Patent ID: 6701076
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A camera with a focus retaining mechanism, comprising:a base having a cylindrical lens barrel; a focusing lens mounted within the lens barrel, the focusing lens movable in a first or a second direction along an optical axis; a retaining member horizontally and movably mounted on the base for setting the focusing lens in a predetermined position, wherein the retaining member comprises a ratchet side, a smooth side opposite the ratchet side, a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the ratchet side and the smooth side; and a retaining hook movably mounted on the base, the retaining hook comprising a horizontal arm, which has a vertical end downwardly extending to hook the retaining member and moving substantially over the retaining member horizontally; wherein when the focusing lens moves in the first direction, the vertical end of the retaining hook contacts the first end of the retaining member and then slides along the ratchet side; when the focusing lens stops, the vertical end of the retaining hook hooks the ratchet side to set the focusing lens; and when the focusing lens moves to the second direction, the vertical end slides back along the smooth side to the first end.