Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device with which it is possible to suppress an increase in device size and improve the degree of freedom of movement of a display panel.SOLUTION: This imaging device comprises a support member attached to the device body and a display panel attached to the support member, the support member rotating around a first axis of rotation and thereby moving to an accommodation position that runs along the device body and a tilt position that is tilted relative to the device body. The display panel rotates around a second axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the first axis of rotation and thereby moves to a closing position that runs along the support member and an opening position that is on a side of the support member, as well as rotates around a third axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the second axis of rotation and thereby varies the tilt angle of a display surface relative to the extension direction of second hinge part. When the display panel rotates around the third axis of rotation while the support member is at the tilt position and the display panel is at the opening position, the display panel passes through the outside of a connector connecting region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device capable of adjusting the display surface of a display panel to various angles. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an imaging device of this type is known, for example, from Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-315891). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for avoiding restriction of movement of a display panel due to interference with an external connector connected to a terminal portion of the device body. More specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device in which the terminal portion is located in a position that does not interfere with the movable range of the display panel, and the attachment / detachment direction of the external connector is angled upward with respect to the horizontal plane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-315891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the main body of an imaging device is required to be equipped with various components, such as various buttons including a power button and a shutter button, a mode dial, a hot shoe, etc. Furthermore, there are multiple external connectors connected to the terminal unit, such as an HDMI (registered trademark) connector, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, and a headphone connector, and the terminal unit itself must be large. Therefore, if the terminal unit is located outside the movable range of the display panel, as in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the device will become larger.

[0005] In recent years, an increasing number of users have been using imaging devices to capture video while connecting multiple external connectors, such as an HDMI connector and a headphone connector, to their terminals and displaying the video on an external monitor connected via the HDMI connector. Furthermore, imaging devices that use a built-in battery as a power source and charge the battery via a USB connector have become popular. For this reason, imaging devices are sometimes used while connecting a USB connector as an external connector to their terminals and assisting the built-in battery through the USB connector. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for imaging devices that allow for improved freedom of movement of the display panel even when the external connector is connected to the terminal.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing an imaging device that can prevent the device from becoming large and can improve the degree of freedom in moving the display panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging device according to the present disclosure includes: a device main body having a terminal portion to which an external connector is connected; a support member attached to the device body via a first hinge portion; a display panel attached to the support member via a second hinge portion and having a display surface; Equipped with the support member is configured to move between a storage position and a tilt position by rotating about a first rotation axis extending in an extension direction of the first hinge portion; the display panel is configured to move between a closed position and an open position by rotating about a second rotation axis that extends in an extension direction of the second hinge part and is perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and to vary an inclination angle of the display surface with respect to the extension direction of the second hinge part by rotating about a third rotation axis that is perpendicular to the second rotation axis, when the display panel rotates about the third rotation axis in a state in which the support member is located at the storage position and the display panel is located at the open position, the display panel passes inside a connector connection area facing the terminal portion, When the display panel rotates around the third rotation axis while the support member is in the tilt position and the display panel is in the open position, the display panel passes outside the connector connection area. It is structured as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the imaging device of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming large, and to improve the degree of freedom in moving the display panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear side, showing a state in which the support member is in the storage position and the display panel is in the closed position. [Figure 2] 1, is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover covering a terminal portion of the device body is open, and shows a state in which a support member is located in a storage position and a display panel is located in a closed position. [Figure 3] 1, is a perspective view showing a state in which an external connector is connected to a terminal portion of the device body, and shows a state in which the support member is located in a storage position and the display panel is located in a closed position. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing the imaging device of FIG. 3 in a state where the support member is in a retracted position and the display panel is in an open position. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 4, seen from a different angle. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view showing the imaging device of FIG. 3 in a state where the support member is in a tilt position and the display panel is in an open position. FIG. [Figure 7]7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display surface of the display panel is further rotated from the state shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 7, seen from a different angle. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view of the state shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 4 is a perspective view showing the imaging device of FIG. 3 in a state where the support member is in a tilt position, the display panel is in a closed position, and the display surface is exposed. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a holding mechanism included in the imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12A] 12 is an assembled perspective view of the holding mechanism shown in FIG. 11, showing a state in which the support member is located at the storage position. FIG. [Figure 12B] 12 is an assembled perspective view of the holding mechanism shown in FIG. 11, showing a state in which the support member is located at the holding position. FIG. [Figure 12C] 12 is an assembled perspective view of the holding mechanism shown in FIG. 11, showing a state in which the support member is located at a tilted position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device body including a terminal portion to which an external connector is connected; a support member attached to the device body via a first hinge portion; a display panel attached to the support member via a second hinge portion and having a display surface; Equipped with the support member is configured to move between a storage position and a tilt position by pivoting about a first rotation axis extending in an extension direction of the first hinge portion; the display panel is configured to move between a closed position and an open position by rotating about a second rotation axis that extends in an extension direction of the second hinge part and is perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and to vary an inclination angle of the display surface with respect to the extension direction of the second hinge part by rotating about a third rotation axis that is perpendicular to the second rotation axis, when the display panel rotates about the third rotation axis in a state in which the support member is located at the storage position and the display panel is located at the open position, the display panel passes inside a connector connection area facing the terminal portion, When the display panel rotates around the third rotation axis while the support member is in the tilt position and the display panel is in the open position, the display panel passes outside the connector connection area. The present invention provides an imaging device configured as follows.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device as described in the first aspect, wherein the support member is held so as to maintain the tilt position when positioned in the tilt position and when the display panel rotates around the third rotation axis while positioned in the open position.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the support member is configured to rotate around the first rotation axis within an angle range of less than 90 degrees.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a holding mechanism that holds the support member at at least one holding position between the storage position and the tilt position with a holding force stronger than a rotational force that rotates the support member from the storage position to the holding position.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the holding force of the holding mechanism is greater than the rotational force required to rotate the display panel around the third rotation axis.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the device body includes a finder, When the display panel is rotated from the closed position to the open position about the second rotation axis with the support member located at the holding position, the display panel does not come into contact with the viewfinder, When the display panel is rotated from the closed position to the open position about the second rotation axis with the support member located at the tilt position, the display panel comes into contact with the viewfinder. The imaging device according to the fourth or fifth aspect is configured as follows.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the holding mechanism includes a convex portion and a concave portion, and is configured such that the convex portion engages with the concave portion to hold the support member in the holding position, and the convex portion comes out of the concave portion to release the support member from being held in the holding position.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device described in any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, wherein when the display panel rotates around the third rotation axis while the support member is positioned in the holding position and the display panel is positioned in the open position, the display panel passes outside the connector connection area.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus body including a finder; a support member attached to the device body via a first hinge portion; a display panel attached to the support member via a second hinge portion and having a display surface; Equipped with the support member is configured to move from a storage position to a tilt position through at least one holding position by rotating about a first rotation axis extending in an extension direction of the first hinge portion; the display panel is configured to move between a closed position and an open position by rotating about a second rotation axis that extends in an extension direction of the second hinge portion and is perpendicular to the first rotation axis; a holding mechanism that holds the support member at the holding position with a holding force stronger than a rotational force that rotates the support member from the storage position to the holding position; An imaging device is provided.

[0019] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, when the display panel is rotated from the closed position to the open position about the second rotation axis with the support member located at the holding position, the display panel does not come into contact with the viewfinder, When the display panel is rotated from the closed position to the open position about the second rotation axis with the support member located at the tilt position, the display panel comes into contact with the viewfinder. The imaging device according to a ninth aspect is configured as follows.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device as described in the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the holding mechanism has a convex portion and a concave portion, and is configured so that the convex portion engages with the concave portion to hold the support member in the holding position, and the convex portion comes out of the concave portion to release the support member from being held in the holding position.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0022] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0023] Also, for the sake of convenience, the following uses terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "front," and "back," assuming a state during normal use, but this does not mean to limit the state of use of the imaging device disclosed herein.

[0024] (First embodiment) 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear side, in which the imaging device is a digital camera with interchangeable lenses.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device according to the first embodiment includes a device body 1, a support member 2, and a display panel 3.

[0026] The device body 1 is a device for taking still images or videos. The device body 1 has a built-in photography mechanism (not shown) for taking still images or videos. A mount (not shown) to which various types of lenses can be attached is provided on the front of the device body 1. The photography mechanism takes pictures through the lens.

[0027] A viewfinder 11 is provided at the top of the back of the device body 1. Various components 12, such as various buttons such as a power button and a shutter button, a mode dial, and a hot shoe, are attached to the top surface of the device body 1. A terminal section 13 to which an external connector is connected is provided on one side of the device body 1. The terminal section 13 is covered by a cover 14.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the imaging device of Fig. 1 in a state where the cover 14 is open. Fig. 3 shows the imaging device of Fig. 1 in a state where an external connector is connected to the terminal section 13.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the terminal unit 13 includes a USB terminal 13a, an HDMI terminal 13b, and a headphone terminal 13c.

[0030] 3, a USB connector 4a is detachably connected to the USB terminal 13a as an external connector. When the USB connector 4a is connected to the USB terminal 13a and power is supplied through the USB connector 4a, a battery (not shown) built into the imaging device 1 can be charged.

[0031] An HDMI connector 4b is detachably connected to the HDMI terminal 13b as an external connector. When the HDMI connector 4b is connected to the HDMI terminal 13b, video / audio signals can be output to an electronic device or the like through the HDMI connector 4b.

[0032] A headphone connector 4c is detachably connected to the headphone terminal 13c as an external connector. By connecting the headphone connector 4c to the headphone terminal 13c, an audio signal can be output to the headphones through the headphone connector 4c.

[0033] Note that part of the external connector is shown, with the remaining parts omitted in Fig. 3. Other parts of the external connector are also omitted in Figs. 4 to 10 described below.

[0034] A support member 2 is attached to the device body 1 via a first hinge portion 5. In the first embodiment, the first hinge portion 5 is provided below the viewfinder 11 and extends in the left-right direction. The support member 2 supports the display panel 3. The support member 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The support member 2 is attached to the device body 1 via the first hinge portion 5 so that an upper side portion 21 thereof can rotate freely around a first rotation axis A1 that extends in the extension direction of the first hinge portion 5.

[0035] The display panel 3 is attached to the support member 2 via a second hinge portion 6. In the first embodiment, the second hinge portion 6 is provided so as to extend along a side portion 22 of the support member 2 located in the vicinity of the terminal portion 13. The display panel 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The display panel 3 is attached to the support member 2 via the second hinge portion 6 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis A2 that extends in the extension direction of the second hinge portion 6 and is perpendicular to the first rotation axis A1. The display panel 3 is also attached to an intermediate portion 61 in the extension direction of the second hinge portion 6 so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis A3 that is perpendicular to the second rotation axis A2.

[0036] 4 and 5 are perspective views showing a state in which the display panel 3 is rotated around the second rotation axis A2 from the state shown in FIG.

[0037] The display panel 3 is configured to move between a closed position CP (see FIGS. 1 to 3) along the rear surface 23 of the support member 2 and an open position OP (see FIGS. 4 and 5) to the side of the rear surface 23 of the support member 2 by rotating about the second rotation axis A2. In the first embodiment, the display panel 3 is configured to move between the closed position CP and the open position OP by rotating 180 degrees about the second rotation axis A2.

[0038] 4, the display panel 3 has a display surface 31 on one of its main surfaces. The display surface 31 displays still images or moving images captured by the device main body 1. The display surface 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the support member 2 has been rotated around the first rotation axis A1 from the state shown in FIGS.

[0040] The support member 2 is configured to rotate about the first rotation axis A1 to move between a storage position SP (see FIGS. 1 to 3) along the back surface of the device body 1 and a tilted position TP (see FIG. 6) inclined relative to the back surface of the device body 1. In the first embodiment, the support member 2 is configured to rotate about the first rotation axis A1 within an angle range of less than 90 degrees (for example, 45 degrees) to move between the storage position SP and the tilted position TP.

[0041] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views showing a state in which the display panel 3 has been rotated about the third rotation axis A3 from the state shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 9 is a side view showing a state in which the display panel 3 has been rotated about the third rotation axis A3 from the state shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0042] The display panel 3 is configured to rotate about the third rotation axis A3 to change the tilt angle of the display surface 31 with respect to the extension direction of the second hinge portion 6. In the first embodiment, the display panel 3 is configured to be rotatable 90 degrees clockwise and 180 degrees counterclockwise about the third rotation axis A3 from the state shown in Fig. 5, for a total of 270 degrees. Note that the display panel 3 may also be configured to be rotatable 360 ​​degrees about the third rotation axis A3.

[0043] 4 and 5, when the display panel 3 rotates about the third rotation axis A3 while the support member 2 is in the storage position SP and the display panel 3 is in the open position OP, the display panel 3 passes inside the connector connection area E1 that faces the terminal portion 13. Therefore, when an external connector is connected to the terminal portion 13, the movement of the display panel 3 is restricted by interference with the external connector.

[0044] 7 to 9, when the display panel 3 rotates about the third rotation axis A3 while the support member 2 is in the tilt position TP and the display panel 3 is in the open position OP, the display panel 3 passes outside the connector connection area E1. Therefore, even when an external connector is connected to the terminal portion 13, the movement of the display panel 3 is not restricted.

[0045] 7 to 9, when the support member 2 is located at the tilt position TP and rotates around the third rotation axis A3 with the display panel 3 located at the open position OP, the support member 2 is held so as to maintain the state at the tilt position TP. In the first embodiment, the first hinge portion 5 has a built-in holding mechanism (not shown) that holds the support member 2 so as to maintain the state at the tilt position TP. The holding force of the holding mechanism is greater than the rotation force required to rotate the display panel 3 around the third rotation axis A3, and is set to, for example, at least twice the rotation force. For example, when the rotation force is 150 Newtons, the holding force is set to at least 300 Newtons. Since various known configurations can be used as the specific configuration of the holding mechanism, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0046] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display panel 3 is further rotated around the third rotation axis A3 from the state shown in Figures 7 to 9 and also rotated around the second rotation axis A2 to move to the closed position CP.

[0047] 10, in the first embodiment, the display surface 31 of the display panel 3 can be viewed when the support member 2 is located at the tilt position TP. In addition, by moving the support member 2 between the tilt position TP and the storage position SP from the state shown in FIG. 10, the tilt angle of the display surface 31 with respect to the rear surface of the device main body 1 can be adjusted.

[0048] According to the first embodiment, the support member 2 is configured to be rotatable about the first rotation axis A1 from the storage position SP to the tilt position TP. This configuration prevents the display panel 3 attached to the support member 2 from interfering with the external connector and restricting its movement. This improves the degree of freedom of movement of the display panel 3. Furthermore, since the connector connection area E1 is provided within the movable range of the display panel 3, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming larger.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the support member 2 is located at the tilt position TP, it is held so as to maintain the state of being located at the tilt position TP when the display panel 3 rotates about the third rotation axis A3 with the display panel 3 located at the open position OP. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the support member 2 from unintentionally moving from the tilt position TP to the stored position SP when the display panel 3 is rotated about the third rotation axis A3, thereby improving usability.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the support member 2 is configured to rotate around the first rotation axis A1 within an angle range of less than 90 degrees. This configuration can prevent the support member 2 and the display panel 3 from coming into contact with components such as the viewfinder 11. As a result, the support member 2 and the display panel 3 can be positioned closer to components such as the viewfinder 11, preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0051] The support member 2 is configured to rotate about the first rotation axis A1 primarily for the purpose of preventing interference between the display panel 3 and an external connector, rather than for adjusting the angle of the display surface 31. Therefore, the range of angles through which the support member 2 rotates about the first rotation axis A1 may be less than 90 degrees. For example, the range of angles through which the support member 2 rotates about the first rotation axis A1 may be 60 degrees or less, or may be 45 degrees or less.

[0052] If the range of angles through which the support member 2 rotates about the first rotation axis A1 is too small, it is necessary to reduce the length of the display panel 3 in the direction of the second rotation axis A2, which is the rotation stroke, in order to prevent interference between the display panel 3 and the external connector. Therefore, to ensure the rotation stroke of the display panel 3, the range of angles through which the support member 2 rotates about the first rotation axis A1 is preferably 30 degrees or more, and more preferably 45 degrees or more.

[0053] Although the support member 2 has been described above as being formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, the configuration of the imaging device of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the support member 2 may be formed in a substantially L-shape composed of an upper edge portion 21 that extends along the first hinge portion 5 and a side edge portion 22 that extends along the second hinge portion. Furthermore, the support member 2 does not need to be the same size as or substantially the same size as the display panel 3, and may be sufficiently smaller than the display panel 3. In other words, the support member 2 may have a size and shape that allows the upper edge portion 21 to be attached to the device body 1 via the first hinge portion 5 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis A1 that extends in the extension direction of the first hinge portion 5.

[0054] (Second embodiment) The imaging device according to the second embodiment will be described below. The imaging device according to the second embodiment differs from the imaging device according to the first embodiment in that the support member 2 is configured to provide a clicking sensation at at least one location when it rotates from the storage position SP to the tilt position TP around the first rotation axis A1.

[0055] Specifically, the imaging device according to the second embodiment further includes a holding mechanism 100 that holds the support member 2 at at least one holding position between the storage position SP and the tilt position TP. The support member 2 is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis A1, thereby moving from the storage position SP (see FIGS. 1 to 3) to the tilt position TP (see FIG. 6) via at least one holding position.

[0056] The holding mechanism 100 is a mechanism configured to hold the support member 2 at the holding position with a holding force stronger than the rotational force that rotates the support member 2 from the storage position SP to the holding position. The holding mechanism 100 is also a mechanism configured to hold the support member 2 at the holding position with a holding force stronger than the rotational force that rotates the support member 2 from the tilt position TP to the holding position. An example configuration of the holding mechanism 100 will be described below.

[0057] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the holding mechanism 100. Fig. 12A is an assembled perspective view of the holding mechanism 100, showing a state in which the support member 2 is located in the storage position SP. Fig. 12B is an assembled perspective view of the holding mechanism 100, showing a state in which the support member 2 is located in the holding position. Fig. 12C is an assembled perspective view of the holding mechanism 100, showing a state in which the support member 2 is located in the tilt position TP.

[0058] Here, when the support member 2 is located in the storage position SP (see FIGS. 1 to 3), the angle of inclination of the support member 2 with respect to the back surface of the device body 1 is 0 degrees. When the support member 2 is located in the holding position, the angle of inclination of the support member 2 with respect to the back surface of the device body 1 is 30 degrees. When the support member 2 is located in the tilt position TP (see FIG. 6), the angle of inclination of the support member 2 with respect to the back surface of the device body 1 is 60 degrees. The holding position is a position where the display panel 3 does not come into contact with the viewfinder 11 when the display panel 3 is rotated about the second rotation axis A2 from the closed position CP (see FIG. 3) to the open position OP (see FIG. 4) with the support member 2 located in the holding position. On the other hand, the tilt position TP is a position where the display panel 3 comes into contact with the viewfinder 11 when the display panel 3 is rotated about the second rotation axis A2 from the closed position CP to the open position OP with the support member 2 located in the tilt position TP.

[0059] The support member 2 includes a hinge plate 24 having a substantially rectangular plate shape as shown in FIG. 11. Two protrusions 241 are provided on the hinge plate 24, facing each other. Each protrusion 241 has a through-hole 241a having a center on the first rotation axis A1. A holding mechanism 100 is attached to each protrusion 241. The holding mechanism 100 attached to one protrusion 241 and the holding mechanism 100 attached to the other protrusion 241 are configured symmetrically. For this reason, only the configuration of one of the holding mechanisms 100 will be described, and a description of the configuration of the other holding mechanism 100 will be omitted.

[0060] The holding mechanism 100 includes a bracket 101, a first concave cam 102, a first convex cam 103, a spring 104, a second convex cam 105, a second concave cam 106, a shaft 107, and a stopper 108.

[0061] The bracket 101 is attached so as to stand upright on the back surface of the device body 1. The bracket 101 is provided with a through-hole 101a into which the tip 107a of the shaft 107 fits. In the second embodiment, the tip 107a of the shaft 107 has a shape (approximately a square pillar) in which the left and right side surfaces of a cylinder are D-cut.

[0062] The first concave cam 102, the first convex cam 103, the spring 104, the second convex cam 105, and the second concave cam 106 are provided with through holes 102a, 103a, 104a, 105a, and 106a, respectively, through which the shaft portion 107b of the shaft 107 passes. In the second embodiment, the shaft portion 107b of the shaft 107 has a shape (approximately a square pillar) in which the left and right side surfaces of a cylinder larger in size than the tip portion 107a are D-cut.

[0063] The shaft 107 has a flange portion 107c at the end opposite to the tip portion 107a. The shaft 107 is attached so that the tip portion 107a is inserted into the through-holes 241a, 106a, 105a, 104a, 103a, and 102a in this order and fits into the through-hole 101a. As a result, the first concave cam 102, the first convex cam 103, the spring 104, the second convex cam 105, and the second concave cam 106 are held between the bracket 101 and the protruding piece 241 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 107 as a central axis (first rotation axis A1).

[0064] The first convex cam 103 and the second convex cam 105 are attached so as to rotate integrally with the bracket 101 and the shaft 107. The through-hole 103a of the first convex cam 103 and the through-hole 105a of the second convex cam 105 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape so that the shaft portion 107b of the shaft 107, which is a substantially rectangular pillar, can engage with them.

[0065] A stopper 108 is also attached to the hinge plate 24. A part of the stopper 108 is provided so as to be positioned within the range of the rotation locus of the flange portion 107c so as to come into contact with a part of the flange portion 107c and restrict the rotation of the shaft 107.

[0066] The first concave cam 102 and the second concave cam 106 are attached so as to rotate integrally with the hinge plate 24. The first concave cam 102 is provided with an engagement pawl 102b that protrudes toward the second concave cam 106. The second concave cam 106 is provided with an engagement groove 106b into which the engagement pawl 102b engages. The tip of the engagement pawl 102b of the first concave cam 102 engages with the engagement groove 106b, allowing the first concave cam 102 and the second concave cam 106 to rotate integrally.

[0067] The first concave cam 102 has a recess 102c on a surface facing the first convex cam 103. The first convex cam 103 has a protrusion 103b that can be engaged with the recess 102c of the first concave cam 102.

[0068] The second concave cam 106 has recesses 106c and 106d on a surface facing the second convex cam 105. The second convex cam 105 has protrusions 105b that can engage with the recesses 106c and 106d of the second concave cam 106, respectively.

[0069] The first concave cam 102 and the first convex cam 103, and the second concave cam 106 and the second convex cam 105 are biased by a spring 104 so as to come into close contact with each other.

[0070] When the support member 2 is located at the storage position SP (see FIGS. 1 to 3), as shown in FIG. 12A, the convex portion 105b of the second convex cam 105 engages with the concave portion 106c of the second concave cam 106, thereby holding the support member 2 at the storage position SP. In this state, when the support member 2 is rotated about the first rotation axis A1 from the storage position SP toward the tilt position TP (see FIG. 6), the convex portion 105b of the second convex cam 105 comes out of the concave portion 106c. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12B, the convex portion 103b of the first convex cam 103 engages with the concave portion 102c of the first concave cam 102, thereby holding the support member 2 at the holding position. At this time, the holding force that holds the support member 2 is stronger than the rotational force that rotates the support member 2 from the storage position SP to the holding position.

[0071] 12B, when the support member 2 is further rotated about the first rotation axis A1 from the holding position toward the tilt position TP with a rotational force stronger than the holding force, the convex portion 103b of the first convex cam 103 comes out of the concave portion 106d. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12C, the convex portion 105b of the second convex cam 105 engages with the concave portion 106d of the second concave cam 106, thereby holding the support member 2 at the tilt position TP. At this time, a part of the stopper 108 comes into contact with a part of the flange portion 107c of the shaft 107, restricting the rotation of the shaft 107.

[0072] According to the second embodiment, a holding mechanism 100 is provided that holds the support member 2 in the holding position with a holding force stronger than the rotational force that rotates the support member 2 from the storage position SP to the holding position. With this configuration, a click feeling can be obtained at the holding position when rotating from the storage position SP to the tilt position TP around the first rotation axis A1. Furthermore, with the support member 2 in the holding position, the display panel 3 can be rotated from the closed position CP to the open position OP around the second rotation axis A2, thereby preventing the display panel 3 from coming into contact with the viewfinder 11.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the support member 2 is located in the tilt position TP and the display panel 3 is rotated about the second rotation axis A2 from the closed position CP toward the open position OP, the display panel 3 is configured to come into contact with the viewfinder 11. With this configuration, by further rotating the support member 2 from the holding position to the tilt position TP, the angle at which the support member 2 is tilted relative to the rear surface of the device body 1 can be increased. This can improve usability when increasing the range of angle adjustment for the display panel 3 and prioritizing ease of viewing over preventing contact between the display panel 3 and the viewfinder 11.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the holding mechanism 100 includes a convex portion 103b and a concave portion 102c, and is configured so that the holding mechanism 100 holds the support member 2 in the holding position by engaging the convex portion 103b with the concave portion 102c. The holding mechanism 100 is also configured so that the holding of the support member 2 in the holding position is released by disengaging the convex portion 103b from the concave portion 102c. This configuration allows the holding mechanism 100 to be realized with a simpler configuration.

[0075] The holding force of the holding mechanism 100 may be greater than the rotational force required to rotate the display panel 3 about the third rotation axis A3. With this configuration, when the display panel 3 is rotated about the third rotation axis A3, it is possible to prevent the support member 2 from unintentionally moving from the holding position to the storage position SP or the tilt position TP, thereby improving usability.

[0076] Furthermore, when the support member 2 is in the holding position and the display panel 3 is in the open position OP, the display panel 3 may be configured to pass outside the connector connection area E1 when the display panel 3 rotates about the third rotation axis A3. With this configuration, even when an external connector is connected to the terminal portion 13, the movement of the display panel 3 can be unrestricted.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the display panel 3 does not necessarily have to be configured to rotate around the third rotation axis A3.

[0078] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the holding mechanism 100 includes two sets of concave cams and convex cams, but the holding mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the holding mechanism 100 may include one set of concave cams and convex cams. In this case, for example, a single concave cam may be provided with multiple recesses for holding the support member 2 in the storage position SP, the holding position, and the tilt position TP, and a single convex cam may be provided with convex portions that can engage with the recesses. This configuration reduces the number of parts.

[0079] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided. Therefore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0080] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The imaging device according to the present disclosure can prevent the device from becoming larger and improve the freedom of movement of the display panel, making it useful as an imaging device that can be used with an external connector connected to the terminal portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Device body 2 Support member 3 Display panel 4a USB connector 4b HDMI connector 4c headphone connector 5 First hinge part 6 Second hinge part 11 Finder 12 parts 13 Terminal section 14 Lid 13a USB port 13b HDMI terminal 13c headphone jack 21 Top 22 Side part 23 Back 24 Hinge plate 31 Display surface 61 Middle section 100 Retention mechanism 100a through hole 101 Bracket 101a Through hole 102 First concave cam 102a Through hole 102b Engagement claw 102c Recess 103 First convex cam 103a Through hole 103b Convex part 104 Spring 104a Through hole 105 Second convex cam 105a Through hole 105b Convex part 106 Second concave cam 106a Through hole 106b Engagement groove 106c, 106d recess 107 Shaft 107a Tip 107b Shaft 107c Flange 108 Stopper 241 Projection piece 241a Through hole SP storage position TP tilt position CP occlusion position OP open position A1 First rotation axis A2 2nd rotation axis A3 3rd rotation axis E1 connector connection area

Claims

1. a device body having a terminal portion to which an external connector is connected; a support member attached to the device body so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; a display panel in the form of a substantially rectangular plate, which is attached to the support member so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; and Equipped with the support member is configured to move between a storage position and a tilt position by rotating about the first rotation axis; the display panel is configured to rotate about the second rotation axis to move between a closed position where the display surface faces the back surface of the support member and an open position to the side of the back surface of the support member, and to rotate about a third rotation axis orthogonal to the second rotation axis to change the tilt angle of the display surface, the display panel is located to the side of the support member in the open position; when the display panel rotates about the third rotation axis in a state in which the support member is located at the storage position and the display panel is located at the open position, the display panel passes inside a connector connection area facing the terminal portion, When the angle of rotation of the support member about the first rotation axis is equal to or greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the support member is located at the tilt position, When the display panel rotates about the third rotation axis in a state in which the support member is located at the tilt position and the display panel is located at the open position, the display panel passes outside the connector connection area. The imaging device is configured as follows.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the support member is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the support member has a size equal to or substantially equal to that of the display panel.

Images