JP2005184559A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dispose a monitoring section at both right and left sides and an upper side with respect to a main body section while the main body section is kept in an upright standing state. <P>SOLUTION: In the imaging apparatus comprising a main body section 1 including a lens 10a for converging light from an object, an imaging device for converting light converged by the lens 10a into an electric signal and an outer surface 1a which is approximately vertical to the optical axis of the lens 10a, a monitoring section 2 for displaying an image picked up by an imaging section 10, and a connecting section 3 for connecting the monitoring section 2 and the main body section 1, the imaging apparatus comprises a first shaft part 41 which is approximately parallel to the optical axis of the lens 10a and supports the connecting section 3 on the outer surface 1a, a second shaft part 42 which is approximately vertical to the first shaft part 41 and is supported by the connecting section 3, and a third shaft part 43 which is approximately vertical to the second shaft part 42 and supports the monitoring section 2 on the second shaft part 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a video camera or a camera, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus including a monitor unit that displays an image captured by an imaging unit.

  The imaging device includes an imaging device that converts light into an electric signal, for example, an imaging unit having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a monitor unit that displays an image captured by the imaging unit. By checking the image displayed on the monitor unit, the person can know that the imaging is normally performed, and can record an image of a desired subject (Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a conventional imaging apparatus. The substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 301 included in the imaging device includes a lens and an imaging element 310b that converts light into an electrical signal, and is connected to a monitor 302 that is a liquid crystal display that displays an image captured by the imaging unit. ing. The monitor unit 302 is connected to the main body unit 301 via a connection support shaft 304, and the monitor unit 302 is closed with the display unit 320 of the monitor unit 302 facing the left side surface 301a of the main body unit 301, as shown in FIG. It is configured to open and close approximately 90 degrees in the direction A. Further, the connection support shaft 304 can rotate the monitor unit 302 about 180 degrees in the direction B in FIG. 9 with a straight line substantially perpendicular to the connection support shaft 304 as an axis.

In the imaging apparatus configured as described above, the monitor 302 is opened approximately 90 degrees from the main body 301 and the monitor 302 is appropriately rotated in the B direction, so that the photographer can monitor the captured image with a comfortable posture. The subject can be imaged while being confirmed by the unit 302.
JP 2001-218087 A

  However, in the conventional imaging apparatus, there are only two rotation axes of the monitor unit 302 with respect to the main body unit 301, and the rotatable angle is limited to approximately 90 degrees in the A direction and approximately 180 degrees in the B direction. Therefore, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the monitor unit is low, and there is a case where it is not possible to operate the image pickup apparatus suitably and take an image. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the image is taken with the monitor unit 302 in the vertical direction, the photographer cannot suitably operate the imaging device.

  Further, in the conventional imaging apparatus, as shown in FIG. 9A, the monitor unit 302 is located on the left side of the main body unit 301 in the rear view, so that a left-handed imager holds the main body unit 301 with the left hand and performs imaging. When the apparatus is used, the display unit 320 is blocked by the left hand, and there is a problem that it is not possible to appropriately capture an image using the imaging apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an imaging apparatus capable of suitably operating the imaging apparatus by increasing the degree of freedom with which the monitor unit can be arranged with respect to the main body. The purpose is to provide.

  Further, the present invention provides an imaging device that can obtain the same visibility and operability of the monitor unit as when operating the imaging device with the right hand even when the imaging device is operated with the left hand. The other purpose is to provide.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention has an image pickup unit that collects an image with a lens and picks up an image, and has a main body having an outer surface substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the image pickup unit, and the image pickup unit An imaging apparatus comprising: a monitor unit that displays a captured image; and a coupling unit that couples the monitor unit and the main body unit. The imaging unit is substantially parallel to the optical axis, and the coupling unit is rotatably supported on the outer surface. A first shaft portion, a second shaft portion that is substantially perpendicular to the first shaft portion and supported by the connecting portion, and a second shaft portion that is substantially perpendicular to the second shaft portion, and the monitor portion is connected to the second shaft portion. The shaft portion includes a third shaft portion that is rotatably supported.

  In the present invention, the connecting portion is rotatable with respect to the main body portion with the first shaft portion as a rotation shaft, and the second shaft portion and the second shaft portion substantially perpendicular to the first shaft portion are provided. The monitor unit can be rotated with respect to the connecting portion using the substantially vertical third shaft portion as a rotation axis. Therefore, the monitor unit can be rotated with respect to the main body unit with the first to third shaft units serving as rotation axes.

  In particular, the monitor unit can be arranged on the left and right sides of the upright main body by rotating the monitor with respect to the main body with the first shaft as a rotation axis. Therefore, even when the main body is gripped with the left hand, it is possible to obtain the same visibility of the monitor as when the main body is gripped with the right hand. In other words, by placing the monitor unit on the right side of the main unit when viewed from the back, the monitor unit is not blocked by the left hand when gripping the main unit with the left hand. When the main body is gripped with the right hand, the monitor is not blocked by the right hand.

  Further, the monitor unit can be arranged on the upper side of the upright main body by rotating the monitor with respect to the main body using the first shaft as a rotation axis.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the monitor unit is substantially rectangular, and the third shaft portion is substantially parallel to a long side of the monitor unit.

  In the present invention, the third shaft portion is substantially parallel to the long side of the monitor portion. Accordingly, the monitor unit can be rotated and arranged with respect to the main body unit using the third shaft portion substantially parallel to the long side of the monitor unit as a rotation axis.

  Further, by arranging the monitor unit on the left side, right side, or upper side of the upright main body unit, the long side of the monitor unit is horizontal or vertical, that is, the monitor unit is oriented vertically or horizontally, and the captured image is monitored. Can be confirmed.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, the lens is provided on the outer surface, and the connecting portion covers the lens in a non-rotating state with respect to the main body, and the lens in the rotating state. A cover portion that does not cover the cover is provided.

  In the present invention, the lens can be covered when the connecting portion is not rotated with respect to the main body, and the lens can be uncovered when the connecting portion is rotated. Therefore, by rotating the connecting portion around the first shaft portion, the opening and closing of the monitor portion with respect to the main body portion and the opening and closing of the lens by the cover portion can be performed simultaneously.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the main body portion includes a gripping portion, and the shape of the gripping portion is symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane including the axis of the first shaft portion.

  In the present invention, the shape of the gripping portion of the main body is symmetrical with respect to the symmetry plane including the axis of the first shaft, that is, the main body is bilaterally symmetric in rear view. Therefore, even when the photographer holds the grip part with the left hand, it is possible to obtain a grip feeling similar to that when the user holds the grip part with the right hand.

  The imaging device according to the present invention is characterized in that the main body has an operation unit for imaging at a location that is plane-symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane or a location where the symmetry plane and the main body intersect.

  In the present invention, the main body portion is symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry including the axis of the first shaft portion, or where the symmetry plane and the main body portion intersect, that is, the main body portion is symmetrical with respect to the rear view. An operation unit related to imaging is provided at a location or a location serving as a central portion. Therefore, even when the imager operates the imaging device with the left hand, the same level of operability as when the imaging device is operated with the right hand can be obtained.

  In the present invention, the monitor unit can be arranged on the left or right side or the upper side of the main body unit according to the mode of imaging, and the imager can appropriately perform imaging.

  In the present invention, the monitor portion can be oriented vertically or horizontally with the main body portion upright.

  In the present invention, the lenses can be simultaneously opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the monitor unit.

  In the present invention, even when the gripping part is gripped with the left hand, a gripping sensation similar to that when gripping with the right hand can be obtained.

  In the present invention, even when the imaging apparatus is operated with the left hand, the same level of operability as when operated with the right hand can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an imaging apparatus according to the present invention, in which (a) is a rear view, (b) is a right side view, (c) is a front view, In the figure, (d) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II. The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body unit 1 having an imaging unit 10, a monitor unit 2, and a connecting unit 3 that connects the main body unit 1 and the monitor unit 2.

  The main body unit 1 is a thin card type having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes an imaging unit 10, a recording medium 17 for recording an image captured by the imaging unit 10, and a battery 19 for driving the imaging device. The imaging unit 10 includes a lens 10a that collects light from a subject, and an imaging element 10b that converts the light collected by the lens 10a into an electrical signal, for example, a CCD. The recording medium 17 is a flash memory card, for example, a CF (Compact Flash) card. The recording medium 17 is attached to the main body 1 by being inserted from an insertion port 18 that the main body 1 has on the right side 1 c in a rear view.

  The main body 1 has a rectangular outer surface 1a, 1b substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 10, that is, the optical axis of the lens 10a, and the lens 10a is exposed at one outer surface 1b.

  Furthermore, the main body 1 includes a grip 11. The gripper 11 is a part where the imager grips the main body 1 when using the imaging device. As shown in FIG. 1D, the shape of the grip portion 11 is symmetrical with respect to the symmetry plane α including the axis of the first shaft portion 41, that is, in a state where the main body portion 1 is erected, it is bilaterally symmetric. Shape.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the main body unit 1 is an operation unit 5a, 5b related to imaging, that is, a button for operating imaging start / end, zoom-out, zoom-in, or the like. Is provided on the outer surface 1a. The operation parts 5a and 5b are provided at the intersection of the symmetry plane and the main body part 1, particularly at the center of the outer surface 1a of the upright main body part 1.

  The monitor unit 2 includes a display unit 20 that is a liquid crystal display that displays an image captured by the imaging unit 10 and an outer frame 21. The shapes of the display unit 20 and the outer frame 21 are both rectangular.

  The connecting portion 3 is disposed so as to face the outer surface 1a, and is particularly attached to a portion corresponding to the back side of the outer surface 1b portion where the lens 10a is exposed. The shape of the connecting portion 3 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a rectangular cross section that matches the outer peripheral shape of the short side portion of the outer surface 1a. One short side 2 a of the monitor unit 2 is coupled to one long side 3 a of the coupling unit 3 via second and third shaft units 42 and 43. The monitor part 2 and the whole connection part 3 are formed to match the outer peripheral shape of the outer surface 1a.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 41 denotes a first shaft portion that is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the lens 10 a, and rotatably supports the connecting portion 3 on the outer surface 1 a of the main body portion 1. The first shaft portion 41 is located on the optical axis of the lens 10 a and is connected to the substantially central portion of the connecting portion 3.

  Specifically, the first shaft portion 41 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the outer surface 1 a of the main body portion 1. The connecting portion 3 has a support hole 31 at a substantially central portion of the outer surface 3 b facing the main body portion 1, and the first shaft portion 41 is rotatably inserted into the support hole 31. A c-ring 41 a is attached to the first shaft portion 41 inserted through the support hole 31 to prevent the first shaft portion 41 from coming off from the support hole 31.

  In addition, the connecting portion 3 supports a second shaft portion 42 that is a cylindrical member substantially perpendicular to the first shaft portion 41. The connecting portion 3 has a concave portion 30a at a substantially central portion of one long side 3a, and the second shaft portion 42 is provided on two outer surfaces substantially perpendicular to the long side 3a among the outer surfaces of the concave portion 30a. It has a support hole to be inserted. The second shaft portion 42 inserted through the support hole is supported by two sets of bearing fittings 42a and 42b. The bearing fittings 42 a and 42 b are screwed to the connecting portion 3.

  The second shaft portion 42 rotatably supports a third shaft portion 43 that is substantially perpendicular to the second shaft portion 42. Specifically, the third shaft portion 43 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the short side 2 a of the monitor portion 2. The second shaft portion 42 has a support hole that rotatably supports the third shaft portion 43 in a substantially central portion, and the third shaft portion 43 is rotatably inserted into the support hole. . A c-ring 43 a is attached to the end of the third shaft portion 43 to prevent the second shaft portion 42 from coming off.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the imaging apparatus. The main body 1 controls the lens 10a, the image sensor 10b, and the image sensor 10b, and converts the electric signal from the image sensor 10b into image data of a digital signal, and the image data in the MPEG2 format or A compression / decompression circuit 13 that compresses or expands by a compression / decompression method such as the MPEG1 format, a recording / reproduction signal processing circuit 16 that appropriately processes the compressed image data, sends the processed image data to the recording medium 17, and monitors the image data The video output circuit 15 for outputting video to the unit 2 and a battery (not shown) are provided. Furthermore, the main body unit 1 includes an image processing circuit 14 that is a circuit that rotates an image obtained by the imaging element 10b. In particular, the image processing circuit 14 can rotate the image by 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

  In the imaging apparatus configured as described above, light from the subject is collected by the lens 10a, imaged on the imaging element 10b, and converted into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is acquired as image data by the imaging signal processing circuit 12 that controls the imaging element 10 b and sent to the compression / decompression circuit 13. The image data is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 13 by a compression / expansion method such as the MPEG2 format or the MPEG1 format and sent to the recording / reproduction signal processing circuit 16. The recording / reproducing signal processing circuit 16 records the compressed image data on the recording medium 17. On the other hand, the image data sent to the compression / decompression circuit 13 is sent to the video output circuit 15, converted into a signal suitable for the image display format by the video output circuit 15, and the converted image data is sent to the monitor unit 2. The captured image is displayed on the monitor unit 2.

  Further, the connecting portion 3 rotates with respect to the main body portion 1 using the first shaft portion 41 as a rotation shaft (A line in FIG. 1), and the monitor portion 2 includes the second shaft portion 42 and the third shaft portion. 43 can be rotated with respect to the connecting portion 3 using a rotation axis (line B and line C in FIG. 1). Hereinafter, the rotation of the monitor unit 2 with respect to the main body unit 1 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the monitor unit 2 is rotated with respect to the main body unit 1 with the second shaft portion 42 and the third shaft portion 43 as rotation axes.

  FIG. 3A shows a state in which the display unit 20 of the monitor unit 2 is closed facing the outer surface 1a of the main body unit 1 and the second shaft unit 42 is used as a rotation axis (line B in the figure). 2 shows a state in which 2 is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the connecting portion 3 in the direction of the arrow. In this case, the display unit 20 of the monitor unit 2 faces downward.

  FIG. 3B shows a counterclockwise direction from the state shown in FIG. 3A with the third shaft portion 43 as a rotation shaft (C line in the figure) and the monitor portion 2 with respect to the second shaft portion 42. It shows a state in which it is rotated more than 90 degrees around. FIG. 3C shows a state in which the monitor unit 2 is further rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 3B with the third shaft portion 43 as a rotation axis. In this case, the display unit 20 faces upward.

  3 (d), from the state shown in FIG. 3 (c), the monitor unit 2 is rotated 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow with respect to the connecting unit 3 with the second shaft portion 42 as a rotation axis. The closed state is shown. In this case, the monitor unit 2 is closed to the main body unit 1 with the display unit 20 facing the back side.

  FIG. 4 is a rear view schematically showing a state in which the monitor unit 2 is rotated clockwise with respect to the main body unit 1 with the first shaft unit 41 as a rotation axis (A line in FIG. 1) and arranged on the left side. FIG. In the upper figure, the monitor unit 2 is rotated about 45 degrees in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) with respect to the main body unit 1 from the state shown in FIG. The lower figure shows a state in which the monitor unit 2 is further rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise from the state shown in the upper figure and is arranged on the left side in a rear view with respect to the upright main body unit 1. ing. In the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, when the photographer holds the main body 1 with the right hand, the monitor unit 2 is not blocked by the right hand. In other words, it is suitable for a right-handed imager.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows a state in which the monitor unit 2 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the main body unit 1 and arranged on the right side with the first shaft unit 41 as a rotation axis (A line in FIG. 1). It is a rear view. In the upper figure, from the state shown in FIG. 3D, the monitor 2 is rotated about 45 degrees in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) with respect to the main body 1 with the first shaft portion 41 as the rotation axis. The lower figure shows a state in which the monitor unit 2 is further rotated approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise from the state shown in the upper figure, and is arranged on the right side in a rear view with respect to the upright main body part 1 Is shown. In the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the monitor unit 2 is not blocked by the left hand even when the photographer holds the main body unit 1 with the left hand. In other words, it is suitable for a left-handed imager.

  When the monitor unit 2 is located on the right side of the main body unit 1, the image data is once sent to the image processing circuit 14, the image data is rotated 180 degrees, and the image rotated 180 degrees is converted into the monitor unit 2. Is displayed on the display unit 20.

  In the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, the monitor unit 2 on which the upright captured image is displayed on the display unit 20 is rotated 180 degrees in the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5. On the other hand, the image displayed on the display unit 20 is also rotated by 180 degrees by the image processing circuit 14. Therefore, even in the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, an upright captured image is displayed on the display unit 20.

  FIG. 6 is a rear view schematically showing a state in which the monitor unit 2 is rotated with respect to the main body unit 1 with the first shaft unit 41 as a rotation axis and arranged on the upper side. That is, from the state shown in FIG. 3D, the monitor unit 2 is rotated 180 degrees with respect to the main body unit 1 in the direction of the arrow (clockwise or counterclockwise) with the first shaft portion 41 as the rotation axis. The state which has been arrange | positioned with respect to the erect body part 1 by the back view is shown.

  In the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 6, imaging can be performed with the monitor unit 2 in the vertical orientation. When the monitor unit 2 is arranged on the upper side of the main body unit 1, even when the monitor unit 2 is operated with the left hand, the same visibility of the monitor unit 2 as that with the right hand can be obtained.

  Further, in any case where the monitor unit 2 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4 or the monitor unit 2 is rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The monitor unit 2 can be rotated 90 degrees and disposed above the main body unit 1. Therefore, the monitor unit 2 can be disposed on the upper side of the main body unit 1 with the same operation procedure regardless of the effective arm of the photographer.

  When the monitor unit 2 is positioned above the main body unit 1, the image data is once sent to the image processing circuit 14, the image data is rotated by 90 degrees, and the image rotated by 90 degrees is displayed on the monitor unit 2. Is displayed on the display unit 20.

  In the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, the monitor unit 2 on which the upright captured image is displayed on the display unit 20 is in a state of 90 rotations in the state shown in the lower diagram of FIG. On the other hand, the image displayed on the display unit 20 is also rotated by 90 degrees by the image processing circuit 14. Therefore, even in the state shown in FIG. 6, an upright captured image is displayed on the display unit 20.

  In the present invention, since the shape of the grip portion 11 is bilaterally symmetrical with the main body portion 1 upright, even when the photographer grips the grip portion 11 with the left hand, A gripping sensation similar to that in the case of gripping the gripping part 11 with the right hand can be obtained.

  In addition, since the operation units 5a and 5b are provided in the central portion of the outer surface 1a in a state where the main body unit 1 is upright, even when the photographer operates the operation units 5a and 5b with the left hand, It is possible to obtain the same operability as when the photographer operates the operation units 5a and 5b with the right hand.

  In the present invention, the imaging element is fixed to the main body, but is not limited thereto, and may be rotatable with respect to the main body. That is, the image sensor may be rotated with respect to the main body in conjunction with the rotation of the monitor unit with the first shaft portion as a rotation axis. Means for detecting the position of the monitor unit with respect to the main body unit and rotating the imaging device with respect to the main body unit is a known technique.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a video camera is shown as the imaging device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a camera that captures a still image, a mobile phone with a camera, or the like may be used.

  FIG. 7 is a rear view schematically showing a modified example of the imaging device shown in the embodiment. In the present invention, only the monitor unit has the display unit. However, as shown in FIG. 7, display units 118 and 20 may be provided in the main body unit 101 and the monitor unit 2, respectively. The operation unit is provided at the center of the outer surface of the main body. However, the operation unit is not limited to this, and the operation unit 105 is located at a symmetrical position with respect to the symmetry plane α including the axis of the first shaft unit 41. May be provided. That is, the two operation units 105a and 105b that accept the same operation may be provided in a symmetrical position on the outer surface 101a of the main body 101 with the main body 101 upright. Furthermore, a touch panel may be provided on the surface of the display unit 118, and the operation unit may be realized by the touch panel.

  In the imaging apparatus configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 7, when the monitor unit 2 is arranged on the right side of the main body unit 101 in the rear view, the imaging state is obtained from both the back side and the front side of the imaging apparatus. Can be confirmed. For example, when the photographer captures a person, not only the photographer but also the imaged person being imaged can check the imaged state, and both the imager and the imaged person can obtain a desired captured image. it can.

  In addition, since the operation units 105a and 105b are provided at symmetrical positions of the main body unit 101, even when the photographer operates the operation unit 105b with the left hand, the imager takes the operation unit 105a with the right hand. It is possible to obtain the same level of operability as when operating.

  FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing a modified example of the imaging device shown in the embodiment. In FIG. 8B, 201 is a main body portion having a substantially rectangular cross section, and a convex portion 201e protruding in the radial direction of the first shaft portion 241 from the central portion of one short side 201d of the main body portion 201. The lens 210a is exposed on the outer surface of the convex portion 201e. Of the outer surface of the main body 201, the connecting portion 203 is disposed opposite to the outer surface 201b on the side where the lens 210a is exposed. The connecting portion 203 includes a central portion that does not cover the lens 210a, and a cover portion 203c that projects from the central portion in the radial direction of the first shaft portion 241 and covers the lens 210a. The central portion is a portion that does not reach the outer edge of the lens 210a in the portion of the connecting portion 203 that extends around the first shaft portion 241. The connection part 203 is connected to the main body part 201 and the monitor part 202 as shown in the embodiment. The first shaft portion 241 has the same structure as the first shaft portion shown in the embodiment.

  In the imaging apparatus configured as described above, the connecting unit 203 is in a non-rotating state, that is, the monitor unit 202 is closed with respect to the main body unit 201 as illustrated in FIG. In such a case, the lens 210a can be covered with the cover portion 203c. Further, from the state in which the connecting portion 203 is rotated, that is, the state shown in FIG. 8A, the monitor portion 202 is in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise when viewed from the front) with the first shaft portion 241 as the rotation axis. When the monitor unit 202 is opened with respect to the main body unit 201, the lens unit 210a can be opened simultaneously with opening and closing the monitor unit 202. In this case, since the display unit 220 of the monitor unit 202 faces the imager side, imaging can be started immediately.

It is the figure which showed typically the imaging device which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an imaging device. It is a perspective view which shows typically the state which rotated the monitor part with respect to the main-body part by making a 2nd axial part and a 3rd axial part into a rotating shaft. It is a rear view which shows typically the state which rotated the monitor part clockwise with respect to the main-body part by making a 1st axial part into a rotating shaft, and has arrange | positioned on the left side. It is a rear view which shows typically the state which rotated the monitor part counterclockwise with respect to the main-body part by setting a 1st axial part as a rotating shaft, and has arrange | positioned on the right side. It is a rear view which shows typically the state which rotated the monitor part with respect to the main-body part by setting a 1st axial part as a rotating shaft, and has arrange | positioned on the upper side. It is a rear view which shows typically the modification of the imaging device shown in embodiment. It is a front view which shows typically the modification of the imaging device shown in embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional imaging device typically.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body part 2 Monitor part 3 Connection part 5a, 5b Operation part 10 Imaging part 10a Lens 10b Image pick-up element 11 Grasp part 41 1st axis part 42 2nd axis part 43 3rd axis part 203c Cover part

Claims (5)

A main body unit that has an imaging unit that collects light with a lens and performs imaging, and has an outer surface substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit;
In an imaging apparatus comprising: a monitor unit that displays a captured image captured by the imaging unit; and a coupling unit that couples the monitor unit and the main body unit.
A first shaft portion that is substantially parallel to the optical axis and rotatably supports the connecting portion on the outer surface;
A second shaft portion substantially perpendicular to the first shaft portion and supported by the connecting portion;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a third shaft portion that is substantially perpendicular to the second shaft portion and rotatably supports the monitor portion on the second shaft portion. The monitor unit is substantially rectangular,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third shaft portion is substantially parallel to a long side of the monitor unit. The lens is provided on the outer surface,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a cover unit that covers the lens in a non-rotating state with respect to the main body unit and does not cover the lens in a rotating state. . The body portion includes a gripping portion,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shape of the grip portion is symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane including an axis of the first shaft portion.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the main body has an operation unit for imaging at a location that is plane-symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane, or a location where the symmetry plane and the main body intersect.

Images