JP7336706B2 - Camera holding device and camera system - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a camera holding device and a camera system, and more particularly to a camera holding device holding a camera and a camera system including the same.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a pipe inspection device. This pipe inspection apparatus includes a rod body and camera means provided at the tip of the rod body.

JP 2006-126022 A

By the way, in the pipe inspection apparatus described above, the lens portion of the camera means is exposed, and there is a possibility that the lens portion may be damaged or soiled.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object thereof is to provide a camera holding device capable of appropriately protecting the lens of the camera and a camera system including the same.

A camera holding device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a holding member that holds a camera, and a frame that supports the holding member. The position of the holding member relative to the frame can be changed between a use position where the lens of the camera is exposed and a non-use position where the lens is covered by the frame.

A camera system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the camera holding device and a camera held by the camera holding device.

With the camera holding device and camera system according to the aspect, the lens of the camera can be appropriately protected.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera system according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a holding member included in the camera system is arranged at a use position. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the same camera system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the same camera system, showing a state in which the holding member is arranged at the non-use position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the same camera system, showing a state in which the holding member is positioned between the use position and the non-use position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the same camera system, showing a state in which the holding member is positioned between the use position and the non-use position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the same camera system, showing a state in which a lid included in the camera system is opened. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the same camera system as seen from a position different from that of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a support member is attached to the camera system of the same.

(1) Embodiments A camera holding device 3 and a camera system 1 according to embodiments will be described below. The camera system 1 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used when inspecting a target surface 9 (see FIG. 2). That is, the user takes an image of the target surface 9 with the camera system 1 and inspects the target surface 9 based on the acquired image data.

The target surface 9 to be photographed by the camera system 1 is, for example, the inner surface of a building, the surface of fittings, the surface of an installation, or the like. The inner surface of a building is, for example, a wall surface, a ceiling surface, a floor surface, or the like. The surfaces of fittings are, for example, the surfaces of doors, fusuma (sliding doors), shoji (paper sliding doors), and the like. The surface of the installation object is, for example, the surface of a kitchen counter, washstand, or the like. Note that the target surface 9 may be a flat surface or a curved surface. Also, the target surface 9 may be, for example, the outer surface of a building, the surface of a road, the surface of a road facility, the surface of another article, or the like. Further, the application of the camera system 1 is not limited to inspection, and may be monitoring, recording, hobby, or the like.

A camera system 1 includes a camera 2 and a camera holding device 3 . The camera holding device 3 has a holding member 4 and a frame 6 . A holding member 4 holds the camera 2 . Frame 6 supports holding member 4 .

The position of the holding member 4 with respect to the frame 6 can be changed between the use position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the non-use position shown in FIG. The lens 23 of the camera 2 is exposed to the outside of the frame 6 when the holding member 4 is in the use position shown in FIGS. Therefore, photographing by the camera 2 becomes possible. The lens 23 is covered with the frame 6 when the holding member 4 is arranged at the non-use position shown in FIG. Therefore, the lens 23 of the camera 2 is protected by the frame 6.

The holding member 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 6 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5. By rotating the holding member 4 with respect to the frame 6, the user switches the holding member 4 between the use position shown in FIG. 1 and the non-use position shown in FIG. be able to. Hereinafter, the camera system 1 in a state where the holding member 4 is arranged at the use position shown in FIG. 1 will be described, unless otherwise specified.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the frame 6 accommodates the holding member 4 arranged in the use position and the holding member 4 arranged in the non-use position, and protects the holding member 4 and the camera 2 . The frame 6 has a linearly elongated shape. Hereinafter, one direction parallel to the length direction of the frame 6 is defined as forward, one direction orthogonal to the front is defined as upward, and a direction orthogonal to both the front and upward is defined as left, and each element of the camera system 1 explain. It should be noted that these directions are used only for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the directions when the camera system 1 is used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 6 is elongated in a direction intersecting with a rotation axis 40 that is the center of rotation of the holding member 4 with respect to the frame 6, and one end in the length direction (front-rear direction) is open and the other end is open. is formed in a closed bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer shape of the frame 6 viewed in the front-rear direction is a rectangular shape with rounded corners elongated in the vertical direction. Note that the length direction of the frame 6 in this embodiment is parallel to the front-rear direction, but may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

The frame 6 has a frame portion 60 . The frame portion 60 is the front end portion of the frame 6 . An exposure opening 61 is formed inside the frame 60 . The outer peripheral edge of the exposure opening 61 is defined by the frame 60 . The exposure opening 61 exposes the lens 23 (see FIG. 2) of the camera 2 held by the holding member 4 to the outside of the frame 6 .

The frame 6 further has a shielding portion 62 . The shielding portion 62 is positioned rearward away from the frame portion 60 . The shielding part 62 is the bottom part of the bottomed cylindrical frame 6 and the rear end part of the frame 6 . When viewed in the front-rear direction, the outer shape of the shielding portion 62 and the outer shape of the frame portion 60 substantially match. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, expressions with “abbreviated” may be used. For example, "substantially match" means to substantially "match", and includes not only a strictly matched state but also a slightly deviated state. The same applies to expressions with other "abbreviations".

As shown in FIG. 3, the shielding portion 62 shields the lens 23 (see FIG. 2) of the camera 2 from being exposed to the outside of the frame 6 when the holding member 4 is placed at the non-use position.

As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 6 further has a pair of connecting portions 63,64. The pair of connection portions 63 and 64 are arranged side by side with an interval in the left-right direction. A pair of connection portions 63 and 64 are positioned between the frame portion 60 and the shield portion 62 . Each connection part 63, 64 is formed in a plate shape along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. A pair of connection portions 63 and 64 connect the frame portion 60 and the shield portion 62 . The pair of connecting portions 63 and 64 are peripheral wall portions of the tubular frame 6 . The outer surface of each connecting portion 63 , 64 is continuous with the outer surface of the shielding portion 62 . The outer surfaces of the connecting portions 63 and 64 are substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the frame portion 60 .

An accommodation space 65 is formed inside the frame 6 to accommodate the holding member 4 arranged at the use position and the non-use position. The accommodation space 65 is a space formed between the frame portion 60 and the shield portion 62 . The accommodation space 65 is positioned between the pair of connection portions 63 and 64 . The housing space 65 is open to the outside of the frame 6 (specifically, the front region of the frame 6) through the exposure opening 61. As shown in FIG.

A first opening 71 and a second opening 72 are formed in the frame 6 . The first opening 71 is a hole formed between the upper end portions of the pair of connection portions 63 and 64 , and the second opening portion 72 is formed between the lower end portions of the pair of connection portions 63 and 64 . is a hole. The housing space 65 is open to the outside of the frame 6 (specifically, the upper area of the frame 6) through the first opening 71, and the outside of the frame 6 (specifically, the area of the frame 6) through the second opening 72. lower area).

The frame 6 is formed by insert molding, for example, and has a core portion and a covering portion that covers the core portion. The core portion is made of, for example, a metallic material having higher rigidity than the covering portion. The covering portion is made of a resin material, such as a hard urethane resin, which is more elastically deformable than the core portion and has excellent impact resistance. In addition, the material of each of the core portion and the covering portion is not limited. Also, the frame 6 may not have a core portion and a cover portion, and may be made of only one kind of material, for example.

The holding member 4 is positioned between the pair of connection portions 63 and 64 of the frame 6 and between the frame portion 60 and the shield portion 62 . The holding member 4 is made of, for example, a resin material such as hard urethane resin. The material of the holding member 4 is not limited, and may be formed from a material other than hard urethane resin, or may be formed from a material other than resin.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding member 4 has a shape linearly elongated in the front-rear direction. The holding member 4 has a tubular portion 41 . The tubular portion 41 is an outer shell of the holding member 4 . The cylindrical portion 41 is elongated in the front-rear direction, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end in the length direction open and the other end in the length direction closed. In addition, although the length direction of the cylinder part 41 of this embodiment is parallel to the front-back direction (the length direction of the holding member 4), you may incline with respect to the front-back direction.

The cylindrical portion 41 is rotatably attached to a pair of connection portions 63 and 64 of the frame 6 . Thereby, the holding member 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 6 . A rotating shaft 40 around which the cylindrical portion 41 (holding member 4) rotates with respect to the frame 6 is parallel to the left-right direction. The holding member 4 may be rotatable in only one direction with respect to the frame 6, or may be rotatable in two directions, i.e., one direction and the opposite direction with respect to the frame 6. .

The holding member 4 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the frame 6 and accommodated in the frame 6 when it is arranged at the use position shown in FIG. The holding member 4 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the frame 6 and accommodated in the frame 6 in the non-use position shown in FIG. Therefore, the camera system 1 can be made compact when the holding member 4 is arranged at the use position and the non-use position.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in a state in which the holding member 4 is in the middle of rotating from the use position to the non-use position and in a state in which the holding member 4 is in the middle of rotating from the non-use position to the use position, the length of the holding member 4 is Both ends in the width direction protrude outside the frame 6 from the first opening 71 and the second opening 72 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular portion 41 incorporates the camera 2 . A photographing opening 42 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 41 to expose the lens 23 of the camera 2 to the outside of the holding member 4 . The cylindrical portion 41 holds the camera 2 in a position where it can be photographed through the photographing opening 42 . At least a part of the photographing opening 42 is arranged at a position overlapping the exposure opening 61 of the frame 6 when the holding member 4 is arranged at the use position. In this case, the lens 23 of the camera 2 is exposed to the outside of the frame 6 through the photographing opening 42 and the exposure opening 61, and photographing by the camera 2 becomes possible. The photographing opening 42 is covered with the shielding portion 62 of the frame 6 when the holding member 4 is arranged at the non-use position. In this case, the lens 23 of the camera 2 is covered and protected by the shielding portion 62 .

In the present disclosure, “at least a portion of the imaging opening 42 overlaps with the exposure opening 61” means that at least a portion of the imaging opening 42 overlaps with at least a portion of the exposure opening 61. means overlapping. That is, when the holding member 4 is placed at the use position, at least a portion of the photographing opening 42 overlaps all or part of the exposure opening 61 if photographing by the camera 2 is possible. good too. Further, the photographing opening 42 may entirely overlap with the exposure opening 61 or at least a portion thereof. The photographing opening 42 of the present embodiment entirely overlaps with the exposure opening 61 when the holding member 4 is placed at the use position.

The camera 2 has an imaging device 21 and an optical system 20 . The imaging element 21 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor).

The optical system 20 is positioned on the photographing aperture 42 side of the imaging device 21 . The optical system 20 faces the imaging device 21 . The optical system 20 has a plurality of lenses. The plurality of lenses includes a lens (front lens) 23 closest to the object (target plane 9) among the plurality of lenses. The lens 23 is positioned in the central portion of the space formed inside the cylindrical portion 41 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 41 . An optical system 20 including a lens 23 collects the light reflected by the object surface 9 or the light emitted from the object surface 9 to form an image on the imaging device 21 . Note that the optical system 20 may have only one lens.

The imaging element 21 converts an image formed on the imaging element 21 into an electric signal by a large number of imaging pixels, and outputs this electric signal as imaging data. The imaging data output by the imaging element 21 is image data of a still image, but may be image data of a moving image.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion 41 has an outer peripheral surface along the front-rear direction. As is clear from FIG. 4, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 is a rectangular surface with rounded corners elongated in the vertical direction when viewed in the front-rear direction. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 has a pair of left and right side surfaces 43 and 44 and a pair of upper and lower exposed surfaces 51 and 52 . Hereinafter, one exposed surface 51 positioned above the pair of upper and lower exposed surfaces 51 and 52 will be referred to as a first exposed surface 51, and the other exposed surface 52 positioned below will be referred to as a second exposed surface. It is called face 52 .

Upper edges of the pair of left and right side surfaces 43 and 44 are connected by a first exposed surface 51 . Lower edges of the pair of left and right side surfaces 43 and 44 are connected by a second exposed surface 52 . Each side 43,44 is a plane along the corresponding connection 63,64. Each of the exposed surfaces 51 and 52 is a curved surface curved in an arc so as to protrude outward in the vertical direction of the cylindrical portion 41 when viewed in the front-rear direction.

The outer surface of the camera system 1 is composed of the outer surface of the frame 6 and the outer surface of the holding member 4 . As shown in FIG. 1, when the holding member 4 is in the use position, the first exposed surface 51 is exposed outside the frame 6 through the first opening 71 of the frame 6, and the second exposed surface 52 is , are exposed outside the frame 6 through the second opening 72 (see FIG. 4) of the frame 6 .

As shown in FIG. 3, when the holding member 4 is in the non-use position, the first exposed surface 51 is exposed outside the frame 6 through the second opening 72 (see FIG. 5) of the frame 6. , the second exposed surface 52 is exposed to the outside of the frame 6 through the first opening 71 of the frame 6 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first exposed surface 51 and the second exposed surface 52 are each connected to the frame 6 regardless of whether the holding member 4 is in the use position or the non-use position. It becomes substantially flush with the outer surfaces of 63 and 64 . When the holding member 4 is arranged at the use position and the non-use position, the overall shape of the camera system 1 is a bar shape that the user can easily hold with one hand. That is, in this case, the holding member 4 and the frame 6 constitute a grip portion 31 that can be held with one hand. Therefore, the user can easily take pictures with the camera system 1 and can easily carry the camera system 1 around.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera holding device 3 further has a light emitting device 32 . The light-emitting device 32 emits light to the target surface 9 that is the target of the camera 2 . The light emitting device 32 is built in the holding member 4 . The light emitting device 32 has a light source 33 and a light diffusion member 34 . The light source 33 has a plurality of light emitting elements 330 . The multiple light emitting elements 330 are held by the holding member 4 .

Each light emitting element 330 is a light emitting diode. A plurality of light emitting elements 330 are attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 of the holding member 4 . The plurality of light emitting elements 330 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41 . The plurality of light emitting elements 330 are positioned between the photographing opening 42 and the lens 23 in the length direction of the cylindrical portion 41 .

The holding member 4 holds the light diffusion member 34 . The light diffusion member 34 diffuses light emitted from the light source 33 (plurality of light emitting elements 330). The light diffusing member 34 is made of resin such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylic, for example. The light diffusing member 34 is attached to the cylindrical portion 41 and positioned between the photographing opening 42 and the lens 23 inside the cylindrical portion 41 .

The light diffusing member 34 is formed in a plate-like shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical portion 41 . One of the surfaces on both sides in the thickness direction of the light diffusion member 34 faces the photographing opening 42 .

A through hole 340 is formed in the light diffusing member 34 so as to extend through the tubular portion 41 in the longitudinal direction. The through hole 340 is located in the central portion of the light diffusing member 34 when viewed in the length direction of the cylindrical portion 41 . The lens 23 of the camera 2 is exposed to the photographing opening 42 through the through hole 340 . The camera 2 photographs the target surface 9 through the through hole 340 , the photographing opening 42 and the exposure opening 61 . The inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 340 is a curved surface that is curved such that a portion closer to the lens 23 in the length direction of the cylindrical portion 41 is located inward. Therefore, it is difficult for the light diffusion member 34 to enter the photographing area of the camera 2 .

A plurality of light emitting elements 330 are positioned around the light diffusion member 34 . An outer peripheral end surface of the light diffusion member 34 faces the plurality of light emitting elements 330 . Light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 330 enters the light diffusion member 34, is diffused by the light diffusion member 34, and exits from the light diffusion member 34 toward the shooting opening 42 side. That is, the light diffusing member 34 emits light when the plurality of light emitting elements 330 emit light. The light emitted from the light diffusing member 34 in this way passes through the photographing opening 42 and the exposure opening 61 in order, hits the target surface 9 positioned outside the frame 6 , and illuminates the target surface 9 .

Note that the light-emitting element 330 is not limited to a light-emitting diode, and may be an incandescent lamp, a discharge lamp, an organic electroluminescence, or the like. Also, the number of light emitting elements 330 included in the light source 33 is not limited, and may be, for example, one.

The camera holding device 3 further has a battery 35 shown in FIG. Battery 35 supplies power to camera 2 and light emitting device 32 (see FIG. 2). Note that the battery 35 may be a secondary battery or a primary battery.

A battery 35 is incorporated in the holding member 4 . The battery 35 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 41 at the end opposite to the photographing opening 42 (see FIG. 1). A battery insertion opening 45 is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion 41 opposite to the imaging opening 42 . The battery 35 is inserted into and removed from the holding member 4 through the battery insertion opening 45 . The holding member 4 has a lid 46 that opens and closes the battery insertion opening 45 . The lid 46 is movably attached to the end of the cylindrical portion 41 opposite to the imaging opening 42 .

When the battery insertion opening 45 is closed by the lid 46 and the holding member 4 is placed in the use position, the lid 46 is covered by the shielding portion 62 of the frame 6 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, with the battery insertion opening 45 closed by the lid 46 and the holding member 4 disposed at the non-use position, the lid 46 is exposed to the outside of the frame 6 through the exposure opening 61. expose.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the user can insert and remove the battery 35 from the battery insertion opening 45 by opening the lid 46 while the holding member 4 is arranged at the non-use position. Note that the camera system 1 may be able to be supplied with power from the outside, and in this case, the camera system 1 may not have the battery 35 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera holding device 3 further has a plurality of operating sections 36,37. A plurality of operating portions 36 and 37 are provided on the outer surface of the holding member 4 . The user can operate the camera 2 by operating the plurality of operation units 36 and 37 .

The camera holding device 3 of this embodiment has a power button 36 and a shutter button 37 as a plurality of operation units. The power button 36 is provided on the second exposed surface 52 of the tubular portion 41 , and the shutter button 37 is provided on the first exposed surface 51 of the tubular portion 41 . Therefore, when the holding member 4 is placed at the use position, the power button 36 is exposed outside the frame 6 through the second opening 72, and the shutter button 37 is exposed outside the frame 6 through the first opening 71. 6 is exposed to the outside.

Each of the exposed surfaces 51 and 52 is part of the outer surface of the grip portion 31 composed of the holding member 4 and the frame 6. As shown in FIG. In other words, the power button 36 and the shutter button 37 are positioned on the holding member 4 at portions forming the outer surface of the grip portion 31 . Therefore, when the user holds the grip portion 31 , the power button 36 and the shutter button 37 are positioned near the hand holding the grip portion 31 . Therefore, the user can easily operate the power button 36 and the shutter button 37 .

The user can switch whether power is supplied from the battery 35 to the camera 2 and the light emitting device 32 by operating the power button 36 . Further, the user can instruct the camera 2 to shoot by operating the shutter button 37 while the power of the camera 2 is on. When the shutter button 37 is operated in this manner, the light emitting device 32 is controlled such that the light source 33 (the plurality of light emitting elements 330) emits light. Therefore, the camera 2 can take an image while the target surface 9 is illuminated with an appropriate amount of light emitted from the light emitting device 32 .

The camera holding device 3 preferably has a notification unit that notifies the user when the power button 36 is operated and when the shutter button 37 is operated. The notification unit is, for example, a sound generator that emits sound. Note that the notification unit is not limited to the sound generator. For example, the notification unit may notify the user that the power button 36 has been operated and that the shutter button 37 has been operated by emitting light or displaying characters. Also, the camera holding device 3 may not have the notification unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the frame portion 60 of the frame 6 and the holding member 4 each have opposing surfaces 66 and 47 that face each other when the holding member 4 is placed at the use position. A facing surface 66 of the frame portion 60 is a surface of the frame portion 60 facing the holding member 4 side, and is formed in an annular shape over the entire length of the frame portion 60 in the circumferential direction. A facing surface 47 of the holding member 4 is an end surface of the cylindrical portion 41 on the photographing opening 42 side, and is formed in an annular shape over the entire length of the cylindrical portion 41 in the circumferential direction.

The facing surface 66 of the frame 6 is formed in an arc shape centering on the rotating shaft 40 of the holding member 4 when viewed in the left-right direction, and is a curved surface that is recessed toward the side opposite to the rotating shaft 40 . A facing surface 47 of the holding member 4 is formed in an arc shape centering on the rotating shaft 40 of the holding member 4 when viewed in the left-right direction, and is a curved surface protruding toward the side opposite to the rotating shaft 40 . . In this manner, by forming the facing surfaces 66 and 47 of the frame 6 and the holding member 4 into arc-shaped curved surfaces centering on the rotation axis 40, the holding member 4 can rotate with respect to the frame 6 while allowing the frame portion to rotate. 60 can be arranged close to the holding member 4 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the camera system 1 . In order to prevent the camera system 1 from increasing in size, the facing surface 66 of the frame 6 may be a curved surface that is recessed on the opposite side of the rotating shaft 40 , and the facing surface 47 of the holding member 4 may be a curved surface facing the rotating shaft 40 . A curved surface that protrudes in the opposite direction to the . For example, the radii of curvature of the opposing surfaces 66 and 47 of the frame 6 and the holding member 4 may match or differ from the distance from the opposing surfaces 66 and 47 to the rotation axis 40 . Also, the shapes of the facing surfaces 66 and 47 of the frame 6 and the holding member 4 are not limited.

The frame portion 60 of the frame 6 has a contact surface 67 facing the side opposite to the facing surface 66 . The contact surface 67 is a surface of the frame portion 60 facing the side opposite to the holding member 4 , and is an annular surface extending over the entire length of the frame portion 60 in the circumferential direction. The contact surface 67 is flatter than the facing surface 66 of the frame 6 . In the present disclosure, “a surface flatter than the facing surface 66 of the frame 6 ” includes not only a flat surface but also a curved surface having a radius of curvature larger than that of the facing surface 66 of the frame 6 . The contact surface 67 of this embodiment is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user can take a picture with the camera 2 while the camera 2 is in contact with a target surface 9 such as a wall surface. In this case, the orientation of the camera system 1 with respect to the target surface 9 can be stabilized by bringing the contact surface 67 flatter than the opposing surface 66 of the frame 6 into contact with the target surface 9 . For this reason, as in the present embodiment, when the object surface 9 is inspected based on the photographed data photographed by the camera 2, the inspection accuracy can be improved. Further, by bringing the contact surface 67 into contact with the target surface 9, the camera 2 can take pictures while keeping the distance from the camera 2 to the target surface 9 substantially constant. Therefore, inspection accuracy can be further improved.

Further, when the contact surface 67 is in contact with the target surface 9 , the portion to be photographed on the target surface 9 (that is, the portion corresponding to the exposure opening 61 ) is the frame portion 60 of the frame 6 and the holding member 4 . It is covered with the cylindrical portion 41 . Therefore, only the light emitted from the light emitting device 32 can be applied to the portion of the object plane 9 that is to be photographed, and the amount of light that hits this portion can be made substantially constant. That is, the object plane 9 can be photographed with a substantially constant amount of light. Therefore, inspection accuracy can be further improved. Note that the contact surface 67 is not limited to a surface that is flatter than the facing surface 66 of the frame 6 .

The camera holding device 3 may further have a fixing mechanism for fixing the holding member 4 at the use position and the non-use position, and for releasing this fixation. Further, the camera holding device 3 may have a click feeling imparting mechanism that imparts a click feeling (response) to the user when the user moves the holding member 4 to the use position and the non-use position. The fixing mechanism and the mechanism for giving a click feeling are, for example, a mechanism for detachably fitting a part of the holding member 4 and a part of the frame 6 in a concave-convex manner.

As shown in FIG. 7, the frame 6 has mounting portions 68 . A support member 8 (see FIG. 8) for supporting the camera holding device 3 can be detachably attached to the attachment portion 68 . The support member 8 is, for example, a rod-shaped instrument or a tripod. The mounting portion 68 of this embodiment is a screw hole formed in the outer surface of the shielding portion 62 of the frame 6 . For example, as shown in FIG. 8, by attaching the support member 8 to the attachment portion 68, the camera 2 can easily photograph the target surface 9 located at a high place such as the ceiling surface.

Using the camera system 1 described above, the user can, for example, photograph the target plane 9 (see FIG. 2) as shown below. When photographing the target surface 9, the user places the holding member 4 at the use position and turns on the power of the camera system 1, as shown in FIG. Next, the user brings the contact surface 67 of the frame portion 60 into contact with the target surface 9 such as a wall surface while gripping the grip portion 31 composed of the frame 6 and the holding member 4 with one hand. Subsequently, the user operates the shutter button 37 . As a result, the light diffusion member 34 of the light emitting device 32 emits light, and the target surface 9 illuminated by the light diffusion member 34 is photographed by the camera 2 .

When the user does not use the camera system 1, the holding member 4 and the camera 2 can be protected by the frame 6 by arranging the holding member 4 in the non-use position shown in FIG.

It should be noted that the camera holding device 3 and the camera system 1 of this embodiment can be appropriately modified in design. For example, the holding member 4 may be switched between a use position where the lens 23 is exposed and a non-use position where the lens 23 is not exposed by changing the position of the holding member 4 relative to the frame 6 . Therefore, the holding member 4 does not have to be rotatably attached to the frame 6 .

For example, the holding member 4 may be switched between the use position and the non-use position by sliding relative to the frame 6 . For example, the holding member 4 is detachable from the frame 6 and may be removed from the frame 6 to be switched between the use position and the non-use position. In addition, for example, the frame 6 or the holding member 4 has a deformable shielding part, and when the position of the holding member 4 with respect to the frame 6 changes, the shielding part interlocks with the holding member 4 to cover the lens 23. and a state in which the lens 23 is exposed. Also, the shape, size, position, number, material, etc. of each element of the camera system 1 can be changed as appropriate.

(2) Aspects As is clear from the embodiment described above, the camera holding device (3) of the first aspect has the following configuration. A camera holding device (3) comprises a holding member (4) and a frame (6). A holding member (4) holds the camera (2). A frame (6) supports the retaining member (4). The position of the holding member (4) with respect to the frame (6) can be changed between a use position where the lens (23) of the camera (2) is exposed and a non-use position where the lens (23) is covered by the frame (6). be.

According to this aspect, by arranging the holding member (4) at the use position, the camera (2) can take pictures. By arranging the holding member (4) at the non-use position, the lens (23) can be protected by the frame (6).

The camera holding device (3) of the second aspect can be realized in combination with the first aspect. The camera holding device (3) of the second aspect has the following configuration. The holding member (4) has a photographing opening (42). The holding member (4) holds the camera (2) in a position where it can be photographed through the photographing opening (42). The frame (6) has an exposure opening (61). The exposure opening (61) exposes the lens (23) when the holding member (4) is in the use position. At least a part of the photographing opening (42) overlaps with the exposure opening (61) in a state where the holding member (4) is arranged at the use position.

According to this aspect, the lens (23) is exposed by changing the position of the photographing opening (42) of the holding member (4) with respect to the exposure opening (61) of the frame (6). state and the state in which the lens (23) is covered by the frame (6).

The camera holding device (3) of the third aspect can be realized in combination with the second aspect. A camera holding device (3) of the third aspect has the following configuration. The frame (6) has a frame (60). An exposure opening (61) is formed in the frame (60).

According to this aspect, since the frame (6) has the frame portion (60), the strength of the frame (6) can be increased. In addition, the frame (60) can protect the peripheral portion of the photographing opening (42) in the holding member (4).

The camera holding device (3) of the fourth aspect can be realized in combination with the third aspect. The camera holding device (3) of the fourth aspect has the following configuration. The holding member (4) is rotatably mounted with respect to the frame (6). The holding member (4) can be switched between the use position and the non-use position by rotating with respect to the frame (6). The frame (60) has a facing surface (66). The facing surface (66) faces the holding member (4) when the holding member (4) is arranged at the use position. The facing surface (66) is a curved surface recessed toward the opposite side of the rotating shaft (40) of the holding member (4).

According to this aspect, the frame (60) can be arranged close to the holding member (4) while allowing the holding member (4) to rotate with respect to the frame (6). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the camera holding device (3).

The camera holding device (3) of the fifth aspect can be realized in combination with the fourth aspect. The camera holding device (3) of the fifth aspect has the following configuration. The frame (60) has a contact surface (67). The contact surface (67) faces the opposite side of the opposing surface (66). The contact surface (67) is a flatter surface than the counter surface (66).

According to this aspect, photographing can be performed with the camera (2) while the contact surface (67) is in contact with the target surface (9). In this case, the orientation of the camera holding device (3) with respect to the object plane (9) can be stabilized. Also, the distance from the camera (2) to the object plane (9) can be kept substantially constant. Therefore, for example, when the object surface (9) is inspected based on the photographed data photographed by the camera (2), the inspection accuracy can be improved.

The camera holding device (3) of the sixth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to fifth aspects. The frame (6) of the sixth aspect accommodates the holding member (4) arranged in the use position and the holding member (4) arranged in the non-use position.

According to this aspect, the holding member (4) arranged in the use position and the holding member (4) arranged in the non-use position can be protected by the frame (6), whereby the holding member (4) can be It is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles in the camera (2) held by .

The camera holding device (3) of the seventh aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to third aspects. A camera holding device (3) of the seventh aspect has the following configuration. The holding member (4) is rotatably mounted with respect to the frame (6). The holding member (4) can be switched between the use position and the non-use position by rotating with respect to the frame (6).

According to this aspect, by rotating the holding member (4) with respect to the frame (6), the holding member (4) is placed in the use position and the holding member (4) is placed in the non-use position. You can easily switch between the two states.

The camera holding device (3) of the eighth aspect can be realized in combination with the seventh aspect. The camera holding device (3) of the eighth aspect has the following configuration. The frame (6) is formed in a tubular shape elongated in one direction intersecting with the rotating shaft (40) of the holding member (4). The holding member (4) has a shape elongated in the longitudinal direction of the frame (6) when arranged in the use position and the non-use position.

According to this aspect, the camera holding device (3) can be made compact when the holding member (4) is arranged in the use position and the non-use position and housed in the frame (6).

The camera holding device (3) of the ninth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to eighth aspects. The camera holding device (3) of the ninth aspect has the following configuration. The holding member (4) and the frame (6) constitute a grip portion (31) that can be held with one hand.

According to this aspect, the user can easily hold the camera holding device (3).

The camera holding device (3) of the tenth aspect can be realized by combining with the ninth aspect. A camera holding device (3) of the tenth aspect has the following configuration. The holding member (4) has operation parts (36, 37) for operating the camera (2). The operating portions (36, 37) are located in the portion of the holding member (4) that constitutes the outer surface of the grip portion (31).

According to this aspect, the operation parts (36, 37) are positioned near the user's hand holding the grip part (31). Therefore, the user can easily operate the operation units (36, 37).

The camera holding device (3) of the eleventh aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to tenth aspects. The holding member (4) of the eleventh aspect holds a battery (35) that powers the camera (2). According to this aspect, the camera (2) can be used using the power of the battery (35) held by the holding member (4).

A camera system (1) of the twelfth aspect has the following configuration. A camera system (1) comprises a camera holding device (3) according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and a camera (2) held by the camera holding device (3).

According to this aspect, by arranging the holding member (4) at the use position, the camera (2) can take pictures. By arranging the holding member (4) at the non-use position, the lens (23) can be protected by the frame (6).

The configurations according to the second to eleventh aspects are not essential to the camera holding device (3), and can be omitted as appropriate.

1 Camera System 2 Camera 23 Lens 3 Camera Holding Device 31 Grip Part 35 Battery 36 Operation Part 37 Operation Part 4 Holding Member 40 Rotational Axis 42 Shooting Opening 6 Frame 60 Frame 61 Exposure Opening 66 Opposing Surface 67 Contact Surface 9 Target surface

Claims (10)

a holding member that holds the camera;
A frame that supports the holding member,
a position of the holding member relative to the frame is changeable between a use position where the lens of the camera is exposed and a non-use position where the lens is covered by the frame;
The holding member and the frame constitute a grip that can be held with one hand,
The holding member is
Having an operation unit for operating the camera,
The operation portion is positioned on a portion of the holding member that constitutes the outer surface of the grip portion,
camera holding device. the holding member has a photographing opening and holds the camera at a position where photographing can be performed through the photographing opening;
The frame is
having an exposure opening through which the lens is exposed when the holding member is arranged at the use position;
At least a part of the photographing opening is arranged at a position overlapping with the exposure opening in a state where the holding member is arranged at the use position.
2. A camera holding device according to claim 1. The frame is
having a frame,
The exposure opening is formed in the frame,
3. A camera holding device according to claim 2. The holding member is rotatably attached to the frame, and is switched between the use position and the non-use position by rotating with respect to the frame. ,
The frame portion
having a facing surface facing the holding member in a state where the holding member is arranged at the use position;
The facing surface is a curved surface that is recessed toward the side opposite to the rotation axis of the holding member,
4. A camera holding device according to claim 3. The frame portion
Having a contact surface facing the opposite side to the facing surface,
The contact surface is a flatter surface than the opposing surface,
5. A camera holding device according to claim 4. the frame accommodates the holding member arranged at the use position and the holding member arranged at the non-use position;
A camera holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The holding member is rotatably attached to the frame, and is switched between the use position and the non-use position by rotating with respect to the frame. ,
A camera holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The frame is formed in a cylindrical shape elongated in one direction intersecting the rotation axis of the holding member,
The holding member has a shape elongated in the length direction of the frame when arranged at the use position and the non-use position,
8. A camera holding device according to claim 7. the holding member holds a battery that supplies power to the camera;
A camera holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. a camera holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9;
the camera held by the camera holding device;
camera system.

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