Multi-lens changing mechanism for use in optical scanners

Abstract

A multi-lens changing mechanism is disclosed for use in optical scanners; it comprises: (a) a main mechanism having a bottom, first and second sides, and an aperture as an inlet for receiving light, each of the first and second sides having a magnetic means attached thereto; (b) a sliding lens carriage including at least two lenses, the sliding lens carriage being slidable within the main mechanism: and (c) a driving mechanism including a guide rod and a swinging arm. The guide rod is fitted at the bottom of the main mechanism, and is able to move back and forth. The swinging arm has a first end attached to the sliding lens carriage and a second end pivotally mounted to the main mechanism such that the swinging arm will swing when it is driven by the guide rod. The swinging arm of the driving mechanism is constructed such that a vertical movement of the guide rod is convened into a horizontal movement of the sliding lens carriage so as to switch between different lenses Furthermore, the sliding lens carriage has first and second sides opposite the first and second sides of the main mechanism, respectively, each of the first and second sides of the sliding lens carriage is provided with a magnetic means, which, in cooperation with the magnetic means provided on the main mechanism, causes the sliding lens carriage to be firmly but movably attached onto either of the first or second side of the main mechanism so as to effectuate a lens-changing function.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.