Patent ID: 8294995
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: G02B,G03B

Abstract:
1. A linear guide mechanism of a lens barrel, said lens barrel including a rotatable ring, and a linearly movable member which holds an optical element and moves linearly in an optical axis direction by rotation of said rotatable ring, said linear guide mechanism comprising: first and second partial linear guide members each of which linearly guide said linearly movable member in said optical axis direction, wherein a movement range of said linearly movable member in said optical axis direction is divided into a plurality of different movement ranges, including: a first movement range in which said linearly movable member is linearly guided in the optical axis direction by said first partial linear guide member and is disengaged from guidance by said second partial linear guide member, a second movement range in which said linearly movable member is linearly guided in the optical axis direction by said second partial linear guide member and is disengaged from guidance by said first partial linear guide member, and a third movement range in which said linearly movable member is linearly guided in the optical axis direction by both of said first and second partial linear guide members.