Patent ID: 6643074
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A lens barrel having at least one movable lens frame and a cam ring for moving said movable lens frame in a direction of an optical axis via a movement of said cam ring which is rotatable about said optical axis and movable in said optical axis direction, said lens barrel comprising:a stationary ring provided around, and coaxial with, said cam ring; a rotatable ring provided around, and coaxial with, said stationary barrel, said rotatable ring being driven to rotate about said optical axis; a cam follower which extends radially outwards from said cam ring; and a cam through-slot and a rotation transfer groove which are formed on said stationary ring and said rotatable ring, respectively, so that said cam follower is engaged in said cam through-slot and corresponding said rotation transfer groove; wherein said cam through-slot includes a linear slot portion which extends parallel to said optical axis; and an inclined slot portion which extends in a direction inclined to both said optical axis direction and a circumferential direction of said stationary ring; and wherein said rotation transfer groove includes an inclined groove portion in which said cam follower is engaged when said cam follower is engaged in said linear slot portion; and a linear groove portion in which said cam follower is engaged when said cam follower is engaged in said inclined slot portion.