Lens barrel

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens barrel equipped with a tongue (locking part) that elastically deforms in the radial direction centered on the optical axis, which can prevent the front frame from coming off the fixed frame. [Solution] The lens barrel 10 comprises an exterior unit 15, a front frame unit 12, and a cam / linear unit 13. The exterior unit 15 has a locking portion 15d provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the main body portion 15a and formed radially inward with respect to the optical axes of lenses L1 to L8. The front frame unit 12 has a locking portion 12b that extends along the optical axis direction of the main body portion 12a and is elastically deformable radially with respect to the optical axis. When the locking portion 12b elastically deforms and engages with the locking portion 15d, it returns to its initial position and is attached to the inner circumferential surface side of the exterior unit 15. The cam / linear unit 13 has an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 13a positioned close to the inner diameter side of the locking portion 12b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, for example, a lens barrel attached to a camera body.

Background Art

[0002] A lens barrel attached to an optical device such as a camera body is generally composed of a plurality of combinations of substantially cylindrical members. For example, in Patent Document 1, a decorative ring has a locking tongue piece that can be elastically deformed. The locking tongue piece is elastically deformed and the decorative ring is inserted into the front frame. Then, when the elastic deformation of the locking tongue piece returns, the locking tongue piece engages with the front frame and the decorative ring is attached to the front frame. Further, the casing has a protrusion, and the protrusion prevents the elastic deformation of the locking tongue piece such that the engagement between the front frame and the locking tongue piece is disengaged, thereby preventing the decorative ring from coming off the front frame. A lens barrel is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above conventional lens barrel has the following problems. That is, in the lens barrel disclosed in the above publication, it is necessary to provide a shape (protrusion) for preventing elastic deformation toward the inner diameter side with another fixing member. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lens barrel capable of preventing a front frame from coming off a fixed frame with a simple configuration in a configuration including a tongue piece (locked portion) that elastically deforms in a radial direction centered on an optical axis.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The lens barrel according to this disclosure is a lens barrel for holding a plurality of lenses and comprises a fixed frame, a front frame, and a cylindrical member. The fixed frame has a substantially cylindrical first main body portion and a locking portion provided on the inner or outer circumferential surface side of the first main body portion and formed along the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lens. The front frame has a substantially annular second main body portion and a locking portion provided so as to extend along the optical axis direction of the second main body portion and elastically deformable in the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lens, and is attached to the inner or outer circumferential surface side of the fixed frame by returning to its initial position when the locking portion elastically deforms and engages with the locking portion. The cylindrical member has a substantially cylindrical third main body portion, and the outer or inner circumferential surface of the third main body portion is positioned close to the inner or outer diameter side of the locking portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the lens barrel of this disclosure, in a configuration equipped with a tongue (locking part) that elastically deforms in the radial direction centered on the optical axis, it is possible to prevent the front frame from coming off the fixed frame with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view showing the configuration of a lens barrel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the lens barrel in the WIDE position. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the lens barrel in the TELE position. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the individual components that make up the lens barrel. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the lens barrel in its retracted state (Figure 1). [Figure 5A] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the lens barrel in the WIDE position. [Figure 5B] A cross-sectional view showing the lens barrel in the TELE position in Figure 1. [Figure 6]Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the front frame unit, which is included in the lens barrel, to the outer casing unit. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the front frame unit to the exterior unit. [Figure 8] Enlarged view of section A in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 6 shows a front view from the subject side in the optical axis direction, with only the front frame unit attached to the inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of line BB in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 6 shows a front view from the subject side in the optical axis direction, with the front frame unit and cam / straight-line unit attached to the inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit. [Figure 12A] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the CC line, showing a state in which the outer surface of the cam / straight-line unit is positioned close to the locking portion to which the front frame unit is attached to the exterior unit. [Figure 12B] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the CC line, showing a state in which the outer surface of the cam / linear unit is spaced apart in the optical axis direction from the locking portion to which the front frame unit is attached to the exterior unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that a person skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure, and not intends to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) A lens barrel according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 12B. (1) Overall structure of the lens barrel 10 As shown in FIG. 1, the lens barrel 10 according to the present embodiment is attached to a camera body (not shown) in a detachable state and performs photographing of a subject. The lens barrel 10 performs zoom photographing by moving an internal optical system (a plurality of lenses L1 to L8) between a wide-angle side (position on the WIDE side) shown in FIG. 2A and a telephoto side (position on the TELE side) shown in FIG. 2B.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 3, the lens barrel 10 includes a first-group unit 11, a front-frame unit (front frame) 12, a cam and linear-movement unit (cylindrical member) 13, a second-third-group unit 14, an exterior unit (fixed frame) 15, a rear-frame unit 16, and a lens mount 17. As shown in FIG. 3, the first-group unit 11 is arranged on the subject side in the optical axis direction among the members constituting the lens barrel 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the first-group unit 11 holds lenses L1 to L4 on the inner peripheral side of a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0011] Details of the configuration of the first-group unit 11 will be described in detail later. The front-frame unit (front frame) 12 is a member attached to the subject side in the optical axis direction of the exterior unit 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the front-frame unit 12 has a substantially annular main body portion (second main body portion) 12a and three locked portions 12b that engage with locking portions 15d provided at substantially equal angular (about 120 degrees) intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the exterior unit 15. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front-frame unit 12 is provided as a decorative member that is exposed to the outside in the use state (WIDE position and TELE position).

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, the cam and linear-movement unit (cylindrical member) 13 has a substantially cylindrical main body portion (third main body portion) 13a included on the inner peripheral surface side of the exterior unit 15, three cam followers 13b protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 13a, and a cam groove 13c formed on the inner peripheral surface side. The three cam followers 13b engage with cam grooves formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer unit 15, and move along the straight grooves formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer unit 15 as the zoom ring 15c of the outer unit 15 is rotated.

[0013] As a result, the cam-linear unit 13 moves back and forth in the optical axis direction by the rotational operation of the zoom ring 15c of the outer unit 15. As shown in Figure 3, the 2-3 group unit 14 is a substantially cylindrical member enclosed on the inner circumferential side of the outer unit 15, and as shown in Figure 4, it holds lenses L5 to L8. The 2-3 group unit 14 has three cam followers 14a that protrude radially outward from its outer circumferential surface.

[0014] The three cam followers 14a engage with cam grooves 13c formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cam-linear unit 13. When the zoom ring 15c of the outer unit 15 is rotated, the cam followers 14a move along the cam grooves 13c, causing the 2-3 group unit 14 to move back and forth in the optical axis direction between the WIDE position shown in Figure 5A and the TELE position shown in Figure 5B.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the exterior unit (fixed frame) 15 has a substantially cylindrical main body (first main body) 15a that constitutes the exterior of the lens barrel 10, and a focus ring 15b and a zoom ring 15c that are attached to the outer surface of the main body 15a in a manner that allows them to rotate in the circumferential direction about the optical axis. As shown in Figure 3, the rear frame unit 16 is a substantially cylindrical member that is attached to cover the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the exterior unit 15.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the lens mount 17 is a connecting member for attaching the lens barrel 10 to the camera body (not shown), and is attached to the end of the exterior unit 15 opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction. (2) Mounting structure of the front frame unit 12 to the exterior unit 15 In the lens barrel 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the cam-linear unit 13 is enclosed within the inner circumferential surface of the outer unit 15 in a manner that allows it to move back and forth in the optical axis direction, and as shown in Figure 7, the front frame unit 12 is attached to the subject side of the outer unit 15 in a manner that allows it to be attached and detached in the optical axis direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 6, the front frame unit 12 has a substantially annular main body portion 12a and a locking portion 12b provided on the main body portion 12a. The locking portion 12b is a plate-shaped portion that is elastically deformable in the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lenses L1 to L8, and is provided at three locations at approximately equal angles (about 120 degrees) apart, extending from the main body portion 12a along the optical axis toward the opposite side from the subject. As shown in Figure 8, the locking portion 12b has an opening 12ba near the center of the elastically deformable plate-shaped portion.

[0018] As a result, the protruding portion of the locking portion 15d engages with the opening 12ba of the locking portion 12b, thereby attaching the front frame unit 12 to the inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit 15. The inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit 15 is provided with a locking portion 15d for attaching the front frame unit 12. The locking portions 15d are provided at three locations at approximately equal angles (about 120 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction around the optical axis, similar to the locked portions 12b on the front frame unit 12 side. As shown in Figure 8, the locking portions 15d have convex portions that protrude radially inward from the optical axis.

[0019] Then, in part A of Figure 7, the front frame unit 12 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit 15 by elastically deforming as the locking portion 12b of the front frame unit 12 rides up onto the locking portion 15d and engages with the locking portion 15d of the exterior unit 15, after which the locking portion 12b returns to its original shape (initial position). A more detailed explanation of the mounting structure can be found using Figure 10, which is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the front view (Figure 9) as seen from the subject side in the optical axis direction, with the front frame unit 12 attached to the inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit 15.

[0020] In other words, as shown in Figure 10, when the front frame unit 12 is attached to the inner surface of the exterior unit 15 from the subject side in the optical axis direction, the locking portion 12b elastically deforms in the direction of the dashed arrow in the figure, overcoming the locking portion 15d, and then the locking portion 15d engages with the opening 12ba of the locking portion 12b. At this time, the locking portion 12b returns to the initial position shown in Figure 10 and is locked by the locking portion 15d, thereby attaching the front frame unit 12 to the inner surface of the exterior unit 15.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, a cam-linear unit 13 is positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the exterior unit 15 to which the front frame unit 12 is attached. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the cam-linear unit 13 moves back and forth in the optical axis direction, thereby forming a usage state in which its outer circumferential surface is positioned close to the locking portion of the front frame unit 12 against the outer casing unit 15, and a disassembled state in which its outer circumferential surface is positioned at a distance from the locking portion in the optical axis direction.

[0022] More specifically, in the operating state (first position) of the lens barrel 10, as shown in Figure 12A, the outer circumferential surface of the cam / linear unit 13 is positioned in close proximity to the portion where the locking portion 12b of the front frame unit 12 is locked to the locking portion 15d of the outer casing unit 15. Here, "usage state" means a state in which photography is possible, where the outer circumferential surface of the cam / straight-line unit 13 is positioned in close proximity to the locking portion where the locked portion 12b of the front frame unit 12 is locked to the locking portion 15d of the exterior unit 15.

[0023] This prevents the part of the front frame unit 12 that is locked to the locking part 15d of the exterior unit 15 from coming loose when the cam / straight-line unit 13 is in use, thus making it impossible to attach or detach. On the other hand, in the state where the components of the lens barrel 10 are disassembled (second position), as shown in Figure 12B, the cam-linear unit 13 moves toward the subject in the optical axis direction, causing the locking portion 12b of the front frame unit 12 to become elastically deformable toward the inner diameter.

[0024] Here, the disassembled state refers to a state in which the front frame unit 12 is expected to be removed from the exterior unit 15, and means that the outer circumferential surface of the cam / linear unit 13 has moved from a position opposite the locking portion where the locked portion 12b of the front frame unit 12 is locked to the locking portion 15d of the exterior unit 15, to a position that is spaced apart toward the subject in the optical axis direction. As a result, in the disassembled state, by retracting the outer circumferential surface of the cam / linear unit 13 in the optical axis direction, the portion of the front frame unit 12 that is locked to the locking portion 15d of the outer casing unit 15 can be easily detached and disassembled by inserting a tool or the like from, for example, the side opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction.

[0025] <Key Features> The lens barrel 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, is a lens barrel that holds a plurality of lenses L1 to L8, and comprises an exterior unit 15, a front frame unit 12, and a cam / linear unit 13. The exterior unit 15 has a substantially cylindrical main body portion 15a and a locking portion 15d provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the main body portion 15a and formed radially inward with respect to the optical axes of the lenses L1 to L8. The front frame unit 12 has a substantially annular main body portion 12a and a locking portion 12b provided so as to extend along the optical axis direction of the main body portion 12a and elastically deformable radially with respect to the optical axes of the lenses L1 to L8. The locking portion 12b is attached to the inner circumferential surface side of the exterior unit 15 by returning to its initial position when it elastically deforms and engages with the locking portion 15d. The cam / linear unit 13 has a substantially cylindrical main body portion 13a, and the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 13a is positioned close to the inner diameter side of the locking portion 12b.

[0026] As a result, for the front frame unit 12 to detach from the inner circumferential surface of the exterior unit 15, the locking portion 12b needs to elastically deform inward. However, the outer circumferential surface of the cam / linear unit 13 is positioned close to the inner circumferential side of the locking portion 12b, thus suppressing the elastic deformation of the locking portion 12b inward. As a result, in a configuration equipped with a locking portion 12b that elastically deforms in the radial direction centered on the optical axis, it is possible to prevent the front frame unit 12 from coming off the exterior unit 15.

[0027] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the disclosure. (A) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the front frame unit 12 (front frame) is inserted and attached to the inner circumferential surface side of the exterior unit 15 (fixed frame). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0028] For example, the front frame may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the fixed frame. In this case, the cam / linear unit (cylindrical member) may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of both the fixed frame and the front frame. (B) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the locking portion 12b provided on the front frame unit 12 is concave (recessed), and the locking portion 15d provided on the exterior unit 15 is convex (convex). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0029] For example, the locking portion on the front frame side may be convex, and the locking portion on the fixed frame side may be concave. (C) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the locking portion 12b provided on the front frame unit 12 and the locking portion 15d provided on the exterior unit 15 are arranged at three locations at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0030] For example, the configuration may consist of one or two locking parts and locked parts, or it may consist of four or more parts. (D) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a two-stage retractable lens barrel 10 is positioned close to the locking portion in order to prevent the front frame unit 12 from falling off the exterior unit 15. However, this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0031] For example, in the case of a single-stage retractable lens barrel, the outer surface of the first group unit 11 may be positioned close to the locking portion in order to prevent the front frame from falling off the fixed frame. (E) In the above embodiment, an example using an exterior unit 15 as the fixed frame was described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0032] For example, other components included in the lens barrel may be used as a fixing frame. (F) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a cam / linear unit 13 was used as the cylindrical member. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, other components included in the lens barrel may be used as cylindrical components.

[0033] (G) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the configuration of the present disclosure is applied to a lens barrel 10 that is detachable from the camera body. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration of this disclosure may be applied to a lens barrel that is indestructibly fixed to the camera body.

[0034] (H) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the configuration of the present disclosure is applied to a lens barrel 10 that is attached to and used with a camera body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the configuration of this disclosure may be applied to a lens barrel used in an optical device other than a camera body.

[0035] <Note> Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed. (Technology 1) The lens barrel relating to Technology 1 is A lens barrel that holds multiple lenses, A fixing frame having a substantially cylindrical first main body portion and a locking portion provided on the inner or outer circumferential surface side of the first main body portion and formed along the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lens, The front frame comprises a substantially annular second main body portion, a locking portion extending along the optical axis direction of the second main body portion and elastically deformable in the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lens, and the locking portion returns to its initial position when it elastically deforms and engages with the locking portion, thereby being attached to the inner or outer circumferential surface of the fixed frame, A cylindrical member having a substantially cylindrical third main body portion, wherein the outer or inner surface of the third main body portion is positioned close to the inner or outer diameter side of the locking portion, It is equipped with.

[0036] (Technology 2) The lens barrel relating to Technology 2 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 1, The cylindrical member moves back and forth in the direction of the optical axis. (Technology 3) The lens barrel relating to Technology 3 is a lens barrel relating to Technology 1 or 2, The aforementioned fixed frame has an operating ring attached to its outer surface in a manner that allows it to be rotated. The rotation of the operating ring moves the cylindrical member in the direction of the optical axis.

[0037] (Technology 4) The lens barrel relating to Technology 4 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 3, The cylindrical member covers the entire inner or outer diameter side surface of the locking portion at a first position in the optical axis direction, and covers a portion of the inner or outer diameter side surface of the locking portion at a second position in the optical axis direction.

[0038] (Technology 5) The lens barrel relating to Technology 5 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 4, The front frame is detached from the fixed frame by deforming the locking portion toward the inner diameter side while the cylindrical member is in the second position. (Technology 6) The lens barrel relating to Technology 6 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 5, The locking portion has a protrusion formed to project radially with respect to the optical axis.

[0039] (Technology 7) The lens barrel relating to Technology 7 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 6, The locked portion has a recess that engages with the protrusion of the locked portion. (Technology 8) The lens barrel relating to Technology 8 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 7, The aforementioned front frame is a decorative frame positioned to be exposed to the outside.

[0040] (Technology 9) The lens barrel relating to Technology 9 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 8, Multiple locking portions and locked portions are provided at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis. (Technology 10) The lens barrel relating to technology 10 is a lens barrel relating to any one of technologies 1 to 9, The front frame is attached to the inner or outer surface of the fixed frame by movement in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed frame.

[0041] (Technology 11) The lens barrel related to Technology 11 is Fixed frame and A front frame attached to the inner or outer circumferential surface of the aforementioned fixed frame, A cylindrical member comprising a substantially cylindrical main body, an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the main body, wherein the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface is positioned close to the locking portion of the front frame to the fixing frame, and the disassembled state is positioned at a distance from the locking portion in the optical axis direction, It is equipped with. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] The lens barrel of this disclosure, equipped with a tongue (locking portion) that elastically deforms radially around the optical axis, has the effect of preventing the front frame from coming off the fixed frame, and is therefore widely applicable to various lens barrels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10 Lens barrel 11 Group 1 Unit 12 Front frame unit (front frame) 12a Main body (second main body) 12b Locked part 12ba opening 13. Cam / Linear Unit (Cylindrical Member) 13a Main body (Third main body) 13b Cam Follower 13c cam groove 14 Group 2-3 Unit 14a Cam Follower 15. Exterior unit (fixed frame) 15a Main body (first main body) 15b Focus Ring 15c zoom ring 15d Locking part 16 Rear frame unit 17 Lens Mount L1~L8 Lenses

Claims

1. A lens barrel that holds multiple lenses, A fixing frame having a substantially cylindrical first main body portion and a locking portion provided on the inner or outer circumferential surface side of the first main body portion and formed along the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lens, The front frame comprises a substantially annular second main body portion, a locking portion extending along the optical axis direction of the second main body portion and elastically deformable in the radial direction centered on the optical axis of the lens, and the locking portion returns to its initial position when it elastically deforms and engages with the locking portion, thereby being attached to the inner or outer circumferential surface of the fixed frame, A cylindrical member having a substantially cylindrical third main body portion, wherein the outer or inner surface of the third main body portion is positioned close to the inner or outer diameter side of the locking portion, A lens barrel equipped with this feature.

2. The cylindrical member moves back and forth in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned fixed frame has an operating ring attached to its outer surface in a manner that allows it to be rotated. The rotation of the operating ring moves the cylindrical member in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cylindrical member covers at least a portion of the inner or outer diameter side surface of the locking portion at a first position in the optical axis direction, and moves to a position spaced apart from the inner or outer diameter side surface of the locking portion at a second position in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The front frame is detached from the fixed frame by deforming the locking portion toward the inner diameter side when the cylindrical member is in the second position. The lens barrel according to claim 4.

6. The locking portion has a protrusion formed to project radially with respect to the optical axis. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The locked portion has a recess that engages with the protrusion of the locked portion. The lens barrel according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned front frame is positioned in a location that is exposed to the outside. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The locking portion and the locked portion are provided in multiple locations at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the optical axis. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The front frame is attached to the inner or outer surface of the fixed frame by movement in the optical axis direction only. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

11. Fixed frame and A front frame attached to the inner or outer circumferential surface of the aforementioned fixed frame, A cylindrical member comprising a substantially cylindrical main body, an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the main body, wherein the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface is positioned close to the locking portion of the front frame to the fixing frame, and the disassembled state is positioned at a distance from the locking portion in the optical axis direction, A lens barrel equipped with this feature.

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