Blade drive device

Abstract

The present invention provides a blade drive device for an electronic device having a camera function, which prevents images not intended for the user from being captured into the electronic device due to unauthorized access or user error. The blade drive device comprises a blade member that opens and closes a lens opening of a camera; a drive unit that drives the blade member between an open state and a closed state; and an operating member that manually closes the blade member. The operating member is in a first position when not in operation, allowing the blade member to be opened and closed by the drive unit, and can be moved to a second position when manually in operation, allowing the blade member to be closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a blade driving device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, most electronic devices have the ability to process, store, and transmit captured images. To capture images, they typically include a camera function (camera module). Furthermore, as the term "IoT" (Internet of Things) suggests, more and more electronic devices are used while connected to a network. Therefore, countermeasures against unauthorized external access via the network are essential for these electronic devices.

[0003] Regarding electronic devices with camera functions, there are many electronic devices in which the lens opening of the camera module installed on the electronic device is always open. Therefore, in the IoT, if the camera function is activated due to malicious external operations, it will capture images that the user does not want, resulting in the outflow of private images or the reduction of prevention functions due to illegal image acquisition.

[0004] Furthermore, when using portable information devices such as PCs and smartphones, the camera function may be activated due to an unintended user error. In such cases, there are problems such as unwanted images being captured and recorded within the electronic device, leaking the recorded images, or raising suspicions of surreptitious photography due to the recording of unwanted images.

[0005] To address this problem, the following solution has been proposed: when the camera function is not in use, the open lens opening is closed with a shielding component, and it is effective to open the lens opening only when the camera function is in use. For example, a sliding shielding component is provided on the housing of the electronic device, and when the camera function is in use, the shielding component is manually slid so as to detach from the lens opening, and when the camera function is not in use, the shielding component is manually slid so as to cover the lens opening, etc. (refer to the following patent document 1).

[0006] Patent Document 1: Utility Model Registration No. 3170619

[0007] According to the above-mentioned prior art, by using a shield member to close the lens opening when the camera function is not in use, images that the user is unaware of being captured in the electronic device can be prevented. However, when the shield member is manually operated, the open and closed state of the shield member is easily interrupted. Even if the user slides the shield member with the intention of closing the lens opening, the shield member may stop without completely covering the lens opening, and the user may not notice this. Conversely, even if the user slides the shield member with the intention of opening the lens opening, the shield member may stop without completely separating from the lens opening, and the user may not notice this.

[0008] If this situation occurs, when the camera function is not in use, an image that the user does not want to see can be captured into the electronic device through the partially open lens opening. Furthermore, when the camera function is in use, the lens opening is partially closed, preventing the user from capturing the desired image. Furthermore, if the shielding member is electrically operated to avoid such problems, the shielding member itself could be manipulated externally by unauthorized access, thus failing to provide an effective countermeasure against unauthorized access. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention is proposed to solve such a problem. Specifically, in an electronic device having a camera function, the problem is to prevent images not intended by the user from being captured into the electronic device due to unauthorized access or user error, and to reliably open the lens opening as intended by the user when the camera function is in use and reliably close the lens opening as intended by the user when the camera function is not in use.

[0010] In order to solve such problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0011] A blade drive device, characterized in that the blade drive device comprises: a blade component that opens and closes the lens opening of a camera; a drive unit that drives the blade component to an open state and a closed state; and an operating component that manually operates the blade component to a closed state, wherein the operating component is located in a first position in which the blade component can be opened and closed by the drive unit when not in operation, and can be moved to a second position in which the blade component is closed by manual operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the blade drive device (in Figure 1 In (a), the operating member is in the first position, the blade member is in the open state, Figure 1 (b), the operating member is in the first position and the blade member is in the closed state).

[0013] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the blade drive device (in Figure 2 In (a), the operating member moves to the second position, the blade member is closed, Figure 2 In (b), the operating member moves to the third position and the blade member is in the open state).

[0014] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of another example of the blade drive device (in Figure 3 In (a), the operating member is in the first position, the blade member is in the open state, Figure 3 (b), the operating member is in the first position and the blade member is in the closed state).

[0015] Figure 4 This is another example of a blade drive device ( Figure 3 Example) of the action of the diagram (in Figure 4 In (a), the operating member moves to the second position, the blade member is closed, Figure 4 In (b), the operating member moves to the third position and the blade member is in the open state).

[0016] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of another example of the blade drive device (in Figure 5 In (a), the operating member moves to the second position, the blade member is in the closed state, Figure 5 (b), the operating member is in the first position and the blade member is in an openable and closable state).

[0017] Figure 6 This is another example of a blade drive device ( Figure 5 Example) of the action of the diagram (in Figure 6 In (a), the operating member is in the third position, the blade member is in the open state, Figure 6 (b), the operating member is in the first position and the blade member is in an openable and closable state).

[0018] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the blade drive device.

[0019] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The diagram illustrating the operation of the example shown (in Figure 8 (a) is the state where the opening is closed by the operating member. Figure 8 (b) is a state where the opening is opened by the operating part).

[0020] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 The diagram for explaining the operation of the example shown (in Figure 9 In (a), the opening is closed by the blade member. Figure 9 (b) is a state where the opening is opened by the blade part).

[0021] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a shielding portion of a blade member (in Figure 10 In (a), there is a mesh-shaped shielding part. Figure 10 In (b), there is a concentric slit-shaped shielding part. Figure 10 In (c), it is a mosaic filter.

[0022] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the outer surface of the blade member (in Figure 11 (a) is the appearance of the pattern, in Figure 11 In (b), this is the appearance of the text.

[0023] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic device equipped with a blade drive device and a camera module ( Figure 12 (a) is the main view, Figure 12 (b) is along Figure 12 (a) is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X.)

[0024] Description of labels

[0025] 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D): Blade drive device; 2: Blade member; 2A: Rod protrusion; 2P: Shielding portion; 3: Drive portion; 4: Operating member; 4A, 4B: Operating portion; 4P: Recess; 4S: Guide hole; 4T: Protrusion; 4S1, 4S2: Avoidance portion; 5: Frame; 6: Sliding frame; 7, 9: Spring; 8: Magnet (magnetic pole portion); 10: Opening plate; 10A: Opening; 11: Shaft; 12: Protrusion; 20: Rod; 21: Rotor; 21A: Rod protrusion; 22: Rotor magnet; 23 : Yoke; 24: Winding frame; 25: Power terminal; 30: Blade drive frame; 31: Blade component; 32: Drive unit; 32A: Power terminal; 33: Opening plate; 33A: Opening; 40: Operating component action frame; 40A: Storage unit; 40B: Support unit; 41: Operating component; 41A: Protrusion; 42: Sliding frame; 42A: Guide hole; 43: Shielding component; 44: Spring; 100: Electronic device; 200: Camera module; T: Housing; T1: Housing opening; F: Front panel; D: Display panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent parts with the same functions, and repeated descriptions in the drawings will be omitted as appropriate.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the blade drive device 1 (1A) includes a blade member 2, a drive unit 3, and an operating member 4. The blade member 2 and the drive unit 3 are mounted on a frame 5, and the operating member 4 is movably held in a slide frame 6 integral with the frame 5.

[0028] The operating member 4 is supported at both ends by springs (coil springs) 7 that extend and contract in the direction of movement within the slide frame 6. The operating member 4 can be moved in the direction of the arrow by manual operation, but when not in operation, it returns to its neutral position, i.e., the first position, due to the elastic force of the spring 7. In the illustrated example, a coil spring is used as the spring 7, but the form of the spring 7 is not limited to a coil spring, and various springs (biasing members) such as a torsion spring or a leaf spring can be used.

[0029] The frame 5 has an opening plate 10 having an opening 10A corresponding to the lens opening of the camera. Figure 1 As shown in (a), by opening the opening 10A, the camera lens opening becomes an open state, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in (b), the lens opening of the camera is shielded by shielding the opening 10A. In the following description, the state in which the opening 10A is open is referred to as the open state of the blade member 2, and the state in which the opening 10A is shielded is referred to as the closed state of the blade member 2.

[0030] The blade member 2 is pivotally supported on the frame 5 by a shaft 11. The shaft 11 is parallel to the central axis of the opening 10A. The blade member 2 is rotated about the shaft 11 by the driving unit 3 to switch between an open state and a closed state.

[0031] The driving unit 3 includes: a rod 20 that engages with a protrusion 12 provided on the blade member 2 and protruding parallel to the shaft 11; a rotor 21 that is integral with the rod 20; a rotor magnet 22 that is fixed to the rotor 21 and is rotatably supported about an axis parallel to the shaft 11; and a yoke 23 that is arranged so as to sandwich the rotor magnet 22. A coil (not shown) is wound around a portion of the yoke 23, and a bobbin 24 for holding the coil and a pair of power terminals 25 connected to a pair of ends of the coil are provided. In addition, the driving unit 3 is not limited to this example, and various components such as a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) that linearly moves a magnet or a coil can be used.

[0032] Operating part 4 Figure 1 (a) Figure 1 The neutral position shown in (b) is the first position where the blade member 2 can be opened and closed by the driving unit 3, and is moved to the first position by manual operation. Figure 2(a) shown in the second position, thereby forcibly making the blade member 2 into a closed state, by manually moving to Figure 2 The blade member 2 is forcibly brought into the open state by moving the blade member 2 to the third position shown in (b).

[0033] In the blade drive device 1 (1A), a rod protrusion 21A is integrally provided on the rotor portion 21 of the drive portion 3, and the operating member 4 has operating portions 4A and 4B for operating the rod protrusion 21A to forcibly rotate the rotor portion 21 of the drive portion 3. More specifically, the operating member 4 has a recess 4P for accommodating the rod protrusion 21A, and the two ends of the recess 4P serve as the operating portions 4A and 4B. The rotor portion 21 includes a plate member formed integrally with the rod portion 20 and the rod protrusion 21A. The rotor magnet 22 and the rod protrusion 21A are mounted on the plate member. In addition, in other embodiments, the rod protrusion 21A may also be formed integrally with the plate member.

[0034] Here, if Figure 1 (a) Figure 1 As shown in (b), when the operating member 4 is in the non-operating state and the operating member 4 is in the first position, the rod protrusion 21A housed in the recess 4P becomes a state in which it can move freely within the required range of movement. In this state, by driving the driving portion 3, the rotor portion 21 can be rotated without being restricted by the operating portions 4A and 4B, so that the blade member 2 is in the open state ( Figure 1 (a)) or closed state ( Figure 1 (b) action.

[0035] And, as Figure 2 As shown in (a), when the operating member 4 is moved to the second position by manual operation, the operating portion 4A forcibly rotates the lever protrusion 21A by this movement, thereby closing the blade member 2. Figure 2 As shown in (b) of FIG. 2 , when the operating member 4 is manually moved to the third position, the operating portion 4B forcibly rotates the lever protrusion 21A due to the movement, thereby bringing the blade member 2 into the open state.

[0036] According to such a structure, it is possible to manually open and close the blade member 2 that moves electrically. Thus, when the user intentionally uses the camera function, the lens opening can be opened by executing the camera function, and when the user is not intentional, the lens opening can be closed by the user's own operation.

[0037] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The blade drive device 1 (1B) shown is Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 A modification of the example shown is similar to the example shown in FIG. 1 , except that the rod protrusion 2A is provided on a portion of the blade member 2. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The examples shown are the same.

[0038] Therefore, if Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 As shown in (b), when the operating member 4 is in the non-operating state and the operating member 4 is in the first position, the rod protrusion 2A housed in the recess 4P becomes a state in which it can move freely within the required range of movement. In this state, the blade member 2 can be opened ( Figure 3 (a)) or closed state ( Figure 3 (b) action.

[0039] And, as Figure 4 As shown in (a), when the operating member 4 is moved to the second position by manual operation, the operating portion 4A forcibly rotates the lever protrusion 2A by this movement, thereby closing the blade member 2. Figure 4 As shown in (b), when the operating member 4 is moved to the third position by manual operation, the operating portion 4B forcibly rotates the lever protrusion 2A by this movement, thereby turning the blade member 2 into the open state. In addition, when the lever protrusion 2A is provided on the blade member 2, it can be opened as shown in FIG. Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 It may be formed integrally with the blade member 2 as in the embodiment (b), or may be formed integrally with the reinforcement member of the blade member 2.

[0040] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The blade drive device 1 (1C) shown is another embodiment, in which a magnet (magnetic pole portion) 8 is mounted on the operating member 4. When the operating member 4 is moved manually, the magnet 8 approaches the rotor magnet 22 of the drive unit 3, forcing the drive unit 3 to operate. Figure 5 As shown in (a), when the operating member 4 is moved to the second position by manual operation, the rotor magnet 22 rotates through the magnet 8, and the blade member 2 becomes closed. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 2 ( a ), when the operating member 4 is manually moved to the third position, the rotor magnet 22 is rotated by the magnet 8 , and the vane member 2 is brought into the open state.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 5 (b) and Figure 6 As shown in (b), the operating member 4 of the blade driving device 1 (1C) moves so as to separate the magnet 8 from the driving unit 3. The position of the operating member 4 becomes the first position where the driving unit 3 can drive the blade member 2 to open and close.

[0042] exist Figure 5 In the state shown in (b), by making the operating member 4 Figure 5 The second position shown in (a) becomes a non-operating state, and the operating member 4 moves upward as shown by the arrow via the spring 9, so that the magnet 8 mounted on the operating member 4 is away from the driving unit 3. Figure 6 In the state shown in (b), by making the operating member 4 Figure 6 The third position shown in (a) becomes a non-operating state, and the operating member 4 moves upward as shown by the arrow by the spring 9, so that the magnet 8 attached to the operating member 4 is separated from the driving unit 3.

[0043] The operating member 4 has a protrusion 4T that engages with the guide hole 4S. When the operating member 4 is manually operated, the operating member 4 moves along the guide hole 4S. In addition, avoidance portions 4S1 and 4S2 are provided at both ends of the guide hole 4S. When the operating member 4 is moved to the second position and becomes a non-operating state, the protrusion 4T avoids to the avoidance portion 4S1 under the action of the spring 9, and the operating member 4 moves in the direction of the arrow and is stored in the Figure 5 In addition, when the operating member 4 is moved to the third position and becomes a non-operating state, the protrusion 4T is moved to the escape portion 4S2 under the action of the spring 9, and the operating member 4 moves in the direction of the arrow and is stored in the Figure 6 The first position shown in (b).

[0044] According to the blade drive device 1 (1A to 1C) described above, when the operating member 4 is in the first position, the user can intentionally drive the drive unit 3 when using the camera function to reliably open the lens opening, and when not using the camera function, the user can intentionally drive the drive unit 3 to reliably close the lens opening. Furthermore, by manually moving the operating member 2 to the second position according to the user's intention, the blade member 2 can be forcibly closed regardless of whether a drive signal is being sent to the drive unit 3.

[0045] Here, drive unit 3 is preferably when no energized stable state, blade member 2 both sides are maintained as the structure of any one in open state or closed state. Like this, when drive unit 3 is not driven, the position of blade member 2 can stably remain on open position or closed position.

[0046] In addition, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the embodiment, the spring 9 is mounted so as to protrude upward from the operating member 4. However, in other embodiments, the spring 9 may be mounted so as to protrude downward from the operating member 4. In addition, other urging members may be used in place of the spring 9 as a torsion spring so as not to protrude from the operating member 4.

[0047] exist Figures 7 to 9 In the blade drive device 1 ( 1D) shown, the blade drive frame 30 and the operating member actuation frame 40 are separate components, and the blade drive frame 30 is attached to the operating member actuation frame 40 .

[0048] The blade drive frame 30 is equipped with a blade member 31 and a drive unit 32 for opening and closing the blade member 31. The drive unit 32 is the same as the drive unit 3 described above. When power is supplied to the power supply terminal 32A, the drive unit 32 is driven to open and close the blade member 31 relative to the opening 33A of the opening plate 33 provided on the blade drive frame 30.

[0049] The operating member actuation frame 40 has a housing portion 40A for housing the blade drive frame 30, and a slide frame 42 for movably housing the operating member 41. The operating member 41 has a protrusion 41A that engages with a guide hole 42A provided in the slide frame 42. When the operating member 41 is manually operated, the operating member 41 moves along the guide hole 42A.

[0050] The shielding member 43 is mounted on the operating member 41. The operating member 41 is moved to Figure 8 The shielding member 43 shields the opening 33A and is manually moved to the position shown in (a). Figure 8 In the position shown in (b), the shielding member 43 opens the opening 33A. In addition, the operating member 41 is supported by the support portion 40B provided on the operating member action frame 40 via the spring 44. The operating member 41 is selectively moved to the position shown in (b) Figure 8 The state shown in (a) and Figure 8 The state shown in (b).

[0051] According to the blade driving device 1 (1D), no matter which state the blade member 31 driven by the driving unit 32 is in, it can be Figure 8 As shown in (a), by manually operating the operating member 41, the opening 33A is shielded by the shielding member 43. Figure 8 As shown in (b), if the operating member 41 is manually operated to move the shielding member 43 to the open position, Figure 9 (a) Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2 ( b ), the opening 33A can be opened and closed by driving the blade member 31 by the driving unit 32 .

[0052] Since the blade drive device 1 (1D) can accommodate the blade drive frame 30 within the storage portion 40A of the operating member actuation frame 40, it is possible to eliminate the increase in volume in the thickness direction, and it is possible to perform both the opening and closing of the shielding member 43 by manual operation of the operating member 41 and the electric opening and closing of the blade member 31 by the drive unit 32. Thus, even if the drive unit 32 opens against the user's intention, the opening 33A can be forcibly blocked by manual operation of the operating member 41 based on the user's intention. In other embodiments, the blade drive frame 30 may be installed on an electronic device described later, rather than being assembled on the operating member actuation frame 40.

[0053] The blade member 2 (31) used here is as follows Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the shielding portion 2P is provided to close the opening 10A (33A). The shielding portion 2P may be a light shielding portion that shields all light incident on the opening 10A (33A). Figure 10 (a) Figure 10 As shown in (b), a light shielding portion may be provided that shields part of the light incident on the opening 10A (33A) to prevent imaging. Figure 10 The example shown in (a) is a mesh-shaped shielding portion. Figure 10 The example shown in (b) is a concentric slit-shaped shielding portion. By setting them, a part of the light incident on the opening 10A (33A) can be blocked to hinder shooting. Figure 10 As shown in (c), the shielding portion 2P of the blade member 2 may also be a filter portion that filters the light incident on the opening 10A and blocks the image capture. Figure 10 In the example shown in (c), the light incident on the opening 10A (33A) can be filtered by the mosaic filter, thereby hindering the shooting.

[0054] When the blade member 2 (31) is in the closed state, it is preferred that the state can be observed from the outside, and the user or others can confirm that the lens opening of the camera module is blocked. Therefore, the outer surface of the blade member 2 is preferably colored in a red color with high visual recognition. In addition, it is preferred to provide a Figure 11 The appearance of the pattern shown in (a), or as Figure 11 As shown in (b), set the appearance of the text to improve the appearance.

[0055] Figure 12A PC (notebook PC) with a camera function is shown as an example of an electronic device including a blade drive device and a camera module. The blade drive device 1 (1A to 1D) is arranged in front of the camera module 200 in the housing T so that the operating part 4 (41) protrudes outside the housing T of the electronic device 100 and the opening 10A of the frame 5 is coaxial with the lens opening of the camera module 200. The electronic device 100 equipped with the blade drive device 1 (1A to 1D) is not limited to such a PC, but also includes portable information terminals such as smartphones, AI speakers (smart speakers) with camera functions, and IoT devices with camera functions as a whole, such as home security cameras.

[0056] By reducing the thickness of the camera module 200 itself, it can be disposed inside the housing T of the electronic device 100 without requiring a large space. In this example, a lens opening of the camera module is disposed so as to overlap with a housing opening T1 provided in the housing T. Furthermore, as shown in the example shown, the blade drive device 1 (1A to 1H) and the camera module 200 can be disposed in a space within the electronic device 100, such as above the front panel F and the display panel D.

[0057] In the electronic device 100 including such a blade drive device 1 (1A to 1D) and a camera module 200, by closing the blade member 2 of the blade drive device 1 (1A to 1D) or manually operating the operating member 4 (41) to close the opening, it is possible to prevent images (videos) that the user does not expect from being captured in the electronic device 100. Thus, it is possible to avoid the leakage of private images or suspicion of surreptitious photography, and the electronic device 100 with a camera function can be used with peace of mind even in an IoT environment.

[0058] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also encompassed by the present invention. Furthermore, the aforementioned embodiments may be combined using their respective technologies, as long as there are no particular conflicts or problems with their objectives and configurations.

Claims

1. A blade driving device, characterized in that: The blade drive device has: a blade member that opens and closes the lens opening of the camera; a driving portion that drives the blade member to an open state and a closed state; and An operating member, which is manually operated to close the blade member. The operating member is located at a first position in which the blade member can be opened and closed by the driving unit when not in operation, and can be moved to a second position in which the blade member is closed by manual operation. In the blade drive device, a rod protrusion is integrally provided on the rotor portion of the drive portion. The operating member has a recessed portion for receiving the lever protrusion. When the operating member is in a non-operating state and is located at the first position, the lever protrusion housed in the recess is able to freely move within a desired range of movement.

2. The blade driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating member can be moved to a third position where the blade members are opened by manual operation.

3. The blade drive device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The operating member returns to the first position due to elastic urging force.

4. The blade driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The operating member includes an operating portion that operates a lever protrusion provided on a rotor portion of the driving portion to rotate the rotor portion.

5. The blade driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating member includes an operating portion that operates a lever protrusion provided on a portion of the blade member to move the blade member.

6. The blade drive device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The operating portion is provided at an end portion of a recessed portion, the recessed portion houses the lever protrusion, and the lever protrusion is freely movable in the first position.

7. The blade driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating member includes a magnetic pole portion that approaches a magnet in the driving portion to forcibly operate the driving portion.

8. The blade driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operating member moves in the first position so that the magnetic pole portion is separated from the magnet of the driving unit. 9 . An electronic device comprising a camera module and the blade driving device according to claim 1 .

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