Imaging apparatus

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIGS. 1A and 1B are examples in perspective view of a lens barrel that is included in an imaging apparatus.

#FIG. 2 is an example in exploded perspective view of the lens barrel.

#FIGS. 3A and 3B are drawings that show a magnetically driven apparatus provided in a second group lens holder.

#The imaging apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1A to 6. This imaging apparatus includes, for example, a zoom strobe and viewfinder as external apparatuses.

#FIGS. 1A and 1B are examples in perspective view of a lens barrel that is included in an imaging apparatus of a first embodiment. FIG. 1A shows the state in which a lens barrel is housed. When in this state, a strobe and viewfinder shown by the dotted line portion in FIG. 1A are disposed at the SINK position. The “SINK position” corresponds to a non-imaging state. FIG. 1B shows a state in which the power of the imaging apparatus has been turned ON, and the lens barrel is extended, that is, the lens barrel is in an imaging state. When in this state, the strobe and viewfinder shown by the broken line in FIG. 1A are disposed at the WIDE position. The “WIDE position” corresponds to the wide angle state of the zoom lens mechanism provided in the imaging apparatus.

#FIG. 2 is an example in an exploded perspective view of the lens barrel that is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The optical system of the lens barrel shown in FIG. 2 includes a first group lens, a second group lens, and a third group lens, which is the focusing lens (not illustrated). The first group lenses are held by the first group lens holder 10 and the second group lenses are held by the second group lens holder 11. The rectilinear guiding plate 12 is provided with a plurality of projections 16 at the outer edge portion of a flange portion. A rotating action is regulated and the free movement in the optical axial direction is supported by these projections 16 engaging a plurality of grooves 18 that are provided in-plane on the stationary cam ring 17 and extend in an optical axial direction. The rectilinear guiding plate 12 is provided with first group guiding rods 13 that engage grooves (not illustrated) that are formed in-plane on the first group lens holder 10 and that extend in an optical axial direction, and support the first group lens holder 10 so as to be movable the optical axial direction. Similarly, second group guiding rods 15 that engage the second group rectilinear holes 14 integrally provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second group lens holder 11 and support the second group lens holder 11 so as to be movable in an optical axial direction. Thereby, the first group lens holder 10 and the second group lens holder 11 are formed so as to move freely in an optical axial direction.