WO2002067036A1

WO2002067036A1 - Mobile information terminal device and camera unit

Info

Publication number: WO2002067036A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/001344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Haruki Ohe; Norifumi Nakagawa; Kiyosi Toma; Tomio Kurosu
Original assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
Priority date: 2001-02-19
Filing date: 2002-02-18
Publication date: 2002-08-29
Also published as: CN1457445A; JPWO2002067036A1

Abstract

A mobile information terminal device comprises a monitor (11) for displaying information, a body (10) having the monitor (11) for defining the entire contour, and an optical unit (30) arranged in the body (10) and including a CCD (24) for imaging an object, a plurality of lenses (32, 34) arranged along the optical axis for varying the magnification of the object with respect to the CCD (24), and a drive mechanism (37) for driving and moving the lenses relatively to each other to change the magnification. As a result, it is possible to image the object over a wide range from a telephotography to a wide angle and to transmit/receive the image information through a communication system.

Description

Akira Itoda Personal digital assistants and camera units Technical field

The present invention relates to a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a portable personal computer provided with an optical unit capable of photographing an operator or a surrounding scenery (hereinafter referred to as a mobile phone or a portable personal computer). And a camera unit detachable from the portable information terminal. Background art

In recent years, wireless communication systems such as wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) have been developed, and with this communication environment, mobile phones capable of transmitting and receiving image signals have increased as the data transfer speed has improved. Alternatively, portable information terminals (PDAs, etc.) such as portable personal computers have been developed. Further, as a camera unit used for transmitting an image signal, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-25025, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-25031 As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, a camera unit (a so-called mobile camera) having a retrofit or fixed type single focus optical unit is known.

In such a conventional camera unit, a fixed-type camera unit is always provided at a predetermined position and fixed, which is an obstacle to miniaturization. There were inconveniences such as being unable to do so.

In addition, a single-focus optical unit always has a fixed angle of view, If the angle of view is difficult to set and the shooting range is changed, it is necessary to adjust the distance between the subject and the optical unit (lens) by changing the position of the portable information terminal or the position of the subject. It was inconvenient.

Furthermore, even when no image was taken, the optical unit was always exposed, so there was a problem in that fingerprints, dust, etc. adhered to the lens surface.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a purpose thereof is to achieve wide-angle and telephoto shooting without changing the shooting distance while reducing the size and simplification of the apparatus. In addition, a portable information terminal and a portable information terminal equipped with an optical unit that can be set to a state in which photographing can be performed with a simple operation and that can prevent dust and the like from adhering to the optical unit when photographing is not performed. It is to provide a detachable camera unit. Disclosure of the invention

A portable information terminal according to the present invention includes: a display capable of displaying information; a main body provided with a display and defining an outline; an image sensor for photographing a subject; and a magnification of the subject with respect to the image sensor. An optical unit including a plurality of lenses arranged in the optical axis direction and a drive mechanism for relatively moving the plurality of lenses to perform variable magnification. According to this configuration, since the optical unit is an optical system capable of zooming, the angle of view can be adjusted, and a wide range of photographing from telephoto to wide-angle is possible.

In the above configuration, the optical unit may be formed so as to protrude out of the main body when photographing and immerse in the main body when not photographing, or perform a magnification operation inside the main body when photographing. It may be formed as follows. According to this, in the former case, the moving range by the zooming operation can be set freely, and in the latter case, the optical unit projects outside. Collisions can be prevented.

In the above configuration, the drive mechanism may be configured to move the plurality of lenses from the rest position through the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the wide-angle end. According to this, continuous photographing can be performed in the range from telephoto photographing to wide-angle photographing by the zooming operation of the optical unit.

In the above configuration, when the plurality of lenses are positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end, the drive mechanism may be configured to operate a switch for turning on / off power supply to the image sensor. According to this, it is possible to take a picture with the image sensor in conjunction with the variable power drive by the drive mechanism, and it is possible to take a picture immediately.

In the above configuration, the drive mechanism may have an operation unit for manually performing variable power driving. According to this, the size reduction, the simplification of the structure, the cost reduction, and the like can be performed by manually changing the zooming operation of the optical unit.

In the above configuration, the main body may have a telescopic antenna, and the driving mechanism may have a link mechanism for performing a variable-power driving in conjunction with the telescopic operation of the antenna. According to this, it is possible to cause the optical unit to perform the scaling operation and the return operation to the rest position only by the expansion and contraction operation of the antenna. In the above configuration, the main body includes a flipper provided to open and close to cover at least a part of the surface, and the driving mechanism includes an interlocking mechanism for performing a variable power driving in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the flipper. May be. According to this, it is possible to cause the optical unit to perform the zooming operation and the return operation to the rest position only by opening and closing the flipper.

Here, the interlocking mechanism may be configured to include a connecting member connected to a part of the driving mechanism and an interlocking panel for applying an urging force for interlocking the operation of the flipper with the connecting member. In addition, the drive mechanism moves multiple lenses from the rest position to telephoto. It is configured to move to the wide-angle end shooting position through the side end shooting position, and the interlocking mechanism allows multiple lenses to be linked to the telephoto end when the flipper opens. At this point, a configuration may be adopted in which a regulating member is provided to overcome the urging force of the interlocking panel and restrict the movement of the interlocking member. Further, the regulating member may be configured such that the regulating position for regulating the movement of the connecting member can be adjusted in a range from the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the wide-angle end. The regulating member may have a configuration that includes a cam portion that performs a cam action on the connecting member and an operating portion that is manually and reciprocally operated. The flipper may be formed so as to cover the optical unit in the closed state.

In the above configuration, the drive mechanism may have a configuration including an electric actuator for electrically varying the magnification and a switch for turning on / off the electric actuator. According to this, it is possible to cause the optical unit to perform the zooming operation and the return operation to the rest position only by the ON / OFF operation of the switch.

Here, the main body may have a telescopic antenna, and the switch may be switched in accordance with the telescopic operation of the antenna. Further, the main body may have a flipper which is provided to be openable and closable so as to cover at least a part of the surface, and the switch may be configured to be switched in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the flipper.

In the above configuration, there is provided a camera unit that includes an imaging element and an optical unit and is rotatably connected to the main body, and the optical unit performs a zooming operation inside the camera unit during shooting. A configuration configured to do so may be used. According to this, since the optical unit does not protrude outside the camera unit, it is possible to prevent a collision or the like, and it is possible to arbitrarily select a photographing direction by rotating the optical unit. Also, this optical unit projects outside the power unit when taking a picture, and immerses inside the camera unit when not taking a picture. The camera unit may be configured so as to be rotatably connected to the main body so as to conceal the optical unit in a state where the optical unit is immersed. According to this, since the optical unit is concealed during non-photographing, it is possible to prevent dust or the like from adhering to the surface of the optical unit, or prevent damage.

In the above configuration, the main body may include a shielding member capable of shielding the front surface of the optical unit, and an interlocking mechanism that performs the shielding operation and the exposure operation on the shielding member in conjunction with the operation of the driving mechanism. According to this, the optical unit is protected during non-photographing, and at the time of photographing, since the interlocking mechanism is linked to the drive mechanism, the timing of performing the exposure operation by the retreat of the shielding member is not shifted so that the functional reliability is secured. Here, the driving mechanism has an operation unit for manually performing variable-magnification driving, and the shielding member is formed so as to perform the shielding operation and the exposure operation and to interlock with the operation of the operation unit. May be. The driving mechanism is configured to move the plurality of lenses from the rest position to the shooting position at the wide-angle end through the shooting position at the telephoto end, and the interlocking mechanism moves the plurality of lenses from the rest position. A configuration in which the shielding members are linked so that the front surface of the optical unit is exposed before the zooming operation is started and the front surface of the optical unit is shielded after a plurality of lenses enter the rest position. May be. Further, the shielding member is a shielding plate supported so as to be swingable about a predetermined axis, and the interlocking mechanism is a swing arm that swings about the predetermined axis in conjunction with the operation of the driving mechanism; An interlocking panel that applies an urging force in the direction that exposes the front of the optical unit while interlocking the operation with the shielding plate, and moves the shielding plate with the swing arm at a predetermined timing during the shielding operation. And a restraining mechanism for restraining the device.

A camera unit according to the present invention includes an image sensor for photographing a subject, a plurality of lenses arranged in an optical axis direction, and a plurality of lenses arranged in the optical axis direction in order to make the magnification of the subject variable relative to the image device. Drive to move to and change the magnification An optical unit including a mechanism, a connection terminal connected to the image sensor and transmitting at least a signal of imaging information, and a connector portion detachably formed to the portable information terminal.

According to this configuration, since the optical unit is an optical system capable of zooming, it is possible to adjust the angle of view, and it is possible to shoot in a wide range from telephoto to wide angle, and it is detachable. The present invention can be applied to various portable information terminals.

In the above configuration, the drive mechanism may have an operation unit for manually performing variable power driving. According to this, the zooming operation of the optical unit is performed manually by the operation unit, so that the cost, size, and simplification of the camera unit can be reduced.

In the above configuration, the drive mechanism may have a configuration including an electric actuator for electrically varying the magnification and a switch for turning on / off the electric actuator. According to this, it is possible to cause the optical unit to perform the zooming operation and the return operation to the rest position only by the ON / OFF operation of the switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

1A and 1B are a front view and a side view showing the appearance of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the optical unit is in a retracted rest position in a collapsed state.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the optical unit projects and is at a photographing position at a telephoto end.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the optical unit further projects and is at a photographing position at the wide-angle end. FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the operation of a cam plate as a drive mechanism integrally formed with an operation unit.

6A and 6B are an external front view and a cross-sectional view as viewed from behind showing the structure of the camera unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the portable personal computer according to the present invention.

8A and 8B show another embodiment of the mobile phone according to the present invention, and are an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure when the force unit is modularized and a perspective view when a camera unit is mounted.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the operation of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and show a front view showing a stored state where the optical unit is concealed and a state where the optical unit is exposed. It is a front view.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show another embodiment of the portable personal computer according to the present invention, in which a perspective view showing the housed state where the optical unit is concealed and the optical unit being exposed. FIG. FIG. 11 is a front view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are for explaining the operation of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12A shows a state in which the antenna is contracted and the optical unit is in the collapsed rest position. Fig. 12B is a side view showing the state where the antenna is slightly extended and the optical unit is in the photographing position at the telephoto end, and Fig. 12C is a side view showing the optical unit further extended and the optical unit is wide-angle. It is a side view which shows the state in the imaging | photography position of a side end part.

FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the operation of the cam plate as a drive mechanism linked to the antenna.

14A and 14B are an external front view and a rear view showing the structure of the camera unit. It is sectional drawing seen from the direction.

15A and 15B are a front view and a side view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a cam plate forming a part of the drive mechanism.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an interlocking mechanism of the flipper and the driving mechanism. 19A, 19B, and 19C are side views for explaining the operation of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 19A is in a rest position where the flipper is closed and the optical unit is collapsed. FIG. 19B is a side view showing a certain state, and FIG. 19B is a side view showing a state in which the flipper is opened and the optical unit is in a photographing position at the telephoto end, and FIG. 19C is an optical unit with the regulating member moved. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which is located at a shooting position at a wide-angle end.

2A and 2B are a front view and a side view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit as viewed from behind.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a cam plate forming a part of the drive mechanism.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the interlocking mechanism of the shielding member and the driving mechanism. FIG. 24 is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of the portable personal computer according to the present invention.

25A and 25B are a front view and a side view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a front view showing a state in which the camera unit is rotated so that the optical unit is located forward in the mobile phones shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B.

27A and 27B are a front view and a side view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone according to the present invention. FIG. 28 is a front view showing a state in which the camera unit is rotated so that the optical unit is located forward in the mobile phones shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit as viewed from behind.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a cam plate forming a part of the drive mechanism.

FIG. 31 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of a force unit according to the present invention which is detachable from a main body of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 32 shows an internal structure of the camera unit, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the optical unit is in a rest position where the optical unit is collapsed.

FIG. 33 shows the internal structure of the camera unit, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the optical unit projects and is located at the photographing position at the telephoto end. FIG. 34 shows the internal structure of the camera unit, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the optical unit further projects and is at the photographing position at the wide-angle end.

FIG. 35 is a side view for explaining the operation of a cam plate as a drive mechanism integrally formed with an operation section.

FIGS. 36A and 36B are an external front view showing the structure of the camera unit and a cross-sectional view seen from the rear. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1A and 1B to FIGS. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a portable telephone) according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a mobile phone according to this embodiment includes a main body 10 defining an outer contour, and a display unit provided on the surface of the main body 10 and capable of displaying various information regarding transmission and reception. (LCD monitor 1) 1 and antenna 1 and 2 Various operation buttons 13; a camera unit 20 for photographing a subject; and an operation unit 37c for manually adjusting the magnification of the camera unit 20 (that is, the optical unit 30). A signal transmitting / receiving unit (not shown) that includes the antenna 12 as a part of components and is disposed inside the main body 10 and performs various signal processings is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6B, the camera unit 20 includes a quartz filter such as an optical unit 30, an infrared filter, a mouth-pass filter, and the like supported by the housing 21. It consists of an evening 22, a face plate 23, a CCD 24 as an image sensor, and a circuit board 25.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A and 6B, the optical unit 30 includes three guide shafts 31a, 31b fixed in the housing 21 and extending in the optical axis X direction. , 31c, and the first lens frame 33, which holds the concave lens 32, and the convex lens 34, and the aperture plate 35, which are guided by guide shafts 31a to 31c as shown in FIG. And a cam plate 37 for driving the first lens frame 33 and the second lens frame 36 in the optical axis X direction.

Then, the first lens frame 3 3 (concave lens 32) and the second lens frame 36 (convex lens 34) relatively move in the optical axis X direction, and thereby the magnification of the subject with respect to the CCD 24. And the focusing operation is performed. That is, the variable lens optical system is formed by the concave lens 32, the convex lens 34, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6A and 6B, the first lens frame 33 has a lens barrel 33a for holding a concave lens 32, and the lens barrel 33a has a first lens barrel 33a. The connecting portion 33b and the second connecting portion 33c are formed integrally, the first connecting portion 33b is slidably connected to the guide shaft 31a, and the second connecting portion 33c is formed. It is slidably connected to the guide shaft 31c. Also, the first connecting part 33 b The pin 33d is integrally formed, and the pin 33d is slidably connected to a cam groove 37a described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6A and 6B, the second lens frame 36 has a barrel 36a for holding the convex lens 34, and the first barrel 36a has a first barrel 36a. The connecting portion 36 b and the second connecting portion 36 c are formed integrally, the first connecting portion 36 b is slidably connected to the guide shaft 31 b, and the second connecting portion 36 c is slidably connected to the guide shaft 31c. Further, a pin 36 d is formed in a body of the first connecting portion 36 b, and the pin 36 d is slidably connected to a cam groove 37 b described later. .

The first connecting portion 33b of the first lens frame 33 and the first connecting portion 36b of the second lens frame 36 closely contact the guide shafts 31a and 31b. 6A and 6B. The through-hole for fitting is provided, and the second connecting portion 33c of the first lens frame 33 and the second connecting portion 36c of the second lens frame 36 are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown in the figure, a U-shaped groove sandwiching the guide shaft 31c is provided, and the first lens frame 33 and the second lens frame 36 are formed by these through holes and the U-shaped groove. It is guided smoothly along the optical axis X direction along 1 a ~ 3 1 c without rattling.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A and 6B, the cam plate 37 is formed of a rectangular flat plate, and is formed by the upper and lower rectangular holes 21a and 21b formed in the housing 21 in the upward and downward directions. (V direction) Reciprocally guided. The cam plate 37 has, on its side surface, a first cam groove 37a formed to be inclined and linear, and a second cam groove 37b formed to be substantially V-shaped.

An operation portion 37c for manual operation is formed on the side surface of the cam plate 37, and an end of the operation portion 37c is exposed to the outside of the main body 10. Therefore, when the operator grasps the operation unit 37c and moves it vertically (in the direction of arrow V), the cam plate 37 moves up and down as a unit, and the first cam groove 37a and the second The cam groove 37 b is applied to the first lens frame 33 and the second lens frame 36. It is designed to exert a system action.

Operated by the first cam groove 37a and the second cam groove 37b of the cam plate 37, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33, the pin 36d of the second lens frame 36, etc. As the unit 37c is moved, the optical unit 30 is moved from the telephoto shooting position to the wide-angle shooting position or in the opposite direction, and the optical unit 30 is moved to the main unit 10. A drive mechanism for immersion is formed.

That is, the optical unit 30 includes a plurality of lenses 32, 34, a driving mechanism for relatively moving the plurality of lenses 32, 34 in the optical axis X direction, and the like.

The cam plate 37 has a portion (not shown) that engages with and disengages from a switch (not shown) that performs ON / OFF operation of a power supply that supplies power to the CCD 24. When the camera reaches the shooting position (the shooting position at the telephoto end) that has moved upward by a predetermined amount from the position shown in Fig. 5, it engages with the switch, turns this switch ON, and sends the signal to the CCD 24. Power supply is started. On the other hand, when the cam plate 37 moves in the opposite direction, the switch is turned off and the power supply to the CCD 24 is stopped.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone according to this embodiment will be described. First, in the non-operation state, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the operation unit 37 c is located at the lower end, and the camera unit 20 (optical unit 30) is It is in the rest position (collapsed state) immersed from the surface of 0. At this time, the cam plate 37 is located at the downward moving end in the V direction as shown in FIG.

In this state, when the operator moves the operation unit 37c to the position (operation unit 37c ') shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cam plate 37 is linked with the movement. Move upward in Figure 5. As a result, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33 moves forward (arrow F) due to the cam action of the first cam groove 37a. Direction), and reach the position of bin 3 3 d 'in FIG. On the other hand, the pin 36 d of the second lens frame 36 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) due to the cam action of the second cam groove 37 b, and the position of the bin 36 d ′ in FIG. (Near the bending point of the second cam groove 37b).

At this time, the optical unit 30 (the lens barrel 33 a holding the concave lens 32) is positioned at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1B (camera unit 20 ′) and as shown in FIG. It is positioned at the shooting position at the telephoto end slightly protruding from the surface of 0. At the same time, a part of the cam plate 37 is engaged with the switch to turn ON, and power supply to the CCD 24 is started. As a result, it is possible to immediately take an image with the camera unit 20 (optical unit 30 and CCD 24).

By the way, when the operator moves the operation section 37c, a positioning mechanism (not shown) is activated at the photographing position at the telephoto end, and the resistance to the movement operation increases, and the same operation force is applied. Since the optical unit 30 cannot be moved, the optical unit 30 is positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end at that time.

As the positioning mechanism, for example, a group (groove) is provided on the side surface of the cam plate 37, and the semicircular protrusion of the panel constantly pressed into the side surface of the cam plate 37 performs positioning. A simple configuration can be adopted.

With the operation force that can release the positioning force by the positioning mechanism from the state where the photographing position is at the telephoto end, the operator moves the operation unit 37 c to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1A and 1B (operation unit When it is further moved to 37 c ′), the cam plate 37 further moves upward in FIG. 5 in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) due to the force of the first cam groove 37a, and the pin 33d 'in FIG. To the position. On the other hand, the pin 36 d of the second lens frame 36 moves rearward (in the direction of the arrow R) by the cam action of the second cam groove 37 b to reach the position of the pin 36 d ′ ′ in FIG. .

At this time, the optical unit 30 (the lens barrel 33 a holding the concave lens 32) is positioned at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1B (camera unit 20) and as shown in FIG. It is positioned at the shooting position at the wide-angle end protruding further from the surface of 0.

When the operator moves the operation unit 37c in the opposite direction (downward), the optical unit 30 moves from the shooting position at the wide-angle end to the shooting position at the telephoto end. As a result, a part of the cam plate 37 is operated to set the switch to 0FF, the power supply to the CCD 24 is stopped, and then the system reaches a rest position where the camera is retracted.

In this way, the optical unit 30 is positioned at the photographing position and the photographing by the CCD 24 becomes possible only by the operator moving the operation unit 37c, and the photographing position at the telephoto end is further improved. From the wide-angle end to the shooting position at the wide-angle end. Therefore, there is no need to perform complicated preparation operations when shooting, and the user can immediately enter the shooting state by simply moving the operation section 37c, so that the time lag until shooting becomes possible Can be reduced as much as possible, resulting in a highly convenient mobile phone. In addition, the telephoto shooting to the wide-angle shooting can be continuously switched only by appropriately adjusting the amount of movement of the operation section 37c, so that it is not necessary to change the shooting distance when changing the shooting range.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a portable personal computer) according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, this portable personal computer has a main body 100 defining an outer contour, and a display section (liquid crystal monitor) provided on the surface of the main body 100 and capable of displaying various information. One night, 101, various operation buttons 102, the above-mentioned camera unit 20 for photographing the subject, and operations for manually adjusting the magnification of the camera unit 20 A unit 37c and an information signal processing unit (not shown) arranged inside the main body 100 and processing various information signals are provided. The power unit 20 (optical unit 30 and the like) and the operation unit 37c are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

Even in this portable personal computer, as shown in FIG. 7, it is only necessary to move the operation part 37 c to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line (the operation part 37 c ′, the operation part 37 c ′ ′). The camera unit 20 (optical unit 30) is moved from the collapsed rest position to the photographing position at the telephoto end (camera unit 20 '), and the photographing position at the wide-angle end (camera unit 20'). '). As a result, continuous switching from telephoto shooting to wide-angle shooting can be performed, and shooting can be performed within a desired shooting range (angle of view) without changing the shooting position.

8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of the portable information terminal according to the present invention. This mobile phone is provided with a concealable camera unit 20. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the camera unit 120 has the above-described optical unit 30 built therein, and is different from the above-described camera unit 20 only in the housing. However, it is formed separately from the main body 110 and is modularized, and is supported at the connection part so as to be able to rotate (swing).

As shown in FIG. 8A, the main body 110 is provided with a pipe-like connecting projection 111, and is connected to a connecting portion formed at the lower end of the camera unit 120. In addition, the tip of the connection projection 1 1 1 is formed in a bayonet shape, and when the camera unit 120 is inserted and rotated at a rotation position where it is not originally used, the locking function is activated, and the camera unit 1 2 0 is the body 1 1 0 It is rotatably connected. As shown in FIG. 8B, the wirings 121 of the camera unit 120 are guided to the inside of the main body 110 through the inside of the connection projections 111.

The operation of this mobile phone will be described. First, when not in use, as shown in FIG. 9A, the camera unit 120 is rotated so that the operation unit 37c is located forward, The optical unit 30 is located in a hidden storage position facing the inside of the main body 110.

Then, when photographing with the camera unit 120, as shown in FIG. 9B, the operation unit 37c is rotated so that the operation unit 37c is located on the right side surface. As a result, the optical unit 30 is exposed. Subsequently, the optical unit 30 in the collapsed rest position is moved to the shooting position, and the operation unit 37 c is moved upward (the operation unit 37 c ′ indicated by the two-dot chain line is in the rest position, The operation part 37c indicated by a solid line enables the photographing position (see Fig. 8B) and the telephoto or wide-angle photographing.

-To end the shooting, lower the operation unit 37c to retract the optical unit 30, and then rotate the camera unit 120 to return it to the original storage position shown in Fig. 9A. Return to the concealed state. As described above, when not used, the optical unit 30 can be concealed, so that scratches, fingerprints, dust, and the like can be prevented from adhering to the lens surface.

FIGS. 10A and 108 show an embodiment in which the concealable camera unit similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 88, 8: 8 and FIGS. 98, 9B is applied to a portable personal computer. It is. In other words, a connection protrusion (not shown) similar to the above is formed at the upper right end of the main body 130, and the camera unit 140 rotates as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. It is movably connected. Here, the main body 130 is provided with a dividing portion 1331 at the upper end thereof to facilitate the mounting of the camera unit 140. In addition, The operation and operation and effect are the same as those described above, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the cam mechanism of the cam plate 37 is employed as the drive mechanism for changing the magnification of the optical unit 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other mechanisms may be employed. Can be.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 37 c that is formed so as to protrude from the main body 10, 100, 110, and 130 and moves linearly is used as a manual operation unit. A rack is formed on the side surface of the plate 37, and a pinion that mates with the rack is rotatably provided on the main body as an operation unit, and the optical unit 30 is zoomed by rotating the pinion (operation unit). The operation may be performed, or the pinion may be connected to an electric actuator such as a motor, and may be electrically driven by an on / off operation of the switch.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, two lenses of the concave lens 32 and the convex lens 34 are employed as the variable power lenses constituting the optical unit 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt.

Further, in the above embodiment, the connecting projections 111 are provided and rotatably supported in order to provide the concealable camera units 120, 140. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Instead, other configurations can be adopted as long as they are supported rotatably or concealed.

As described above, according to these portable information terminals, by changing the optical unit 30 constituting the camera unit 20 to a variable-magnification lens optical system capable of variable-magnification photographing, the photographing distance can be changed. By simply adjusting the optical unit 30, it is possible to shoot in a wide range from the telephoto side to the wide-angle side. In addition, when adjusting the magnification of the optical unit 30, the operation unit 37c for manual operation is provided on the main body 10, 100, 1 10, 130, so that the operation can be performed while miniaturizing and simplifying. The telephoto shooting and the wide-angle shooting can be continuously switched only by moving the part 37c.

In addition, by turning on / off the power supply to the CCD 24 in conjunction with the movement operation of the operation unit 37c, it is possible to take a picture immediately and to reduce the time lag until the photographing becomes possible. Can be reduced. Furthermore, by modularizing the camera units 120 and 140 and supporting them rotatably so that the optical unit 30 can be concealed when not in use, scratches, fingerprints, dust, etc. adhere to the lens surface. Can be prevented.

11 to 14A and 14B show another embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a portable telephone) according to the present invention. Note that the camera unit 20 (optical unit 30 and the like) is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the mobile phone includes a main body 200 that defines an outer contour, a flipper 2◦1 for covering an operation unit and the like provided on the surface of the main body 200, and information on various transmissions and receptions. A display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 202 capable of displaying, a telescopic antenna 203, and a signal transmitting / receiving unit (not shown) which includes the antenna 203 as a part of components and is arranged inside the main body 200 and performs various signal processing. And the above-mentioned camera unit 20 for photographing a subject.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A and 14B, the cam plate 37 is formed of a rectangular flat plate, and is formed in a vertical direction (V direction) by upper and lower rectangular holes 2 la and 21 b formed in the housing 21. Are reciprocally guided. The cam plate 37 has a first cam groove 37 a which is formed to be inclined and linear in its side surface. And a second cam groove 37b formed in a substantially V shape. An antenna 203 is connected to the upper end of the cam plate 37 in place of the operation unit 37c shown in FIG. 4, and the operator grips the antenna 203 and moves vertically (in the direction of the arrow V). , The cam plate 37 moves up and down as a unit. That is, an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the cam plate 37 with the extension / retraction operation of the antenna 203 is configured by the connection structure between the antenna 203 and the cam plate 37.

The cam plate 37 has a portion (not shown) that engages with and disengages from a switch (not shown) that performs a 0N / 0FF operation of a power supply that supplies power to the CCD 24. When the camera has reached the shooting position (the shooting position at the telephoto end) that has moved upward by a predetermined amount from the position shown in Fig. 13, it engages with the switch and turns this switch ON. Then, the power supply to the CCD 24 is started. On the other hand, when the cam plate 37 moves in the opposite direction, the switch is turned OFF and the power supply to the CCD 24 is stopped.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone according to this embodiment will be described. First, in the non-operation state, as shown in FIG. 12A, the antenna 203 is contracted and housed in the main body 200, and the camera unit 20 (optical unit 30) is As shown in FIG. 2, it is in a rest position (collapsed state) immersed from the surface of the main body 200. At this time, the cam plate 37 is located at the downward moving end in the V direction as shown in FIG.

In this state, when the operator extends the antenna 203 to the position shown in FIG. 12B, the cam plate 37 moves upward in FIG. 13 in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) by the cam action of the first cam groove 37a, and the position of the pin 33d 'in Fig. 13 is changed. Leads to. On the other hand, the pin 36 d of the second lens frame 36 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) due to the cam action of the second cam groove 37 b, and the position of the pin 36 d ′ in FIG. (2) Near the bending point of the cam groove 37 b). At this time, the optical unit 30 (the lens barrel 33a holding the concave lens 32) slightly protrudes from the surface of the main body 200 as shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. It is positioned at the shooting position of the part. At the same time, a part of the cam plate 37 engages with the switch to turn on, and the power supply to the CCD 24 is started. This makes it possible to shoot immediately.

By the way, when the operator extends the antenna 203, the positioning mechanism (not shown) operates at the photographing position shown in FIG. 12B, and the resistance to the pulling operation increases, and the pulling operation cannot be performed with the same pulling force. At that time, the optical unit 30 is positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end.

As a positioning mechanism, for example, a groove (annular groove) is provided on the outer periphery of the antenna 203, and the semicircular projection of the spring constantly pressed into the outer peripheral surface of the antenna 203 is inserted. A configuration for performing positioning can be employed.

When the operator further extends the antenna 203 to the position shown in Fig. 12C with a pulling force that can release the positioning force by the positioning mechanism from the state where the photographing position is at the telephoto end, the movement is linked to the movement. The cam plate 37 further moves upward in FIG. As a result, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) due to the cam action of the first cam groove 37a, and the position of the pin 33d "in Fig. 13 is changed. Leads to. On the other hand, the pin 36 d of the second lens frame 36 moves rearward (in the direction of the arrow R) by the cam action of the second cam groove 37 b, and moves to the position of the pin 36 d ′ ′ in FIG. Reach. At this time, the optical unit 30 (the lens barrel 33a holding the concave lens 32) further protrudes from the surface of the main body 200 as shown in FIG. 12C and FIG. It is positioned at the shooting position.

On the other hand, when the operator retracts the antenna 203 in the opposite direction and retracts it in the main body 200, Then, the optical unit 30 moves from the shooting position at the wide-angle end to the shooting position at the telephoto end. At this point, a part of the cam plate 37 operates to turn off the switch, and the CCD is turned off. The power supply to 24 is stopped, and then it reaches a rest position where it collapses.

In the above embodiment, the variable magnification optical system is adopted as the optical unit 30. However, even with a single focus optical unit, the optical unit is positioned at the shooting position in cooperation with the antenna 203. In this way, the on / off operation of the switch can be linked to enable smooth transition to the shooting operation.

Further, in the above embodiment, the cam action of the cam plate 37 is employed as the drive mechanism for making the magnification of the optical unit 30 variable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other mechanisms are employed. can do.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the cam plate 37 is driven in conjunction with the expansion and contraction operation of the antenna 203 has been described. However, a rack is formed on the cam plate 37, and the pinion connected to the rack is formed. May be connected to an electric actuator such as a mobile phone, and the switch may be turned on and off in conjunction with the expansion and contraction operation of the antenna 203 so as to be electrically driven.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a mobile phone is shown as a mobile information terminal to which the present invention is applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a mobile personal computer having an antenna. It is.

As described above, according to this portable information terminal, the optical unit 30 is positioned at the photographing position and the photographing by the CCD 24 is possible only by the operator performing the expansion and contraction operation of the antenna 203. Further, it is possible to perform a continuous zooming operation from the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the wide-angle end. Therefore, there is no need to perform complicated preparation operations when shooting, and the user can immediately enter the shooting state by simply performing an operation of extending the antenna 203, minimizing the time lag until shooting becomes possible. It is possible to reduce the number of portable telephones, which is convenient. Further, by simply adjusting the amount of extension of the antenna 203 as appropriate, it is possible to continuously switch from telephoto shooting to wide-angle shooting, so that it is not necessary to change the shooting distance each time the shooting range is changed.

Figure 1 5 A, 1 5 B through FIG _{1 9 A, 1 9 B 5} 1 9 C is Ru der shows another embodiment of a portable information terminal according to the present invention (where the cellular phone). Note that the camera unit 20 (optical unit 30) is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, this portable telephone has a main body 300 that defines an outer contour, and a display section (a liquid crystal monitor) 301 that can display various information related to transmission and reception. A telescopic antenna 302, various operation buttons 303, an openable / closable flipper 304 for covering the operation buttons 303, etc., and the above-mentioned camera unit 204 for photographing a subject. Etc. are provided.

The cam plate 37 is formed of a rectangular flat plate as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and is formed by the upper and lower rectangular holes 21 a and 21 b formed in the housing 21. Direction). The cam plate 37 has, on its side surface, a first cam groove 37a that is formed to be inclined and linear, and a second cam groove 37b that is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, one end 34 1 a of the first connecting member 31 is swingably connected to the lower end of the cam plate 37, and the first connecting member 3 41 As shown in FIG. 15B, the other end 3441b of the second connecting member 3442 is rotatably connected to one end 3442a of the second connecting member 3442. The other end 3 4 2b of the second connecting member 3 4 2 is swingably connected to the support shaft 3 15 of the flipper 304, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 18. Is tied.

As shown in FIG. 18, an interlocking panel 343 is provided between the second connecting member 342 and the flipper 304. The interlocking panel 343 is set so as to exert an urging force when the second connecting member 342 and the flipper 304 deviate from a predetermined angle.

That is, when the flipper 304 and the second connection member 3442 approach each other narrower than a predetermined angle, they apply a biasing force to push them apart, while the flipper 304 and the second connection member 342 are pressed. When the second and fourth members spread apart from each other by more than a predetermined angle, they exert an urging force to attract them. Therefore, when the flipper 304 is closed, the second connecting member 3442 is urged clockwise in FIG. 15B to pull down the first connecting member 341, while the flipper 304 is closed. In a state where 4 is opened, the second connecting member 342 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 15B to push up the first connecting member 341. 'Optical unit 30 is set to the photographing position in conjunction with the opening and closing operations of flipper 304 by means of first connecting member 341, second connecting member 3442, interlocking panel 3443, etc. And an interlocking mechanism that is positioned at the storage position.

As shown in FIG. 18, the second connecting member 342 has a flat portion 342c near the other end 342b. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 18, the main body 300 has a regulating member 344 supported by itself in a reciprocating manner in the L direction. The regulating member 344 includes a cam portion 344a that engages and disengages with the flat portion 342c to form a cam action, and an operation portion 3 that projects outside the main body 300 and is manually operated. 4 4b.

That is, in FIG. 18, when the regulating member 344 is located at the moving end in the L1 direction, the second connecting member 342 has the smallest swing angle, and the regulating member 344 is in the L2 direction. When located at the moving end, the second connecting member 3 4 2 is pivoted The degree is the largest.

The restricting member 344 restricts the movement of the second connecting member 342 from the time when the optical unit 30 reaches the photographing position at the telephoto end by the opening operation of the flipper 304. After that, until the optical unit 30 reaches the imaging position at the wide-angle end, the swing angle of the second connecting member 342 can be continuously regulated in accordance with the position.

That is, the optical unit 30 is first protruded to the photographing position at the telephoto end by the operation of the flipper 304, and then the regulating member 344 is adjusted. By adjusting the rocking position of the optical unit 30, the magnification of the optical unit 30 can be changed within the shooting range from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end.

In addition, a switch (not shown) for detecting contact between the regulating member 344 and the flat portion 342c of the second connecting member 342 is provided, and this switch supplies power to the CCD 244. ON / OFF operation of the power supply that supplies power. That is, the flipper 304 in the closed state is opened, and the switch is activated at the same time that the flat portion 3442c of the second connecting member 3442 comes into contact with the cam portion 3444a. The power supply to the CCD 24 is started.

Therefore, when the regulating member 344 is at the position of the end in the L1 direction in FIG. 18, when the flipper 304 is opened and the optical unit 30 projects to the position of the telephoto end. When the CCD 24 is turned on and shooting is possible, and the restricting member 34 4 is at the position of the end in the L 2 direction in FIG. 18, the flipper 304 opens to open the optical unit 3. When 0 protrudes to the end on the wide-angle side, the CCD 24 is turned on and shooting is possible. When the regulating member 344 is in the middle position, the CCD 24 becomes 0N at the time when the optical unit 30 is at the intermediate zooming position, and photographing is possible.

Thus, simply opening the flipper 304 activates the switch and the CC Since shooting with D24 is possible, shooting can be performed immediately and the time lag until shooting can be reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the flipper 304 is rotatable around the support shaft 315. It has a semicircular portion 304 a that also covers the optical unit 30. Therefore, in the closed state, since the optical unit 30 is covered by the semicircular portion 304 a, external light entering the CCD 24 is blocked, and dust and the like adhere to the concave lens 32 and the like. Alternatively, scratches and the like are prevented.

Thus, instead of providing a separate member as a member for covering and protecting the optical unit 30, a part of the flipper 304 is also used, thereby reducing the number of parts and reducing cost. Reduction can be achieved. In this case, the shape of the flip-flop 304 covers the operation button 303 and the optical unit 30. However, it is needless to say that the shape can cover the display unit 301 as well. is there. Next, the operation of the mobile phone according to this embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 2 to 4, FIG. 17, FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C.

First, in the non-operating state, the flipper 304 is closed as shown in FIG. 19A, and the optical unit 30 is suspended from the surface of the main body 300 as shown in FIG. In position. At this time, the cam plate 37 is located at the downward moving end in the V direction as shown in FIG. Further, the optical unit 30 is covered with the flipper 304. At this time, the regulating member 344 is located at the moving end in the L1 direction. Then, in this state, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the operator opens the flipper 304, the second connecting member 342 and the first connecting member 341, in conjunction with the movement of the flipper 304, move. The cam plate 37 moves upward in FIG. 17, the second connecting member 342 contacts the regulating member 344 and stops, and the cam plate 37 also stops. As a result, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) by the cam action of the first cam groove 37a, and moves to the position of the pin 33d 'in Fig. 17. Reach. On the other hand, the pin 36 d of the second lens frame 36 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) by the cam action of the second cam groove 37 b and reaches the position of the pin 36 d ′ in FIG. .

At this time, the optical unit 30 (first lens frame 33) slightly protrudes from the surface of the main body 300 and is positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 19B. Can be At the same time, the switch is activated to start supplying power to CCD24. This makes it possible to shoot immediately. When the restricting member 3 4 4 is moved in the L2 direction from a state where the photographing position is at the telephoto end, the second connecting member 3 4 2 further swings, pushing up the first connecting member 3 4 1 The plate 37 moves further upward in FIG. Then, when the regulating member 344 is moved to the moving end in the L2 direction, the cam plate 37 moves to the uppermost end.

As a result, the pin 33d of the first lens frame 33 moves forward (in the direction of the arrow F) by the cam action of the first cam groove 37a, and the position of the pin 33d "in Fig. 17 is changed. Leads to. On the other hand, the pin 36 d of the second lens frame 36 moves rearward (in the direction of the arrow R) by the cam action of the second cam groove 37 b, and moves to the position of the pin 36 d ′ ′ in FIG. Reach. At this time, the optical unit 30 (first lens frame 33) is positioned at the photographing position at the wide-angle side end most protruding from the surface of the main body 300, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 19C. .

On the other hand, if the regulating member 344 is moved in the L1 direction from this state, the second connecting member 342 is pushed back, and the optical unit 30 starts to retreat, and the photographing position at the telephoto end is taken. Up to. Further, when the flipper 304 is closed in a state where the regulating member 344 is in any position, the second connecting member 342 and the first connecting member 341 begin to return to their original positions, Control member 3 4 4 When the second connecting member 34 is detached, the power supply to the CCD 24 is cut off, and the optical unit 30 also returns to the collapsed rest position.

In this way, just by the operator opening the flipper 304, the optical unit 30 is positioned at the photographing position, and the photographing by the CCD 24 becomes possible. With just the operation, continuous zooming can be performed from the shooting position at the telephoto end to the shooting position at the wide-angle end.

Therefore, it is not necessary to perform any troublesome preparation operations when shooting, and simply opening the flipper 304 allows the camera to immediately enter the state where shooting is possible, minimizing the time lag until shooting and improving convenience. Mobile phones will be provided. Further, only by appropriately adjusting the position of the regulating member 344, it is possible to continuously switch from the telephoto shooting to the wide-angle shooting, and it is not necessary to change the shooting distance each time the shooting range is changed.

In the above embodiment, a variable magnification optical system is adopted as the optical unit 30. However, even if the optical unit is a single focus optical unit, the optical unit 30 works in conjunction with the flipper 304. By positioning the camera at the shooting position, and by linking the ON / OFF operation of the CCD 24, it is possible to smoothly shift to the shooting operation. In the above embodiment, the cam function of the cam plate 37 is employed as the drive mechanism for changing the magnification of the optical unit 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Can be adopted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the cam plate 37 is driven in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the flipper 304 is shown. However, a rack is formed on the cam plate 37, and a pinion combined with the rack is provided. It may be electrically connected to an electric actuator, such as a motor, for example, so that the switch is turned on / off in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the flipper 304.

Further, in the above embodiment, the portable information terminal to which the present invention is applied However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a portable personal computer or the like having a configuration similar to a flipper.

As described above, according to this portable information terminal, the optical unit 30 can be positioned at the photographing position and the storage position simply by opening and closing the flipper 304. In addition, by using a variable magnification optical system for the optical unit 30, variable magnification photographing from telephoto to wide angle is possible without changing the photographing position.

In addition, by configuring the interlocking mechanism with the connecting members 341 and 342, the interlocking panel 343, etc., the structure can be simplified, reduced in size and reduced in weight. In addition, the provision of the regulating member 344 allows the optical unit 30 to be stopped at a predetermined shooting position even when the flipper 304 is completely opened. By making it possible, the magnification of the optical unit can be changed within the shooting range from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end.o

In addition, by starting the power supply to the CCD 24 when the optical unit 30 is positioned at the shooting position, shooting can be performed immediately by simply opening the flipper 304. Time lag before shooting.

Furthermore, the fact that the optical unit 30 is covered by the flipper 304 prevents light from the CCD 24 and prevents adhesion of fingerprints or dust to the lens surface of the optical unit 30. Of course, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced by using the flipper 304 in common.

FIGS. 2OA, 2OB to 23 show another embodiment (here, a mobile phone) of the portable information terminal according to the present invention. The camera unit 20 '(optical unit 30') is the same as the camera unit 20 (optical unit The difference is that the cam unit and the housing that form the drive mechanism of the unit are different from those of the unit 30), and the other parts are the same as those shown in Figs. 2 to 4 above. Will not be described.

As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, this mobile phone has a main body 400 defining an outer contour, and a display provided on the surface of the main body 400 and capable of displaying various information related to transmission and reception. Section (LCD monitor) 401, antenna 402, various operation buttons 403, camera unit 20 'for photographing the subject, and zooming of camera unit 20' An operation unit 437c for performing the adjustment manually and a shielding member (shielding plate) 450 arranged inside the main body 400 are provided.

The cam plate 437 has an operation portion 437c on the side surface as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, and also connects a part of the interlocking mechanism as shown in FIG. A long hole 437d is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, in the upper right part of the first cam groove 37 a ′ and the second cam groove 37 b ′, a play area G a, which extends linearly by a predetermined distance in the V direction, G b is formed. That is, the first cam groove 37a and the second cam groove 37b described above have a structure in which only the play areas G a and G b that do not perform the cam action are added. As shown in FIG. 21, the housing 21 has an opening 21 c that protrudes the operation unit 437 c outward and regulates a movement range thereof.

Therefore, when the operator grasps the operation unit 437c and moves it upward in the V direction, a predetermined play stroke (during this time, the shielding plate 450 is retracted to expose the optical unit 30 and operate After that, the first lens frame 33 of the optical unit 300 ′ starts to protrude forward, and protrudes forward from the main body 400 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When it is moved downward in the V direction, it retreats as shown in FIG. 2 and is immersed in the main body 400 to be stored. After the storage operation is completed, a predetermined play stroke (during this time, the shielding plate 450 But The operation unit 437c abuts on the lower end of the opening 21c and stops after passing through the optical unit 30 ').

The cam plate 437 is provided with a portion (not shown) for engaging and disengaging a switch (not shown) for turning on / off a power supply for supplying power to the CCD 24. When the camera reaches the shooting position that has moved upward by a predetermined amount from the position shown in Fig. 21 (the shooting position at the telephoto end shown in Fig. 3), it engages with the switch and turns on this switch. Then, power supply to the CCD 24 is started. On the other hand, when the cam plate 437 moves in the reverse direction, the switch is turned off and the power supply to the CCD24 is stopped. The shielding plate 450 as a shielding member is swingably supported around a support shaft (predetermined shaft) 450 fixed to the main body 400 as shown in FIGS. 2OA and 23. It has a pin 450a on the side opposite to the side facing the optical unit 30 '.

A swing arm 452 is supported around the support shaft 451 so as to be swingable. As shown in FIG. 23, the swing arm 4 52 has a pin 45 2 a provided at the other end connected to a long hole 4 37 d of the cam plate 4 37, and a substantially middle area. The notch portion 452b formed on the pin 405 can be disengaged from the pin 450a.

Further, an interlocking panel 453 is provided between the shield plate 450 and the swing arm 452, as shown in FIG. The interlocking spring 4553 is used to interlock the movement of the swing arm 452 with the shield plate 450 and to expose the optical unit 30 '(shield plate against the swing arm 452). The biasing force is exerted (to rotate the 450 in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 23).

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, when the cam plate 437 is moved upward from the state in which the shielding plate 450 blocks the optical unit 30 ′, the automatic operation is performed. The shutter 452 rotates counterclockwise, and the shielding plate 450 is evacuated from the optical unit 30 ′ by the biasing force of the interlocking panel 453 to be exposed, and abuts against a stopper (not shown). And stop. When the cam plate 437 is further moved upward, the notch portion 452b separates from the pin 450a while the shielding plate 450 maintains its state, and the optical unit 30 'Starts the protruding operation, and the zooming operation from the telephoto side to the wide-angle side is performed.

On the other hand, when the cam plate 437 is moved in the opposite direction, the swing arm 452 starts rotating clockwise, and the optical unit 30 'starts the immersion operation toward the rest position, and the rest position. After being completely immersed, the notch 452b engages the pin 450a to integrally rotate the shielding plate 450 clockwise. When the cam plate 437 stops, the shielding plate 450 is completely shielded from the optical unit 30 '.

The notch 452 b and the pin 450 a allow the shielding plate 450 to swing at a predetermined time during the shielding operation (when the optical unit 30 is completely immersed). A constraining mechanism for constraining to move integrally with 2 is configured. In addition, the swing arm 45 52, the interlocking panel 45 3, the cutout 45 52 b and the pin 450 a interlock with the operation of the drive mechanism that drives the optical unit 30 ′. An interlocking mechanism for causing the shielding plate 450 to perform the shielding operation and the exposure operation is configured.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone according to this embodiment will be described.

First, in the non-operation state, as shown in FIGS. 2OA and 20B, the operation section 437c is located at the lower end, and the optical unit 30 'is shown in FIGS. 2 and 20A and 2A. As shown in FIG. 0B, the optical unit 30 ′ is at a rest position immersed from the surface of the main body 400, and the front surface of the optical unit 30 ′ is shielded by a shielding plate 450. At this time, the cam plate 437 is located at the moving end that faces downward in the V direction.

In this state, when the operator moves the operation unit 437c upward, The cam plate 437 moves upward. As a result, the pins 33 d of the first lens frame 33 and the pins 36 d of the second lens frame 36 move the play areas G a and G b downward as shown in FIG. The position shown by the solid line is reached. On the other hand, during this play operation, the movable arm 452 rotates counterclockwise, and the shielding plate 450 also rotates counterclockwise, withdrawing from the optical unit 30 ′ and completely exposing it. State.

Subsequently, when the operator moves the operation unit 437c upward in the V direction, the cam plate 437 moves upward, and the pins 33d of the first lens frame 33 and the second The pin 36 d of the lens frame 36 moves forward (in the direction of arrow F) due to the cam action of the first cam groove 37 a ′ and the second force groove 37 b ′, and each of the pins in FIG. It reaches the position of pin 33d 'and pin 36d'.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical unit 300 'slightly projects from the surface of the main body 400 and is positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end. At the same time, a part of the cam plate 437 is engaged with the switch to turn ON, and power supply to the CCD 24 is started. This makes it possible to shoot immediately.

When the operator moves the operation section 437c further upward from the shooting position at the telephoto end, the first cam groove 3 of the cam plate 437 as in the above-described embodiment. The optical unit 30 ′ is positioned at the photographing position at the wide-angle end most protruding from the main body 400, as shown in FIG. 4, by the action of 7 a ′ and the second cam groove 37 b ′.

On the other hand, when the operator moves the operation unit 437 c in the opposite direction (downward), the optical unit 30 ′ moves from the shooting position at the wide-angle end to the shooting position at the telephoto end, and at this time, A part of the cam plate 437 is operated to set the switch to FF, the power supply to the CCD 24 is stopped, and then the camera is completely immersed from the surface of the main body 400, as shown in FIG. Reach the rest position as shown.

After that, when the operation unit 4 3 7 c is further moved downward, The notch 4 52 b of the arm 45 52 engages the pin 450 a of the shielding plate 450 and integrally rotates the shielding plate 450 in a clockwise direction. Is a state in which the front of the optical unit 30 'is completely shielded.

As described above, the shielding and exposing operation of the shielding plate 450 with respect to the optical unit 30 ′ is performed in conjunction with the zooming operation of the optical unit 30 ′ by the cam plate 437. The timing of the operation of the shielding plate 450 is not shifted with respect to the intruding / retracting operation of the unit 30 ', interference between the units is prevented, and functional reliability is ensured. Further, since the operator can perform the zooming operation of the optical unit 30 ′ and the operation of the shielding plate 450 only by performing the moving operation of the operation unit 437c, a plurality of complicated operations can be performed. No need to

A portable phone with high convenience is brought.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a portable personal computer) according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24, this portable personal computer has a main body 500 defining an outer contour, and a display section (liquid crystal monitor) 5 provided on the surface of the main body 500 and capable of displaying various information. 01, various operation buttons 502, the above-mentioned camera unit 20 '(optical unit 30') for photographing the subject, and the scaling adjustment of the camera unit 20 'are manually performed. The operation unit 437c for performing the above operation, the above-mentioned shielding plate 450 for shielding the optical unit 30 ′, and the like are provided. The camera unit 20 ′ (optical unit 30 ′), the shielding plate 450, the interlocking mechanism, and the like are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

Also in this portable personal computer, the zooming operation of the optical unit 30 'and the shielding and exposing operations of the shielding plate 450 are performed only by operating the operation unit 437c. It is ensured at a predetermined timing without mutual interference. In the above embodiment, a swingable shielding plate 450 is employed as the shielding member, but a member that can reciprocate linearly may be used. In addition, as the interlocking mechanism for interlocking the shielding member with the driving mechanism, the swing arm 452, the interlocking spring 453, etc. are employed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical unit 30 'is collapsed. The shielding member exposes the optical unit 30 'before starting the protruding operation from the rest position, and the shielding member exposes the optical unit 30' after the optical unit 30 'enters the rest position. Other interlocking mechanisms may be used as long as they act to shield. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the drive mechanism of the optical unit 30 ′ that is driven by a manual operation has been described. However, the drive mechanism is not limited to this, and the interlocking relationship with the shielding member is ensured. As far as possible, it may be electrically driven using an electric actuator or the like.

As described above, according to these portable information terminals, the optical unit

By providing a shielding member 450 that can shield the front of the optical unit 30 ′ in conjunction with the drive mechanism of the optical unit 30 ′, light shielding, fingerprints or dust, etc., can be applied to the optical unit 30 ′. Of course, adhesion can be prevented, and the shielding and exposure operation of the shielding member 450 does not deviate from the zooming operation of the optical unit 30 ', and there is no interference with each other. Is prevented and functional reliability is ensured. In addition, the use of a driving arm 452, an interlocking panel 453, etc. as an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the drive mechanism and the shielding member 450, simplifies the structure, reduces the weight, reduces the size, Cost can be reduced.

FIGS. 25A, 25B and 26 show another embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a portable telephone) according to the present invention. This mobile phone includes a main body 600 that defines an outer contour, a display section (liquid crystal monitor) 611, which is provided on the surface of the main body 600, and that can display various information, an antenna 602, and the like. Operation buttons 6 3 and the camera unit 6 for shooting the subject 10 and an information signal processing unit (not shown) arranged inside the main body 600 to process various information signals.

The camera unit 600 incorporates the optical unit 30 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 described above, defines a part of the outline of the main body 600, and is formed separately from the main body 600. It is modularized, and is connected so as to be able to rotate (swing) approximately 90 degrees at the connection part 6 11. The connecting portion 6 11 has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 8A. Also, the optical unit 30 performs a magnification change operation by manually moving the operation unit 37c of the cam plate 37 up and down, and the description is omitted here because it is the same as that described above. I do.

As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the camera unit 610 is provided with a transparent window 612 for photographing and an opening 613 for projecting the operation unit 37c. An optical unit 30 is disposed behind the inside of the transparent window 612 so as to be able to change the magnification. That is, the optical unit 30 moves from the rest position shown in FIG. 2 to the photographing position at the telephoto end shown in FIG. 3 and reaches the photographing position at the wide-angle end shown in FIG. The zooming operation is performed inside without protruding outside of the 610.

The operation of the mobile phone will be described. First, in a non-operation state, the camera unit 61 0 is rotated so that the operation unit 37 c is located forward as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. It is positioned along the contour of the body 600.

Then, when photographing with the camera unit 6110, the camera unit 6110 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees so that the operation unit 37c is located on the right side as shown in FIG. In this state, when the optical unit 30 at the rest position is moved to the photographing position, and the operation unit 37c is moved upward, the photographing position at the telephoto end is changed as described above. CCD 24 becomes 0 N This makes it possible to shoot from telephoto to wide-angle.

On the other hand, when the photographing is to be ended, the operation unit 37c is lowered toward the lower end, and as described above, the CCD 24 is turned off at the photographing position at the telephoto end, and the optical unit 30 is continued. Returns to the rest position. Thereafter, the camera unit 61 0 is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the opposite direction to return to the original position shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. Thus, even if an operation for shooting is performed, the optical unit 30 does not protrude to the outside and is always inside the camera unit 61, so that the collision of the optical unit 30 may occur. It can also prevent scratches, fingerprints or dust from adhering to the lens surface.

In the above embodiment, the case where the zooming operation for photographing is performed when the transparent window 6 12 is positioned in the front has been described, but even when the transparent window 6 12 is oriented to the intermediate rotation angle position, It is also possible to perform imaging by changing the magnification of the optical unit 30.

FIGS. 27A, 27B to 30 show another embodiment of a portable information terminal (here, a portable telephone) according to the present invention. The optical unit 30 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is changed from manual to motor drive.

As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, this mobile phone has a main body 600 that defines an outer contour, a display unit (LCD monitor) 601, an antenna 602, and operation buttons. 603, a camera unit 62 for photographing a subject, an information signal processing unit (not shown) arranged inside the main body 600, and processing various information signals.

The camera unit 600 incorporates an optical unit 30 ′ ″, defines a part of the contour of the main body 600, is formed separately from the main body 600, and is modularized. It is connected so as to be able to rotate (swing) approximately 90 degrees at the connection part 62 1. The connecting portion 6 21 is shown in FIG. It has the same structure as the one. The optical unit 30 is the same as the above-described optical unit 30 configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 except that the cam plate 637 is driven by the module 640, so that the optical unit 30 has the same configuration. The configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the camera unit 6220 is provided with a transparent window 622 for photographing and an opening 623 for projecting the switch button 650. The optical unit 30 ′ ″ is arranged behind the transparent window 62 2 so as to be able to change the magnification. That is, the optical unit 30 ′ ″ performs a magnification operation inside the camera unit 62 without protruding outside as described above.

In the optical unit 30 ′ ″, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the cam plate 6 37 has a track 6 in addition to the first cam groove 37 a and the second cam groove 37 b. 37 a is formed. The motor 640 is fixed to the housing 21, and the pinion 640 is combined with the rack 637 a of the cam plate 637. Therefore, when the motor 640 rotates in the negative direction, the cam plate 637 moves upward in the V direction, and the first cam groove 37 a and the second cam groove 37 b are moved to the first lens frame 3. A cam action is applied to the third lens frame 36 and the second lens frame 36 to perform a zooming operation from telephoto to wide-angle. On the other hand, when the motor 640 rotates in the opposite direction, the cam plate 637 becomes V Then, the first lens frame 33 and the second lens frame 36 return to the rest position (collapsed position). Further, the motor 640 is rotated in one direction by pressing one switch button 650 protruding from the opening 623, and is rotated in the other direction by pressing the other switch button 650. To rotate.

The operation of this mobile phone will be described. First, in a non-operation state, as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the camera unit 620 is rotated so that the switch button 650 is positioned forward. Along the contour of the body 600 It is positioned.

Then, when shooting with the camera unit 62, as shown in FIG. 28, the camera unit 62 is set at approximately 90 degrees so that the switch button 65 is located on the right side. Rotate. In this state, to move the optical unit 30 ′ ′ at the rest position to the shooting position, press one of the switch buttons 650 and rotate the motor 640 in one direction, the telephoto end At the shooting position, the CCD 24 is turned on as described above, and then the camera 640 is stopped as appropriate to enable shooting from telephoto to wide-angle.

On the other hand, to end the photographing, press the other switch button 650 and rotate the motor 640 in the opposite direction, and the CCD 24 becomes 0FF at the photographing position at the telephoto end, and then The optical unit 30 "returns to the rest position. Thereafter, the camera unit 62 is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the reverse direction to return to the original position shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B. In this way, even if the operation for photographing is performed, the optical unit 30 ′ does not protrude to the outside and is always inside the camera unit 62, so that the optical unit 3 It is possible to prevent the collision of 0 'and to prevent scratches, fingerprints, dust, etc. from adhering to the lens surface.

FIGS. 31 to 36A and 36B show an embodiment of the camera unit according to the present invention formed to be detachable from various portable information terminals.

As shown in FIG. 31, the camera unit 700 is composed of a unit case 71 that defines an outer contour, and the above-mentioned optical unit 3 that is disposed so as to be able to protrude and retract inside the unit case 70. 0, a drive mechanism such as a cam plate 37 for driving the optical unit 30; a crystal filter 22 such as an infrared filter and a low-pass filter; a face plate 23; and a CCD 24 as an image sensor. And a circuit board 25, and connection terminals 720 connected to the circuit board 25. I have.

As shown in FIG. 31 and FIGS. 36A and 36B, the unit case 710 has an opening 710a for allowing the optical unit 30 to protrude and retract, and a drive mechanism operating section 370. It is formed by a slot 710b for exposing c to the outside, a connector 710c for connecting to the connection section C of the portable information terminal PDA, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 32 to 35, the optical unit 30 is a variable-magnification lens optical system having the same configuration and the same operation as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 described above. The description here is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 36B, a connection terminal 720 is electrically connected to the circuit board 25, and the connection terminal 720 is connected to the inside of the connector section 70c. It is in a state exposed to the space. The connection terminal 720 is provided with wiring for supplying power to the CCD 24 and transmitting an image signal, and may be either a contact type or a non-contact type.o

Next, the operation of the camera unit according to this embodiment will be described. First, when the camera unit 700 is attached to a portable information terminal (for example, a mobile phone) and is not operated, the operation unit 37 c is located at the lower end of the optical unit 300. As shown in FIG. 32, is in the retracted state (rest position) immersed through the opening 7110a of the unit case 7110. At this time, as shown in FIG. 35, the cam plate 37 is located at the downward moving end in the V direction.

In this state, when the operator moves the operation unit 37c upward to the predetermined position in FIG. 35, the cam plate 37 also moves upward in conjunction with the movement. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the optical unit 30 slightly projects from the surface of the unit case 7 10 and is positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end. Attached. By the way, when the operator moves the operation section 37c, the positioning mechanism (not shown) is activated at the photographing position at the telephoto end, and the resistance to the movement operation increases, so that the same operation force is applied. Since the optical unit 30 cannot be moved, the optical unit 30 is positioned at the photographing position at the telephoto end at that time.

When the operator moves the operation section 37c further upward with an operation force that can release the positioning force by the positioning mechanism from the state at the shooting position at the telephoto end, the cam is interlocked with the movement. Plate 37 also moves upward. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 34, the optical unit 30 further projects from the surface of the unit case 7 10 and is positioned at the photographing position at the wide-angle end.

On the other hand, when the operator moves the operation unit 37 c in the opposite direction (downward), the optical unit 30 moves from the shooting position at the wide-angle end to the shooting position at the telephoto end, and further collapses. It reaches a rest position where it becomes a state.

In this way, the operator moves the optical unit 30 from the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the wide-angle end simply by performing an operation of moving the operation unit 37c. Double operation can be performed.

Therefore, at the time of photographing, first, the camera unit 700 is connected to the portable information terminal device, the operation of simply moving the operation section 37c is performed, and the operation movement amount is appropriately adjusted. The camera can switch between telephoto and wide-angle shooting continuously, eliminating the need to change the shooting distance when changing the shooting range.

In the above-described embodiment, the cam unit of the power plate 37 is employed as a drive mechanism for changing the magnification in the optical unit 30 mounted on the detachable camera unit 700, but is not limited thereto. Other mechanisms can be adopted, and the main unit is used as a manual operation unit. An operation part 37 c that protrudes from the cam plate and moves linearly is adopted, but instead, a rack is formed on the side of the cam plate 37, and the pinion that mates with this rack is turned around the main body. The optical unit 30 may be arbitrarily provided as an operation unit, and a zoom operation of the optical unit 30 may be performed by rotating a pinion (operation unit). Further, instead of the flat cam plate 37, it may be linked by using a helicoid or the like.

In addition, two lenses, a concave lens 32 and a convex lens 34, are employed as a plurality of lenses constituting the optical unit 30.However, the present invention is not limited to this, and more lenses may be employed. It is possible.

In order to allow the optical unit 30 to perform the zooming operation, an operation unit 37c for manual operation was provided, but instead of manual operation, it was electrically operated using an electromagnetic actuator such as a motor. Is also good. That is, a rack may be formed on the cam plate 37, and the pinion coupled with the rack may be rotated by an electric actuator such as a motor.

Furthermore, as the connection terminal 720, power can be supplied from a power supply (not shown) housed in the portable information terminal. However, the power supply built in the camera unit 700 is adopted, and the connection terminal May be used for wiring connection for transmitting information relating to processing of image signals from the CCD 24.

As described above, according to the camera unit 700, since the optical unit 30 is a variable-magnification lens optical system capable of performing variable-magnification photography, the photographing distance can be reduced when the photographing range is desired to be changed. By simply adjusting the optical unit 30 without changing it, you can shoot in a wide range from telephoto to wide-angle. Also, since it is detachable, it can be applied to various portable information terminals. Further, by manually changing the magnification of the optical unit 30, it is possible to reduce the cost, reduce the size, and simplify the operation. Industrial applicability

As described above, the portable information terminal and the camera unit according to the present invention can photograph a subject in a wide range from telephoto to wide-angle, and are useful in a communication system for transmitting and receiving image information and the like.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A display unit capable of displaying information;

A body provided with the display unit and defining an outline;

An image sensor for photographing a subject;

An optical unit including a plurality of lenses arranged in an optical axis direction and a driving mechanism for relatively moving and driving the plurality of lenses to change the magnification of a subject with respect to the image sensor;

A portable information terminal having:

2. The optical unit is formed so as to protrude out of the main body at the time of photographing and to enter the main body at the time of non-photographing.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The optical unit is formed so as to perform a magnification operation inside the main body at the time of photographing.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The driving mechanism is configured to move the plurality of lenses from a rest position to a shooting position at a wide-angle end through a shooting position at a telephoto end.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The drive mechanism activates a switch for turning on / off the power supply to the image sensor when the plurality of lenses are positioned at an imaging position at the telephoto end. The portable information terminal according to claim 4.

6. The drive mechanism has an operation unit for manually performing variable-magnification drive.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The body has a telescopic antenna,

The driving mechanism has an interlocking mechanism for performing variable-magnification driving in conjunction with the expansion and contraction operation of the antenna.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The main body has a flipper that is openably and closably provided so as to cover at least a part of a surface thereof.

The drive mechanism has an interlocking mechanism for performing variable-magnification drive in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the flipper.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

9. The interlocking mechanism includes: a connecting member connected to a part of the driving mechanism; and an interlocking panel for applying an urging force to interlock the operation of the flipper with the connecting member.

9. The portable information terminal according to claim 8, wherein:

10. The drive mechanism is configured to move the plurality of lenses from the rest position through the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the wide-angle end,

The interlocking mechanism regulates the movement of the connecting member by overcoming the urging force of the interlocking panel when the plurality of lenses reach the photographing position at the telephoto end in conjunction with the opening operation of the flipper. 10. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, further comprising a restricting member.

11. The restricting member is configured such that a restricting position for restricting the movement of the connecting member is adjustable in a range from the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the wide-angle end.

The portable information terminal according to claim 10, characterized in that:

12. The regulating member includes: a cam portion that performs a cam action on the connecting member; and an operation portion that is manually reciprocally operated. The portable information terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that:

13. The flipper is formed so as to cover the optical unit in a closed state.

9. The portable information terminal according to claim 8, wherein:

14. The driving mechanism includes: an electric actuator for electrically varying the magnification; and a switch for turning on / off the electric actuator.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

15. The body has a telescopic antenna,

15. The portable information terminal according to claim 14, wherein the switch is switched in conjunction with an expansion / contraction operation of the antenna.

16. The main body has a flipper that is openably and closably provided so as to cover at least a part of a surface of the main body.

The switch is switched in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the flipper;

15. The portable information terminal according to claim 14, wherein:

17. A camera unit including the image sensor and the optical unit and rotatably connected to the main body,

The optical unit is formed so as to perform a zooming operation inside the camera unit during photographing.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

18. A camera unit including the image sensor and the optical unit,

The optical unit is formed so as to protrude out of the camera unit during photographing and to immerse in the camera unit during non-photographing, The camera unit is rotatably connected to the main body so as to conceal the optical unit while immersing the optical unit.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

19. The main body includes: a shielding member capable of shielding a front surface of the optical unit; and an interlocking mechanism that causes the shielding member to perform a shielding operation and an exposure operation in conjunction with the operation of the driving mechanism.

2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

20. The driving mechanism is an operation unit for manually driving the variable power.

The shielding member is formed so as to interlock with an operation of the operation unit to perform a shielding operation and an exposure operation.

10. The portable information terminal according to claim 19, wherein:

21. The drive mechanism is configured to move the plurality of lenses from the rest position through the photographing position at the telephoto end to the photographing position at the corner end,

The interlocking mechanism exposes a front surface of the optical unit before the plurality of lenses start a zooming operation from a rest position, and shields a front surface of the optical unit after the plurality of lenses enter the rest position. So as to interlock the shielding member,

10. The portable information terminal according to claim 19, wherein:

22. The shielding member is a shielding plate supported to be swingable about a predetermined axis,

The interlocking mechanism is configured to interlock the swinging arm that swings around the predetermined axis in conjunction with the operation of the driving mechanism, and to link the operation of the swinging arm with the shielding plate and to expose a front surface of the optical unit. An interlocking panel that applies an urging force in the direction, and the shielding plate is moved with the swing arm at a predetermined timing during the shielding operation. And a restraining mechanism for restraining to move integrally.

10. The portable information terminal according to claim 19, wherein:

2 3. An image sensor for shooting the subject,

An optical unit including a plurality of lenses arranged in an optical axis direction and a driving mechanism for relatively moving and driving the plurality of lenses to change the magnification of a subject with respect to the image sensor; ,

A connection terminal connected to the image sensor for transmitting at least a signal of imaging information;

A connector unit detachably formed with respect to the portable information terminal;

24. The drive mechanism has an operation unit for manually performing variable-magnification drive.

The camera unit according to claim 23, wherein:

25. The drive mechanism includes: an electric actuator for electrically varying the magnification; and a switch for turning on / off the electric actuator.

The camera unit according to claim 23, wherein: