JP2012118337A - Lens barrel device and image pickup apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent falling of cam pins from cam grooves by improving the strength of components after securing miniaturization.SOLUTION: A lens barrel device that comprises a lens barrel supporting an optical system 27 includes: a cam ring 16 formed with cam grooves 20, 20 and 20; a moving ring 17 that is movable in the optical axis direction of an optical system with respect to the cam grooves and having cam pins 25, 25 and 25 slidably engaged with the cam grooves; and a rectilinear guide 15 that comprises guide portions 18a, 18a and 18a extending in the optical axis direction and slidably engaged with the cam pins, and regulating portions 18b, 18b, ... extending in the direction around the optical axis. The cam ring includes protrusions 23, 23, ... at opening edges of the cam grooves. The protrusions are configured to be rotatable about the optical axis with respect to the rectilinear guide, not to be movable in the optical direction with respect to the rectilinear guide, and to be engaged with the regulating portions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field related to a lens barrel device and an imaging device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technical field in which a protrusion that is slidably engaged with a restricting portion formed in a straight guide is provided at the opening edge of a cam groove to ensure miniaturization and to improve the strength of a component.

  Various imaging devices such as a video camera and a still camera have a lens barrel device in which a lens or the like is disposed so as to be extendable and retracted. The lens barrel device is housed in the device main body when not photographing, and is extended from the device main body during photographing. There is a so-called collapsible type in which the zoom magnification can be changed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By providing such a telescopic lens barrel device, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in size (thinning) at the time of non-shooting and securing of good optical performance at the time of shooting.

  In the imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a moving ring that holds an optical system such as a lens, a linear guide that supports the moving ring so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, and a linear guide that moves around the axis of the optical axis. And a cam ring supported so as to be rotatable and immovable in the optical axis direction.

  The cam ring is supported by the linear guide so that it can rotate in the direction around the axis of the optical axis and cannot move in the direction of the optical axis by engaging the protrusion with the restricting portion extending in the circumferential direction (direction around the axis of the optical axis). Yes.

  In the moving ring, the cam pin is slidably engaged with a cam groove formed in the cam ring, and the rotation in the direction around the axis is restricted by a linear guide.

JP 2008-170796 A

  By the way, in the imaging apparatus as described above, the cam pin is slidably engaged with the cam groove, and the moving ring is moved along with the rotation of the cam ring. In order to ensure, it is necessary to prevent the cam pin from falling off the cam groove even when an impact or the like occurs. In recent years, portable imaging devices have become widespread, and a drop impact is likely to occur. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to prevent the cam pins from falling off the cam grooves.

  In order to prevent the cam pin from falling off the cam groove, the cam ring engagement amount is increased by increasing the cam ring depth by increasing the cam ring thickness. There is a way to make it bigger.

  However, in recent years, there is a high demand for downsizing in order to ensure good portability. Such downsizing is demanded not only in the optical axis direction but also in the radial direction of the lens barrel device. When the method of increasing the thickness of the lens barrel is used, it becomes impossible to reduce the size of the lens barrel device in the radial direction.

  On the other hand, if the cam ring is made thin, it will not be possible to prevent the cam pin from falling off the cam groove, and the strength of the parts will be reduced, resulting in low impact resistance.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to overcome the above-described problems and to improve the strength of the parts while preventing downsizing of the cam pins from the cam grooves.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the lens barrel device constitutes a lens barrel that supports the optical system, a cam ring in which a cam groove is formed, and an optical axis direction of the optical system with respect to the cam ring. A movable ring provided with a cam pin slidably engaged with the cam groove, a guide portion extending in the optical axis direction and slidably engaged with the cam pin, and the optical axis A rectilinear guide having a restricting portion extending in a direction around the axis of the camshaft, wherein the cam ring is rotatable in a direction around the axis of the optical axis with respect to the rectilinear guide, and the optical axis with respect to the rectilinear guide It is impossible to move in the direction, is engaged with the restricting portion, and has a protrusion provided at the opening edge of the cam groove.

  Therefore, in the lens barrel device, the protrusion can be engaged with the cam pin.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, the cam groove includes a linear portion extending in a direction around the optical axis, and an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the optical axis and continues to the linear portion, and the protrusion is the It is desirable to be provided at the opening edge of the straight portion.

  The cam groove has a linear portion extending in the direction around the optical axis and an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the optical axis and continues to the linear portion, and the protrusion is provided at the opening edge of the linear portion, thereby The groove width of the restricting portion is set to the minimum width.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, as the straight portion of the cam groove, a wide-angle side straight portion that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end and a telephoto-side straight portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end are formed, and the protrusion Is preferably provided at the opening edge of the wide-angle side linear portion.

  As the straight portion of the cam groove, a wide-angle side straight portion that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end and a telephoto-side straight portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end are formed, and the protrusion is provided at the opening edge of the wide-angle side straight portion. Thus, when the cam pin is engaged with the wide-angle side linear portion, the amount of engagement of the cam pin with the cam ring increases.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, as the straight portion of the cam groove, a wide-angle side straight portion that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end and a telephoto-side straight portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end are formed, and the protrusion Is preferably provided at the opening edge of the telephoto-side straight line portion.

  As the straight part of the cam groove, a wide-angle side straight part that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end and a telephoto side straight part that holds the optical system at the telephoto end are formed, and the protrusion is provided at the opening edge of the telephoto side straight part. As a result, when the cam pin is engaged with the telephoto side linear portion, the amount of engagement of the cam pin with the cam ring increases.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, the movable ring can protrude from the cam ring to the light incident side, and the protrusion is provided at the opening edge of the end of the cam groove on the light incident side. It is desirable that

  The moving ring can project from the cam ring to the light incident side, and the protrusion is provided at the opening edge of the end of the cam groove on the light incident side, so that the moving ring is incident from the cam ring. When it is projected to the side to be engaged, the amount of engagement of the cam pin with the cam ring increases.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, it is desirable that the protrusions be provided on the opening edges on both sides in the width direction of the cam groove.

  By providing the protrusions at the opening edges on both sides in the width direction of the cam groove, the amount of engagement of the cam pin with the cam ring increases.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, it is desirable that a part of the outer surface of the protrusion is formed continuously with the surface in the width direction of the cam groove.

  A part of the outer surface of the protrusion is formed continuously with the surface in the width direction of the cam groove, thereby reducing the distance between the cam pin and the protrusion.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, both surfaces in the width direction of the cam groove are formed as inclined surfaces that are separated from each other as they approach the opening edge from the bottom surface of the cam groove, and a part of the outer surface of the protruding portion is formed with the inclined surface. It is desirable that they are formed continuously at the same angle.

  Both sides in the width direction of the cam groove are formed as inclined surfaces that are separated from each other as they approach the opening edge from the bottom surface of the cam groove, and a part of the outer surface of the projecting portion is formed continuously and inclined at the same angle as the inclined surface. Thus, the mold can be released smoothly when the cam ring is formed.

  In the above-described lens barrel device, it is preferable that a connecting surface for connecting the cam groove and the protrusion is formed between the surface in the width direction of the cam groove.

  By forming a connecting surface that connects both the surface in the width direction of the cam groove and the protrusion, the position of the protrusion with respect to the cam groove can be selected according to the shape of the cam pin.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging device is an imaging device that converts a lens barrel device that forms a lens barrel having an optical system therein and an optical image captured through the optical system into an electrical signal. The lens barrel device includes a cam ring in which a cam groove is formed, and is movable in the optical axis direction of the optical system with respect to the cam ring, and is slidably engaged with the cam groove. A moving ring provided with a cam pin, a guide portion extending in the optical axis direction and slidably engaged with the cam pin, and a rectilinear guide having a restriction portion extending in the direction around the optical axis. The cam ring is rotatable in a direction around the optical axis with respect to the rectilinear guide, is immovable in the optical axis direction with respect to the rectilinear guide, and is engaged with the restricting portion. And a protrusion provided on the opening edge of the cam groove. That.

  Therefore, in the imaging apparatus, the protrusion can be engaged with the cam pin.

  The lens barrel device of the present invention constitutes a lens barrel that supports an optical system, and is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical system with respect to the cam ring formed with a cam groove and the cam ring. A movable ring provided with a cam pin that is slidably engaged with the groove, a guide portion that is slidably engaged with the cam pin, and a restriction that extends around the optical axis. And the cam ring is rotatable in the direction around the optical axis with respect to the linear guide, and cannot be moved in the optical axis direction with respect to the linear guide, A protrusion is provided on the opening edge of the cam groove while being engaged with the restricting portion.

  Accordingly, the amount of engagement of the cam pin with the cam ring is increased by the protrusion, and the cam pin can be prevented from falling off the cam groove even when an impact or the like due to dropping occurs.

  Further, the protrusion is a portion required to make the cam ring not movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the straight guide and rotatable in the direction around the axis of the optical axis, and on the opening edge in the cam groove of the cam ring. Providing the protrusion does not increase the size of the cam ring, and it is not necessary to increase the cam pin engagement with the cam groove by increasing the cam ring thickness and increasing the cam groove depth. .

  Accordingly, it is possible to improve the strength of the parts while ensuring miniaturization and to prevent the cam pins from falling off the cam grooves.

  In the invention described in claim 2, the cam groove includes a linear portion extending in a direction around the optical axis, and an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the optical axis and continues to the linear portion, A protrusion is provided at the opening edge of the linear portion.

  Therefore, the groove width of the restricting portion of the straight guide can be minimized, and high strength of the straight guide can be ensured.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a wide-angle-side straight portion that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end and a telephoto-side straight portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end are formed as the straight portions of the cam groove. The protruding portion is provided at the opening edge of the wide-angle side linear portion.

  Therefore, since the optical system is often held at the wide-angle end, the protrusion of the cam pin from the cam groove can be prevented with a high probability by providing the protrusion at the opening edge of the wide-angle side linear portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a wide-angle side linear portion that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end and a telephoto-side linear portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end are formed as the linear portion of the cam groove. The projection is provided at the opening edge of the telephoto-side straight line portion.

  Therefore, since the optical system is often held at the telephoto end, the protrusion of the cam pin from the cam groove can be prevented with a high probability by providing the projection at the opening edge of the telephoto side straight line portion.

  In the invention described in claim 5, the moving ring can project to the light incident side from the cam ring, and the projecting portion of the end of the cam groove on the light incident side is provided. It is provided at the opening edge.

  Therefore, in a state where the moving ring protrudes from the cam ring toward the light incident side, the cam pin is engaged with the cam groove in a large amount, and the cam pin can be prevented from falling off the cam groove.

  In the invention described in claim 6, the protrusions are provided at the opening edges on both sides in the width direction of the cam groove.

  Accordingly, the cam pin can be more reliably prevented from falling off the cam groove.

  In the invention described in claim 7, a part of the outer surface of the projection is formed continuously with the surface in the width direction of the cam groove.

  Therefore, the distance between the cam pin and the protrusion is small, and the cam pin can be effectively prevented from falling off the cam groove.

  In the invention described in claim 8, both surfaces in the width direction of the cam groove are formed as inclined surfaces that are separated from each other as they approach the opening edge from the bottom surface of the cam groove, and a part of the outer surface of the protruding portion is formed. Inclined at the same angle as the inclined surface and continuously formed.

  Therefore, the mold can be released smoothly when the cam ring is molded, and the moldability of the cam ring can be improved.

  In the invention described in claim 9, a connecting surface is formed between the surface in the width direction of the cam groove and the protrusion.

  Therefore, the position of the protrusion with respect to the cam groove can be selected according to the shape of the cam pin and the like, and the degree of freedom in design with respect to the position of the protrusion can be improved.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes a lens barrel device that forms a lens barrel having an optical system disposed therein, and an image pickup device that converts an optical image captured through the optical system into an electrical signal. The lens barrel device includes a cam ring in which a cam groove is formed, and a cam pin that is movable in the optical axis direction of the optical system with respect to the cam ring and is slidably engaged with the cam groove. And a linear guide having a guide portion extending in the optical axis direction and slidably engaged with the cam pin, and a restricting portion extending in the direction around the optical axis, The cam ring is rotatable in the direction around the optical axis with respect to the linear guide, is immovable in the optical axis direction with respect to the linear guide, is engaged with the restricting portion, and the cam It has a protrusion provided on the opening edge of the groove.

  Accordingly, the amount of engagement of the cam pin with the cam ring is increased by the protrusion, and the cam pin can be prevented from falling off the cam groove even when an impact or the like due to dropping occurs.

  Further, the protrusion is a portion required to make the cam ring not movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the straight guide and rotatable in the direction around the axis of the optical axis, and on the opening edge in the cam groove of the cam ring. Providing the protrusion does not increase the size of the cam ring, and it is not necessary to increase the cam pin engagement with the cam groove by increasing the cam ring thickness and increasing the cam groove depth. .

  Accordingly, it is possible to improve the strength of the parts while ensuring miniaturization and to prevent the cam pins from falling off the cam grooves.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the best mode shown below, the imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied to a still camera, and the barrel apparatus of the present invention is applied to a barrel apparatus provided in the still camera. The scope of application of the present invention is not limited to a still camera and a lens barrel device provided in the still camera. For example, various imaging devices incorporated in video cameras and other devices and these imaging devices are provided. The present invention can be widely applied to a lens barrel device.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions are shown as viewed from the photographer at the time of photographing with the still camera. Accordingly, the subject side (light incident side: object side) is the front, and the photographer side (image side) is the rear.

  In addition, the front and rear, up and down, left and right directions shown below are for convenience of explanation, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to these directions.

[Configuration of imaging device]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 and a lens barrel device 3 supported by the apparatus main body 2 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (optical axis direction). The lens barrel device 3 is housed in the device main body 2 (see FIG. 1), and the lens barrel device 3 protrudes forward from the device main body 2 (see FIG. 2) at the time of shooting or the like. The lens barrel device 3 is expanded and contracted between a storage position stored in the device main body 2 and a feeding position protruding forward from the device main body 2.

  In such a retractable type imaging apparatus 1, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in size (thinning) at the time of non-shooting and securing of good optical performance at the time of shooting.

  The apparatus main body 2 is configured, for example, by arranging required parts inside and outside a horizontally long flat housing 4 (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

  A flash 5 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 2. A shutter button 6, a zoom switch 7 and a power button 8 are provided on the upper surface of the apparatus body 2. A display 9 and various operation units 10, 10,... Are provided on the rear surface of the apparatus main body 2.

[Configuration of lens barrel device]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lens barrel device 3 includes a ring member 11 that is movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the device body 2 and an optical axis direction with respect to the ring member 11. And a holder 12 that can be moved to. The holder 12 has an annular portion 12a and a flange portion 12b projecting inward from the front end portion of the annular portion 12a.

  A barrier unit 13 is held at the front end in the holder 12. The barrier unit 13 includes a support frame 13a and lens barriers 13b and 13b supported by the support frame 13a so as to be opened and closed.

  When the lens barrel device 3 is in the storage position, as shown in FIG. 1, the ring member 11 and the holder 12 are stored inside the device body 2, and the lens barriers 13b and 13b are closed.

  When the lens barrel device 3 is in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 2, the ring member 11 projects forward from the device body 2, the holder 12 projects forward from the ring member 11, and the lens barriers 13b and 13b are opened. Thus, the front lens 14 disposed in the lens barrel device 3 is exposed. The lens barriers 13b and 13b are opened, so that the subject can be photographed.

  The lens barrel device 3 includes a rectilinear guide 15, a cam ring 16, and a moving ring 17 (see FIGS. 4 to 7).

  The rectilinear guide 15 is movable in the front-rear direction (optical axis direction), and is not rotatable in the direction around the optical axis. As shown in FIG. 4, the rectilinear guide 15 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is the front-rear direction, and is projected outward from the tubular portion 18 and the rear end portion of the tubular portion 18. Part 19.

  Guide holes 18a, 18a, 18a are formed in the cylindrical portion 18 at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and the guide holes 18a, 18a, 18a are formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The guide holes 18a, 18a, and 18a function as guide portions that guide cam pins (described later) of the moving ring 17.

  Restricting grooves 18b, 18b,... Extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 18. The restricting grooves 18b, 18b,... Function as restricting portions that engage with protrusions (described later) of the cam ring 16 and restrict the movement of the cam ring 16 in the front-rear direction. The regulation grooves 18b, 18b,... .. Are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 18, and the insertion grooves 18c, 18c,... Communicate with the restriction grooves 18b, 18b,.

  Insertion holes 19a, 19a, 19a are formed in the overhanging portion 19 at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and the insertion holes 19a, 19a, 19a are penetrated in the front-rear direction and opened inward. The insertion holes 19a, 19a, 19a communicate with the rear ends of the guide holes 18a, 18a, 18a, respectively.

  The cam ring 16 is supported by the rectilinear guide 15 so as not to move in the front-rear direction and to rotate around the optical axis.

  The outer diameter of the cam ring 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 18 of the linear guide 15 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is the front-rear direction. Cam grooves 20, 20, 20 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cam ring 16 at regular intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The cam groove 20 includes an introduction portion 21 and an insertion portion 22 that are continuously formed.

  The introduction portion 21 has a rear end coincident with the rear end of the cam ring 16 and is opened rearward and inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, and a front end portion coincides with the front end portion of the cam ring 16.

  The insertion portion 22 includes a wide-angle-side straight portion 22a positioned in front, a first inclined portion 22b continuous to the wide-angle-side straight portion 22a, and a second inclined portion continuous to the rear end portion of the first inclined portion 22b. 22c and a telescopic side linear portion 22d continuous to the front end portion of the second inclined portion 22c.

  The wide-angle side straight line portion 22a and the telephoto-side straight line portion 22d are formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction, respectively, and the telephoto-side straight line portion 22d is positioned behind the wide-angle side straight line portion 22a. The first inclined portion 22b is inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, and is formed so as to be separated from the introduction portion 21 in the circumferential direction as the distance from the wide-angle side linear portion 22a increases. The second inclined portion 22c is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction and folded back from the rear end portion of the first inclined portion 22b. The second inclined portion 22c is formed so as to be separated from the first inclined portion 22b in the circumferential direction as the distance from the first inclined portion 22b increases.

  The wide-angle side straight line portion 22a and the telephoto side straight line portion 22d are portions for holding an optical system, which will be described later, held by the moving ring 17 at the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, respectively.

  In the above description, the wide-angle side linear portion 22a located on the front side is a portion that holds the optical system at the wide-angle end, and the telephoto-side straight portion 22d located on the rear side is a portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end. Although an example is shown, conversely, the straight line portion located on the front side is formed as a portion that holds the optical system at the telephoto end, and the straight line portion located on the rear side is formed as a portion that holds the optical system at the wide angle end. Also good.

  .. Are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cam ring 16, and the protrusions 23, 23,... Are respectively provided in the regulation grooves 18 b, 18 b,. ..Slidably engaged with The protrusions 23, 23,... Are, for example, rear-side opening edges of the wide-angle side straight portions 22a, 22a, 22a and rear-side straight portions 22d, 22d, 22d of the cam grooves 20, 20, 20 respectively. It is provided at the edge.

  The protrusions 23, 23,... Of the cam ring 16 are inserted into the insertion grooves 18c, 18c,... From the front, respectively, and then rotated in the circumferential direction to engage the restriction grooves 18b, 18b,. As a result, the linear guide 15 is supported so as not to move in the front-rear direction and to rotate around the optical axis (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  The moving ring 17 includes a cylindrical portion 24 whose axial direction is the front-rear direction and a holding portion 26 projecting inward from the front end portion of the cylindrical portion 24 (see FIG. 4).

  The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 24 is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 18 of the rectilinear guide 15. Cam pins 25, 25, 25 are provided at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 24 so as to protrude outwardly at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

  The holding unit 26 holds various optical systems 27 such as a lens, a lens barrier, a shutter, an iris, and an ND (neutral density) filter.

  In the state where the cam ring 16 is supported by the rectilinear guide 15, the cam ring 25, 25, 25 is inserted into the guide hole 18 a, 18 a, 18 a from the insertion hole 19 a, 19 a, 19 a of the rectilinear guide 15. At the same time, the cam grooves 16 are inserted into the insertion portions 22, 22, 22 from the introduction portions 21, 21, 21 of the cam grooves 20, 20, 20 (see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the movable ring 17 is such that the cam pins 25, 25, 25 are slidable in the guide holes 18 a, 18 a, 18 a of the linear guide 15 and the insertion portions 22, 22, 22 in the cam grooves 20, 20, 20 of the cam ring 16. Engaged.

[Operation of lens barrel device]
When the cam ring 16 is rotated with respect to the rectilinear guide 15, the engagement position of the moving ring 17 with respect to the insertion portions 22, 22, 22 of the cam ring 25, 25, 25 is changed according to the rotation. Accordingly, the moving ring 17 and the optical system 27 held by the moving ring 17 are arranged so that the cam pins 25, 25, 25 are guided by the guide holes 18 a, 18 a, 18 a of the rectilinear guide 15, respectively. Are moved in the front-rear direction (optical axis direction).

  The cam pins 25, 25, 25 are slid between the wide-angle side straight portions 22a, 22a, 22a of the insertion portions 22, 22, 22 and the telephoto side straight portions 22d, 22d, 22d, respectively.

  When the cam pins 25, 25, 25 are slid on the wide-angle side straight portions 22a, 22a, 22a and the telephoto-side straight portions 22d, 22d, 22d of the cam grooves 20, 20, 20, the wide-angle side straight portions 22a, 22a, 22a Since the telescopic side straight portions 22d, 22d, and 22d are formed to extend in the circumferential direction, the moving ring 17 and the optical system 27 are not moved in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, when the cam pins 25, 25, 25 are slid on the first inclined portions 22b, 22b, 22b and the second inclined portions 22c, 22c, 22c of the cam grooves 20, 20, 20, the moving ring 17 and the optical ring The system 27 is moved in the front-rear direction.

  In a state where the cam pins 25, 25, 25 are engaged with the wide-angle side straight portions 22 a, 22 a, 22 a, the moving ring 17 is moved forward most with respect to the cam ring 16, and the rear end portion of the moving ring 17 A portion excluding is projected forward from the cam ring 16 (see FIG. 6).

  When the cam pins 25, 25, 25 are engaged with the telephoto side straight portions 22 d, 22 d, 22 d, the moving ring 17 is moved rearward with respect to the cam ring 16, and the moving ring 17 Is located inside the cam ring 16 (see FIG. 7).

  In the above, the wide-angle side straight portions 22a, 22a, 22a and the telephoto side straight portions 22d, 22d, 22d are provided as portions that extend in the circumferential direction in the cam grooves 20, 20, 20 and hold the optical system 27 at a predetermined position. The example which formed was shown. In addition, the first inclined portions 22b, 22b, and 22b and the second inclined portions 22c, 22c, and 22c are provided in the cam grooves 20, 20, and 20 as a portion that extends in the circumferential direction and holds the optical system 27 at a predetermined position. A portion extending in the circumferential direction and holding the optical system 27 at a predetermined position may be formed in the middle of the step.

[Summary]
In the state where the cam pin 25 is engaged with the wide-angle side straight portion 22a or the telephoto-side straight portion 22d, protrusions 23 and 23 are provided on the rear opening edges of the wide-angle side straight portion 22a and the telephoto-side straight portion 22d, respectively. Therefore, the engagement amount of the cam pin 25 with respect to the cam ring 16 is increased (see FIG. 8).

  Therefore, even when an impact or the like due to dropping or the like occurs, the cam pin 25 can be prevented from dropping from the cam groove 20.

  The protrusion 23 is a portion required to support the cam ring 16 so that it cannot move in the optical axis direction on the rectilinear guide 15 and is rotatable in the direction around the axis of the optical axis. It is a part that. Therefore, providing the projection 23 at the opening edge of the cam groove 16 of the cam ring 16 does not increase the size of the cam ring 16, and the cam ring 16 is thickened to increase the depth of the cam groove 20. By doing so, it is not necessary to increase the amount of engagement of the cam pin 25 with respect to the cam groove 20, and it is possible to prevent the cam pin 25 from falling off the cam groove 20 while ensuring miniaturization and improving the strength of the parts.

  When the protrusion 23 is provided on the opening edge of the first inclined portion 22b or the second inclined portion 22c, the protrusion 23 is provided inclined along the cam groove 20, and accordingly, The groove widths of the regulation grooves 18b, 18b,... Of the rectilinear guide 15 may be widened, and the strength of the rectilinear guide 15 may be reduced.

  However, in the lens barrel device 3, the protrusions 23 are provided at the opening edges of the wide-angle side linear portion 22a and the telephoto side linear portion 22d that extend in the circumferential direction, respectively, so that the restriction grooves 18b and 18b of the rectilinear guide 15 are provided. ,... Can be minimized, and the high strength of the linear guide 15 can be ensured.

  However, the protruding portion 23 can be provided on the opening edge of the first inclined portion 22b or the second inclined portion 22c.

  Furthermore, in the imaging apparatus 1, shooting or the like is often performed with the optical system 27 held at the wide-angle end or the telephoto end. However, as described above, the protrusion 23 is connected to the wide-angle side linear portion 22a and the telephoto side. By providing at the opening edge of the straight portion 22d, the cam pin 25 can be prevented from falling off the cam groove 20 with high probability.

  As described above, in the state where the cam pin 25 is engaged with the wide-angle-side linear portion 22a, the moving ring 17 is moved most forward with respect to the cam ring 16 as shown in FIG. Since the portion excluding the rear end portion 17 projects forward from the cam ring 16, the cam pin 25 is likely to drop off from the cam groove 20.

  However, in the lens barrel device 3, the protrusion 23 is provided at the end of the cam groove 20 on the light incident side (object side), that is, at the opening edge of the wide-angle side linear portion 22a. In a state where the moving ring 17 protrudes forward from the cam ring 16, the engagement amount of the cam pin 25 with respect to the cam groove 20 is large, and the falling of the cam pin 25 from the cam groove 20 can be avoided.

  In the above, the example in which the protrusion 23 is provided at the opening edge on the image side in the width direction of the cam groove 20 is shown, but the position where the protrusion 23 is provided is the opening on the image side in the width direction of the cam groove 20. The protrusion 23 may be provided at the opening edge on the object side in the width direction of the cam groove 20 without being limited to the edge.

  The protrusions 23 may be provided at the opening edges on both the object side and the image side in the width direction of the cam groove 20. When the projections 23 are provided at the opening edges on both the object side and the image side in the width direction of the cam groove 20, the cam pin 25 can be more reliably prevented from falling off the cam groove 20.

[Others]
Hereinafter, each of the lens barrel devices 3A to 3F in which the positions where the protrusions are formed with respect to the cam grooves will be described (see FIGS. 9 to 14).

  The cam groove 20 is formed by a bottom surface 20a and inclined surfaces 20b and 20b continuous on both sides in the width direction of the bottom surface 20a (see FIGS. 9 to 14). The inclined surfaces 20b and 20b are inclined so as to be displaced in a direction away from each other as the distance from the bottom surface 20a increases.

  When the cam pin 25 is inserted into the cam groove 20 and engaged therewith, the cam pin 25 has a front end surface 25a positioned opposite to the bottom surface 20a and inclined surfaces 25b and 25b positioned opposite to the inclined surfaces 20b and 20b, respectively. is doing.

  In the lens barrel devices 3A, 3B, and 3C shown below, the cam ring 16 is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the rectilinear guide 15 (see FIGS. 9 to 11).

  In the lens barrel device 3A, the protruding portion 23A is continuously provided on one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 (see FIG. 9). The protrusion 23A is slidably engaged with the restriction groove 18b of the linear guide 15.

  The projecting portion 23A has an inwardly facing flat surface 23a, a front surface 23b continuous with the front edge of the flat surface 23a, and a rear surface 23c continuous with the rear edge of the flat surface 23a. 20b. The inclination angle of the front surface 23b is the same as the inclination angle of the one inclined surface 20b.

  In the lens barrel device 3A, as described above, since the front surface 23b of the protrusion 23A is continuous with the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the protrusion 23A is small, and the cam pin 25 Can be effectively prevented from falling off the cam groove 20.

  Further, since the front surface 23b of the protrusion 23A is continuous at the same inclination angle as the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20, it is possible to smoothly release the mold when the cam ring 16 is formed, The formability of the cam ring 16 can be improved.

  The lens barrel device 3B is provided in a state in which the protrusion 23B is slightly spaced from the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 (see FIG. 10). The protrusion 23B is slidably engaged with the restriction groove 18b of the linear guide 15.

  A connecting surface 16a is formed between the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 and the protruding portion 23B and has a short length in the front-rear direction, and the front edge of the connecting surface 16a is one inclined surface of the cam groove 20. 20b, and the rear edge of the connecting surface 16a is continued to the protrusion 23B.

  The protrusion 23B has a flat surface 23d that faces inward, a front surface 23e that continues to the front edge of the flat surface 23d, and a rear surface 23f that continues to the rear edge of the flat surface 23d, and the front surface 23e is formed to face frontward.

  In the lens barrel device 3B, as described above, the connecting surface 16a is formed between the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 and the protruding portion 23B, so that the cam groove according to the shape of the cam pin 25 or the like. The position of the protrusion 23B with respect to 20 can be selected, and the degree of freedom of design can be improved with respect to the position of the protrusion 23B.

  Further, since the front surface 23e of the protrusion 23B is formed to face forward, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the protrusion 23B is smaller than when the front surface is inclined in the same direction as the one inclined surface 20b. Further, it is possible to effectively prevent the cam pin 25 from dropping from the cam groove 20.

  In the lens barrel device 3C, the protrusion 23C is continuously provided on one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 (see FIG. 11). The protrusion 23C is slidably engaged with the restriction groove 18b of the linear guide 15.

  The protrusion 23C has an inwardly facing flat surface 23g, a front surface 23h continuous with the front edge of the flat surface 23g, and a rear surface 23i continuous with the rear edge of the flat surface 23g, and the front surface 23h is formed to face frontward.

  In the lens barrel device 3C, as described above, since the front surface 23h of the protrusion 23C is continuous with the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the protrusion 23C is small, and the cam pin 25 Can be effectively prevented from falling off the cam groove 20.

  Further, since the front surface 23h of the protrusion 23C is formed so as to face forward, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the protrusion 23C is smaller than when the front surface is inclined in the same direction as the one inclined surface 20b. Further, it is possible to more effectively prevent the cam pin 25 from dropping from the cam groove 20.

  In the above, the lens barrel devices 3A, 3B, and 3C are shown as examples in which the cam ring 16 is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the rectilinear guide 15, but conversely, as shown below, the cam ring 16 is in the rectilinear guide 15 It is also possible to configure so as to be positioned on the inner peripheral side of the.

  As examples in which the cam ring 16 is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the rectilinear guide 15, lens barrel devices 3D, 3E, and 3F are shown below (see FIGS. 12 to 14).

  In the lens barrel device 3D, the projecting portion 23D is continuously provided on one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 (see FIG. 12). The protrusion 23D is slidably engaged with the restriction groove 18b of the linear guide 15.

  The projection 23D has an outwardly facing flat surface 23j, a front surface 23k continuous with the front edge of the flat surface 23j, and a rear surface 23l continuous with the rear edge of the flat surface 23j. 20b. The inclination angle of the front surface 23b is the same as the inclination angle of the one inclined surface 20b.

  In the lens barrel device 3D, as described above, since the front surface 23k of the projection 23D is continuous with the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the projection 23D is small, and the cam pin 25 Can be effectively prevented from falling off the cam groove 20.

  Further, since the front surface 23k of the protrusion 23D is continuous at the same inclination angle as the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20, it is possible to smoothly release the mold when the cam ring 16 is formed, The formability of the cam ring 16 can be improved.

  The lens barrel device 3E is provided in a state in which the protrusion 23E is slightly spaced from the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 (see FIG. 13). The protrusion 23E is slidably engaged with the restriction groove 18b of the rectilinear guide 15.

  A connecting surface 16b is formed between the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 and the protrusion 23E so as to face outward and the length in the front-rear direction is short, and the front edge of the connecting surface 16b is one inclined surface of the cam groove 20 20b, and the rear edge of the connecting surface 16b is continued to the protrusion 23E.

  The protrusion 23E has a flat surface 23m facing outward, a front surface 23n continuous with the front edge of the flat surface 23m, and a rear surface 23o continuous with the rear edge of the flat surface 23m, and the front surface 23n is formed facing forward.

  In the lens barrel device 3E, as described above, the connecting surface 16b is formed between the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 and the protruding portion 23E, so that the cam groove according to the shape of the cam pin 25 or the like. The position of the protrusion 23E with respect to 20 can be selected, and the degree of freedom in design can be improved with respect to the position of the protrusion 23E.

  Further, since the front surface 23n of the protrusion 23E is formed to face forward, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the protrusion 23E is smaller than when the front surface is inclined in the same direction as the one inclined surface 20b. Further, it is possible to effectively prevent the cam pin 25 from dropping from the cam groove 20.

  In the lens barrel device 3F, the protrusion 23F is continuously provided on one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20 (see FIG. 14). The protrusion 23F is slidably engaged with the restriction groove 18b of the linear guide 15.

  The protrusion 23F has a flat surface 23p facing outward, a front surface 23q continuous with the front edge of the flat surface 23p, and a rear surface 23r continuous with the rear edge of the flat surface 23p, and the front surface 23q faces the front.

  In the lens barrel device 3F, as described above, since the front surface 23q of the projection 23F is continuous with the one inclined surface 20b of the cam groove 20, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the projection 23F is small, and the cam pin 25 Can be effectively prevented from falling off the cam groove 20.

  Further, since the front surface 23q of the protrusion 23F is formed so as to face forward, the distance between the cam pin 25 and the protrusion 23F is smaller than when the front surface is inclined in the same direction as the one inclined surface 20b. Further, it is possible to more effectively prevent the cam pin 25 from dropping from the cam groove 20.

[One Embodiment of Imaging Device]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a still camera (digital still camera) according to an embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention.

  An imaging apparatus (digital still camera) 100 performs a camera block 30 that performs an imaging function, a camera signal processing unit 31 that performs signal processing such as analog-digital conversion of a captured image signal, and recording and reproduction processing of the image signal. And an image processing unit 32. In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 33 that displays captured images, an R / W (reader / writer) 34 that writes and reads image signals to and from the memory card 1000, and an imaging. A central processing unit (CPU) 35 that controls the entire apparatus, an input unit 36 that includes various switches that are operated by a user, and a lens driving control that controls the driving of lenses arranged in the camera block 30 Part 37.

  The camera block 30 includes an optical system including a lens group 38 (a lens group disposed inside the lens barrel device 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F to which the present invention is applied), a CCD (Charge Coupled). The image sensor 39 and the like such as a device (CMOS) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

  The camera signal processing unit 31 performs various signal processing such as conversion of the output signal from the image sensor 39 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, and conversion into a luminance / color difference signal.

  The image processing unit 32 performs compression encoding / decompression decoding processing of an image signal based on a predetermined image data format, conversion processing of data specifications such as resolution, and the like.

  The LCD 33 has a function of displaying various data such as an operation state of the user input unit 36 and a photographed image.

  The R / W 34 writes the image data encoded by the image processing unit 32 to the memory card 1000 and reads the image data recorded on the memory card 1000.

  The CPU 35 functions as a control processing unit that controls each circuit block provided in the imaging apparatus 100, and controls each circuit block based on an instruction input signal or the like from the input unit 36.

  The input unit 36 includes, for example, a shutter release button for performing a shutter operation, a selection switch for selecting an operation mode, and the like, and outputs an instruction input signal corresponding to an operation by a user to the CPU 35.

  The lens drive control unit 37 controls a motor (not shown) that drives each lens of the lens group 38 based on a control signal from the CPU 35.

  The memory card 1000 is, for example, a semiconductor memory that can be attached to and detached from a slot connected to the R / W 34.

  Hereinafter, an operation in the imaging apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the shooting standby state, under the control of the CPU 35, the image signal shot by the camera block 30 is output to the LCD 33 via the camera signal processing unit 31 and displayed as a camera through image. When an instruction input signal for zooming is input from the input unit 36, the CPU 35 outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit 37, and a predetermined lens group 38 is controlled based on the control of the lens drive control unit 37. The lens is moved.

  When a shutter (not shown) of the camera block 30 is operated by an instruction input signal from the input unit 36, the captured image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 31 to the image processing unit 32 and subjected to compression encoding processing. Converted to data format digital data. The converted data is output to the R / W 34 and written to the memory card 1000.

  Focusing is performed by the lens drive control unit 37 based on a control signal from the CPU 35, for example, when the shutter release button of the input unit 36 is half-pressed or when it is fully pressed for recording (photographing). This is performed by moving a predetermined lens of the lens group 38.

  When playing back image data recorded on the memory card 1000, predetermined image data is read from the memory card 1000 by the R / W 34 according to an operation on the input unit 36, and decompressed and decoded by the image processing unit 32. After the processing is performed, the reproduction image signal is output to the LCD 33 and the reproduction image is displayed.

  The specific shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-described best mode are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited by these. It should not be interpreted in a general way.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 15 show the best mode of the present invention, and this figure is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus shown in a state where the lens barrel apparatus is housed in the apparatus main body. It is a perspective view of an imaging device shown in the state where a lens barrel device protrudes from a device main part. It is a perspective view which shows an imaging device in the state seen from the opposite side to FIG.1 and FIG.2. It is an expansion disassembled perspective view which shows a part of internal structure of a lens-barrel apparatus. It is an expansion perspective view which shows a part of cam ring. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the moving ring protrudes forward from the cam ring and the optical system is held at the wide-angle end. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the moving ring is inside the cam ring and the optical system is held at the telephoto end. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the state in which the cam pin is engaged with the cam groove. FIGS. 10 to 14 show an example of each lens barrel device in which the formation position of the protrusion with respect to the cam groove is different. FIG. It is sectional drawing. It is an expanded sectional view showing another example of the state where the cam ring is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the rectilinear guide. It is an expanded sectional view which shows another example of the state in which the cam ring was located in the outer peripheral side of the rectilinear guide. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the example of the state in which the cam ring was located in the inner peripheral side of the rectilinear guide. It is an expanded sectional view showing another example of the state where the cam ring is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the rectilinear guide. It is an expanded sectional view showing another example of the state where the cam ring is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the rectilinear guide. It is a block diagram of an imaging device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 3 ... Barrel apparatus, 15 ... Straight guide, 16 ... Cam ring, 17 ... Moving ring, 18a ... Guide hole (guide part), 18b ... Restriction groove (regulation part), 20 ... Cam groove, 22a ... Wide-angle side straight part, 22b ... First slope part, 22c ... Second slope part, 22d ... Telephoto side straight part, 23 ... Projection part, 25 ... Cam pin, 27 ... Optical system, 3A ... Lens barrel device, 3B ... barrel device, 3C ... barrel device, 3D ... barrel device, 3E ... barrel device, 3F ... barrel device, 23A ... projection, 23B ... projection, 23C ... projection, 23D ... projection, 23E ... Projection, 23F ... Projection, 20a ... Bottom, 20b ... Inclined surface, 16a ... Connection surface, 16b ... Connection surface, 100 ... Imaging device, 39 ... Imaging element

Claims (10)

In the lens barrel device constituting the lens barrel that supports the optical system,
A cam ring formed with a cam groove;
A movable ring provided with a cam pin that is movable in the optical axis direction of the optical system with respect to the cam ring and is slidably engaged with the cam groove;
A linear guide having a guide portion extending in the optical axis direction and slidably engaged with the cam pin; and a restricting portion extending in a direction around the optical axis.
The cam ring is rotatable in a direction around the axis of the optical axis with respect to the rectilinear guide, is immovable in the optical axis direction with respect to the rectilinear guide, is engaged with the restriction portion, and is A lens barrel device having a protrusion provided on an opening edge of a cam groove. The cam groove has a linear portion extending in a direction around the optical axis and an inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the optical axis and continues to the linear portion;
The lens barrel device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided at an opening edge of the linear portion. Forming a wide-angle-side straight portion that holds the optical system at a wide-angle end and a telephoto-side straight-line portion that holds the optical system at a telephoto end as straight portions of the cam groove;
The lens barrel device according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is provided at an opening edge of the wide-angle side linear portion. Forming a wide-angle-side straight portion that holds the optical system at a wide-angle end and a telephoto-side straight-line portion that holds the optical system at a telephoto end as straight portions of the cam groove;
The lens barrel device according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is provided at an opening edge of the telephoto-side straight line portion. The movable ring can protrude from the cam ring to the light incident side;
The lens barrel device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided at an opening edge of an end of the cam groove on a side where the light is incident. The lens barrel device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions are provided at opening edges on both sides in the width direction of the cam groove. The lens barrel device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the outer surface of the protrusion is formed continuously with a surface in the width direction of the cam groove. Both sides in the width direction of the cam groove are formed as inclined surfaces that are separated from each other as approaching the opening edge from the bottom surface of the cam groove,
The lens barrel device according to claim 7, wherein a part of the outer surface of the protruding portion is continuously inclined and inclined at the same angle as the inclined surface. The lens barrel device according to claim 1, wherein a connecting surface is formed between the surface in the width direction of the cam groove and the protrusion. In an imaging apparatus comprising a lens barrel device that constitutes a lens barrel in which an optical system is disposed inside and an imaging device that converts an optical image captured via the optical system into an electrical signal,
The lens barrel device is
A cam ring formed with a cam groove;
A movable ring provided with a cam pin that is movable in the optical axis direction of the optical system with respect to the cam ring and is slidably engaged with the cam groove;
A linear guide having a guide portion extending in the optical axis direction and slidably engaged with the cam pin; and a restricting portion extending in a direction around the optical axis.
The cam ring is rotatable in a direction around the axis of the optical axis with respect to the rectilinear guide, is immovable in the optical axis direction with respect to the rectilinear guide, is engaged with the restriction portion, and is An imaging device having a protrusion provided on an opening edge of a cam groove.

Images