a side.

Further, as described above, an engaging portion corresponding to the guide key 21e can be formed at a place other than the cam protrusion 21a. Further, in the present invention, as a means for retracting the optical element out of the photographing optical axis, a pressing protrusion of a mode other than the cam protrusion 21a of the embodiment may be used .

  In the zoom lens barrel 71 of the embodiment, the second lens group LG2 is retracted when the second group lens frame 6 is rotated. The present invention is also applicable to a lens barrel that retracts an optical element to the outside. In short, any lens barrel having an optical element that moves in a direction away from the photographic optical axis (a direction including a component orthogonal to the photographic optical axis) during storage is sufficient.

  In the embodiment, the optical element to be retracted out of the photographing optical axis is the second lens group LG2. However, the retractable optical element in the present invention can be any lens group. Alternatively, an aperture, shutter, low-pass filter, and the like other than the lens group can be used as the retracting optical element.

Although the embodiment is a zoom lens barrel, the present invention may be applied to a single focus lens barrel as long as the retractable optical element is moved on and off the photographing optical axis. Is possible. Further, the embodiment is applied to a so-called digital still camera, but the present invention can also be applied to other optical devices.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the zoom lens barrel to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of elements relating to a support mechanism for a first lens group in the zoom lens barrel of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of elements relating to a support mechanism for a second lens group in the zoom lens barrel of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of elements relating to a feeding mechanism from a fixed ring to a third outer cylinder in the zoom lens barrel of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a completed state in which a zoom motor and a finder unit are added to the zoom lens barrel of FIG. 1. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the use state of a wide end and a tele end of the camera carrying the zoom lens barrel to which this invention is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the camera barrel storage state of the camera. It is a development top view of a fixed ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a helicoid ring. It is an expanded top view which shows through the component by the side of the internal peripheral surface of a helicoid ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a 3rd outer cylinder. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a rectilinear guide ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a cam ring. It is a development top view seeing through and showing the 2nd group guide cam groove of the inner peripheral surface side of a cam ring. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a rectilinear guide ring. It is a development top view of the 2nd group lens movement frame. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a 2nd outer cylinder. It is an expansion | deployment top view of a 1st outer cylinder. It is a figure which shows notionally the operation | movement relationship of the main components of the zoom lens barrel of this embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the support mechanism of a 2 group lens frame. It is a front perspective view of the state which combined the support mechanism of FIG. It is the back perspective view. It is a back perspective view which shows the state in which the cam protrusion is being inserted with respect to the cam protrusion insertion / extraction opening of a back 2 group lens frame support plate. It is a single-piece | unit front view of a 2 group lens movement frame. It is a single perspective view of the second group lens moving frame. It is a front perspective view of the 2nd group lens moving frame in the state where the 2nd group lens frame and the shutter unit were assembled. It is the back perspective view. It is the same front view. It is the same rear view. FIG. 30 is a rear view showing a state in which the second group lens frame is retracted from the state of FIG. 29. It is sectional drawing which follows the XXXI-XXXI sectional line of FIG. FIG. 29 is a front view showing the second group lens frame held at the photographing position in the state of FIG. 28 as seen through. It is a front view which expands and shows the principal part of the optical axis adjustment mechanism of the 2nd lens group by the 1st and 2nd eccentric shaft member. It is a front view which expands and shows the principal part of the optical axis adjustment mechanism of the 2nd lens group by a rotation control pin. It is a front view which shows the relationship between the 2nd group lens frame hold | maintained at the imaging position, and a cam protrusion. It is a front view which shows the state in which the 2nd group lens frame was rotated to the retracted position vicinity by the retracting cam surface of the cam protrusion. It is a front view which shows the state in which the 2nd group lens frame was hold | maintained in the retracted position by the retracted position holding surface of the cam protrusion. It is the perspective view which looked at the back AF lens frame and CCD holder from diagonally downward. It is the figure which looked at the CCD holder, AF lens frame, and 2 group lens moving frame from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the state which retracted to the position immediately before a 2nd group lens frame contact | abuts to a cam protrusion. It is a perspective view which shows the state which 2nd group lens frame was hold | maintained in the retracted position, and was retracted | retreated to the back movement end. It is sectional drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning structure of an exposure control FPC board. It is a perspective view which shows the aspect of holding | maintenance of the exposure control FPC board | substrate by a 2 group lens frame. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the 2nd group lens frame approached the AF lens frame. It is a side view which shows the state just before a 2nd group lens frame contacts AF lens frame. It is a side view showing a state where the second group lens frame is abutted against the AF lens frame. It is a front view which shows the positional relationship of the movement locus | trajectory of 2nd group lens frame, and AF lens frame. It is a perspective view of the 1st outer cylinder which covers a 2nd group lens movement frame. It is the same front view. It is a front view which shows different embodiment of the optical axis adjustment mechanism of the 2nd lens group by the 1st and 2nd eccentric shaft member.

Explanation of symbols

A Aperture LG1 First lens group LG2 Second lens group (retraction optical element)
LG3 Third lens group (rear optical element)
LG4 Low-pass filter (rear optical element)
PX PY1 PY2 Adjustment axis S Shutter Z0 Lens barrel center axis Z1 Shooting optical axis Z2 Retraction optical axis Z3 Optical axis 1 of the finder objective system 1st group lens frame 1a Male adjustment screw 1b Abutting part 2 Guide projection 2c Engaging claw 3 First group retaining ring 3a Spring receiving portion 6 Second group lens frame (optical element holding member, swinging member)
6a Lens cylinder 6b Oscillation center cylinder 6c Oscillation arm 6d Oscillation shaft hole 6e Stopper arm 6f Front spring support part 6g Rear spring support part 6h 6i Spring removal projection 6j Retraction action arm 6k 6p Spring hook 6m Rear protrusion 6n AF Frame contact surface 6q Linear support surface 6r Inclined support surface 6z Spring storage hole 8 2 group lens moving frame (straight forward advance / retract member)
8a 8a-W Straight guide groove 8b Cam follower for second group 8b-1 Front cam follower 8b-2 Rear cam follower 8c Front support plate mounting surface 8d Partial cylindrical portion 8e Rear support plate mounting surface 8f Eccentric shaft support hole 8g Swing center tube storage Hole (projection entry hole)
8h Screw insertion hole 8i Eccentric shaft support hole 8j Front boss 8k Rear boss 8m Rotation restricting pin insertion hole 8n Through space 8p Key groove (sliding engagement part)
8q Lens barrel entry recess 8r Stopper arm entry recess 8s Intermediate flange 8t 2 group lens movement opening 9 Light shielding ring 10 2 group rectilinear guide ring (straight guide relay member)
10a Crotch-shaped projection 10b Ring portion 10c 10c-W Straight guide key 10d FPC through hole 11 Cam ring 11a Second group guide cam groove 11a-1 Front cam groove 11a-2 Rear cam groove 11b First group guide cam groove 11c 11e Circumferential groove 11d Barrier drive ring pressing surface 12 First outer cylinder 12a Engagement protrusion 12b Group adjusting ring guide groove 12c Inner diameter flange 12d Driver insertion hole 12e Driver insertion hole 12f Driver insertion hole 12g Driver insertion hole 13 Second outer cylinder 13a Straight guide protrusion 13b Straight guide groove 13c Inner diameter flange 14 Straight guide ring (straight guide relay member)
14a rectilinear guide protrusion 14b relative rotation guide protrusion 14c relative rotation guide protrusion 14d circumferential groove 14e roller guide through groove 14e-1 circumferential groove 14e-2 circumferential groove 14e-3 lead groove 14f first rectilinear guide groove 14g first 2 straight guide groove 15 third outer cylinder 15a rotation transmission projection 15b fitting projection 15c spring contact recess 15d relative rotation guide projection 15e circumferential groove 15f roller fitting groove 17 roller biasing spring 17a roller pressing piece 18 helicoid ring 18a Male helicoid 18b Rotating sliding protrusion 18c Spur gear portion 18d Rotation transmission recess 18e Fitting recess 18f Spring insertion recess 18g Circumferential groove 21 CCD holder (non-rotating member, fixing member, image sensor holder)
21a cam projection (the pressing projections)
21b Filter holder 21c Retraction cam surface 21d Retraction position holding surface (retraction holding surface)
21e Guide key (sliding engagement part)
21f Retraction direction slope 21v1 21v2 Shaft support hole 22 Fixed ring 22a Female helicoid 22b Straight guide groove 22c Skew groove 22d Rotating sliding groove 22e Stopper insertion / removal hole 22f Annular portion 22g 22h Notch 22q FPC through hole 22t1 22t2 Support protrusion 22v1 22v2 Shaft Support hole 22z Front annular region 24 Group 1 biasing spring 25 Separating direction biasing spring 26 Disassembly stopper 28 Zoom gear 29 Zoom gear shaft 30 Finder gear 31 Group 1 roller 32 Cam ring roller 32a Roller fixing screw 33 Group 2 rotation shaft Center axis)
33a Flange 34X First eccentric shaft member 34X-a Large diameter shaft portion 34X-b Front eccentric pin 34X-c Rear eccentric pin 34X-d Rotation operation groove 34Y Second eccentric shaft member 34Y-a Large diameter shaft portion 34Y-b Front Eccentric pin 34Y-c Rear eccentric pin 34Y-d Rotation operation groove 35 Rotation restricting pin (on-axis position holding means, stopper)
35a Large diameter shaft part 35b Eccentric pin (stopper)
35c Rotation operation groove 36 37 2nd lens frame support plate 36a 37a First vertically elongated hole 36b 37b Rotating shaft fitting hole 36c 37c Cam projection insertion / removal opening 36d Screw insertion hole 37d Screw screwing hole 36e 37e Horizontal elongated hole 36f 37f Second Vertically long hole 36f '37f' Inclined long hole 36g Spring hook 37g Guide key entry groove 38 Axial pressing spring 39 Second group lens frame return spring (on-axis position holding means, biasing spring)
39a Front spring end 39b Back spring end 40 Rotation transmission spring 40a Fixed spring end 40b Movable spring end (pressed part)
51 AF lens frame (3 group lens frame)
51a 51b Guide hole 51c Front projecting cylindrical portion 51c1 Front end surface 51c2 Opening portion 51c3 51c4 51c5 51c6 Side surface 51d 51e Guide arm portion 51f Front projecting portion 51g Inclined contact surface 51h Retraction direction inclined surface 52 53 AF guide shaft 54 AF nut 55 AF frame Biasing spring 60 CCD (solid-state image sensor, rear optical element)
61 Packing 62 CCD base plate 64 Stop ring fixing screw 66 Support plate fixing screw 66a Screw shaft portion 66b Rotation operation groove 70 Digital camera 71 Zoom lens barrel 72 Camera body 74 Deceleration gear box 75 Lens drive control FPC board 76 Shutter unit 77 Exposure Control FPC board 77a First linear portion 77b U-shaped portion 77c Second linear portion 77d Third linear portion 80 Viewfinder unit 81a Objective window 81b 81c Movable variable magnification lens 81d Prism 81e Eyepiece 81f Eyepiece window 83 84 Holding frame 85 86 Guide shaft 90 Cam gear 101 Barrier cover 102 Barrier pressure plate 103 Barrier drive ring 104 105 Barrier blade 106 Barrier biasing spring 107 Barrier drive ring biasing spring 140 Control circuit 150 Zoom motor 160 AF motor

Claims (21)

Non-rotating member;
A rectilinear advance / retreat member that is relatively movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the non-rotating member and is guided linearly in the optical axis direction;
The rectilinear advance / retreat member supports a retracting optical element constituting a part of the photographing optical system, and is movable to an on-axis position where the retracting optical element is positioned on the optical axis and an off-axis position where the retracting optical element is removed from the optical axis. A supported optical element holding member;
On SL non-rotating member, is formed by projecting the optical axis direction toward the optical element holding member, the optical element holding member side when the relative distance of the linearly reciprocating members and the non-rotating member is equal to or less than a predetermined amount the optical element holding member in contact with the pressed portion pressing projections move to the off-axis position from the position on the axis of; provided and the non-rotating member and the rectilinear reciprocation member, at least the optical element holding member above Slide that regulates the advancing / retreating direction of the rectilinear advance / retreat member with respect to the non-rotating member by slidably engaging with each other when moving from the on-axis position to the off-axis position or being held at the off-axis position. Engaging portion;
An optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel, comprising: 2. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the sliding engagement portion includes a guide key and a key groove provided on one and the other of the non-rotating member and the rectilinear advance / retreat member. Retraction mechanism. 3. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-rotating member is positioned rearward in the optical axis direction with respect to the rectilinear advance / retreat member , and the rectilinear advance / retreat member is changed from a photographing state to a retracted state of the lens barrel. made when moved in the optical axis direction rear, straight advancing the optical element holding member side of the optical element moving device of a lens barrel that the pressed portion is to abut against the pressing projection of the non-rotating member by a rearward movement of the reciprocating member. 4. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the non-rotating member is a fixed member that does not move in the optical axis direction. 5. The lens barrel optical element retracting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sliding engagement portion is moved from an on-axis position of the optical element holding member to an off-axis position by the pressing of the pressing protrusion . An optical element retracting mechanism of the lens barrel that is engaged after the movement of the lens is completed. 6. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the pressing protrusion has a retracting holding surface parallel to the optical axis, and the optical element holding member is connected to the retracting holding surface. An optical element retraction mechanism for a lens barrel that is engaged and held at an off-axis position. 7. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the sliding engagement portion on the non-rotating member side is retracted from the optical element of the lens barrel formed on the pressing protrusion. mechanism. 8. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 7, wherein the sliding engagement portion formed on the pressing protrusion is a guide key formed on the outer surface of the pressing protrusion. . 9. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 8, wherein the guide key is formed in a partial region in the optical axis direction of the outer surface of the pressing protrusion. Projecting the optical element moving device of a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the linearly reciprocating member, the straight advance retractable member to enter the pressing protrusion when approaching the non-rotating member An optical element retraction mechanism for a lens barrel having an entry hole. 11. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 10, wherein the sliding engagement portion on the optical element holding member side is a keyway formed on the inner wall surface of the protrusion entry hole facing the outer surface of the pressing protrusion. An optical element retracting mechanism for the lens barrel. In the optical element moving device of a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the linearly reciprocating members are annular body, the optical element holding member, the light inside the annular of the rectilinear reciprocating members An optical element retracting mechanism of a lens barrel supported so as to be movable along a plane perpendicular to the axis. 13. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 12, wherein the optical element holding member is swingably supported by a rotation center axis parallel to an optical axis located inside the linear advance / retreat member. An optical element retracting mechanism of a lens barrel as a member. 14. An optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 13, wherein the projection entry hole formed in the linearly advancing / retracting member serves as a storage space for the rotation center axis of the optical element holding member. . In the optical element moving device of a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the pressing projection provided on the non-rotating member, the lens barrel has a cam surface inclined with respect to the optical axis Optical element retracting mechanism. 16. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 1, further comprising an on-axis position holding means for holding the optical element holding member at the on-axis position in a photographing state. Optical element retraction mechanism. 17. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to claim 16, wherein the on-axis position holding means biases the optical element holding member to the on-axis position, and a biasing direction by the biasing spring. An optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel, comprising a stopper for determining a moving end of the optical element holding member. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , wherein the rectilinear advance / retreat member is at least one rectilinear advance capable of linearly moving in the optical axis direction independently of the rectilinear advance / retreat member. An optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel that is guided straight in the optical axis direction via a guide relay member. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , wherein the non-rotating member is an image capturing element holder for holding an image sensor. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 19 , further comprising a rear optical element positioned between the retracting optical element and the non-rotating member in a photographing state, Then, the optical element retracting mechanism of the lens barrel in which the retracting optical element and the rear optical element overlap the positions in the optical axis direction. 21. The optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel according to any one of claims 1 to 20 , wherein the retracting optical element is an optical element retracting mechanism for a lens barrel that is a lens group.

Images