Patent ID: 6122099
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical device having an optical axis and a focus adjusting and locking assembly for positioning a lens along said optical axis, said device comprising:a lens;a lens housing carrying said lens for axial movement along said optical axis;a base portion retaining said lens housing and lens in a selected axial position along said optical axis;said base portion and lens housing cooperatively defining a threaded engagement of a first selected hand direction such that relative rotation causes axial displacement of said lens along said optical axis; said lens housing and base portion further defining a collet structure at least in part axially coextensive with said threaded engagement of said lens housing and base portion, said collet structure including a plurality of axially extending radially yieldable fingers carried by one of said base portion and lens housing, with each of said plurality of fingers inwardly defining a port of said threaded engagement between said lens housing and base portion, each of said plurality of fingers outwardly defining a wedged surface extending axially; said lens housing also defining a thread portion threadably engaging with said plurality of fingers;a locking collar threadably engaging with said lens housing at said thread portion and having a radially inwardly disposed conical surface engaging with said wedged surface of said plurality of fingers;whereby, tightening of said locking collar on said thread portion of said lens housing radially deflects said plurality of fingers to lock said threaded engagement to rotationally and axially immobilize said lens housing relatively to said base portion.