Drive mechanism for a zoom lens

Claim 2

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 supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis in association with rotation of said cam ring, said cam ring including at least two cam grooves which are adapted to receive front and rear movable lens groups, wherein the axial positions of said movable lens groups are at least partially determined by said cam grooves.

Claim 3

A zoom lens barrel adapted to be attached to a camera having an optical axis, said barrel 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, in association with rotation of said cam ring; (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 movable front and rear 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 grooves 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.

Claim 4

A zoom lens barrel adapted to be attached to a camera having an optical axis, said barrel 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, in association with rotation of said cam ring; (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 movable front and rear 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 grooves 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.

Claim 5

A mechanism for operating a close distance correcting optical element in a lens shutter type of zoom lens camera which has an optical axis and which includes a zoom lens for effecting macro photography, an object distance measuring device having a light emitter and a light receiver, and having an optical axis, for detecting an object distance, a close distance correcting optical element which can be retractably positioned in front of said light receiver, and a cam ring for moving said zoom lens between a normal photographing range and a macro-photographing range, said cam ring being connected to a stationary barrel via a helicoid positioned on said cam ring, said optical element being associated with said cam ring helicoid such that said mechanism comprises means for moving said close distance correcting optical element away from the optical axis of said light receiver when said zoom lens is located in said normal photographing range, and for bringing said close distance correcting optical element into the optical axis of said light receiver when said zoom lens is located in said macro photographic range.

Claim 6

A mechanism for operating a close distance correcting optical element in a lens shutter type of zoom lens camera which has an optical axis and which includes a zoom lens for effecting macro photography, an object distance measuring device having a light emitter and a light receiver, and having an optical axis, for detecting an object distance, a close distance correcting optical element which can be retractably positioned in front of said light receiver, and a cam ring for moving said zoom lens between a normal photographing range and a macro-photographing range, said cam ring being connected to a stationary barrel via a helicoid positioned on said cam ring, said optical element being associated with said cam ring helicoid such that said mechanism comprises means for moving said close distance correcting optical element away from the optical axis of said light receiver when said zoom lens is located in said normal photographing range, and for bringing said close distance correcting optical element into the optical axis of said light receiver when said zoom lens is located in said macro photographic range.

Claim 7

A flexible printed circuit board adapted for use in a lens shutter type of zoom lens camera having an optical axis and a stationary barrel attached to a camera body, a rotatable cam ring which is adapted to be supported by said stationary barrel so as to move along the direction of the optical axis of said camera in accordance with rotation of said cam ring, a lens guide ring which is adapted to move together with said cam ring along the optical axis direction, wherein said cam ring is adapted to rotate relative to said lens guide ring in accordance with axial movement of said cam ring, at least two movable front and rear lens groups which are adapted to be supported on said cam ring and said lens guide ring so as to move along said optical axis direction along a predetermined track in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring in order to change the focal length of said zoom lens, a shutter block adapted to move together with said movable lens groups along said optical axis direction, a control circuit associated with said camera body, said control circuit comprising means for driving and controlling said shutter block, said flexible printed circuit board comprising means for electrically connecting said shutter block and said control circuit, said flexible printed circuit board having at least one portion extending rearwardly, within said barrel, from said control circuit to a rear end of said lens guide ring, said circuit board having a second portion extending forwardly along an inner surface of said lens guide ring, said second portion being connected to said at least one portion, wherein a third portion of said flexible printed circuit board extends rearwardly from said second portion to superimpose said second and third circuit board portions, and a fourth portion of said flexible printed board extends forwardly to connect said circuit board to said shutter block, wherein said third and fourth flexible printed circuit board portions are connected to each other.

Claim 8

A flexible printed circuit board adapted for use in a lens shutter type of zoom lens camera having an optical axis and a stationary barrel attached to a camera body, a rotatable cam ring which is adapted to be supported by said stationary barrel so as to move along the direction of the optical axis of said camera in accordance with rotation of said cam ring, a lens guide ring which is adapted to move together with said cam ring along the optical axis direction, wherein said cam ring is adapted to rotate relative to said lens guide ring in accordance with axial movement of said cam ring, at least two movable front and rear lens groups which are adapted to be supported on said cam ring and said lens guide ring so as to move along said optical axis direction along a predetermined track in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring in order to change the focal length of said zoom lens, a shutter block adapted to move together with said movable lens groups along said optical axis direction, a control circuit associated with said camera body, said control circuit comprising means for driving and controlling said shutter block, said flexible printed circuit board comprising means for electrically connecting said shutter block and said control circuit, said flexible printed circuit board having at least one portion extending rearwardly, within said barrel, from said control circuit to a rear end of said lens guide ring, said circuit board having a second portion extending forwardly along an inner surface of said lens guide ring, said second portion being connected to said at least one portion, wherein a third portion of said flexible printed circuit board extends rearwardly from said second portion to superimpose said second and third circuit board portions, and a fourth portion of said flexible printed board extends forwardly to connect said circuit board to said shutter block, wherein said third and fourth flexible printed circuit board portions are connected to each other.

Claim 9

A zoom lens having a barrier apparatus, said lens including a stationary barrel secured to a camera body having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising: (a) a rotatable cam ring which is supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis direction, in association with rotation of said cam ring; (b) a lens guide ring which is adapted to move together with said cam ring along said optical axis direction, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are adapted to rotate relative to each other in association with axial movement of said cam ring; (c) at least two movable front and rear lens groups which are supported on said cam ring and said lens guide ring for movement in said optical axis direction along a predetermined track in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring so as to comprise means for changing the focal length of said lens groups within a zoom photographing range, said lens groups being movable between a lens accommodation position, in which said movable lens groups are completely retracted, and a photographing position, in which a picture is adapted to be taken; (d) a cylindrical lens cover which is adapted to move, in association with said lens groups, along said optical axis direction; (e) barriers in said lens cover which are adapted to open and close a photographic opening located forwardly of said movable lens groups; and (f) a barrier opening and closing mechanism positioned in said lens cover and comprising means for opening and closing said barriers in association with relative movement of said lens guide ring and said lens cover.

Claim 10

A zoom lens having a barrier apparatus, said lens including a stationary barrel secured to a camera body having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising: (a) a rotatable cam ring which is supported by said stationary barrel for movement along said optical axis direction, in association with rotation of said cam ring; (b) a lens guide ring which is adapted to move together with said cam ring along said optical axis direction, wherein said cam ring and said lens guide ring are adapted to rotate relative to each other in association with axial movement of said cam ring; (c) at least two movable front and rear lens groups which are supported on said cam ring and said lens guide ring for movement in said optical axis direction along a predetermined track in association with axial movement and relative rotation of said cam ring and said lens guide ring so as to comprise means for changing the focal length of said lens groups within a zoom photographing range, said lens groups being movable between a lens accommodation position, in which said movable lens groups are completely retracted, and a photographing position, in which a picture is adapted to be taken; (d) a cylindrical lens cover which is adapted to move, in association with said lens groups, along said optical axis direction; (e) barriers in said lens cover which are adapted to open and close a photographic opening located forwardly of said movable lens groups; and (f) a barrier opening and closing mechanism positioned in said lens cover and comprising means for opening and closing said barriers in association with relative movement of said lens guide ring and said lens cover.

Claim 11

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 direction 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 direction, 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.

Claim 12

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 direction 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 direction, 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.

Claim 13

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 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 (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 direction, 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 the focal length of said zoom lens.

Claim 14

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 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 (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 direction, 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 the focal length of said zoom lens.

Claim 15

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 helicoid at a predetermined angular position of said rotatable barrel, wherein at least one of said female and male helicoids have 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.

Claim 16

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 helicoid at a predetermined angular position of said rotatable barrel, wherein at least one of said female and male helicoids have 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.

Claim 17

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 an optical axis direction 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 direction, 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 direction 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 the 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.

Claim 18

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 an optical axis direction 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 direction, 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 direction 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 the 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.

Claim 19

A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring and at least one 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 along said optical axis.

Claim 20

A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring and at least one 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 along said optical axis.

Claim 21

A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring and at least one 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.

Claim 22

A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens comprising a cam ring and at least one 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.

Claim 23

A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens 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 in response to linear 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.

Claim 24

A zoom lens adapted for use with a camera having an optical axis, said zoom lens 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 in response to linear 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.

Claim 25

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 interior peripheral surface of said body; (c) a recess on 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.

Claim 26

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 interior peripheral surface of said body; (c) a recess on 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.

Claim 27

A ring assembly adapted for use in a camera zoom lens, said ring assembly comprising: (a) an inner ring having a plurality of external helicoidal threads thereon, said inner ring having an external gear positioned on said ring at the same angle as said threads; and (b) an outer ring having a plurality of internal helicoidal threads adapted to threadably engage said external threads, wherein said inner ring can rotate and move axially within said outer ring.

Claim 28

A ring assembly adapted for use in a camera zoom lens, said ring assembly comprising: (a) an inner ring having a plurality of external helicoidal threads thereon, said inner ring having an external gear positioned on said ring at the same angle as said threads; and (b) an outer ring having a plurality of internal helicoidal threads adapted to threadably engage said external threads, wherein said inner ring can rotate and move axially within said outer ring.

Claim 29

Apparatus for selectively positioning a correcting optical element used during macro-photography in front of a light receiver of a distance measuring device, said apparatus comprising a generally cylindrical cam ring, said cam ring having a plurality of threads on an exterior cam ring surface, said threads comprising means for selectively engaging said optical element during rotation of said cam ring.

Claim 30

Apparatus for selectively positioning a correcting optical element used during macro-photography in front of a light receiver of a distance measuring device, said apparatus comprising a generally cylindrical cam ring, said cam ring having a plurality of threads on an exterior cam ring surface, said threads comprising means for selectively engaging said optical element during rotation of said cam ring.

Claim 31

A flexible printed circuit board assembly which is adapted for use in a camera having a zoom lens and an optical axis, said zoom lens including two lens groups, adapted to move along said axis, said camera including a stationary outer barrel and at least two concentric rings positioned within said barrel, and a shutter block which is adapted for movement with said lens groups along said optical axis, said flexible printed circuit board assembly comprising a flexible printed circuit board for electrically connecting said shutter block to a camera control circuit, said flexible printed circuit board having a first end adapted to be attached to said control circuit, a first portion adapted to extend rearwardly along the inner surface of said barrel, a second portion extending generally forwardly along an inner surface of the inner one of said concentric rings, a third portion extending rearwardly to be partially superimposed upon said second portion, and a fourth portion flexibly connected to said shutter block.

Claim 32

A flexible printed circuit board assembly which is adapted for use in a camera having a zoom lens and an optical axis, said zoom lens including two lens groups, adapted to move along said axis, said camera including a stationary outer barrel and at least two concentric rings positioned within said barrel, and a shutter block which is adapted for movement with said lens groups along said optical axis, said flexible printed circuit board assembly comprising a flexible printed circuit board for electrically connecting said shutter block to a camera control circuit, said flexible printed circuit board having a first end adapted to be attached to said control circuit, a first portion adapted to extend rearwardly along the inner surface of said barrel, a second portion extending generally forwardly along an inner surface of the inner one of said concentric rings, a third portion extending rearwardly to be partially superimposed upon said second portion, and a fourth portion flexibly connected to said shutter block.

Claim 33

A flexible printed circuit board assembly, said assembly comprising an annular lens guide ring adapted to be moved linearly along the optical axis of a camera with which the assembly is used, said annular guide ring having at least one movable lens guide groove and at least one elongated groove for retaining said flexible printed circuit board, and a flexible printed circuit board positioned within said groove.

Claim 34

A flexible printed circuit board assembly, said assembly comprising an annular lens guide ring adapted to be moved linearly along the optical axis of a camera with which the assembly is used, said annular guide ring having at least one movable lens guide groove and at least one elongated groove for retaining said flexible printed circuit board, and a flexible printed circuit board positioned within said groove.

Claim 37

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.

Claim 38

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.

Claim 39

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.

Claim 40

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.

Claim 41

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.

Claim 42

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.

Claim 43

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 direction; (c) a lens guide ring adapted to move along said optical axis direction; (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 direction, to thereby comprise means for changing the 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.

Claim 44

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 direction; (c) a lens guide ring adapted to move along said optical axis direction; (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 direction, to thereby comprise means for changing the 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.

Claim 47

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 and 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 the focal length of said camera, 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 said optical axis.

Claim 48

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 and 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 the focal length of said camera, 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 said optical axis.