JP2007187858A - Camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera device capable of enhancing the degree of freedom in design. <P>SOLUTION: An upper case 16 is detached from a lower case, and a decorative ring 18 is housed in a ring housing part 16a in posture corresponding to a third angle range R3 so as to be attached to the upper case 16. The ring housing part 16a and a ring main body 18a are formed in the shape of a circle. Therefore, the decorative ring 18 attached to the upper case 16 can rotate in the periphery direction of the ring main body 18a in a second angle range R2. When the decorative ring 18 is set in posture corresponding to a first angle range R1, a fitting state is secured between a first fitting mechanism 18d and a second fitting mechanism 16d. Thus, the decorative ring 18 is prevented from being separated from the upper case 12. When the lower case is covered with the upper case 16 in such a state, the leg 18c of the decorative ring 18 is engaged with the switching lever of an imaging apparatus. When the decorative ring 18 is turned in the periphery direction in the first angle range R1, the switching lever is also turned, whereby a focus is switched. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device, and more particularly to a camera device that is applied to, for example, a mobile communication terminal and includes an imaging device disposed on the back side of a case in which a through hole is formed and a focus switching mechanism disposed on the front side of the case. About.

  An example of a conventional device of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this prior art, a screw thread is formed on the outer periphery of the macro payout ring to which the lens is attached, while a screw groove is formed on the inner periphery of the holder. The macro feeding ring is attached to the holder by screwing the screw thread and the screw groove.

A decorative ring is stored in the ring storage portion of the cabinet, and this decorative ring is partially covered by a decorative cover. As a result, the decorative ring is held in the ring storage portion. The macro payout ring is connected to the decorative ring via a lens rotation lever. When the decoration ring, that is, the macro feed ring is rotated, the lens moves up and down, and the photographing mode is switched between the normal photographing mode and the close-up photographing mode.
JP 2004-163830 [G02B 7/105, 7/08, G03B 3/02, 13/32, 17/02]

  However, in the prior art, it is necessary to attach a decorative cover to the surface of the cabinet in order to hold the decorative ring in the ring storage portion, and there is a problem that the degree of freedom in design is limited.

    Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a camera device that can increase the degree of freedom of design.

  A camera device (10) according to the invention of claim 1 includes a lower case (12), an imaging device (14) provided in the lower case (12), an upper case (16) covering the lower case (12), and The upper case (16) includes an operation ring (18) mounted from the upper side, and the imaging device (14) includes a lens (14c) for focusing the optical image on the imaging surface, and a switching lever (for switching the focus of the lens (14c)). 14a) and a first through hole (14b) formed above the switching lever (14a), and the operation ring (18) is engaged with the perfect circular ring body (18a) and the switching lever (14a). The upper case (16) has a leg (18c) protruding downward from the lower surface of the ring body (18a) and a first fitting mechanism (18d) formed on the lower surface of the ring body (18a). The ring storage part (16a) and the ring storage part (16a) have a perfect circular shape for storing the operation ring (18) so that the center of the lens (14c) and the center of the ring body (18a) are aligned with each other Formation The ring fitting portion (16d) has a second through hole (16f) for inserting the leg (18c) into the back side of the upper case (16), and the first through hole (14b) allows the circumferential rotation of the ring body (18a) of the leg (18c) engaged with the switching lever (14a) in the first angle range, and the second through hole (16f) is the switching lever. (14a) in the second angle range where the rotation of the ring body (18a) of the leg (18c) in the disengaged state partially overlaps with the first angle range and is wider than the first angle range. The first fitting mechanism (18d) and the second fitting mechanism (16d) establish a fitting state in the first angle range, partially overlap with the second angle range, and the first angle range. The fitting state is released in a different third angle range.

  The imaging device (14) is provided in the lower case (12). The lower case (12) is covered by the upper case (16). The operation ring (18) is attached to the upper case (16) from above.

  The imaging device (14) includes a lens (14c), a switching lever (14a), and a first through hole (14b). The lens (14c) focuses the optical image on the imaging surface, and the switching lever (14a) switches the focal point of the lens (14c). The first through hole (14b) is formed above the switching lever (14a).

  The operation ring (18) has a ring body (18a), a leg (18c), and a first fitting mechanism (18d). The ring body (18a) has a perfect circular shape. The legs (18c) protrude downward from the lower surface of the ring body (18a) so as to engage with the switching lever (14a). The first fitting mechanism (18d) is formed on the lower surface of the ring body (18a).

  The upper case (16) has a perfect circular ring storage portion (16a) and a second fitting mechanism (16d). The ring storage part (16a) stores the operation ring (18) so that the center of the lens (14c) and the center of the ring body (18a) coincide with each other. The second fitting mechanism (16d) is formed in the ring storage portion (16a). Furthermore, the ring storage portion (16a) has a second through hole (16f) for inserting the leg (18c) into the back side of the upper case (16).

  The first through hole (14b) allows the rotation in the circumferential direction of the ring body (18a) of the leg (18c) engaged with the switching lever (14a) in the first angle range. Further, the second through hole (16f) partially overlaps the rotation of the leg (18c) in the circumferential direction of the ring body (18a) in the disengaged state with the switching lever (14a) with the first angle range. However, it is allowed in a second angle range wider than the first angle range.

  The first fitting mechanism (18d) and the second fitting mechanism (16d) establish a fitting state in the first angle range, partially overlap with the first angle range, and are different from the second angle range. The fitting state is released in the three angle range.

  Therefore, the operating ring (18) is removed from the upper case (16) from the lower case (12) and stored in the ring storage portion (16a) in a posture corresponding to the third angle range, so that the upper case (16) It is attached to. Since both the ring housing (16a) and the ring body (18a) are formed in a perfect circle shape, the operation ring (18) attached to the upper case (16) rotates in the circumferential direction of the ring body (18a). it can. When the operation ring (18) is in a posture corresponding to the first angle range, a fitting state is established between the first fitting mechanism (18d) and the second fitting mechanism (16d). This prevents the operation ring (18) from being detached from the upper case (12).

  When the upper case (16) is put on the lower case (12) in this state, the legs (18c) of the operation ring (18) engage with the switching lever (14a) of the imaging device (14). When the operation ring (18) is rotated in the circumferential direction within the first angle range, the switching lever (14a) is also rotated. As a result, the focus is switched.

  Since the operation ring (18) is attached to the upper case (16) as described above, it is not necessary to provide a cover for covering the operation ring (18) from above. This improves the degree of design freedom.

  The camera device (10) according to the invention of claim 2 is dependent on claim 1, and the first fitting mechanism (18d) has a recess (18g, 18h) recessed with respect to the radially outer side of the ring body (18a). The second fitting mechanism (16d) has convex portions (16b, 16c) projecting radially inward of the ring storage portion (16a). The fitting state between the first fitting mechanism (18d) and the second fitting mechanism (16d) is established by the concave portion and the convex portion.

  The camera device (10) according to the invention of claim 3 is dependent on claim 1 or 2, and the ring storage portion (16a) further includes a third through hole (16e) having a center coinciding with the center of the lens (14c). Have.

  The camera device (10) according to the invention of claim 4 is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 3, and has one main surface on which a projection (16j) that contacts the leg (18c) is formed in the first angle range. A leaf spring (16i) is further provided. As a result, a click feeling is generated when the focus is switched.

  The camera device (10) according to the invention of claim 5 is dependent on claim 4, and the leaf spring (16i) is provided on the back side of the upper case (16). This improves the efficiency of work when the upper case (16) with the operation ring (18) is attached to the lower case (12).

  The camera device (10) according to the invention of claim 6 is dependent on claim 4 or 5, wherein the leg (18c) has a linear protrusion (18q) formed on the outer surface, and the protrusion (16j) is a line. In contact with the convex portion (18q).

  According to the present invention, since it is not necessary to provide a cover for covering the operation ring (18) from the upper side, the degree of freedom in design is improved.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an exploded state of the upper casing forming the camera-equipped mobile communication terminal 10 of this embodiment. The upper housing includes a lower case 12, an imaging device 14, an upper case 16, and a decoration ring 18. The imaging device 14 is provided in the vicinity of one end in the length direction of the lower case 12 with the lens 14c (see FIG. 2) on the upper side. The decoration ring 18 is attached from above to a ring storage portion 16a (see FIG. 5A) formed at one end of the upper case 16 in the length direction.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the imaging device 14 includes a switching lever 14a, a through hole 14b, and a lens 14c. The optical image of the object scene is focused on the imaging surface (not shown) by the lens 14c. The switching lever 14a extends in the radial direction of the lens 14c and is movable in the circumferential direction of the lens 14c. The through hole 14b is formed above the switching lever 14a.

  The lens 14c moves in the optical axis direction according to the rotation of the switching lever 14a, thereby switching the focal point. When the switching lever 14a is rotated clockwise, the focus is set to the macro mode. When the switching lever 14a is rotated counterclockwise, the focus is set to the normal mode.

  Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3B and FIGS. 4A to 4B, the decorative ring 18 has a ring body 18a having a perfect circle shape. An operation claw 18b is formed on the upper surface of the ring body 18a, and a leg 18c protruding downward is formed on the lower surface of the ring body 18a. The leg 18c has engagement pieces 18k and 18m formed at the lower end. The engaging piece 18k protrudes downward from one end in the width direction of the leg 18c, and the engaging piece 18m protrudes downward from the other end in the width direction of the leg 18c. In addition, rectangular recesses 18n and 18p are formed on the outer surface of the leg 18c. As a result, a linear protrusion 18q extending in the vertical direction appears on the outer surface of the leg 18c. A first fitting mechanism 18d for attaching the decorative ring 18 to the ring storage portion 16a is also formed on the lower surface of the ring body 18a.

  As can be seen from FIG. 4B, the first fitting mechanism 18d has two claws 18e and 18f having a circumferential cross section formed in an L shape. Both the claws 18e and 18f protrude downward from the lower surface of the ring body 18a and bend outward in the radial direction of the ring body 18a. As a result, a recess 18g that is recessed facing the radially outer side of the ring body 18a is formed by the lower surface of the ring body 18a and the claw 18e, and a recess 18h that is recessed facing the radially outer side of the ring body 18a is formed on the ring body 18a. It is formed by the lower surface and the claw 18f. The recesses 18g and 18h have the same height in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the circumferential length of the claw 18e corresponds to the angle θ1, and the circumferential length of the claw 18f corresponds to the angle θ2. The width of the leg 18c corresponds to the angle θ3. Between the leg 18c and the nail | claw 18e, the drawing-in part 18i for drawing in the nail | claw 16b (refer FIG. 5 (A)) formed in the inner wall of the ring accommodating part 16a is formed. Between the claws 18e and 18f, a pull-in portion 18j for pulling in the claws 16c (see FIG. 5A) formed on the inner wall of the ring storage portion 16a is formed. The length in the circumferential direction of the drawing-in portion 18i corresponds to the angle θ4, and the length in the circumferential direction of the drawing-in portion 18j corresponds to the angle θ5. The angle between the end of the leg 18c on the side of the retracting portion 18i and the end of the claw 18f on the side of the retracting portion 18j is “θ6”.

  Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5B and FIGS. 6A to 6B, the inner wall of the ring storage portion 16a is formed in a perfect circle shape, and the diameter of the inner wall is the ring body 18a. It almost coincides with the outer diameter of. In the center of the ring storage portion 16a, a perfect circular through hole 16e having a center coincident with the center of the lens 14c is formed. Further, strip-like through holes 16f, 16g, and 16h that are curved along the through hole 16e are formed in the vicinity of the through hole 16e.

  The angle between the through hole 16g side end of the through hole 16f and the through hole 16f side end of the through hole 16h is "θ7". The circumferential length of the through hole 16g corresponds to the angle θ8, and the circumferential length of the through hole 16h corresponds to the angle θ9. The angles θ7, θ8, and θ9 are substantially the same as the angles θ4, θ5, and θ6 shown in FIG. 4A, respectively, and the relationship between the assigned positions of the angles θ7, θ8, and θ9 is the relationship of the assigned positions of the angles θ4, θ5, and θ6. Almost matches.

  When the upper case 16 is viewed from above, a claw 16b is provided on the through hole 16g, and a claw 16c is provided on the through hole 16h. The thickness of the claw 16b and the thickness of the claw 16c are equal to each other, and this thickness substantially matches the height of each of the recesses 18g and 18h shown in FIG. A second fitting mechanism 16d is formed by the claws 16b and 16c.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 5B and 6B, a leaf spring 16i having a protrusion 16j formed at the center in the length direction is disposed on the back side of the upper case 16b. The width direction of the arranged leaf spring 16i coincides with the vertical direction of the upper case 16, and the protrusion 16j protrudes toward the center of the through hole 16e. As can be seen from the top side of the upper case 16b, the protrusion 16j protrudes above the through hole 16f in the vicinity of the end of the through hole 16f on the claw 16c side.

  Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7D, the decoration ring 18 is stored in the ring from the upper side of the upper case 16 in a state where the drawing-in portions 18i and 18j cover the claws 16b and 16c, respectively. It is inserted into the part 16a. The leg 18c reaches the back side of the upper case 16 through the through hole 16f, and the claws 16b and 16c come into contact with the lead-in portions 18i and 18j, respectively. When the ring main body 18a stored in the ring storage portion 16a is rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from the back side of the upper case 16, the recesses 18e and 18f forming the first fitting mechanism 18d are respectively connected to the second fitting mechanism 16d. Are fitted to the claws 16b and 16c.

  That is, the decoration ring 18 is stored in the ring storage portion 16a in a state where the leg 18c is set to the third angle range R3. When in the stowed state, the leg 18c can rotate in the second angle range R2. Furthermore, the first fitting mechanism 18d and the second fitting mechanism 16d establish a fitting state when the leg 18c is positioned in the first angle range R1. In addition, 1st angle range R1 respond | corresponds to the width in the circumferential direction of the through-hole 14b shown in FIG.

  After the decoration ring 18 is housed in the ring housing portion 16a, the decoration ring 18 is displaced in the manner shown in FIGS. 8 (A) to 8 (D). When the claw 18b is set to the mark M1 indicating the macro mode, the leg 18c is located on the counterclockwise direction side with respect to the protrusion 16j when the upper case 16 is viewed from the back side. Further, when the claw 18b is set to the mark M2 indicating the normal mode, the leg 18c is located on the clockwise side of the protrusion 16j when the upper case 16 is viewed from the back side.

  When the claw 18b is moved between the marks M1 and M2, the linear protrusion 18q formed on the outer surface of the leg 18c comes into contact with the protrusion 16j. The protrusion 16j is displaced outward in the radial direction of the through hole 16e, and the leaf spring 16i is bent by an elastic force. When the protrusion 18q gets over the protrusion 16j, the protrusion 16j returns to the original position by the restoring force of the leaf spring 16i. As a result, a click feeling is generated at the time of mode transition.

  When the upper case 16 is attached to the lower case 16 with the claw 18b aligned with the mark M1, the switching lever 14a shown in FIG. 2 is clamped by the engagement pieces 18k and 18m shown in FIG. The engagement pieces 18k and 18m pinch the switching lever 14a in the circumferential direction of the lens 14c, whereby the engagement state between the switching lever 14a and the leg 18c is established.

  Accordingly, when the claw 18b is moved between the marks M1 and M2, the switching lever 14a rotates in the circumferential direction of the lens 14c, and the lens 14c changes in the optical axis direction. The focal point of the lens 14c is set to the macro mode corresponding to the mark M1, and is set to the normal mode corresponding to the mark M2. The movable range of the switching lever 14a is defined by the width in the circumferential direction of the through hole 14b and the thickness in the circumferential direction of each of the engagement pieces 18k and 18m.

  As can be seen from the above description, the imaging device 14 is provided in the lower case 12. The lower case 12 is covered with the upper case 16. The decoration ring 18 is attached to the upper case 16 from above.

  The imaging device 14 includes a lens 14c, a switching lever 14a, and a through hole 14b. The lens 14c focuses the optical image on the imaging surface, and the switching lever 14a switches the focal point of the lens 14c. The through hole 14b is formed above the switching lever 14a.

  The decorative ring 18 includes a ring body 18a, legs 18c, and a first fitting mechanism 18d. The ring body 18a has a perfect circle shape. The leg 18c protrudes downward from the lower surface of the ring body 18a so as to engage with the switching lever 14a. The first fitting mechanism 18d is formed on the lower surface of the ring body 18a.

  The upper case 16 has a perfect circular ring storage portion 16a and a second fitting mechanism 16d. The ring storage portion 16a stores the operation ring 18 so that the center of the lens 14c and the center of the ring body 18a coincide with each other. The second fitting mechanism 16d is formed in the ring storage portion 16a. Further, the ring storage portion 16 a has a through hole 16 f through which the leg 18 c is inserted into the back side of the upper case 16.

  The through hole 14b allows the rotation of the leg 18c engaged with the switching lever 14a in the circumferential direction of the ring body 18a in the first angle range R1. Further, the through hole 16f partially rotates the circumferential direction of the ring main body 18a of the leg 18c in a non-engagement state with the switching lever 14a and partially overlaps the first angle range R1 and is wider than the first angle range. Allow in the second angle range R2.

  The first fitting mechanism 18d and the second fitting mechanism 16d establish a fitting state in the first angle range R1, partially overlap with the second angle range R2, and differ from the first angle range R1. The fitting state is released in the angle range R3.

  Therefore, the decoration ring 18 is attached to the upper case 16 by removing the upper case 16 from the lower case 12 and storing it in the ring storage portion 16a in a posture corresponding to the third angle range R3. Since both the ring storage portion 16a and the ring main body 18a are formed in a perfect circle shape, the decorative ring 18 attached to the upper case 16 can rotate in the circumferential direction of the ring main body 18a. When the decoration ring 18 is in a posture corresponding to the first angle range R1, a fitting state is established between the first fitting mechanism 18d and the second fitting mechanism 16d. This prevents the decorative ring 18 from being detached from the upper case 12.

  When the upper case 16 is put on the lower case 12 in this state, the leg 18c of the decoration ring 18 is engaged with the switching lever 14a of the imaging device 14. When the decorative ring 18 is rotated in the circumferential direction within the first angle range R1, the switching lever 14a is also rotated. As a result, the focus is switched.

  Since the decoration ring 18 is attached to the upper case 16 in the manner described above, it is not necessary to provide a cover that covers the decoration ring 18 from above. This improves the degree of design freedom. In addition, since a leaf spring 16i formed with a protrusion 16j for generating a click feeling is provided on the back side of the upper case 16, work for attaching the upper case 16 with the decorative ring 18 attached to the lower case 12 Increases efficiency.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a part of mobile telephone with a camera of this Example. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the imaging device applied to the FIG. 1 Example. (A) is an upper side perspective view which shows the decoration ring applied to FIG. 1 Example, (B) is a lower side perspective view which shows the decoration ring applied to FIG. 1 Example. (A) is a bottom view which shows the decoration ring applied to FIG. 1 Example, (C) is a side view which shows the decoration ring applied to FIG. 1 Example. (A) is an upper perspective view showing an upper case applied to the FIG. 1 embodiment, and (B) is a lower perspective view showing an upper case applied to the FIG. 1 embodiment. (A) is a top view which shows a part of upper case applied to FIG. 1 Example, (B) is a bottom view which shows a part of upper case applied to FIG. 1 Example. (A) is an upper perspective view showing a state before attaching a decorative ring to the upper case, (B) is a lower perspective view showing a state before attaching the decorative ring to the upper case, (C) FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view showing a state after the decoration ring is attached to the upper case, and (D) is a lower perspective view showing a state after the decoration ring is attached to the upper case. (A) is a top view showing a state where the decoration ring is set to the macro mode, (B) is a bottom view showing a state where the decoration ring is set to the macro mode, and (C) is a state where the decoration ring is set to the normal mode. It is a top view which shows the state set, (D) is a bottom view which shows the state which set the decoration ring to normal mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile communication terminal with a camera 12 ... Lower case 14 ... Imaging device 14a ... Switching lever 14b ... Restriction member 14c ... Lens 16 ... Upper case 16a ... Lens storage part 16d ... Second fitting mechanism 16e-16h ... Through-hole 16i ... leaf spring 16j ... projection 18 ... decorative ring 18a ... ring body 18c ... leg 18d ... first fitting mechanism

Claims (7)

Lower case,
An imaging device provided in the lower case,
An upper case covering the lower case, and an operation ring mounted on the upper case from above,
The imaging device includes a lens that focuses an optical image on an imaging surface, a switching lever that switches a focal point of the lens, and a first through hole formed above the switching lever.
The operation ring has a perfect circular ring body, legs projecting downward from the lower surface of the ring body to be engaged with the switching lever, and a first fitting mechanism formed on the lower surface of the ring body. And
The upper case includes a perfect circular ring storage portion that stores the operation ring so that a center of the lens and a center of the ring body coincide with each other, and a second fitting mechanism formed in the ring storage portion Have
The ring storage portion has a second through hole that allows the leg to pass through the back side of the upper case,
The first through hole allows the rotation of the leg in the circumferential direction of the ring body in the engaged state with the switching lever in the first angle range;
The second through hole partially overlaps the rotation of the leg in the circumferential direction of the ring main body in a non-engagement state with the switching lever with the first angle range and is wider than the first angle range. Allowed in two angular ranges,
The first fitting mechanism and the second fitting mechanism establish a fitting state in the first angle range, partially overlap with the second angle range, and differ from the first angle range. A camera device that releases a fitting state in an angle range. The first fitting mechanism has a recess that is recessed with respect to the radially outer side of the ring body,
The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the second fitting mechanism has a convex portion protruding radially inward of the ring storage portion.   The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the ring storage portion further includes a third through hole having a center coinciding with a center of the lens.   4. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising a leaf spring having one main surface on which a protrusion that contacts the leg in the first angle range is formed. 5.   The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the leaf spring is provided on a back side of the upper case.   The camera device according to claim 4, wherein the leg has a linear protrusion formed on an outer surface, and the protrusion contacts the linear protrusion.   A mobile communication terminal comprising the camera device according to claim 1.

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