Patent ID: 7035535
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical element retracting mechanism for a retractable lens including an optical system having a plurality of optical elements, said optical element retracting mechanism comprising: a linearly movable ring configured to be guided along an optical axis of said optical system without rotating, said linearly movable ring further configured to retract toward a plane along said optical axis when said retractable lens moves from an operational state to a fully-retracted state; a swingable holder pivoted on a pivot to be swingable about said pivot, said swingable holder positioned inside and supported by said linearly movable ring, said swingable holder supporting a retractable optical element as one of said plurality of optical elements; a position-controller configured to hold said swingable holder such that said retractable optical element remains on said optical axis when said retractable lens is in said operational state, said position-controller further configured to rotate said swingable holder about said pivot such that said retractable optical element retracts to a position which deviates from said optical axis when said linearly movable ring, together with said swingable holder, retracts toward said plane; an internal optical element positioned inside said linearly movable ring on one of opposite sides of said retractable optical element, in said optical axis direction; a pair of parallel fiat surfaces located on said linearly movable ring, each extending in a direction generally orthogonal to said optical axis and respectively positioned on front and rear sides of said internal optical element in said optical axis direction, said pair of parallel flat surfaces not overlapping said internal optical element in said optical axis direction; a through hole formed on said linearly movable ring which penetrates through said linearly movable ring such that front and rear ends of said through hole are respectively open at said pair of parallel flat surfaces in said optical axis direction, said pivot being positioned in said through hole; and a pair of support plates respectively attached to said pair of parallel flat surfaces to support opposite ends of said pivot.