Lens device

Abstract

Provided is a lens device in which the movement of a movable frame can be restricted. This lens device is provided with: a movable frame that is movable in the extension direction of an optical axis; a first drive part that drives the movable frame; and a restriction mechanism that restricts the movement of the movable frame. The restriction mechanism is provided with a rotation member that is rotatable to a first position and a second position about a rotation axis extending in the extension direction, a first engagement part that is provided to one of the movable frame and the rotation member and elastically deformed; and a second engagement part that is provided to the other of the movable frame and the rotation member and engages with the first engagement part. The first position is a position where the first engagement part and the second engagement part disengage from each other, and the second position is a position where the first engagement part is elastically deformed and engages with the second engagement part.

Description

Lens device

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device, and particularly to a lens device including a movable frame and a regulating mechanism that regulates movement of the movable frame.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Lens devices are known that use a linear motor such as a voice coil motor (VCM) to drive movable lens groups such as a zoom lens group and a focus lens group.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe lens devices that can prevent movement of a movable lens group even when the linear motor is not energized.

[0004] JP 2019-109427 JP 2017-3742 JP 2010-271607

[0005] One embodiment according to the technology of the present disclosure provides a lens device that can restrict movement of a movable frame.

[0006] (1) A lens device comprising: a movable frame that is movable in the direction in which the optical axis extends; a first drive unit that drives the movable frame; and a regulating mechanism that regulates the movement of the movable frame, wherein the regulating mechanism comprises: a rotating member that is rotatable to a first position and a second position around a rotation axis that extends in the direction in which the optical axis extends; a first engagement unit that is provided on one of the movable frame or the rotating member and that elastically deforms; and a second engagement unit that is provided on the other of the movable frame or the rotating member and that engages with the first engagement unit, wherein the first position is a position in which the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit disengage, and the second position is a position in which the first engagement unit elastically deforms and engages with the second engagement unit.

[0007] (2) The lens device according to (1), wherein the first drive section is a drive section that allows free movement of the movable frame when no electricity is applied.

[0008] (3) The lens device of (1) or (2), wherein the first drive section is a linear motor.

[0009] (4) The lens device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first position is a position when the first drive unit is energized, and the second position is a position when the first drive unit is not energized.

[0010] (5) A lens device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first position is a position where the restriction on movement of the movable frame is released, and the second position is a position where the restriction on movement of the movable frame is applied.

[0011] (6) The lens device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a second drive unit that rotates the rotating member.

[0012] (7) The lens device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first engagement portion has a concave shape and the second engagement portion has a convex shape.

[0013] (8) A lens device of any one of (1) to (7), wherein the regulating mechanism, when the rotating member is rotated from the first position to the second position, elastically deforms the first engaging portion, causing the second engaging portion to engage with the first engaging portion, thereby restricting movement of the movable frame, and, when the rotating member is rotated from the second position to the first position, elastically deforms the first engaging portion, causing the second engaging portion to disengage from the first engaging portion, thereby releasing the restriction on movement of the movable frame.

[0014] (9) The lens device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first engagement portion is provided on the rotating member, and the second engagement portion is provided on the movable frame.

[0015] (10) A lens device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the movable frame comprises a first guide portion that slides in a first axial direction extending in the extension direction to guide the movement of the movable frame, and a second guide portion that slides in a second axial direction extending in the extension direction to support the guiding by the first guide portion, and the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion is provided at a position relatively closer to the first guide portion than the second guide portion.

[0016] (11) A lens device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the shape of the engaging portion of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a shape that includes an arc around the rotation axis of the rotating member in a cross section that intersects with the optical axis.

[0017] (12) A lens device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the first engagement portion has a first convex portion and a second convex portion arranged at a distance in the extension direction, and the second engagement portion has a third convex portion that engages with the distance.

[0018] (13) The lens device according to (12), wherein the width of the third convex portion in the extending direction is greater than the interval.

[0019] (14) The lens device according to (12) or (13), wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion have a shape in which the width in the extending direction becomes narrower toward the outside of the rotation axis.

[0020] (15) The lens device according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion have inclinations on their opposing surfaces such that the distance between them increases from the second position toward the first position.

[0021] (16) The lens device according to (15), which includes a biasing member or a biasing mechanism that biases the rotating member from the first position to the second position.

[0022] (17) The lens device according to any one of (12) to (15), wherein the third convex portion has a shape whose width decreases from the first position toward the second position.

[0023] (18) The lens device according to (17), which includes a biasing member or a biasing mechanism that biases the rotating member from the first position to the second position.

[0024] (19) The lens device according to any one of (12) to (18), wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion have chamfered portions at the corners that contact the third convex portion.

[0025] (20) The lens device according to any one of (12) to (19), wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion have a chamfered portion at the end on the side of the movable frame or the rotating member.

[0026] (21) The lens device according to any one of (12) to (20), wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion have an elastic member on at least one of them.

[0027] (22) The lens device of (6), wherein the second drive unit includes a cam groove provided in the rotating member, a screw member arranged extending in the extension direction, an actuator that rotationally drives the screw member, a sliding member that slides in the extension direction, a nut portion provided in the sliding member and screw-coupled to the screw member, and a cam pin provided in the sliding member that engages with the cam groove, and converts the linear motion of the sliding member into rotational motion by the cam pin and cam groove, thereby rotating the rotating member.

[0028] (23) The lens device of (6), wherein the second driving unit includes a cam groove provided in the rotating member, a screw member arranged to extend in the extension direction, an actuator that rotationally drives the screw member, a first sliding member that slides in the extension direction, a second sliding member that slides in the extension direction, a restricting member that engages with the first sliding member and the second sliding member and restricts the movable range of the first sliding member relative to the second sliding member, a cam pin provided in the first sliding member and engages with the cam groove, a nut portion provided in the second sliding member and screw-coupled with the screw member, and a biasing member provided between the first sliding member and the second sliding member and biasing the first sliding member and the second sliding member in a direction separating them, and rotates the rotating member by converting the linear motion of the first sliding member into rotational motion by the cam pin and the cam groove.

[0029] (24) A lens device according to (23), wherein the first engagement portion has a fourth convex portion and a fifth convex portion arranged at a distance in the extension direction, and the fourth convex portion and the fifth convex portion have opposing surfaces that are inclined so that the distance between the opposing surfaces widens from the first position toward the second position.

[0030] (25) A lens device according to (23) or (24), wherein the second engagement portion has a sixth convex portion that engages with the first engagement portion, and the sixth convex portion has a shape whose width decreases in the direction from the first position to the second position.

[0031] Exploded view of a focus lens unit. Diagram showing the internal structure of the lens barrel. Diagram showing the configuration of a movable frame drive section. Diagram showing the configuration of a position detection section. Diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the restriction mechanism. Diagram showing the configuration of a lock lever. Diagram showing the configuration of a lock lever drive section. Diagram showing the configuration of a lock lever drive section. Diagram showing the configuration of a carriage. Diagram showing an engaged position. Diagram showing a disengaged position. Diagram showing the configuration of a lock lever position detection section. Diagram showing an engaged state of the lock lever. Diagram showing a modified example of the lock lever. Diagram showing a modified example of the claw section. Diagram showing a modified example of the lock lever ... drive section. Exploded view of the lock lever drive section. Diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the restriction mechanism. Diagram showing a state in which the movement of the movable frame is restricted by the lock lever. Diagram showing a state in which the restriction on the movement of the movable frame by the lock lever is released. Diagram showing the configuration of the lock lever, rotating member, and lock lever drive section. Diagram showing a modified example of the lock lever.

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] [First embodiment] Here, an example in which the present invention is applied to a focus lens unit of a camera lens will be described. The focus lens unit is a lens unit used for focus adjustment in a camera lens. The focus lens unit has a configuration in which at least some of the lens groups are movable in the direction of extension of the optical axis. Camera lenses include interchangeable lenses for so-called interchangeable lens cameras, as well as lenses integrally built into the camera body. Cameras include digital cameras (including video cameras), silver halide cameras, television cameras, cine cameras, etc. Digital cameras include those installed in electronic devices such as smartphones.

[0034] [Focus Lens Unit] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the focus lens unit.

[0035] As shown in the figure, focus lens unit 1 of this embodiment has a lens barrel 10, a movable frame 20 that moves within lens barrel 10 in the direction in which optical axis Z extends, a movable frame drive unit 30 that drives movable frame 20, a position detection unit 40 that detects the position of movable frame 20, and a restriction mechanism 50 that restricts movement of movable frame 20. In this embodiment, focus lens unit 1 is an example of a lens device.

[0036] [Lens barrel] Lens barrel 10 is composed of a lens barrel main body 10A that is open at the tip side (object side), and a front cover 10B that is attached to the open tip of lens barrel main body 10 A. Front cover 10B is composed of a plate-shaped member with a circular opening in the center, and is detachably attached to the tip of lens barrel main body 10A with screws.

[0037] [Movable Frame] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the lens barrel.

[0038] The movable frame 20 holds the lens group L. The lens group L is made up of at least one lens (optical element). The movable frame 20 is made up of a resin molded product. For example, the movable frame 20 is made up of a resin molded product using engineering plastic (thermoplastic resin) such as polycarbonate resin (PC) or polyacetal resin (POM).

[0039] The movable frame 20 is guided by a main shaft 21 and a sub-shaft 22 that extend in the direction in which the optical axis Z extends, and moves within the lens barrel 10 in the direction in which the optical axis Z extends.

[0040] The main shaft 21 and the sub-shaft 22 are disposed in the direction in which the optical axis Z extends, with both ends supported by support parts (not shown) provided in the lens barrel 10, respectively.

[0041] The movable frame 20 has a main guide part 20A that engages with the main shaft 21 and a sub-guide part 20B that engages with the sub-shaft 22.

[0042] The main guide portion 20A is a main guide portion for guiding the movable frame 20. The main guide portion 20A has a cylindrical shape that extends in the direction of an axis parallel to the optical axis Z.

[0043] The sub-guide portion 20B is a secondary guide portion in guiding the movable frame 20. In other words, it is a guide portion that supports the guide by the main guide portion 20A. The sub-guide portion 20B mainly functions to prevent the movable frame 20 from moving or rotating in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Z (rotation around the main shaft 21). The sub-guide portion 20B is formed with a recess into which the sub-shaft 22 can be fitted.

[0044] The movable frame 20 is supported within the lens barrel 10 so as to be movable in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z, with the main guide portion 20A sliding along the main shaft 21 and the sub-guide portion 20B sliding along the sub-shaft 22. In this embodiment, the main shaft 21 is an example of a first shaft, and the direction in which the main shaft 21 is arranged is an example of a first axis direction. The sub-shaft 22 is an example of a second shaft, and the direction in which the sub-shaft 22 is arranged is an example of a second axis direction. The main guide portion 20A is an example of a first guide portion, and the sub-guide portion 20B is an example of a second guide portion.

[0045] [Movable Frame Driving Section] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the movable frame driving section.

[0046] The movable frame driving unit 30 is made up of a pair of voice coil motors 30 A and 30 B. The voice coil motors 30 A and 30 B are a type of linear motor, and generate thrust in a linear direction.

[0047] The voice coil motors 30A, 30B each include coils 31A, 31B, magnets 32A, 32B, and yokes 33A, 33B. In this embodiment, the voice coil motors 30A, 30B are configured as so-called moving coil voice coil motors. When a voltage is applied to the coils 31A, 31B of the moving coil voice coil motors 30A, 30B, only the coils 31A, 31B move within the magnetic field created by the magnets 32A, 32B and yokes 33A, 33B. Therefore, the coils 31A, 31B are attached to the movable frame 20. The magnets 32A, 32B and yokes 33A, 33B are configured as an integrated unit and attached to the lens barrel 10.

[0048] When the movable frame drive unit 30 configured as described above applies a voltage to the coils 31A and 31B, the movable frame 20 moves in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z. This causes the lens group L to move in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z. On the other hand, when the coils 31A and 31B are in a non-energized state (for example, when the power is turned off), the movable frame drive unit 30 loses the force that holds the movable frame 20. As a result, the movable frame 20 can move freely.

[0049] In this embodiment, the movable frame driving unit 30 is an example of a first driving unit, and is also an example of a driving unit that allows the movable frame 20 to move freely when not energized.

[0050] [Position Detection Unit] The position detection unit 40 detects the position of the movable frame 20. By detecting the position of the movable frame 20, the position of the lens group L held by the movable frame 20 is detected.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the position detection unit.

[0052] The position detection unit 40 detects the position of the movable frame 20 relative to a reference position (origin position). To this end, the position detection unit 40 includes a reference position detection unit 41 that detects that the movable frame 20 is positioned at the reference position, and a movement amount detection unit 42 that detects the amount of movement (amount of displacement) of the movable frame 20.

[0053] The reference position detection unit 41 is composed of a light-shielding plate 41A and a photointerrupter 41B. The light-shielding plate 41A is provided on the movable frame 20. On the other hand, the photointerrupter 41B is provided on the lens barrel 10. When the movable frame 20 is positioned at the reference position, the light-shielding plate 41A shields a light-receiving portion (not shown) of the photointerrupter 41B from light. In other words, it blocks light received by the light-receiving portion. This allows detection that the movable frame 20 is positioned at the reference position.

[0054] The movement amount detection unit 42 is composed of a magnetic scale 42A and an MR sensor (Magneto Resistive Sensor; magnetoresistive effect element) 42B that detects magnetic information (north and south poles) of the magnetic scale 42A.

[0055] The magnetic scale 42A has a rectangular sheet shape and is structured such that north and south poles are repeatedly magnetized at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction (a so-called magnetized sheet). The magnetic scale 42A is attached to a magnetic scale attachment portion 20C provided on the movable frame 20 and is disposed in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z.

[0056] The MR sensor 42B is attached to the lens barrel 10. The MR sensor 42B attached to the lens barrel 10 is disposed on the movement path of the magnetic scale 42A and is disposed opposite the magnetic scale 42A. The MR sensor 42B reads the magnetic information on the magnetic scale 42A and detects the amount of movement (amount of displacement) of the magnetic scale 42A. By detecting the amount of movement of the magnetic scale 42A, the amount of movement of the movable frame 20 is detected. This also allows the amount of movement of the lens group L held by the movable frame 20 to be detected.

[0057] The position detection unit 40 configured as described above detects the position of the movable frame 20 as follows. First, the reference position detection unit 41 detects that the movable frame 20 has been positioned at the reference position. Then, the reference position detection unit 41 detects the amount of movement (amount of displacement) of the movable frame 20. This makes it possible to detect the amount of movement of the movable frame 20 relative to the reference position. From the detected amount of movement of the movable frame 20, the position of the movable frame 20 relative to the reference position is detected. Furthermore, by detecting the position of the movable frame 20 relative to the reference position, the position of the lens group L relative to the reference position is determined.

[0058] [Restriction Mechanism] The restriction mechanism 50 restricts the movement of the movable frame 20 at a predetermined lock position set within the movable range of the movable frame 20. In other words, it locks the movable frame 20 so that it does not move within the lens barrel 10.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the restriction mechanism.

[0060] The restriction mechanism 50 includes a lock lever 52 that rotates around a rotation axis θ that extends in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z. The restriction mechanism 50 restricts movement of the movable frame 20 by engaging the lock lever 52 with a claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20. More specifically, the claw portion 20D is clamped by the lock lever 52 to restrict movement of the movable frame 20. The lock lever 52 is driven by a lock lever drive unit 60 to rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

[0061] [Lock Lever] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lock lever.

[0062] The lock lever 52 is composed of a base portion 52A and a clamping portion 52B. The base portion 52A has a rectangular flat plate shape. The clamping portion 52B is composed of a first clamping portion 52B1 and a second clamping portion 52B2. The first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 have a fan-like shape and are arranged on the base portion 52A with a distance W2 therebetween in the extension direction of the optical axis Z. The arc-shaped portions at the tips of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 form part of a circle centered on the rotation axis θ. In other words, the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 have a shape that includes an arc around the rotation axis θ in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis Z (a cross section intersecting the optical axis Z).

[0063] The lock lever 52 has a concave shape as a whole because the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 are arranged on the base portion 52A with a gap W2 between them. That is, the gap formed between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 constitutes a recess, giving the lock lever 52 a concave shape as a whole.

[0064] The lock lever 52 is configured so that at least the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 are elastically deformable in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z. That is, the distance between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 is elastically deformable. In this embodiment, the lock lever 52 is made of resin and is elastically deformable. As an example, the lock lever 52 is made of a resin molded product using engineering plastic such as PC or POM. In this embodiment, the lock lever 52 is an example of a first engaging portion. Furthermore, the first clamping portion 52B1 is an example of a first convex portion, and the second clamping portion 52B2 is an example of a second convex portion.

[0065] The lock lever 52 is provided integrally with a rotating member 54 that is rotatable around a rotation axis θ. The rotating member 54 is composed of a rotating member main body 54A, a pair of bearings 54B provided at both ends of the rotating member main body 54A, and a light-shielding plate 54D provided at one end of the rotating member main body 54A.

[0066] The rotating member body 54A has a shape in which a part of a cylinder is cut out (the rotating member body 54A has an arc-like shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis θ). The lock lever 52 has a base portion 52A that is provided integrally with the rotating member body 54A.

[0067] The pair of bearing portions 54B are provided at both ends of the rotating member main body 54A, and each have a hole 54b through which a guide shaft 63 (see FIG. 7) is passed.

[0068] The light blocking plate 54D is used to detect the rotation position of the rotating member 54. The light blocking plate 54D will be described later.

[0069] When the rotating member 54 is rotated around the rotation axis θ, the lock lever 52 configured as described above rotates integrally with the rotating member 54 around the rotation axis θ.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the lock lever 52 is made of resin. Therefore, the rotating member 54 is also made of resin. That is, in this embodiment, the lock lever 52 and the rotating member 54 are integrally formed as a resin molded product.

[0071] [Lock Lever Driving Unit] FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the configuration of the lock lever driving unit.

[0072] The lock lever driving unit 60 rotates the rotating member 54 to rotate the lock lever 52. In this embodiment, a cam mechanism is used to rotate the rotating member 54. In this embodiment, the lock lever driving unit 60 is an example of a second driving unit.

[0073] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lock lever drive unit 60 is composed of a base frame 61, a lead screw 62 and a guide shaft 63 provided on the base frame 61, a lock lever drive motor 64, a carriage 65 that slides along the guide shaft 63, a linear guide pin 65C and a cam pin 65D provided on the carriage 65, a linear guide groove 61A provided in the base frame 61, and a cam groove 54C provided in the rotating member 54.

[0074] The base frame 61 is made of a metal plate that has been bent into a predetermined shape and is fixed to the lens barrel 10 with screws (not shown).

[0075] The lead screw 62 and the guide shaft 63 are both arranged in the extension direction of the optical axis Z. Therefore, the lead screw 62 and the guide shaft 63 are arranged parallel to each other. The lead screw 62 is rotatably supported at both ends and provided on the base frame 61. On the other hand, the guide shaft 63 is fixed at both ends and provided on the base frame 61. The rotating member 54 is rotatably supported by the guide shaft 63 by having the guide shaft 63 pass through holes 54b in the bearing portions 54B at both ends of the rotating member 54. Therefore, the axis of the guide shaft 63 forms the rotation axis θ. The lead screw 62 is an example of a screw member.

[0076] The lock lever drive motor 64 is mounted on the base frame 61. The lock lever drive motor 64 rotates the lead screw 62. In this embodiment, the lock lever drive motor 64 is an example of an actuator.

[0077] The carriage 65 slides along the guide shaft 63. In this embodiment, the carriage 65 is an example of a sliding member.

[0078] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the carriage 65. As shown in Fig. 9, the carriage 65 has a configuration in which a nut portion 65B, a linear guide pin 65C, and a cam pin 65D are integrally provided on a carriage body 65A.

[0079] The carriage body 65A has a guide hole 65a through which the guide shaft 63 passes. The carriage 65 slides along the guide shaft 63 by passing the guide shaft 63 through the guide hole 65a.

[0080] The nut portion 65B is a U-shaped groove whose inner wall is formed by a female thread 65b, and is provided integrally with the carriage main body 65A. The nut portion 65B of the carriage 65 is threadedly coupled to the lead screw 62. As a result, when the lead screw 62 is rotated, the carriage 65 moves along the guide shaft 63. In this embodiment, the lead screw 62 is an example of a threaded portion.

[0081] The rectilinear guide pin 65C is a cylindrical pin. As shown in FIG. 8 , the rectilinear guide pin 65C is fitted into a rectilinear guide groove 61A provided in the base frame 61. The rectilinear guide groove 61A is a linear groove and is provided parallel to the guide shaft 63. Therefore, it is disposed in the extension direction of the optical axis Z. By fitting the rectilinear guide pin 65C into the rectilinear guide groove 61A, rotation of the carriage 65 around the guide shaft (rotation around the rotation axis) is restricted.

[0082] The cam pin 65D is configured as a pin with a truncated cone-shaped tip. The cam pin 65D is fitted into a cam groove 54C provided in the rotating member 54. As shown in FIG. 6, the cam groove 54C is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rotating member main body 54A. The cam groove 54C has a shape that rotates the rotating member 54 within a predetermined angle range when the cam pin 65D is reciprocated within a predetermined distance range.

[0083] In the lock lever driver 60 configured as described above, when the lock lever drive motor 64 is driven to rotate the lead screw 62, the carriage 65 moves linearly along the guide shaft 63 due to the action of the screw. That is, the rotational motion of the lock lever drive motor 64 is converted into linear motion of the carriage 65. Then, when the carriage 65 moves linearly, the cam pin 65D provided on the carriage 65 and the cam groove 54C provided on the rotating member 54 act together to rotate the rotating member 54 around the rotation axis θ. That is, the linear motion of the carriage 65 is converted into rotational motion of the rotating member 54. As a result, the lock lever 52 provided integrally with the rotating member 54 rotates around the rotation axis θ.

[0084] The lock lever drive unit 60 configured as described above can prevent the rotation of the lock lever 52 even when the lock lever drive motor 64 is de-energized, for example, by turning off the power, etc. This allows the state of the lock lever 52 to be maintained even in a de-energized state.

[0085] [Lock Lever Position Detection Unit] As described above, the lock lever 52 is driven by the lock lever drive unit 60 to rotate between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

[0086] 10 is a diagram showing the engaged position. The "engaged position" is a position where the lock lever 52 engages with the claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20. Therefore, the engaged position is a position where the lock lever 52 restricts the movement of the movable frame 20. As will be described later, the movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted when the movable frame drive unit 30 is in a non-energized state due to the power being turned off, for example. Therefore, the engaged position is also the position where the movable frame drive unit 30 is in a non-energized state. The engaged position is an example of the second position.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the disengaged position. The "disengaged position" is a position where the lock lever 52 disengages from the claw portion 20D (a position where the engagement is released). Therefore, the disengaged position is a position where restriction on movement of the movable frame 20 is released. As will be described later, restriction on movement of the movable frame 20 is released when the movable frame drive unit 30 is energized. In other words, movement of the movable frame 20 is permitted when the movable frame drive unit 30 is energized. Therefore, the disengaged position is also the position when the movable frame drive unit 30 is energized. The disengaged position is an example of the first position.

[0088] Inside the lens barrel 10, there is provided a lock lever position detector 70 that detects when the lock lever 52 is positioned at the release position.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lock lever position detector.

[0090] The lock lever position detection unit 70 is composed of a light-shielding plate 54D and a photointerrupter 71. The light-shielding plate 54D is provided on the rotating member 54. More specifically, it is provided at one end of the rotating member main body 54A, perpendicular to the rotation axis θ. On the other hand, the photointerrupter 41B is provided on the lens barrel 10. When the lock lever 52 is positioned in the disengaged position, the light-shielding plate 54D shields the light-receiving portion (not shown) of the photointerrupter 41B. In other words, it blocks light received by the light-receiving portion. This detects that the lock lever 52 is positioned in the disengaged position.

[0091] [Claw Portion] As described above, the restriction mechanism 50 of the present embodiment restricts the movement of the movable frame 20 by engaging the lock lever 52 with the claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20. In the present embodiment, the claw portion 20D is an example of a second engagement portion. The claw portion 20D is also an example of a third protrusion.

[0092] 5, the claw portion 20D is configured as a plate-like convex portion having a fan-like shape in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis Z, and is disposed perpendicular to the optical axis Z. The claw portion 20D has a width in the extension direction of the optical axis Z that allows it to be clamped by the lock lever 52. In particular, in this embodiment, the claw portion 20D has a width W1 that allows it to be press-fitted between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the lock lever 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, the claw portion 20D has a width W1 that is larger than the distance W2 between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 (W2<W1).

[0093] The claw portion 20D is provided at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the movable frame 20. This position is preferably closer to the main guide portion 20A than to the sub-guide portion 20B. As described above, the main guide portion 20A is the main guide portion for guiding the movable frame 20. By providing the claw portion 20D at a position closer to the main guide portion 20A than to the sub-guide portion 20B, it becomes possible to engage the lock lever 52 in a more stable state.

[0094] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , an arc-shaped cutout portion 20E is provided adjacent to the main guide portion 20A, and a claw portion 20D is provided within the cutout portion 20E. As shown in FIG. 4 , the cutout portion 20E is formed by cutting out an arc-shaped portion of the outer periphery of the movable frame 20. The arc that forms the cutout portion 20E forms part of a circle centered on the rotation axis θ of the lock lever 52 in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis Z (see FIG. 4 ). That is, the cutout portion 20E has a shape that includes an arc around the rotation axis θ in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis Z. Similarly, the claw portion 20D also has a shape that includes an arc around the rotation axis θ in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis Z.

[0095] In this way, by providing the notches 20E on the outer periphery of the movable frame 20 and providing the claws 20D within the notches 20E, the rigidity of the movable frame 20 can be ensured while achieving a reduction in overall size.

[0096] [Lock Position of Movable Frame] As described above, the movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted at a predetermined lock position set within the movable range of the movable frame 20. As an example, in this embodiment, the lock position is set at the end position on the object side (front side).

[0097] The lock lever 52 is provided at a position corresponding to the claw portion 20D of the movable frame 20 when it is positioned at the locked position. Specifically, the lock lever 52 is provided at a position where it engages with the claw portion 20D of the movable frame 20 when it is positioned at the locked position when it is rotated around the rotation axis θ. Therefore, when the movable frame 20 is positioned at the locked position, the claw portion 20D is positioned between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the lock lever 52. As a result, when the lock lever 52 is rotated around the rotation axis θ, the claw portion 20D is inserted between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2.

[0098] [Function of Focus Lens Unit] In the focus lens unit 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the movable frame 20 moves in the direction in which the optical axis Z extends by driving the movable frame driving unit 30. The position of the movable frame 20 is detected by the position detection unit 40.

[0099] When the movable frame 20 moves in the direction in which the optical axis Z extends, the lens group L held by the movable frame 20 moves in the direction in which the optical axis Z extends, thereby changing the focal position.

[0100] The movable frame drive unit 30 is composed of voice coil motors 30A and 30B, and by applying a voltage to the coils 31A and 31B, the movable frame 20 moves in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z. The movable frame drive unit 30 composed of the voice coil motors 30A and 30B in this manner loses the force holding the movable frame 20 when the coils 31A and 31B are de-energized, for example, by turning off the power, etc. As a result, the movable frame 20 becomes free to move.

[0101] Therefore, when the movable frame drive unit 30 is in a non-energized state, such as when the power is turned off, the movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted by the restricting mechanism 50. A method for restricting the movement of the movable frame 20 will be described below.

[0102] When the power is turned off or the movable frame driving unit 30 is put into a non-energized state, the movable frame 20 is first moved to the lock position. As described above, the position of the movable frame 20 is detected by the position detection unit 40.

[0103] When the movable frame 20 is positioned at the locked position, the claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20 is positioned at the installation position of the lock lever 52. More specifically, the claw portion 20D is positioned between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 that constitute the lock lever 52.

[0104] After the movable frame 20 is positioned at the locked position, the lock lever drive unit 60 is driven to rotate the lock lever 52 from the disengaged position (see FIG. 10) to the engaged position (see FIG. 11). As a result, the lock lever 52 engages with the claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20, and movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted.

[0105] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an engaged state of the lock lever.

[0106] As shown in the figure, when the lock lever 52 is engaged with the claw portion 20D, the claw portion 20D is clamped by the clamping portion 52B of the lock lever 52. More specifically, the claw portion 20D is clamped by the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the clamping portion 52B. This restricts the movement of the movable frame 20.

[0107] When the lock lever 52 is engaged with the claw portion 20D, the claw portion 20D is inserted between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the lock lever 52 while elastically deforming the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2. That is, the claw portion 20D is press-fitted between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2. This allows the claw portion 20D to be clamped between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 without any gap. That is, the claw portion 20D can be clamped between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 with zero clearance. This reliably restricts the movement of the movable frame 20. This also prevents the generation of impacts and impact noises caused by free movement of the movable frame 20.

[0108] The restriction on movement of the movable frame 20 is released as follows. That is, the lock lever drive unit 60 is driven to rotate the lock lever 52 from the engaged position (see FIG. 11) to the disengaged position (see FIG. 10). This causes the lock lever 52 to disengage from the claw portion 20D. At this time, the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the lock lever 52 elastically deform as they disengage from the claw portion 20D. As the lock lever 52 disengages from the claw portion 20D, the engagement between the lock lever 52 and the claw portion 20D is released. This releases the restriction on movement by the lock lever 52, allowing the movable frame 20 to move.

[0109] As described above, according to the focus lens unit 1 of the present embodiment, when restricting the movement of the movable frame 20, the claw portion 20D is tightly held by the lock lever 52, thereby restricting the movement of the movable frame 20. This makes it possible to effectively suppress the impact and impact noise caused by the free movement of the movable frame 20.

[0110] [Modifications] [Shape of Lock Lever] [First Modification of Lock Lever Shape] In the present embodiment, the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 constituting the lock lever 52 are fan-shaped, but the shapes of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 are not limited to this. For example, the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 may also be configured in the shape of a rectangular plate. The same applies to the claw portion 20D.

[0111] On the other hand, by forming the first clamping portion 52B1, the second clamping portion 52B2, and the claw portion 20D in a fan shape (particularly a shape including an arc around the rotation axis θ) as in this embodiment, a large engagement area can be ensured. This makes the engagement more reliable. Impact resistance can also be improved. That is, the pressure applied to each component can be reduced, thereby improving impact resistance. Therefore, resistance to impacts received when dropped, for example, can be improved.

[0112] [Second Modification of the Shape of the Lock Lever] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever.

[0113] As shown in the figure, the lock lever 52 of this example has a first clamping portion 52B1 and a second clamping portion 52B2 each having a tapered wedge shape. That is, the width in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z narrows toward the tip (a trapezoidal or tapered cross section). More specifically, the width in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z narrows toward the outside of the rotation axis θ.

[0114] In this way, by narrowing the width in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z toward the tip, the spring constant when engaging the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 with the claw portion 20D can be reduced. This allows for press-fitting without increasing the torque of the actuator (lock lever drive motor 64). Therefore, a small actuator can be used. Furthermore, by providing a so-called draft taper, the lock lever 52 can be easily manufactured when made from a resin molded product.

[0115] [Third Modification of the Shape of the Lock Lever] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever.

[0116] The lock lever 52 shown in the figure is configured so that the distance between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 increases in the engagement direction IN. More specifically, the opposing surfaces (engagement surfaces) of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 are inclined, so that the distance increases from the disengagement direction OUT to the engagement direction IN. In other words, the recess formed by the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 is configured as a tapered space whose width increases in the engagement direction IN.

[0117] Here, the "engagement direction IN" refers to the rotation direction of the lock lever 52 when engaging with the claw portion 20D. The engagement direction IN is synonymous with the press-fit direction. On the other hand, the "disengagement direction OUT" refers to the rotation direction of the lock lever 52 when disengaging from the claw portion 20D. The disengagement direction OUT is synonymous with the disengagement direction.

[0118] The distance W2a between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 is widest at their ends in the engagement direction IN and narrowest at their ends in the removal direction OUT. The distance W2a between the ends in the engagement direction IN is wider than the width W1 of the claw portion 20D (W1<W2a), and the distance W2b between the ends in the removal direction OUT is narrower than the width W1 of the claw portion 20D (W2b<W1).

[0119] This configuration prevents interference between the lock lever 52 and the claw portion 20D, allowing the lock lever 52 to smoothly engage with the claw portion 20D. That is, the claw portion 20D can be smoothly press-fit into the recess of the lock lever 52.

[0120] When the claws 20D are inserted up to the ends of the lock lever 52 in the removal direction OUT, the distance W2b between the ends in the removal direction OUT may be set to be the same as the width W1 of the claws 20D (W2b = W1). This allows the claws 20D to be held without any gaps. By making the distance W2b between the ends in the removal direction OUT narrower than the width W1 of the claws 20D, the claws 20D can be held more reliably.

[0121] In this modification, the recess of the lock lever 52 is tapered, but the same effect can be obtained by tapering the claw portion 20D.

[0122] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modified example of the claw portion.

[0123] As shown in the figure, the claw portion 20D in this example has a shape in which its width in the extension direction of the optical axis Z decreases from the engagement direction IN to the release direction OUT of the lock lever 52. Specifically, the claw portion 20D has a widest width W1a at its end in the engagement direction IN and a narrowest width W1b at its end in the release direction OUT. Furthermore, the width W1a at the end in the engagement direction IN is wider than the spacing W2 (spacing between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2) of the recesses of the lock lever 52 (W2<W1a), and the width W1b at the end in the release direction OUT is narrower than the width W2 of the recesses of the lock lever 52 (W1b<W2).

[0124] This configuration can prevent interference between the lock lever 52 and the claw portion 20D, allowing the lock lever 52 to smoothly engage with the claw portion 20D.

[0125] In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, only one of the shapes is tapered, but it is also possible to make both the recess of the lock lever 52 and the claw portion 20D tapered.

[0126] When the recess of the lock lever 52 and / or the claw portion 20D are tapered as in this modified example, it is preferable to provide a biasing mechanism or biasing member that biases the lock lever 52 in the engagement direction IN. This allows the claw portion 20D to be more securely clamped by the lock lever 52. In other words, the clamping can be more securely performed with less backlash. The biasing mechanism will be described later.

[0127] [Fourth Modification of the Shape of the Lock Lever] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever.

[0128] As shown in the figure, in the lock lever 52 of this example, the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 have chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 on one edge of the opposing surfaces. Specifically, the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 are on the edge of the opposing surfaces on the engagement direction IN side. In other words, the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 are on the edge of the tip portion in the engagement direction IN.

[0129] The chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 are provided at corners that come into contact with the claw portion 20D when the lock lever 52 is engaged with the claw portion 20D. The chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 are provided on the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 by chamfering the corners (R-chamfering in the example shown in FIG. 17).

[0130] In this way, by forming the corners that come into contact with the claw portions 20D with the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2, it is possible to prevent the corners from being crushed, and this also makes it possible to apply a stable amount of press-fitting force.

[0131] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 are configured as R-chamfered portions, but they may also be configured as so-called C-chamfered portions.

[0132] Furthermore, the method for providing the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 is not particularly limited. In particular, when the lock lever 52 is formed from a resin molded product, the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 may be provided during molding, or the chamfered portions RA1 and RA2 may be provided by cutting the corners after resin molding.

[0133] [Fifth Modification of the Shape of the Lock Lever] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever.

[0134] As shown in the figure, in the lock lever 52 of this example, the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 have chamfered portions RB1 and RB2 at their base portions. Specifically, the chamfered portions RB1 and RB2 are located at the boundary portions with the base portion 52A. The boundary portions with the base portion 52A are the ends of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 on the rotating member 54 side.

[0135] In this way, by providing the chamfered portions RB1, RB2 at the base portions of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2, stress concentration at the bases can be suppressed, and deformation can be suppressed. This also allows a stable press-fitting force to be applied.

[0136] [Sixth Modification of the Shape of the Lock Lever] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever.

[0137] As shown in the figure, the lock lever 52 of this example has elastic pads 52C1 and 52C2 (e.g., rubber pads) provided on the opposing surfaces (engagement surfaces) of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2. The claw portion 20D abuts against the pads 52C1 and 52C2 and is clamped between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the lock lever 52. In this example, the pads 52C1 and 52C2 are an example of elastic members.

[0138] In this way, by providing the pads 52C1 and 52C2 made of elastic material on the engagement surfaces of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2, the claw portion 20D can be clamped by utilizing the elastic deformation of the pads 52C1 and 52C2.

[0139] In addition, when elastic members are provided on the engagement surfaces of the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 as in this example, the other parts of the lock lever 52 can be made of a rigid body. In other words, the components other than the elastic members can be made of a rigid body.

[0140] Further, the elastic member may be provided on only one side. For example, the pad 52C1 may be provided only on the first clamping portion 52B1 side.

[0141] [Other Modifications of the Shape of the Lock Lever] The above modifications can be used in appropriate combinations.

[0142] [Modification of Lock Lever Drive Unit] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever drive unit, and Fig. 21 is an exploded view of the lock lever drive unit shown in Fig. 20 .

[0143] The lock lever drive unit 60 of this example has a mechanism (biasing mechanism) that biases the lock lever 52 in the engagement direction IN.

[0144] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the lock lever drive unit 60 of this example is composed of a base frame 61, a lead screw 62 and a guide shaft 63 provided on the base frame 61, a lock lever drive motor 64, a first carriage 66 and a second carriage 67 that slide along the guide shaft 63, a bridge member 68 that connects the first carriage 66 and the second carriage 67, a compression spring 69 that biases the first carriage 66 relative to the second carriage 67, a first linear guide pin 66B and a cam pin 66C provided on the first carriage 66, a nut portion 67B and a second linear guide pin 67C provided on the second carriage 67, a linear guide groove 61A provided in the base frame 61, and a cam groove 54C provided in the rotating member 54.

[0145] The configurations of the base frame 61, the lead screw 62, the guide shaft 63, and the lock lever drive motor 64 are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0146] The first carriage 66 has a configuration in which a first linear guide pin 66B and a cam pin 66C are integrally provided on a first carriage body 66A. The first carriage 66 is an example of a first sliding member.

[0147] The first carriage body 66A has a guide hole 66a through which the guide shaft 63 passes. The first carriage 66 slides along the guide shaft 63 by passing the guide shaft 63 through the guide hole 66a.

[0148] The first linear guide pin 66B is a cylindrical pin. The first linear guide pin 66B is fitted into the linear guide groove 61A of the base frame 61 via the bridge member 68. By fitting the first linear guide pin 66B into the linear guide groove 61A, the rotation of the first carriage 66 around the guide shaft (rotation around the rotation axis θ) is restricted.

[0149] The cam pin 66C is configured as a pin with a truncated cone-shaped tip. The cam pin 66C is fitted into a cam groove 54C provided in the rotating member 54. The cam groove 54C is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rotating member main body 54A. The cam groove 54C has a shape that rotates the rotating member 54 through a predetermined angle range when the cam pin 66C is reciprocated within a predetermined distance range.

[0150] The second carriage 67 has a configuration in which a nut portion 67B and a second linear guide pin 67C are integrally provided on a second carriage body 67A. The second carriage 67 is an example of a second sliding member.

[0151] The second carriage body 67A has a guide hole 67a through which the guide shaft 63 passes. The second carriage 67 slides along the guide shaft 63 by passing the guide shaft 63 through the guide hole 67a.

[0152] The nut portion 67B is a U-shaped groove whose inner wall is formed by a female thread 67b and is provided integrally with the second carriage body 67A. The nut portion 67B of the second carriage 67 is threadedly coupled to the lead screw 62. As a result, when the lead screw 62 is rotated, the second carriage 67 moves along the guide shaft 63.

[0153] The second linear guide pin 67C is a cylindrical pin and is fitted into the linear guide groove 61A of the base frame 61 via the bridge member 68. By fitting the second linear guide pin 67C into the linear guide groove 61A, the rotation of the second carriage 67 around the guide shaft (rotation around the rotation axis θ) is restricted.

[0154] The bridge member 68 is composed of a long plate having a first hole 68A and a second hole 68B.

[0155] The first hole 68A is a hole through which the first linear guide pin 66B of the first carriage 66 is inserted. The first hole 68A is configured as an elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the bridge member 68. The first linear guide pin 66B is fitted into the linear guide groove 61A through the first hole 68A.

[0156] The second hole 68B is a hole through which the second linear guide pin 67C of the second carriage 67 is inserted. The second hole 68B is a circular hole corresponding to the diameter of the second linear guide pin 67C. The second linear guide pin 67C is fitted into the linear guide groove 61A through the second hole 68B.

[0157] The first carriage 66 and the second carriage 67 are connected via the bridge member 68 by inserting the first linear guide pin 66B into the first hole 68A and the second linear guide pin 67C into the second hole 68B. Because the first hole 68A is an elongated hole, the first carriage 66 is held movably relative to the bridge member 68 within the range of the elongated hole. On the other hand, the second hole 68B is a hole corresponding to the diameter of the second linear guide pin 67C, so the second carriage 67 is held substantially immovable relative to the bridge member 68. Therefore, by connecting the first carriage 66 and the second carriage 67 via the bridge member 68, the first carriage 66 is held movably relative to the second carriage 67 within the range of the elongated first hole 68A. In other words, by connecting the first carriage 66 and the second carriage 67 via the bridge member 68, the movable range of the first carriage 66 relative to the second carriage 67 is limited. The bridge member 68 is an example of a restricting member.

[0158] The compression spring 69 is disposed between the first carriage 66 and the second carriage 67 and biases them in a direction separating them from each other. The compression spring 69 is an example of a biasing member.

[0159] In the lock lever drive unit 60 of this example configured as described above, when the lock lever drive motor 64 is driven to rotate the lead screw 62, the second carriage 67 moves linearly along the guide shaft 63 due to the action of the screw. When the second carriage 67 moves, the first carriage 66, which is connected via a bridge member 68 and a compression spring 69, also moves linearly along the guide shaft 63. When the first carriage 66 moves linearly, the cam pin 66C provided on the first carriage 66 and the cam groove 54C provided on the rotating member 54 act together to rotate the rotating member 54 about the rotation axis θ. As a result, the lock lever 52, which is integrally provided on the rotating member 54, rotates about the rotation axis θ.

[0160] In the lock lever drive unit 60 of this example, the first carriage 66 is biased by the compression spring 69 in a direction away from the second carriage 67. Therefore, a force is constantly applied to the rotating member 54 to rotate it in the engagement direction IN. This allows the lock lever 52 to engage with the claw portion 20D more reliably. In particular, if the recess of the lock lever 52 and / or the claw portion 20D are configured with a tapered shape, the engagement can be made more reliable.

[0161] Furthermore, by applying a force between the first carriage 66 and the second carriage 67 by the compression spring 69, it is possible to eliminate backlash between the lead screw 62 and the nut portion 67B, thereby realizing a more stable drive.

[0162] In the lock lever drive unit 60 of this example, the rotation of the lock lever 52 can also be prevented when the lock lever drive motor 64 is not energized.

[0163] In this example, the first clamping portion 52B1 of the lock lever 52 is an example of a fourth convex portion, the second clamping portion 52B2 is an example of a fifth convex portion, and the claw portion 20D that engages with the lock lever 52 is an example of a sixth convex portion.

[0164] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, the shape of the rotating lock lever side is concave and the shape of the claw portion side provided on the movable frame 20 is convex, but the relationship between the two may be reversed. That is, the shape of the rotating lock lever side may be convex and the shape of the claw portion side provided on the movable frame 20 may be concave.

[0165] [Second embodiment] In the focus lens unit 1 of the first embodiment, the claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20 is clamped between the first clamping portion 52B1 and the second clamping portion 52B2 of the lock lever 52, thereby restricting the movement of the movable frame 20.

[0166] In this embodiment, the movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted by clamping the movable frame 20 between the lock lever 52 and the inner wall of the lens barrel 10. More specifically, the movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted by clamping the movable frame 20 between the lock lever 52 and the inner wall of the front cover 10B.

[0167] The configuration other than the regulating mechanism is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the regulating mechanism will be described below.

[0168] [Configuration of Restriction Mechanism] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the restriction mechanism.

[0169] As described above, the restriction mechanism 50 of this embodiment restricts the movement of the movable frame 20 by clamping the movable frame 20 between the lock lever 52 and the inner wall portion of the front cover 10B.

[0170] 22, the inner wall of the front cover 10B is provided with a plurality of contact portions 10B1 protruding in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z. Each contact portion 10B1 is provided with a pad 10B2 made of an elastic material (e.g., a rubber pad). The pad 10B2 functions as a so-called damper.

[0171] When the movable frame 20 moves forward (toward the object), it abuts against the abutment portions 10B1 at a predetermined position (third position), restricting its forward movement. The position where the movable frame 20 abuts against the abutment portions 10B1 is the locked position. When in the locked position, predetermined portions of the front end surface of the movable frame 20 abut against the pads 10B2 of the abutment portions 10B1.

[0172] The restriction mechanism 50 restricts the movement of the movable frame 20 by engaging the lock lever 52 (first engagement portion) with the claw portion 20D (second engagement portion) of the movable frame 20 positioned at the lock position.

[0173] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the movement of the movable frame is restricted by the lock lever, and Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a state in which the restriction on the movement of the movable frame by the lock lever is released.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 23, with the movable frame 20 positioned at the locked position, the lock lever 52 is engaged with the rear surface of the claw portion 20D, and the movable frame 20 is sandwiched between the lock lever 52 and the front cover 10B.

[0175] To release the restriction on movement, the lock lever 52 is retracted (disengaged) from the claw portion 20D as shown in FIG.

[0176] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lock lever, the rotating member, and the lock lever driving section.

[0177] The configurations of the rotating member 54 and the lock lever drive unit 60 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so only the configuration of the lock lever 52 will be described here.

[0178] The lock lever 52 is composed of a base portion 52 A, an engagement portion 52 D, and a rib portion 52 E. The lock lever 52 is provided integrally with the rotating member 54 .

[0179] The base portion 52A has a rectangular flat plate shape and is integrally provided with the rotating member 54.

[0180] The engaging portion 52D is formed of a fan-shaped plate-like piece and is disposed perpendicular to the rotation axis θ. The arc-shaped portion at the tip of the engaging portion 52D forms part of a circle centered on the rotation axis θ. That is, the engaging portion 52D has a shape that includes an arc around the rotation axis θ in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis Z (a cross section intersecting with the optical axis Z).

[0181] The rib portion 52E is a member that reinforces the engaging portion 52D on the base portion 52A, and is arranged on the back surface of the engaging portion 52D (the surface opposite to the surface that abuts against the claw portion 20D). The rib portion 52E has a plate-like shape, and is arranged on the base portion 52A along the extension direction of the rotation axis θ.

[0182] As described above, the lock lever 52 is provided integrally with the rotating member 54. Therefore, when the rotating member 54 is rotated, the lock lever 52 also rotates. The lock lever 52 and the rotating member 54 are made of, for example, resin and are configured as an integrally molded product.

[0183] The lock lever 52 is driven by the lock lever drive unit 60 to rotate about a rotation axis θ and move between an engaged position (position shown in FIG. 23) and a disengaged position (position shown in FIG. 24).

[0184] [Operation of Regulating Mechanism] Movement of the movable frame 20 is restricted as follows.

[0185] First, the movable frame 20 is moved to the locked position. When the movable frame 20 is positioned at the locked position, the movable frame 20 abuts against an abutment portion 10B1 provided on the inner wall portion of the front cover 10B. At this time, the movable frame 20 abuts against the abutment portion 10B1 via a pad 10B2 provided on the abutment portion 10B1. Furthermore, when the movable frame 20 is positioned at the locked position, the claw portion 20D provided on the movable frame 20 is positioned at the installation position of the lock lever 52. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 24 , the claw portion 20D is positioned immediately before the engagement portion 52D of the lock lever 52 in the direction of extension of the optical axis Z.

[0186] After the movable frame 20 is positioned at the locked position, the lock lever drive unit 60 is driven to rotate the lock lever 52 from the disengaged position (second position) to the engaged position (first position). As a result, as shown in FIG. 23 , the engaging portion 52D of the lock lever 52 engages with the claw portion 20D. At this time, the engaging portion 52D engages with the claw portion 20D while elastically deforming the pad 10B2 provided on the abutment portion 10B1. When the lock lever 52 is positioned at the engaged position, the engaging portion 52D of the lock lever 52 abuts against the back surface of the claw portion 20D. This restricts the movement of the movable frame 20.

[0187] The restriction on movement of the movable frame 20 can be released as follows. That is, the lock lever drive unit 60 is driven to rotate the lock lever 52 from the engaged position (second position) to the disengaged position (first position). This disengages the lock lever 52 from the claw portion 20D, and the engagement between the lock lever 52 and the claw portion 20D is released. This releases the restriction on movement, and the movable frame 20 becomes movable.

[0188] As described above, in this embodiment, the movable frame 20 is held between the lock lever 52 and the front cover 10B to restrict movement of the movable frame 20.

[0189] [Modification] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modification of the lock lever.

[0190] As shown in the figure, the lock lever 52 of this example has an engagement surface 52D1 (the surface that engages with the claw portion 20D) that is configured as a tapered surface. More specifically, the width of the engagement portion 52D is configured to narrow from the disengagement direction OUT toward the engagement direction IN, so that the engagement surface 52D1 is configured as an inclined tapered surface.

[0191] With this configuration, interference between the lock lever 52 and the claw portion 20D can be prevented, and the lock lever 52 can be smoothly engaged with the claw portion 20D.

[0192] In this example, the engagement surface 52D1 on the engagement portion 52D side is configured as a tapered surface, but the same effect can be obtained by configuring the engagement surface on the claw portion 20D side (the surface that engages with the engagement portion 52D) as a tapered surface. The engagement surface on the claw portion 20D side is the back surface of the claw portion 20D.

[0193] [Other Modifications] The modifications described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the restriction mechanism 50 of this embodiment as appropriate. For example, the lock lever drive unit 60 can have the configuration shown in Fig. 20. Also, a pad made of an elastic material can be provided on the engagement surface 52D1 of the engagement portion 52D.

[0194] [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a focus lens unit of a camera lens, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any lens device that includes a movable frame, and in particular, to any lens device that includes a movable frame that is driven by a drive unit that allows free movement when not energized, such as a linear motor.

[0195] [Additional Notes] The following additional notes are provided in relation to the above-described embodiments.

[0196] (Supplementary Note 1) A lens device comprising: a lens barrel; a movable frame movable within the lens barrel in the direction in which an optical axis extends; a first drive unit that drives the movable frame; and a restriction mechanism that restricts movement of the movable frame, wherein the restriction mechanism comprises: a first engagement unit that is rotatable around a rotation axis that extends in the extension direction to a first position and a second position; a second engagement unit that is provided on the movable frame and engages with the first engagement unit when located at the first position; and an abutment unit that is provided within the lens barrel and against which the movable frame when located at a third position abuts, wherein the first engagement unit engages with the second engagement unit for the movable frame when located at the third position, thereby restricting movement of the movable frame.

[0197] 1 Focus lens unit 10 Lens barrel 10A Lens barrel main body 10B Front cover 10B1 Front cover contact portion 10B2 Pad 20 Movable frame 20A Main guide portion 20B Sub-guide portion 20C Magnetic scale mounting portion 20D Claw portion 20E Notch portion 21 Main shaft 22 Sub-shaft 30 Movable frame drive portion 30A Voice coil motor 30B Voice coil motor 31A Coil 31B Coil 32A Magnet 32B Magnet 33A Yoke 33B Yoke 40 Position detection portion 41 Reference position detection portion 41A Light shielding plate 41B Photointerrupter 42 Movement amount detection portion 42A Magnetic scale 42B MR sensor 50 Restriction mechanism 52 Lock lever 52A Base portion 52B Clamping portion 52B1 First clamping portion 52B2 Second clamping portion 52C1 Pad 52C2 Pad 52D Engagement portion 52D1 Engagement surface of engagement portion 52E Rib portion 54 Rotating member 54A Rotating member body 54B Bearing portion 54b Hole in bearing portion 54C Cam groove 54D Light blocking plate 60 Lock lever driving portion 61 Base frame 61A Linear guide groove 62 Lead screw 63 Guide shaft 64 Lock lever driving motor 65 Carriage 65A Carriage body 65a Guide hole in carriage body 65B Nut portion 65b Female thread in nut portion 65C Linear guide pin 65D Cam pin 66 First carriage 66A First carriage body 66a Guide hole in first carriage body 66B First linear guide pin 66C Cam pin 67 Second carriage 67A Second carriage body 67a Guide hole in second carriage body 67B Nut portion 67b Female thread in nut portion 67C Second linear guide pin 68 Bridge member 68A First hole in bridge member 68B Second hole in bridge member 69 Compression spring 70 Lock lever position detection portion 71 Photointerrupter L Lens group Z Optical axis RA1 Chamfered portion of first clamping portion RA2 Chamfered portion of second clamping portion RB1 Chamfered portion of first clamping portion RB2 Chamfered portion of second clamping portion θ Rotation axis IN Engagement direction OUT Disengagement direction

Claims

1. A lens device comprising: a movable frame made of resin and movable in the extending direction of the optical axis; a first driving unit for driving the movable frame; a regulating mechanism for regulating the movement of the movable frame; wherein the regulating mechanism comprises a rotating member made of resin and rotatable between a first position and a second position around a rotating shaft extending in the extending direction; a first engaging portion provided on one of the movable frame or the rotating member, having a concave shape, and the distance between the concave portions being expandable and contractible by elastic deformation of the resin; a second engaging portion provided on the other of the movable frame or the rotating member, having a convex shape, and being press-fitted into the concave portion to engage with the first engaging portion; wherein the first position is a position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are disengaged; the second position is a position where the first engaging portion is elastically deformed to engage with the second engaging portion. Lens device.

2. The first driving unit is a driving unit that allows free movement of the movable frame when not energized. The lens device according to claim 1.

3. The first driving unit is a linear motor. The lens device according to claim 1.

4. The first position is a position when the first driving unit is energized. The second position is a position when the first driving unit is not energized. The lens device according to claim 1.

5. The first position is a position where the regulation of the movement of the movable frame is released. The second position is a position where the regulation of the movement of the movable frame is applied. The lens device according to claim 1.

6. Having a second driving unit for rotating the rotating member. The lens device according to claim 1.

7. When the regulating mechanism rotates the rotating member from the first position to the second position, the first engaging portion is elastically deformed so that the second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion to regulate the movement of the movable frame. On the other hand, when the rotating member is rotated from the second position to the first position, the first engaging portion is elastically deformed so that the second engaging portion disengages from the first engaging portion to release the regulation of the movement of the movable frame. The lens device according to claim 1.

8. The first engaging portion is provided on the rotating member. The second engaging portion is provided on the movable frame. The lens device according to claim 1.

9. The movable frame comprises a first guide portion that slides in a first axial direction extending in the extending direction to guide the movement of the movable frame; a second guide portion that slides in a second axial direction extending in the extending direction to support the guide by the first guide portion. ​ comprising, wherein the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion is provided at a position relatively closer to the first guide portion than the second guide portion The lens device according to claim 1.

10. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion have a shape in which the shape of the engaging portion includes an arc around the rotation axis of the rotating member in a cross section intersecting the optical axis. The lens device according to claim 1.

11. The first engaging portion includes a first convex portion and a second convex portion that are arranged at intervals in the extending direction to form the concave portion and are elastically deformed in the extending direction so that the interval can be expanded and contracted. The second engaging portion has a third convex portion that is press-fitted into the concave portion and engages with the first convex portion and the second convex portion. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The width of the third convex portion in the extending direction is larger than the interval. The lens device according to claim 11.

13. The first convex portion and the second convex portion have a shape in which the width in the extending direction becomes narrower toward the outside of the rotation axis. The lens device according to claim 11.

14. The first convex portion and the second convex portion have an inclination on the opposing surfaces such that the interval expands from the second position toward the first position. The lens device according to claim 11.

15. Having a biasing member or a biasing mechanism that biases the rotating member in the direction from the first position to the second position. The lens device according to claim 14.

16. The third convex portion has a shape in which the width shrinks in the direction from the first position to the second position. The lens device according to claim 11.

17. Having a biasing member or a biasing mechanism that biases the rotating member in the direction from the first position to the second position. The lens device according to claim 16.

18. The first convex portion and the second convex portion have chamfered portions at the corners that contact the third convex portion. The lens device according to claim 11.

19. The first convex portion and the second convex portion have chamfered portions at the ends on the side of the movable frame or the rotating member. The lens device according to claim 11.

20. The first convex portion and the second convex portion have an elastic member on at least one of them. The lens device according to claim 11.

21. A movable frame movable in the extending direction of the optical axis, A first driving portion that drives the movable frame, A regulating mechanism that regulates the movement of the movable frame, Comprising, The regulating mechanism is A rotating member that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the extending direction, between a first position and a second position; A second driving unit that rotates the rotating member; A first engaging portion that is provided on one of the movable frame or the rotating member and elastically deforms; A second engaging portion that is provided on the other of the movable frame or the rotating member and engages with the first engaging portion; Comprising, the first position is a position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are disengaged, and the second position is a position where the first engaging portion elastically deforms and engages with the second engaging portion; The second driving unit is A cam groove provided in the rotating member; A screw member arranged to extend in the extending direction; An actuator that rotationally drives the screw member; A sliding member that slides in the extending direction; A nut portion provided on the sliding member and screw-coupled to the screw member; A cam pin provided on the sliding member and engaging with the cam groove; Comprising, converting the linear motion of the sliding member into a rotational motion by the cam pin and the cam groove to rotate the rotating member; A lens device.

22. A movable frame movable in the extending direction of the optical axis, A first driving unit that drives the movable frame, A restricting mechanism that restricts the movement of the movable frame, Comprising The restricting mechanism is A rotating member that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the extending direction, between a first position and a second position; A second driving unit that rotates the rotating member; A first engaging portion that is provided on one of the movable frame or the rotating member and elastically deforms; A second engaging portion that is provided on the other of the movable frame or the rotating member and engages with the first engaging portion; Comprising, the first position is a position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are disengaged, and the second position is a position where the first engaging portion elastically deforms and engages with the second engaging portion; The second driving unit is A cam groove provided in the rotating member; A screw member arranged to extend in the extending direction; An actuator that rotationally drives the screw member; A first sliding member that slides in the extending direction; A second sliding member that slides in the extending direction; A restricting member that engages with the first sliding member and the second sliding member and restricts the movable range of the first sliding member with respect to the second sliding member; A cam pin provided on the first sliding member and engaging with the cam groove; A nut portion provided on the second sliding member and screw-coupled to the screw member; A biasing member provided between the first sliding member and the second sliding member and biasing the first sliding member and the second sliding member in a direction to separate them; comprising a cam pin and a cam groove for converting the linear motion of the first sliding member into a rotational motion to rotate the rotating member Lens device Claim 23 The first engaging portion has a fourth convex portion and a fifth convex portion arranged at intervals in the extending direction The fourth convex portion and the fifth convex portion have inclinations on the opposing surfaces such that the distance between the opposing surfaces expands from the first position toward the second position The lens device according to claim 22 Claim 24 The second engaging portion has a sixth convex portion that engages with the first engaging portion The sixth convex portion has a shape in which the width decreases in the direction from the first position to the second position The lens device according to claim 22