KR20100096583A - Devices for use in opening and closing lens covers - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A device for using in opening and closing of lens cover is provided to open and close the lens cover by shaking or tapping a portable terminal, thereby providing a convenience for a user. CONSTITUTION: A body(7) is slid according to one or more support rails(104). A first end unit(106) of a pin spring(4) is pivotally engaged within opening unit. A second end unit of the pin spring is accepted pivotally engaged within at least one guide grooves. A lens cover is slid with the body according to at least one supporting rail between a closing position and an opening position. A bias member(124) biases a sliding movement of the body in one direction according to at least on supporting rail.

Description

DEVICES FOR USE IN OPENING AND CLOSING LENS COVERS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in opening and closing a lens cover of a camera. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for use in opening and closing a lens cover applied to a portable communication terminal (such as an electronic device) having a built-in camera.

Portable terminals (eg, mobile phones, etc.) are popular communication methods used in many different ways and types. For example, some mobile terminals use a flip type opening and closing structure. In such a flip type terminal, a spring element used to pivotally separate or together the first and second bodies of the terminal upon opening and closing of the terminal may be coupled to the first and second bodies of the terminal. Other portable terminals employ a slide-type opening and closing structure in which spring elements are coupled to the first and second bodies of the terminal for use in slidingly biasing the bodies separately or together when opening and closing the terminal. Can be.

Some terminals include additional electronic features such as photography cameras, video cameras, and the like. For example, a terminal having a built-in camera may require a user to slidably open and close the lens cover by holding the lens cover by hand. As another example, there is a terminal that requires the user to open the terminal first (eg, by rotating, flipping, sliding, etc.) to expose the camera lens. This requires time and energy to use the camera built in or attached to the terminal. In addition, some terminals include a camera that does not have a lens cover, so that the camera lens may be exposed to foreign matter at all times.

An exemplary embodiment of a camera lens cover opening and closing device that can be used in a portable terminal having a camera according to various aspects is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one support rail. The body is formed to slide along at least one support rail. The body includes at least one guide groove. The pin spring includes first and second ends. The first end is formed to rotatably engage in the opening. The second end is formed to be slidably received in the at least one guide groove. The lens cover is coupled to the body so as to be slidable with the body along at least one support rail between the closed position and the open position. A biasing member is coupled to the body such that the biasing member is operable to bias the slide movement of the body along at least one support rail in at least one direction. Other aspects relate to a portable terminal that includes such a device.

Still other aspects relate to a method of opening and closing a camera lens cover. For example, the exemplary embodiment slides the lens cover with respect to the opening of the camera lens and the mobile terminal between a closed position where the lens cover covers the opening and an open position where the lens cover does not cover the opening so that the camera lens is exposed through the opening. Possibly moving. In this example, the method includes shaking the portable terminal, wherein the body coupled to the lens cover in response to the shaking step comprises the closed and open positions from one of the closed and open positions along at least one support rail in the portable terminal. Slidably move to the remaining one.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes shaking the device such that the lens cover assembly slides between the first and second positions, wherein the lens cover assembly is closed and covers the camera module in the first position, and the second In position, the lens cover assembly is opened to expose the camera module. The camera is operable when the lens cover assembly is in at least a first position or a second position.

Other areas of application will be apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings herein are for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments only and are not intended to illustrate all possible embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Corresponding reference numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding parts.

Embodiments are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are disclosed, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed and that the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and none should be inferred as limiting the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising”, “comprising” and “having” are inclusive and thus describe the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, actions, components or parts, but at least one other It does not exclude the presence or addition of features, complete parts, steps, actions, components, parts, or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and actions described herein are not to be inferred that they must be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated unless specifically identified as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or optional steps may be employed.

When one component or layer is referred to as being "on", "coupled" to, or "connected" to another component or layer, it may be directly on or directly coupled to or connected to another component or layer; There may be intervening components or layers. On the other hand, when one component is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly coupled to” or “directly connected to” another component or layer, there may be no intervening components or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between components (eg, "between" and "directly between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.) should be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the items listed in relation thereto.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or parts, but such components, parts, regions, layers, or parts may be used herein. It should not be limited to these terms. These terms may only be used to identify one component, part, region, layer or portion with another region, layer or portion. Terms such as "first", "second", and other ordinal terms, as used herein, do not mean an order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context. Thus, the first component, part, region, layer or portion may be referred to as the second component, component, region, layer or portion without departing from the teachings of the embodiments.

Spatial terms such as "inside", "outer", "bottom", "bottom", "bottom", "top", "top", and the like, may be described herein as shown in the drawings of one element or feature. When describing a relationship to an element or feature, it may be used for convenience of description. Spatial terms may be intended to include other orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, when the apparatus of the figure is turned upside down, elements described as being "below" or "below" of other components or features will be oriented "up" of the other components or features. Thus, for example, the term "below" may include both an orientation of above and below. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Various exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for opening and closing a lens cover are provided for covering and exposing the lens of a camera of a mobile communication terminal according to various aspects of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the front and rear covers are formed to engage with each other. The rear cover includes a support rail and an opening in the rear cover. The opening is formed to align with the lens of the camera module coupled to the front cover (eg, size, shape, position, etc.).

A lens cover for opening and closing the opening is provided to expose or cover the lens of the camera module. The moving body is formed to be slidable along the support rail of the rear cover or on the support rail. The lens cover is coupled to the moving body to slide together with the moving body.

A biasing member, such as a compression spring, is operable to provide an elastic force or biasing force to bias the moving body. A pin spring is provided that engages the rear cover and the moving body. A retaining member such as a spring or an elastic plate is formed to be coupled to the front cover to prevent the pin spring from escaping from the moving body when the moving body slides. The elastic plate is mounted on the lower side of the camera module coupled to the front cover. The support rail is formed in the rear cover so that the movable body can slide along the support rail. The elastic plate is not fixedly attached to the movable body so that the movable body can slide with respect to the elastic plate along the support rail of the rear cover. However, when the movable body slides on the support rail, the end of the resilient plate along the guide groove of the movable body and within the guide groove prevents or prevents the end of the pin spring from deviating from the guide groove and the moving body. At least one end slides along the moving body.

The pin spring includes first and second ends. The first end of the pin spring is rotatably connected to the rear cover by positioning the first end in the opening or hole of the rear cover. When the movable body slides along the support rail of the rear cover, the second end of the pin spring is coupled to the movable body to slide in the guide groove of the movable body. The middle portion of the pin spring between the first and second ends is not fixedly attached to the moving body or the rear cover.

The compression spring connects the movable body with the rear cover so that when the lens cover is opened, the compression spring is at least partially compressed (e.g. shortened in functional length) and the compression spring is at least partially decompressed when the lens cover is closed. (Eg, extending in functional length, restoring to a relaxed state, etc.).

At least one guide groove is formed in the moving body such that the second end of the pin spring moves along a predetermined path of the at least one guide groove. In an exemplary embodiment, each guide groove has a different depth from the outer surface of the moving body. By way of example, in comparison with each other, the depth of the guide grooves is changed into a stepped type. In addition, the depth of each guide groove varies continuously along the path of each guide groove. Due to the variable depth forming the stepped structure, the stepped portion in the groove prevents the second end of the pin spring from moving backward or backward from one groove to the previous groove, so that the second end of the pin spring has only one direction ( Only along the groove of a predetermined path). When the second end of the pin spring moves along the guide groove of the movable body, the elastic plate (coupled to the front cover) is disposed above and covers the portion of the movable body and the pin spring, thereby covering the second portion of the pin spring. Prevents the end from being removed or detached from the guide groove.

An exemplary operation example for this embodiment is described. When the device is in the closed position, the second end of the pin spring is in the first guide groove of the moving body. If the user wants to open the lens cover, the user shakes or taps the mobile communication terminal. In response, the moving body compresses the compression spring and the second end of the pin spring moves along the first guide groove from the first end of the first guide groove to the second opposite end of the first guide groove. Thereafter, the restoring or biasing force exerted by the spring (eg, partially compressing) is such that the second end of the pin spring moves from the second end of the first guide groove to the first end of the second guide groove, and the second The second end of the pin spring is automatically pressed, biased and moved to move to the second opposite end of the guide groove and finally to the first end of the third guide groove. As a result, the lens cover is in the open position.

If the user wants to close the lens cover, the user shakes or taps the portable terminal again. In response, the moving body further compresses the compression spring and the second end of the pin spring moves from the first end of the third guide groove to the second opposite end of the third guide groove. Thereafter, the restoring or biasing force exerted by the spring (eg, partially compressing) is such that the second end of the pin spring moves from the second end of the third guide groove to the first end of the fourth guide groove, and the fourth The second end of the pin spring is automatically pressed, biased and moved to move to the second end of the guide groove and finally to the first end of the first guide groove. As a result, the lens cover is in the closed position.

Accordingly, the lens cover can be opened and closed by shaking or knocking the mobile communication terminal (eg, tapping against another object, etc.), so that various exemplary embodiments of the device that can provide increased convenience to a user are provided herein. Is disclosed. As disclosed herein, the lens cover can be automatically slidably opened and closed by the user shaking or tapping the mobile communication terminal at least once, so that the user can manually hold the lens cover to slidably open or close the lens cover or carry it. There is no need to open or close the communication terminal itself.

1 through 13 illustrate an embodiment of an apparatus 100 implementing one or more aspects of the present invention. As disclosed herein, the device 100 may be provided with a portable terminal to assist or provide opening or closing the lens cover 6, for example to expose and cover the lens of the camera module 122 (see FIG. 2) in the portable terminal. Can be used. During operation of the device 100 (described further below), the lens cover 6 covers the lens of the camera module 122 when the device 100 is in the closed position (see FIG. 10), but the device 100 Is in the open position (see FIG. 12), the camera lens is not covered and is exposed through the opening 3a of the rear cover 3 (see FIG. 3). The portable terminal is, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), another electronic device, a flip type portable communication terminal, a slide type portable communication terminal, a rotary type portable communication terminal, a portable communication terminal not formed to be opened or closed, and the like. It may include a portable communication terminal or a portable communication device within the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second covers 2 and 3 (which may be referred to as front and rear covers, respectively) may be formed to be coupled to each other. The device 100 is formed to be disposed between the interiors of the first and second covers 2, 3.

By way of example, the first and second covers 2, 3 can be formed to form the outer housing or the outer surface of a mobile phone or other device. In this particular embodiment, the first cover 2 includes a display screen for displaying various operations of the mobile phone or the like. The display screen may also be formed as a touch screen operable as an interface (e.g., a keypad, etc.) that allows a user to perform various functions associated with a mobile phone including photographing. Optionally, the keypad may be provided separately from the display screen (not part of the touch screen) to allow the user to execute various functions related to the mobile phone including photographing.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second covers 2, 3 are mutually movable such that either one of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 is movable relative to the other one. It is formed to be fixedly coupled to. Optionally, the first and second covers may be coupled to each other such that one cover may be moved (eg slide, flip up or flip down, rotate, etc.) relative to the other cover to open and close the terminal. . In such alternative embodiments, the terminal may be opened to expose the keyboard or the like, for example, by sliding, flipping or rotating the first cover relative to the second cover. In such alternative embodiments the particular manner or other form the user selects to open and close the terminal should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Still other embodiments may include first and second covers that are formed to be generally located inside a mobile phone or other device (eg, size, shape, etc., so small as to be so positioned). Further embodiments provide that the first and second bodies may be positioned within the first or second body of a mobile phone or other portable terminal when the first and second bodies are movable relative to each other (eg, slide, flip, rotate, etc.) to open and close the terminal. It may include first and second covers that are formed (eg, sufficiently small in size and shape). Accordingly, the aspects of the present invention can be used not only for portable communication terminals which are not opened or closed, but also for opening and closing portable communication terminals (eg, flip type, slide type, rotary type portable communication terminals, etc.). Is not limited to the mobile communication terminal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera module 122 is coupled to the first cover 2. The camera module 122 may take a picture or a video image. The camera module 122 includes a lens, which is covered by the lens cover 6 when the device 100 is in the closed position (see FIG. 10), but the device 100 is in the open position (see FIG. 12). Relative to the device 100 to be uncovered (not covered by the lens cover 6) and exposed through the opening 3a of the rear cover 3 (and thus the camera lens is ready for use) when in It is located.

1 and 6 show an exemplary lens cover 6 that operates to cover the opening 3a of the rear cover and the lens of the camera module 122. As shown, the lens cover 6 comprises a rectangle larger than the rectangular opening 3a of the rear cover 3. Optionally, other embodiments include a lens cover 6 formed at least in part (eg, a different shape, size, etc.) differently depending on the opening of the rear cover and the arrangement of the camera lens (eg, size, shape, etc.). can do. For example, other embodiments may include a non-rectangular lens cover to cover the non-rectangular opening of the rear cover.

1 and 6, the lens cover 6 includes teeth, protrusions or protrusions 110. These teeth 110 are formed to couple the lens cover 6 to the corresponding portion of the body 7. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the body 7 is in a closed position (see FIG. 10), a first intermediate position (see FIG. 11), an open position (see FIG. 12), and a second intermediate position (see FIG. 13). The lens cover 6 may be coupled to the body 7 so as to slide with the body 7 when moving back to the closed position (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary body 7 which can also be referred to as a moving body since it slidably moves along the support rail 104 (see FIGS. 10 to 13) of the rear cover 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the body 7 comprises a rectangular portion and a cylindrical protrusion extending outward from the first end 116 of the body 7. 1 and 10 to 13, the cylindrical protrusion is formed to be inserted into the end of the coil spring 124.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the body 7 does not include a lid, flap or cover to expose the guide portion 140. However, the retaining member 8 (more below) used to help hold the second end 108 of the pin spring 4 (described further below and shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) in the guide groove 104. And shown in FIGS. 1 and 8). Optional embodiments may eliminate the need for the retaining member 8, including a lid, flap or cover formed separately from or integral with the body to help maintain the second end of the pin spring in the guide groove. . The body 7 may be formed of any suitable material, for example plastics, metals, combinations thereof, and the like, within the scope of the present invention.

A system (eg male and female track system, etc.) for slidably coupling the body 7 to the second cover 3 may be provided. The body 7 may include at least one support groove or notch 102 on the outer surface of the body 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the illustrated embodiment of the body 7 comprises two support grooves slidably engaged on corresponding support rails 104 (see FIGS. 10 to 13) of the rear cover 3, or And notch 102. Thus, the body 7 has a rear cover by positioning the body 7 on the two support rails 104 of the rear cover 3 so that the rail 104 is received in the corresponding groove 102 of the body 7. It can be slidably coupled to (3).

The body 7 and the lens cover 6 also comprise a rib or spacing part 150 on the outer surface. When the body 7 slides along the support rails 104 of the rear cover 3, the ribs or spacing parts 150 provide reinforcement to the body 7 and the lens cover 6, for example to support the body 7. ) And bending of the lens cover 6.

The body 7 also comprises at least one guide groove 5 which can be integrally formed in the body 7. 9 shows an exemplary arrangement in which the body 7 comprises four grooves 5. As an optional arrangement of the grooves, for example, more than four grooves or different grooves of different shapes, arrangements, sizes, and the like are possible.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first guide groove having the ends 5a, 5a ′ extends from the first end 116 of the body towards the second end 118 of the body. Between the first and second ends 5a, 5a ′, the first guide groove also comprises a straight section with a curved section. The second guide groove with the ends 5b and 5b 'and the third guide groove with the ends 5c and 5c' are in or adjacent to the second end 118 of the body 7. The second end 5a 'of the first guide groove is located where the first end 5b of the second guide groove starts, and the second end 5b' of the second guide groove is the first end of the third guide groove. It is located where the first end 5c starts. A fourth guide groove having ends 5d and 5d 'extends from the second end 118 of the body toward the first end 116 of the body. Between the first and second ends 5d, 5d 'of the fourth guide groove, the fourth guide groove also includes a straight portion. The second end 5c 'of the third guide groove is located where the first end 5d of the fourth guide groove starts. The second end 5d 'of the fourth guide groove is located at the intersection of the straight portion and the curved portion of the first guide groove.

In each guide groove 5, the depth varies along each guide groove from one end to the other end from the outer surface of the body 7. In an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the central portion of the first guide groove (the portion between the first and second ends 5a, 5a 'of the first guide groove) is equal to that of the second end 5a' of the first guide groove. Greater than or deeper than the depth, the depth of the first end 5b of the second guide groove is greater than or deeper than the second end 5b 'of the second guide groove, and the first end 5c of the third guide groove. Is greater than or deeper than the second end 5d 'of the third guide groove, and the depth of the first end 5d of the fourth guide groove is greater than the second end 5d' of the fourth guide groove. Or deep. In various embodiments, each groove 5 may have a bottom surface inclined upwards from its first end towards its second end. This upward inclination may help prevent the pin spring 4 from unintentionally or freely sliding along the groove 5, for example in a direction from the first end to the second end of the corresponding groove. have.

In addition, the depths of the guide grooves 5 may also vary with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 5a 'of the first guide groove is smaller or shallower than the first end 5b of the second guide groove, so that a first step between these ends 5a', 5b is provided. Form. The second end 5b 'of the second guide groove is smaller or shallower than the first end 5c of the third guide groove, forming a second step between these ends 5b', 5c. The second end 5c 'of the third guide groove is smaller or shallower than the first end 5d of the fourth guide groove, forming a third step between these ends 5c', 5d. The second end 5d 'of the fourth guide groove is smaller or shallower than the central portion of the first guide groove to form the fourth step. In the slide movement of the second end 108 of the pin spring along the guide groove 5, the steps act as a stopper to prevent the second end 108 of the pin spring from going back to the previous guide groove. In FIG. 9, the steps prevent or inhibit the movement of the second end 108 of the pin spring counterclockwise from one groove to the previous groove. By varying the depth along each guide groove along each path of each guide groove to form a step at the ends of the guide grooves, a predetermined path for the end 108 of the pin spring (arrows 128, 130, 132 of FIG. 9). 126). In operation, the steps at the ends of the grooves prevent the second end 108 of the pin spring from reversing or moving in reverse direction from one groove to the previous groove, so that the end 108 of the pin spring is guide groove ( 5) it can only move in one direction (clockwise, as shown by arrows 128, 130, 132, 126 shown in FIG. 9).

Optionally, the depth of each groove and the depth of each path may differ from the illustrated embodiment. For example, the depth of one or more guide grooves may be constant along the guide grooves such that the grooves do not include an upward slope between the first and second ends. Or, for example, the depth of each of the four guide grooves may vary along each guide groove such that each groove has a bottom surface inclined downward from the first end to the second end. This downward slope, for example, guides the pin spring 4 along each groove in a direction from the first end to the second end of the corresponding groove (indicated by arrows 128, 130, 132, 126 shown in FIG. 9). To bias or facilitate constant slides.

4 shows an exemplary spring member 4 of the apparatus 100 that may also be referred to as a pin spring in this particular embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the pin spring 4 has first and second ends 106, 108. The first end 106 is longer than the second end 108. The first end 106 is formed to be rotatably coupled to the rear cover 3. The second end 108 is formed to be slidably received in the guide groove 5 of the body 7. As described above, the second end 108 of the pin spring when opening and closing the lens cover 6 is a guide groove 5 of an exemplary predetermined path indicated by arrows 12, 130, 132, 126 (see FIG. 9). Slide along. In the exemplary embodiment, the guide groove 5 is formed such that the pin spring 4 can move in only one direction along a predetermined path within the guide groove 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle part of the pin spring 4 between the first and second ends 106, 108 is not fixedly attached to the body 7 or the guide groove 5.

1 and 5, the bias member 124 is disposed between the body 7 and a part of the rear cover 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the bias member 124 is a coil spring or a compression spring. Optional embodiments may include any number of other suitable bias members, including other compression members, tension members, resilient members, and the like.

The bias member 124 has first and second ends 112 and 114. The first end 112 of the biasing member is formed to engage with the entire cylindrical portion extending or protruding outward from the first end 116 of the body. The second end 114 of the biasing member is formed to be coupled to (eg contact with) the rear cover 3. Thus, the bias member 124 is disposed and coupled between the body 7 and the rear cover 3, so that the bias member 124 is operable to provide biasing force to the body 7.

When the body 7 slides along the support rails 104 of the second cover 3, the lens cover 6 moves between the open position (see FIG. 10) and the closed position (see FIG. 12) (or vice versa). do. In FIG. 10, the bias member 124 is shown in an initial or first arrangement and at least partially decompressed. 11 shows the bias member 124 between the body 7 and a part of the rear cover by the left-right slide movement of the body 7 from the closed position (see FIG. 10) to the first intermediate position (see FIG. 11). The second state after at least partially compressed is shown. 12 shows the bias member 124 between the body 7 and a part of the rear cover by the right-left slide movement of the body 7 from the first intermediate position (see FIG. 11) to the open position (see FIG. 12). A third state (corresponding to the open position of the device 100) is shown, which is at least partially compressed but less compressed than that shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. FIG. 13 shows the bias member 124 at least between the body 7 and a portion of the rear cover by left-right slide movement of the body 7 from an open position (see FIG. 12) to a second intermediate position (see FIG. 13). 4 shows a fourth state that is partially compressed but more compressed than that shown in FIG. 12. Accordingly, the biasing force, compressive force, elastic force, etc. provided by the biasing member 124 are at least partially determined by the moved slide distance or longitudinal displacement of the body 7.

1 and 8 show an exemplary retaining member 8. As shown, the retaining member 8 is of elongate shape with an angled portion. The retaining member 8 may be formed by any suitable material such as, for example, elastic plastic or metal material, combinations thereof, within the scope of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the retaining member 8 is a spring plate or an elastic plate. The holding member 8 includes at least one opening 120 (eg, a hole, a through hole, a slot, etc.) for coupling the holding member 8 to the first cover 2 (or front cover). In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 136 of the retaining member is formed (eg, size, shape, arrangement, etc.) to engage the pin or protrusion 138 of the first cover 2 (see FIG. 2). Two holes 120 (shown in FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the first end 134 of the retaining member 8 is bent downward toward the pin spring 4 to contact at least a portion of the pin spring 4 during operation. Then, when the body 7 slides back and forth along the support rails 104, the retaining member 8 is fixedly held, and when the body 7 slides, the first end 134 of the retaining member relative to the moving body 7 is held. ) Relative position will also change. This relative movement and displacement of the retaining member 8 with the first end 134 bent downward towards the pin spring 4 is such that the second end 108 of the pin spring is guide groove 5 of the body 7. Help to prevent or prevent departures or removals from

An operation example of the apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. As described above, the device 100 may be configured to slidably move the lens cover 6 formed in a terminal (eg, a mobile phone, etc.) having a built-in camera between a closed position and an open position. The device 100 is initially in a closed position (see FIG. 10) and can be moved to a first intermediate position (see FIG. 11) when the user shakes the terminal (or otherwise applies a force to the terminal). When the user shakes the terminal, the body 7 slides along the rail 104 to compress the bias member 124, and the pin springs from the first end 5a to the second end 5a 'of the first guide groove. Causes relative slide movement of the second end 108. Slide movement of the body 7 in the left-right direction (indicated by arrow 138 in FIG. 11) compresses the biasing member 124. Due to the force provided by the at least partially compressed biasing member 124, the second end 108 of the pin spring 4 is separated from the second end 5a ′ of the first guide groove by the first end of the second guide groove. Of the third guide groove shown in FIG. 12, moving to the end 5b and then to the second end 5b 'of the second guide groove, and in which the device 100 and the lens cover 6 are in the open position. Move to the first end 5c.

When the device 100 moves from the first intermediate position (see FIG. 11) to the open position (see FIG. 12), the biasing force of the biasing member 124 and the relative movement of the second end 108 of the pin spring in the groove is The body 7 is slidably moved in the right-left direction from the first intermediate position shown in FIG. 11 to the open position shown in FIG. When the device 100 moves between the open position (see FIG. 12) and the second intermediate position (see FIG. 13), the body 7 slides in the left-right direction. When the body 7 slides in the right-left direction and the biasing member 124 returns to the initial or first arrangement and initial state at least partially decompressed, the device 100 is in a second intermediate position (see FIG. 13). ) And the closed position (see Fig. 10). When the bias member 124 is in the initial first configuration, the bias member 124 may be relaxed or at rest. In this state, the biasing member 124 still tries to resist any slide movement of the body 7 relative to the second cover 3 (eg, any movement of the device to open the lens cover, etc.). The device 100 thus operates to help maintain the lens cover in the closed position.

To open the lens cover 6, the user can shake the terminal to move the device 100 from the closed position (see FIG. 10) to the first intermediate position (see FIG. 11) and to the open position (FIG. 12). . In the first intermediate position, at least part of the opening 3a of the rear cover 3 may not be exposed or covered by the lens cover 6. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 3a of the rear cover 3 is not completely exposed and covered by the lens cover 6 when the device 100 is in the first intermediate position. Also in the first intermediate position, most of the pin springs 4 do not lie on the body 7.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pin spring 4 can move in only one direction along a predetermined path such that the pin spring 4 at the first intermediate position has a second end 5a 'of the first guide groove. You cannot back or go back. Thus, the device 100 cannot move from the first intermediate position to the closed position without first moving to the open position. As an alternative embodiment, the predetermined path can be changed, for example by causing the pin spring 4 to move along a multi-directional path, thereby allowing the device 100 to not move from the first intermediate position to the open position first. Can be returned to the closed position.

From the first intermediate position to the open position, the second end 108 of the pin spring slides or moves in the direction indicated by arrow 130 in FIG. 9 in the guide groove. The second end 108 of the pin spring is from the first end 5b of the second guide groove to the second end 5b 'of the second guide groove and from the second end 5b' of the second guide groove. Move to the first end 5c of the third guide groove. In the open position, most of the pin spring 4 does not rest on the body 7.

Between the first intermediate position and the open position, the body 7 moves slightly in the right-left direction towards the first end of the pin spring 4. In the open position, the bias member 124 is at least partially compressed but less than the compressed state of the bias member 124 in the first intermediate position (see FIG. 11). When the device 100 is in the open position, the biasing member 124 still has any slide movement of the body 7 relative to the second cover 3 (eg, any of the devices to close the lens cover 6). Resistance to movement). Thus, the device 100 can be operated to help maintain the lens cover 6 in the open position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pin spring 4 can move in only one direction along a predetermined path such that in the open position the pin spring 4 backs towards the second end 5b 'of the second guide groove or Can't go back Thus, the device 100 cannot move from the open position to the closed position without first moving to the second intermediate position. As an alternative embodiment, the predetermined path can be changed, for example by causing the pin spring 4 to move along a multi-directional path, whereby the device 100 is closed from the open position without first passing through the second intermediate position. Can be moved to a location.

To close the lens cover 6, the user can shake the terminal to move the device 100 from the open position (see FIG. 12) to the second intermediate position (see FIG. 13) and to the closed position (see FIG. 10). have. In the second intermediate position, at least part of the opening 3a of the rear cover 3 can be exposed. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, the opening 3a of the rear cover 3 is fully exposed when the device 100 is in the second intermediate position. Also in the second intermediate position, most of the pin spring 4 does not rest on the body 7.

From the open position to the second intermediate position, the second end 108 of the pin spring slides or moves in the guide groove in the direction indicated by arrow 132 in FIG. 9. The second end 108 of the pin spring moves from the first end 5c of the third guide groove to the second end 5c 'of the third guide groove and to the first end 5d of the fourth guide groove. do.

Between the open position and the second intermediate position, the body 7 moves (eg slides) in the left-right direction (indicated by the arrow 138 in FIG. 11) away from the first end 106 of the pin spring 4. do. In the second intermediate position, the bias member 124 is at least partially compressed. In this exemplary embodiment, the degree of compression of the bias member 124 is similar to the first and second intermediate positions (see FIGS. 11 and 13). In the second intermediate position, the biasing member 124 attempts to press the slide movement of the body 7 relative to the second cover 3 (eg, the movement of the device to close the lens cover, etc.).

When the user shakes the terminal to close the lens cover 6, the body 7 slides along the rail 104, compresses the biasing member 124, from the first end 5c of the third guide groove. It causes relative slide movement of the second end 108 of the pin spring to the second end 5c '. Due to the force provided by the at least partially compressed biasing member 124, the second end 108 of the pin spring 4 is separated from the second end 5c 'of the third guide groove by the first guide of the fourth guide groove. The first shown in FIG. 10, moving to the end 5d, and then to the second end 5d ′ of the fourth guide groove, and finally the device 100 and the lens cover 6 are in the closed position. Move to the part of the guide groove.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pin spring 4 can only move in one direction along a predetermined path, so that at the second intermediate position the pin spring 4 backs towards the second end 5c 'of the third guide groove. Cannot go back. Thus, the device 100 cannot move to the open position without first moving from the second intermediate position to the closed position. As an alternative embodiment, the predetermined path is such that, for example, the pin spring 4 moves the device 100 from the second intermediate position without first through the closed position or first into the open position without closing the lens cover 6. It can be changed.

The components of the device disclosed herein may be formed (eg, size, shape, structure, etc.) as desired based on the structure and operation of the terminal and the built-in camera in which the device may be installed. In addition, the number of bias members, guide grooves, springs, etc. included in the device may be determined based on the size of the terminal, the slide distance or the stroke between the open and closed positions of the lens cover.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment, although not specifically shown or described, are not limited to that particular embodiment and, where applicable, are compatible and may be used in the selected embodiment. They can also be modified in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus, a front cover, and a rear cover for opening and closing a lens cover that may be used in a portable communication terminal having a built-in camera according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an interior view of the front cover of FIG. 1 and shows a camera module coupled to the front cover.

3 is an interior view of the rear cover of FIG. 1 and shows an opening of the rear cover to align with the lens of the camera module.

4 is a perspective view of the pin spring of the device of FIG. 1.

5 is a perspective view of a biasing member of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

6 is a perspective view of the lens cover shown in FIG. 1.

7 is a perspective view of a moving body of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

8 is a perspective view of a holding member of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a partial view of the mobile body shown in FIG. 7 and illustrates an exemplary manner in which guide grooves are formed in the mobile body.

FIG. 10 is another view of the device shown in FIG. 1, in a first, at least partially decompressed, relaxed state, such as when the device is in a closed position where the lens cover covers the opening of the rear cover; The biasing member and the pin spring in the first position are shown.

FIG. 11 is another view of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, with the second, at least partially, as in the opening of the lens cover when the device is in the first intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; The bias member in the compressed state and the pin spring in the second position are shown.

12 is another view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, in which a third, at least partially compressed, opening, such as when the opening of the rear cover is in an open position not covered by the lens cover; The bias member in the state and the pin spring in the third position are shown.

FIG. 13 is another view of the device shown in FIGS. 1, 10, 11 and 12, as in the closing of the lens cover when the device and the lens cover are in a second intermediate position between the open and closed positions; 4, the bias member in the at least partially compressed state and the pin spring in the fourth position.

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

2: Front cover

3: Rear cover

4: pin spring

5: guide groove

6: lens cover

7: body

8: holding member

100: lens cover opening and closing device

Claims (28)

At least one support rail, A body formed to slide along the at least one support rail and including at least one guide groove; A pin spring comprising a first end rotatably engaged in the opening and a second end slidably received in the at least one guide groove; A lens cover coupled to the body to be slidable with the body along the at least one support rail between a closed position and an open position; A bias member coupled to the body, The bias member is operable to bias the slide movement of the body in at least one direction along the at least one support rail. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 1, Rocking the device is configured to slide the body along the at least one support rail in a direction away from the closed position Camera lens switch. The method of claim 1, Shaking the device is configured to slide the body along the at least one support rail to move the lens cover from one of the closed position and the open position to the other of the closed position and the open position. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 1, The body includes at least one first, second, third and fourth guide grooves Camera lens switch. The method of claim 4, wherein From the closed position to the open position, the second end of the pin spring slides along the first guide groove and then back to the second guide groove along the second guide groove and into the third guide groove. , From the open position to the closed position, the second end of the pin spring follows the third guide groove and then returns to the fourth guide groove and slides along the fourth guide groove and into the first guide groove. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 4, wherein From the closed position to the first intermediate position, the second end of the pin spring slides along the first guide groove to the second guide groove, From the first intermediate position to the open position, the second end of the pin spring slides along the second guide groove to the third guide groove, From the open position to the second intermediate position, the second end of the pin spring slides along the third guide groove to the fourth guide groove, From the second intermediate position to the closed position, the second end of the pin spring slides along the fourth guide groove to the first guide groove. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 6, Rocking the device in the closed position is configured to slide the body along the at least one support rail in a direction from the closed position past the open position toward the first intermediate position, The slide movement of the body at least partially compresses the bias member and causes relative slide movement of the second end of the pin spring along the first guide groove, The force provided by the at least partially compressed biasing member moves the second end of the pin spring from the first guide groove to the second guide groove and along the second guide groove and into the third guide groove. , The force provided by the relative slide movement of the bias member and the second end of the pin spring cooperates to slide the body back along the at least one support rail toward the closed position and back to the open position, Rocking the device in the open position is configured to slide the body along the at least one support rail in a direction from the closed position past the open position towards the second intermediate position, The slide movement of the body at least partially compresses the bias member and causes relative slide movement of the second end of the pin spring, The force provided by the at least partially compressed biasing member moves the second end of the pin spring from the third guide groove to the fourth guide groove and along the fourth guide groove and into the first guide groove. , The force provided by the relative slide movement of the bias member and the second end of the pin spring cooperates to slide the body back to the closed position along the at least one support rail. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 4, wherein The first guide groove includes the first and second ends, The second guide groove includes first and second ends, the first end of the second guide groove being adjacent to the second end of the first guide groove and the second end of the second guide groove. Even deeper, a first step is formed that is operable to prevent the second end of the pin spring from sliding back from the second guide groove to the first guide groove, The third guide groove includes first and second ends, the first end of the third guide groove being adjacent to the second end of the second guide groove and the second end of the second guide groove. Deeper, a second step is formed that is operable to prevent the second end of the pin spring from sliding back from the third guide groove to the second guide groove, The fourth guide groove includes first and second ends, the first end of the fourth guide groove being adjacent to the second end of the third guide groove and the second end of the third guide groove. Deeper, a third step is formed that is operable to prevent the second end of the pin spring from sliding back from the fourth guide groove to the third guide groove, The first end of the first guide groove is adjacent to the second end of the fourth guide groove and deeper than the second end of the fourth guide groove so that the second end of the pin spring is the first end. A fourth step is operable to prevent sliding back from the guide groove to the fourth guide groove Camera lens switch. The method of claim 4, wherein A first step is formed between the first and the second guide grooves, A second step is formed between the second and the third guide grooves, A third step is formed between the third and the fourth guide grooves, A fourth step is formed between the fourth and the first guide grooves Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, At least one of the guide grooves includes a depth that varies along the length of the corresponding guide groove Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, At least one of the guide grooves includes a first and a second end and has a bottom surface inclined upwardly from the first end toward the second end. Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, The guide grooves are formed such that the second end of the pin spring is slidable along the grooves in a predetermined path between the closed position and the open position. Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, Each of the guide grooves includes first and second ends and a bottom surface inclined upwardly from the first end toward the second end. Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, And a holding member formed to prevent the second end of the pin spring from being separated from the at least one guide groove. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 14, The holding member includes an elastic plate Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The biasing member biases the slide movement of the body in the direction toward the closed position along the at least one support rail, and the slide movement of the body in the direction toward the open position along the at least one support rail. Operable to resist Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The device is movable from the closed position to the first intermediate position, from the first intermediate position to the open position, from the open position to the second intermediate position, and from the second intermediate position to the closed position, From the closed position to the first intermediate position, the body slides along the at least one rail in a direction away from the closed position to at least partially compress the bias member, From the first intermediate position to the open position, the body slides along the at least one rail in a direction toward the closed position such that the bias member is at least partially compressed but less than the first intermediate position, From the open position to the second intermediate position, the body slides along the at least one support rail in a direction away from the closed position such that the bias member is at least partially compressed larger than the open position, From the second intermediate position to the closed position, the body slides along the at least one support rail in a direction toward the closed position such that the bias member is at least partially decompressed. Camera lens switch. The method of claim 17, The bias member is in at least partially identical compressed state at the first and second intermediate positions. Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The bias member includes at least one compression spring, The at least one compression spring is at least partially compressed by the body sliding away from the closed position along the at least one support rail, The at least one compression spring is at least partially decompressed when the body is moved towards the closed position along the at least one support rail. Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The bias member includes a coil spring Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The pin spring comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends, The first end extending outwardly from the middle portion a greater distance than the second end extending outwardly from the middle portion Camera lens switch. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Further includes a cover, The cover, Openings, The at least one support rail, And a hole into which the first end of the pin spring is inserted to rotatably couple the first end of the pin spring to the cover, The bias member is disposed between the body and a portion of the cover, The lens cover covers the opening of the cover in the closed position, The lens cover does not cover the opening of the cover in the open position. Camera lens switch. Camera with lens, A rear cover including an opening and at least one support rail, A front cover coupled to the rear cover such that the camera is disposed between the front cover and the rear cover with the lens aligned with the opening of the rear cover; A device comprising any one of claims 1 to 9, The lens cover covers the opening of the rear cover in the closed position, The lens cover does not cover the opening of the rear cover such that the camera is exposed through the opening of the rear cover in the open position. Mobile terminal. 24. The method of claim 23, The rear cover includes a hole in which the first end of the pin spring is inserted to rotatably couple the first end of the pin spring to the rear cover, The bias member is disposed between the body and a portion of the rear cover. Mobile terminal. 24. The method of claim 23, And a retaining member coupled to the front cover and including an end bent toward the pin spring. The retaining member is operable to prevent the second end of the pin spring from deviating from the at least one guide groove. Mobile terminal. A lens cover is slidably moved between a closed position covering the opening with respect to the camera lens and the opening of the mobile terminal and an open position in which the lens cover does not cover the opening so that the camera lens is exposed through the opening. Shaking the mobile terminal; In response to the shaking, the body coupled to the lens cover is slidably moved along at least one support rail in the portable terminal from one of the closed and open positions to the other of the closed and open positions. Way. The method of claim 26, In response to shaking the portable terminal when the lens cover is in the closed position, the body slides along the at least one support rail from the closed position to the first intermediate position beyond the open position. , Said slide movement of said body at least partially compresses a biasing member and causes relative slide movement of an end of a pin spring along a first guide groove of said body, Force provided by the at least partially compressed biasing member forces the end of the pin spring from the first guide groove to the second guide groove of the body and along the second guide groove to the third guide groove of the body. Move it, The lens cover causes the force provided by the relative slide movement of the bias member and the end of the pin spring to expose the body along the at least one support rail toward the closed position and the camera lens through the opening. Sliding in cooperation with the open position not covering the opening Way. The method of claim 26 or 27, In response to shaking the portable terminal when the lens cover is in the open position, the body slides along the at least one support rail in a direction from the closed position beyond the open position toward the second intermediate position, The slide movement of the body at least partially compresses the bias member and causes relative slide movement of the end of the pin spring along the third guide groove, A force provided by the at least partially compressed biasing member moves the end of the pin spring from the third guide groove to the fourth guide groove and along the fourth guide groove to the first guide groove, Forces provided by the relative slide movement of the bias member and the ends of the pin springs cause the body to cooperatively slide the body along the at least one support rail to the closed position where the lens cover covers the opening. Way.

Images