KR20040100457A - Mobile communication terminal having camera able to regulate focal distance - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal having a camera capable of adjusting the focal distance is provided to obtain an effect of power saving and an effect of manufacturing cost saving by executing a zoom function without the necessity of special power or a complex device. CONSTITUTION: A camera module(300) is comprised of a lens part(310), a sensor part(320), and a lens part spring(330). The lens part(310) has a camera lens(312) formed at the end of the entrance of a camera insertion hole(130) and reading the shape of an object. The sensor part(320) is fixedly combined to the inside of the camera insertion hole(130). One end of the sensor part(320) is inserted into and combined to the lens part(310) so that the lens part(310) can make sliding movement in the lengthened direction of the camera insertion hole(130). The lens part spring(330), combined between the bottom surface of the camera insertion hole(130) and the lower part of the lens part(310), gives elastic force to the lens part(310) so as to thrust the lens part(310) toward the entrance of the camera insertion hole(130).

Description

Mobile communication terminal with camera with adjustable focal length {Mobile communication terminal having camera able to regulate focal distance}

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera, and more particularly, to a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera capable of performing a zoom function without additional power.

Conventional mobile communication terminals are generally capable of only voice calls, but recently, as communication technologies and mobile communication terminal manufacturing technologies are rapidly developed, multifunctional mobile communication terminals that can satisfy the needs of various consumers have been released and commercialized. . In recent years, the mobile communication terminal has been widely used as a mobile communication terminal, such as game, internet search, e-mail reception and transmission, payment, etc. There is a trend that the camera phone function to take the shape of the object with the mobile communication terminal by installing the and the video mobile communication terminal function to take the shape of the object with the camera and transmit it to the other party.

Hereinafter, a mobile communication terminal equipped with a conventional camera will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a mobile communication terminal equipped with a conventional camera.

Referring to FIG. 1, the external configuration of a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile communication terminal equipped with a conventional camera includes a main body 20 and a folder 21, which rotate and open around a hinge, in the mobile communication terminal 10. The inner surface of the) is provided with a transmitting unit 24 including a microphone and a keypad 23 composed of a plurality of key buttons is installed, the inner surface of the folder 21 and the liquid crystal display unit 25 and the letter and number indicating A receiver 26 including a speaker and a lens hole 27 are installed, and the camera lens 28 is installed in the center of the lens hole 27.

However, since the focal length of the camera lens is fixed to the mobile communication terminal equipped with the conventional camera shown in FIG. 1, in order to enlarge or reduce the object, the distance between the object and the mobile communication terminal should be adjusted. have.

In the case of digital cameras, to compensate for these drawbacks, a zoom function that adjusts the distance of the lens within the camera is adopted. However, a zoom device applied to the digital camera adds a motor for moving the distance of the lens. Since the configuration has to be changed intricately, there are many problems in applying it to a mobile communication terminal which lacks internal surplus space. In addition, since the camera lens is always exposed to the outside, there is a disadvantage that the camera lens may be damaged.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera capable of performing a zoom function without a separate power or complicated device.

1 is a perspective view of a mobile communication terminal equipped with a conventional camera.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera capable of adjusting the focal length according to the present invention.

2B illustrates a shape in which a part of the camera module protrudes outward in the state of FIG. 2A.

3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a camera module and a fixing device having a camera lens introduced into an image folder.

3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the camera module and the fixing device in which the camera lens protrudes out of the image folder.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: upper folder 110: earpiece

120: LCD screen 130: camera insertion hole

132: protrusion limited protrusion 200: lower folder

210: keypad 220: transmitter

300: camera module 310: lens unit

312 camera lens 314 fixing groove

316: protrusion limited groove 320: sensor

322 sensor 330 lens unit spring

400: fixed device 410: switch

412: jamming

A mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera capable of adjusting a focal length according to the present invention for achieving the above object has a predetermined depth in a mobile communication terminal having a liquid crystal display for outputting an image and a keypad for signal input. A lens unit having a main body having a groove-shaped camera insertion hole and a structure that is inserted and protruded into and out of the camera insertion hole, and a camera lens that reads the shape of the subject is coupled to an end protruding out of the camera insertion hole. And a sensor part that is fixedly coupled to the inside of the camera insertion hole and to which a sensor is mounted to image the shape of an object incident from the camera lens, and a lens part spring that applies an elastic force to the lens part in a direction pushing the lens part toward the entrance of the camera insertion hole. A camera module and a lens to keep the lens portion inserted into the camera insertion hole. It is configured to include a retainer to interfere with the projecting portion.

The lens portion is formed with a concave fixing groove in a portion that is in contact with the wall of the camera insertion hole, the fixing device is a convex shape that can be inserted into and withdrawn into the fixing groove in the portion corresponding to the fixing groove when the lens portion is inserted into the camera insertion hole. It is configured to include a switch is formed a locking projection.

At this time, the fixing device further includes a switch spring for applying an elastic force to the switch in the direction in which the locking projection is inserted into the fixing groove, so that the locking jaw is automatically inserted when the lens portion protruding outside the camera insertion hole is inserted into the camera insertion hole. It is configured to be drawn into the fixing groove.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera capable of adjusting the focal length according to the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the configuration and operation of the foldable mobile communication terminal consisting of the upper folder 100 and the lower folder 200 are equipped with a camera capable of adjusting the focal length.

The inner surface of the upper folder 100 is formed in the direction parallel to the image output direction of the earpiece 110 for outputting sound, the liquid crystal screen 120 for outputting an image of the object to be photographed, and the liquid crystal screen 120 The groove-shaped camera insertion hole 130 is provided, and the camera insertion hole 130 is coupled to the camera module 300 which executes photographing in the same direction as the output direction of the LCD screen 120. In addition, one side of the camera insertion hole 130 is further provided with a fixing device 400 for fixing the position of the camera module 300.

On the inner side of the lower folder 200, a keypad 210 composed of a plurality of key buttons for signal input and a transmitter 220 for receiving sound are mounted on the inner side.

The camera module 300 applied to the present invention has a structure capable of enlarging or reducing an image of a photographed subject by adjusting a focal length of a camera lens that receives a subject's shape. The structure of such a camera module 300 will be described below with reference to the separate drawings.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the camera module 300 is completely inserted into the upper folder 100 in the same manner as the photographing function and appearance of the mobile communication terminal equipped with a conventional camera. Therefore, the user performs shooting by manipulating the keypad 210 while looking at the shape of the subject through the LCD screen 120, as in a conventional mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera.

2B illustrates a shape in which a part of the camera module protrudes outward in the state of FIG. 2A.

When the user pushes the fixing device 400 to the right in the state of FIG. 2A, a portion of the camera module 300 protrudes out of the camera insertion hole 130 as shown in FIG. 2B.

As described above, a part of the camera module 300 protrudes to the outside of the camera insertion hole 130 is a state in which the focal length of the camera lens is increased, and the shape of the subject incident on the camera lens is enlarged than in the case of FIG. 2A. Therefore, the user can take a large picture of the subject without having to position the mobile communication terminal close to the subject.

3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a camera module and a fixing device in which a camera lens is inserted into an image folder.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the camera module 300 applied to the present invention has a cylindrical structure that can be inserted into and protruded into and out of the camera insertion hole 130, and is formed at the inlet end of the camera insertion hole 130. A lens unit 310 having a camera lens 312 for reading a shape of a subject and having a concave fixing groove 314 formed in a portion in contact with a wall surface of the camera insertion hole 130, and a camera insertion hole 130. The sensor unit 320 is fixedly coupled to the inside and the one end is inserted into the lens unit 310 and coupled so that the lens unit 310 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the camera insertion hole 130. , Is coupled between the bottom surface of the camera insertion hole 130 and the lower end of the lens unit 310 to apply an elastic force to the lens unit 310 in the direction to push the lens unit 310 toward the entrance of the camera insertion hole 130. It is configured to include a lens unit spring (330).

Fixing device 400 for fixing the position of the camera module 300, when the lens unit 310 is inserted into the camera insertion hole 130 to a portion corresponding to the fixing groove 314 to the fixing groove 314 A locking protrusion 412 having a convex shape capable of insertion and withdrawal is formed, and a switch 410 configured to enable sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the lens unit 310, and the locking protrusion 412 is fixed to the groove. It is configured to include a switch spring 420 for applying an elastic force to the switch 410 in the direction to be inserted into the (314).

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3A, the lens 310 in the state of being fully inserted into the camera insertion hole 130 has a force in the direction protruding toward the inlet side of the camera insertion hole 130 by the lens spring 330. Although it is received, the projection to the outside of the camera insertion hole 130 is limited by the locking projection 412 of the switch 410 is inserted into the fixing groove 314.

In addition, a convex projecting confinement protrusion 132 is formed on the inner wall surface of the camera insertion hole 130, and the lens unit 310 may bury the protruding confinement protrusion 132 on the outer wall surface which is in contact with the camera insertion hole 130. A protruding limiting groove 316 is formed to have a depth that can be formed in the protruding direction of the lens unit 310.

3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the camera module and the fixing device in which the camera lens protrudes out of the image folder.

When the user pushes the switch 410 in the direction in which the switch spring 420 is compressed in the state of FIG. 3A, the locking protrusion 412 is separated from the fixing groove 314, and the lens unit 310 is formed by the lens unit spring ( Protrudes to the outside of the camera insertion hole 130 by the elastic force of the 330.

At this time, the lens unit 310 is projected to the outside of the camera insertion hole 130, when the protruding limiting projection 132 touches the bottom wall surface of the protruding limiting groove 316, the position is fixed no longer protruding. As such, the lens portion 310 increases or decreases the protruding distance according to the length of the protruding limitation groove 316.

Due to the interference between the protruding limiting protrusion 132 and the protruding limiting groove 316, the lens 310 may be protruded by a predetermined distance without being separated to the outside of the camera insertion hole 130.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the lens unit 310 protrudes out of the camera insertion hole 130, the distance between the camera lens 312 and the sensor 322 is farther than that of FIG. 3A, resulting in a longer focal length. As the size of the subject is enlarged, the picture is taken.

Thus, when the user uses the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, the user can adjust the size of the subject in place without a separate driving device and take a picture.

In addition, in the state of FIG. 3B, when the user pushes the lens unit 310 into the camera insertion hole 130, the fixing groove 314 moves downward to be positioned at the same height as the locking protrusion 412. The locking protrusion 412 is inserted into the fixing groove 314 by the elastic force of the switch spring 420 to interfere with the protrusion of the lens unit 310 as shown in FIG. 3A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the lens 310 is inserted into the camera insertion hole 130, the distance between the camera lens 312 and the sensor 322 is closer than that of FIG. 3B, and thus the focal length is shortened. Instead of reducing the size of the subject, the shooting range is enlarged.

Due to the variation in distance between the camera lens 312 and the sensor 322, the principle of photographing the enlarged or reduced size of the subject is the same as that applied to a conventional zoom camera, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. do.

Although the technical concept of the present invention has been described in detail according to the above-described preferred embodiment, it should be noted that the embodiment applied to the clamshell cell phone is for the purpose of explanation, and that the application of the present invention is not limited to the clamshell cell phone. . In addition, the camera module applied to the present invention is not limited to the structure coupled to the surface on which the LCD screen is mounted so as to have a shooting direction in the same direction as the output direction of the LCD screen, as shown in the present embodiment, and various other directions. It can be applied to the structure that is coupled to all parts of the mobile communication terminal to have a shooting direction.

The present invention is applicable to all mobile terminals such as various mobile communication terminals and PDAs, and those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

When using a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera capable of adjusting the focal length according to the present invention, the zoom function can be performed, thereby making it possible to adjust the shooting size of the subject and adjust the shooting range, and does not require a separate power or complicated device. No, it has the advantage of saving power and reducing manufacturing costs.

Claims (4)

In the mobile communication terminal having a liquid crystal display 120 for outputting an image and a keypad 210 for signal input, A main body having a groove insertion camera 130 having a predetermined depth; A lens which is formed in a structure that is inserted into and protrudes into and out of the camera insertion hole 130 and the camera lens 312 for reading the shape of the subject is coupled to the end protruding to the outside of the camera insertion hole 130 is coupled. The sensor unit 320 and the lens unit 320 is fixedly coupled to the inside of the camera insertion hole 130, the sensor 322 is mounted to image the shape of the object incident from the camera lens 312, the lens A camera module (300) having a lens unit spring (330) for applying an elastic force to the lens unit (310) in a direction pushing the unit (310) toward the entrance of the camera insertion hole (130); And a fixing device (400) interfering with the protrusion of the lens unit (310) to maintain the state in which the lens unit (310) is inserted into the camera insertion hole (130). The method of claim 1, The lens unit 310, A fixing groove 314 is formed in a portion in contact with the wall surface of the camera insertion hole 130; The fixing device 400, When the lens unit 310 is inserted into the camera insertion hole 130, a locking protrusion 412 having a shape capable of insertion and withdrawal into the fixing groove 314 is formed at a portion corresponding to the fixing groove 314. Mobile communication terminal, characterized in that it comprises a switch 410 is formed. The method of claim 2, The fixing device 400, And a switch spring (420) for applying an elastic force to the switch (410) in the direction in which the locking projection (412) is inserted into the fixing groove (314). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The camera insertion hole 130, A confinement protrusion 132 is formed on the inner wall surface; The lens unit 310 has a depth to bury the protruding limiting projection 132 on the outer wall surface in contact with the camera insertion hole 130, the protruding limitation is formed long in the protruding direction of the lens unit 310. Mobile communication terminal, characterized in that the groove 316 is formed.