Mobile device, camera module and mobile device system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile device, preferably a mobile phone, comprising a module holder for a camera module for capturing still and / or video images, the camera module having a coupling section and being removably connectable to the module holder, the module holder having a recess in which the coupling section is received when the camera module is connected to the mobile device. It is provided that in the mobile device according to the invention, the recess of the module holder has a peripheral contour formed by a circular arc section and a secant section. The present invention further relates to a corresponding camera module and mobile device system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile device, preferably a mobile phone, comprising a module holder for a camera module for capturing still and / or video images, said camera module having a coupling section and being removably connectable to the module holder, wherein the module holder has a recess in which the coupling section is received when the camera module is connected to the mobile device.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a camera module for capturing still and / or video images for a mobile device, preferably a mobile phone, having a module holder, wherein the camera module has a coupling section configured to cooperate with a module holder of the mobile device to removably connect the camera module to the mobile device, wherein the coupling section can be received in a recess of the module holder. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, said mobile device is an electronic terminal device for mobile, wireless data, voice and / or image communication. The mobile device can be designed, for example, as a mobile phone, preferably as a smartphone, or as a portable small computer, preferably as a tablet computer.

[0004] Mobile devices of this category are usually equipped with one or more integrated cameras, capable of capturing still and / or video images. The mobile device usually has means for processing the captured images in the form of original images, for example for performing image correction or for compressing the image data. The processed images can be stored on an internal storage medium, i.e. a storage medium integrated into the mobile device, and / or on an external storage medium, for example a memory card that can be inserted into the mobile device. Furthermore, devices are usually present for transmitting the image data and other data wirelessly or by wire to other terminal devices and / or to a server.

[0005] The performance capabilities of an integrated camera are often limited due to the limited installation space available in a mobile device, which affects both the image sensor of the integrated camera and its optics. The resolution and / or sensitivity of the image sensor may therefore be reduced, for example, compared to devices with sufficient installation space available. In the case of the optics of the integrated camera, the installation space-related limitations may, for example, adversely affect the light intensity and / or the optical resolution.

[0006] Dedicated still image or video cameras, e.g. digital single-lens reflex cameras, are certainly capable of producing high quality images. However, such dedicated cameras are often heavy and of considerable construction size, which adversely affects handling and transportation. Furthermore, means for wireless transmission of recorded images are often absent or only present in a limited form in such cameras.

[0007] Nevertheless, various solutions are known from the prior art in order to generate relatively high quality images with mobile devices of this category and, if necessary, to transmit them wirelessly by the mobile device to other devices.

[0008] For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0208434A1 discloses a mobile terminal device to which a sub-module, such as a projector module or a camera module, can be removably fastened to the outside of its housing.

[0009] A frame for holding a camera module is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,704,944 B1. This frame, to which a smartphone can be clipped, is designated a "cradle," in which command and image data transmission between the frame and the smartphone is wireless.

[0010] A smartphone is known from US 2014 / 0094221 A1 that has a bayonet fastening for coupling an external module, for example a camera module.

[0011] To reliably couple an external camera module to a mobile device, a mechanically stable and easy-to-handle interface between the mobile device and the camera module is desirable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0208434A1 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8704944B1 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0094221A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile device and a camera module having an improved interface for connecting the mobile device and the camera module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The above object is met by a mobile device having the features of claim 1 and a camera module having the features of claim 11.

[0015] In the mobile device according to the invention, it is provided that the recess of the module holder has a peripheral contour formed by a circular arc section and a secant section. The circular arc section and the secant section are adjacent to each other such that the secant section connects the two end points of the circular arc section. Between the circular arc section and the secant section there is no transition section or only a very short transition section, which can be caused for example by technical production aspects and formed by a respective rounding shape with a very small radius of the order of 1 mm. The radius of the circular arc section is preferably constant over the length of the arc. In general, however, the radius of the circular arc section can also vary within a certain range, in which case the term "circular arc section" is not to be interpreted in a strictly geometrically literal sense, but in this case at least roughly refers to a course of the peripheral contour.

[0016] As will be explained in more detail below, due to the inventive design of the peripheral contour of the module holder and accordingly of the coupling section of the camera module, a compact design of the mechanical interface between the mobile device and the camera module is implemented compared to other designs, while nevertheless ensuring a coupling that is safe against rotation.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the mobile device, the angle over which the circular arc section extends amounts to at least 270°, preferably at least 300°, particularly preferably at least 315°.

[0018] The arc section advantageously has a latch section and the secant section advantageously has an undercut section, which cooperates with the latch section of the camera module and the undercut section cooperates with the undercut section of the camera module when the camera module is connected to the mobile device. This provides a stable but easily established and re-detached connection between the module holder and the camera module. To establish the connection, the camera module is first hung or hooked at an angle with its undercut section within the undercut section of the module holder. The latch sections are then engaged with each other by a tilting movement. Removal is performed in the reverse order, i.e. the latch section is first slightly tilted out of engagement and then the undercut section of the camera module is disassembled or unhooked from the undercut section of the module holder.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile device, the latch section and the undercut section of the module holder are provided on a peripheral wall of the module holder, preferably on an inner peripheral wall surrounding the recess. In such an embodiment, the base of the recess of the module holder can be free of fastening or coupling elements.

[0020] The undercut section of the module holder advantageously extends over the entire length of the associated secant section. Alternatively or additionally, the latch section of the module holder extends over a partial section of the associated arc section, preferably a partial section located opposite the secant section. For example, the latch section can extend over 25% to 75% of the arc length or angular extent of the arc section.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile device, the latch section of the module holder is configured as at least one rigid latch nose, preferably configured to cooperate with a respective associated latch section provided on the coupling section of the camera module, preferably with a resilient or spring-supported latch element. As an alternative to this, the latch section of the module holder may be configured as at least one resilient or spring-supported latch element, preferably configured to cooperate with a respective associated latch section provided on the coupling section of the camera module, preferably with a rigid latch nose. In both alternatives, each latch element cooperates with an associated latch nose.

[0022] The latch nose may also be configured as a laterally extending continuous bead that cooperates with a plurality of latch elements.

[0023] A latch nose is advantageously provided on the module holder and a latch element is provided accordingly on the coupling section, so as to avoid mobile and therefore particularly sensitive parts being located on the module holder, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the module holder when the mobile device is used without connection to a camera module covering or surrounding a mobile part.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile device, the module holder has a number of electrical contact elements arranged to cooperate with respective associated electrical contact elements provided on the coupling section of the connected camera module and with contact elements of the module holder, preferably provided on the base surface of the recess, in order to provide an electrical interface for the transmission of electrical signals and operating currents between the mobile device and the camera module. The electrical interface provided here serves in particular to transmit supply voltages and control signals from the mobile device to the camera module and to transmit image signals from the camera module to the mobile device, so that, if necessary, the image signals can be further processed and / or stored in the mobile device and / or transmitted from the mobile device to other remote devices. Further data, in particular metadata such as settings of the camera module, can also be transmitted via the electrical interface.

[0025] Locating the contact elements of the module holder on the base surface of the recess, particularly in cooperation with locating the latch sections and undercut sections on the peripheral wall of the module holder, provides good spatial separation between the mechanical and electrical portions of the interface between the module holder and the camera module.

[0026] The contact elements of the module holder are advantageously configured as rigid contact elements, preferably as planar contact surfaces. This embodiment likewise contributes that no moving parts need to be provided on the module holder itself, whereby the risk of damage is likewise reduced when the module arrangement is used without a connected camera module.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the mobile device, the contact elements of the module holder are arranged in the peripheral contour along a curved line, preferably extending at regular intervals from the peripheral contour, which correspondingly has a circular arc-shaped section and a linearly extending secant-shaped section.

[0028] The mobile device advantageously has an assembly frame configured as a holder for several components of the mobile device, where the mobile device comprises a camera module carrier which is directly fastened to the assembly frame and has a module holder. The module holder can be fastened removably, preferably replaceably, to the remaining part of the camera module carrier. The camera module carrier serves to reliably transfer the forces exerted by the coupled camera module on the module holder to the very stable assembly frame, which is usually configured as a metal part. A safe connection between the camera module and the mobile device is thereby ensured and the risk of damage to the module arrangement, in particular of the module holder being torn off or torn off, is substantially reduced.

[0029] In the camera module according to the invention it is provided that the coupling section has a peripheral contour formed by a circular arc section and a secant section, the peripheral contour of the coupling section being preferably formed complementarily to the peripheral contour of the module holder so as to enable a problem-free coupling between the camera module and the mobile device.

[0030] Advantageous embodiments of the camera module are described below, whereby the above-mentioned advantages of the respective corresponding advantageous embodiments of the mobile device apply analogously to the advantageous embodiments of the camera module, even if these advantages are not explicitly mentioned below. Further advantageous embodiments and advantages also result from the combination of advantageous embodiments of the camera module with advantageous embodiments of the mobile device.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the camera module, the angle through which the arc section extends amounts to at least 270°, preferably at least 300° and particularly preferably at least 315°.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the camera module, the arc section has a latch section and the secant section has an undercut section, the latch section configured to cooperate with the latch section of the camera module and the undercut section configured to cooperate with the undercut section of the module holder when the camera module is connected to the mobile device.

[0033] The latch section and the undercut section of the coupling section are advantageously provided on a peripheral wall, preferably on an outer peripheral wall, of the coupling section, so that the end faces of the coupling section are free of fastening or coupling elements.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the camera module, the undercut section of the coupling section extends over the entire length of the associated secant section. Alternatively or additionally, the latch section of the coupling section extends over a partial section of the associated arc section, preferably over a partial section located opposite the secant section. In a corresponding manner, the latch section of the coupling section advantageously extends over 25-75% of the arc length or angle range of the arc section.

[0035] The latch section of the coupling section is advantageously configured as at least one resilient or spring-supported latch element, preferably configured to cooperate with each associated latch section provided on the module holder, preferably with a rigid latch nose. Alternatively, the latch section of the coupling section can be configured as at least one rigid latch nose, preferably configured to cooperate with each associated latch section provided on the module holder, preferably with a resilient or spring-supported latch element. One or more latch elements can be provided accordingly.

[0036] According to the first alternative, if a latch element is provided on the coupling section and a latch nose is provided accordingly on the module holder, this advantageously contributes to no moving parts having to be located on the module holder, thus reducing the risk of damage when using the mobile device without a connected camera module.

[0037] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling section comprises a plurality of electrical contact elements arranged to cooperate with respective associated electrical contact elements provided on the module holder of the connected mobile device and preferably with contact elements of the coupling section provided on an end face of the coupling section in order to provide an electrical interface for transmitting electrical signals and operating currents between the mobile device and the camera module, said end face of the coupling section being a face that is arranged opposite the light inlet opening of the camera module when the camera module is connected to the mobile device and that preferably extends parallel to a base face of the recess of the module holder.

[0038] The contact elements of the coupling section are advantageously configured as elastic or spring-supported contact elements, preferably as contact pins or contact springs. The contact elements of the coupling section are preferably supported so as to be displaceable in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the optical axis of the camera module. This ensures a reliable contact with the contact elements of the module holder. By arranging elastic or spring-supported contact elements in the coupling section of the camera module, the corresponding contact elements of the module holder can be formed as rigid, which also contributes to the module holder remaining free of moving parts, reducing the risk of damage when the camera module is not coupled.

[0039] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the camera module, the contact elements of the coupling section are arranged within the peripheral contour along a curved line which preferably extends at regular intervals from the peripheral contour.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a mobile device system comprising a mobile device according to any one of the embodiments or any one of the advantageous embodiments according to the present invention and at least one camera module according to any one of the embodiments or any one of the advantageous embodiments according to the present invention, which is removably connected or connectable to the mobile device.

[0041] Further advantageous embodiments of the mobile device, the camera module and the mobile device system arise from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0042] The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments and drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective internal view of the mobile device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] An exploded view of the camera module carrier. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective internal view of a rear shell for a mobile device, said rear shell being connected to the camera module carrier of FIG. 4; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the mobile device of FIG. [Figure 7] Cross-sections through the camera module and the module holder in different assembly positions. [Figure 8] Cross-sections through the camera module and the module holder in different assembly positions. [Figure 9] 13 is a cross-sectional view through a camera module and a module holder in a connection position according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals below.

[0045] In figure 1, a mobile device 10 is shown which in this embodiment is designed as a mobile phone or smartphone. In general, the invention can also be used with other types of mobile devices, such as small portable computers, also designated as tablet computers.

[0046] 1 shows the mobile device 10 from its rear side, i.e. the side opposite the screen of the mobile device 10. The mobile device 10 has a housing with a rear shell 38. Approximately in the center of the rear shell 38 is a circular recess in which the module holder 12 is arranged. The outer contour of the module holder 12 is likewise circular.

[0047] The module holder 12 has a recess 13 facing towards the outside of the mobile device 10 and surrounded by a peripheral contour, which has a circular arc section 14 and a linearly extending secant section 16. The circular arc section 14 and the secant section 16 define, as it were, a peripheral wall that laterally surrounds the recess 13. Further details of the module holder 12 can also be seen from figures 3, 6, 7 and 8.

[0048] The recess 13 has a base surface 24 in which a number of electrical contact elements 18 are embedded. The electrical contact elements 18 can be formed, for example, as planar contact surfaces. The contact elements 18 are distributed within the peripheral contour along curved lines extending at regular intervals from the peripheral contour.

[0049] 2 shows a camera module 40 that is removably connectable to the mobile device 10 by the module holder 12. The camera module 40 may include an image sensor configured to capture still or moving images and an objective lens having one or more lenses for generating an image on the image sensor. The image sensor and the objective lens are not shown in the drawings for simplicity.

[0050] The camera module 40 has a generally cylindrical body 60 with an end face opposite the light entrance opening adjacent to a coupling section 42 which protrudes to some extent in the axial direction. The coupling section 42 has a peripheral contour which is slightly recessed inwards with respect to the peripheral contour of the body 60 and which is made up of an arc section 44 and a secant section 46.

[0051] The arc section 44 and the secant section 46 of the camera module 40 mate with the arc section 14 and the secant section 16 of the module holder 12 (FIGS. 1, 6, 7, and 8) such that the coupling section 42 can be received in the recess 13 and hooked onto the module holder 12 to connect the camera module 40 to the mobile device 10. The design of the coupling section 42 corresponds to the variant described with respect to FIG.

[0052] Contact elements 48, which correspond in number and arrangement to the contact elements 18 of the module holder, are arranged on an end face 62 of the coupling section 42 such that each contact element 48 of the camera module 40 can make electrical contact with an associated contact element 18 of the module holder 12. The contact elements 48 can be configured, for example, as spring-loaded contact pins for applying the necessary contact pressure for a secure electrical contact when the camera module 40 is connected to the mobile device 10.

[0053] The contact elements 18, 48 define an electrical interface between the camera module 40 and the mobile device 10, through which electrical interface control signals can be transmitted from the mobile device 10 to the camera module 40 and image signals generated by the image sensor can be transmitted from the camera module 40 to the mobile device 10. Furthermore, a power supply voltage provided by an accumulator of the mobile device 10 can also be sent to the camera module 40 if the camera module 40 does not have its own power supply.

[0054] The design of the mechanical interface between the camera module 40 and the mobile device 10 will now be explained in more detail with respect to Figures 7 and 8. For reasons of clarity, the camera module 40 is to some extent simplified and shown without electrical and optical components, with the exception of some contact elements 48 shown as an example. Of the mobile device 10, only the module holder 12 is shown, where, as is also the case for the camera module 40, the electrical contact elements are not shown for greater clarity.

[0055] The secant sections 16, 46 of the module holder 12 or the camera module 40 respectively have undercut sections 20, 50 which cooperate with each other over the majority of their length. In a partial region of the arc section 14 of the module holder 12, a latch section is provided which is configured as a bead-shaped latch nose 22 which extends away from the base surface 24 along the circumferential wall of the recess 13. To allow a problem-free insertion of the coupling section 42 into the recess 13, the bead-shaped latch nose 22 extends over an angular range of slightly less than 180° opposite the undercut section 20.

[0056] On the outwardly facing circumferential wall of the coupling section 42, a movably supported spherically shaped latch element 52 is provided as a complementary latch section and is preloaded radially outwards via a compression spring 58 and a pivot arm 56. On the one hand, the preload has the effect that the latch element 52 engages securely behind the latch nose 22, so that slipping off of the camera module 40 from the module holder 12 is avoided. Furthermore, the force of the compression spring 58 generates a clamping force which holds the undercut sections 20, 50 in the engaged state. The preload of the compression spring 58 can be varied by turning an adjusting screw 57 which cooperates with the compression spring 58 and is configured, for example, as a grub screw, so that the preload or clamping force generated by the compression spring 58 and thus the holding force of the mechanical interface can be set.

[0057] To connect or latch the camera module 40 to the mobile device 10 or module holder 12, the camera module 40 is first inserted into the recess 13 at a slight angle at the coupling section 42, where contact between the undercut sections 20 and 50 is first established (see FIG. 7). The camera module 40 is then tilted so that the latch element 52 slides over the latch nose 22, where, upon passing the latch nose 22, the latch element 52 bounces slightly into the interior of the coupling section 42 against the force exerted by the compression spring 58 and then engages behind the latch nose 22 (see FIG. 8). To remove or unlatch the camera module 40, the reverse procedure must be followed and a tilting torque sufficient for this purpose must be applied to overcome the force exerted by the compression spring 58 and cause the latch element 52 to bounce.

[0058] A variation of the mechanical interface between camera module 40 and mobile device 10 described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 is shown in Figure 9. The module holder 12 corresponds to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, but with the exception of a slightly different contouring of the latch nose 22, the coupling section 42 varies with respect to the features described below.

[0059] Instead of the spherical latch element 52, a pivotally supported lever-like latch element 52' is provided which is prestressed radially outwards via a compression spring 58. According to the embodiment of figures 7 and 8, the prestress has the effect that the latch section 53 formed on the latch element 52' positively engages behind the latch nose 22, so that slipping off of the camera module 40 from the module holder 12 is avoided. Furthermore, the force of the compression spring 58' generates a clamping force which holds the undercut sections 20, 50 in the engaged state.

[0060] The connection or engagement of the camera module 40 to the module holder 12 can be effected similarly to the embodiment according to Figures 7 and 8, but in the variant according to Figure 9 the actuating section 54 provided on the latch element 52' must be pressed in addition to tilting the camera module 40 in order to remove the camera module, since due to the different contouring the latch section 53 and the latch nose 22 engage behind each other compared to the embodiment according to Figures 7 and 8, such that disengagement is not possible without pressing the actuating element 54. By pressing the actuating element 54, the latch element 52' is pivoted slightly backwards into the interior of the coupling section 42 against the force of the compression spring 58, and the latch section 53 is disengaged from the engagement with the latch nose 22.

[0061] Since the contouring of latch section 53 and latch nose 22 is selected such that it is not possible to remove camera module 40 from module holder 12 by tilting or tipping alone, the risk of unintentional detachment of camera module 40 is reduced in the interface embodiment according to FIG. 9 compared to the embodiments according to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0062] The manner in which the module holder 12 is connected to the rest of the mobile device 10 will be explained in more detail below with respect to figures 3 to 6. The mobile device 10 has an assembly frame 36, preferably manufactured from metal and extending substantially into the interior of the mobile device 10. Depending on the design, a partial section of the assembly frame 36 can be visible from the outside and thus define a narrow side of the mobile device 10. Operating elements such as buttons or electrical connections can in particular be provided in this area. The assembly frame 36 serves as a carrier for the different components of the mobile device 10, e.g. electrical components, circuit boards, further cameras, accumulators for power supply, wireless modules, etc.

[0063] In this embodiment, the module holder 12 is part of a camera module carrier 26 which is connected to an assembly frame 36. As can be easily seen in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the camera module carrier 26 has a central area 28 in which the module holder 12 is provided. In this embodiment, the camera module carrier 26 is formed in several parts and comprises, besides the module holder 12, a carrier plate 27 in which a circular receiving portion 32 for the module holder 12 is formed. In this respect, the module holder 12 is screwed into the carrier plate 27 so that an exchange of the module holder 12 can be carried out, for example in case of damage or a replacement which is required for other reasons. According to a variant not shown, the module holder 12 can, however, also be formed integrally with the camera module carrier 26.

[0064] The camera module carrier 26 or carrier plate 27 has six finger-like struts 30 extending away from a central region 28 and tapering towards their distal ends. At the distal end points of the struts 30, respective fastening points 34 having bores for receiving fastening screws and at least partially flange-like thickenings are provided to provide a desired spacing between the assembly frame 36 and the camera module carrier 26 such that sufficient installation space is still available between the assembly frame 36 and the camera module carrier 26 for receiving further components of the mobile device 10.

[0065] The spider-like design of the camera module carrier 16 or the carrier plate 27 with the free space extending between the struts 30 ensures on the one hand that sufficient installation space is available for further components of the mobile device 10 and is not unnecessarily occupied by the camera module carrier 26. Furthermore, the weight of the camera module carrier 26 can be reduced to the required amount by this design. If the camera module carrier 26 is produced from metal, the disturbance of the reception path of the radio signals due to shielding and / or reflection effects can be reduced by the slim spider-shaped design.

[0066] 5 and 6, the manner in which the back shell 38 and the camera module carrier 26 can be connected to the assembly frame 36 will now be described in more detail.

[0067] The rear shell 38 can for example be manufactured from a stable plastic material, but has a depth 39 in which the material thickness of the rear shell 38 is somewhat reduced in the overlap region with the module carrier 26. The contour of the depth 39 largely follows the outer contour of the camera module carrier 26.

[0068] The camera module carrier 26 can first be fastened to the assembly frame 36, in particular screwed into the assembly frame 36. For this purpose, fastening screws can be guided through bores at the fastening points 34 of the camera module carrier 26 and screwed into corresponding threaded bores provided in the assembly frame 36. A rear shell 38 covering the camera module carrier 26 is then likewise fastened to the assembly frame 36, which can for example be done by screwing, latching or adhesively bonding, in particular from the inside. For further stability, the rear shell 38 can additionally be adhesively bonded to the camera module carrier 26.

[0069] According to a variant, the rear shell 38 can also be connected to the assembly frame 36 together with the camera module carrier 26. The rear shell 38 can have bores which align with the bores at the fastening points 34 of the camera module carrier 26. The fastening of the rear shell 38 and the camera module carrier 26 is performed in such a way that fastening screws are led from the outside of the rear shell 38 through the bores and screw into corresponding threaded bores provided in the assembly frame 36. The module carrier is thus fixed to the assembly frame 36 together with the rear shell 38 with the help of these fastening screws. Additionally, an adhesive joint can be provided between the rear shell 38 and the camera module carrier 26. If the rear shell 38 and the camera module carrier 26 are adhesively joined to one another, the bores in the rear shell 38 can also be enlarged in this respect so that the heads of the fastening screws are not in a form-fitting connection with the rear shell 38, but the bores in the rear shell 38 are formed, so to speak, as recesses for receiving screw heads which are flush or recessed with respect to the outer surface of the rear shell 38. To cover the fastening screw bores, the outside of the back shell 38 can be covered with a cover or film that covers the bores to prevent dirt or moisture from entering the inside of the mobile device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10 Mobile Devices 12 Module Holder 13 Recess 14 Arc Section 16 Secant Section 18 Contact Elements 20 Undercut Section 22 Latch Nose 24 Base 26 Camera module carrier 27 Carrier plate 28 Central area 30 Strut 32 Receiving Department 34 Fastening points 36 Assembly Frame 38 Rear shell 39 Deep 40 Camera Module 42 Joint Section 44 Arc Section 46 Secant Section 48 Contact Elements 50 Undercut Section 52, 52´ Latching element 53 Latch Section 54 Actuation Section 56 Pivot Arm 57 Adjustment screw 58 Compression Spring 60 Main Unit 62 End face

Claims

1. A mobile device (10), comprising a module holder (12) for a camera module (40) for capturing still and / or video images, said camera module (40) having a coupling section (42) and removably connectable to said module holder (12), The module holder (12) has a recess (13) into which the coupling section (42) is received when the camera module (40) is connected to the mobile device (10), the recess (13) of the module holder (12) has a peripheral contour formed by a circular arc section (14) and a secant section (16); the arc section (14) has a latch section (22) and the secant section (16) has an undercut section (20), the latch section (22) cooperating with a latch section (52) of the camera module (40) and the undercut section (20) cooperating with an undercut section (50) of the camera module (40) when the camera module (40) is connected to the mobile device (10), A mobile device (10).

2. 2. The mobile device (10) of claim 1, wherein the arc section (14) extends over an angle of at least 270°.

3. 2. The mobile device (10) of claim 1, wherein the latch section (22) and the undercut section (20) of the module holder (12) are provided on a peripheral wall of the module holder (12).

4. the undercut section (20) of the module holder (12) extends the entire length of the associated secant section (16); and / or 4. The mobile device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the latch section (22) of the module holder (12) extends over a partial section of the associated arc section (14).

5. the latch section (22) of the module holder (12) is configured as at least one rigid latch nose (22) configured to cooperate with a respective associated latch section (52) provided on the coupling section (42) of the camera module (40); or The latch section of the module holder (12) is configured as at least one resilient or spring-loaded latch element configured to cooperate with a respective associated latch section provided on the coupling section (42) of the camera module (40). Mobile device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. 6. The mobile device (10) of claim 1, wherein the module holder (12) has a plurality of electrical contact elements (18) configured to cooperate with respective associated electrical contact elements (48) provided on the coupling section (42) of a connected camera module (40) to provide an electrical interface for transmitting electrical signals and operating currents between the mobile device (10) and the camera module (40).

7. 7. The mobile device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact element (18) of the module holder (12) is configured as a rigid contact element (18).

8. 8. Mobile device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the contact elements (18) of the module holder (12) are arranged within a peripheral contour at a fixed distance from said peripheral contour.

9. The mobile device (10) has a frame (36) configured as a holder for a number of components of the mobile device (10); and The mobile device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile device (10) comprises a camera module carrier (26) which is fastened directly to an assembly frame (36) and which comprises the module holder (12).

10. A camera module (40) for capturing still and / or video images for a mobile device (10), the mobile device (10) having a module holder (12), the camera module (40) having a coupling section (42) configured to cooperate with the module holder (12) of the mobile device (10) to removably connect the camera module (40) to the mobile device (10); a camera module (40) in which the coupling section (42) is receivable in a recess (13) of the module holder (12); the joining section (42) has a peripheral contour formed by a circular arc section (44) and a secant section (46); The arc section (44) has a latch section (52) and the secant section (46) has an undercut section (50), the latch section (52) configured to cooperate with a latch section (22) of the module holder (12) and the undercut section (50) configured to cooperate with an undercut section (20) of the module holder (12) when the camera module (40) is connected to the mobile device (10). A camera module (40) characterized in that

11. 11. The camera module (40) of claim 10, wherein the arc section (44) subtends an angle of at least 270[deg.].

12. 11. The camera module (40) of claim 10, wherein the latch section (52) and the undercut section (50) of the coupling section (42) are provided on a peripheral wall of the coupling section (42).

13. the undercut section (50) of the bond section (42) extends the entire length of the associated secant section (46); and / or 13. The camera module (40) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the latch section (52) of the coupling section (42) extends over a partial section of the associated arc section (44).

14. the latch section (52) of the coupling section (42) is configured as at least one resilient or spring-loaded latch element (52) configured to cooperate with each associated latch section (22) provided on the module holder (12); or The camera module (40) of any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the latch section of the coupling section (42) is configured as at least one rigid latch nose configured to cooperate with each associated latch section provided on the module holder (12).

15. 15. The camera module (40) of claim 10, wherein the coupling section (42) has a plurality of electrical contact elements (48) configured to cooperate with respective associated electrical contact elements (18) provided on the module holder (12) of a connected mobile device (10) to provide an electrical interface for transmitting electrical signals and operating currents between the mobile device (10) and the camera module (40).

16. 16. The camera module (40) of claim 15, wherein the contact elements (48) of the coupling section (42) are configured as resilient or spring-supported contact elements (48).

17. 17. Camera module (40) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the contact elements (48) of the coupling section (42) are arranged within the peripheral contour along a curved line preferably extending at regular intervals from said peripheral contour.

18. A mobile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A mobile device system comprising at least one camera module (40) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, removably connected or connectable to said mobile device (10).

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