Zoom lens barrel and camera incorporating such barrel

• US 5,144,493 A
• Filed: 06/02/1989
• Issued: 09/01/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hoya Corporation
• Original Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Inventors: Nomura, Hiroshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Ben, Loha
• Application Number:
  US07/361,632
• Time in Patent Office: 1,187 Days
• Field of Search: 359/694, 359/693, 359/823, 359/695, 359/696, 359/699, 359/700, 359/824, 359/825, 359/829, 359/830, 354/403, 354/195.12, 354/400
• US Class Current: 359/700
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/10 by relative axial movement of several lenses, e.g. of varifocal objective lens
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/102 controlled by a microcomputer cameras with interchangeable lenses G03B17/14
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/04 collapsible, foldable or extensible, e.g. book type

Abstract

A zoom lens barrel is disclosed with includes a stationary barrel. A rotatable cam ring is supported by the stationary barrel and is adapted to move along an optical axis direction in association with rotation of the rotatable cam ring. A lens guide ring is adapted to move together with the cam ring along the optical axis direction, and the cam ring is adapted to rotate relative to the lens guide ring, in association with axial movement of the cam ring. Cam grooves are provided for guiding the movement of at least two movable front and rear lens groups, with at least one groove being formed on the cam ring. Lens guide grooves are formed on the lens guide ring and are adapted to correspond to the cam grooves of the cam ring. At least one guide pin is provided which is adapted to extend through an associated cam groove and an associated lens guide groove. The cam grooves and lens guide grooves are shaped such that the movable lens groups can be moved along a predetermined track by the movement which results from axial movement and relative rotation of the cam ring and the lens guide ring.

Claims

1. A zoom lens barrel adapted to be attached to a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens barrel comprising a stationary barrel and a rotatable cam ring which is adapted to be driven by means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary along the optical axis of said camera, said cam ring being movably supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis, during zooming operation of front and rear movable lens groups, in association with rotation of said cam ring, said cam ring including at least two cam grooves which are adapted to receive said front and rear movable lens groups, wherein the axial positions of said movable lens groups, wherein the axial positions of said movable lens groups are at least partially determined by said cam grooves, said zoom lens barrel further comprising helicoidal connecting means for connecting said cam ring and said stationary barrel.

2. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 1, wherein said helicoidal connecting means are positioned, in concentric fashion, between said cam ring and said stationary barrel.

3. A zoom lens barrel adapted to be attached to a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens barrel comprising a stationary barrel and a rotatable cam ring which is adapted to be driven by means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary along the optical axis of said camera, said cam ring being movably supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis, during zooming operation of front and rear movable lens groups, in association with rotation of said cam ring, said cam ring including at least two cam grooves which are adapted to receive said front and rear moveable lens groups, wherein the axial positions of said moveable lens groups are at least partially determined by said cam grooves, and further wherein each of said cam grooves includes a zooming section within which said movable lens groups are adapted to be moved along a predetermined track, and a macro-transferring section in which said movable lens groups are adapted to be moved from one extreme zooming position to a macro-photographing range, wherein said zooming section and said macro-transferring section have lead angles which are oppositely disposed to each other with respect to said optical axis.

4. A zoom lens barrel assembly adapted to be attached to a camera having an optical axis, said barrel assembly comprising:

(a) a stationary barrel;

(b) a rotatable cam ring adapted to be supported by said stationary barrel so as to be movable along the direction of said optical axis during zooming operation of front and rear movable lens groups, in association with rotation of said cam ring, and means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary along the optical axis;

(c) a lens guide ring which is movable along said optical axis direction, said lens guide ring and said cam ring being adapted to rotate relative to each other in association with axial movement of said cam ring;

(d) at least two cam grooves adapted to receive said front and rear movable lens groups, at least one of said cam grooves being located on said cam ring;

(e) at least one lens guide groove on said lens guide ring; and

(f) at least one guide pin which is adapted to extend through one cam groove and an associated lens guide groove, wherein said cam grooves and said lens guide groove comprise means for guiding movement of said movable lens groups along a predetermined path in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring.

5. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said at least two of said cam grooves are located on said, and wherein the number of lens guide grooves substantially correspond to the number of said cam ring cam grooves.

6. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said lens guide ring is supported by said stationary barrel and is linearly movable along said optical axis direction.

7. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein each of said lens guide grooves are straight grooves.

8. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, further comprising an angular position detecting mechanism which comprises means for detecting the angular position of said cam ring with respect to said lens guide ring, said angular position detecting mechanism being positioned between said stationary barrel and said cam ring.

9. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 8, further comprising helicoidal connecting means located between said cam ring and said stationary barrel and comprising means for connecting said cam ring to said stationary barrel, wherein said angular position detecting mechanism comprises a code plate which is secured to an outer periphery of said helicoidal connecting means at an angle of inclination which is identical to the angle of inclination of teeth on said helicoidal connecting means, and a brush which is adapted to slidably contact said code plate.

10. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, further comprising an angular position detecting mechanism which comprises means for detecting the relative angular position of said lens guide ring and said cam ring, said angular position detecting mechanism comprising a code plate and a brush slidably engaging said code plate, said mechanism being positioned between said lens guide ring and said cam ring.

11. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said angular position detecting mechanism comprises a code plate which is secured to an outer periphery of said cam ring, and a brush which is adapted to slidably contact said code plate.

12. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 11, further comprising an end plate attached to a rear surface of said lens guide ring, said end plate including at least one bent portion overlying said code plate, said brush being attached to said end plate.

13. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said lens guide ring is movable together with said cam ring along said optical axis direction.

14. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are movable together over substantially equal distances along said optical axis direction.

15. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said driving means comprises a motor for driving said cam ring.

16. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 15, in combination with said motor, said motor driving a gear which is adapted to engage an outer peripheral surface of said cam ring.

17. A zoom lens barrel assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein said camera is a lens shutter camera.

18. A zoom lens barrel adapted to be used in a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens barrel having a stationary barrel, said barrel having an inner surface with a plurality of guide grooves for receiving a lens guide ring, said lens guide ring including a guide plate attached to said lens guide ring having guide projections which are adapted to be fitted into said guide grooves, wherein at least one of said guide projections is elastically deformable in the direction of the width of said barrel guide grooves, a rotatable cam ring which is adapted to be supported by said stationary barrel so as to move along said optical axis in association with rotation of said cam ring, said lens guide ring being adapted to be moved together with said cam ring along said optical axis, said lens guide ring and said cam ring being provided with grooves for receiving at least front and rear movable lens groups, said movable lens groups each having guide pins which extend through said cam ring grooves and said lens guide ring grooves, wherein said grooves are shaped so as to comprise means for moving said lens groups along a predetermined track in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring.

19. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 18, wherein each of said guide grooves is a straight groove.

20. A drive mechanism for a zoom lens comprising

(a) a stationary barrel which is adapted to be secured to a camera body having an optical axis, said barrel including a female helicoid;

(b) a cam ring having a male helicoid which is adapted to be engaged by said female helicoid;

(c) a cam ring gear which extends along teeth of said cam ring male helicoid;

(d) a cam ring driving mechanism having a driving gear which is adapted to be engaged by said cam ring gear;

(e) a lens guide ring which is adapted to move, together with said cam ring, along said optical axis, wherein said lens guide ring and said cam ring are adapted to rotate, relative to each other, in association with axial movement of said cam ring; and

(f) at least two movable lens groups which are adapted to be supported by said cam ring and said lens guide ring to move with respect to each other along said optical axis, in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring along a predetermined track, to thereby comprise means for changing a focal length of said zoom lens.

21. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 20, wherein said male helicoid includes a plurality of threads and said cam ring gear is located between adjacent male helicoid threads.

22. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 20, wherein said cam ring gear and said driving gear have tooth traces which extend along the optical axis.

23. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 20, wherein front and rear end edges of said driving gear are round.

24. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 20, wherein front and rear end edges of said driving gear are chamfered.

25. A zoom lens barrel comprising a stationary barrel having a female helicoid and a rotatable barrel having a male helicoid which is adapted to be engaged by said female helicoid, said female helicoid having a cutaway portion for separating engagement of said male and female helicoids at a predetermined angular position of said rotatable barrel, wherein at least one of said female and male helicoids has teeth which are adjacent to said cutaway portion, said adjacent teeth having end faces with tapered surfaces which gradually increase the width of at least one helicoid groove defined by said adjacent teeth.

26. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 25, wherein said end faces of said helicoid teeth have tapered surfaces which comprise means for decreasing the height of said helicoid teeth in a direction towards said cutaway portion.

27. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 25, wherein each helicoid groove increases in width in a direction towards said cutaway portion.

28. A zoom lens comprising:

(a) a stationary barrel which is adapted to be secured to a camera body having an optical axis;

(b) a cam ring supported by said stationary barrel for movement along the optical axis of a camera in association with rotation of said cam ring;

(c) a lens guide ring adapted to move together with said cam ring along said optical axis, said cam ring and said lens guide ring being adapted to rotate relative to each other in association with axial movement of said cam ring;

(d) at least two movable lens groups which are adapted to be supported by said cam ring and said lens guide ring to move, with respect to each other, along said optical axis in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring along a predetermined track, so as to comprise means for changing a focal length of said zoom lens; and

(e) a flange back adjusting mechanism comprising an outer ring adapted to be attached to said stationary barrel, between said barrel and said cam ring, said outer ring being rotatably adjustable, said mechanism further comprising means for threadably engaging said outer ring with said cam ring.

29. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 28, wherein said outer ring includes an outwardly projecting flange which is adapted to lie in a plane perpendicular to said optical axis, said flange having a circumferential edge and a sector gear attached to said circumferential edge, said stationary barrel including a stationary flange which is adapted to be brought into slidable contact with said outer ring flange.

30. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 29, wherein said stationary flange includes a shaft bore into which a shaft of a flange adjusting tool is adapted to be inserted.

31. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 30, wherein said adjusting tool shaft has a front end and an adjusting gear attached to said front end, said adjusting gear being adapted to be engaged by said sector gear.

32. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 31, in combination with a camera body having an aperture into which said flange back adjusting tool is adapted to be inserted.

33. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 29, wherein said stationary flange includes an adjusting gear which is adapted to be engaged by a sector gear on said outer ring, said adjusting gear being adapted to be rotated by exterior operation.

34. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 33, wherein said adjusting gear is frictionally positioned on a shaft which is attached to said stationary flange.

35. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 29, in combination with a camera body having an aperture into which a flange back adjusting tool for rotating said adjusting gear is adapted to be inserted.

36. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 28, said outer ring comprises a helicoid ring with an inner periphery having helicoid teeth.

37. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 36, said cam ring having an attached helicoid ring, said attached helicoid ring having an outer periphery with helicoid teeth which are adapted to be engaged by helicoid teeth of said outer ring.

38. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said cam ring having an outer periphery, and a cam ring gear being positioned about said outer periphery, wherein said cam ring outer periphery is generally cylindrical, and wherein said gear is positioned at a predetermined angle of inclination about said cam ring outer periphery.

39. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said cam ring having an outer periphery, and a cam ring gear being positioned about said outer periphery, wherein said cam ring gear is spirally positioned about said cam ring outer periphery.

40. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 39, said cam ring gear including a plurality of teeth, said teeth being substantially parallel to said optical axis of said camera.

41. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said cam ring having an outer periphery, and a cam ring gear being positioned about said outer periphery, said cam ring being generally cylindrical, with a substantially circular cross-section, said cam ring gear being inclined with respect to said cross-section.

43. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 41, wherein said cam ring outer periphery includes means for rotatably attaching said cam ring to said stationary barrel.

44. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 43, wherein said means for rotatably attaching said cam ring to said stationary barrel comprise two helicoidal rings positioned concentrically between said cam ring and said stationary barrel.

45. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 44, wherein said two helicoidal rings comprise a first helicoidal ring attached to said cam ring outer periphery, and a second helicoidal ring positioned concentrically about said first helicoidal ring.

46. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 45, wherein said first helicoidal ring has male helicoidal threads positioned about its outer periphery, and said second helicoidal ring has female helicoidal threads positioned on an inner peripheral surface of said second helicoidal ring, said male and female threads being adapted to threadably engage each other to comprise means for rotating said two helicoidal rings with respect to each other.

47. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 43, said means for rotatably attaching said cam ring to said stationary barrel comprising a first concentric ring attached to said outer periphery of said cam ring, said first concentric ring being linearly and rotatably movable with said cam ring.

48. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 47, wherein said first concentric ring has a gear having a plurality of parallel teeth positioned about an outer periphery of said concentric ring.

49. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 48, wherein said first concentric ring is generally cylindrical, and said gear is positioned at a predetermined angle about the outer periphery of said first concentric ring.

50. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 49, wherein said first concentric ring includes a plurality of parallel helicoidal threads positioned at a predetermined angle about the outer periphery of said first concentric ring, said predetermined angle being equal to the predetermined angle of said gear, such that said gear and said helicoidal threads are substantially parallel to each other.

51. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 50, said gear having a plurality of teeth which are substantially parallel to the optical axis of said camera.

42. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with resect to said optical axis, said cam ring having an outer periphery, and a cam ring gear being positioned about said outer periphery, said zoom lens being usable in combination with said driving means, said driving means comprising a motor, wherein said cam ring gear is rotatably driven by a gear train, said gear train being driven by said motor.

52. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, a zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said zoom lens further comprising a stationary barrel, said cam ring being rotatably positioned within said stationary barrel, said cam ring having at least one cam ring groove which has at least one groove section which is inclined with respect to said optical axis, said at least one cam ring groove comprising at least part of said means for moving said at least one lens along said optical axis, such that when said cam ring is rotated, said cam ring moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, and when said cam ring is moved linearly, said cam ring also moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, wherein said at least one lens is positioned within a shutter block, with a cam ring groove-engaging pin being connected to said shutter block.

53. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 52, wherein said shutter block is connected to said pin via a front lens holding frame.

54. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, a zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said zoom lens further comprising a stationary barrel, said cam ring being rotatably positioned within said stationary barrel, said cam ring having at least one cam ring groove which has at least one groove section which is inclined with respect to said optical axis, said at least one cam ring groove comprising at least part of said means for moving said at least one lens along said optical axis, such that when said cam ring is rotated, said cam ring moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, and when said cam ring is moved linearly, said cam ring also moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, wherein said at least one lens comprises first and second lens groups, each of said lens groups being positioned within a frame having at least one pin connected to said frame, each of said lens groups thereby being guided by at least one pin along a respective cam ring groove.

55. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 54, further comprising a lens guide ring positioned concentrically within said cam ring.

56. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 55, wherein said lens guide ring is linearly movable along said optical axis direction, said lens guide ring including at least one lens guide groove for receiving a pin attached to one of said lens groups, each said lens guide groove being linear and substantially parallel to said optical axis direction.

57. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 56, wherein said lens guide ring includes a plurality of lens guide grooves, each of said lens guide grooves being linear and adapted to receive a pin attached to a respective lens group.

58. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, a zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said zoom lens further comprising a stationary barrel, said cam ring being rotatably positioned within said stationary barrel, said cam ring having at least one cam ring groove which has at least one groove section which is inclined with respect to said optical axis, said at least one cam ring groove comprising at least part of said means for moving said at least one lens along said optical axis, such that when said cam ring is rotated, said cam ring moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, and when said cam ring is moved linearly, said cam ring also moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, wherein said cam ring groove has at least three sections for guiding movement of said at least one lens, said three sections comprising a zooming section for moving said at least one lens along a predetermined track, a macro transfer section for moving said at least one lens from an extreme zooming position into a macro-photographing position, and a lens accommodation section in which said at least one lens is moved into an inoperative, retracted position.

59. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 58, wherein said zooming groove section and said macro transfer groove section are inclined in opposite directions with respect to said optical axis and each other.

60. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 58, wherein said at least one lens comprises at least first and second lens groups, each of said lens groups being movably guided by a substantially similar cam ring groove.

61. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 58, wherein said cam ring grooves have similar, but not identical, inclinations with respect to said optical axis.

62. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, a zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, and zoom lens further comprising a stationary barrel, said cam ring being rotatably positioned within said stationary barrel, said cam ring having at least one cam ring groove which has at least one groove section which is inclined with respect to said optical axis, said at least one cam ring groove comprising at least part of said means for moving said at least one lens along said optical axis, such that when said cam ring is rotated, said cam ring moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, and when said cam ring is moved linearly, said cam ring also moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, said cam ring further comprising a lens guide ring positioned concentrically within said cam ring, said lens guide ring including at least one lens guide ring groove for guiding movement of at least one lens.

63. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 62, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are relatively rotatable.

64. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 63, wherein said cam ring is rotatable and said lens guide ring is not rotatable.

65. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 62, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are linearly movable along said optical axis direction.

66. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 65, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are linearly movable together along said optical axis direction.

67. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 66, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are linearly movable together over substantially equal distances along said optical axis.

68. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 62, wherein said at least one lens guide ring groove is substantially linear, and is substantially parallel to said optical axis.

69. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 68, whererin at least one lens guide ring groove is provided for guiding each lens group.

70. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, a zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, and driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said zoom lens further comprising a stationary barrel, said cam ring being rotatably positioned within said stationary barrel, said cam ring having at least one cam ring groove which has at least one groove section which is inclined with respect to said optical axis, said at least one cam ring groove comprising at least part of said means for moving said at least one lens along said optical axis, such that when said cam ring is rotated, said cam ring moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, and when said cam ring is moved linearly, said cam ring also moves said at least one lens along said optical axis, wherein said cam ring includes a plurality of grooves, said at least one lens comprises first and second lens groups, and a linearly movable lens guide ring is positioned within said cam ring, said lens guide ring including a plurality of lens guide ring grooves.

71. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 70, wherein each lens group has at least one pin indirectly connected to said lens group, each said pin being slidably engaged within one lens guide ring groove and one cam ring groove.

72. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 71, wherein said cam ring grooves have sections at various angles of inclination with respect to said optical axis, and said lens guide ring grooves are substantially parallel to said optical axis.

73. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, wherein said rotatable cam ring engages an adjacent concentric ring which is rotatable with said cam ring.

74. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 73, wherein said adjacent concentric ring is positioned about the exterior periphery of said cam ring.

75. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, wherein said rotatable cam ring is positioned concentrically about a linearly movable ring having at least one groove.

76. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 75, wherein each said groove is substantially parallel to said optical axis.

77. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 76, wherein said linearly movable ring comprises a lens guide ring, said lens guide ring having a rear edge to which a guide plate is attached so as to form an annular groove said guide plate and said lens guide ring, said cam ring having a generally annular flange positioned within said annular groove.

78. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 76, wherein each said linearly movable ring groove comprises means for movably guiding at least one lens along said optical axis.

79. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 78, said linearly movable ring having at least two grooves, said at least one lens comprising first and second lens groups, each lens group being movably guided by a respective linearly movable ring groove.

80. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 79, wherein each linearly movable ring groove is substantially parallel to said optical axis.

81. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 76, wherein said linearly movable ring has a rear surface and a guide plate attached to said rear surface, said guide plate comprising means for guiding linear movement of said linearly movable ring.

82. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 81, wherein said guide plate has one edge guided by a groove on the inner periphery of a stationary barrel positioned exteriorly of said cam ring, and a light intercepting plate extending from an inner edge of said guide plate.

83. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and movable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, said at least one lens comprising front and rear lens groups, wherein said rear lens group is movably guided by at least one groove in at least one substantially linearly movable member.

84. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 83, wherein said at least one linearly movable member comprises a ring, concentrically positioned within said cam ring, having a substantially linear groove which is substantially parallel to said optical axis.

85. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 84, wherein said concentrically positioned ring cannot be rotated.

86. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 83, wherein said at least one linearly movable member comprises a rotatable ring, said rotatable ring having a cam groove for receiving a pin attached to said rear lens group, said cam groove being at least partially inclined with respect to said optical axis.

87. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 86, wherein said at least one linearly movable member comprises said cam ring.

88. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 83, wherein said rear lens group is positioned in a frame having a pin attached to said frame, said pin engaging a linear groove in one linearly movable member, said linear groove being substantially parallel to said optical axis, and an inclined cam groove in a second linearly movable member, said linearly movable members being concentrically arranged.

89. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 88, wherein said first linearly movable member comprises a lens guide ring, and said second linearly movable member comprises said cam ring.

90. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for holding said lens, said cam ring being rotatable and moveable linearly along the direction of said optical axis, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens and said means for holding said lens along said optical axis, in response to operation of means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary with respect to said optical axis, wherein said at least one lens comprises front and rear lens groups, said cam ring being concentrically positioned about a linearly movable and non-rotatable ring which is adapted to guide at least said rear lens group.

91. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 90, wherein said non-rotatable ring comprises a lens guide ring for linearly guiding movement of both of said front and rear lens groups.

92. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 90, further comprising means for detecting the relative angular position of said cam ring with respect to said non-rotatable ring.

93. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 92, further comprising a stationary barrel for housing said lens groups, said cam ring, and said non-rotatable ring, said detecting means being positioned between an inner surface of said stationary barrel and an outer surface of said non-rotatable ring.

94. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 93, said detecting means comprising a zoom code plate with conductive and non-conductive areas, and a brush adapted to slidably contact said zoom code plate.

95. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 94, said zoom code plate being attached to one of said rings.

96. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 95, wherein said one ring is said cam ring, and said brush is attached to an extension of said non-rotatable ring.

97. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 96, wherein said extension comprises a bent portion of a plate attached to a rear end of said non-rotatable ring.

98. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 95, wherein said one ring is said cam ring, and said brush is attached to said non-rotatable ring.

99. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 98, wherein said zoom code plate is attached to an inner surface of said cam ring, and said brush is attached to an exterior surface of said non-rotatable ring.

100. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 94, wherein a helicoidal ring is positioned exteriorly of said cam ring, and said zoom code plate is positioned, at a predetermined angle of inclination, about an exterior surface of said helicoidal ring.

101. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring, at least one lens, and means for connecting said at least one lens to said cam ring in order to axially move said zoom lens, said cam ring having a peripheral surface, at least one cam groove, and a cam ring gear positioned about said peripheral surface, said cam ring being generally cylindrical, with a generally circular cross-section, said gear being inclined with respect to said cross-section.

102. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 101, wherein said cam ring gear is positioned in a spiral-like configuration about said peripheral surface of said cam ring.

103. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 102, said cam ring gear having a plurality of teeth which are generally parallel to the optical axis of said camera.

104. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 103, wherein said lens comprises front and rear lens groups, and said cam groove comprises means for receiving a pin which is connected to at least one of said lens groups.

105. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 104, wherein said at least one of said lens groups comprises both said front lens group and said rear lens group.

106. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 104, said cam ring being rotatable and linearly movable along said optical axis direction, in association with rotation of said cam ring.

107. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 104, wherein said cam ring gear is positioned on a first helicoidal ring attached to the periphery of said cam ring, said first helicoidal ring including a plurality of generally male threads on an outer surface of said first helicoidal ring.

108. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 107, further comprising a second helicoidal ring which has female threads on an interior surface, said female threads being adapted to threadably engage the male threads of said first helicoidal ring.

109. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 101, further comprising a stationary barrel positioned about said cam ring, and a motor for driving said zoom lens.

110. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 109, further comprising a driving gear driven by said motor, said driving gear comprising means for driveably engaging said cam ring gear.

111. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 110, wherein said barrel has a window for exposing said cam ring gear, said driving gear engaging said cam ring gear through said window.

112. A zoom lens apparatus adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens apparatus including a movable front lens group and a movable rear lens group, said lens groups being housed within a stationary barrel, said lens groups being moved along said optical axis, during zooming movement of said movable lens groups, in response to linear and rotational movement of a ring assembly along said optical axis, said linear movement of said ring assembly being effected by rotational movement of said ring assembly, said ring assembly being driven by driving means which is stationary along said optical axis, wherein said ring assembly comprises at least one rotatable ring having at least one groove, at least one of said lens groups having a pin attached to said lens group, said pin being engageable by said at least one groove, wherein said ring assembly further comprises at least one linearly movable ring which is movable only along said optical axis, said linearly movable ring having at least one groove which also engages said pin, said ring grooves together defining a path of movement of said at least one lens group.

113. A zoom lens apparatus in accordance with claim 112, wherein one of said ring grooves is parallel to said optical axis, and another of said ring grooves is inclined with respect to said optical axis.

114. A zoom lens apparatus in accordance with claim 113, wherein said parallel ring groove is positioned on said linearly movable ring, said inclined groove being positioned on said rotatable ring.

115. A zoom lens apparatus in accordance with claim 113, wherein said at least one lens group is said rear lens group.

116. A zoom lens apparatus adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens apparatus including a movable front lens group and a movable rear lens group, said lens groups being housed within a stationary barrel, said lens groups being moved along said optical axis, during zooming movement of said movable lens groups, in response to linear and rotational movement of a ring assembly along said optical axis, said linear movement of said ring assembly being effected by rotational movement of said ring assembly, said ring assembly being driven by a driving means which is stationary along said optical axis, said ring assembly including at least one rotatable ring which comprises a generally cylindrical cam ring having at least one groove, said at least one groove being inclined with respect to said optical axis and the periphery of said cam ring, wherein both said front and rear lens groups have pins attached to said lens groups, said pins being engaged by respective cam ring grooves.

117. A zoom lens apparatus in accordance with claim 116, wherein said pins are also engaged by substantially linear grooves, said linear grooves being substantially parallel to said optical axis and being located on a linearly movable, non-rotatable ring which is concentrically positioned within said cam ring.

118. A zoom lens apparatus adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens apparatus including a movable front lens group and a movable rear lens group, said lens groups being housed within a stationary barrel, said lens groups being moved along said optical axis, during zooming movement of said movable lens groups, in response to linear and rotational movement of a ring assembly along said optical axis, said linear movement of said ring assembly being effected by rotational movement of said ring assembly, said ring assembly being driven by a driving means which is stationary along said optical axis, said ring assembly including at least one rotatable ring which comprises a generally cylindrical cam ring having at least one groove, said at least one groove being inclined with respect to said optical axis and the periphery of said cam ring, wherein said cam ring has an exterior surface with a cam ring gear attached thereto, said cam ring gear being inclined with respect to said cam ring periphery.

119. A zoom lens apparatus in accordance with claim 118, wherein said cam ring gear is part of a helicoidal ring positioned about said cam ring periphery, wherein said helicoidal ring includes a plurality of helicoidal threads which are positioned about said cam ring at substantially the same angle of inclination as said cam ring gear.

120. A zoom lens apparatus adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens apparatus including a movable front lens group and a movable rear lens group, said lens groups being housed within a stationary barrel, said lens groups being moved along said optical axis, during zooming movement of said movable lens groups, in response to linear and rotational movement of a ring assembly along said optical axis, said linear movement of said ring assembly being affected by rotational movement of said ring assembly, said ring assembly being driven by a driving means which is stationary along said optical axis, said ring assembly including at least one rotatable ring which comprises a generally cylindrical cam ring having at least one groove, said at least one groove being inclined with respect to said optical axis and the periphery of said cam ring, said inclined groove including a first section inclined in one direction with respect to said optical axis and a second section inclined in a second, generally opposite direction with respect to said optical axis.

121. A zoom lens apparatus in accordance with claim 120, said inclined groove also including a third section which is substantially perpendicular to said optical axis.

122. A female helicoid ring adapted for use in a zoom lens camera, said ring comprising:

(a) a generally cylindrical body;

(b) a plurality of generally helical, parallel threads on an internal peripheral surface of said body;

(c) a recess of said interior surface; and

(d) an electrically conductive brush having a base and a plurality of flexible bristles, said base being attached to said recess.

123. A ring in accordance with claim 122, wherein said recess is inclined at substantially the same angle as said helical threads.

124. A ring in accordance with claim 122, wherein a generally annular flange is attached to the outer periphery of said ring.

125. A ring in accordance with claim 122, wherein said threads are female threads.

126. A lens barrel adapted to be used in a camera having an optical axis and a zoom lens, said lens barrel comprising a stationary barrel having an inner surface with a plurality of guide grooves which are adapted to receive a member for guiding lens movement, said member including a guide plate having a plurality of guide projections which are adapted to be fitted into said guide grooves, wherein at least one of said guide projections is elastically deformable to facilitate positioning of said projections within said guide grooves.

127. A lens barrel in accordance with claim 126, in combination with said lens movement guiding member.

128. A lens barrel in accordance with claim 127, said lens barrel having a substantially cylindrical main portion and having a substantially flat flange positioned along a front surface of said barrel main portion.

129. A lens barrel in accordance with claim 128, wherein an upper portion of each of said flange and said main portion are notched so as to form an opening for receiving a lens-driving motor assembly.

130. A lens barrel in accordance with claim 127, wherein said lens movement guiding member comprises a lens guiding ring, and wherein each of said deformable guide projections comprises two fingers separated by a generally radially directed slot.

131. A lens barrel in accordance with claim 127, wherein each of said slots is generally T-shaped.

132. A drive mechanism for a zoom lens which is adapted to be used in a camera having an optical axis, said drive mechanism comprising:

(a) a stationary barrel having a plurality of helicoidal threads attached to an internal surface of said barrel;

(b) a cam ring having an outer surface with a plurality of helicoidal threads adapted to be engaged by said stationary barrel helicoidal threads;

(c) a cam ring gear which extends in the direction of said cam ring threads; and

(d) a cam ring driving mechanism having a driving gear which is adapted to engage said cam ring gear

133. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 132, said drive mechanism further comprising a lens guide ring which is adapted to move along said optical axis direction, wherein said lens guide ring and said cam ring are adapted to rotate, relative to each other, in association with axial movement of said cam ring, and at least two movable lens groups which are adapted to be supported by said cam ring and said lens guide ring to move with respect to each other along said optical axis direction, in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring, to thereby comprise means for changing the focal length of said zoom lens.

134. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 132, wherein said cam ring gear comprises part of the helicoidal threads of said outer cam ring surface, said cam ring gear being located between adjacent threads.

135. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 134, wherein said cam ring helicoidal threads are male threads, and said stationary barrel helicoidal threads are female threads.

136. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 132, wherein a female helicoidal ring is attached to said internal surface of said barrel, and a male helicoidal ring is attached to an outer surface of said cam ring.

137. A drive mechanism in accordance with claim 132, wherein said barrel has an upper window to expose said cam ring gear, and for receiving a motor-driven driving gear for driveably engaging said cam ring gear.

138. A zoom lens barrel comprising two rotatable cylindrical members having respective male and female helicoidal threads which are adapted to engage each other upon rotation of one of said cylindrical members, wherein one of said members has a cutaway portion for separating engagement of said male and female threads at a predetermined angular position of said members, wherein said one member has threads which are adjacent to said cutaway portion, said adjacent threads having end faces with tapered surfaces which gradually decrease the width of the adjacent threads and increase the width of a groove defined between said adjacent threads, in a direction towards said cutaway portion.

139. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 138, wherein one of said cylindrical members comprises an outer, stationary ring, and the other cylindrical member comprises an inner, rotatable ring.

140. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 139, wherein said cutaway portion is on said outer ring.

141. A zoom lens barrel in accordance with claim 138, wherein said tapered end faces of said helicoidal threads have tapered surfaces which comprise means for decreasing the height of said helicoidal threads in a direction towards said cutaway portion.

142. A zoom lens comprising:

(a) a stationary barrel which is adapted to be used with a camera having an optical axis;

(b) a cam ring supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis;

(c) a lens guide ring adapted to move along said optical axis;

(d) at least two movable lens groups which are adapted to be movably supported by said cam ring and said lens guide ring so as to move, along said optical axis, to thereby comprise means for changing a focal length of said zoom lens; and

(e) a flange back adjusting mechanism comprising an outer ring adapted to be attached to said stationary barrel, between said barrel and said cam ring, said outer ring being rotatably adjustable, said mechanism further comprising flange back adjusting means for threadably engaging said outer ring to adjustably rotate said outer ring.

143. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 142, wherein said outer ring includes an outwardly projecting flange which is adapted to lie in a plane perpendicular to said optical axis, said flange having a circumferential edge and a sector gear attached to said circumferential edge, said stationary barrel including a stationary flange which is adapted to slidably contact said outer ring flange.

144. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 142, wherein said barrel has a stationary flange with a bore into which a shaft of a flange adjusting tool is adapted to be inserted.

145. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 144, wherein said adjusting tool shaft has a front end and an adjusting gear attached to said front end, said adjusting gear being adapted to be engaged by a sector gear on said outer ring.

146. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 142, said outer ring comprising an inner periphery having helicoidal threads.

147. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 146, said cam ring having an attached helicoidal ring, said attached helicoidal ring having an outer periphery with helicoidal threads which are adapted to be engaged by said helicoidal threads of said outer ring.

148. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 142, wherein said barrel has a stationary front flange with an adjusting gear frictionally fit onto a shaft which is attached to said front flange.

149. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 148, said outer ring having an outer flange with a sector gear which is adapted to be engaged by said adjusting gear to rotate said flange.

150. A zoom lens in accordance with claim 148, said shaft having a head adapted to be engaged by an exterior tool so as to rotate said adjusting gear.

151. A method for adjusting the position of a group of lenses with respect to a film plane in a camera having an optical axis and a zoom lens with a stationary barrel, movable lens groups which are movably positioned along said optical axis by a rotatable cam ring and a non-rotatable lens guide ring, both of said rings being movable along said optical axis, and male and female helicoidal rings positioned concentrically between said stationary barrel, and said cam ring, said cam ring including a ring flange on the outside of said cam ring, said method comprising rotating an adjusting gear which is engaged with a gear sector on said ring flange by rotating a tool which engages at least a portion of said adjusting gear, so as to rotate said cam ring.

152. A method in accordance with claim 151, further comprising loosening a fastening member before rotating said tool, and tightening said fastening member after rotating said tool.

153. A zoom lens barrel adapted to be attached to a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens barrel comprising a stationary barrel and a rotatable cam ring which is adapted to be driven by means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary along the optical axis of said camera, said cam ring being movably supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis, during zooming operation of front and rear movable lens groups, in association with rotation of said cam ring, said cam ring including at least two cam grooves which are adapted to receive said front and said rear movable lens groups, wherein the axial positions of said movable lens groups are at least partially determined by said cam grooves, said driving means comprising a motor for driving said cam ring, said motor driving a gear which is adapted to engage an outer peripheral surface of said cam ring.

154. A zoom lens apparatus adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens apparatus including a movable front lens group and a movable rear lens group, said lens groups being housed within a stationary barrel, said lens groups being moved along said optical axis, during zooming movement of said movable lens groups, in response to linear and rotational movement of a ring assembly along said optical axis, said linear movement of said ring assembly being effected by rotational movement of said ring assembly, said ring assembly being driven by driving means which is stationary along said optical axis, said driving means comprising a motor for driving said ring assembly, said zoom lens apparatus being used in combination with said motor, said motor driving a gear which is adapted to engage an outer peripheral surface of a ring in said ring assembly.

155. A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring movable along said optical axis, at least one lens movable along said optical axis in association with movement of said cam ring along the optical axis so as to vary a focal length of said zoom lens during zooming operation of said zoom lens, means for driving said cam ring, said driving means being stationary along said optical axis, and means for movably holding said at least one lens, wherein said cam ring comprises means for moving said at least one lens along said optical axis over a distance greater than the distance over which said cam ring moves along the optical axis, wherein said driving means comprises a motor for driving said cam ring, said zoom lens being used in combination with said motor, said motor driving a gear which is adapted to engage an outer peripheral surface of said cam ring.