Lens Barrel Retracting Mechanism with Guide Projection Cutout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable photographing lenses face challenges in miniaturization due to inefficient space utilization, particularly in the circumferential direction, when retracting optical elements away from the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a linear guide member with a linear guide projection that includes an accommodation through-cutout, allowing the displaceable element to be accommodated within the space typically used by the guide projection, and a cam ring with an accommodation portion, enabling efficient use of circumferential space by positioning the displaceable element radially outside the optical axis when retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key projections are arranged on the linear guide member at intervals in the circumferential direction to guide the linearly advancing/retracting member, then the linear guide member can guide the displaceable element, but the efficiency of space utilization for retracting the displaceable element in the circumferential direction is low
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodation through-cutout is formed inside the linear guide projection, creating a nested structure where the cutout is contained within the projection volume. This allows the displaceable element to be accommodated within the space already allocated for guiding, eliminating the need for separate circumferential accommodation space and resolving the contradiction between guiding reliability and space utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function and accommodation function are merged into a single integrated structure. The linear guide projection simultaneously provides guiding surfaces for linear movement and contains the accommodation through-cutout for housing the displaceable element during retraction, combining two previously separate functions into one component
Data Source
AI summary
A lens barrel includes a linear guide member, a linearly advancing/retracting member guided by the linear guide member along an optical axis of an imaging optical system to be movable between operating and retracted positions, and a displaceable element supported by the linearly advancing/retracting member to be movable between an on-axis position in which the displaceable element is positioned on the optical axis and an off-axis displaced position in which the displaceable element is displaced from the optical axis. The linear guide member includes a linear guide projection which extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis to be engaged with the linearly advancing/retracting member. The linear guide projection includes an accommodation through-cutout formed through the linear guide projection in a radial direction, at least part of the displaceable element entering the accommodation through-cutout when the linearly advancing/retracting member is in the retracted position.