JP3965309B2 - Portable information terminal - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal such as a portable telephone or a portable personal computer (hereinafter, the portable telephone, portable personal computer, etc. are generically referred to as a portable information terminal), and in particular, an operator or a surrounding landscape. The present invention relates to a portable information terminal equipped with a camera capable of capturing images.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, wireless communication systems such as wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) have been developed, and a mobile phone or a portable personal computer capable of transmitting and receiving image signals as the data transfer speed is improved by this communication environment. Such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) have been developed. As a camera used for transmitting an image signal, a single-focus optical system having a lens fixed to the main body has been adopted.
Therefore, in the above optical system, since there is no movable part and a relatively strong structure can be adopted, it is not necessary to take special measures to withstand external impacts and the like.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, since the conventional optical system has a single focal point, when it is desired to change the shooting range of the subject, it is necessary to change the shooting distance one by one, which is inconvenient in handling. Therefore, if a variable magnification optical system having a plurality of movably supported lenses is used as an optical system, it is possible to shoot in a wide range, but because there are movable parts, it is resistant to external impacts and the like. Impact strength is reduced.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is to simplify the structure and to guarantee the expected function without being damaged even under impact, etc. It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal that can perform a wide range of photographing and can be easily assembled.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A portable information terminal of the present invention includes a display unit that can display information, a camera unit that includes an imaging device and an optical system for photographing a subject, a unit case that holds the camera unit, a display unit and a unit case . a body casing defining a holding and contour, a portable information terminal having a a cushioning member provided between the unit case and the main body case to reduce impact applied to the camera unit through the body case, The main body case and the unit case each have a fitting hole on a wall surface facing each other, and the buffer member sandwiches the expanded diameter portion and the expanded diameter portion interposed between the wall surface of the main body case and the wall surface of the unit case. It is characterized in that it has a reduced diameter portion that is integrally formed on both sides and fitted in the fitting holes .
According to this configuration, when the operator drops the portable information terminal from the hand, for example, the impact force due to the drop is alleviated by the buffer member before being transmitted from the main body case to the camera unit. This prevents the camera unit from being damaged and ensures the expected function.
Here, in particular, since the buffer member is formed to have a diameter-reduced portion and a reduced-diameter portion that is fitted into the fitting hole, the camera unit can also serve as a positioning function in addition to the buffer function. A dedicated positioning member for positioning the frame with respect to the main body case is not required, and therefore simplification of the structure and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0008]
The said structure WHEREIN: The structure which is provided so that a buffer member may support a unit case from several different directions with respect to a main body case is employable.
According to this configuration, since the camera unit is supported not only from one direction but also from the other direction with respect to the main body case, the impact force is efficient regardless of the direction when the portable information terminal is dropped. Alleviated.
[0009]
In the above configuration, the optical system includes a plurality of lenses arranged in the optical axis direction and a drive mechanism that drives the variable magnification by relatively moving the plurality of lenses, and the drive mechanism includes a plurality of drive mechanisms that do not protrude from the unit case. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the lens is formed so as to drive the variable magnification, and the buffer member is disposed so as to alleviate the impact force at least in the optical axis direction of the lens.
According to this configuration, the moving range of the lens by zooming is performed within the range of the unit case. Therefore, the opposing surfaces of the unit case and the main body case in the direction in which the lens is zoomed, that is, the most buffering action. Impact mitigation means (buffer members) can be easily installed in the required optical axis direction (magnification driving direction) of the lens, and the impact force can be efficiently attenuated or absorbed by installing in this direction. Can be relaxed.
In the above configuration, the reduced diameter portion of the buffer member is formed in a cone shape that becomes larger as the distance from the enlarged diameter portion increases, and the fitting hole is a groove for sliding and fitting after the reduced diameter portion is inserted. It is possible to adopt a configuration formed so as to define
According to this configuration, the buffer member can be easily and firmly attached without using an adhesive or the like simply by inserting the reduced diameter portion into the fitting hole and then sliding it along the groove.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 7 show an embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a mobile phone) according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views showing an optical system. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit as viewed from the optical axis direction, FIG. 5 is a development view of the cylindrical cam, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the camera unit, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mounting method of the buffer member.
[0011]
The cellular phone includes a main body case 10 that defines an outer contour, a display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 11 that is provided on the surface of the main body case 10 and can display various information related to transmission and reception, an antenna 12, various operation buttons 13, and a main body case. 10 includes a camera unit 20 built in 10, a buffer member 40 as an impact mitigating means for mitigating an impact force on the camera unit 20, a processing circuit for performing various signal processing related to transmission and reception, a control circuit, and the like.
[0012]
The main body case 10 has a circular transparent photographing window 14 in a region above the display unit 11, and an opening 15 that exposes a part of a cylindrical cam 36 described later in a side region. The main body case 10 holds the camera unit 20 via the buffer member 40 in the space behind the photographing window 14.
[0013]
2 to 6, the camera unit 20 includes a unit case 21 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer contour, an optical system 30 supported by the unit case 21, a frame member 22 connected to the unit case 21, and a frame member. 22 includes an infrared filter, a crystal filter 23 such as a low-pass filter, a face plate 24, a CCD 25 as an image sensor, and the like.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the optical system 30 is guided by three guide shafts 31a, 31b, 31c and guide shafts 31a, 31c fixed in the unit case 21 and extending in the optical axis X direction. A lens frame 33 holding the concave lens 32, a lens frame 35 guided by the guide shafts 31b and 31c and holding the convex lens 34, and a cylindrical cam 36 for driving the lens frames 33 and 35 in the optical axis X direction. Etc. Then, the lens frame 33 (concave lens 32) and the lens frame 35 (convex lens 34) move relative to each other in the optical axis X direction, so that the CCD 25 is combined with a magnification changing operation for changing the magnification of the subject. Perform a focusing operation.
[0015]
2 and 4, the lens frame 33 includes a holding portion 33a for holding the lens 32, a first connecting portion 33b, and a second connecting portion 33c, and the first connecting portion 33b is attached to the guide shaft 31a. The second connecting portion 33c is slidably connected to the guide shaft 31c. The first connecting portion 33b is integrally formed with a follower pin 33d, and the follower pin 33d is slidably connected to the cam groove 36a.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lens frame 35 includes a holding portion 35a for holding the lens 34, a first connecting portion 35b, and a second connecting portion 35c. The first connecting portion 35b is connected to the guide shaft 31b. The second connecting portion 35c is slidably connected to the guide shaft 31c. Further, a follower pin 35d is formed integrally with the first connecting portion 35b, and the follower pin 35d is slidably connected to the cam groove 36b.
[0017]
The first connecting portions 33b and 35b are supported by through holes that are closely fitted to the guide shafts 31a and 31b, and the second connecting portions 33c and 35c are as shown in FIG. The guide shaft 31c is supported by a U-shaped groove. Therefore, the lens frames 33 and 35 are smoothly guided along the guide shafts 31a, 31b, and 31c (in the optical axis X direction) without rattling.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cylindrical cam 36 has a columnar shape having a linear cam groove 36 a inclined on the outer peripheral surface and a slightly curved cam groove 36 b, and a part of the outer peripheral surface is a unit case 21. It is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the unit case 21 in a state where it is exposed from above. Therefore, when the operator touches the outer peripheral surface and rotates the cylindrical cam 36, the cam grooves 36 a and 36 b exert a cam action on the lens frames 33 and 35.
The lens frames 33 and 35 (first coupling portions 33b and 35b, second coupling portions 33c and 35c, follower pins 33d and 35d), guide shafts 31a, 31b and 31c, a cylindrical cam 36, and the like are arranged in the optical axis X direction. In addition, a driving mechanism is configured to drive the variable magnification by relatively moving the lenses 32 and 34.
[0019]
The shock-absorbing member 40 as the shock relaxation means is formed of a material that is elastically deformable and absorbs or attenuates shock force, such as shock-absorbing rubber, other resin materials, and the like, as shown in FIGS. Are provided between the outer wall surface of the unit case 21 (camera unit 20) and the inner wall surface of the main body case 10 so as to support the camera unit 20.
[0020]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the buffer member 40 includes an outer wall surface 21 a that is opposed to the inner wall surface of the main body case 10 in the direction of the optical axis X of the lenses 32, 34 among the outer wall surfaces 21 a to 21 e of the unit case 21. It is installed on the outer wall surface 21b on the side where the cam 36 is exposed, and on the outer wall surface 21c located on the upper side. Thus, by providing the buffer member 40 on the outer wall surface 21a facing in the optical axis X direction, the impact force can be efficiently reduced.
[0021]
That is, since the lenses 32 and 34 are moved in the direction of the optical axis X by the drive mechanism, when receiving an impact force in this direction, the lenses 32 and 34 are moved beyond the allowable range and easily cause damage or dropout of the connected portion. It has become. Therefore, by providing the buffer member 40 on the outer wall surface 21a so that the impact force in the direction of the optical axis X can be directly attenuated or absorbed, the camera unit 20 can be prevented from being damaged. Function can be guaranteed.
[0022]
Further, by providing the buffer member 40 on the outer wall surface 21b on the side where the cylindrical cam 36 is exposed, the impact force from this direction is attenuated or absorbed, and the impact force from the optical axis X direction is also reduced. Of course, when the operator touches the cylindrical cam 36 and exerts a driving force, the camera unit 20 can be prevented from being pushed to cause a positional shift or rattling, and can be held at a predetermined position. .
[0023]
Thus, the buffer unit 40 is also provided on the outer wall surfaces 21a and 21b and further on the outer wall surfaces 21c and 21d, so that the camera unit 20 is supported from a plurality of different directions with respect to the main body case 10. It has become. Thus, when receiving an impact force due to a drop or the like, the impact force is efficiently reduced regardless of the direction of the drop, and the camera unit 20 is protected.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 7, the buffer member 40 has a disk-like shape with an enlarged diameter portion 41 having a thickness H and an outer diameter D, and a reduced diameter portion having a length h and an outer diameter d on both sides of the enlarged diameter portion 41. 42. Here, the dimensions H, D, h, and d correspond to the mass, shape, and the like of the camera unit 20 so that the impact force can be efficiently reduced and the camera unit 20 can be held with a predetermined holding force. Are selected as appropriate.
[0025]
In assembling the buffer member 40, one of the reduced diameter portions 42 is fitted into a fitting hole 10a formed in the inner wall surface of the main body case 10 and fixed by an adhesive or the like, and the other reduced diameter portion 42 is fixed to the unit case. 21 are fitted into fitting holes 21a ′, 21b ′, etc. formed in the outer wall surfaces 21a, 21b, etc., and fixed by an adhesive or the like.
[0026]
Thus, the camera unit 20 is positioned at a predetermined position of the main body case 10 only by fitting the reduced diameter portion 42 into the fitting holes 10a, 21a ′, 21b ′ and the like. That is, the buffer member 40 not only relieves the impact force but also has a function of positioning the camera unit 20.
[0027]
Further, in the state where the buffer member 40 is assembled, both end surfaces of the enlarged diameter portion 41 are in close contact with the inner wall surface of the main body case 10 and the outer wall surfaces 21a and 21b of the unit case 21, respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the shock-absorbing member 40 receives an impact force from the L1 direction, the diameter-expanded portion 41 elastically expands and contracts to relieve the impact force, while L2 When the impact force from the direction is received, the impact force is relieved by elastically deforming between the reduced diameter portion 42 and the enlarged diameter portion 41 in the shear direction.
[0028]
Next, the operation of the mobile phone according to this embodiment will be described.
First, in the non-photographing state, the optical system 30 of the camera unit 20 is in any position in the photographing range from the photographing position at the telephoto end shown in FIG. 2 to the photographing position at the wide-angle end shown in FIG. It has stopped.
[0029]
In this state, when the CCD 25 is turned on to enable photographing, the operator can adjust the desired photographing position on the wide angle side or the telephoto side by rotating the cylindrical cam 36 by pressing the finger.
That is, when the operator rotates the cylindrical cam 36 counterclockwise in FIG. 4, the follower pins 33d and 35d are moved to the telephoto side (follower pins 33d ′ and 35d ′ in FIG. 5 by the action of the cam grooves 36a and 36b. ) To the wide-angle side (follower pins 33d ″, 35d ″), the lenses 32, 34 are positioned at the wide-angle shooting position, while the cylindrical cam 36 is rotated clockwise in FIG. The lenses 32 and 34 are moved in the opposite directions to be positioned at the photographing position on the telephoto side.
In this series of zoom operations, the lens 32 and the lens frame 33 do not protrude from the unit case 21.
[0030]
In this way, since the operator can continuously switch from telephoto shooting to wide-angle shooting by simply rotating the cylindrical cam 36, it is not necessary to change the shooting distance one by one when changing the shooting range. Further, when the operator rotates the cylindrical cam 36, the cylindrical cam 36 is pressed. Since the buffer member 40 acts so as to antagonize the pressing force, the camera unit 20 is surely placed at a desired position. Retained.
[0031]
In addition, when the operator accidentally drops the mobile phone regardless of whether it is photographing or not, the impact force transmitted from the main body case 10 is attenuated or absorbed by the buffer member 40 to be mitigated. In addition, the impact force due to the acceleration of the camera unit 20 is also attenuated or absorbed by the buffer member 40 to be reduced. Therefore, the expected function of the camera unit 20 is guaranteed without being damaged.
[0032]
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment as a buffer member.
The buffer member 40 ′ shown in FIG. 8A is formed in a prismatic shape, whereas the buffer member 40 described above has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, when the prisms 42 ′ on both sides are fitted into the rectangular fitting holes A, the rotation can be restricted simultaneously with the positioning on the plane.
[0033]
The buffer member 40 ″ shown in FIG. 8B has a truncated cone-shaped reduced-diameter portion 42 ″ instead of the cylindrical reduced-diameter portion 42 in the buffer member 40 described above. Therefore, when the reduced diameter portions 42 ″ on both sides are continuously inserted into the fitting holes B and are slid and fitted into the grooves B ′, the camera unit 20 is more firmly connected without using an adhesive or the like. Is done.
[0034]
The cushioning member 40 ″ ″ shown in FIG. 8C is formed in a shape having a pyramid portion 42 ″ ″ having the functions of the cushioning member 40 ′ and the cushioning member 40 ″. Accordingly, when the pyramid portions 42 ″ on both sides are continuously inserted into the rectangular fitting holes C and are slid and fitted into the grooves C ′, the positioning and rotation on the plane are restricted, and the adhesive or the like Even if the camera unit 20 is not used, the camera unit 20 is more firmly connected.
[0035]
In the above-described embodiment, the camera unit 20 supported by the impact mitigating means (the buffer member 40) is shown using the variable-magnification optical system 30 including the two lenses 32 and 34. Even if it is a system, it is not directly supported by the main body case 10, but can also be supported through the impact mitigation means, and in the optical system including not only two lenses but also more lenses, It is possible to adopt an impact mitigation means.
[0036]
In the above embodiment, a mechanism using a mechanical cam action is shown as a drive mechanism for variable power drive, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other mechanisms for moving a plurality of lenses are adopted. In the above-described configuration, the above-described impact mitigating means can be employed.
[0037]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the buffer member 40, 40 ', 40'',40''' formed with the elastic material etc. was shown as an impact mitigation means, it is not limited to this, An impact is not shown. A structure using a combination of a spring and rubber, a structure using a viscoelastic body, or other structures can be employed as long as it has an action of attenuating or absorbing force and relaxing.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a mobile phone, but the present invention can also be applied to a portable personal computer.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the portable information terminal of the present invention, when the camera unit including the imaging device and the optical system for photographing the subject is accommodated in the main body case, an impact applied to the camera unit through the main body case is applied. As an impact mitigation means for mitigating , by providing a buffer member between the unit case holding the camera unit and the main body case, when the operator drops the portable information terminal from the hand, The impact force due to the fall is relieved by the buffer member , the camera unit is prevented from being damaged, and the intended function is guaranteed .
In addition, since the buffer member is formed by the enlarged diameter portion and the reduced diameter portion and has a positioning function, a dedicated positioning member for positioning the camera unit with respect to the main body case is not required. Simplification and cost reduction can be achieved.
Furthermore, by providing a buffer member so as to support the unit case from a plurality of different directions with respect to the main body case, the impact force can be efficiently reduced regardless of the direction when the portable information terminal is dropped.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a portable information terminal according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a camera unit and a main body case and showing a state where an optical system is located on the telephoto side.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a camera unit and a main body case and showing a state where an optical system is positioned on the wide angle side.
FIG. 4 shows the internal structure of the camera unit and is a cross-sectional view seen from the rear.
FIG. 5 is a development view showing a cylindrical cam forming a part of the drive mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a camera unit.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a buffer member and a method for attaching the buffer member.
8A, 8B, and 8C are perspective views showing other embodiments of the buffer member.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main body case 10a Fitting hole 11 Display part 14 Shooting window 20 Camera unit 21 Unit case 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e Outer wall surface 21a ', 21b' Fitting hole 25 CCD (imaging element)
30 Optical system 31a, 31b, 31c Guide shaft (drive mechanism)
32, 34 Lens 33, 35 Lens frame 33d, 35d Follower pin (drive mechanism)
36 Cylindrical cam (drive mechanism)
40, 40 ′, 40 ″, 40 ″ ″ Buffer member (impact mitigation means)
41 Expanded portion 42 Reduced portion

Claims (4)

A display unit capable of displaying information; a camera unit including an imaging element and an optical system for photographing a subject; a unit case holding the camera unit; and holding the display unit and the unit case and defining an outline a body case, a pre-Symbol portable information terminal having a a cushioning member provided between the main body case and the unit case to reduce impact applied to the camera unit through the body case,
The main body case and the unit case each have a fitting hole on the wall surface facing each other,
The buffer member is integrally formed on both sides of the enlarged diameter portion interposed between the wall surface of the main body case and the wall surface of the unit case, and the enlarged diameter portion, and is fitted in the fitting hole. Having a reduced diameter part,
A portable information terminal. The buffer member is provided so as to support the unit case from a plurality of different directions with respect to the main body case.
The portable information terminal according to claim 1 . The optical system includes a plurality of lenses arranged in an optical axis direction and a driving mechanism that drives the variable magnification by relatively moving the plurality of lenses,
The drive mechanism is formed so as to drive the plurality of lenses at a variable magnification within a range that does not protrude from the unit case.
The buffer member is disposed so as to relieve an impact force at least in the optical axis direction of the lens.
The portable information terminal according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that The reduced diameter portion of the buffer member is formed in a cone shape that increases with distance from the expanded diameter portion,
  The fitting hole is formed so as to define a groove for sliding and fitting after inserting the reduced diameter portion.
The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

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