Abstract:
Embodiments of a lens barrel may comprise an imaging optical system with a plurality of lenses, a cylindrical focusing manipulation component, a stationary frame, and a restrictor. The focusing manipulation component changes the focal position of the imaging optical system by turning operation around the optical axis of the imaging optical system and to set the distance up to a second imaging region that is at least partially different from a first imaging region, and to move at least some of the lenses of the imaging optical system to switch between first and second imaging states. The restrictor restricts the rotatable range of the focusing manipulation component. When the focusing manipulation component is turned, its rotatable range is switched from a first rotatable range to a second rotatable range.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/JP/2014/003568 filed on Jul. 4, 2014 which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-203341 filed on Sep. 30, 2013. The entire disclosures of PCT Application No. PCT/JP/2014/003568 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-203341 are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to a lens barrel. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application S57-66425) discloses a lens barrel that uses a locking member provided to a zoom ring to adjust the movable range of a focus ring. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides a lens barrel capable of switching between first imaging (normal imaging) and second imaging (macro imaging), in which a scale display of the focus ring is possible, and the movable range of the focus ring can be adjusted by a mechanical end. 
         [0007]    The lens barrel disclosed herein comprises an imaging optical system including a plurality of lenses, a cylindrical focusing manipulation component, a stationary frame, and a restrictor. The cylindrical focusing manipulation component changes the focal position of the imaging optical system by turning operation around the optical axis of the imaging optical system and to set the distance up to a second imaging region, beyond the close distance position of a first imaging region, and moves at least some of the lenses of the imaging optical system to switch between a first imaging state and a second imaging state. The stationary frame supports the focusing manipulation component in a rotatable state. The restrictor restricts the rotatable range of the focusing manipulation component in the first imaging state and the second imaging state. When the focusing manipulation component is turned to switch from the first imaging state to the second imaging state, the rotatable range of the focusing manipulation component restricted by the restrictor is switched from a first rotatable range corresponding to the first imaging state to a second rotatable range in which the position is shifted in the peripheral direction from that of the first rotatable range, corresponding to the second imaging state. 
       EFFECTS 
       [0008]    The lens barrel disclosed herein can be switched between first imaging and second imaging, can give a scale display of the focus ring, and can adjust the movable range of the focus ring with a mechanical end. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an overall oblique view of the imaging device disclosed herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel during normal imaging in Embodiment 1; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel during macro imaging in Embodiment 1; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A  shows focus markings when the subject is at a far distance during normal imaging in Embodiment 1,  FIG. 4B  shows focus markings when AF has been selected during normal imaging in Embodiment 1,  FIG. 4C  shows focus markings when AF has been selected during macro imaging in Embodiment 1, and  FIG. 4D  shows focus markings when the subject is at a close distance during macro imaging in Embodiment 1; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  is a simplified developed view of a rectilinear frame in Embodiment 1, and  FIG. 5B  shows part of a cross section at the meridional surface of the rectilinear frame; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a developed view of a focus ring in Embodiment 1; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7A  shows focus markings when the subject is at a far distance during normal imaging in Embodiment 2,  FIG. 7B  shows focus markings when the subject is at a close distance during normal imaging in Embodiment 2,  FIG. 7C  shows focus markings when the subject is at a far distance during macro imaging in Embodiment 2, and  FIG. 7D  shows focus markings when the subject is at a close distance during macro imaging in Embodiment 2; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8A  shows focus markings during normal imaging in Embodiment 2, and  FIG. 8B  shows focus markings during macro imaging in Embodiment 2; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9A  is a simplified cross section of a lens barrel during normal imaging in Embodiment 2, and  FIG. 9B  is a simplified cross section of a lens barrel during macro imaging in Embodiment 2; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 10A  is a developed view of a stationary frame in Embodiment 2, and  FIG. 10B  is a developed view of a focus ring in Embodiment 2. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Embodiments will now be described in detail through reference to the drawings as needed. However, some unnecessarily detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already known facts or redundant description of components that are substantially the same may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary repetition in the following description, and facilitate an understanding on the part of a person skilled in the art. 
         [0020]    The inventors have provided the appended drawings and the following description so that a person skilled in the art might fully understand this disclosure, but do not intend for these to limit what is discussed in the patent claims. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0021]    Embodiment 1 will now be described through reference to  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
       1-1. Overall Configuration of Digital Camera (see FIGS. 1 to 3)  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is an overall oblique view of an imaging device  100  in this embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a cross section of a lens barrel  120  in normal mode (the first imaging state).  FIG. 3  is a cross section of the lens barrel  120  in macro mode (the second imaging state). 
         [0023]    The imaging device  100  has a camera body  101  and the lens barrel  120  that is mounted to the camera body  101 . The lens barrel  120  may be provided integrally with the imaging device  100 , or may be removable. 
         [0024]    The lens barrel  120  in this embodiment is designed so that a focus ring  122  (focusing manipulation component) can be turned to switch between a normal imaging mode and a macro imaging mode, and is also able to perform focusing. 
         [0025]    The lens barrel  120  comprises a first lens group L 1 , a focus lens group L 2 , a third lens group L 3 , a fourth lens group L 4 , a stop down ring  121 , the focus ring  122 , a stationary frame  130 , a rectilinear frame  140 , a base frame  150 , a three-group support frame  160 , a focus lens frame  170 , a guide shaft  171 , and a cosmetic ring  180 . 
         [0026]    The lens barrel  120  is configured such that various members are attached to the base frame  150 . 
         [0027]    The base frame  150  supports the fourth lens group L 4  at the end where the camera body  101  is mounted. The base frame  150  has the stationary frame  130  screwed to the end on the subject side. 
         [0028]    The various members provided on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical stationary frame  130  will now be described. 
         [0029]    The rectilinear frame  140  is attached on the inner peripheral side of the stationary frame  130  in a state of being able to move in the optical axis X direction. 
         [0030]    The rectilinear frame  140  is a cylindrical member that has a positioning pin (protrusion)  141  sticking out radially from the outer peripheral face. 
         [0031]    The positioning pin  141  is engaged with a pin movement hole  122 M formed in the focus ring  122 . 
         [0032]    Consequently, when the focus ring  122  is turned, the rectilinear frame  140  moves back and forth in the optical axis X direction. These mechanisms will be described in detail below. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rectilinear frame  140  supports the first lens group L 1  at the end on the subject side. The three-group support frame  160  is fixed on the inner peripheral face side of the rectilinear frame  140 . 
         [0034]    The three-group support frame  160  supports the third lens group L 3 . 
         [0035]    The guide shaft  171 , which is disposed parallel to the optical axis X, is provided on the inner peripheral face side of the rectilinear frame  140 . The focus lens frame  170  is attached to the guide shaft  171  provided on the inner peripheral face side of the rectilinear frame  140 , in a state of being able to move in the optical axis X direction. 
         [0036]    The focus lens frame  170  supports the focus lens group L 2 . The focus lens frame  170  mates with the guide shaft  171 , which is supported parallel to the optical axis X by the rectilinear frame  140 , and is driven in the optical axis X direction by a power supply (not shown). 
         [0037]    The various members provided on the outer peripheral side of the stationary frame  130  will now be described. 
         [0038]    The stop down ring  121 , the focus ring  122 , and the cosmetic ring  180 , which are circular ring-shaped members and are turned around the optical axis X, are provided on the outer peripheral side of the stationary frame  130 . 
         [0039]    The stop down ring  121  and the focus ring  122  are turned by the user in a peripheral direction around the optical axis X, with respect to the stationary frame  130 . 
         [0040]    The rotatable ranges of the stop down ring  121  and the focus ring  122  are each limited. The rotatable ranges of these members will be discussed below. 
         [0041]    The operation of the imaging device  100  configured as above will now be described. 
         [0042]    The imaging device  100  is configured to change the subject distance range at which imaging is possible during switching between normal mode and macro mode (for example, macro mode is 0.15 to 0.35 meter, and normal mode is from 0.3 meter to infinity). 
         [0043]    Therefore, the imaging device  100  adjusts the movable range (rotatable range) of the focus ring  122  according to switching between normal mode and macro mode. Since the movable range of the focus ring  122  is changed, the focus ring  122  is able to move within the range of the subject distance markings made on the lens barrel  120  to match the subject distance at which imaging is possible. 
         [0044]    This mechanism will now be described in detail. 
       1-2. Detailed Configuration 
       [0045]    The detailed configuration of the lens barrel  120  pertaining to this embodiment will now be described through reference to  FIGS. 4A to 6 . 
         [0046]    With the lens barrel  120  in this embodiment, the mode is switched by turning the ring-shaped focus ring  122  (focusing manipulation component) around the optical axis X. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5A  is a developed view of the rectilinear frame  140  as seen from the outer peripheral side.  FIG. 5B  is an X-X cross section of  FIG. 5A , and is a partial cross section cut along the meridional surface of the rectilinear frame  140 . “Meridional surface” means a surface that includes the optical axis and an off-axis object point of the lens. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  is a developed view of the focus ring  122  disposed on the outer peripheral side of the rectilinear frame  140 , as seen from the outer peripheral side. Components disposed on the inner peripheral side of the focus ring  122  are indicated by dotted lines. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the rectilinear frame  140  has the positioning pin  141 , which is formed so as to stick out radially from the outer peripheral face of the rectilinear frame  140 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4D  and  FIG. 6 , the positioning pin  141  moves in a state of being engaged with a through-hole (the pin movement hole  122 M) formed in the focus ring  122 . The position of the positioning pin  141  here points to a subject distance printed on the outer peripheral face of the focus ring  122 . 
         [0051]    The pin movement hole  122 M (restrictor) moves when the positioning pin  141  is inserted, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , has a normal rotation hole  122   x,  a switching cam hole  122   y,  and a macro rotation hole  122   z.    
         [0052]    In this embodiment, the pin movement hole  122 M is formed as a hole that goes all the way through the focus ring  122  from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side, but may instead be a groove formed on the inner peripheral side of the focus ring  122 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the normal rotation hole  122   x  (first restrictor) is formed over a specific range along the peripheral direction around the optical axis X, and restricts the range of the subject distance (the first rotatable range) in normal mode. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the macro rotation hole  122   z  (second restrictor) is formed over a specific range that is different from that of the normal rotation hole  122   x,  in the peripheral direction around the optical axis X. 
         [0055]    More specifically, the macro rotation hole  122   z  is formed more to the subject side than the normal rotation hole  122   x  in the optical axis X direction. The macro rotation hole  122   z  restricts the range of the subject distance (the second rotatable range) in macro mode. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the switching cam hole  122   y  (switching component) is formed at an angle to the peripheral direction on the outer peripheral face of the focus ring  122 , and connects the close end of the normal rotation hole  122   x  with the far end of the macro rotation hole  122   z.    
         [0057]    Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the pin movement hole  122 M is mainly made up of three regions. 
         [0058]    These three regions are the normal rotation hole  122   x  in which the positioning pin  141  moves during normal mode, the macro rotation hole  122   z  in which the positioning pin  141  moves during macro mode, and the switching cam hole  122   y  that links the normal rotation hole  122   x  and the macro rotation hole  122   z  together. 
         [0059]    The end of the switching cam hole  122   y  on the farthest side (the left side in the drawing) is connected to a normal close end  122   b  on the close-up side of the normal rotation hole  122   x.  The end of the switching cam hole  122   y  on the close-up side (the left side in the drawing) is connected to a macro far end  122   c  on the farthest side of the macro rotation hole  122   z.    
         [0060]    Steps (not shown) may be provided to the two ends of the switching cam hole  122   y  to provide a tactile click. In this case, a spring or other such biasing means (not shown) that biases the positioning pin  141  in a specific direction may be provided so that the pin is biased by the biasing means at the location of a step, causing it to give a tactile click. 
         [0061]    The positioning pin  141  of the rectilinear frame  140  here moves in a state of being inserted into the normal rotation hole  122   x,  the switching cam hole  122   y,  and the macro rotation hole  122   z.    
         [0062]    The outer peripheral face of the focus ring  122  is printed with markings of “0.15 0.25 0.35·AF-Macro·AF·0.3 0.5 1 2 5 ∞,” which indicate the focal distance. 
       1-3. Switching Between Normal Mode and Macro Mode 
       [0063]    Switching between normal mode and macro mode will now be described through reference to  FIGS. 4A to 4D . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show the focal state of the focus ring  122  in normal mode.  FIGS. 4C and 4D  show the focal state of the focus ring  122  in macro mode. 
         [0065]    With the lens barrel in this embodiment, the user switches between normal mode and macro mode by turning the focus ring  122 . 
         [0066]    More specifically, switching between normal mode and macro mode is accomplished by turning the focus ring  122  in a state in which the positioning pin  141  provided to the rectilinear frame  140  is engaged with the switching cam hole  122   y  of the focus ring  122 . 
         [0067]    Since the switching cam hole  122   y  here is formed at an angle to the peripheral direction, when the focus ring  122  is turned, the positioning pin  141  moves back and forth in the optical axis X direction. 
         [0068]    That is, when the positioning pin  141  moves in the switching cam hole  122   y  (between the normal close end  122   b  and the macro far end  122   c ), the rectilinear frame  140 , which is constituted integrally with the positioning pin  141 , moves in the optical axis X direction (see  FIGS. 4B and 4C ). 
         [0069]    When the rectilinear frame  140  moves forward (to the subject side) in the optical axis X direction, the mode changes to macro mode as shown in  FIG. 3 . In macro mode, as compared to the normal mode shown in  FIG. 2 , the first lens group L 1 , the focus lens group L 2 , and the third lens group L 3  move forward, increasing their distance from the fourth lens group L 4 . 
         [0070]    This makes it possible to switch from the normal mode shown in  FIG. 2  to the macro mode shown in  FIG. 3  by moving the rectilinear frame  140  back and forth with respect to the focus ring  122  in the optical axis X direction. 
       1-4. Adjustment of Movable Range (Rotatable Range) of Focus Ring 
       [0071]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the movable range of the focus ring  122  in normal mode is the range from a normal far end  122   a  of the normal rotation hole  122   x  to the end on the farthest side of a normal close end  122   b.  In other words, the positioning pin  141  of the rectilinear frame  140  moves over a range from the position shown in  FIG. 4A  to the position shown in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the range of the marking display in normal mode is “AF·0.3 to ∞.” 
         [0073]    Also, as shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D , the rotatable range of the focus ring  122  in macro mode is from the macro far end  122   c  on the farthest side of the macro rotation hole  122   z  to a macro close end  122   d.  In other words, the positioning pin  141  of the rectilinear frame  140  moves over a range from the position shown in  FIG. 4C  to the position shown in  FIG. 4D . 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D , the range of the markings in macro mode is “ 0 . 15  to 0.35·AF-Macro.” 
       1-5. Effect 
       [0075]    As discussed above, with the lens barrel  120  in this embodiment, in switching from the normal mode to the macro mode, the movable range (rotatable range) of the focus ring  122  can be easily changed merely by turning the focus ring  122 . 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0076]    In the above embodiment, an example was given in which numerical values serving as markers printed on the outer peripheral face of the focus ring  122  were arranged in a single row, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. 
         [0077]    For example, a configuration may be employed in which a numerical value range corresponding to normal mode and a numerical value range corresponding to macro mode are arranged in different rows on the outer peripheral face of a member that is on the stationary side during mode switching, and a window that exposes just one row of these numerical value ranges to the outside is formed in a member that is on the moving side during mode switching. 
         [0078]    This configuration allows the numerical value range displayed through the window to be switched to the range corresponding to each mode when the mode is switched. 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0079]    Embodiment 2 will now be described through reference to  FIGS. 7A to 10B . 
         [0080]    Just as in Embodiment 1 above, with a lens barrel  220  in Embodiment 2, the focus ring and the macro ring are configured as a single ring member (the focus ring  222 ), and this member is used to perform mode switching. 
         [0081]    The configuration will now be described in detail. 
       2-1. Detailed Configuration 
       [0082]      FIG. 10A  is a developed view of a stationary frame  230  as seen from the outer peripheral side, and  FIG. 10B  is a developed view of the focus ring  222  (focusing manipulation component) as seen from the outer peripheral side. Components disposed on the inner peripheral face side are indicated by dotted lines. 
         [0083]    The stationary frame  230  has a rectilinear groove  232  formed along the optical axis X direction, and a positioning pin  231  that sticks out from the outer peripheral face radially. 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the focus ring  222  is disposed on the outer peripheral face side of the stationary frame  230 . The focus ring  222  has a projection engagement groove  222   y  that engages with a projection  241  of a rectilinear frame  240 , and a pin movement hole  222   z  in which the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  engages. 
         [0085]    The pin movement hole  222   z  is formed in the shape of two steps in which the ends of two grooves extending in the peripheral direction at positions shifted in the optical axis X direction in the outer peripheral face of the focus ring  222 , are linked by a groove formed along the direction of the optical axis X. The pin movement hole  222   z  has a normal close end  222   a,  a normal far end  222   b,  a macro far end  222   c,  and a macro close end  222   d.    
         [0086]    The normal close end  222   a  and the normal far end  222   b  are two ends that restrict the rotatable range of the focus ring  222  in normal mode. 
         [0087]    The macro far end  222   c  and the macro close end  222   d  are two ends that restrict the rotatable range of the focus ring  222  in macro mode. 
         [0088]    The outer peripheral face of the focus ring  222  is printed with markings of “0.15 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.5 1 2 5 ∞” indicating the subject distance. 
       2-2. Switching Between Normal Mode and Macro Mode 
       [0089]    Just as in Embodiment 1 above, with the lens barrel  220  in this embodiment, the user can switch between normal mode and macro mode by operating the focus ring  222 . 
         [0090]    More specifically, the user switches from normal mode to macro mode by pushing the focus ring  222  out to the subject side in the optical axis direction in a state in which the positioning pin  231  is touching the normal close end  222   a  ( FIG. 7B ). 
         [0091]    At this point, the positioning pin  231  moves from a position where it is touching the normal close end  222   a  to a position where it is touching the macro far end  222   c  ( FIG. 7C ). 
         [0092]    Conversely, the user switches from macro mode to normal mode by pulling in the focus ring  222  to the camera body side in the optical axis X direction from a state in which the positioning pin  231  is touching the macro far end  222   c  ( FIG. 7C ). 
         [0093]    At this point, the positioning pin  231  moves from a position where it is touching the macro far end  222   c  to a position where it is touching the normal close end  222   a  (see  FIG. 7B ). 
       2-3. Adjustment of Movable Range (Rotatable Range) of Focus Ring 
     In Normal Mode 
       [0094]      FIG. 7A  shows the positional relation between the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  and the pin movement hole  222   z  of the focus ring  222  when focus is at infinity in normal mode.  FIG. 7B  shows the positional relation between the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  and the pin movement hole  222   z  of the focus ring  222  when focus is at close-up in normal mode. 
         [0095]    In normal mode, the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  is able to move through a groove on the subject side of the pin movement hole  222   z  of the focus ring  222 , that is, between the normal close end  222   a  and the normal far end  222   b.  Accordingly, the focus ring  222  is able to rotate from a position where the positioning pin  231  touches the normal close end  222   a  to a position where it touches the normal far end  222   b.    
         [0096]    The normal close end  222   a  here is the mechanical end on the close-up side, and the normal far end  222   b  is the mechanical end on the infinity side. 
         [0097]    The range of the markings in normal mode is from 0.3 m to ∞, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
       In Macro Mode  
       [0098]      FIG. 7C  shows the positional relation between the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  and the pin movement hole  222   z  of the focus ring  222  when focus is at its farthest in macro mode.  FIG. 7D  shows the positional relation between the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  and the pin movement hole  222   z  of the focus ring  222  when focus is at its closest in macro mode. 
         [0099]    In macro mode, the positioning pin  231  of the stationary frame  230  is able to move through a groove on the camera body side of the pin movement hole  222   z  of the focus ring  222 , that is, between the macro far end  222   c  and the macro close end  222   d.  Accordingly, the focus ring  222  is able to rotate from a position where the positioning pin  231  touches the macro far end  222   c  to a position where it touches the macro close end  222   d.    
         [0100]    The macro close end  222   d  here is the mechanical end on the close side, and the macro far end  222   c  is the mechanical end on the far side. 
         [0101]    The range of the markings in normal mode is from 0.15 to 0.3 m, as shown in  FIGS. 7C and 7D . 
         [0102]    As shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7D , the marking display printed on the outer peripheral face of the focus ring  222  may be such that the close and far ends in normal mode and the close and far ends in macro mode are disposed in a single straight line. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the close and far ends corresponding to macro mode and normal mode may be printed on separate levels. 
         [0103]    In this case, the marking display corresponding to each mode can be seen through a marking window hole  281  during mode switching by using a combination of a cosmetic ring  280  having the marking window hole  281  that has a width equal to one level of the printed marking display. 
         [0104]    More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 8A , in normal mode only the marking display of 0.3 to ∞ disposed on the upper level is exposed. In macro mode, meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 8B , only the marking display of 0.15 to 0.3 disposed on the lower level is exposed. 
       2-4 Effect 
       [0105]    As discussed above, with the lens barrel  220  in Embodiment 2, the movable range of the 22 can be changed by moving the focus ring  222  back and forth in the optical axis X direction in switching from normal mode to macro mode. 
         [0106]    This allows the subject distance range over which imaging is possible to be restricted according to the imaging mode in question. 
         [0107]    Furthermore, by using a combination of the cosmetic ring  280  having the marking window hole  281  that has a width equal to one level of marking display, just the subject distance range over which imaging is possible can be displayed. 
         [0108]    Thus, with the lens barrel  220  that performs mode switching, it is possible to give a subject distance display on a marking ring corresponding to each mode. 
       Other Embodiments  
       [0109]    Embodiments 1 and 2 were described above as examples of the technology disclosed herein, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and can also be applied as needed to embodiments featuring modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and so forth. Also, the various constituent elements described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above can be combined into new embodiments. 
         [0110]    Embodiments were described above as examples of the technology disclosed herein, and the appended drawings and detailed description were provided to that end. 
         [0111]    Therefore, the constituent elements illustrated in the appended drawings and discussed in the detailed description can encompass not only those constituent elements that are essential to solving the problem, but also constituent elements that are not essential to solving the problem. 
         [0112]    Accordingly, just because these non-essential constituent elements are illustrated in the appended drawings and discussed in the detailed description, it should not be concluded that these non-essential constituent elements are essential. 
         [0113]    Also, the above embodiments were given to illustrate examples of the technology disclosed herein, so various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and so forth can be made within the scope of the patent claims or equivalents thereof. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0114]    The present disclosure can be applied to any lens barrel used in an imaging device. More specifically, it can be applied to a digital still camera, a single-lens reflex camera, a minor-less camera, or the like.