Lens barrel, camera device, and method for manufacturing lens barrel

Abstract

The invention provides a lens barrel, a camera device, and a method for manufacturing the lens barrel. In a state in which the circumferential position of the engagement piece (41) of the linear motion cylinder (40) is aligned with the circumferential position of the communication groove (33) of the rotating cylinder (30), the rotating cylinder (30) is moved in the axial direction with respect to the linear motion cylinder, and the engagement piece is inserted into the circumferential groove (32) via the communication groove to constitute a cylinder assembly (100). The boss portion (38) of the rotating cylinder and the guide protrusion (43) of the linear motion cylinder are inserted into the axial groove portion of the fixed cylinder (10) in a state where the circumferential position of the boss portion (38) and the circumferential position of the guide protrusion (43) of the linear motion cylinder are aligned with the circumferential position of the axial groove portion (23) of the composite groove of the fixed cylinder (10). The boss part of the rotating cylinder is moved from the axial groove part of the fixed cylinder to the through cam groove part (22), so that the boss part is exposed from the through cam groove part, and the working pin (31) is installed on the boss part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens barrel. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are cameras with lens barrels that can be extended and retracted in the direction of the optical axis (for example, see Patent Document 1). Such a lens barrel includes: a fixed barrel fixed to the frame; a rotating barrel that can move axially while rotating relative to the fixed barrel; and a key barrel that does not rotate relative to the fixed barrel but can move axially together with the rotating barrel. In existing lens barrels, it is necessary to provide a cam groove on the fixed barrel for allowing the rotating barrel to extend axially while rotating (see Patent Document 1). Figure 5 B's reference numeral 15) and an axial groove for axially moving the key cylinder (Patent Document 1 Figure 5 B's label 16), so its structure and manufacturing process become complicated and the manufacturing cost becomes high.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-61462 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrel and a camera device that can be manufactured at low cost.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for inexpensively manufacturing a lens barrel that is extendable and retractable in the optical axis direction.

[0006] 14. The optical lens arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first and second circumferential grooves of the operating ring are configured to extend and retract along the optical axis, the first and second circumferential grooves of the operating ring being configured to extend and retract along the optical axis. It is arranged on the radial inner side of the above-mentioned fixed cylinder, and the rotating cylinder has a second circumferential groove and a working pin, the second circumferential groove extends along the circumferential direction, and the working pin protrudes toward the radial outer side, passes through the above-mentioned through cam groove portion of the above-mentioned composite groove of the above-mentioned fixed cylinder and engages with the above-mentioned first axial groove of the above-mentioned operating ring so as to be able to move inside the above-mentioned through cam groove portion and inside the above-mentioned first axial groove; and a direct-acting cylinder, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the above-mentioned rotating cylinder, and the direct-acting cylinder has a second engaging piece and a guide protrusion, the second engaging piece protrudes toward the radial outer side, engages with the above-mentioned second circumferential groove of the above-mentioned rotating cylinder and is able to move inside the above-mentioned second circumferential groove, and the guide protrusion protrudes toward the radial outer side, engages with the above-mentioned axial groove portion of the above-mentioned composite groove of the above-mentioned fixed cylinder and is able to move inside the above-mentioned axial groove portion.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera device including the lens barrel described above and a frame to which the fixing tube of the lens barrel is fixed.

[0008] 20. The optical lens system of claim 19, wherein the at least one lens element is configured to be oriented in a direction of the axial direction of the lens and the lens barrel, wherein the at least one lens element is configured to be oriented in a direction of the axial direction of the lens. The cylinder assembly is formed by moving the rotating cylinder relative to the linear cylinder along the optical axis and inserting the locking piece into the circumferential groove via the connecting groove; the circumferential position of the boss portion of the rotating cylinder is aligned with the circumferential position of the guide protrusion of the linear cylinder by rotating the linear cylinder of the cylinder assembly relative to the rotating cylinder; the boss portion and the guide protrusion are inserted into the axial groove portion of the fixed cylinder in a state where the circumferential positions of the boss portion and the guide protrusion aligned with the circumferential position of the axial groove portion of the composite groove of the fixed cylinder are aligned; the rotating cylinder is rotated relative to the fixed cylinder, so that the boss portion of the rotating cylinder moves from the axial groove portion of the fixed cylinder toward the through cam groove portion to expose the boss portion from the through cam groove portion; and a working pin is installed on the boss portion exposed from the through cam groove portion.

[0009] According to the present invention, the composite groove of the fixed barrel has both the function of allowing the rotating barrel to extend along the optical axis while rotating and the function of allowing the linear motion barrel to move along the optical axis. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate grooves for these functions. The structure of the fixed barrel is simplified, and the manufacturing process of the lens barrel is also simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the lens barrel and the camera device can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view showing a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of a camera device shown in FIG. 1 showing a state in which the lens barrel is extended forward.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A longitudinal sectional view of a lens barrel in the camera device shown.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of a lens barrel in the camera device shown.

[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the operating ring, fixed cylinder, first rotating cylinder, and first linear motion cylinder of the lens barrel of the camera device shown.

[0015] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the second rotating barrel, the second linear motion barrel, and the movable lens barrel of the lens barrel of the camera device shown.

[0016] Figure 7 It is schematically shown Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of the operating ring.

[0017] Figure 8A It is schematically shown Figure 5 Side view of the fixed cylinder.

[0018] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A AA line section view.

[0019] Figure 9A It is schematically shown Figure 5 A side view of the first rotating drum.

[0020] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A BB line cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 10A It is schematically shown Figure 5 A side view of the first linear actuator.

[0022] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A CC line cross-sectional view.

[0023] Figure 11A It is schematically shown Figure 6 A side view of the second rotating drum.

[0024] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A DD line cross-sectional view.

[0025] Figure 12A It is schematically shown Figure 6 A side view of the second linear actuator.

[0026] Figure 12B yes Figure 12AEE line cross-sectional view.

[0027] Figure 13 Is shown assembled Figure 1 A perspective view of a camera device showing a mid-stage lens barrel is shown.

[0028] Figure 14 Is shown assembled Figure 1 A perspective view of a camera device showing a mid-stage lens barrel is shown.

[0029] Figure 15 Is shown assembled Figure 1 A perspective view of a camera device showing a mid-stage lens barrel is shown.

[0030] Description of labels

[0031] 1: Camera device; 7: Lens barrel; 10: Operating ring; 11: Axial groove; 12: Circumferential groove (first circumferential groove); 13: Connecting groove; 20: Fixed cylinder; 21: Engaging piece (first engaging piece); 22: Through-cam groove portion; 22A: Rear end portion; 22B: Front end portion; 22C: Intermediate portion; 23: Axial groove portion; 25: Composite groove; 27: Enlarged groove portion; 30: First rotating cylinder; 31: Working pin (working portion); 32: Circumferential groove (second circumferential groove); 33: Connecting groove; 34: Axial groove; 35: Engaging piece; 36: Front cylinder portion; 37: Rear cylinder portion; 38: Boss Part; 40: 1st direct-acting cylinder; 41: Engaging piece (2nd engaging piece); 43: Guide protrusion; 44: Through cam groove; 45: Communication groove; 46: Axial groove; 47: Circumferential groove; 48: Communication groove; 50: 2nd rotating cylinder; 51: Working pin; 52: Cam groove; 53: Communication groove; 54: Engaging piece; 60: 2nd direct-acting cylinder; 61: Engaging protrusion; 62: Axial groove; 63: Circumferential groove; 64: Communication groove; 70: Movable lens barrel; 71, 72: Lens; 73: Lens unit; 75: Working pin; 80: Frame; 81: Screw; P: Optical axis direction; S: Film storage space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 15 The embodiment of the camera device of the present invention is described in detail. Figures 1 to 15 In the present invention, the same or equivalent components are marked with the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted. Figures 1 to 15 In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish components from each other and do not indicate a specific order or sequence.

[0033] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a camera device 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. The camera device 1 in this embodiment is a camera that uses a photo film that is automatically developed after shooting (an instant camera), but the present invention can of course be applied to cameras other than such instant cameras. In this embodiment, for convenience, the direction from the camera device 1 toward the subject along the optical axis ( Figure 1 The +Z direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as “front” or “front side”, and the direction from the subject toward the camera device 1 (−Z direction) is referred to as “rear” or “rear side”.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera device 1 includes a front cover 2, a rear cover 3 disposed adjacent to and behind the front cover 2, side covers 4A and 4B mounted to the sides of the front cover 2 and rear cover 3, a film ejection cover 5 disposed between the front cover 2 and rear cover 3, a door 6 mounted to the rear of the rear cover 3, and a lens barrel 7 housing a lens unit. To enhance the aesthetics of the side cover 4B, a decorative panel 4C is mounted on the side cover 4B.

[0035] The front surface of the side cover 4A is provided with a viewfinder window 8A and a release button 8B. The rear surface of the side cover 4A is provided with a viewfinder portion 8C, through which the user can view an image of a subject in front of the camera through viewfinder window 8A. Furthermore, a flash 9 is provided between the front cover 2 and the side cover 4A. The film discharge cover 5 has a discharge port 5A extending in the X direction, from which developed photo film is discharged.

[0036] The lens barrel 7 in this embodiment is configured to be extendable and retractable in the optical axis direction. Figure 1 The lens barrel 7 in the state shown is in the most contracted state in the optical axis direction (Z direction). Figure 1 The state shown is referred to as the “retracted state” of the camera device 1 . Figure 2 The lens barrel 7 is shown in a state where it is extended to the maximum extent in the optical axis direction P (Z direction). Figure 2 The state shown is referred to as the “photography state” of the camera device 1 .

[0037] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lens barrel 7 in the retracted state, Figure 4 : is a longitudinal sectional view of the lens barrel 7 in the photographic state. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In order to facilitate understanding, some components are simplified. In this embodiment, the front cover 2, the rear cover 3, the side covers 4A and 4B and the film discharge cover 5 constitute the outer shell of the camera device 1, and the inner part of the outer shell contains the film. Figure 3 and Figure 4The frame 80 shown is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A film storage space S is formed inside the frame 80 for storing a photo film (not shown) containing a developer.

[0038] Figure 5 and Figure 6 7 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the lens barrel 7. Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the lens barrel 7 includes: an operating ring 10, which can be rotated by the user's hand; a fixed cylinder 20, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the operating ring 10 and is fixed by, for example, a screw 81 (see Figure 5 ) and is fixed to the frame 80; the first rotating cylinder 30, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the fixed cylinder 20; the first direct-acting cylinder 40, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the first rotating cylinder 30; the second rotating cylinder 50, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the first direct-acting cylinder 40; the second direct-acting cylinder 60, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the second rotating cylinder 50; and the movable lens barrel 70, which is arranged on the radial inner side of the second direct-acting cylinder 60. Figure 5 The operating ring 10, the fixed cylinder 20, the first rotating cylinder 30 and the first linear motion cylinder 40 of the lens barrel 7 are shown. Figure 6 The second rotating cylinder 50, the second linear motion cylinder 60, and the movable lens barrel 70 of the lens barrel 7 are shown. In this embodiment, a lens unit 73 including a pair of lenses 71 and 72 is housed within the movable lens barrel 70. A freely openable and closable barrier 74 is disposed in front of the lens unit 73. The number of lenses included in the lens barrel 7 is not limited to two.

[0039] Figure 7 FIG is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the operating ring 10. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, three axial grooves 11 (first axial grooves) extending from the rear edge of the operating ring 10 in the +Z direction, three circumferential grooves 12 (first circumferential grooves) extending along the circumference, and three connecting grooves 13 extending from the rear edge of the operating ring 10 in the +Z direction and connected to the ends of the circumferential grooves 12 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the operating ring 10. The three axial grooves 11, the three circumferential grooves 12, and the three connecting grooves 13 are respectively arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 120 degrees) along the circumference. In this embodiment, each circumferential groove 12 is formed within an angular range of approximately 90 degrees around the axis. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the operation ring 10 is formed with anti-slip concavoconvex 14. In addition, the camera device 1 is provided with a contact sensor, a light sensor, etc. (not shown) that can detect the rotation angle of the operation ring 10.

[0040] Figure 8A is a side view schematically showing the fixed cylinder 20, Figure 8B yes Figure 8AAA line section view. Figure 5 、 Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B As shown, the fixed cylinder 20 has three engaging pieces 21 (first engaging pieces) protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. These engaging pieces 21 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference (i.e., at 120-degree intervals). The width of each engaging piece 21 of the fixed cylinder 20 along the optical axis (Z direction) (hereinafter referred to as the axial width) is slightly smaller than the axial width of the circumferential groove 12 of the operating ring 10. The engaging pieces 21 of the fixed cylinder 20 engage with the circumferential groove 12 of the operating ring 10 and are able to move circumferentially within the circumferential groove 12. Through the engagement of the engaging pieces 21 of the fixed cylinder 20 with the circumferential groove 12 of the operating ring 10, the operating ring 10 can rotate relative to the fixed cylinder 20 without changing its axial position relative to the fixed cylinder 20.

[0041] When assembling the operating ring 10 to the fixed cylinder 20, the circumferential position of the engaging piece 21 of the fixed cylinder 20 is aligned with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 13 of the operating ring 10. The operating ring 10 is then moved from the front direction of the fixed cylinder 20 in the -Z direction. This allows the engaging piece 21 of the fixed cylinder 20 to move axially (in the Z direction) within the communicating groove 13 of the operating ring 10 toward the end of the circumferential groove 12. In this state, by rotating the operating ring 10 relative to the fixed cylinder 20, the engaging piece 21 of the fixed cylinder 20 can be engaged with the circumferential groove 12 of the operating ring 10.

[0042] like Figure 5 、 Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B As shown, the fixed cylinder 20 is formed with three composite grooves 25 arranged at equal intervals (i.e., 120-degree intervals) along the circumferential direction. Each composite groove 25 consists of a through cam groove portion 22 extending through the circumferential wall and an axial groove portion 23 connected to the through cam groove portion 22. Each through cam groove portion 22 includes a rear end portion 22A, a front end portion 22B, and an intermediate portion 22C located between the rear end portion 22A and the front end portion 22B. The intermediate portion 22C of the through cam groove portion 22 extends so that its position in the Z direction gradually changes forward along the circumferential direction from the rear end portion 22A toward the front end portion 22B.

[0043] like Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the through-cam groove portion 22 has an enlarged groove portion 27 with an axially increasing width on the radially inner side. This enlarged groove portion 27 is formed along the entire length of the through-cam groove portion 22. The axial groove portion 23 extends from the rear end portion 22A of the through-cam groove portion 22 in the +Z direction and is connected to the rear edge portion 20A of the fixed cylinder 20.

[0044] Figure 9A FIG is a side view schematically showing the first rotating drum 30. Figure 9AAs shown, the first rotating cylinder 30 includes a front cylinder portion 36 and a rear cylinder portion 37. In addition, the first rotating cylinder 30 has three cylindrical working pins 31 protruding from the outer peripheral surface toward the outside in the radial direction. These working pins 31 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 120 degrees) along the circumference. The working pin 31 is mounted on a boss portion 38 protruding toward the outside in the radial direction near the front edge of the rear cylinder portion 37. The outer diameter of the boss portion 38 is larger than the outer diameter of the working pin 31. In this way, the working pin 31 is fixed to the boss portion 38 protruding with an outer diameter larger than that of the working pin 31, so the strength of the working pin 31 is reinforced by the boss portion 38. Therefore, as described later, it is possible to prevent the working pin 31 from being damaged by the force acting when sliding inside the through cam groove portion 22.

[0045] The outer diameter of each operating pin 31 is slightly smaller than the axial width of the through-cam groove 22 of the fixed cylinder 20 and the circumferential width of the axial groove 11 of the operating ring 10 (hereinafter referred to as the circumferential width). Each operating pin 31 passes through the through-cam groove 22 of the fixed cylinder 20 and engages with the axial groove 11 of the operating ring 10. The outer diameter of the boss portion 38 is slightly smaller than the axial width of the expanded groove 27 of the fixed cylinder 20 and smaller than the circumferential width of the axial groove 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. This allows the boss portion 38 to pass through the axial groove 23 of the fixed cylinder 20 and move toward the expanded groove 27, as well as within the expanded groove 27. Hereinafter, the operating pin 31 and boss portion 38 may be collectively referred to as the "operating portion."

[0046] With this structure, the operating pin 31 of the first rotating cylinder 30 can engage with the through-cam groove 22 of the fixed cylinder 20 and move along it. It can also engage with the axial groove 11 of the operating ring 10 and move axially therein. Due to the engagement of the operating pin 31 of the first rotating cylinder 30 with the axial groove 11 of the operating ring 10, when a user rotates the operating ring 10 relative to the fixed cylinder 20, the first rotating cylinder 30 rotates along with the operating ring 10 relative to the fixed cylinder 20. At this time, due to the engagement of the operating pin 31 of the first rotating cylinder 30 with the through-cam groove 22 of the fixed cylinder 20, the first rotating cylinder 30 moves relative to the fixed cylinder 20 in the optical axis direction, following the shape of the through-cam groove 22. Thus, when the user rotates the operating ring 10 relative to the fixed cylinder 20, the first rotating cylinder 30 rotates relative to the fixed cylinder 20 and extends in the +Z direction. Furthermore, when the operating pin 31 of the first rotating cylinder 30 moves along the through cam groove 22 of the fixed cylinder 20, the boss 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 moves within the enlarged groove 27 of the through cam groove 22. This structure prevents the boss 38 from interfering with the fixed cylinder 20 due to the enlarged groove 27 of the fixed cylinder 20.

[0047] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A BB line cross-sectional view. Figure 9B As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the first rotating cylinder 30 is formed with three circumferential grooves 32 (second circumferential grooves) extending in the circumferential direction, three connecting grooves 33 extending from the rear end of the first rotating cylinder 30 in the +Z direction and connected to the ends of the circumferential grooves 32, and three axial grooves 34 extending from the rear edge of the first rotating cylinder 30 in the +Z direction. Furthermore, the first rotating cylinder 30 has three engaging pieces 35 protruding radially inward from the inner circumferential surface. The three circumferential grooves 32, three connecting grooves 33, three axial grooves 34, and three engaging pieces 35 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at 120-degree intervals) along the circumferential direction.

[0048] Figure 10A FIG is a side view schematically showing the first linear motion cylinder 40. Figure 5 and Figure 10A As shown, the first direct-acting cylinder 40 has three engaging pieces 41 (second engaging pieces) protruding from the outer peripheral surface toward the outside in the radial direction. These engaging pieces 41 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 120 degrees) along the circumferential direction. The axial width of each engaging piece 41 is slightly smaller than the axial width of the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30, and each engaging piece 41 engages with the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30. As a result, the engaging piece 41 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40 can move circumferentially inside the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30. By engaging the engaging piece 41 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40 with the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30, the first direct-acting cylinder 40 can rotate relative to the first rotating cylinder 30 without changing its position in the Z direction relative to the first rotating cylinder 30.

[0049] In addition, the first direct-acting cylinder 40 has three guide protrusions 43 that protrude radially outward from the rear edge. The guide protrusions 43 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 120 degrees) along the circumferential direction. The circumferential width of each guide protrusion 43 is slightly smaller than the circumferential width of the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20, and the guide protrusions 43 of each first direct-acting cylinder 40 engage with the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. As a result, the guide protrusions 43 can move axially within the axial groove portion 23. In this way, by engaging the guide protrusions 43 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40 with the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20, the first direct-acting cylinder 40 can move in the Z direction without rotating relative to the fixed cylinder 20.

[0050] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A The CC line cross-sectional view. Figure 10BAs shown, three through-cam grooves 44 are formed in the first linear motion cylinder 40, extending through the peripheral wall. These through-cam grooves 44 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Each through-cam groove 44 includes a rear end portion 44A, a front end portion 44B, and an intermediate portion 44C connecting the rear end portion 44A and the front end portion 44B. The intermediate portion 44C of the through-cam groove 44 extends so that its position in the Z direction gradually changes forward along the circumferential direction from the rear end portion 44A toward the front end portion 44B.

[0051] In addition, three communication grooves 45 extending from the rear edge of the first linear motion cylinder 40 in the +Z direction and connected to the rear end portion 44A of the through cam groove 44 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first linear motion cylinder 40, and two axial grooves 46 extending from the rear edge of the first linear motion cylinder 40 in the +Z direction. Figure 5 and Figure 10A As shown, three circumferential grooves 47 extending along the circumferential direction and three connecting grooves 48 extending from the front edge of the first direct-acting cylinder 40 in the -Z direction and connected to the circumferential grooves 47 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first direct-acting cylinder 40. The three connecting grooves 45, the three circumferential grooves 47 and the three connecting grooves 48 are respectively arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 120 degrees) along the circumferential direction.

[0052] When the first linear-acting cylinder 40 is assembled to the first rotating cylinder 30, the circumferential position of the engaging piece 41 of the first linear-acting cylinder 40 is aligned with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 33 of the first rotating cylinder 30. At this point, the circumferential position of the engaging piece 35 of the first rotating cylinder 30 coincides with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 48 of the first linear-acting cylinder 40. Then, by moving the first rotating cylinder 30 from the front direction of the first linear-acting cylinder 40 in the -Z direction, the engaging piece 41 of the first linear-acting cylinder moves axially (in the Z direction) within the communicating groove 33 of the first rotating cylinder 30 toward the end of the circumferential groove 32, and the engaging piece 35 of the first rotating cylinder 30 moves axially (in the Z direction) within the communicating groove 48 of the first linear-acting cylinder 40 toward the end of the circumferential groove 47. In this state, by rotating the first rotating cylinder 30 relative to the first linear cylinder 40 , the engaging piece 41 of the first linear cylinder 40 can be engaged with the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30 , and the engaging piece 35 of the first rotating cylinder 30 can be engaged with the circumferential groove 47 of the first linear cylinder 40 .

[0053] Figure 11A FIG is a side view schematically showing the second rotating drum 50. Figure 6 and Figure 11AAs shown, the second rotating cylinder 50 has three cylindrical operating pins 51 protruding radially outward from its outer circumferential surface. These operating pins 51 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference (i.e., at 120-degree intervals). The outer diameter of each operating pin 51 is slightly smaller than the axial width of the through-cam groove 44 of the first linear cylinder 40 and the circumferential width of the axial groove 34 of the first rotating cylinder 30. Each operating pin 51 passes through the through-cam groove 44 of the first linear cylinder 40 and engages with the axial groove 34 of the first rotating cylinder 30.

[0054] With this structure, the operating pin 51 of the second rotating cylinder 50 engages with the through-cam groove 44 of the first linear cylinder 40 and can move along the through-cam groove 44 within the first linear cylinder 40. It also engages with the axial groove 34 of the first rotating cylinder 30 and moves axially within the axial groove 34 of the first rotating cylinder 30. Due to the engagement of the operating pin 51 of the second rotating cylinder 50 with the axial groove 34 of the first rotating cylinder 30, when the first rotating cylinder 30 rotates relative to the fixed cylinder 20, the second rotating cylinder 50 rotates relative to the fixed cylinder 20 together with the first rotating cylinder 30. At this time, due to the engagement of the operating pin 51 of the second rotating cylinder 50 with the through-cam groove 44 of the first linear cylinder 40, the second rotating cylinder 50 moves relative to the first linear cylinder 40 in the optical axis direction (Z direction) along the shape of the through-cam groove 44 as the second rotating cylinder 50 rotates. In this manner, when the first rotating cylinder 30 is rotated relative to the fixed cylinder 20 by a user's operation, the second rotating cylinder 50 is rotated relative to the first linear motion cylinder 40 and extends in the +Z direction.

[0055] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A DD line cross-sectional view. Figure 11B As shown, six cam grooves 52 and six connecting grooves 53 extending from the rear edge of the second rotating cylinder 50 in the +Z direction and connected to the rear end of the cam groove 52 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating cylinder 50. The six cam grooves 52 and the six connecting grooves 53 are respectively arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 60 degrees) along the circumferential direction. Each cam groove 52 extends in a manner such that its position in the Z direction gradually changes forward along the circumferential direction from the rear end toward the front end. In addition, the second rotating cylinder 50 has three engaging pieces 54 protruding from the inner circumferential surface toward the inner side in the radial direction. These engaging pieces 54 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 120 degrees) along the circumferential direction.

[0056] Figure 12A FIG is a side view schematically showing the second linear motion cylinder 60. Figure 6 and Figure 12AAs shown, the second direct-acting cylinder 60 has two engaging protrusions 61 that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. These engaging protrusions 61 are arranged so as to correspond to the axial grooves 46 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40. The circumferential width of each engaging protrusion 61 is slightly smaller than the circumferential width of the axial grooves 46 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40, and each engaging protrusion 61 engages with the axial grooves 46 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40. As a result, the engaging protrusions 61 of the second direct-acting cylinder 60 can move axially within the axial grooves 46 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40. By engaging the engaging protrusions 61 of the second direct-acting cylinder 60 with the axial grooves 46 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40, the second direct-acting cylinder 60 can move in the Z direction without rotating relative to the first direct-acting cylinder 40.

[0057] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A EE line cross-sectional view. Figure 6 、 Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B As shown, six axial grooves 62 are formed in the second linear motion cylinder 60, extending through the circumferential wall and from the rear edge in the +Z direction. Furthermore, three circumferential grooves 63 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second linear motion cylinder 60, extending in the circumferential direction, and three connecting grooves 64 are formed, extending from the front edge of the second linear motion cylinder 60 in the -Z direction and connecting to the circumferential grooves 63. The six axial grooves 62 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference (i.e., at 60-degree intervals), while the three circumferential grooves 63 and the three connecting grooves 64 are each arranged at equal intervals along the circumference (i.e., at 120-degree intervals).

[0058] When assembling the second linear motion cylinder 60 to the second rotating cylinder 50, the circumferential position of the engaging piece 54 of the second rotating cylinder 50 is aligned with the communicating groove 64 of the second linear motion cylinder 60, and the second rotating cylinder 50 is moved from the front direction of the second linear motion cylinder 60 in the -Z direction. This allows the engaging piece 54 of the second rotating cylinder 50 to move axially (in the Z direction) within the communicating groove 64 of the second linear motion cylinder 60 toward the end of the circumferential groove 63. In this state, by rotating the second rotating cylinder 50 relative to the second linear motion cylinder 60, the engaging piece 54 of the second rotating cylinder 50 can be engaged with the circumferential groove 63 of the second linear motion cylinder 60.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the movable lens barrel 70 has six cylindrical operating pins 75 protruding radially outward from its outer circumferential surface. These operating pins 75 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., 60-degree intervals) along the circumference. The outer diameter of each operating pin 75 is slightly smaller than the circumferential width of the axial groove 62 of the second linear cylinder 60 and the axial width of the cam groove 52 of the second rotating cylinder 50. Each operating pin 75 passes through the axial groove 62 of the second linear cylinder 60 and engages with the cam groove 52 of the second rotating cylinder 50.

[0060] With this structure, the operating pin 75 of the movable lens barrel 70 can engage with the cam groove 52 of the second rotating cylinder 50 and move along the cam groove 52 within the second rotating cylinder 50. Furthermore, the operating pin 75 of the movable lens barrel 70 can engage with the axial groove 62 of the second linear-acting cylinder 60 and move axially within the axial groove 62 of the second linear-acting cylinder 60. The engagement of the operating pin 75 of the movable lens barrel 70 with the axial groove 62 of the second linear-acting cylinder 60 causes the movable lens barrel 70 to rotate together with the second linear-acting cylinder 60. Furthermore, the engagement of the operating pin 75 of the movable lens barrel 70 with the cam groove 52 of the second rotating cylinder 50 allows the movable lens barrel 70 to move relative to the second rotating cylinder 50 in the optical axis direction, following the shape of the cam groove 52 of the second rotating cylinder 50, as the movable lens barrel 70 rotates relative to the second rotating cylinder 50.

[0061] According to the above structure, Figure 1 In the retracted state of the camera device 1 shown, when the user rotates the operation ring 10 relative to the fixed cylinder 20, the first rotating cylinder 30 rotates relative to the fixed cylinder 20 and extends in the +Z direction, the second rotating cylinder 50 rotates relative to the first rotating cylinder 30 and extends in the +Z direction, and the movable lens barrel 70 rotates relative to the second rotating cylinder 50 and extends in the +Z direction. When a sensor (not shown) provided inside the camera device 1 detects the extended operation ring 10, the camera device 1 is powered on, and the camera device enters the shooting state.

[0062] When changing from the photographic state to the retracted state, the operating ring 10 is rotated in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned extending rotation direction. As the operating ring 10 rotates, the movable lens barrel 70 rotates relative to the second rotating barrel 50 and moves in the -Z direction, the second rotating barrel 50 rotates relative to the first rotating barrel 30 and moves in the -Z direction, and then the first rotating barrel 30 rotates relative to the fixed barrel 20 and moves in the -Z direction. By such an action, it is finally Figure 1 The contracted state is shown.

[0063] When assembling the lens barrel 7, as described above, the second rotating cylinder 50 is moved in the −Z direction from the front direction of the second linear motion cylinder 60, causing the engaging piece 54 of the second rotating cylinder 50 to move in the Z direction within the communicating groove 64 of the second linear motion cylinder 60 and toward the end of the circumferential groove 63. In this state, the second rotating cylinder 50 is rotated relative to the second linear motion cylinder 60, causing the engaging piece 54 of the second rotating cylinder 50 to engage with the circumferential groove 63 of the second linear motion cylinder 60.

[0064] Furthermore, by rotating the second linear-acting cylinder 60 relative to the second rotating cylinder 50, the circumferential position of the axial groove 62 of the second linear-acting cylinder 60 is aligned with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 53 of the second rotating cylinder 50. In this state, the movable lens barrel 70 is retracted from the rear of the second linear-acting cylinder 60 to the radially inner side of the second linear-acting cylinder 60, with the operating pin 75 of the movable lens barrel 70 inserted into the axial groove 62 of the second linear-acting cylinder 60 and the communicating groove 53 of the second rotating cylinder 50. The second linear-acting cylinder 60 and the second rotating cylinder 50 in this state are collectively referred to as the "front cylinder member."

[0065] The first rotating cylinder 30 is prepared without the operating pin 31 attached, and the circumferential position of the engaging piece 41 of the first linear cylinder 40 is aligned with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 33 of the first rotating cylinder 30. At this point, the circumferential position of the engaging piece 35 of the first rotating cylinder 30 coincides with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 48 of the first linear cylinder 40. Then, the first rotating cylinder 30 is inserted from the front of the first linear cylinder 40 in the -Z direction. This causes the engaging piece 41 of the first linear cylinder 30 to move axially (in the Z direction) within the communicating groove 33 of the first rotating cylinder 30 toward the end of the circumferential groove 32, and the engaging piece 35 of the first rotating cylinder 30 to move axially (in the Z direction) within the communicating groove 48 of the first linear cylinder 40 toward the end of the circumferential groove 47. In this state, by rotating the first rotating cylinder 30 relative to the first linear motion cylinder 40, the engaging piece 41 of the first linear motion cylinder 40 engages with the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30, and the engaging piece 35 of the first rotating cylinder 30 engages with the circumferential groove 47 of the first linear motion cylinder 40. The first linear motion cylinder 40 and the first rotating cylinder 30 in this state are collectively referred to as the "rear cylinder member."

[0066] The first linear motion cylinder 40 is then rotated relative to the first rotating cylinder 30 so that the circumferential position of the operating pin 51 of the second rotating cylinder 50 coincides with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 45 of the first linear motion cylinder 40, and the circumferential position of the engaging protrusion 61 of the second linear motion cylinder 60 coincides with the circumferential position of the axial groove 46 of the first linear motion cylinder 40. In this state, the rear cylinder member is moved in the -Z direction from the front of the front cylinder member, thereby retracting the front cylinder member radially inward of the rear cylinder member. The first rotating cylinder 30, first linear motion cylinder 40, second rotating cylinder 50, and second linear motion cylinder 60 in this state are collectively referred to as the "cylinder assembly." Figure 13 The cartridge assembly 100 is shown.

[0067] Then, if Figure 14 As shown, by rotating the first direct-acting cylinder 40 of the cylinder assembly 100 relative to the first rotating cylinder 30, the circumferential position of the boss portion 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 is aligned with the circumferential position of the guide protrusion 43 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40. Figure 15As shown, the circumferential positions of the boss portion 38 and guide protrusion 43 of the cylinder assembly 100 are aligned with the circumferential positions of the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. The cylinder assembly 100 is then retracted from the rear of the fixed cylinder 20, radially inward of the fixed cylinder 20, with the boss portion 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 and the guide protrusion 43 of the first linear motion cylinder 40 inserted into the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. When the boss portion 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 is moved to the front end of the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20, the guide protrusion 43 of the first linear motion cylinder 40 is positioned within the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. Subsequently, when the cylinder assembly 100 is rotated, the boss portion 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 moves along the enlarged groove portion 27 of the fixed cylinder 20, and a portion of the boss portion 38 is exposed through the through-cam groove portion 22. As long as this state is maintained, the operating pin 31 can be mounted on the boss portion 38 from the radially outer side of the through cam groove portion 22 of the fixed cylinder 20. The mounting of the operating pin 31 on the boss portion 38 can be performed, for example, by screwing, press-fitting, etc. Thus, in this embodiment, a portion of the operating portion (boss portion 38) of the first rotating cylinder 30 can be inserted into the expanded groove portion 27 via the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. Then, the screw 81 (see FIG. 1 ) is used to tighten the operating pin 31 onto the boss portion 38. Figure 5 ) etc. to fix the fixed cylinder 20 containing the cylinder assembly 100 to the frame 80.

[0068] In the lens barrel 7 assembled in this manner, the guide protrusion 43 of the first linear-acting cylinder 40 engages with the axial groove portion 23 of the composite groove 25 of the fixed cylinder 20, allowing the lens barrel 7 to extend and retract along the optical axis. Furthermore, the operating pin 31 of the first rotating cylinder 30 engages with the through-cam groove portion 22 of the composite groove 25, allowing the first rotating cylinder 30 to extend in the Z direction while rotating. In this way, the composite groove 25 of the fixed cylinder 20 serves both the function of extending the first rotating cylinder 30 in the Z direction while rotating and the function of moving the first linear-acting cylinder 40 in the Z direction. This eliminates the need for separate grooves for these functions, simplifies the structure of the fixed cylinder 20, and simplifies the manufacturing process of the lens barrel 7. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the lens barrel 7 can be reduced.

[0069] As described above, the lens barrel 7 in this embodiment houses at least one lens 71 , 72 , and is configured to be extendable and retractable along the optical axis direction P. The lens barrel 7 includes: an operating ring 10 having an axial groove 11 (first axial groove) extending along the optical axis direction P and a circumferential groove 12 (first circumferential groove) extending along the circumferential direction; a fixed cylinder 20 disposed radially inward of the operating ring 10 ; a first rotating cylinder 30 disposed radially inward of the fixed cylinder 20 ; and a first linear motion cylinder 40 disposed radially inward of the first rotating cylinder 30 . The fixed cylinder 20 has a composite groove 25 comprising a through-cam groove portion 22 and an axial groove portion 23. The through-cam groove portion 22 extends so that its position in the Z direction gradually changes forward from its rear end portion 22A to its front end portion 22B along the circumferential direction. The axial groove portion 23 extends along the Z direction from the rear end portion 22A of the through-cam groove portion 22 to the rear edge portion 20A of the fixed cylinder 20. The fixed cylinder 20 also has an engaging piece 21 (first engaging piece) that projects radially outward and engages with the circumferential groove 12 of the operating ring 10 and is movable within the circumferential groove 12. The first rotating cylinder 30 has a circumferential groove 32 (second circumferential groove) that extends circumferentially. The first rotating cylinder 30 also has an operating pin 31 that projects radially outward and passes through the through-cam groove portion 22 of the composite groove 25 of the fixed cylinder 20 to engage with the axial groove 11 of the operating ring 10 and is movable within both the through-cam groove portion 22 and the axial groove 11. The first direct-acting cylinder 40 includes: an engaging piece 41 (a second engaging piece) that protrudes outward in the radial direction, engages with the circumferential groove 32 of the first rotating cylinder 30, and is capable of moving inside the circumferential groove 32; and a guide protrusion 43 that protrudes outward in the radial direction, engages with the axial groove portion 23 of the composite groove 25 of the fixed cylinder 20, and is capable of moving inside the axial groove portion 23.

[0070] Such a lens barrel is manufactured as follows. While the circumferential position of the engaging piece 41 of the first linear-acting cylinder 40 is aligned with the circumferential position of the communicating groove 33 of the first rotating cylinder 30, the first rotating cylinder 30 is moved in the Z direction relative to the first linear-acting cylinder 40. This causes the engaging piece 41 to be inserted into the circumferential groove 32 via the communicating groove 33, thereby forming the barrel assembly 100. By rotating the first direct-acting cylinder 40 of the cylinder assembly 100 relative to the first rotating cylinder 30, the circumferential position of the boss portion 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 is aligned with the circumferential position of the guide protrusion 43 of the first direct-acting cylinder 40. In a state in which the circumferential positions of the boss portion 38 and the guide protrusion 43 whose circumferential positions are aligned are aligned with the circumferential position of the axial groove portion 23 of the composite groove 25 of the fixed cylinder 20, the boss portion 38 and the guide protrusion 43 are inserted into the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20. By rotating the first rotating cylinder 30 relative to the fixed cylinder 20, the boss portion 38 of the first rotating cylinder 30 is moved from the axial groove portion 23 of the fixed cylinder 20 toward the through cam groove portion 22, so that the boss portion 38 is exposed from the through cam groove portion 22, and the working pin 31 is mounted on the boss portion 38 exposed from the through cam groove portion 22.

[0071] In this way, the composite groove 25 of the fixed cylinder 20 has both the function of extending the first rotating cylinder 30 in the Z direction while rotating and the function of moving the first linear motion cylinder 40 in the Z direction. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate grooves for these functions, the structure of the fixed cylinder 20 becomes simple, and the manufacturing process of the lens barrel 7 also becomes simple. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the lens barrel 7 can be reduced.

[0072] In addition, the terms "front", "rear", "above", and other terms indicating positional relationships used in this specification are used in connection with the illustrated embodiments and vary depending on the relative positional relationship of devices.

[0073] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can, of course, be implemented in various different forms within the scope of the technical concept.

Claims

1. A lens barrel, which accommodates at least one lens, and the lens barrel can be extended and retracted along the optical axis, wherein: This lens barrel features: an operating ring having a first axial groove extending along the optical axis and a first circumferential groove extending along the circumferential direction; a fixed cylinder disposed radially inwardly of the operating ring and having a composite groove and a first engaging piece, the composite groove including a through cam groove portion extending so that its position in the optical axis direction gradually changes forward from a rear end portion to a front end portion along the circumferential direction, and an axial groove portion extending from the rear end portion of the through cam groove portion along the optical axis direction to a rear edge portion of the fixed cylinder, the first engaging piece protruding radially outwardly and engaging with the first circumferential groove of the operating ring to be movable within the first circumferential groove; a rotating cylinder disposed radially inward of the fixed cylinder and having a second circumferential groove and an operating pin, the second circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction, the operating pin protruding radially outward and passing through the through cam groove portion of the composite groove of the fixed cylinder and engaging with the first axial groove of the operating ring so as to be movable within the through cam groove portion and within the first axial groove; as well as The linear cylinder is arranged on the radially inner side of the rotating cylinder and has a second engaging piece and a guide protrusion. The second engaging piece protrudes toward the radially outer side and engages with the second circumferential groove of the rotating cylinder to be movable inside the second circumferential groove. The guide protrusion protrudes toward the radially outer side and engages with the axial groove portion of the composite groove of the fixed cylinder to be movable inside the axial groove portion.

2. A camera device comprising: The lens barrel according to claim 1; and A frame is provided to which the fixing tube of the lens barrel is fixed.

3. A method for manufacturing a lens barrel, wherein the lens barrel accommodates at least one lens and is retractable along an optical axis, wherein: The method includes the following steps: Preparing a fixed cylinder having a composite groove including a through cam groove portion extending so that its position in the optical axis direction gradually changes forward from a rear end portion to a front end portion along the circumferential direction, and an axial groove portion extending from the rear end portion of the through cam groove portion to a rear edge portion of the fixed cylinder along the optical axis direction; A rotating cylinder having a circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction, a connecting groove extending from the circumferential groove along the optical axis to a rear edge of the rotating cylinder, and a boss portion capable of mounting a working pin is prepared; Preparing a linear motion cylinder having an engaging piece and a guide protrusion protruding radially outward; The rotary cylinder is moved relative to the linear cylinder in the optical axis direction with the circumferential position of the engagement piece of the linear cylinder aligned with the circumferential position of the communication groove of the rotary cylinder, thereby forming a cylinder assembly by inserting the engagement piece into the circumferential groove via the communication groove. By rotating the linear cylinder of the cylinder assembly relative to the rotary cylinder, the circumferential position of the boss portion of the rotary cylinder is aligned with the circumferential position of the guide protrusion of the linear cylinder; Inserting the boss portion and the guide protrusion into the axial groove portion of the fixed cylinder in a state where the circumferential positions of the boss portion and the guide protrusion aligned in the circumferential direction are aligned with the circumferential position of the axial groove portion of the composite groove of the fixed cylinder; By rotating the rotating cylinder relative to the fixed cylinder, the boss portion of the rotating cylinder moves from the axial groove portion of the fixed cylinder toward the through cam groove portion, thereby exposing the boss portion from the through cam groove portion; and An operating pin is mounted on the boss portion exposed from the through cam groove portion.

Images