Abstract: A zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element, wherein an interval between at least any two lens units is changed so that an optical image is formed with a continuously variable magnification, the zoom lens system comprises a first lens unit having positive power, a second lens unit that includes a lens element having a reflecting surface and has negative power and subsequent lens units including at least one lens unit having positive power, and the condition: 0.50<(C?S)/H<1.00(C=?{square root over ( )}(2R·dR?dR2), S is a sag of the image side surface of the most object side lens element in the second lens unit at height H, H is one-half of an optical axial thickness of the lens element having a reflecting surface, R is a radius of curvature of the image side surface, and dR is an interval between the most object side lens element and the lens element having a reflecting surface) is satisfied.

Abstract: A taking lens consists of first to third lens groups. The second lens group is held in a lens frame that is coupled through an arm to a supporting shaft, and is able to rotate about the supporting shaft, to move the second lens group in a circular direction in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the taking lens. As a movable lens barrel retreats into a camera body, the lens frame rotates to remove the second lens group from an inserted position inserted in an optical path of the taking lens to a removed position set out of the optical path. The arm is provided with an actuator that causes the lens frame to move in a lengthwise direction of the arm. Because the movement in the circular direction includes a component that is perpendicular to the lengthwise movement of the arm, it is possible to move the lens frame and thus the second lens group in any directions in the perpendicular plane to the optical axis, in order to cancel a deviation of an optical image that result from a camera shake.

Abstract: A retractable lens barrel achieving thinning thereof in both directions parallel and perpendicular to a photographic optical axis. The lens barrel has a first lens and a second lens disposed in an inside thereof, and has a structure in which an optical axis of the second lens is aligned with an optical axis of the first lens when photographing, and the first lens is moved to a housed position and the second lens is moved in a retreating direction from the optical axis of the first lens when the first and second lenses are retracted. The lens barrel also has a holding member for holding the second lens and a rotation unit for rotating the holding member of the second lens, the holding member being rotated about a rotation shaft different from the optical axis of the first lens and perpendicular to the optical axes of the first and second lenses.

Abstract: A zoom lens system having an image shake correcting capability has, from the object side to the image side: a first lens group having a positive optical power, a second lens group having a negative optical power, a third lens group having a positive optical power, a fourth lens group having a negative optical power, and a fifth lens group having a positive optical power. The third lens group includes a positive lens component and a cemented lens element having a positive optical power. The cemented lens element is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to correct image shake, and the conditional formula 1.7<nd3p is fulfilled, where nd3p represents the average index of refraction of one or more positive lens elements in the positive lens component.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a driven ring, a follower provided on the driven ring, a rotational transfer ring including a circumferential groove having no axial-direction component and a rotational transfer groove including an axial-direction component, a guide ring, and a cam groove formed on the guide ring for guiding the driven ring via the follower. Rotation of the driven ring is prevented when the follower is engaged in the circumferential groove so that the driven ring is held at a non-photographing position. When the follower is engaged in the rotational transfer groove, the driven ring is moved along the cam groove between the non-photographing position and a ready-to-photograph position. Opposed wall surfaces in the circumferential groove determine a position of the follower when the driven ring moves between the non-photographing position and the ready-to-photograph position.

Abstract: A lens barrel including a telescopic cylinder configured to be accommodated within a fixed cylinder; a plurality of lens groups configured to be retained in the telescopic cylinder; a lens driving device configured to drive the plurality of lens groups along a longitudinal axis of the telescopic cylinder between a collapsed position in which at least one portion of the plurality of lens groups is stored in the fixed cylinder and an extended position in which the at least one portion of the plurality of lens groups is extended out of the fixed cylinder; and a retractable lens group configured to be retracted into the fixed cylinder through an opening in a wall of the fixed cylinder when the telescopic cylinder is in the extended position.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging optical system including an image pickup device; a rotatable optical element which is positioned in the imaging optical system, and is rotated on a rotation axis extending in an optical axis direction to produce a specific photographic effect; and a controller which operates so that image data is obtained intermittently via the image pickup device at a plurality of angular steps of the rotatable optical element when the rotatable optical element is rotated on the rotation axis.

Abstract: A retractable lens system includes a linearly movable ring; a radially-retractable optical element supported by the linearly movable ring; an exposure control unit supported by the linearly movable ring and adjacent to the radially-retractable optical element; an exposure control unit recess formed on the exposure control unit to face the radially-retractable optical element when the radially-retractable optical element is in the radially-retracted position; a retracting device which retracts the radially-retractable optical element to the radially-retracted position and brings at least a part of a frame of the radially-retractable optical element to enter the exposure control unit recess when the linearly movable ring retracts from a ready-to-photograph position to a retracted position.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes an imaging optical system including a focus lens unit, a branching optical unit disposed at the image side of the focus lens unit, a focus-state detecting unit including a focus detecting element having a focus detection area that receives light beams from the branching optical unit, and detecting a focus state by using the focus detecting element, an actuator that drives the focus lens unit in an optical axis direction thereof, a controller that controls the actuator, in accordance with an output from the focus-state detecting unit, and a movable image-side optical unit disposed at the image side of the branching optical unit. The controller changes the size of the focus detection area of the focus detecting element within a range in accordance with the position of the image-side optical unit.

Abstract: A retractable photographic lens includes a moving ring; a holding frame which holds a retractable optical element and is movable between a photographing position and a displaced position displaced from the photographing position; and a driving device which moves the holding frame from the photographing position to the displaced position using a rearward moving force of the moving ring when the retractable photographic lens moves from a operating state to a fully-retracted state. The driving device includes first and second driving devices which give the holding frame first and second amounts of retractive movement per unit of movement of the moving ring, respectively. When the retractable photographic lens moves from the operating state to the fully-retracted state, the first driving device firstly moves the holding frame toward the displaced position and subsequently the second driving device moves the holding frame to the displaced position.

Abstract: An optical instrument including an AF circuit 12 for obtaining focus detection information, focus position detecting means 14 for detecting a position of a focus lens, an extender optical system 9, position detecting means 16 for detecting a position of the extender optical system 9, and a lens control portion 13 for generating a focus driving signal from the focus detection information, the focus lens position information and the position information, wherein driving of the focus lens is controlled by the focus driving signal via a focus motor 20.

Abstract: A retractable lens system including a radially-retractable optical element movable to a position outside of a common optical axis; a linearly movable frame which supports the radially-retractable optical element; a rotatable member for moving optical element support frames including the linearly movable frame which support the plurality of optical elements, respectively, between a ready-to-photograph position and a retracted position on the common optical axis; a retracting member which retracts the radially-retractable optical element; and an accommodating portion formed on the rotatable member. At least a portion of the radially-retractable optical element enters into the accommodating portion of the rotatable member when the radially-retractable optical element is moved to the radially-retracted position.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a solid state imaging device is used to catch subject light so that an image signal is created. The digital camera contributes to effectively implementing further thinness in such a manner that a part of image taking lenses is saved to a suitable position at the time of the collapse. Both the rear elements lens and the focus lens are revolved between a position on the optical axis and a saving position coming into a hollow portion beside the CCD solid state imaging device, or between the position on the optical axis and a saving position in which the front elements lens, the rear elements lens and focus lens form a line substantially on a plane.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided, including a radially-retractable optical element constituting a part of a photographing optical system, the radially-retractable optical element being movable between a photographing position located on an optical axis of the photographing optical system, and a radially-retracted position located on an off-optical-axis position; a biasing device for biasing the radially-retractable optical element toward the photographing position; and a swing member which is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the optical axis, the swing member pushing the radially-retractable optical element against a biasing force of the biasing device to move the radially-retractable optical element to the radially-retracted position.

Abstract: A photographing lens includes an eccentricity adjusting frame which holds an eccentricity adjusting lens group serving as a part of a photographing optical system of the photographing lens; a lens support frame, an axis of which is coincident with a predetermined optical axis of the photographing optical system, supporting the eccentricity adjusting frame in a manner to allow the eccentricity adjusting frame to move in a plane orthogonal to the predetermined optical axis during an assembly-stage of the photographing lens; and a fixed aperture member having a circular aperture, the fixed aperture member being integrally formed with the lens support frame so that a center of the circular aperture coincides with the axis of the lens support frame.

Abstract: A zoom lens wherein the image plane movement upon lens shifting is minimized. A power variation section and a final lens group are disposed in order from an object side. The power variation section includes at least two lens groups movable in an optical axis direction to vary a lens position state. The final lens group is fixed in the optical axis direction and includes first to third sub groups having negative, positive and positive refracting powers and disposed in order from the object side. The second sub group is shiftable substantially perpendicularly to the optical axis to shift an image. A conditional expression 0.2<ft/fBt<0.8 is satisfied where ft and fBt are the focal distances of the lens system and entire lens groups disposed on the object side of the third sub group in the telephoto end state.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a solid state imaging device is used to catch subject light so that an image signal is created. The digital camera contributes to effectively implementing further thinness as compare with the conventional ones. A focus lens is revolved between a position on the optical axis and a saving position coming into a hollow portion beside the CCD solid state imaging device, so that the focus lens comes into the hollow portion at the time of the collapse.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element, wherein an interval between at least any two lens units is changed so that an optical image is formed with a continuously variable magnification, the zoom lens system comprises a first lens unit having positive power, a second lens unit that includes a lens element having a reflecting surface and has negative power and subsequent lens units including at least one lens unit having positive power, and the condition: 0.50<(C?S)/H<1.00(C=?{square root over ( )}(2R·dR?dR2), S is a sag of the image side surface of the most object side lens element in the second lens unit at height H, H is one-half of an optical axial thickness of the lens element having a reflecting surface, R is a radius of curvature of the image side surface, and dR is an interval between the most object side lens element and the lens element having a reflecting surface) is satisfied.

Abstract: A lens retraction mechanism slantways retracts a lens from a shooting position to a receiving space. The lens retraction mechanism includes a base body, which includes a substrate, a guide wall disposed on the substrate and the receiving space, a lens guiding frame moveable with respect to the base body in the direction of an optical axis of the lens group, a pair of guiding shafts having one end fixed to the guiding frame, and a lens holding frame that fixes a lens group and includes a pair of slippage portions moveable with respect to the guide wall. When the lens retracts, the guiding frame draws the guiding shaft to move towards the substrate in the direction of the optical axis, and the lens holding frame moves along the guide means and also along the guiding shaft, and finally falls into the receiving space. The lens retraction mechanism retracts the lens group stably and securely.

Abstract: A retractable lens barrel includes an annular ring having an axis parallel to and eccentric relative to an optical axis of the lens barrel; a holder accommodated within the annular ring and supporting a holder lens group; a first lens group aligned with the optical axis and movable towards the annular ring during accommodation of the first lens group within the annular ring; an actuator of an exposure control component, the actuator positioned inside the annular ring in a space between an inner peripheral surface of the annular ring and an outer edge of the first lens group accommodated in the annular ring.

Abstract: A lens barrel, including, a moving frame (2) to hold a lens (8), a direct-advance ring (4) provided on an outer periphery of the moving frame and movable relative to the moving frame in an optical direction, a resilient member (6) provided between the moving frame and the direct-advance ring, and a control part (10) provided on the moving frame to control an amount of movement of the direct-advance ring in the optical direction.

Abstract: A guide bar used in a video lens barrel in the related art has problems of deterioration in supporting accuracy of the lens retaining frame, high manufacturing cost, and upsizing of the lens barrel. Also, in a cam pin type lens barrel, how the lens retaining frame is supported by the cam pins may not be clear. Therefore, by providing a plurality of guiding members on the inner surface of the fixed barrel of the lens barrel, and allowing a plurality of engaging portions on the lens retaining frames to engage the guiding members, the lens retaining frames are supported so as to be capable of moving in the direction of the optical axis. By differentiating the length of engagement of the respective engaging portions, the roles of the respective engaging portions on the lens retaining frames for supporting the lens unit in a space are clarified.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a housing having a ring portion surrounding an optical axis; a first optical element and a second optical element which are positioned inside the ring portion and which are movable along the optical axis relative to the housing; a support frame which supports the second optical element, and has at least one arm portion which projects radially outwards to such an extent that an outer end of the arm portion is positioned radially outside the ring portion of the housing; and at least one guide shaft positioned radially outside the ring portion, and configured to guide the arm portion in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a cam ring, and a linearly movable frame supporting an optical element. Cam groove groups are located at different positions in a circumferential direction on the cam ring, and each cam groove group includes cam grooves at different positions in the optical-axis direction and trace the same reference cam diagram. A cam groove intersects another cam groove of another cam groove group adjacent thereto in the circumferential direction. Each cam follower group includes cam followers located at different positions in the optical-axis direction engageable with the cam grooves of each cam groove group. In each cam groove group, at least one complementing cam follower of each cam follower group remains engaged in a corresponding cam groove when another cam follower of the complementing cam followers passes through an intersection area of the intersecting cam grooves during a rotation of the cam ring.

Abstract: There are provided a first casing 100A that has a photosensor section 113 for capturing an image, a second casing 100B that has a lens section 122 for projecting the image of a subject onto the photosensor section 113 of the first casing 100A and a connection section 100C that foldably connects the first casing 100A with the second casing 100B. The photosensor section 113 and the lens section 122 are arranged so that the photosensor section 113 and the lens section 122 are superposed on each other in a state in which the first casing 100A and the second casing 100B are folded together. With this arrangement, the folding type camera device and the folding type portable telephone equipped with this device can be reduced in thickness.

Abstract: A retractable lens barrel includes an annular ring having an axis parallel to and eccentric relative to an optical axis of the lens barrel; a holder accommodated within the annular ring and supporting a holder lens group; a first lens group aligned with the optical axis and movable towards the annular ring during accommodation of the first lens group within the annular ring; a first actuator of an exposure control component, the first actuator positioned inside the annular ring in a first space between an inner peripheral surface of the annular ring and an outer edge of the first lens group accommodated in the annular ring; and a second actuator of the exposure control component, the second actuator being positioned inside the annular ring in a second space between the inner peripheral surface of the annular ring and the movement path of the holder lens group.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a lens barrel includes an annular ring having an axis and a circumferential engagement surface provided circumferentially around the axis; a first ring having an engagement surface around the axis which contacts the annular ring engagement surface and is mounted radially inwardly of the annular ring for rotational movement relative to the annular ring; a second ring supporting an optical element, the second ring having an engagement surface provided around the axis, contacts the annular ring engagement surface and is mounted radially inwardly of the annular ring for rotational movement relative to the annular ring, the second ring being capable only of axial movement relative to the first ring; and a biasing arrangement which urges the first and second rings in opposite directions and biases the first and second ring engagement surfaces into contact with the annular ring engagement surface.

Abstract: A retracting mechanism for a lens barrel includes a non-rotatable member having an engagement surface; and a frame movable along an axis relative to the non-rotatable member without rotation and having a holder, the holder being movable between an aligned position in which an imaging element thereof is substantially aligned with the axis and a displaced position in which the imaging element is displaced relative to the aligned position. The holder includes an engagement surface which contacts the engagement surface of the non-rotatable member during movement of the frame towards the non-rotatable member, and moves the holder from the aligned position to the displaced position. The non-rotatable member includes a guide key or a key groove, and the frame includes a corresponding key groove or guide key, the guide key and the key groove being slidably engageable with each other and guiding the frame.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a cam ring, and a linearly movable frame supporting an optical element. Cam groove groups are located at different positions in a circumferential direction on the cam ring, and each cam groove group includes cam grooves at different positions in the optical-axis direction and trace the same reference cam diagram. A cam groove intersects another cam groove of another cam groove group adjacent thereto in the circumferential direction. Each cam follower group includes cam followers located at different positions in the optical-axis direction engageable with the cam grooves of each cam groove group. In each cam groove group, at least one complementing cam follower of each cam follower group remains engaged in a corresponding cam groove when another cam follower of the complementing cam followers passes through an intersection area of the intersecting cam grooves during a rotation of the cam ring.

Abstract: A retractable lens includes a linearly movable ring, a retractable holder, a holding device, a retracting device, and a flexible PWB configured to connect an electronic component supported inside the linearly movable ring, with an electronic circuit positioned outside the linearly movable ring. The retractable holder is separate from the flexible PWB when the retractable holder is held by the holding device in an operational position in which the retractable optical element is on the optical axis. The retractable holder presses the flexible PWB in a radial direction of the linearly movable ring from an inside to an outside of the linearly movable ring and supports the flexible PWB when the retractable holder is moved to a radially retracted position by the retracting device such that the retractable optical element retracts to the position that deviates from a photographing optical axis.

Abstract: A rotation transfer mechanism includes a rotatable ring including an annular gear portion on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a rotation transfer gear including a gear portion engageable with the annular gear portion and a rotation limit portion engageable with an outer edge of the annular gear portion to prohibit the rotation transfer gear from rotating; and a driven member drivable by a rotation of the rotation transfer gear. The rotation transfer gear and the rotatable ring are positioned relative to each other such that the gear portion and the annular gear portion are engaged with each other when the rotatable ring performs a fixed-position rotating operation, and such that the rotation limit portion faces the annular gear portion and is configured to contact the outer edge of the annular gear portion when the rotatable ring performs an advancing/retracting operation.

Abstract: A lens barrel extending and retracting mechanism. A photographic optical axis and a central axis of a lens barrel are eccentric such that a first lens group and a second lens group are housed in a side of a CCD separated from the optical axis. The lens barrel is rotatably extended around the central axis thereof, and a picture is taken when lens optical axes of the first lens group and the second lens group coincide with the optical axis. The lens barrel extending and retracting mechanism prevents displacement and tilt of the lens optical axes of the first lens group and the second lens group, maintaining optical performance and reducing the size of the lens barrel in the housed position.

Abstract: An optical element retracting mechanism includes a linearly movable ring; a swingable holder supported inside the linearly movable ring; a position-controller holding the swingable holder; an internal optical element positioned inside the linearly movable ring on one of opposite sides of a retractable optical element; a pair of parallel flat surfaces located on the linearly movable ring, each extending generally orthogonal to the optical axis and respectively positioned on front and rear sides of the internal optical element, the pair of parallel flat surfaces not overlapping a second optical element in the optical axis direction; a through-hole formed on the linearly movable ring so as to be open at the pair of parallel flat surfaces in the optical axis direction, the pivot being positioned in the through hole; and a pair of support plates attached to the pair of parallel flat surfaces to support the pivot.

Abstract: A lens barrel is retractable in electronic equipment having an image-generating device, such as a CCD. During photographing, the lens barrel relocates a first lens group and a second lens group to a predetermined position in an optical axis to zoom the image of an object. During collapsing, the first lens group and the second lens group adjacent to the object side are transferred to a side of a CCD which is away from the optical axis and a focus driving mechanism drives the third lens group along the optical axis. The focus driving mechanism is disposed inside the lens barrel.

Abstract: A method of moving at least one optical element of a plurality of optical elements of an image-forming lens system, wherein the plurality of optical elements are positioned along a common optical axis such that the lens system is in a ready-to-image position, the lens system having an object side and an image side. The method includes positioning the lens system such that no image may be taken, including moving the at least one optical element to a position away from the common optical axis and toward the image side, and moving at least one other optical element of the plurality of optical elements along the common optical axis toward the image side.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a housing having a ring portion surrounding an optical axis; a first optical element and a second optical element which are positioned radially inside the ring portion and which are movable along the optical axis relative to the housing; a support frame which supports the second optical element, and has at least one radial arm portion which projects radially outwards to such an extent that an outer end of the radial arm portion is positioned radially outside the ring portion of the housing; and at least one guide shaft positioned radially outside the ring portion, and configured to guide the radial arm portion in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for a lens barrel includes a support frame supporting an imaging component, and a linear guide configured to guide the support frame along an axis. The linear guide can include a ring portion defining an opening through which the support frame can pass, and further includes at least one linear guide key extending along the axis from the ring portion and positioned substantially radially inwardly of the opening. The support frame has at least one linear guide groove located at the outer peripheral surface thereof and configured to slidably engage with a respective the at least one linear guide key, and each of the opposite ends of the at least one linear guide groove are open such that the support frame is movable to extend from either of the sides of the ring portion.

Abstract: A retracting mechanism for a lens barrel, the mechanism includes a non-rotatable member having an engagement surface; a frame movable along an axis towards and away from the non-rotatable member without rotation and having a holder for holding an imaging element, the holder pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between an aligned position where the lens barrel component is aligned with the axis and a displaced position where the component is displaced relative to the aligned position; and a spring assembly configured to resiliently hold the holder at the aligned position and having an engagement surface configured to contact the engagement surface of the non-rotatable member during movement of the frame towards the non-rotatable member, overcome the resilient holding of the holder at the aligned position, and move the holder from the aligned position to the displaced position.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a non-rotatable annular ring and a circumferential guide groove; a first rotatable ring supported inside the annular ring and including a rotation-guiding projection slidably engaged in the circumferential guide groove; a second rotatable ring which rotates with the first rotatable ring and is only axially movable relative to the first ring, including an engaging projection slidably engaged in the circumferential guide groove with the rotation-guiding projection, wherein the engaging projection is insertable/removable from the circumferential guide groove through the insertable/removable aperture at a first assembling/disassembling angular position; and a coupling ring which is positioned inside the first and second rotatable rings. A coupler provided between the coupling ring and the second rotatable ring is disengaged at a second assembling/disassembling angular position. The first and second assembling/disassembling angular positions are substantially the same.

Abstract: A retractable lens includes first, second and third optical elements which are positioned in a ready state; and a support frame which supports the second optical element, and has a generally ring-shaped portion and a radial arm portion, wherein the ring-shaped portion substantially surrounds the optical axis, and wherein the radial arm portion projects radially outwards from a rear end of the ring-shaped portion, the second optical element supported in a front end portion of the ring-shaped portion. When the retractable lens moves from the ready state to a retracted state, the third optical element is positioned in the ring-shaped portion while the first optical element is retracted from an on-axis position on the optical axis into an off-axis space radially outside the ring-shaped portion such that the first lens group is positioned radially outside the second optical element and the third optical element.

Abstract: A retractable barrel includes a rear holder which holds a rear optical element on an axis, the rear holder having a recess; an annular member movable towards and away from the rear holder without rotation; a retractable holder, accommodated within the annular member, which holds a retractable optical element, and being movable between a position where the retractable optical element is aligned with the axis, and a position where the retractable optical element is displaced from the axis; a position controller which controls the annular member and retractable holder to move between an operational position to a retracted position wherein the retractable holder is at the displaced position. A movement path of the retractable holder includes an oblique path extending obliquely to the axis. The recess prevents the rear holder from interfering with the retractable holder.

Abstract: A focusing lens is manually moved to extend a range of working distances in which a bar code symbol can be electro-optically read. The lens movement enables reading of close-in and far-out symbols. The lens movement can also be used to change operation between a reading mode and a pointing mode in which a visual display is created on a target.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a main body pre-loaded with photo film. A taking lens is incorporated in the main body. A front cover covers a front of the main body, has a lens opening where the taking lens is disposed. An optical adapter is secured to the front cover and used for a specific photographing mode. The optical adapter includes a cylindrical lens for passing object light to become incident on the taking lens. A rotatable lens holder connects the cylindrical lens with the front cover. The lens holder is shiftable between a standard position and a specific position, and when in the standard position, offsets the cylindrical lens from the taking lens, and when in the specific position, sets the cylindrical lens in front of the taking lens.

Abstract: A camera can reduce the size of the camera. The camera comprises a lens barrel which allows the focal length of an image-taking optical system to be changed, a view finder unit for observing an object image, a cam member having a cam for driving the view finder unit, which moves around the lens barrel in a first area and a barrel driving mechanism which is arranged around the lens barrel in a second area and drives the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera assembly has a support that defines an optical axis. A traveler is movable along the optical axis between first and second positions relative to the support. A turret is disposed in and movable with the traveler. The turret has a primary aperture. The turret is pivotable relative to the traveler, between a first position in which the primary aperture is spaced from the optical axis, and a second position in which the primary aperture is aligned with the optical axis. The turret can have a secondary aperture that is aligned with the optical axis when the primary aperture is in the first position. An over-center mechanism is switchable between a first state, in which the over-center mechanism biases the traveler and turret into respective first positions, and a second state, in which the over-center mechanism biases the traveler and turret into respective second positions.

Abstract: A retracting mechanism for a lens barrel includes a non-rotatable member having an engagement surface; and a frame movable along an axis relative to the non-rotatable member without rotation and having a holder, the holder being movable between an aligned position in which an imaging element thereof is substantially aligned with the axis and a displaced position in which the imaging element is displaced relative to the aligned position. The holder includes an engagement surface which contacts the engagement surface of the non-rotatable member during movement of the frame towards the non-rotatable member, and moves the holder from the aligned position to the displaced position. The non-rotatable member includes a guide key or a key groove, and the frame includes a corresponding key groove or guide key, the guide key and the key groove being slidably engageable with each other and guiding the frame.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a housing having a ring portion surrounding an optical axis; a first optical element and a second optical element which are positioned radially inside the ring portion and which are movable along the optical axis relative to the housing; a support frame which supports the second optical element, and has at least one radial arm portion which projects radially outwards to such an extent that an outer end of the radial arm portion is positioned radially outside the ring portion of the housing; and at least one guide shaft positioned radially outside the ring portion, and configured to guide the radial arm portion in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: An optical element retracting mechanism includes a linearly movable ring; a swingable holder supported inside the linearly movable ring; a position-controller holding the swingable holder; an internal optical element positioned inside the linearly movable ring on one of opposite sides of a retractable optical element; a pair of parallel flat surfaces located on the linearly movable ring, each extending generally orthogonal to the optical axis and respectively positioned on front and rear sides of the internal optical element, the pair of parallel flat surfaces not overlapping a second optical element in the optical axis direction; a through-hole formed on the linearly movable ring so as to be open at the pair of parallel flat surfaces in the optical axis direction, the pivot being positioned in the through hole; and a pair of support plates attached to the pair of parallel flat surfaces to support the pivot.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a cam ring; and a linearly movable frame movable by the cam ring along an optical axis of an optical system without rotating, by engagement of a plurality of cam grooves located on the cam ring with a plurality of complementing cam followers located on the linearly movable frame when the cam ring is rotated, the linearly movable frame supporting at least one optical element of the optical system. The plurality of cam grooves are located at different positions in both the optical axis direction and a circumferential direction of the cam ring, and respectively trace substantially a same reference cam diagram. The plurality of complementing cam followers are located at different positions in both the optical axis direction and a circumferential direction of the linearly movable frame, and are engageable in the plurality of cam grooves, respectively.

Abstract: A simple focusable lens combination of a camera including a housing formed with a lens hole. A photosensor and a base board are disposed in the housing. The base board is movably disposed in the housing. Multiple lenses with different focal lengths are disposed on the base board. By means of moving the base board, one of the multiple lenses is selected to aim at the lens hole for focusing images of different distances onto the photosensor.