Lens barrel

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens barrel that displays different information depending on the shooting mode and can suppress the size of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction when not shooting. [Solution] The lens barrel 10 comprises a roughly cylindrical fixed barrel 23, a first lens group L1, a first lens frame 20, a distance scale ring 16, and a switching ring 22. The distance scale ring 16 is positioned so that a portion of it is exposed and displays a scale indicator 16b for normal shooting and a scale indicator 16c for macro shooting. The switching ring 22 is rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the fixed barrel 23 and switches between three states by rotation: a retracted state where the scale indicators 16b and 16c for normal shooting are not displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved to the opposite side of the subject; a normal shooting state where only the scale indicator 16b is displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved toward the subject; and a macro shooting state where only the scale indicator 16c is displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved further toward the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens barrel.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lens barrel including a lens unit having an optical system, a support frame that supports the lens unit so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical system, a focus ring that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the lens unit and is rotated with respect to the lens unit when manual focus adjustment is performed, an operation portion that protrudes radially outward from the focus ring and is operated to rotate the focus ring, and a fixing portion for fixing the focus ring to the support frame when automatic focus adjustment is performed.

[0003] In this lens barrel, the fixing portion has a fixing button that is operated when fixing the focus ring to the support frame, the fixing button is disposed on the operation portion, and includes a distance scale ring having a first distance scale display for displaying a distance scale in the normal shooting mode and a second distance scale display for displaying a distance scale in the macro shooting mode formed to be parallel to the first distance scale display. The distance scale ring rotates together with the focus ring by fitting of the fixing button and a through groove when the focus ring rotates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the above conventional lens barrel has the following problems. In other words, the lens barrel disclosed in the above publication can display different distance scales depending on the shooting mode, such as displaying a first distance scale in normal shooting mode and a second distance scale in macro shooting mode. However, because the size of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction when being photographed is relatively large, it is inconvenient to carry around.

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a lens barrel that displays different information depending on the shooting mode, and that can suppress the size of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction when not shooting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The lens barrel according to this disclosure is a lens barrel used when attached to an imaging device, and comprises a substantially cylindrical fixed barrel, a lens group, a lens frame, a display unit, and a switching ring. The lens frame holds the lens group, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed frame, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens group. The display unit is positioned so that at least a portion is exposed on the outer surface, and displays a first display and a second display different from the first display. The switching ring is rotatably positioned on the outer surface of the fixed barrel, and switches between a retracted state in which neither the first nor the second display is shown and the lens frame is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction, a normal shooting state in which only the first display is shown and the lens frame is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction, and a macro shooting state in which only the second display is shown and the lens frame is moved further toward the subject in the optical axis direction by rotational operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the lens barrel of this disclosure, different displays can be shown depending on the shooting mode, and the size of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction can be suppressed when not shooting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A]An overall perspective view showing the configuration of the subject-side lens barrel according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 1B] An overall perspective view showing the configuration of the lens mount side of a lens barrel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] Figure 1A shows a side view of the lens barrel in its retracted state. [Figure 2B] Figure 1A shows a side view of the lens barrel in its normal shooting state. [Figure 2C] Figure 1A shows a side view of the lens barrel in macro photography mode. [Figure 3] Figure 1A and other exploded perspective views showing the configuration of the lens barrel. [Figure 4A] A perspective view showing the configuration of the aperture ring included in Figure 3. [Figure 4B] Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the aperture ring. [Figure 5A] A perspective view showing the configuration of the focus ring included in Figure 3. [Figure 5B] Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the focus ring included in Figure 3. [Figure 6A] A perspective cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the inner circumferential surface of the distance scale ring included in Figure 3. [Figure 6B] A perspective view showing the configuration of the distance scale ring included in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cam pin frame. [Figure 8A] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the movable ring frame on the subject side. [Figure 8B] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration on the opposite side of the movable ring frame from the subject. [Figure 9A] A perspective view showing the subject-side configuration of a movable ring frame unit, including the movable ring frame shown in Figure 8A. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the movable ring frame unit on the opposite side from the subject. [Figure 10] Figure 8A and other figures show an exploded perspective view illustrating the state in which the encoder base and encoder are mounted on the movable ring frame. [Figure 11]Perspective view showing the configuration of the depth scale ring included in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] Perspective view showing the configuration of the switching ring included in FIG. 3. [Figure 13A] Perspective view showing the configuration of the subject side of the fixed frame included in FIG. 3. [Figure 13B] Perspective view showing the configuration of the side of the fixed frame opposite to the subject in FIG. 13A. [Figure 14A] Side view showing the configuration of the cam cylinder included in FIG. 3. [Figure 14B] Perspective view showing the configuration of the cam cylinder in FIG. 14A. [Figure 15A] Side view showing the position of the cam pin with respect to the cam groove of the fixed frame in the retracted state of the lens barrel such as in FIG. 2A. [Figure 15B] Side view showing the position of the cam pin with respect to the cam groove of the fixed frame in the normal shooting state of the lens barrel such as in FIG. 2B. [Figure 15C] Side view showing the position of the cam pin with respect to the cam groove of the fixed frame in the macro shooting state of the lens barrel such as in FIG. 2A. [Figure 16A] Cross-sectional view showing the internal positional relationship in the retracted state of the lens barrel such as in FIG. 15A. [Figure 16B] Cross-sectional view showing the internal positional relationship in the normal shooting state of the lens barrel such as in FIG. 15B. [Figure 16C] Cross-sectional view showing the internal positional relationship in the macro shooting state of the lens barrel such as in FIG. 15A. [Figure 17] Enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of each part of the lens barrel in the macro shooting state in FIG. 16C. [Figure 18] Perspective view showing the fitting state of the switching ring in the macro shooting state shown in FIG. 16C etc. [Figure 19] Development view showing the positional relationship of the cam pin in each state with respect to the cam cylinder and the fixed cylinder included in FIG. 3. [Figure 20A] Side view showing the retracted state of the lens barrel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20B] Side view showing the normal shooting state of the lens barrel in FIG. 20A. [Figure 20C]Figure 20A is a side view showing the lens barrel in macro photography mode. [Figure 21] An overall perspective view showing the retracted state of a lens barrel according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the projection on the depth scale ring and the focus grip unit in manual shooting mode in the normal shooting state of the lens barrel. [Figure 23] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the focus ring unit and focus grip of the lens barrel. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner circumferential surface of the focus ring unit. [Figure 25A] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the outer surface configuration of the focus grip body included in the focus grip unit. [Figure 25B] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the focus grip body included in the focus grip unit. [Figure 26A] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the operating side of the slide switch included in the focus grip unit. [Figure 26B] Figure 26A is a perspective view showing the configuration on the opposite side of the slide switch from the operating side. [Figure 27] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stopper included in the focus grip unit. [Figure 28A] An enlarged perspective view showing the positional relationship between the focus grip unit and the projection on the depth scale ring when the lens barrel in Figure 21 is in the retracted state. [Figure 28B] Figure 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing the positional relationship between the focus grip unit and the projection on the depth scale ring when the focus ring of the lens barrel is in the AF position and the slide switch is ON. [Figure 28C] Figure 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing the positional relationship between the focus grip unit and the projection on the depth scale ring when the focus ring of the lens barrel is in the AF position and the slide switch is in the OFF position. [Figure 29A]Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the focus grip unit when it is in a state where it is not possible to switch between the AF position and the MF position while the lens is retracted. [Figure 29B] Figure 29A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the operating side of the focus grip unit. [Figure 29C] Cross-sectional view of the focus grip unit in the state shown in Figure 29A. [Figure 30A] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the focus grip unit in the ON state, where switching between AF position and MF position is not possible. [Figure 30B] Figure 30A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the operating side of the focus grip unit. [Figure 30C] Cross-sectional view of the focus grip unit in the state shown in Figure 30A. [Figure 31A] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the focus grip unit in the OFF state, which allows switching between AF position and MF position using the focus grip unit. [Figure 31B] Figure 31A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the operating side of the focus grip unit. [Figure 31C] Cross-sectional view of the focus grip unit in the state shown in Figure 31A. [Figure 32A] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between each part of the focus grip unit and the depth scale ring when the lens barrel is in the retracted state. [Figure 32B] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between each part of the focus grip unit and the depth scale ring when the lens barrel is in the normal shooting position and the slide switch is turned ON. [Figure 32C] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between each part of the focus grip unit and the depth scale ring when the lens barrel is in the normal shooting position and the slide switch is in the OFF position. [Figure 33A]Figure 21 shows a state where the lens barrel is in the retracted position, and the stopper of the focus grip unit cannot overcome the projection of the depth scale ring, making it impossible to switch between AF mode and MF mode. [Figure 33B] Figure 21 shows a state where the slide switch on the lens barrel is ON in either the normal shooting or macro shooting state, causing the stopper on the focus grip unit to move over the protrusion on the depth scale ring, making it impossible to switch between AF mode and MF mode. [Figure 33C] Figure 21 shows the lens barrel in a state where the slide switch is OFF in normal shooting or macro shooting mode, allowing the stopper of the focus grip unit to move over the protrusion on the depth scale ring, thus enabling switching between AF mode and MF mode. [Figure 34A] Figure 21 is an external side view showing the retracted state of the lens barrel. [Figure 34B] Figure 34A shows the retracted barrel as viewed from the subject side. [Figure 34C] Figure 34A is an external side view showing the position of the focus grip unit in the retracted state. [Figure 35A] Figure 21 is an external side view showing the lens barrel in its normal shooting state and in the AF position. [Figure 35B] Figure 35A shows the normal shooting state with the AF position, viewed from the subject's side. [Figure 35C] Figure 35A is an external side view showing the position of the focus grip unit in the normal shooting state and when it is in the AF position. [Figure 36A] Figure 21 is an external side view showing the lens barrel in its normal shooting state and in the MF position. [Figure 36B] Figure 36A shows the normal shooting state with the MF (manual focus) position, viewed from the subject's side. [Figure 36C] Figure 36A is an external side view showing the position of the focus grip unit in the normal shooting state and in the MF position. [Figure 37A]Figure 21 is an external side view showing the lens barrel in macro photography mode and in the AF position. [Figure 37B] Figure 37A shows the macro shooting state with the AF position, viewed from the subject side. [Figure 37C] Figure 37A is an external side view showing the position of the focus grip unit in macro shooting mode and in the AF position. [Figure 38A] Figure 21 is an external side view showing the lens barrel in macro photography mode, specifically in the manual focus (MF) position. [Figure 38B] Figure 38A shows the macro shooting state with the MF (manual focus) position, viewed from the subject side. [Figure 38C] Figure 38A is an external side view showing the position of the focus grip unit in the macro shooting state when it is in the MF position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 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.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) A lens barrel 10 according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 19. (1) Overall configuration of the lens barrel 10 As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the lens barrel 10 according to this embodiment is detachably attached to the camera body (not shown) and is used to photograph subjects. The lens barrel 10 has an optical system that moves in the optical axis direction between the retracted state shown in Figure 2A, the normal shooting state shown in Figure 2B, and the macro shooting state shown in Figure 2C. This allows for both normal shooting and macro (close-up) shooting while suppressing the size of the lens barrel 10 in the optical axis direction when not shooting.

[0012] As shown in Figure 3, the lens barrel 10 includes a filter 11, an indicator ring 12, an aperture ring 13, a retaining ring 14, a focus ring 15, a distance scale ring (display section) 16, a cam pin frame 17, a movable ring frame (movable frame) 18, an encoder base 19a, an encoder 19b, a first lens frame 20, a depth scale ring 21, a switching ring 22, a fixed cylinder 23, a cam cylinder 24, a second lens frame 25, a control board 26, a rear frame 27, a lens mount 28, a contact unit 29, and a light-shielding frame 30.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the filtering 11 is a substantially annular member containing an optical filter, positioned closest to the subject in the optical axis direction, and is provided, for example, to protect the first lens group (lens group) L1. The filtering 11 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the substantially annular indicator ring 12. As shown in Figure 3, the indicator ring 12 is a substantially annular member provided on the subject side in the optical axis direction, and has a mark on its outer surface indicating a reference position in the rotational direction around the optical axis when rotating the aperture ring 13.

[0014] The aperture ring 13 is a ring-shaped member for adjusting the aperture of an aperture unit (not shown) enclosed within the lens barrel 10, and as shown in Figure 3, it is positioned on the subject side in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 10. The aperture ring 11 is rotated by the user to adjust the aperture (the area of ​​the aperture through which light passes). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the aperture ring 13 has an encoder brush 13b, click grooves 13ca and 13cb, and a click portion 13d, which are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 13a.

[0015] The encoder brush 13b is attached to the approximately annular inner surface of the aperture ring 13 and moves in the circumferential direction while inserted into the through hole 18f (see Figure 8B) of the movable ring frame 18, which will be described later. The click groove 13ca is formed as a click position that holds the aperture ring 13 in the circumferential direction when the aperture ring 13 is rotated to the auto position.

[0016] The click groove 13cb is formed as a click position that holds the aperture ring 13 in the circumferential direction when the aperture ring 13 is rotated to the manual aperture end. The click section 13d is composed of a plurality of grooves continuously formed along the circumferential direction to create a click sensation when the aperture ring 13 is rotated within the range of manual aperture.

[0017] The clicking sensation that occurs when rotating the aperture ring 13 is caused by the movement of the spring 14a and click ball 14b (see Figure 3) provided on the retaining ring 14. As shown in Figure 3, the retaining ring 14 is a substantially annular member and is attached to the subject-side end face of the focus ring 15. The retaining ring 14 is provided to prevent the aperture ring 13 from rotating along with the focus ring 15 when the focus ring 15 is operated, or vice versa when the aperture ring 13 is rotated.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the focus ring 15 is a ring-shaped component positioned adjacent to the aperture ring 13, and adjusts the focus of the subject image formed on the image sensor provided on the camera body by the optical system (first lens group L1, second lens group L2) enclosed in the lens barrel 10. In manual focus mode, the focus ring 15 is rotated to perform manual focus adjustment.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the focus ring 15 has a substantially annular body portion 15a, an encoder brush 15b, a linear guide groove 15c, a bayonet 15d, and click grooves 15e and 15f. The encoder brush 15b is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body 15a and moves in the circumferential direction while inserted into the through hole 18d (see Figure 8A) of the movable ring frame 18, which will be described later.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5A, the straight guide groove 15c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 15a along the optical axis direction, and the projection 16d provided on the distance scale ring 16, which will be described later, is engaged with it in a manner that allows it to move in the optical axis direction. As shown in Figure 5A, the bayonet 15d is a protrusion provided on the subject-side end of the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body 15a, and engages with the movable ring frame 18 to mount the focus ring 15 in a state where it can rotate circumferentially relative to the movable ring frame 18.

[0021] The click groove 15e is provided near the bayonet 15d on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 15a to hold the focus ring 15 in the autofocus position. The click groove 15e generates a click sensation when a click ball 19ab (see Figure 3), which is biased radially outward by a spring 19aa provided on the encoder base 19a side, engages with it.

[0022] The click groove 15f is located near the bayonet 15d on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 15a, adjacent to the click groove 15e, in order to hold the focus ring 15 in the manual focus end position. Similar to the click groove 15e, the click groove 15f produces a click sensation when a click ball 19ab (see Figure 3), which is biased radially outward by a spring 19aa provided on the encoder base 19a side, engages with it.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the distance scale ring (display section) 16 is a substantially annular member and is positioned so that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outer surface of the lens barrel 10. The distance scale ring 16 displays a scale 16b for normal photography and a scale 16c for macro photography, which is different from the scale 16b for normal photography. Furthermore, the distance scale ring 16 is provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the focus ring 15 and the depth scale ring 21 in a manner that allows it to move back and forth in the optical axis direction. In addition, the distance scale ring 16 is positioned such that a portion of it (non-display surface, normal shooting scale display (first display) 16b, macro shooting scale display (second display) 16c) is exposed from the gap between the focus ring 15 and the depth scale ring 21 on its outer circumferential surface.

[0024] Furthermore, the distance scale ring 16 moves back and forth in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the transition between the retracted state, normal shooting state, and macro shooting state, which is switched by the rotation of the switching ring 22. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the distance scale ring 16 has a substantially cylindrical main body (display main body) 16a, a scale display for normal photography 16b, a scale display for macro photography 16c, a projection 16d, and a sliding groove 16e.

[0025] The normal shooting scale markings 16b are distance scale markings displayed on the outer surface of the lens barrel 10 in the normal shooting state, and are provided along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 16a. As shown in Figure 6B, the normal shooting scale markings 16b are positioned closer to the subject in the optical axis direction than the macro shooting scale markings 16c. The macro photography scale indicator 16c is a distance scale indicator displayed on the outer surface of the lens barrel 10 in macro photography mode, and is provided on the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical main body 16a, circumferentially parallel to the normal photography scale indicator 16b. As shown in Figure 6B, the macro photography scale indicator 16c is positioned adjacent to the normal photography scale indicator 16b, on the opposite side from the subject in the optical axis direction.

[0026] The projections 16d are provided in four locations on the outer circumferential surface of the roughly annular main body 16a, projecting radially outward, in order to synchronize the rotation of the focus ring 15 and the distance scale ring 16. Furthermore, the projection 16d, which is provided to synchronize the rotation of the focus ring 15 and the distance scale ring 16, only needs to be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the substantially annular main body 16a.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6A, the sliding groove 16e is a groove that slides when the projection 17b (see Figure 7) provided on the cam pin frame 17 is engaged with it, and is provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the distance scale ring 16. As shown in Figure 3, the cam pin frame 17 is a substantially cylindrical member positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the distance scale ring 16, and as shown in Figure 7, it has a substantially cylindrical main body portion 17a, a projection portion 17b, and a cam pin (third cam pin) 17c.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the projections 17b are provided at four locations at approximately equal intervals so as to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body (cam pin frame main body) 17a, and move along the sliding grooves 16e formed on the inner circumferential surface of the distance scale ring 16 described above. As a result, the distance scale ring 16 moves in a rotatable state on the outer circumferential surface side of the cam pin frame 17 while being integrated with the cam pin frame 17 in the optical axis direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the cam pins 17c are provided at three locations at approximately equal intervals so as to protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 17a. The cam pins 17c move in the optical axis direction and the circumferential direction while engaged with the straight groove 23c of the fixed cylinder 23 (see Figure 13A, etc.) and the cam groove (display switching cam groove) 24f of the cam cylinder 24 (see Figure 14A, etc.).

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the movable ring frame (movable frame) 18 is a substantially cylindrical member and is provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the cam pin frame 17 and on the outer circumferential surface side of the fixed cylinder 23 in a manner that allows it to rotate in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable ring frame 18 includes a main body (movable main body) 18a, a cam pin (fourth cam pin) 18b, a sliding surface 18c, a through hole 18d, a screw hole 18e, and a through hole 18f.

[0031] The cam pins (fourth cam pins) 18b are fixed using screws at positions where screw holes 18ba are formed, so that they protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 18a. The cam pins 18b are provided at three locations on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 18a at approximately 120-degree intervals. The cam pins 18b move in the optical axis direction while engaged with the straight grooves 23d (see Figure 12A, etc.) provided in the fixing cylinder 23, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 8A, the sliding surface 18c is the end face facing the subject in the optical axis direction, and slides in contact with the end face of the focus ring 15 opposite to the subject. As shown in Figure 8A, the through hole 18d is a through hole formed on the end face facing the subject in the optical axis direction, and moves in the circumferential direction with the encoder brush 15b described above inserted.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8A, the screw hole 18e is provided on the end face facing the subject in the optical axis direction, and a screw for fixing the retaining ring 14 is screwed into it. As shown in Figure 8B, the through hole 18f is a through hole formed on the end face facing the subject in the optical axis direction, and moves in the circumferential direction with the encoder brush 13b of the aperture ring 13 inserted into it.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the movable ring frame 18 has the aperture ring 13 and the focus ring 15 attached to its outer circumference in a rotatable manner. In addition, the movable ring frame 18 has an indicator ring 12 attached to the subject side and an encoder base 19a attached to its inner circumference side. As shown in Figure 3, the encoder base 19a is a substantially annular member, and the spring 19aa and click ball 19ab described above are provided at positions protruding from its outer circumferential surface. As shown in Figure 10, the encoder base 19a is fixed to the inner circumferential surface side of the main body 18a of the movable ring frame 18 using four screws 19d, with the encoder 19ba for the aperture ring and the encoder 19bb for the focus ring attached to its outer circumferential surface.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a connecting flexible cable 19c is attached to the encoder base 19a from the side opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction. As shown in Figure 3, the first lens frame 20 holds the first lens group L1, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder 23, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the first lens group L1. The first lens frame 20 is held on the inner circumferential surface side of the movable ring frame 18 and the fixed cylinder 23, etc., in a state that allows it to move back and forth in the optical axis direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the first lens frame 20 moves to protrude toward the subject in the optical axis direction when transitioning from the normal shooting state shown in Figure 2B to the macro shooting state shown in Figure 2C. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the first lens frame 20 has a substantially cylindrical main body (lens frame main body) 20a and a cam pin (second cam pin) 20b that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 20a.

[0037] The cam pin 20b moves back and forth in the optical axis direction while engaged with the straight groove 23c of the fixed cylinder 23, which will be described later, and also moves in the circumferential direction while engaged with the cam groove 24c of the cam cylinder 24, which will be described later. As a result, the first lens frame 20 is driven back and forth in the optical axis direction as the cam cylinder 24 rotates relative to it.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the depth scale ring 21 is a substantially cylindrical member and is positioned on the outer circumferential surface side of the distance scale ring 16 and the movable ring frame 18. The outer circumferential surface of the main body (movable main body) 21a of the depth scale ring 21 is provided with scale indicators 21b that show the depth of field when the focus ring 15 is rotated. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the depth scale ring 21 has click grooves 21c, 21d, and 21e and a protrusion 21f on the end face of the substantially cylindrical main body 21a opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction.

[0039] The click groove 21c engages with a protrusion 22bc provided between the tip 22ba and hole 22bb of a click leaf spring 22b, which is mounted facing the switching ring 22 (described later), thereby creating a click sensation when the switching ring 22 is rotated and moved to the retracted state shown in Figure 2A. The click groove 21d engages with a protrusion 22bc provided between the tip 22ba and hole 22bb of a click spring 22b, which is mounted facing the switching ring 22 (described later), thereby creating a click sensation when the switching ring 22 is rotated to transition to the normal shooting state shown in Figure 2B.

[0040] The click groove 21e is formed when the switching ring 22 is rotated to transition to the macro shooting state shown in Figure 2C. This is achieved by the engagement of a protrusion 22bc between the tip 22ba and hole 22bb of a click spring 22b, which is mounted opposite the switching ring 22 (described later), with the switching ring 22. The protrusion 21f is provided on the end face of the main body 21a so as to project toward the opposite side from the subject in the optical axis direction, and is provided with a screw hole for a screw that is screwed in when it is fixed to the flange portion 23e of the fixing cylinder 23.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the switching ring 22 is a substantially cylindrical member that is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the fixed cylinder 23, and is rotated when switching the configuration of the lens barrel 10 between the retracted state shown in Figure 2A (distance scale ring 16 not displayed), the normal shooting state shown in Figure 2B (distance scale ring 16 with normal shooting scale display 16b), and the macro shooting state shown in Figure 2C (distance scale ring 16 with macro shooting scale display 16c).

[0042] In other words, the switching ring 22 is rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the fixed cylinder 23, and by rotation, it switches between a retracted state in which the normal shooting scale display (first display) 16b and the macro shooting scale display (second display) 16c are not displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction; a normal shooting state in which only the normal shooting scale display 16b is displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction; and a macro shooting state in which the macro shooting scale display 16c is displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved further toward the subject in the optical axis direction.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the switching ring 22 has a substantially cylindrical body portion 22a, a click leaf spring 22b, a screw 22c, and a straight groove 22d. The outer surface of the roughly cylindrical main body 22a is marked with "RETRACT" for the retracted state, "〇" for the normal shooting state, and "MACRO" for the macro shooting state.

[0044] The click spring 22b is fixed in three places to the end face of the main body 22a on the subject side in the optical axis direction using screws 22c. The click spring 22b has a tip portion 22ba, a hole 22bb, and a protrusion 22bc. The tip portion 22ba is located at the end opposite to the hole 22bb that is fixed to the main body portion 22a, and is bent so as to protrude in the optical axis direction from the portion where the hole 22bb is located. The tip portion 22ba then engages with the click grooves 21c, 21d, and 21e provided on the end face of the depth scale ring 21 described above.

[0045] This allows the switching ring 22 to rotate relative to the depth scale ring 21, creating a click sensation when switching between the retracted state, normal shooting state, and macro shooting state. The screw 22c is inserted into the hole 22bb, and the screw 22c is screwed into the screw hole on the main body 22a, thereby fixing the click spring 22b to the main body 22a.

[0046] The protrusion 22bc is provided between the tip portion 22ba and the hole 22bb, and engages with the click grooves 21c, 21d, and 21e provided on the end face of the depth scale ring 21, respectively. This allows a click sensation to be generated when the switching ring 22 is rotated to switch between the retracted state, the normal shooting state, and the macro shooting state. The straight groove 22d moves back and forth in the optical axis direction while engaged with a cam pin 24b (see Figure 14A, etc.), which is provided to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cam cylinder 24, described later.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the fixed cylinder 23 is a substantially cylindrical member, and the first lens frame 20, cam cylinder 24, etc. are arranged on its inner circumferential surface. The fixed cylinder 23 has the focus ring 15, distance scale ring 16, cam pin frame 17, movable ring frame 18, depth scale ring 21, switching ring 22, etc. arranged on its outer circumferential surface. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the fixed cylinder 23 has a main body portion (fixed main body portion) 23a, a cam groove (first cam groove) 23b, a straight groove (first straight groove) 23c, a straight groove (second straight groove) 23d, a flange portion 23e, and a recess 23f.

[0048] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the main body (fixed main body) 23a is a substantially cylindrical member and has a flange portion 23e on the side opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction. The main body 23a has a cam groove 23b formed along the circumferential direction and two straight grooves 23c and 23d formed along the optical axis direction. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the cam groove (first cam groove) 23b is provided to connect the inner and outer surfaces of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 23a. When transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state, the cam groove 23b moves while engaged with the cam pin 24b of the cam cylinder 24.

[0049] This allows the cam cylinder 24 to be moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed cylinder 23 when the switching ring 22 is rotated to transition from the retracted state to the normal shooting state. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the straight groove (first straight groove) 23c is provided in a straight line along the optical axis direction so as to connect the inner and outer surfaces of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 23a. The straight groove 23c moves along the optical axis direction while the cam pin 20b of the first lens frame 20 and the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 are engaged.

[0050] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the straight groove (second straight groove) 23d is provided along the optical axis direction so as to connect the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 23a. The straight groove 23d is formed so that its length in the optical axis direction is shorter than that of the straight groove 23c. The straight groove 23d moves while engaged with the cam pin 18b provided on the movable ring frame 18.

[0051] As a result, the movable ring frame 18 can move back and forth in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed cylinder 23 while remaining immobile relative to the fixed cylinder 23. The flange portion 23e is provided at the end of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 23a opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction, and forms a flange portion that protrudes radially from the main body portion 23a. The recess 23f is provided on the end face of the flange portion 23e opposite to the object, and is screwed in from the opposite side of the object while the protrusion 21f provided on the depth scale ring 21 is inserted. This allows the depth scale ring 21 to be fixed to the fixing cylinder 23 in a state where it cannot rotate in the circumferential direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the cam cylinder 24 is a substantially cylindrical member and is rotatably positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the fixed cylinder 23. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the cam cylinder 24 has a main body (cam body) 24a, a cam pin (first cam pin) 24b, a cam groove (second cam groove) 24c, a cam groove (synchronous cam groove) 24e, and a cam groove (display switching cam groove) 24f.

[0053] The main body (cam body) 24a is a substantially cylindrical member, and cam grooves 24e, 24f, and 24c are formed therein in order from the subject side in the optical axis direction. As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, three cam pins (first cam pins) 24b are provided at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction, protruding radially outward from a position on the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical main body portion 24a that is closer to the side opposite the object being worked on. The cam pins 24b move while engaged with the cam grooves 23b provided in the fixed cylinder 23 as the switching ring 22 is rotated.

[0054] This allows the lens barrel 10 to be switched from the retracted state (Figure 2A) to the normal shooting state (Figure 2B). As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, three cam grooves (second cam grooves) 24c are provided at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the nearly cylindrical main body portion 24a, near the side opposite the subject. The cam grooves 24c are formed along the circumferential direction, then bend near the center, with half of the groove being formed at a position offset in the optical axis direction. When the switching ring 22 is rotated to switch from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state, the cam grooves 24c move while engaged with the cam pin 20b of the first lens frame 20.

[0055] This allows the lens barrel 10 to be switched from the normal shooting state (Figure 2B) to the macro shooting state (Figure 2C) by moving the first lens frame 20 closer to the subject than in the normal shooting state. As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the cam grooves (synchronous cam grooves) 24e are grooves formed linearly along the circumferential direction at a position close to the subject on the substantially cylindrical main body portion 24a, and three of them are provided at approximately equal intervals. The cam grooves 24e move along the circumferential direction while the cam pins 18b of the movable ring frame 18 (see Figure 9B, etc.) are engaged with them.

[0056] This allows the movable ring frame 18 to be moved in a state synchronized with the cam cylinder 24 in the optical axis direction (a state in which relative movement is impossible in the optical axis direction). The cam grooves (display switching cam grooves) 24f are provided in three locations at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction in the substantially cylindrical main body portion 24a, between the cam grooves 24c and cam grooves 24e in the optical axis direction. As the switching ring 22 is rotated, the cam grooves 24f move with the cam pins 17c of the cam pin frame 17 engaged, causing the cam pin frame 17, which integrates the distance scale ring 16 in the optical axis direction, to move back and forth in the optical axis direction.

[0057] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the cam groove 24f is configured to include a groove (first groove) 24fa, a groove (interference avoidance groove) 24fb, and a groove (second groove) 24fc. As shown in Figure 14A, the groove (first groove) 24fa is formed along the circumferential direction at the position closest to the subject in the cam groove 24f. The groove 24fa is where the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 is located when the lens barrel 10 is retracted.

[0058] The groove (interference avoidance groove) 24fb guides the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 to the opposite side of the subject when the lens transitions from the retracted state to the normal shooting state and the distance scale ring 16 is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction. As shown in Figure 14A, the groove 24fb is connected to the groove 24fa via a portion that is bent toward the opposite side of the subject from the groove 24fa, and is formed along the circumferential direction. The cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 is located in the groove 24fb when the lens barrel 10 is in the normal shooting state.

[0059] As shown in Figure 14A, the groove (second groove) 24fc is connected to the groove 24fb via a portion that bends the groove 24fb toward the subject, and is formed along the circumferential direction. The cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 is located in the groove 24fc when the lens barrel 10 is in macro photography mode. In the lens barrel 10 of this embodiment, the cam groove 24f into which the projection 17b of the cam pin frame 17, which moves in the optical axis direction integrated with the distance scale ring 16, fits is configured to include a groove 24fb for interference avoidance, which temporarily moves the projection 17b away from the subject when transitioning to the normal shooting state.

[0060] As a result, even when the size of the lens barrel 10 in the optical axis direction is reduced, when transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state, the amount of movement of the distance scale ring 16 is suppressed to be greater than the amount of movement of the movable ring frame 18, thereby preventing the distance scale ring 16 from interfering with other parts (for example, the depth scale ring 21, etc.). As shown in Figure 3, the second lens frame 25 is a substantially annular member and is positioned adjacent to the fixed cylinder 23 on the opposite side from the subject, while holding the second lens group L2.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the control board 26 is located near the end of the lens barrel 10 opposite to the subject side in the optical axis direction. The control board 26 controls actuators (not shown) that change the relative positions of the first lens group L1 and the second lens group L2. As shown in Figure 3, the rear frame 27 is a substantially cylindrical member that is positioned furthest from the subject in the optical axis direction among the components that make up the lens barrel 10, and is attached to a mount part on the camera body side (not shown).

[0062] As shown in Figure 2B and other figures, the rear frame 27 has a roughly cylindrical main body 27a and an indicator 27b that shows which state the camera is currently in: retracted, normal shooting, or macro shooting, when the switching ring 22 is rotated. As shown in Figure 3, the lens mount 28 is a substantially annular member provided on the side opposite to the subject in the optical axis direction, and is attached to the lens mount provided on the camera body (not shown) side, for example, by a bayonet coupling.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the contact unit 29 is a substantially arc-shaped component, positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the lens mount 28, and contacts a contact provided on the camera body (not shown). As shown in Figure 3, the light-shielding frame 30 is a substantially annular member that is positioned between the lens mount 28 and the camera body and is a member that blocks unwanted light.

[0064] <Switching between retracted, normal shooting, and macro shooting modes> In the lens barrel 10 of this embodiment, the configuration described above allows the lens to switch between the retracted state shown in Figure 2A, the normal shooting state shown in Figure 2B, and the macro shooting state shown in Figure 2C by rotating the switching ring 22. The movement inside the lens barrel 10 when switching between these three states can be explained as follows using Figures 15A to 19.

[0065] Note that Figures 15A to 15C show a configuration without the distance scale ring 16 and the switching ring 22 for the sake of explanation. In other words, in the retracted state of the lens barrel 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15A, the cam pin 24b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cam cylinder 24 is located at the end (left end in the figure) of the cam groove 23b provided in the fixed cylinder 23 that is opposite to the subject. At the same time, the cam pin 20b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first lens frame 20 is engaged with the cam groove 24c of the cam cylinder 24 located on the inner circumferential surface side of the fixed cylinder 23, and is located at the end of the straight groove 23c provided in the fixed cylinder 23 that is furthest away from the subject. Furthermore, the cam pin 18b provided on the inner circumferential surface of the movable ring frame 18 is located at the end of the straight groove 23d provided in the fixed cylinder 23 that is furthest away from the subject.

[0066] In this case, as shown in Figure 16A, the lens barrel 10 has a unit including a movable ring frame 18 that can move in the optical axis direction relative to the fixed barrel 23, located at the end furthest away from the subject, thereby minimizing the size of the lens barrel 10 in the optical axis direction. Next, when the switching ring 22 is rotated to switch from the retracted state to the normal shooting state, as shown in Figure 15B, the cam pin 24b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cam cylinder 24 moves circumferentially along the cam groove 23b provided on the fixed cylinder 23 via a step, thereby moving the cam cylinder 24 toward the subject in the optical axis direction. At the same time, the cam pin 20b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first lens frame 20 moves toward the subject along the straight groove 23c provided on the fixed cylinder 23. Furthermore, the cam pin 18b provided on the inner circumferential surface of the movable ring frame 18 moves toward the subject along the straight groove 23d provided on the fixed cylinder 23.

[0067] At this time, the cam cylinder 24 is integrated with the unit including the movable ring frame 18 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16B, it moves toward the subject in the optical axis direction together with the unit including the movable ring frame 18. Furthermore, when the switching ring 22 is rotated to switch from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state, as shown in Figure 15C, the cam pin 24b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cam cylinder 24 moves along the cam groove 23b provided on the fixed cylinder 23 to near the right end of the figure. At this point, the cam pin 20b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first lens frame 20 remains in the same position in the straight groove 23c provided on the fixed cylinder 23. Furthermore, the cam pin 18b provided on the inner circumferential surface of the movable ring frame 18 remains in the same position in the straight groove 23d provided on the fixed cylinder 23.

[0068] At this time, the position of the cam cylinder 24 is maintained in the same position as in the normal shooting state, as shown in Figure 16C, while the first lens frame 20 moves toward the subject in the optical axis direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, in macro photography mode, the first lens frame 20 that holds the first lens group L1 moves to a position where the filter 11, which is integrated by screw fastening, protrudes toward the subject in the optical axis direction, thereby changing the distance of the first lens group L1 to the second lens group L2 and enabling macro photography.

[0069] Here, the engagement state of the switching ring 22 when transitioning from normal shooting mode to macro shooting mode will be explained using Figure 18. Note that, for the sake of explanation, Figure 18 shows a configuration without the distance scale ring 16 and depth scale ring 21. When transitioning from normal shooting mode to macro shooting mode, as shown in Figure 18, the cam pin 20b of the first lens frame 20 moves in the optical axis direction with the straight groove 23c of the fixed cylinder 23 engaged, and the cam pin 24b of the cam cylinder 24 moves in the optical axis direction with the straight groove 22d of the switching ring 22 engaged.

[0070] Then, using Figure 19, we will explain the correspondence between the cam grooves 24c, 24e, and 24f formed in the cam cylinder 24 and the cam groove 23b and straight grooves 23c, 23d provided in the fixed cylinder 23 when transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state and the macro shooting state. (Folded state) In the retracted state, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 18b of the movable ring frame 18 engages with the cam groove 24e provided in the cam cylinder 24, and moves circumferentially relative to the cam cylinder 24 as the camera transitions to the normal shooting state by rotating the switching ring 22. At this time, the cam pin 18b of the movable ring frame 18 also engages with the straight groove 23d provided in the fixed cylinder 23 located on the outer circumferential surface side of the cam cylinder 24. This allows the movable ring frame 18 to move in synchronization with the cam cylinder 24 in the optical axis direction.

[0071] Furthermore, in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 engages with the cam groove 24f provided in the cam cylinder 24, and moves along the circumferential direction as the camera transitions to the normal shooting state by rotating the switching ring 22. At this time, the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 also engages with the straight groove 23c provided in the fixed cylinder 23 located on the outer circumferential surface side of the cam cylinder 24. The cam pin frame 17 then moves in an integrated state with the distance scale ring 16 in the optical axis direction. This allows the cam pin frame 17 to move in a synchronized state with the distance scale ring 16 in the optical axis direction.

[0072] As mentioned above, the cam groove 24f is configured to include a groove 24fb for interference avoidance in order to avoid interference between the distance scale ring 16 and other parts during the transition between the retracted state and the normal shooting state. This allows the camera to transition between the retracted state and the normal shooting state by rotating the switching ring 22, while avoiding interference between the distance scale ring 16 and other parts.

[0073] Furthermore, in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 20b of the first lens frame 20 engages with the cam groove 24c provided in the cam cylinder 24, and moves along the circumferential direction as the camera transitions to the normal shooting state by rotating the switching ring 22. Furthermore, when switching from the retracted state to the normal shooting state, as shown in Figure 19, the cam groove 24c is formed in a straight line so that it is held constant in the optical axis direction.

[0074] Furthermore, in the retracted state, the cam pin 24b provided in the cam cylinder 24 moves in the circumferential direction while engaged with the cam groove 23b provided in the fixed cylinder 23. (Normal shooting conditions) In normal shooting conditions, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 18b of the movable ring frame 18 moves to near the center of the cam groove 24e provided in the cam cylinder 24. At this time, since the cam groove 24e is provided in a straight line along the circumferential direction (the direction perpendicular to the optical axis), the movable ring frame 18 does not move in the optical axis direction relative to the cam cylinder 24.

[0075] Although the movable ring frame 18 does not move in the optical axis direction relative to the cam cylinder 24, it moves in the optical axis direction by the same amount as the movement of the cam cylinder 24, since the cam cylinder 24 moves in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, in the normal shooting state, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 is engaged with the cam groove 24f provided in the cam cylinder 24, and moves along the circumferential direction as the camera transitions to the normal shooting state by rotating the switching ring 22. At this time, the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 moves to the interference avoidance groove 24fb in the cam groove 24f.

[0076] This allows the distance scale ring 16 to be temporarily retracted to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction (lower side in the diagram) by rotating the switching ring 22, thereby avoiding interference between the distance scale ring 16 and other parts, and enabling a smooth transition between the retracted state and the normal shooting state. Furthermore, in the normal shooting state, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 20b of the first lens frame 20 is engaged with the cam groove 24c provided in the cam cylinder 24. As the camera transitions to the normal shooting state by rotating the switching ring 22, the cam pin 20b moves along the circumferential direction and moves to near the center of the cam groove 24c. At this time, since the cam groove 24c is provided in a straight line along the circumferential direction (direction perpendicular to the optical axis) from the retracted state to the normal shooting state, the first lens frame 20 does not move in the optical axis direction relative to the cam cylinder 24.

[0077] Although the first lens frame 20 does not move in the optical axis direction relative to the cam cylinder 24, the cam cylinder 24 does move in the optical axis direction, so the first lens frame 20 moves in the optical axis direction by the same amount as the movement of the cam cylinder 24. Furthermore, in the normal shooting state, the cam pin 24b provided in the cam cylinder 24 engages with the cam groove 23b provided in the fixed cylinder 23 and moves circumferentially from the right end to the left in the figure. At this time, as shown in Figure 19, the cam groove 23b is bent toward the subject side (upper side in the figure) in the optical axis direction, from the retracted state to the normal shooting state.

[0078] Therefore, as the cam pin 24b, which is engaged with the cam groove 23b, moves in the circumferential direction, the cam cylinder 24 and the movable ring frame 18, which is integrated with the cam cylinder 24 in the optical axis direction, can be moved toward the subject side (upper side in the figure). (Macro shooting mode) In macro photography mode, the cam pin 18b of the movable ring frame 18 moves from near the center of the cam groove 24e provided in the cam cylinder 24 to near the right end in the figure. At this time, since the cam groove 24e is provided in a straight line along the circumferential direction (direction perpendicular to the optical axis), the movable ring frame 18 does not move in the direction of the optical axis.

[0079] Furthermore, in macro photography mode, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 is engaged with the cam groove 24f provided in the cam cylinder 24, and moves circumferentially as the camera transitions to macro photography mode by rotating the switching ring 22. At this time, the cam pin 17c of the cam pin frame 17 moves from the interference avoidance groove 24fb to the groove 24fc in the cam groove 24f.

[0080] This allows the camera to switch from normal shooting mode to macro shooting mode by rotating the switching ring 22, which moves the distance scale ring 16 toward the subject in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, in macro photography mode, as shown in Figure 19, the cam pin 20b of the first lens frame 20 engages with the cam groove 24c provided in the cam cylinder 24. As the camera transitions to macro photography mode by rotating the switching ring 22, the cam pin moves circumferentially, moving from near the center of the cam groove 24c to near the right end, closer to the subject. At this time, since the cam groove 24c is bent toward the subject side from the normal state to the macro photography state, the first lens frame 20 moves toward the subject side in the optical axis direction.

[0081] This allows macro photography to be performed by changing the distance between the first lens group L1, which is held in the first lens frame 20, and the second lens group L2. Furthermore, in macro photography mode, the cam pin 24b provided on the cam cylinder 24 engages with the cam groove 23b provided on the fixed cylinder 23 and moves circumferentially from near the center to near the left end in the figure. At this time, as shown in Figure 19, the cam groove 23b is provided in a straight line along the circumferential direction from the normal state to the macro photography state. Therefore, the cam pin 24b engaged with the cam groove 23b does not move circumferentially, and the position of the cam cylinder 24 in the optical axis direction does not change.

[0082] <Key Features> The lens barrel 10 of this embodiment is used when attached to an imaging device and comprises a substantially cylindrical fixed barrel 23, a first lens group L1, a first lens frame 20, a distance scale ring 16, and a switching ring 22. The first lens frame 20 holds the first lens group L1, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed barrel 23, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the first lens group L1. The distance scale ring 16 is positioned so that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outer surface, and displays scale markings 16b for normal photography and scale markings 16c for macro photography. The switching ring 22 is rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the fixed cylinder 23 and allows switching between three states by rotation: a retracted state (Figure 2A) in which the normal shooting scale indicator 16b and the macro shooting scale indicator 16c are not displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction; a normal shooting state (Figure 2B) in which only the normal shooting scale indicator 16b is displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction; and a macro shooting state (Figure 2C) in which only the macro shooting scale indicator 16c is displayed and the first lens frame 20 is moved further toward the subject in the optical axis direction.

[0083] This allows for different displays on the distance scale ring 16 depending on the shooting mode, such as normal shooting and macro shooting, and also reduces the size of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction when not shooting (retracted state). (Embodiment 2) A lens barrel 210 according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 21 to 38C.

[0084] The lens barrel 210 of this embodiment differs from the lens barrel 10 of Embodiment 1 in that a focus grip unit 230, which switches between autofocus mode and manual focus mode, is attached to the outer surface of the focus ring 215. However, since the configuration of the lens barrel 10 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, except for the focus grip unit 230 and its surrounding components, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same shape, function, etc., and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0085] In recent lens barrels, a switch is provided to toggle between autofocus mode and manual focus mode, and a focus ring is provided for manually adjusting the focus when in manual focus mode. In such a configuration, for example, International Publication No. 2016 / 143327 discloses a lens barrel in which, in order to improve operability when switching between autofocus mode and manual focus mode, a fixing part for fixing the focus ring to the support frame when automatic focus adjustment is performed has a fixing button that is operated when fixing the focus ring to the support frame, and the fixing button is located on the operating part.

[0086] However, since this lens barrel does not have a retractable design, further improvements were needed to enhance the operability when switching between autofocus mode and manual focus mode in lens barrels that do have a retractable design. Therefore, the objective of the lens barrel 210 according to this disclosure is to provide a lens barrel that can improve operability when switching between autofocus mode and manual focus mode in a lens barrel that transitions to a retractable state.

[0087] As shown in Figure 21, the lens barrel 210 according to this embodiment is detachably attached to the camera body (not shown) and is used to photograph subjects. The lens barrel 210 has an optical system that moves in the optical axis direction between the retracted state shown in Figure 21, the normal shooting state shown in Figure 22, and the macro shooting state, thereby enabling both normal shooting and macro (close-up) shooting while suppressing the size of the lens barrel 210 in the optical axis direction when not shooting.

[0088] In the lens barrel 210 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the focus grip unit 230 is attached to the outer surface of the focus ring 215 in a manner that allows it to rotate together with the focus ring 215. The focus grip unit 230 is provided to switch between a state that restricts switching between autofocus mode and manual focus mode (ON state (first state)) and a state that releases the restriction (OFF state (second state)).

[0089] In other words, the focus grip unit 230 is fixed to the outer circumference of the focus ring 215 and switches between an ON state (first state) in which it contacts a part of the depth scale ring 221 to abut and disables switching between autofocus (AF) mode, which automatically adjusts the focus of the focus ring 215, and MF (manual) mode, which adjusts the focus manually, and an OFF state (second state) in which contact with a part of the depth scale ring 221 is released and switching between AF mode and MF mode of the focus ring 215 is enabled. Furthermore, when the first lens frame 20 is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis AX direction, the focus grip unit 230 disables switching between AF mode and MF mode.

[0090] More specifically, as shown in Figure 23, the focus grip unit 230 includes a focus grip 231, a slide switch (switching operation part) 232, a stopper (regulating part) 233, a guide shaft 234, a spring (biasing member) 235, and a screw 236. Furthermore, the focus ring 215 to which the focus grip unit 230 is attached has a substantially cylindrical body portion 215a and a relief groove (groove portion) 215b, as shown in Figure 24.

[0091] The relief groove (groove portion) 215b is a groove into which the protrusion 221c provided on the depth scale ring 221 is housed when the focus ring 215 is in MF (manual focus) mode in the retracted state described later, and is formed at the end on the image plane side in the optical axis AX direction on the inner circumferential surface side of the focus ring 215. As shown in Figures 25A and 25b, the focus grip 231 has a housing portion 231a, an opening 231b, an insertion hole 231c, and a press-fit hole 231d.

[0092] The housing portion 231a is a box-shaped member that is held by the user when rotating the focus ring 215, and is fixed to the focus ring 215 by two screws 236 as shown in Figure 23. The opening 231b is an elongated hole provided along the optical axis AX direction in the box-shaped front portion of the focus grip 231, and is positioned to be movable in the optical axis AX direction when the operating knob 232a of the slide switch 232 is inserted into it.

[0093] The insertion holes 231c are three through holes formed on the surface of the housing portion 231a that intersects the optical axis AX, into which the three guide shafts 234 are inserted. The press-fit holes 231d are three closed holes formed on the surface of the housing portion 231a opposite to the surface where the insertion holes 231c are formed, and they hold one end of the guide shaft 234. As a result, with the three guide shafts 234 held within the housing portion 231a, the stopper 233 moves along the guide shafts 234.

[0094] The slide switch (switching operation unit) 232 is operated by the user when switching between the ON state and the OFF state by the focus grip unit 230. Specifically, the slide switch 232 is operated, for example, to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the stopper 233 comes into contact with the protrusion 221c when transitioning from the ON state to the OFF state. As shown in Figures 26A and 26B, the slide switch 232 includes an operating knob 232a and a bearing portion 232b into which one of the three guide shafts 234 is inserted.

[0095] The operating knob 232a is positioned to be exposed to the outside through the opening 231b of the housing portion 231a described above, and is operated by the user. The bearing portion 232b is into which the central of the three guide shafts 234 is inserted. This allows the slide switch 232 to move along the guide shaft 234. The stopper (regulating part) 233 is a member that moves in conjunction with the slide switch 232 and is biased in the optical axis AX direction by a spring 235, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 27, the stopper 233 includes a bearing part 233a and a projection part 233b.

[0096] The bearing portion 233a is into which the two outermost of the three guide shafts 234 are inserted. This allows the stopper 233 to move along the guide shafts 234 in conjunction with the operation of the slide switch 232. The projection 233b is a portion that protrudes along a direction intersecting the optical axis AX direction, and when the focus grip unit 230 is in the ON state, it comes into contact with the convex portion 221c which is provided to protrude from the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221.

[0097] As a result, the focus ring 215, to which the focus grip unit 230 is fixed, is restricted from moving in the rotational direction, making it impossible to switch between AF mode and MF mode. More specifically, the depth scale ring 221, which the projection 233b contacts, has a substantially cylindrical main body 221a, an end face 221b that intersects the optical axis AX direction, and a convex portion 221c that protrudes from the end face 221b in the optical axis AX direction.

[0098] As shown in Figure 28A and other figures, the protrusion 221c protrudes along the optical axis AX direction, and the projection 233b of the stopper 233 abuts against its side surface. As a result, in the ON state, the stopper 233 contacts the protrusion 221c in the rotational direction, preventing the focus ring 215 from rotating, and in the OFF state, the contact with the protrusion 221c in the rotational direction is released, allowing the focus ring 215 to rotate.

[0099] The three guide shafts 234 are arranged parallel to each other along the optical axis AX direction so as to be enclosed within the housing portion 231a of the focus grip 231. The two guide shafts 234 on each side are inserted into the bearing portion 233a of the stopper 233 described above, and guide the movement of the stopper 233 in the optical axis AX direction. The central guide shaft 234 is inserted into the through hole 233c formed in the stopper 233 and the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232 described above, and guides the movement of the stopper 233 in the optical axis AX direction.

[0100] The spring (biasing member) 235 is provided to wind around two of the three guide shafts 234, biasing the stopper 233 in the optical axis AX direction (the operating direction of the slide switch 232). More specifically, the spring 235 biases the stopper 233 toward the position where it contacts the protrusion 221c. The focus grip unit 230 is fixed to the focus ring 215 by screwing the screw 236 into the screw hole provided in the focus grip 231 described above from the inner circumferential surface side of the focus ring 215.

[0101] <Contact and release of projection 233b and convex portion 221c> In the lens barrel 210 of this embodiment, the relative position of the projection 233b of the stopper 233 and the convex portion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 changes depending on whether the lens barrel is in the retracted state (see Figure 28A), the ON state (see Figure 28B) or OFF state (see Figure 28C) of the focus grip unit 230 during normal use (normal shooting, macro shooting), thereby switching between a state where AF mode and MF mode can be switched and a state where switching is not possible.

[0102] Specifically, in the retracted state in AF mode shown in Figure 28A, the stopper 233 is biased by the spring 235 so as to be pressed against the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221 in the optical axis direction AX. Furthermore, since the projection 233b of the stopper 233 is in contact with the side surface of the convex portion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 in the rotational direction, it is not possible to switch from AF mode to MF mode by rotating the focus ring 215 to which the focus grip unit 230 is fixed.

[0103] Next, in the AF mode during normal use as shown in Figure 28B, when the slide switch 232 is in the ON position, the stopper 233 is biased relative to the slide switch 232 by the spring 235 in the optical axis AX direction. At this time, the stopper 233 is in contact with the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232 in the optical axis AX direction and is positioned slightly away from the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221.

[0104] This improves the feel of operating the slide switch 232, which the stopper 233 directly contacts, and also suppresses friction and other issues because the focus ring 215 does not come into contact with the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221 when it rotates in MF mode. Furthermore, since the projection 233b of the stopper 233 abuts against the side surface of the convex portion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 in the rotational direction, it is not possible to rotate the focus ring 215 to which the focus grip unit 230 is fixed to switch from AF mode to MF mode.

[0105] Next, in the AF mode during normal use as shown in Figure 28C, when the slide switch 232 is in the OFF position, the stopper 233 moves to a position offset from the protrusion 221c in the optical axis AX direction by operating the slide switch 232. As a result, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 is released from contact with the convex portion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 in the rotational direction, allowing the focus ring 215 to which the focus grip unit 230 is fixed to be rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure to switch from AF mode to MF mode.

[0106] Here, the retracted state shown in Figure 28A will be explained in more detail using Figures 29A, 29B, and 29C. When the lens barrel 210 is retracted, the focus ring 215 moves toward the image plane in the optical axis direction AX, and as a result, the focus grip unit 230 also moves toward the image plane.

[0107] Therefore, as shown in Figure 29A, the stopper 233 moves in the direction that compresses the spring 235 (upward in the figure). At this time, as shown in Figures 29B and 29C, the slide switch 232 is not subjected to any biasing force by the spring 235 and is in the lowest position in the figure. Next, the ON state of the slide switch 232 shown in Figure 28B will be explained in more detail using Figures 30A, 30B, and 30C.

[0108] When the lens barrel 210 is in normal use (normal shooting, macro shooting), the slide switch 232 is operated and the lens barrel 210 is turned ON. As shown in Figure 30A, the stopper 233 is subjected to the biasing force of the spring 235 and comes into contact with the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232. At this time, as shown in Figures 30B and 30C, the slide switch 232 is subjected to the biasing force of the spring 235 via the stopper 233 and is biased downward in the figures.

[0109] As a result, as described above, the stopper 233 comes into contact with the side surface of the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221, and it is not possible to switch from AF mode to MF mode. Next, the OFF state of the slide switch 232 shown in Figure 28C will be explained in more detail using Figures 31A, 31B, and 31C. When the lens barrel 210 is used under normal conditions (normal shooting, macro shooting), if the slide switch 232 is operated and the lens barrel 210 moves from the ON state to the OFF state, the stopper 233 moves in the opposite direction to the biasing force of the spring 235 as the slide switch 232 moves upward in the figure, as shown in Figure 31A. At this time, as shown in Figures 31B and 31C, the slide switch 232 is biased downward in the figure by the biasing force of the spring 235 via the stopper 233. Therefore, when the operation by the user is released, the slide switch 232 and the stopper 233 are returned to the ON position by the biasing force of the spring 235.

[0110] As a result, as described above, the stopper 233 moves to a position offset in the optical axis AX direction relative to the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221, releasing contact with the side and enabling switching from AF mode to MF mode. In other words, when the lens barrel 210 is in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 32A, the stopper 233 moves away from the slide switch 232 and, under the biasing force from the spring 235, comes into contact with the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221.

[0111] As a result, in the retracted state, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 is in close contact with the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221 without any gap due to the biasing force of the spring 235, as shown in Figure 33A. At this time, the stopper 233b is not in contact with the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232 and cannot be operated by the slide switch 232. Therefore, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 cannot move over the protrusion 221c, and switching between AF mode and MF mode is not possible. Thus, when the focus ring 215 is in AF mode, it remains in AF mode, and when it is in MF mode, it remains in MF mode.

[0112] Next, when the lens barrel 210 is in normal use and the slide switch 232 is in the ON position, as shown in Figure 32B, the stopper 233 receives a biasing force from the spring 235 and comes into contact with the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232. As a result, in the ON state during normal use, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 contacts the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232 by the biasing force of the spring 235, with a gap between it and the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221, as shown in Figure 33B. Therefore, unless the slide switch 232 is operated, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 cannot move over the protrusion 221c, and switching between AF mode and MF mode is not possible. Thus, similar to the retracted state, the focus ring 215 remains in AF mode when in AF mode, and in MF mode when in MF mode.

[0113] On the other hand, when the lens barrel 210 is in the OFF position due to the operation of the slide switch 232 during normal use, as shown in Figure 32C, the stopper 233 moves in a direction opposite to the biasing force from the spring 235 as the slide switch 232 moves. As a result, in the OFF state during normal use, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 moves to a position offset from the convex portion 221c in the optical axis AX direction. At this time, as shown in Figure 33C, the projection 233b of the stopper 233 is in contact with the bearing portion 232b of the slide switch 232 by the biasing force of the spring 235, with a gap between it and the end face 221b of the depth scale ring 221. Therefore, by operating the slide switch 232 to the OFF position, the projection 233b can move over the convex portion 221c, enabling switching between AF mode and MF mode.

[0114] Next, the changes in the appearance of the lens barrel 210 in the retracted state, normal shooting state (AF mode, MF mode), and macro shooting state (AF mode, MF mode) will be explained using Figures 34A to 38C. In other words, in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 34A, the size of the lens barrel 210 in the optical axis AX direction is minimized compared to normal use, and the normal shooting scale display 16b and macro shooting scale display 16c of the distance scale ring 16 described in Embodiment 1 are not displayed.

[0115] In this retracted state, as shown in Figure 34B, when the focus grip unit 230 is attached, as shown in Figure 34C, the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 is housed in the relief groove 215b provided in the focus ring 215, and is therefore not visible externally. When the lens is retracted and in MF mode, the focus ring 215 can be rotated within the range of MF mode. At this time, the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 moves within the relief groove 215b provided in the focus ring 215.

[0116] Next, in AF mode during normal shooting, as shown in Figure 35A, compared to the retracted state, the lens group of the lens barrel 210 extends toward the subject in the optical axis AX direction, increasing its size in the optical axis AX direction, and the normal shooting scale display 16b of the distance scale ring 16 described in Embodiment 1 is displayed. In this state, as shown in Figure 35B, when the focus grip unit 230 is attached, as shown in Figure 35C, the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the focus grip unit 230, and its movement in the rotational direction is restricted by the stopper 233.

[0117] As a result, until the slide switch 232 is operated and the device switches from the ON state to the OFF state, the rotation of the focus ring 215 is restricted by the contact between the protrusion 221c and the stopper 233, making it impossible to switch from AF mode to MF mode. Next, in MF mode during normal shooting, as shown in Figure 36A, compared to the retracted state, the lens group of the lens barrel 210 extends toward the subject in the optical axis AX direction, increasing its size in the optical axis AX direction, and the normal shooting scale display 16b of the distance scale ring 16 described in Embodiment 1 is displayed.

[0118] In this state, as shown in Figure 36B, when the focus grip unit 230 is attached, as shown in Figure 36C, the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 is exposed at a position circumferentially away from the focus grip unit 230. As a result, although the focus ring 215 can be rotated within the range of MF mode until the slide switch 232 is operated and the device switches from the ON state to the OFF state, the rotation of the focus ring 215 is restricted by the contact between the protrusion 221c and the stopper 233, making it impossible to switch from MF mode to AF mode.

[0119] Next, in AF mode during macro photography, as shown in Figure 37A, the first lens frame 20, including the first lens group L1 of the lens barrel 210, moves toward the subject in the optical axis AX direction, compared to the normal shooting state. In this state, as shown in Figure 37B, when the focus grip unit 230 is attached, as shown in Figure 37C, the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the focus grip unit 230, and its movement in the rotational direction is restricted by the stopper 233.

[0120] As a result, until the slide switch 232 is operated and the device switches from the ON state to the OFF state, the rotation of the focus ring 215 is restricted by the contact between the protrusion 221c and the stopper 233, making it impossible to switch from AF mode to MF mode. Next, in MF mode during macro photography, as shown in Figure 38A, the first lens frame 20, which includes the first lens group L1 of the lens barrel 210, moves toward the subject in the optical axis AX direction, compared to the normal shooting state.

[0121] In this state, as shown in Figure 38B, when the focus grip unit 230 is attached, as shown in Figure 38C, the protrusion 221c of the depth scale ring 221 is exposed at a position circumferentially away from the focus grip unit 230. As a result, although the focus ring 215 can be rotated within the range of MF mode until the slide switch 232 is operated and the device switches from the ON state to the OFF state, the rotation of the focus ring 215 is restricted by the contact between the protrusion 221c and the stopper 233, making it impossible to switch from MF mode to AF mode.

[0122] <Main components> The lens barrel 210 of this embodiment is a lens barrel used when attached to an imaging device, and comprises a substantially cylindrical fixed cylinder 23, a lens group L1, a first lens frame 20, a focus ring 215, a substantially cylindrical depth scale ring 221, and a focus grip unit 230. The first lens frame 20 holds the lens group L1, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder 23, and is driven in the optical axis AX direction of the lens group L1. The focus ring 215 is provided on the outer circumference side of the fixed cylinder 23 and is rotated around the optical axis AX direction of the lens group L1 relative to the fixed cylinder 23 when manually adjusting the focus. The substantially cylindrical depth scale ring 221 is provided on the outer circumference side of the fixed cylinder 23. The focus grip unit 230 is fixed to the outer circumference of the focus ring 215 and switches between an ON state, which makes contact with a part of the depth scale ring 221 to disable switching between AF (automatic) mode, which automatically adjusts the focus of the focus ring 215, and MF (manual) mode, which allows manual focus adjustment, and an OFF state, which releases contact with a part of the depth scale ring 221 to enable switching between AF mode and MF mode of the focus ring 215. Furthermore, the focus grip unit 230 has a stopper 233 that disables switching between AF mode and MF mode when the first lens frame 20 is retracted and moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis AX direction.

[0123] This improves operability when switching between AF (autofocus) mode and MF (manual focus) mode in the lens barrel 210 as it transitions to a retracted state. [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.

[0124] (A) In the above embodiment, an example was described using a distance scale ring 16 on its outer surface, which displays a normal shooting scale 16b and a macro shooting scale 16c, as a display unit for displaying a first display and a second display different from the first display. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0125] For example, as shown in Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C, the lens barrel 110 may have a distance scale ring 116 with a display panel 116b that can be switched between displaying a hidden display, a normal shooting scale display, and a macro shooting scale display. The display panel 116b is provided on the outer periphery of the main body (display body) 116a. When not taking a picture, as shown in Figure 20A, the distance scale display is hidden. When taking a normal picture, as shown in Figure 20B, the scale display for normal shooting is shown. When taking a macro picture, as shown in Figure 20C, the scale display for macro shooting is shown.

[0126] This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the above embodiment. (B) In the above embodiment, an example was described using a distance scale ring 16 on its outer surface, which displays a normal shooting scale 16b and a macro shooting scale 16c, as a display unit for displaying a first display and a second display different from the first display. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0127] For example, instead of displaying distance scales according to the shooting mode, the first and second displays may be configured to show other information such as aperture value and F-number. (C) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which projections 16d for synchronizing the rotation of the focus ring 15 and the distance scale ring 16 are provided at four locations on the outer circumferential surface of the substantially annular main body portion 15a. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] For example, one or more protrusions for synchronizing the rotation of the focus ring and the distance scale ring only need to be provided on the outer surface of the roughly annular main body. (D) In the above embodiment, a configuration including two lens groups, a first lens group L1 and a second lens group L2, was described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0129] For example, the configuration of this disclosure may be applied to a lens barrel that includes three or more lens groups. (E) 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 detachably attached to a camera body (not shown). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0130] For example, the configuration of this disclosure may be applied to a lens barrel that is attached to the camera body in a way that prevents it from being detached. <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 used while attached to an imaging device, A roughly cylindrical fixed cylinder, Lens group and A lens frame that holds the lens group, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens group, A display unit is positioned so that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outer surface, and displays a first display and a second display different from the first display, A switching ring is rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the fixed cylinder, and switches between a retracted state in which the first and second indicators are not displayed and the lens frame is moved to the opposite side from the subject in the optical axis direction, a normal shooting state in which only the first indicator is displayed and the lens frame is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction, and a macro shooting state in which only the second indicator is displayed and the lens frame is moved further toward the subject in the optical axis direction, by rotational operation. It is equipped with.

[0131] (Technology 2) The lens barrel relating to Technology 2 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 1, The display unit further comprises a substantially cylindrical display body portion arranged on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder, The first display is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the display body, and the second display is provided on the display body at a position adjacent to the first display in the optical axis direction.

[0132] (Technology 3) The lens barrel relating to Technology 3 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 1, The display unit has a display panel that switches between displaying the hidden display, the first display, and the second display in accordance with the rotation operation of the switching ring. (Technology 4) The lens barrel relating to Technology 4 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 2, The display unit moves back and forth in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the transition between the retracted state, the normal shooting state, and the macro shooting state, which are switched by the rotation of the switching ring.

[0133] (Technology 5) The lens barrel relating to Technology 5 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 4, The cam cylinder further comprises a substantially cylindrical cam body and a first cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the cam body, The fixed cylinder further has a first cam groove that moves while the first cam pin is engaged when transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state.

[0134] (Technology 6) The lens barrel relating to Technology 6 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 5, The lens frame comprises a substantially cylindrical lens frame body and a second cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the lens frame body. The cam cylinder is provided on the cam body and further has a second cam groove that moves while the second cam pin is engaged when transitioning from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state.

[0135] (Technology 7) The lens barrel relating to Technology 7 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 2, The lens frame comprises a substantially cylindrical lens frame body and a second cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the lens frame body. The cam pin frame further comprises a substantially cylindrical cam pin frame body portion that is rotatably provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the substantially cylindrical display body portion, and a third cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the cam pin frame body portion, The fixed cylinder has a first straight groove that is provided along the optical axis direction and moves while the second cam pin and the third cam pin are engaged with each other.

[0136] (Technology 8) The lens barrel relating to Technology 8 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 4, The display unit further comprises a sliding groove provided linearly along the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface side of the display body, The device further comprises a cam pin frame having a substantially cylindrical cam pin frame body provided in a rotatable manner on the inner circumferential surface side of the substantially cylindrical display body, and a projection provided so as to protrude radially outward from the cam pin frame body and move circumferentially along the sliding groove.

[0137] (Technology 9) The lens barrel relating to Technology 9 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 8, The cam pin frame further includes a third cam pin that protrudes radially from the main body of the cam pin frame, The device further includes a cam cylinder having a display switching cam groove, which moves the cam pin frame, integrated with the display unit in the optical axis direction, back and forth in the optical axis direction, as the third cam pin moves while engaged by the rotation of the switching ring.

[0138] (Technology 10) The lens barrel relating to technology 10 is the lens barrel relating to technology 9, The display switching cam groove includes a first groove portion provided along the circumferential direction in which the third cam pin of the cam pin frame is positioned when the retracted state is reached; an interference avoidance groove portion that guides the third cam pin to the side away from the subject when the display unit is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction when transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state; and a second groove portion that guides the third cam pin toward the subject when the display unit is moved further toward the subject in the optical axis direction when transitioning from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state.

[0139] (Technology 11) The lens barrel relating to Technology 11 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 10, The device further comprises a movable frame having a substantially cylindrical movable body and a fourth cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the movable body, The fixed cylinder further comprises a substantially cylindrical fixed body portion and a second straight groove that moves along the optical axis direction and engages with the fourth cam pin provided on the movable frame.

[0140] (Technology 12) The lens barrel relating to technology 12 is the lens barrel relating to technology 11, The device further comprises a substantially cylindrical cam body and a cam cylinder having a synchronous cam groove provided along the circumferential direction, which moves in a state in which the fourth cam pin is engaged, thereby moving the movable frame synchronously in the optical axis direction.

[0141] (Technology 13) The lens barrel relating to Technology 13 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 12, The first display is a scale display that includes one of the first distance, aperture, or F-number displayed in the normal shooting state.

[0142] (Technology 14) The lens barrel relating to Technology 14 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 1 to 13, The second display is a scale display that includes one of the second distance, aperture, or F-number displayed in the macro shooting state.

[0143] (Technology 15) The lens barrel relating to Technology 15 is A lens barrel used while attached to an imaging device, A roughly cylindrical fixed cylinder, Lens group and A lens frame that holds the lens group, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens group, A focus ring is provided on the outer circumference of the aforementioned fixed cylinder and is rotated around the optical axis of the lens group relative to the fixed cylinder when manually adjusting the focus, A substantially cylindrical cylindrical member provided on the outer circumference of the aforementioned fixed cylinder, A rotation restriction switching unit is fixed to the outer circumference of the focus ring and has a rotation restriction switch that switches between a first state in which it contacts a part of the cylindrical member to prevent switching between an automatic mode in which the focus ring automatically adjusts the focus and a manual mode in which the focus adjustment is performed manually, and a second state in which it releases contact with a part of the cylindrical member to enable switching between the automatic mode and the manual mode of the focus ring, and in a retracted state in which the lens frame is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction, it prevents switching between the automatic mode and the manual mode. It is equipped with.

[0144] (Technology 16) The lens barrel relating to technology 16 is the lens barrel relating to technology 15, The cylindrical member has an end face intersecting the optical axis direction and a protrusion projecting from the end face in the optical axis direction, In the first state, the restricting portion contacts the protrusion in the rotational direction to restrict the rotation of the focus ring, and in the second state, the contact with the protrusion in the rotational direction is released, allowing the focus ring to rotate.

[0145] (Technology 17) The lens barrel relating to Technology 17 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 16, The rotation restriction switching unit further includes a biasing member that biases the restricting unit toward a position in contact with the protrusion, and a switching operation unit that is operated to move the restricting unit in the opposite direction to the direction in which it contacts the protrusion when transitioning from the first state to the second state.

[0146] (Technology 18) The lens barrel relating to Technology 18 is the lens barrel relating to Technology 17, In the first state, the restricting portion is not in contact with the end face of the cylindrical member in the optical axis direction, but is in contact with a part of the switching operation portion. (Technology 19) The lens barrel relating to technology 19 is a lens barrel relating to technology 17 or 18, In the retracted state, the restricting portion abuts against the end face of the cylindrical member and is not in contact with a part of the switching operation portion.

[0147] (Technology 20) The lens barrel relating to technology 20 is a lens barrel relating to any one of technologies 16 to 18, The biasing member biases the restricting portion in the optical axis direction. (Technology 21) The lens barrel relating to Technology 21 is a lens barrel relating to Technology 17 or 18, The rotation restriction switching unit further has a guide axis arranged along the optical axis direction, The switching operation unit is operated to slide along the guide axis in the optical axis direction.

[0148] (Technology 22) The lens barrel relating to Technology 22 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 16 to 20, The focus ring, in the retracted state, has a groove that encloses the protrusion of the cylindrical member on its inner circumferential surface.

[0149] (Technology 23) The lens barrel relating to Technology 23 is a lens barrel relating to any one of Technology 16 to 20, In the retracted state, the restricting portion (stopper) abuts against the end face of the cylindrical member, making it impossible to switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode.

[0150] (Technology 24) The lens barrel relating to technology 24 is a lens barrel relating to any one of technologies 15 to 23, In the first state, the restriction on the rotation of the focus ring in manual mode is released.

[0151] (Technology 25) The lens barrel relating to technology 25 is a lens barrel relating to any one of technologies 15 to 24, The cylindrical member is a depth scale ring provided with scale indicators that show the depth of field when the focus ring is rotated. [Industrial applicability]

[0152] The lens barrel of this disclosure has the effect of displaying different information depending on the shooting mode and suppressing the size of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction when not shooting, and is therefore widely applicable to lens barrels attached to various imaging devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 10 Lens barrel 11 Filtering 12 Indicator Rings 13 Aperture ring 13a Main body 13b Encoder brush 13ca click groove 13cb click groove 13d click area 14 Retaining ring 14a Spring 14b Clickball 15. Focus Ring 15a Main body 15b Encoder brush 15c Straight guide groove 15d Bayonet 15e click groove 15f click groove 16. Distance scale ring (display section) 16a Main body (display main body) 16b Scale markings for normal photography (first marking) 16c Macro photography scale markings (second marking) 16d protrusion 16e Sliding groove 17 Kampin frame 17a Main body (cam pin frame main body) 17b projection 17c cam pin (third cam pin) 18 movable ring frame (movable frame) 18a main body part (movable main body part) 18b cam pin (fourth cam pin) 18ba screw hole 18c sliding surface 18d through hole 18e screw hole 18f through hole 19a encoder base 19aa spring 19ab click ball 19ba, 19bb encoder 19c connection flex 19d screw 20 first lens frame (lens frame) 20a main body part (lens frame main body part) 20b cam pin (second cam pin) 21 depth scale ring 21a main body part 21b indicator 21c click groove 21d click groove 21e click groove 21f convex part 22 switching ring 22a main body part 22b click plate spring 22ba tip part 22bb hole 22bc convex part 22c screw 22d straight groove 23 fixed cylinder 23a main body part (fixed main body part) 23b cam groove (first cam groove) 23c straight groove (first straight groove) 23d straight groove (second straight groove) 23e flange part 23f concave part 24 cam cylinder 24a main body part (cam main body part) 24b Cam Pin (First Cam Pin) 24c Cam Groove (Second Cam Groove) 24e Cam Groove (Synchronization Cam Groove) 24f Cam Groove (Display Switching Cam Groove) 24fa Groove Portion (First Groove Portion) 24fb Groove Portion (Interference Avoidance Groove Portion) 24fc Groove Portion (Second Groove Portion) 25 Second Lens Frame 26 Control Substrate 27 Rear Frame 27a Main Body Portion 27b Indicator 28 Lens Mount 29 Contact Unit 30 Light Shielding Frame 110 Lens Barrel 116 Distance Scale Ring (Display Portion) 116a Main Body Portion (Display Main Body Portion) 116b Display Panel 210 Lens Barrel 215 Focus Ring 215a Main Body Portion 215b Relief Groove (Groove Portion) 221 Depth Scale Ring (Cylindrical Member) 221a Main Body Portion 221b End Face 221c Protrusion 230 Focus Grip Unit 231 Focus Grip 231a Housing Portion 231b Opening 231c Insertion Hole 231d Press-Fit Hole 232 Slide Switch (Switching Operation Portion) 232a Operation Knob 232b Bearing Portion 233 Stopper (Regulation Portion) 233a Bearing Portion 233b Protrusion 233c Through Hole 234 Guide Shaft 235 Spring (Biasing Member) 236 Screw AX optical axis L1 First lens group (lens group) L2 Second lens group

Claims

1. A lens barrel used while attached to an imaging device, A roughly cylindrical fixed cylinder, Lens group and A lens frame that holds the lens group, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens group, A display unit is positioned so that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outer surface, and displays a first display and a second display different from the first display, A switching ring is rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the fixed cylinder, and switches between a retracted state in which the first and second indicators are not displayed and the lens frame is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction, a normal shooting state in which only the first indicator is displayed and the lens frame is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction, and a macro shooting state in which only the second indicator is displayed and the lens frame is moved further toward the subject in the optical axis direction, by rotational operation. A lens barrel equipped with this feature.

2. The display unit further comprises a substantially cylindrical display body portion arranged on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder, The first display is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the display body, and the second display is provided on the display body at a position adjacent to the first display in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 1.

3. The display unit has a display panel that switches between not showing, the first display, and the second display in accordance with the rotation operation of the switching ring. The lens barrel according to claim 1.

4. The display unit moves back and forth in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the transition between the retracted state, the normal shooting state, and the macro shooting state, which are switched by the rotation operation of the switching ring. The lens barrel according to claim 2.

5. The cam cylinder further comprises a substantially cylindrical cam body and a first cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the cam body, The fixed cylinder further has a first cam groove that moves while the first cam pin is engaged when transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The lens frame comprises a substantially cylindrical lens frame body and a second cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the lens frame body. The cam cylinder is provided on the cam body and further has a second cam groove that moves while the second cam pin is engaged when transitioning from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state. The lens barrel according to claim 5.

7. The lens frame comprises a substantially cylindrical lens frame body and a second cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the lens frame body. The cam pin frame further comprises a substantially cylindrical cam pin frame body portion that is rotatably provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the substantially cylindrical display body portion, and a third cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the cam pin frame body portion, The fixed cylinder is provided along the optical axis direction and has a first straight groove that moves while the second cam pin and the third cam pin are engaged with each other. The lens barrel according to claim 2.

8. The display unit further comprises a sliding groove provided linearly along the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface side of the display body, The device further comprises a cam pin frame having a substantially cylindrical cam pin frame body provided in a rotatable manner on the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical display body, and a projection provided so as to protrude radially outward from the cam pin frame body and move circumferentially along the sliding groove. The lens barrel according to claim 4.

9. The cam pin frame further includes a third cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the main body of the cam pin frame, The cam cylinder further comprises a display switching cam groove, which, when the switching ring is rotated, moves while the third cam pin is engaged, causing the display unit to move back and forth in the optical axis direction, the cam pin frame, which is integrated with the display unit in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 8.

10. The display switching cam groove includes a first groove portion provided along the circumferential direction in which the third cam pin of the cam pin frame is positioned when the retracted state is reached; an interference avoidance groove portion that guides the third cam pin to the opposite side of the subject when the display unit is moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction when transitioning from the retracted state to the normal shooting state; and a second groove portion that guides the third cam pin toward the subject when the display unit is further moved toward the subject in the optical axis direction when transitioning from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state. The lens barrel according to claim 9.

11. The device further comprises a movable frame having a substantially cylindrical movable body and a fourth cam pin provided so as to protrude radially from the movable body, The aforementioned fixed cylinder further comprises a substantially cylindrical fixed body portion and a second straight groove that moves along the optical axis direction and engages with the fourth cam pin provided on the movable frame. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The cam further comprises a substantially cylindrical cam body and a cam cylinder having a synchronous cam groove provided along the circumferential direction, which moves in a state in which the fourth cam pin is engaged, causing the movable frame to move synchronously in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 11.

13. The first display is a scale display that includes one of the first distance, aperture, or F-number displayed in the normal shooting state. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The second display is a scale display that includes either the second distance, aperture, or F-number displayed in the macro shooting state. The lens barrel according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A lens barrel used while attached to an imaging device, A roughly cylindrical fixed cylinder, Lens group and A lens frame that holds the lens group, is positioned on the inner diameter side of the fixed cylinder, and is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens group, A focus ring is provided on the outer circumference of the aforementioned fixed cylinder and is rotated around the optical axis of the lens group relative to the fixed cylinder when manually adjusting the focus, A substantially cylindrical cylindrical member provided on the outer circumference of the aforementioned fixed cylinder, A rotation restriction switching unit is fixed to the outer circumference of the focus ring and has a rotation restriction switcher that switches between a first state in which it contacts a part of the cylindrical member to prevent switching between an automatic mode in which the focus adjustment of the focus ring is performed automatically and a manual mode in which the focus adjustment is performed manually, and a second state in which it releases contact with a part of the cylindrical member to enable switching between the automatic mode and the manual mode of the focus ring, and also has a rotation restriction switcher that prevents switching between the automatic mode and the manual mode when the lens frame is in a retracted state in which it is moved to the opposite side of the subject in the optical axis direction, A lens barrel equipped with this feature.

16. The cylindrical member has an end face intersecting the optical axis direction and a protrusion projecting from the end face in the optical axis direction, In the first state, the restricting portion (stopper) contacts the protrusion in the rotational direction to restrict the rotation of the focus ring, and in the second state, the contact with the protrusion in the rotational direction is released, allowing the focus ring to rotate. The lens barrel according to claim 15.

17. The rotation restriction switching unit further includes a biasing member that biases the restricting unit toward a position in contact with the protrusion, and a switching operation unit that is operated to move the restricting unit in a direction opposite to the direction in which it contacts the protrusion when transitioning from the first state to the second state. The lens barrel according to claim 16.

18. In the first state, the restricting portion is not in contact with the end face of the cylindrical member in the optical axis direction, but is in contact with a part of the switching operation portion. The lens barrel according to claim 17.

19. In the retracted state, the restricting portion abuts against the end face of the cylindrical member and is not in contact with a part of the switching operation portion. The lens barrel according to claim 17.

20. The biasing member biases the restricting portion in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 17.

21. The rotation restriction switching unit further has a guide axis arranged along the optical axis direction, The switching operation unit is operated to slide along the guide axis in the optical axis direction. The lens barrel according to claim 17 or 18.

22. The focus ring, in the retracted state, has a groove that encloses the protrusion of the cylindrical member on its inner circumferential surface. The lens barrel according to claim 16.

23. In the retracted state, the restricting portion abuts against the end face of the cylindrical member, making it impossible to switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode. The lens barrel according to claim 16.

24. In the first state, the rotation restriction of the focus ring in the manual mode is released. The lens barrel according to claim 15 or 16.

25. The cylindrical member is a depth scale ring provided with scale indicators that show the depth of field when the focus ring is rotated. The lens barrel according to claim 15 or 16.

Images