WO2006080184A1

WO2006080184A1 - Imaging device and portable terminal with the imaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2006080184A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/300125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroaki Kagaya
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-01-25
Filing date: 2006-01-10
Publication date: 2006-08-03
Also published as: JPWO2006080184A1; KR20070104558A

Abstract

An imaging device suitable to be built-in in a thinner portable terminal and capable of macro-imaging. An imaging device has an imaging element for photoelectrically converting object’s light; an imaging optical system for guiding the object’s light to the imaging element; a first lens frame for holding the imaging optical system; a second lens frame coupled to the first lens frame such that the relationship of relative position, in the optical axis direction, between the second lens frame and the first lens frame is changeable; a rotation member for changing by its rotation the position in the optical axis direction of the second lens frame; and an urging member for urging the second lens frame in the direction in which the second lens frame is in contact with the rotation member. The urging member is provided at a position on a peripheral surface of the second lens frame, on the side closer to the imaging element than that surface of the imaging optical system which is closest to the object.

Description

Specification

Imaging device and portable terminal equipped with the imaging device

Technical field

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus that can be taken in a small and thin macro-portrait built in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone.

Background art

[0002] Smaller and thinner imaging devices than ever have been installed in portable terminals, which are small and thin electronic devices such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Not only audio information but also image information can be transmitted mutually.

[0003] As an image pickup device used in these image pickup devices, a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor is used! The

[0004] In recent years, these imaging devices aim to enhance functions and not only perform pan-focus photography using a deep depth of field by fixing the imaging optical system, but also move the imaging optical system to perform macro-mouth photography. What has become possible has also become commercially available.

[0005] As an imaging apparatus that enables macro photography, an annular cam member having convex portions on the fixed lens barrel and the lens barrel and cam portions on both ends that engage with both convex portions is provided. An imaging device in which a lens barrel is biased by a biasing member is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: JP-A-10-170809

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] In recent years, mobile terminals with built-in imaging devices have also been extremely thinned, and there is a demand for further slimming down as imaging devices incorporated therein.

[0007] In the imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 above, the compression coil panel that urges the lens barrel is disposed in front of the lens barrel together with the pressing bar, and in such a configuration, the imaging apparatus The total length in the direction of the optical axis becomes long, and is unsuitable for incorporation in a portable terminal. Further In addition, the holding of the compression coil panel that urges the lens barrel is not stable, and the compression coil panel is sandwiched between the lens barrel tip and the pressing bar, or the photographing light beam is blocked.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to obtain an imaging apparatus capable of macro photography that is stable in holding a compression coil panel and is suitable for being incorporated in a thinner mobile terminal.

Means for solving the problem

[0009] The above object is achieved by the following configurations.

The imaging device of the present invention includes an imaging element that photoelectrically converts subject light, an imaging optical system that guides object light to the imaging element, a first lens frame that holds the imaging optical system, and the first A second lens frame coupled to the lens frame so that the relative positional relationship in the optical axis direction can be changed, and a rotating member that changes the position of the second lens frame in the optical axis direction by rotating. And an urging member that urges the second lens frame in a direction in contact with the rotating member, and the urging member is a peripheral surface of the second lens frame and the imaging optical system. It is characterized by being arranged closer to the image sensor than the surface closest to the subject.

The invention's effect

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an imaging apparatus that is thin but also capable of macro photography.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an external view of a mobile phone as an example of a mobile terminal provided with an imaging device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. ₄ is a schematic view showing a relationship between a rectilinear guide portion formed on a base member and a key portion formed on a second lens frame.

Explanation of symbols

[0012] 1 1st lens 2 Second lens

6 First lens frame

7 Second frame

8 Image sensor

10 Base member

11 Rotating member

13 Compression coil panel (biasing member)

14 Infrared filter

20 Lens unit

100 imaging device

τ Mobile phone

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a mobile phone T which is an example of a mobile terminal provided with the imaging device according to the present embodiment.

[0015] In the mobile phone T shown in the figure, an upper casing 71 as a case having a display screen D and a lower casing 72 having an operation button P are connected via a hinge 73. . The imaging device S is built under the display screen D in the upper casing 71 and is arranged so as to capture object light from the outer surface side of the upper casing 71. A manual operation member 75 is arranged below the display screen D in the upper casing 71.

Note that the position of the imaging device S may be arranged above the display screen D in the upper casing 71. Further, the mobile phone is not limited to a folding type.

Hereinafter, the imaging device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. This imaging device 100 is built in the position of the imaging device S shown in FIG. In the following drawings, the same functional parts are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplication of explanation. In FIG. 2, the inside of the imaging device 100 is composed of a first lens 1, a second lens 2, an aperture 4 and a spacer 5 disposed between the first lens 1 and the second lens 2. An imaging optical system, a first lens frame 6 that holds the imaging optical system, and a second lens frame 7 that holds the first lens frame 6 by screwing with the first lens frame 6 with screws. -It is physically assembled. O is the optical axis of the imaging optical system. A state in which the above-described member is assembled to the second lens frame 7 is referred to as a lens unit 20.

[0020] Since the first lens frame 6 and the second lens frame 7 are coupled by screwing with a screw, the first lens frame 6 is rotated with respect to the second lens frame 7, The relative positional relationship in the optical axis direction with the second lens frame can be changed.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, 8 is an image sensor, and the image sensor 8 is mounted on a printed circuit board 9. The printed circuit board 9 is a flexible printed circuit board 15 for connecting to another substrate of the mobile terminal. Is connected. A base member 10 is assembled on the printed circuit board 9 and bonded with an adhesive B. The base member 10 holds an infrared light cut filter 14 between the imaging element 8 and the imaging optical system. By disposing at this position, the overall length of the imaging optical system can be shortened.

[0022] The base member 10 is formed with a cylindrical portion 10η, and a rotating member 11 is incorporated on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 10η. The rotating member 11 is formed with an operating portion l is, and further, cam surfaces 11c are formed at three locations at approximately 120 ° intervals. The operation unit l is mechanically interlocked with the manual operation unit 75 of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

[0023] Further, in the cylindrical portion 10η of the base member 10, straight-running guide portions 10k formed in a notch shape are formed at four locations at approximately 90 ° intervals (see FIG. 3). The linear guide portion 10k is fitted with a key portion 7k formed on the second lens frame 7 (see FIG. 2).

In the second lens frame 7 of the lens unit 20, projections 7t that contact the cam surface 11c at approximately 120 ° intervals are formed at positions corresponding to the cam surface 11c of the rotating member 11 ( (See Figure 3). Further, between the second lens frame 7 and the outer frame member 12 of the lens unit 20, a compression coil spring 13, which is an urging member, extends in a direction in which the second lens frame 7 contacts the rotating member 11. It is arranged to be energized. The outer frame member 12 is fixed by press-fitting or bonding with holes 12h formed at four locations and bosses 10b formed at four locations of the base member 10. Accordingly, when the rotating member 11 is rotated, the cam surface 11c is rotated, and the lens unit 20 that is in contact with the protruding portion 7t is guided by the fitting of the key portion 7k and the rectilinear guide portion 10k. The optical axis can be moved in the O direction.

[0026] The imaging device 100 uses the screw portion with respect to the second lens frame 7 in a state in which the lower surface of the cam surface 11c of the rotating member 11 and the projection 7t of the second lens frame 7 are in contact with each other. Then, the first lens frame 6 is rotated and, for example, after adjusting the focus at an infinite or hyperfocal position, the first lens frame 6 and the second lens frame 7 are fixed by the adhesive B. In this state, the rotating member 11 is rotated so that the cam surface 11c is lowered, the surface force is inclined, and the height of the cam surface 1lc is brought into contact with the projection 7t of the second lens frame 7. In this way, the lens unit can be moved toward the subject to enable macro photography.

A compression coil panel 13 that is an urging member of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 is a surface around the second lens frame 7 and the most object side surface of the imaging optical system, that is, the first lens 1. It is arranged on the imaging element 8 side from the first surface. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain an imaging apparatus 100 that can be embedded in a thinner mobile terminal and that is capable of macro photography while being thin.

[0028] Further, the receiving portion 12t for receiving the compression coil panel of the outer frame member 12 is formed in a concave portion as shown in the drawing. By forming the receiving portion 12t in the concave portion in this way, when the outer frame member 12 is assembled with the compression coil panel 13 in between, the compression coil panel 13 is held in the concave portion. And a stable state can be achieved. Furthermore, by forming the receiving portion of the second lens frame, which is the other receiving member of the compression coil panel 13, in the recess as shown in the drawing, the assembled state of the compression coil panel 13 can be made more stable. .

In the following, referring to FIG. 4, a description will be given of customer correspondence in which the components of the imaging device 100 of the present embodiment are used as they are and the operating position of the operation unit lis is changed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the rectilinear guide portion 10k formed on the base member 10 and the key portion 7k formed on the second lens frame 7. This figure is a schematic view illustrating a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis O including the straight guide part 10k.

[0031] As shown in the figure, in the cylindrical portion 10η formed in the base member 10, rectilinear guide portions 10k are formed at approximately 90 ° intervals. In the figure, the key part 7k of the second lens frame 7 is shown on the right side of the figure. It is fitted to the linear guide part 10k located at 7t is a protrusion formed on the second lens frame 7, and is in contact with the cam surface 11c of the rotating member 11 (not shown). Further, it is assumed that the operation unit l is of the rotating member 11 rotates in the region A shown in FIG.

For example, it is assumed that there is a customer who wants to place the operation unit l is in the area B in the figure. For this customer, the rotating member 11 and the second lens frame 7 are rotated 90 ° in the clockwise direction while maintaining the circumferential phase of the rotating member 11 and the second lens frame 7 as they are. Then, assemble the key part 7k by fitting it into the straight guide part 10k on the lower side of the figure. Even if this is done, the relationship between the respective parts does not change! Therefore, the macro imaging apparatus with the position of only the operation unit 1 Is changed can be obtained.

[0033] Similarly, when it is desired to place the operation unit l is in the region C in the figure, the rotating member 11 and the second lens frame 7 are kept in the circumferential direction while the rotating member 11 and The second lens frame 7 is rotated by 180 °, and the key portion 7k is fitted into the straight advance guide portion 10k on the left side of the same figure.

[0034] Similarly, when it is desired to place the operation unit l is in the region D in the figure, the rotation member 11 and the second lens frame 7 are kept in the circumferential direction while maintaining the rotation member 11 and The second lens frame 7 can be assembled by turning 90 ° counterclockwise and fitting the key portion 7k to the straight guide portion 10k on the upper side of the figure.

[0035] In this manner, by forming the rectilinear guide portions at a plurality of locations and allowing the second lens frame to be assembled at a plurality of positions with respect to the base member, no new parts can be manufactured. It is possible to easily obtain an imaging device with a different position of the operation unit, and to obtain an imaging device capable of performing macro photography that can respond to customer demands without increasing costs.

[0036] In addition, by forming the straight guide portions at 90 ° intervals, the positional relationship of the operation unit with respect to the imaging device can be arranged in four directions around the imaging device, which is almost sufficient for customer demand. An imaging device that can be used can be obtained.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the example in which the rectilinear guide portions are formed at four locations at intervals of 90 °. However, the guide portions may be formed at intervals of 180 °, 72 °, 60 °, etc. Of course, the straight guide portion may not be disposed on the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of portions may be formed in a part of the cylindrical portion.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus that manually rotates the cam member to move the lens unit has been described as an example. However, an actuator that rotates the cam member is used. It may be configured to move the lens unit to an optimal position based on the result of the so-called imaging surface AF. Furthermore, the optical axis of the lens unit can be stopped by stopping on the inclined surface of the cam member. Of course, it is possible to configure the direction stop position to be set at three or more locations.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An imaging device that photoelectrically converts subject light, an imaging optical system that guides subject light to the imaging device, a first lens frame that holds the imaging optical system, and an optical axis of the first lens frame A second lens frame coupled so that the relative positional relationship of the directions can be changed, a rotating member that changes the position of the second lens frame in the optical axis direction by rotating, and the second lens frame And an urging member that urges the urging member in a direction in contact with the rotating member, and the urging member captures an image from a peripheral surface of the second lens frame and a surface closest to the subject of the imaging optical system. An imaging device characterized by being arranged on the element side.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the urging member is a compression coil panel, and at least one receiving portion of the receiving portion that receives the compression coil panel is formed in a concave portion.

[3] The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes an infrared light cut filter, and the infrared light cut filter is disposed between the imaging optical system and the imaging device. Is the imaging device according to item 2.

[4] A base member on which a key portion formed on the second lens frame is fitted and a rectilinear guide portion is formed to guide the second lens frame linearly in the optical axis direction. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein guide parts are formed at a plurality of locations, and the second lens frame can be assembled to the base member at a plurality of positions.

[5] The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the rectilinear guide portions are formed at intervals of 90 °.

[6] A portable terminal comprising the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.