Patent ID: 6738198
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical-element holding mechanism comprising:a first holding member that holds a first optical element; a second holding member that holds a second optical element; a plurality of coupling members that couple said first holding member and said second holding member so as to permit relative positions of said first holding member and said second holding member to be varied during a coupling operation; a plurality of urging members, respectively disposed between each of said plurality of coupling members and said second holding member, that urge and press said second holding member against said first holding member at least during the coupling operation so as to permit alignment of respective optical axes of the first optical element and the second optical element during the coupling operation; and a member disposed between said plurality of coupling members and said second holding member that prevents deformation of said first holding member while relative positions of said first holding member and said second holding member are varied during the coupling operation, wherein the first holding member includes a plurality of stud portions and the member disposed between said plurality of coupling members and said second holding member includes a plurality of hole portions which receive the plurality of stud portions of the first holding member to prevent the deformation of the first holding member while relative positions of said first holding member and said second holding member are varied during the coupling operation.