JP2006303712A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera with a large display part on its rear side which is capable of switching between vertical photographing and horizontal photographing. <P>SOLUTION: The center of imaging surface and that of display surface is agreed with each other so that an imaging part is integrated with a display part. The integrated imaging part and display part are rotated around the center of the display surface. The profile of a display part 20 is formed into an oval, with that center as a center, whose top and bottom are cut. The display part 20 is hidden on the rear side of a body part 1 when landscape photographing position while a part of it is projected from the top and bottom of the body part 1 when portrait photographing state after rotated by 90°. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera capable of switching between vertical and horizontal shooting with the same camera posture.

  An imaging surface of an image sensor that photoelectrically converts an image is configured with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 or 16: 9, and this image sensor is generally mounted on a camera so that a long side is in a landscape orientation. Therefore, in normal shooting, a horizontally long image is shot, and such shooting is called horizontal shooting. The shape of the camera body and the operation system arrangement of the camera are all configured based on horizontal shooting.

  On the other hand, there are many vertical subjects such as a standing person or a tall building, but when shooting this, shooting is performed with the camera held upright by turning 90 degrees. Usually this is also called vertical shooting. However, since this vertical shooting inevitably results in an unstable holding posture, it may cause camera shake, for example.

  Various past cameras have been proposed that can support vertical shooting without changing the posture of the camera body.

  First, there has been proposed a camera in which only the image sensor inside the photographic lens is rotated 90 degrees with a motor in response to an instruction while the camera body and the photographic lens remain unchanged (Patent Document 1).

In addition, an operation lever is provided for rotating the photographic lens unit including the CCD for vertical and horizontal shooting, and a rotating plate provided on the back of the camera and provided with a liquid crystal display panel is linked to the rotation of the photographic lens unit. A camera having a transmission mechanism for rotating the camera is also proposed (Patent Document 2).
JP 58-182965 A JP 2000-209469 A

  In the camera disclosed in Patent Document 2, the size of the liquid crystal display panel that can be mounted is limited because the rotating plate in which the liquid crystal display panel is provided is rotated. Only a fairly small liquid crystal display panel can be installed.

  On the other hand, since the screen size of the display device is as large as possible and is favored by users and has high merchantability, it is necessary to be able to mount a display device having a large screen size even with a camera capable of both vertical and horizontal shooting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of maintaining a compact camera shape and rotating a large display unit together with an imaging unit to switch between vertical and horizontal shooting. .

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a camera of the present invention includes a lens unit and an imaging unit in which an imaging device having a horizontally long imaging surface is incorporated, a main body unit in which the imaging unit is incorporated, and a photographed image by the imaging unit. Is disposed on the back surface of the main body portion and has a display surface with an aspect ratio equivalent to the image pickup surface of the image pickup device, and the image pickup unit is disposed on the back surface of the display surface. The display unit integrated with the display unit having a long side parallel to the long side of the display surface and an extended line of the optical axis of the imaging unit passing through the center of the display surface. The image pickup unit and the display unit are provided with a rotation unit for rotating the image pickup unit and the display unit with respect to the main body unit about the optical axis of the image pickup unit.

  In addition to the above, the camera of the present invention is further characterized in that a strobe window that is exposed in the direction of the subject at the vertical shooting position is provided on the surface opposite to the display surface of the display unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera capable of switching between vertical and horizontal shooting by rotating a large display unit together with an imaging unit while maintaining a compact camera shape.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera, and is an external view of a digital camera (hereinafter abbreviated as a camera) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state where the display unit of the camera is in the horizontal shooting position. Further, the terms “front” and “back” used in the following description are based on the direction viewed from the subject side to be photographed.

1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a bottom view, FIG. 1C is a left side view, FIG. 1D is a right side view, and FIG. 1E is a top view. And (F) is a rear view of the state which looked at this camera from the back.
The camera is roughly composed of a main body unit 1 and a display unit 30 provided on the back surface thereof. The main body 1 is mainly configured by assembling a front cover 10 for protecting the front of the camera and a back cover 20 for protecting the back of the camera in the front-rear direction.

  A lens window 11 for photographing is provided on the front surface of the main body 1 at a position slightly left from the center when viewed from the front. An imaging unit 40 is disposed inside the lens window 11. A strobe window 12 having a xenon tube inside is provided at the upper left of the lens window 11. An LED window 13 having an LED for displaying photographing timing at the time of self-timer photographing is provided on the upper right side of the lens window 11. A microphone opening 14 for collecting sound is provided on the right side of the lens window 11. The left side of the main body 1 is a portion that is gripped at the time of photographing, but is provided with a convex portion that prevents the grip from slipping. On the left side, a lid 15 that protects an external device connection connector provided inside is provided so as to open and close by rotation.

  A release button 16 for instructing photographing is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1 at the left position corresponding to the gripped hand. Around the release button 16, a zoom lever 17 is provided integrally with the release button 16 so as to be pivotable horizontally around the release button 16 and instruct to change the zoom ratio of the photographing lens. A power button 18 for instructing on / off of the camera power is provided on the right side of the release button 16.

  On the back surface of the main body 1, a display unit 30 in which an image display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is built is provided (see (F)). A monitor image and a reproduced image are displayed on the display surface 31 in the center of the display unit 30 at the time of shooting and reproduction, and the display surface 31 has the same aspect ratio (aspect ratio), for example, 4: 3, as an imaging surface described later. . As shown in FIG. (F), the outer shape of the display unit is an oval shape in which a circle centered on the center P of the display surface 31 is cut in the vertical direction, the left and right sides are curved, and the vertical direction is a straight line. ing. That is, the display unit 30 is a target shape centered on the center P and has a flat shape that is long in the long side direction (X direction) of the display surface 31.

  Moreover, the shape seen from the back surface of the main body 1 to which the display unit 30 is attached is arranged in the same shape as the oval shape of the display unit 30 described above. Therefore, in the state where the display unit 30 has the long side of the display surface 31 parallel to the bottom surface as shown in FIG. (F), the display unit 30 does not protrude from the periphery of the main body unit 1 and the upper and lower surfaces of the camera. A large step is not generated on the side surface, and a state where no trouble occurs even when carrying is ensured.

  The display unit 30 is provided so as to be rotatable 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow r (clockwise) with respect to the main body unit 1 around the center P of the display screen 31. Details will be described later.

  Further, on the back surface of the main body 1, a back surface portion B 20 a that is an operation surface is formed at a position adjacent to the display portion 30 and a level lower than the display surface 31. On the back surface B20a, operation buttons such as a menu button 21, an XY operation button 22, a switching button 23, and a speaker opening 24 are provided. The back portion B20a also serves as a grip portion.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the camera in a state where the display unit 30 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the state of FIG. 1 to switch from horizontal shooting to vertical shooting. 2 (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F) are respectively a front view, a bottom view, a left side view, a right side view, and a top view, as in FIG. FIG. The display unit 30 is rotated so that the display surface 31 is long in the vertical direction (see (F)). Since the curved portion of the display unit 30 that is in the horizontal direction at the horizontal shooting position is positioned above and below at the vertical shooting position, the curved portion protrudes from the top and bottom surfaces of the main body 1. Then, if the photographer rotates the display unit 30 by 90 degrees counterclockwise, it is possible to return from the vertical shooting to the horizontal shooting state of FIG.

  Next, a structure for rotating the display unit 30 and the imaging unit 40 in conjunction with the main body unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the front cover 10 and the back cover 20 are disassembled and developed inside the camera with respect to main parts for realizing the integral rotation of the display unit 30 and the photographing lens unit 40 of the present invention. is there.

  Briefly, the imaging unit 40 integrated with the display unit 30 is fitted to a support unit 50 formed on the back cover 13 and is rotatably supported, and protrudes from the support unit 50 in the optical axis direction. The distal end portion of the image pickup unit 40 is screwed and fixed with a rotation ring 55 for retaining it through a click spring 52 and an intermediate ring 54, thereby forming a rotation structure. The rotation unit 60 that rotates the display unit 30 and the imaging unit 40 includes an outer peripheral screw 40b of the photographing lens 40b, a support unit 50, a spring 52, an intermediate ring 52, a fixing ring 53, and the like. Details will be described below.

  The display unit 30 incorporates a display device (not shown) such as an LCD. An attachment recess 33 is formed around the center P on the display unit rear surface 30a. The shape of the mounting recess 33 is circular, and a part of the upper and lower portions thereof is further projected in the radial direction. Further, the display unit rear surface 30a is formed with a recess extending in the lateral direction from the mounting recess 33, and the display flexible cable 34 for electrically connecting the display device and the electrical unit of the camera body 1 is discharged from the recess. Has been. In addition, a rotation position detection pin 33b of the display unit 30 is provided on the upper portion of the discharge position of the display flexible cable 34 so as to protrude forward in the optical axis direction.

  The imaging unit 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose outer shape is centered on the optical axis S of the lens. An imaging lens (not shown), a lens driving motor, and the like are provided inside the imaging unit 40, and an imaging element 41 is disposed at the rear end of the imaging unit 40. The image pickup device 41 is an image pickup device including an image pickup surface 41a having a horizontally long aspect ratio of 4: 3, for example. The imaging element 41 is arranged so that the center of the imaging surface coincides with or substantially coincides with the optical axis S of the lens. At the rear end of the cylindrical portion of the imaging unit 40, two upper and lower mounting portions 40a projecting in the radial direction are formed. A screw hole is formed in the attachment portion 40a. A lens flexible cable 42 that connects a control unit inside the camera and a motor inside the imaging unit 40 is discharged from the peripheral surface near the rear end of the imaging unit 40. An outer peripheral screw 40b is formed at the front end of the cylindrical portion of the imaging unit 40 along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion.

  The imaging unit 40 is fixed to the display unit 30 by attaching the rear end of the cylindrical portion and the fixing unit 40a to the mounting recess 33 of the display unit back surface 30a and fastening a screw (not shown) through the screw hole of the mounting unit 40a. . At this time, the center of the display surface 31 is positioned on the extension of the optical axis S in which the longitudinal directions of the display surface 31 and the imaging surface 41a are parallel to each other and pass through the center of the imaging surface 41a. It is attached as follows.

  Next, the back cover 20 has a back surface portion A20a where the operation unit is disposed and a back surface portion B20b which is formed one step lower than the back surface portion A20a and the display portion 30 is disposed, and a predetermined length along the back surface portion. It is comprised from the side wall formed in the perimeter by height.

  A cylindrical support portion 50 is formed on the inner side of the back surface portion B20b. The cylindrical support portion 50 projects forward and is open at both ends and has the optical axis S as the center. The inner diameter of the support unit 50 is set such that the cylindrical portion of the imaging unit 40 is pivotably supported. An elongated engagement groove 50a is formed in the support portion 50 along the optical axis direction from the tip of the cylinder to approximately the middle position of the cylinder. In addition, a flexible opening 50b is formed in an arc shape over a predetermined angle range along the outer periphery of the support portion 50 in the back surface portion B20b. The flexible opening 50b is for allowing the lens flexible cable 42, the display flexible cable 34, and the pin 30b, which move with the rotation of the display unit 30, to pass therethrough.

  A helical spring 52 and an annular intermediate ring 54 are loaded on the outer periphery of the support portion 50. On the inner periphery of the intermediate ring 54, an engagement protrusion 54a that engages with the engagement groove 50a of the support 50 is formed so as to protrude inward. The engagement protrusion 54a is engaged with the engagement groove 50a of the support 50, and the intermediate ring 54 is prohibited from rotating around the support 50 and can move only in the optical axis direction. In addition, click recesses 54a and 54c are formed on the front end face of the intermediate ring 54 at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

  The rotation ring 55 for fixing the imaging unit 40 has a diameter equivalent to that of the intermediate ring 54, and an inner peripheral screw 55b corresponding to the outer peripheral screw 40b at the tip of the imaging unit 40 is formed on the inner periphery. A click convex portion 55b indicated by a broken line is formed on the surface on the rear end side (the back side in the drawing) facing the intermediate ring 54.

  Then, the imaging unit 40 is inserted and fitted into the support unit 50, and the rotating ring 55 is pressed against the outer peripheral screw 40 b of the imaging unit 40 protruding from the support unit 50 in the axial direction against the spring force of the spring 52. The inner peripheral screw 55b of the rotating ring 55 is fastened and assembled. At this time, the rotation ring 55 is attached at such an angle that the click protrusion 55a fits into the click recess 54b.

  In the attached state, the intermediate ring 54 pushes the rotation ring 55 in the optical axis direction by the repulsive force of the spring 52, and a frictional force is generated between the intermediate ring 54 and the rotation ring 55. At this angle (horizontal shooting position), since the convex portion 55a is in a position where it falls into the concave portion 54b, the imaging unit 40 is stably held at the horizontal shooting position with respect to the main body 1 and play and play are eliminated. Further, during the rotation, the convex portion 55a is in contact with the flat portion of the intermediate ring 54 other than the concave portion 54b, so that a constant rotational load is generated. Then, at the vertical shooting position rotated 90 degrees, the click convex portion 54a engages with the click concave portion 54c and is stably held at the vertical shooting position again.

  In addition, a position sensor (not shown) is provided inside the main body 1 at a position corresponding to the pin 33b that rotates integrally with the display unit 20, and the relative rotation of the imaging unit 40 and the display unit 30 is provided. The position is detected.

  As described above, a part of the outer shape of the display unit protrudes from the main body only during vertical shooting, while the outer shape of the display unit does not protrude from the main body at the horizontal shooting position. On the other hand, a form equivalent to that of a normal camera is ensured during normal shooting and carrying, and normal use and portability of the camera itself are not hindered.

  Further, in the vertical shooting position, it protrudes from the top and bottom and does not protrude from the left and right, so that it does not interfere with the hand gripping the camera at the vertical shooting position.

  In addition, since the center of the imaging surface and the center of the display surface are made to coincide with each other, the space inside the camera for securing the rotation path can be reduced.

  In addition, since the image pickup unit 40 and the display unit 20 are integrated and rotated from the horizontal shooting position to the vertical shooting position, a transmission mechanism that rotates them in conjunction with each other is not necessary, and the camera can be made compact. Is done.

  FIG. 4 is an external view of a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a vertical shooting state. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The external view in the horizontal shooting state is the same as that in FIG.

  4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a bottom view, FIG. 4C is a left side view, FIG. 4D is a right side view, FIG. 4E is a top view, and FIG. It is a rear view of the state seen from. In the camera of the second embodiment, the second strobe light emission window 32 is provided on the surface opposite to the display surface 31 (back surface) of the display unit 30 and on the upper surface in the vertical photographing state. The second strobe light emission window 32 is in a position hidden by the back cover 20 in the state of horizontal shooting, and is exposed to the front side during vertical shooting when the display unit 30 is rotated 90 degrees.

  At the time of horizontal photographing, the strobe of the strobe window 12 provided in the main body 1 is used. During vertical shooting, only the strobe of the second strobe light emission window may be used, or two strobes may be used simultaneously.

Explain why the new strobe was installed. The light emission characteristics of the strobe, such as the shape of the xenon tube inside the strobe and the shape of the reflector, are determined according to the aspect ratio of the imaging surface, so one strobe whose orientation does not change can be used for both vertical and horizontal shooting. Have difficulty. Therefore, if the strobe on the main unit is set to the horizontally long light emission characteristic and used for horizontal shooting that is frequently used, and the strobe of the new display unit 30 is set to the vertically long light emission characteristic and used for vertical shooting. Because it can be solved.
Note that the strobe of the display unit 30 may be used as an auxiliary light source for the upper area of the subject, instead of being used alone during vertical shooting, and using two strobes at the same time. This is because only the strobe of the main body 1 can efficiently illuminate the upper part of the subject with insufficient illumination.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the camera can perform vertical / horizontal switching shooting by rotating the display unit without changing the orientation of the main body, and the vertical flash unit is sufficient for the vertical shooting because the display unit is equipped with a strobe for vertical shooting. The amount of illumination light is secured.

  Moreover, although the said Example 1 or 2 demonstrated the example applied to the digital camera as a camera, it is not restricted to this, Of course, you may apply to the camera part of a mobile phone with a video camera or a camera.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the first or second embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
(Appendix)
The invention having the following configuration can be extracted from the above embodiment.
(1) an imaging unit 40 in which a lens unit and an imaging element 41 having a horizontally long imaging surface 41a are incorporated;
A main body 1 in which the imaging unit is incorporated;
An image captured by the imaging unit is displayed, and is disposed on the back surface of the main body unit, and has a display surface 31 having an aspect ratio equivalent to the imaging surface of the image sensor. The display unit in which the imaging unit is arranged and integrated so that the long side of the imaging surface is parallel to the long side of the display surface and the extension line of the optical axis of the imaging unit passes through the center of the display surface 30 and
A camera, comprising: a rotating unit 60 for rotating the integrated imaging unit and display unit relative to the main body unit about an optical axis of the imaging unit.
(Operation and Effect) The photographing direction can be switched by a camera having a large-sized display unit on the back surface.
(2) The integrated image pickup unit and display unit are arranged so that the long side of the display surface is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the main body from the horizontal shooting position where the long side of the display surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the main body. The camera according to (1), wherein the camera is rotated 90 degrees to the photographing position.
(Function / Effect) Easy to switch between vertical and horizontal shooting.
(3) The outer shape of the display unit is formed in a target shape that is long in the long side direction of the display surface and centered on the center of the display surface,
The camera according to (2), wherein a shape of a back surface portion of the main body portion on which the display unit is disposed is formed in the same shape as the shape of the display unit at the horizontal photographing position.
(Function and effect) If the horizontal shooting position is set, the portability of the camera is ensured.
(4) The camera according to (3), wherein when the display unit is in the vertical photographing position, a part of the display unit in the longitudinal direction protrudes from the upper surface and the bottom surface of the main body unit.
(Operational effect) Since it protrudes from the top and bottom, it does not interfere with the shooting grip.
(5) The rotation unit includes a support unit for rotatably supporting the imaging unit inside a back cover that protects the back surface of the main body unit. The camera according to any one.
(Effect) Reduction of the number of parts and securing of assembly accuracy can be achieved.
(6) Any one of the above (3) to (5), wherein an operation surface 20a on which an operation member is disposed is provided on a back surface of the main body portion adjacent to a back surface on which the display unit is disposed. The camera described in one.
(Function and effect) The same operability as that of a normal camera is ensured.
(7) In any one of the above (2) to (6), a strobe window 32 is provided on the surface opposite to the display surface of the display unit so as to be exposed in the subject direction at the vertical shooting position. Camera.
(Effect) Appropriate illumination can be performed with a dedicated strobe during vertical shooting.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a horizontal shooting position of the camera of the present invention according to the first embodiment. (A) is a front view, (B) is a bottom view, (C) is a left side view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a top view, and (F) is a rear view. FIG. 2 is an external view of a vertical shooting position of the camera of the present invention according to the first embodiment. (A) is a front view, (B) is a bottom view, (C) is a left side view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a top view, and (F) is a rear view. FIG. 3 is a view showing the rotating structure of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an external view of the camera according to the second embodiment in a vertical shooting state. (A) is a front view, (B) is a bottom view, (C) is a left side view, (D) is a right side view, (E) is a top view, and (F) is a rear view.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main-body part, 10 ... Front cover, 11 ... Lens window, 12 ... Strobe window, 13 ... LED window,
14 ... Microphone opening, 15 ... Lid, 16 ... Release button, 17 ... Zoom lever,
18 ... Power button, 20 ... Back cover, 20a ... Back part A, 20b ... Back part B,
21 ... Menu button, 22 ... XY operation button, 23 ... Switch button, 24 ... Speaker opening,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Display part, 30a ... Display part back surface, 31 ... Display surface, 32 ... 2nd strobe window 33 ... Mounting recessed part, 33a ... Fixing part, 33b ... Pin, 34 ... Flexible cable for display 40 ... Imaging part, 40a ... Mounting part, 40b ... outer peripheral screw,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Imaging device, 41a ... Imaging surface, 42 ... Lens flexible cable 50 ... Support part, 50a ... Engaging groove, 50b ... Flexible opening, 52 ... Spring, 54 ... Intermediate ring,
54a ... engaging protrusion, 54b, c ... click recess,
55 ... rotating ring, 55a ... outer peripheral screw, 55b ... click convex part, 60 ... rotating part

Claims (7)

An imaging unit including a lens unit and an imaging device having a horizontally long imaging surface;
A main body unit in which the imaging unit is incorporated;
An image captured by the imaging unit is displayed, and is disposed on the back surface of the main body unit, and has a display surface with an aspect ratio equivalent to the imaging surface of the image sensor, and the imaging surface is disposed on the back surface of the display surface. A display unit integrated and arranged such that the long side of the imaging surface is parallel to the long side of the display surface and the extension of the optical axis of the imaging unit passes through the center of the display surface. ,
A camera comprising: a rotating unit that allows the integrated imaging unit and display unit to rotate with respect to the main body unit about an optical axis of the imaging unit. The integrated image pickup unit and display unit are arranged from a horizontal shooting position where the long side of the display surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the main body to a vertical shooting position where the long side of the display surface is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the main body. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is rotated 90 degrees. The outer shape of the display unit is formed in a target shape that is long in the long side direction of the display surface and centered on the center of the display surface,
The camera according to claim 2, wherein a shape of a back surface portion of the main body portion on which the display unit is disposed is formed in the same shape as the shape of the display unit at the horizontal photographing position. The camera according to claim 3, wherein when the display unit is in the vertical shooting position, a part of the display unit in the longitudinal direction protrudes from the upper surface and the bottom surface of the main body unit. The said rotation part has a support part for supporting the said imaging part rotatably in the inside of the back cover which protects the back surface of the said main-body part, The Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. camera. The camera according to claim 3, wherein an operation surface on which an operation member is disposed is provided on a back surface of the main body portion adjacent to a back surface on which the display unit is disposed. The camera according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a strobe window exposed on a surface opposite to the display surface of the display unit in a subject direction at a vertical shooting position.

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