JP2002300431A - Camera equipped with installation mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately adjust the direction of a lens of a camera and easily and quickly set the camera, even if there is no level surface on the installation site, when the conventional small camera compatible with USB or the like is installed. SOLUTION: This camera is comprised of a camera body and an installation means for setting the camera body at a specified place, and it is also equipped with an installation mechanism, that is joined by means of a joint means by which the camera body and installation means can be attached/detached through a single action. Thus, the installation means can be appropriately installed, without being regulated by the condition of an installation site, and the camera body can be appropriately directed to the installation means and the easily fitted thereto, resulting in permitting easy installation of the camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a compact camera such as a personal computer which can capture video information.
The present invention relates to a camera compatible with a B (Universal Serial Bus) and having an installation mechanism that enables the camera to be set at a predetermined position in an appropriate state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A USB-compatible camera of this type is mounted on a predetermined base, and is adjusted so that a lens portion of the camera is directed toward a subject. It is intended to be mounted and used.

[0003] When there is no horizontal place at the position to be set, for example, another facility such as a chair or a desk is used, or books are stacked to secure a horizontal place, and the horizontal place is secured. The base part is placed on a convenient place and used.

[0004] When other facilities cannot be used, it is necessary to install holes by making holes in wall surfaces or attaching appropriate fittings. Thus, in general,
In many cases, it cannot be easily used unless there is a horizontal space of an appropriate size.

[0005]

However, even if there is a horizontal place, if the position is not at an appropriate height due to its height being too high or too low, another facility may be used or the book may be used. There is a problem in that it is necessary to stack them up, and it takes time and trouble to set them in an appropriate state.

[0006] Further, when the vibration or shaking is transmitted to a place even on a horizontal surface, the mounted base moves little by little due to the vibration or shaking, and the direction in which the lens faces is changed. Have.

Therefore, in the conventional USB compatible small camera, the direction in which the lens faces can be easily adjusted, and even if there is no horizontal plane, as long as there is a smooth polished surface or an uneven portion. There is a problem to be solved in that the setting can be easily and appropriately performed.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As a specific means for solving the problems of the prior art, the present invention comprises a camera body and an installation means for setting the camera body at a predetermined place. A camera having an installation mechanism, wherein the camera and the installation means are connected via a connection means which can be attached and detached with one touch.

In the camera having the installation mechanism of the present invention, the installation means is any one of a stand having a suction function, an attachment having a locking portion, and a clip; Having an elastic locking structure between the part and the female fitting part; the male fitting part is provided on the camera body side via a hinge mechanism, and the female fitting part is provided on the installation means side; Forming a frame having a cable regulating function between the mechanism and the male insertion portion; as an additional requirement.

A camera having an installation mechanism according to the present invention comprises:
Since the camera body and the installation means can be attached and detached with one touch, the installation means can be installed without being restricted so much by the conditions of the installation site, and the proper orientation to the installed installation means Then, the camera body can be easily attached, and the installation work of the camera can be performed extremely easily.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, some preferred embodiments of a camera having an installation mechanism according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the camera 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is generally constituted by a camera body 2 and a stand type installation means 3, and these camera body 2 and the installation means 3 , So-called one-touch attachment / detachment.

The camera body 2 is a so-called USB-compatible small camera, which is formed entirely in a disk shape, provided with a lens portion 4 in the center of the front side, and extends horizontally and vertically from the front side to the periphery. Is provided at the cross position when viewed from the front. The USB connector cable 6 is drawn out of the lower peripheral portion of the camera body 2 so as not to be in the way.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 2 is provided with one of the means for coupling to the installation means 3 via a hinge mechanism 7, that is, a male insertion portion 8. This male insert 8
A frame 9 having an appropriate shape, a center pole 10 projecting a predetermined length from the center of one side surface of the frame 9, and plate-like side bars 11 and 12 located on both sides thereof are integrally formed. On the tip side of the bars 11 and 12, half-moon-shaped locking portions 11a and 12a are formed integrally in a symmetrical state with the bulging portions inside. The frame 9 may be, for example, the USB connector cable 6.
Is formed in an appropriate shape such as a honeycomb structure having a cable regulating function, a rectangular or elliptical shape, etc., and acts as a cable regulating member. .

The center pole 10 serves as a guide when being attached to a female fitting portion described later, and when the center pole 10 is detached from the female fitting portion, the side bars 11 and 12 are strongly pinched and deformed from both sides. It also serves to guard against breakage. In addition, each side bar 11, 12
Is formed in a state in which the tip portion is slightly inclined toward the center pole 10 side, and since the intermediate portion has a plate shape, the plate-shaped intermediate portion acts elastically, and will be described later. It is structured to elastically engage with the female fitting portion.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hinge mechanism 7 includes a cylindrical portion 2a provided on the camera body 2 side, and cylindrical portions 9a and 9b provided on the frame 9 side so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 2a from both sides. ,
Shaft portion 13 provided through these cylindrical portions 2a, 9a, 9b
And a set screw 14 screwed to one end of the shaft 13
And a plurality (two in the illustrated embodiment) of rotation resistors 15 such as O-rings provided inside the cylindrical portion 2a and around the shaft portion 13.

The hinge mechanism 7 having such a configuration can rotate at least in a rotation angle range of 200 degrees.
In the rotation angle range, a stable attitude can be maintained at a stepless position by the presence of the rotation resistor 15.

That is, the cylindrical portion 2a of the camera body 2 rotates while receiving a predetermined resistance by the rotating resistor 15 existing between the shaft portion 13 and the rotating resistor 15 at the position where the rotation stops. That position is maintained by the fifteen resistors. The strength of the rotation resistance (torque) depends on the material of the rotation resistor 15, but for example, the number of used rotation resistors can be appropriately adjusted between 1 and 4.

The stand type installation means 3 has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 as an example. The installation means 3 includes an upper member 16, a rotation knob 17, and a lower member 18.
And the suction member 19.

The upper surface member 16 has a female fitting portion 20 into which the male fitting portion 8 is inserted and is integrally formed on the upper surface thereof in a protruding state, and is formed on both sides along the female fitting portion 20. The arc-shaped constricted portions 21 and 22 are formed symmetrically, and further, a hanging portion 23 having a predetermined length from an edge where the constricted portion is not formed.
24 are formed symmetrically.

The female fitting portion 20 is formed with openings 20a and 20b, both sides of which are arcuately formed, and a guide rib 20c which is depressed inward at the center and projected in the form of a rib. Bosses 23a and 24a for coupling to the lower member 18 are formed on the outer surfaces of the portions 23 and 24, respectively, near the lower end.

The rotary knob 17 is formed in a disk shape whose lower part is open, and is provided with a non-slip processing 25 on its peripheral edge. A central area of the upper surface of the rotary knob 17 is formed in a concave area 26 which is substantially dished, and a boss 28 having a screw hole 27 is formed in the center of the concave area 26. A rib-like portion 29 projecting slightly upward along the periphery is formed.

The lower member 18 is formed as a bowl-shaped protruding portion 31 with the inside of a ring-shaped peripheral portion 30 having a predetermined width, and a boss having an insertion hole 32 at the top of the protruding portion 31, that is, in the center. The part 33 is formed. And, on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion 30, the hanging portion 23 of the upper surface member 16,
Projection portions 30a and 30b for screwing are formed at positions corresponding to the boss portions 23a and 24a for coupling provided on 24, respectively.

The suction member 19 is a suction cup made of a so-called rubber or plastic, and has a configuration in which the end (flange portion) of the screw rod 34 is embedded in the center thereof to stand up. Raising the suction force increases the suction force of the suction cup. The screw rod 34
A groove 34a is formed on the free end side along the circumferential direction.

As described above, the assembling of the installation means 3 composed of the respective constituent members is performed by connecting the screw rod 34 of the suction member 19 to the lower member 1.
8 and the upper end of the screw rod is inserted into the boss 3.
The screw rod 27 of the rotary knob 17 is screwed into the upper end of the projecting screw rod 34, and the upper end of the screw rod 34 is further projected upward from the screw hole 27. In this state, the clip-shaped stopper member 36 is press-fitted into the groove 34a of the screw rod 34 protruding, so that the lower member 18 is located between the suction member 19 and the rotary knob 17.
Will not separate while maintaining

Next, the upper surface member 16 is disposed so as to cover from above the rotary knob 17, and the connecting boss portions 23a and 24a of the hanging portions 23 and 24 and the screwing convex portions 30a and 30b of the lower member 18 are provided. The upper member 16 and the lower member 18 are joined by screwing appropriate screws 37 from the screwing protrusions 30a and 30b side, and the rotation knob 17 is connected to the upper member 16 and the lower member 18 The installation means 3 is formed so as to be freely rotatable between the mounting means 3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the camera body 2 and the installation means 3 formed as described above are detachable via coupling means, that is, the male insertion part 8 and the female insertion part 20. Is combined with This coupling means is of a so-called one-touch type, and the center pole 10 is guided by the guide rib 20c by pushing the male insertion portion 8 into the female fitting portion 20, and the locking portions 11a and 12a on both sides are female type. Fitting part 20
Is pushed inward by contacting the inner wall surface of the
2 is bent inward, so that the male insertion portion 8 can be inserted.

When the locking portions 11a, 12a reach the openings 20a, 20b constricted in an arc shape, the inward pressure is released, and the locking portions 11a, 12a are respectively opened.
The male and female fitting portions 8 and 20 are stably coupled to each other while the engagement state is maintained by being fitted to the a and 20b. When the male insertion portion 8 is detached, the locking portions 11a, 12 fitted in the openings 20a, 20b are used.
By pressing inward as if picking a together, the locked state is released and the male insertion portion 8 can be easily pulled out from the female insertion portion 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, the camera 1 in which the camera body 2 and the installation means 3 are connected as described above, for example,
The installation means 3 is set on a flat place such as a table 50 or a place such as a gentle slope, and the camera body 2 is
As indicated by the phantom line, approximately 200
It can be set at any angle position within the angle range of degrees. In this case, the installation means 3 functions as a stand, and absorbs a slight inclination or unevenness due to the presence of the suction member 19 and plays a role of a non-slip, stabilizing the installation state. If the upper surface or the inclined surface of the table 50 is a smooth surface such as a glass plate, the table can be suction-installed by operating the suction member 19, and the stability is further improved.

When the installation place is a steep slope, a vertical plane or a ceiling, a smooth polished surface is required. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, by adsorbing the adsorbing member 19 of the installation means 3 on a glass surface, a smooth surface 51 of a television screen or a monitor personal computer screen, stable installation can be performed even on a vertical surface. And the image that matches the eyes
You can capture video.

In the installation operation in this case, the rotation knob 17 of the installation means 3 is rotated in advance in a counterclockwise direction, and it is checked whether or not the cross-position indicator 5 is substantially horizontal / vertical when viewed from the front. Meanwhile, the setting means 3 is positioned on the smooth surface 51, and the upper surface portions 17 a and 17 b of the rotary knob 17 exposed on the constricted portions 21 and 22 on both sides of the upper surface member 16 are slightly pressed so that a temporary set is obtained. In the state where the set is made, it is not the final suction yet, and the setting means 3
Can be easily rotated. If readjustment is necessary by looking at the horizontal / vertical state, readjustment is performed, and then the rotation knob 17 is rotated clockwise, whereby the suction member 1 is rotated.
9 is pulled in a direction to pull it away from the smooth surface 51,
Thereby, the adsorption strength is improved, the final adsorption is performed, and the installation state is stabilized. When removing the camera, the rotation knob 17 is rotated counterclockwise to loosen it, and the suction member 19 is peeled off with a fingertip.

FIG. 8 shows an installation means 3 according to the second embodiment.
8 is shown. The installation means 38 is a so-called attachment, which is configured so as to correspond to an object to which a camera is to be attached, and a female fitting portion 20 similar to that of the above embodiment is formed in a part thereof. In addition, a plurality of locking portions 39, 40, 41 are integrally formed.

In this case, the object is, for example, a game controller 52 as shown in FIGS.
Reference numeral 0 denotes an arm shape and is formed in a parallel state at a predetermined interval, and the engaging portion 41 has a hook shape and a body portion having a length substantially corresponding to the width (length in front and rear) of the controller 52. It is formed on a line opposite to the locking portions 39 and 40 and passing through the middle of the locking portions 39 and 40 via 42. An elastic material is integrated by two-color molding on the back surface of the distal end portions of the locking portions 39, 40, and 41 and the intermediate portion of the body portion 42, and the buffer means 39a, 40a, and 41a also function as a highly durable non-slip. , 43 are provided.

The mounting means 38 thus formed, that is, the attachment, is fitted from the front side (the upper part in the figure) of the controller 52 so that the arm-shaped locking portions 39 and 40 are located on the upper surface, and the hook is provided on the rear side. Locking part 4
1 is hooked on the upper surface so as to be mounted in a three-point support state.
It can be mounted in a stable state without being shifted by the presence of 1a, 43.

After the mounting means 38 is attached, the camera is easily attached to the controller 52 by inserting the male insertion portion 8 of the camera body 2 into the female insertion portion 20. In this case, when the male insertion portion 8 is inserted into the female insertion portion 20 in the direction shown in FIG. 9, a person who operates the controller 52, that is, "selfie" can be performed. When the male insertion portion 8 is inserted into the female insertion portion 20 in the indicated direction, the "player shooting" when a game is played by two players.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an installation means 44 according to the third embodiment. This installation means 4
Reference numeral 4 denotes a clip which connects a pair of holding members 45a and 45b so as to be openable and closable by a shaft 46, and is urged by a spring 47 in a direction in which one end is closed, for example, a plane of one holding member 45a. The female fitting portion 20 is provided in the portion.

If the clip is made of, for example, plastic, it is preferable that the female fitting portion 20 is formed by integral molding. If the clip is made of metal, the female fitting portion 20 formed separately from plastic may be integrally attached by appropriate means, or a so-called rotation so that the clip can be rotated at least in an angle range of 180 degrees. It may be attached as possible.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, a shaft portion 20d is integrally formed at the center of the bottom of the female fitting portion 20, and the shaft portion 20d extends through the holding body 45a. And an end portion of which is provided inside the holding member 45a.
8, the female fitting portion 20 is rotated with an appropriate torque.

To apply the traction force by the locking member 48, for example, a stopper member is attached to the end of the shaft portion 20d, and an elastic member such as rubber or a leaf spring is interposed between the stopper member and the holding member 45a. The rotation torque can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the acting force of the elastic member, and the adjustment is performed by the other holding member 45b.
Can be arbitrarily performed through the holes 49 provided in the holes.

By using such a clip type installation means 44, if the portion to which the camera body 2 is to be mounted has a projection that can be clipped without a flat portion or a smooth surface, the clip After mounting, the male insertion portion 8 of the camera body 2 can be easily attached to the female fitting portion 20 with a single touch, as described in each of the above embodiments.

In any case, if attachments or clips of various shapes having the female fitting portion 20 are prepared, they can be used in a wide range, and the condition at the portion to be installed is limited. Without being
With one touch, the direction in which the camera body 2 faces can be arbitrarily selected and can be easily installed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the male insertion portion 8 is inserted into the female insertion portion 20 has been described as an installation state. If there is no good condition, the honeycomb frame 9 and the male insertion portion 8 itself after the hinge mechanism 7 of the camera body 2 can be used as a stand.

In particular, by using the installation means 3 and 44 according to the first and third embodiments, trains, ships, automobiles, etc., in which there is a sudden movement or vibration at the installation location. Even in various vehicles, the camera can be used without falling down.

[0043]

As described above, a camera having an installation mechanism according to the present invention comprises a camera body and an installation means for setting the camera body at a predetermined place.
With the configuration in which the camera body and the installation unit are connected via a connection unit that can be attached and detached with one touch, the installation unit can be appropriately installed without being restricted so much by the conditions of the installation site. The camera body can be easily mounted by properly orienting the camera body to the installed installation means, and if the installation means can be installed at the planned site, the camera installation work can be performed extremely easily. It works.

Further, in the present invention, any of a stand having a suction function, an attachment having a locking portion, and a clip can be selected as the installation means. There is no need to use jigs or drill holes, it can be used immediately in most places where the camera is to be mounted, and once the installation means is installed, the camera body can be easily mounted with one touch. It has an excellent effect that it can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a camera having an installation mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the camera body according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a hinge mechanism of the camera body according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an installation means according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the camera body and the installation means according to the embodiment are connected.

FIG. 6 is a side view, partially in section, for explaining a rotation angle of the camera body by the hinge mechanism in the camera having the installation mechanism according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an installation state of a camera having an installation mechanism according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an installation unit according to a second embodiment of the camera having the installation mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining one situation of attaching to a controller which is an object of installation using the installation means according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining another situation in which the controller is attached to a controller, which is one object to be installed, using the installation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the camera having the installation mechanism of the present invention.
It is a perspective view which shows the installation means of embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a cross section of a main part of the installation means according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 camera with installation mechanism, 2 camera body, 2
a, 9a, 9b tube portion, 3, 38, 44 installation means,
4 Lens part, 5 index, 6 USB connector cable, 7 Hinge mechanism, 8 Male insertion part, 9
Frame, 10 Center pole, 11, 12 Sidebar, 11a, 12a Lock, 13 Shaft, 1
4 set screw, 15 rotation resistor, 16 upper surface member, 17 rotation knob, 17a, 17b upper surface portion, 1
8 lower member, 19 suction member, 20 female fitting portion,
20a, 20b Arc-shaped opening, 20c guide rib, 20d shaft, 21, 22 neck, 2
3, 24 hanging part, 23a, 24a boss for connection,
25 anti-slip processing, 26 recess area, 27 screw hole, 28 boss part, 29 rib-shaped part, 30 peripheral part, 30a, 30b screwing convex part, 31 raised part, 32 insertion hole, 33 boss part, 34 screw rod , 34a groove, 36 stopper member, 37
Screw, 39, 40, 41 Locking part, 39a, 40
a, 41a, 43 cushioning means, 42 torso, 45a,
45b clamping body, 46 axis, 47 spring, 48 locking member, 49 hole, 50 table, 51 smooth surface, 52 controller.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H100 AA16 AA17 AA32 AA33 BB06 CC01 2H105 AA02 AA03 AA06 AA07 AA17 AA28 AA31 AA32 AA35 AA41 AA42 AA43 5C022 AC26

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A camera comprising: a camera main body; and installation means for setting the camera main body at a predetermined place, wherein the camera main body and the installation means are connected via a connection means which can be attached and detached with one touch. A camera having a featured installation mechanism. 2. The camera having an installation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the installation means is one of a stand having a suction function, an attachment having a locking portion, and a clip. 3. The camera having an installation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means has an elastic locking structure between the male insertion portion and the female insertion portion. 4. The male insertion part is provided on the camera body side via a hinge mechanism, and the female insertion part is provided on the installation means side. A camera having an installation mechanism. 5. A camera having an installation mechanism according to claim 4, wherein a frame having a cable regulating function is formed between the hinge mechanism and the male insertion portion.