JP2008040349A - Waterproof optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof optical device capable of maintaining a collapsible lens barrel in a waterproof state. <P>SOLUTION: The waterproof optical device is equipped with: a waterproof lens barrel (7) equipped with the cylindrical collapsible lens barrel (61) driven to move back and forth between a projecting position where it projects from a circular aperture part (3f) provided on a front wall and a retreat position where it retreats to the aperture part, incorporating a waterproof lens (8), having a cylindrical outer peripheral wall (7b) formed to be nearly concentric to the collapsible lens barrel and fixed to cover over the collapsible lens barrel; and an endless lip seal (55). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof optical device.

  Underwater photography cameras dedicated to underwater photography have been put into practical use as optical devices. Since such an underwater shooting camera is expensive, a waterproof case specially designed so that an ordinary digital camera or digital video camera can be used for underwater shooting has been put into practical use for each model. In this way, full-scale underwater photography is possible by using a specially designed waterproof case.

  According to these waterproof cases, when the lens portion of the specified optical device is loaded in a use position where the lens portion is exposed to the outside through the flat glass surface, the positioning state of the optical device is ensured, and the operation portion is attached to the waterproof case. A pressing means for pressing from the outside is provided.

There has also been proposed a waterproof case in which a lid that can be opened and closed in a direction orthogonal to the minimum surface of the waterproof case is provided by a hinge. (Patent Document 1)
On the other hand, looking at the digital camera market, models with a waterproof function for daily life are being sold for differentiation from other companies, and are gaining popularity.

  In recent years, the camera manufacturer is also a full-fledged waterproof digital camera that has a waterproof performance of about JIS standard 7 grade, has a fixed lens or optical zoom lens system, and enables underwater photography at a depth of about 1 m. It is sold from.

According to this type of waterproof digital camera, the above-mentioned waterproof case is not necessary, and even if some dust and dirt is attached to the surface, it can be easily cleaned with water, so it is gaining popularity.
JP 2005-84658 A

  In the above-mentioned waterproof digital camera, for example, models equipped with a 3 × optical zoom function are configured to use a prism optical system etc. so that everything is built in a waterproof case composed of a housing and a lid. Has been.

  On the other hand, a waterproof digital camera equipped with a retractable lens barrel is not currently available in the market because it is technically difficult to keep the retractable lens barrel waterproof.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a waterproof optical device capable of maintaining a retractable lens barrel in a waterproof state.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, a protruding position protruding from a circular opening (3f) provided in the front wall of the housing (refer to FIG. 12, 3). And a retractable optical device (1) having a cylindrical retractable lens barrel (61) that is driven back and forth between the retracted position and retracted to the opening. In addition, an objective lens (60a) is provided therein, and a prevention lens (8) disposed opposite to the objective lens is built in a waterproof state on the front surface thereof, and is formed substantially concentrically with the retractable lens barrel. A lens barrel (7) having a cylindrical outer peripheral wall (7b) and fixed outside the retractable lens barrel so as to cover the retractable lens barrel; and The inner peripheral surface (3k) of the opening of the outer peripheral wall and the front wall of the housing An endless lip seal (55) that maintains a waterproof state between the housing and the lens barrel when the lens barrel is stopped and when the lens barrel is reciprocated. It is a feature.

  The endless lip seal is made of an elastic material having an inclined surface, and the endless lip seal is slidably contacted with the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel so as to be elastically deformed uniformly. A lip seal is fixed to the inner peripheral surface (3k) in the vicinity of the opening.

  The endless lip seal is made of an elastic material so as to have an inclined surface, and is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel so that the inclined surface is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the opening. A cylindrical sliding surface (3w) extending toward the inside of the casing is slidably contacted so that it can be elastically deformed uniformly.

  In addition, a chamfered shape portion for draining water (see FIG. 17, 3x) is formed at the corner of the opening.

  Further, the outer peripheral wall and the cylindrical sliding surface of the lens barrel have a finished surface near the mirror surface, and the finished surface is subjected to water repellent treatment.

  The elastic material includes natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicone rubber, elastomer, and Teflon (registered trademark) rubber fluorine.

  In addition, one side of the casing is open, a lid (9) that covers the open surface of the casing, and an endless seal member (45) disposed on an engagement surface between the casing and the lid. ) To maintain the inside of the housing in a waterproof state, and to complement the volume change inside the housing that occurs as the lens barrel reciprocates (see FIG. 14). , 70, 71, 72) are incorporated in the casing.

  Further, the volume complementing means is a piston drive type in which a piston is moved by an internal pressure change generated along with the volume change or a bellows type in which expansion and contraction are performed by the internal pressure change. .

  The piston-driven volume complementing means is configured to drive the piston by a motor.

  The waterproof electronic device is an optical device including a digital camera and a video camera, and the lid is injection-molded using a light-transmitting resin material to cover a liquid crystal display surface provided in the optical device. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, the endless lip seal interposed between the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel and the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the front wall of the housing allows the retractable lens barrel to be stopped and reciprocated. It is possible to provide a waterproof optical device that ensures a sealing function.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Here, in the following embodiments, as a waterproof optical device, a digital camera having a cylindrical retractable lens barrel in which a photographing lens unit is retracted and the photographing lens is provided with an optical zoom system is mainly used. In the following. However, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera configured as described above, and is also applicable to a digital camera equipped with a fixed focus type photographing lens or a digital camera equipped with an optical zoom system that does not protrude to the outside by adopting a prism optical system. Is possible.

  Furthermore, it can be applied to a video camera as a waterproof optical device, and it is possible to access the main unit fixed inside the housing by removing the lid from the housing for repair. This is particularly desirable when doing so.

  In addition to notebook computers, waterproof electronic devices include various game machines, mobile phones, and the like, but are applicable to devices other than these devices. In particular, as in the case of the above-described waterproof optical device, it is desirable when the lid is removed from the housing for repair, and access to the main body device fixed inside the housing is possible. Furthermore, considering the manufacturing process, the assembly process is facilitated, so that a very effective configuration is provided.

  In addition, in a waterproof optical device or a waterproof electronic device, an opening is provided in the housing in order to replace the battery, replace the storage medium, or connect the connector between the external connection terminal and the external device. Even when a lid assembly for forming and opening and closing the opening in a waterproof state is provided, an effective configuration is provided.

  That is, it is possible to provide a configuration that can maintain the waterproof performance of the lid assembly for a long period of time and can sufficiently withstand repeated opening and closing of the lid assembly.

  Hereinafter, as a waterproof optical device and a waterproof electronic apparatus, a waterproof digital camera 1 provided with a cylindrical retractable lens barrel having an optical zoom system in which a photographing lens unit is retracted will be described in detail. In the following.

  FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a part of the decorative panel 2 of the waterproof digital camera 1 provided with the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7. FIG. 1B is a rear view illustrating the waterproof digital camera 1 with a part of the decorative panel 2 left.

  First, in FIG. 1A, a waterproof digital camera 1 is provided with a decorative panel 2 made of a metal plate on a casing 3 that is injection-molded using a transparent resin material. The decorative panel 2 is detachably provided as will be described later. A circular opening 3f is formed in the front wall of the housing 3, and a cylindrical shape that is reciprocally driven between a protruding position protruding from the opening 3f and a retracted position retracting to the opening 3f. The waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is provided.

  In this waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7, a waterproof lens 8 is built facing the objective lens of the collapsible lens barrel. An autofocus lens 6 and a built-in strobe 5 are disposed on the front wall of the housing 3 above the opening 3f, respectively, and are covered with water by the housing 3. The autofocus lens 6 and the built-in strobe 5 are covered with a transparent casing 3 so that light can enter and exit.

  A release button 4 that is pressed to perform a shutter operation is provided on the upper surface wall of the housing 3 in a waterproof state via a rubber key (not shown). Further, a lid provided on the lower wall of the housing 3 so as to be openable and closable for exchanging a built-in battery, exchanging a storage medium, or connecting a connector between an external connection terminal and an external device. The assembly 20 is provided in a waterproof state. Specifically, the lid assembly 20 is configured such that it can be opened by sliding the lid body 21 leftward in the figure, and can be locked by sliding rightward.

  Next, in FIG. 1B, a large liquid crystal display device 10 is provided on the back wall of the waterproof digital camera 1. Further, on the right side of the large-sized liquid crystal display device 10, a zoom operation key 11, various operation keys 12, 14 and a cross key 13 are arranged vertically as shown in the figure. Each of these keys is provided on the lid 9 so as to be waterproofed by covering the key rubber sheet 15. The decorative panel 2 shown with a part thereof is detachably fixed or bonded to a lid 9 that is injection-molded using a transparent resin material, as will be described later. The decorative panel 2 is provided with a large opening for making the large liquid crystal display device 10 visible from the outside and an opening for allowing the keys to be operated from the outside.

  The casing 3 and the lid 9 are desirably molded from an acrylic resin material having excellent transparency, but are not limited thereto, and can be molded from polycarbonate, polypropylene, glass-filled resin, or the like.

  According to the waterproof digital camera 1 configured as described above, a full-fledged waterproof digital camera capable of underwater photography at a depth of about 1 m is provided by providing a waterproof performance of about JIS standard 7 grade. The Rukoto. Next, the lid assembly 20 disposed on the lower wall of the housing 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Waterproof structure of lid assembly 20>
2A is a bottom view illustrating a state in which the lid assembly 20 provided to be freely opened and closed on the bottom surface of the waterproof digital camera 1 is locked, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the locking of the lid assembly 20. FIG. 2C is a bottom view illustrating a state in which the lid assembly 20 is opened from the waterproof digital camera 1 and the opening 22 is exposed.

  First, in FIG. 2A, a shape portion 3a for allowing the lid assembly 20 to slide leftward in the figure is formed in a concave shape on the bottom wall of the housing. The lid assembly 20 is located in the shape portion 3a and is maintained in the locked state, so that the opening 22 of the housing 3 shown in FIG. 2C is closed in a watertight state. . The lid main body 21 of the lid assembly 20 is integrally formed with a protrusion 21a on which a fingertip is hooked, and the protrusion 21a can be moved in the arrow direction shown in FIG. . Further, the lid body 21 is formed with recesses having a plurality of holes 21d as shown in the figure, and the decorative panel 2 is disposed and bonded in the recesses so as not to impair the overall appearance of the camera. I am doing so.

  In FIG. 2 (c), two small batteries 16 are set in the opening 22 of the housing 3 with alternating polarities. Further, an AV terminal 18 directly connected to the television and a storage medium 17 for storing a photographed image are further incorporated. In order to replace the battery 16 and connect the connector between the external connection terminal and the external device, the lid assembly 20 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. It is made into the state opened. For this reason, a hinge member 28 to which one piece is fixed using a small screw 29 within the shape portion 3a of the housing 3 is fixed to the lid assembly 20, and the other piece is attached to the lid body 21 via a slide mechanism. Fixed.

  Next, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or components that have already been described, and the description thereof is omitted. Under the lid body 21 that can be rotated and locked by the open / close slide mechanism, the seal body 30 is provided below. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 3A, the seal body 30 is positioned in the opening so that the opening 22 can maintain a sealed state.

  Further, the first locking portion 23 formed at the other end of the opening and the first non-locking portion 27 formed at the lid main body 21 are locked, and further a second engagement formed at one end of the opening. The stopper main body 21 can be maintained in an immovable state by being simultaneously locked with respect to the second non-locking portion 25 formed on the lid main body 21.

  From this state, when the lid body 21 is slid leftward as shown in FIG. 3B, the above-mentioned locking state is simultaneously released, but the seal body 30 is positioned in the opening by the slide mechanism. Yes.

  When the lid body 21 is gripped and rotated around the hinge member 28 as shown in FIG. 3C from the state shown in FIG. 3B, the seal body 30 is greatly separated from the opening 22. . Therefore, it is possible to replace the two small batteries 16 set with different polarities as described above, to connect the TV to the AV terminal 18 via the connection cord, and to replace the storage medium 17. ing.

  4A is a central sectional view illustrating a state in which the lid assembly 20 is locked, and FIG. 4B is a central sectional view illustrating a state in which the locking of the lid assembly 20 is released. is there. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The butterfly plate member 28 constituting the open / close slide mechanism is made of a thin metal plate including the stainless steel plate 33, and FIG. The hook portion 34 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, a first concave portion 31 and a second concave portion 32 having a shape in which the hook portion 34 is elastically deformed and entered are formed on the lower surface of the lid body 21 with the slide stroke being separated.

  With the above configuration, a click feeling when the lid member 21 slides is generated, and the locked state is not released due to vibration or the like.

  A sealing body 30 is provided below the lid member 21 with a butterfly plate member 28 interposed. The seal body 30 includes a spacer member 37 provided below the lid body 21, a seal-shaped member 35 provided below the spacer member 37, and a support member 36 provided below the seal-shaped member 35. Has been.

  The seal-shaped member 35 is made of an elastic material as shown in a broken view in the drawing, and forms a flat portion and an inclined portion following the flat portion. Further, the support member 36 and the spacer member 37 are made of a resin or metal plate material, so that the flat portion of the seal-shaped member 35 is held from above and below so that only the inclined portion is directed evenly toward the lid body 21. It can be elastically deformed.

  The seal-shaped member 35 can be integrally molded using natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicon rubber, elastomer, or Teflon (registered trademark) rubber. It is better to perform water repellent treatment including Teflon (registered trademark) treatment on the surface.

  FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the lid assembly 20 described above.

  In this drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description thereof is omitted. The stainless steel plate 33 forming one piece of the butterfly plate member 28 includes integral resin molding on the lower surface of the lid body 21. Guide portions 33c and 33c are inserted into the guide grooves 21c and 21c formed by the method, respectively. The hook part 34 is integrally formed from a part of the opening 33b wider than the guide part 33c.

  The stainless plate 33, the spacer member 37, and the flat portion 35c of the seal-shaped member 35 are provided with a plurality of holes 33a, 35a, 37a at corresponding positions, and are integrally formed with the support member 36. After inserting each of the plurality of studs 36a, the tip of the stud 36a slightly protruding from the hole 33a of the stainless steel plate 33 is burned (see FIG. 6 (b)). The relative movement is possible. Further, by making the shape of the outer peripheral surface 37c of the spacer member 37 the same as the outer peripheral edge of the flat portion 35c of the seal-shaped member 35, the inclined portion 35b can be uniformly deformed, and this outer peripheral surface 37c is a backup. It is configured to function as a surface.

  6 (a) is a three-dimensional exploded view of the lid assembly 20, FIG. 6 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the main part after the lid assembly 20 is assembled, and FIGS. 6 (c) and 6 (d) are diagrams. FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating a part of the lid assembly 20 according to another embodiment.

  In this drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and a description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 6A, a concave surface 21k for bonding the decorative panel 2 is formed on the upper surface of the lid body 21. The hole 21d is concealed and waterproofed. The hinge member 28 is press-fitted with a pin 28a. Further, in FIG. 6B, the tip of the stud 36a slightly protruding from the hole 33a of the stainless steel plate 33 is fixed by baking, so that the fixed portion is inserted into the hole 21d. Yes.

  In FIG. 6C, the rotation hole 3t of the butterfly plate member may be integrally formed on the housing 3 side, and the stainless steel plate may be pivotally supported using the pin 28a. .

  In FIG. 6D, the seal-shaped member 35 and the support member 36 integrally provided with the stud 36a may be molded in two colors.

  FIG. 7A shows a molding die 101, 102 of a seal-shaped member 35, and an inner peripheral surface 22a of the opening provided with the lid member 20 provided with the seal-shaped member 35 molded by the molding die 101, 102. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a state of being sandwiched between the O-ring 200 and the spacer member 37, and FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing shown in figure for the mode that the cover member 20 provided with the ring 200 was clamped between the internal peripheral surfaces 22a of an opening part.

  The above-mentioned seal-shaped member 35 is integrally molded using a molding die 101, 102 provided with a cavity C for molding the seal-shaped member 35 so as to have a parting surface 35P as illustrated. This parting surface 35P is located in the vicinity of the edge 35f of the inclined portion 35b. As a result, when the inclined portion of the lid member 20 provided with the seal-shaped member 35 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface 22a of the opening and the spacer member 37 as illustrated, the parting surface 35P becomes a seal surface. Can be removed from the site.

  For this reason, even if the molding accuracy is poor and a burr or the like is generated on the parting surface 35P, it is possible to prevent the influence of the seal.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7B shown for comparison, the O-ring 200 is integrally molded from the molding dies 201 and 202 so as to become the illustrated parting surface 200P. The parting surface 200P is molded into a portion that becomes a seal surface where the lid member 20 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 22a of the opening. For this reason, when the molding accuracy is poor and burrs or the like are generated on the parting surface 200P, the sealing function is impaired by the influence of the burrs, and is also affected by the permanent distortion.

  As described above, the lid main body 21 can be slidably guided toward the other end of the opening by the butterfly plate member 28 and the stainless steel plate 33 constituting the slide mechanism, and can be locked to the housing. In addition, when the opening is closed, the inclined portion 35b of the seal-shaped member 35 is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 22a of the opening to ensure a sealing function.

  Further, when the lid assembly is rotated and slid to close the opening formed in the housing, a seal-shaped member made of an elastic material and formed with a flat portion and a subsequent inclined portion is formed inside the opening. A sealing function is secured by being in close contact with the peripheral surface. Further, it can sufficiently withstand repeated opening and closing.

  In the above configuration example, the opening 22 is formed in the bottom wall of the casing, and the opening / closing slide mechanism describes a configuration that allows the lid body to slide from the other end of the opening toward the side of the casing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening may be provided in any part of the housing surface.

  In order to allow replacement of the battery (see FIG. 2C, 16) built in the housing, a battery contact member (not shown) is fixed to the support member 36. The contact member may be insert-molded into the support member. Further, according to the small box-type dedicated rechargeable battery provided with the battery contacts on the side surfaces, the contacts that contact the battery contacts may be built in the housing.

<Waterproof structure with casing, lid and endless seal member>
8A is a front view of the lid body 9 of the waterproof digital camera 1 illustrating the state before the lid body 9 is fitted to the housing 3, and FIG. FIG.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 8B, the housing 3 is open on one side, and the opening 3f is connected to the front wall. Formed in the part. The edges of the four sides of the housing 3 have a predetermined thickness and extend from the front side of the paper to form a protrusion 3k on the entire peripheral edge.

  Further, in FIG. 8 (a), a lid 9 covering the open surface of the housing 3 is detachably provided so as to cover the large-sized liquid crystal display device 10 and the waterproof key rubber sheet 15 shown by a broken line. ing. A plurality of fixing portions 41 for making the lid 9 detachable are integrally formed at the edge portion at a predetermined interval. The fixing portion 41 is set in the fixing groove 3g of the housing 3 and fixed in a direction including fitting.

  Engagement surfaces at the edges of the housing 3 and the lid body 9 are parallel and flat with each other, and an endless seal member 45 described later is set in a housing groove portion 40 shown by a broken line, so that a sealed state after assembly To maintain.

  Here, the housing groove 40 is formed on the edge of the lid body 9 and the protrusion 3k is formed on the edge of the housing 3. However, the housing groove 40 is conversely formed on the housing 3. The protrusion may be formed continuously on the edge of the lid body 9.

  Next, FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 8B illustrating how the lid 9 and the decorative panel 2 are fastened together with the housing 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the XX line portion as viewed from above.

  In this figure, the endless seal member 45 is made of an elastic material, and as shown in the drawing, the cross-sectional shape by a surface perpendicular to the engagement surface is formed into a substantially concave shape having a groove portion. By setting in the groove part 40, the groove part appears outside. Further, on the other engagement surface of the housing 3, a protrusion 3 k having a cross-sectional shape that fits into the groove 45 a of the endless seal member 45 is continuously formed.

  In the above configuration, after setting each other as described later, the fastening member including the small screw 29 that is set in the fixing groove 3g and screwed into the screw hole 3j of the housing 3 is attached to the decorative panel 2. It is set in the hole 2c and fixed in a fastened state.

  Thus, the sealing function is ensured by inserting the endless seal member 45 into the housing groove 40 and fitting the protrusion 3k into the groove. Examples of the elastic material used for molding the endless seal member 45 include natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicon rubber, and elastomer.

  Next, FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the endless seal member 45 is inserted into the continuous recess 40, and FIG. 10B is a diagram in which the protrusion 3k is inserted after the endless seal member 45 is inserted. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the protrusion 3k is inserted into the groove of the endless seal member 45 and a sealed state is illustrated, and FIG. It is a cross-sectional view explaining the sealing action.

  First, in FIG. 10A, in order to form the endless seal member 45 into a substantially concave shape having a groove portion, a bottom portion 46, a first extending portion 47 extending from both sides of the bottom portion 46, and a second extending portion. And an installation portion 48. Further, the distal end portions of the first extending portions 47 and the second extending portions 48 are rounded so that burrs are not generated on the parting surfaces, similar to the seal-shaped member 35 described above.

  According to the endless seal member 45 prepared as described above, the sealing action surface for waterproofing can be increased in comparison with the endless O-ring. Furthermore, even if burrs remain on the parting surface during molding, the waterproof performance is not impaired by this effect. Further, since the waterproof performance can be maintained over a long period of time due to permanent distortion, it is not necessary to replace it with a new one, for example, at the time of repair, and it can sufficiently withstand repeated use.

  10A, a first peak portion 49 and a second peak portion 50 are formed on the opposing surfaces from the first extension portion 47 and the second extension portion 48.

  In FIG. 10 (d), when the protrusion 3k is inserted into the groove 45a, the end portion of the first extension portion 47 and the second extension portion are used with the first peak portion 49 and the second peak portion 50 as pivot points. The end of the installation part 48 is rotated in the direction of the arrow toward the protrusion 3k. As a result, the sealing function is further enhanced. Here, the first peak portion 49 and the second peak portion 50 may be sufficient if either one is provided. Moreover, the 1st peak part 49 and the 2nd peak part 50 do not need, and it replaces with this and may form a peak part in the protrusion part 3k.

  FIG. 11A is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the lid body 9 is fixed to the housing 3, and FIG. 11B is a state in which the lid body 9 of another embodiment is fixed to the housing 3. FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a state in which the lid 9 and the decorative panel 2 are fastened to the housing 3 with a small screw.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. First, in FIG. 11 (a), a hole 41h is formed in the fixing part 41 of the lid 9. In addition, each hole 41h is fitted to a claw 3h formed at a corresponding position on the side surface of the housing 3 so as to be fixed by so-called snapping.

  Further, in FIG. 11B, a screw hole 3u is formed on the side surface of the housing 3, and is configured to be fixed by screwing by passing a small screw through the fixing portion 41 of the lid 9. ing.

  Further, in FIG. 11 (c), the front and back decorative panels 2 are partially overlapped, and the screw holes 3u on the side surface of the housing 3 are fastened together with small screws.

  As described above, the sealing action surface for waterproofing can be increased, and waterproof performance can be maintained over a long period of time. In addition, an optimum structure for a waterproof electronic device that can sufficiently withstand repeated use including repair is provided.

<Configuration of waterproof collapsible lens barrel>
12A is a central cross-sectional view in which the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is moved to the retracted position, and FIG. 12B is a central cross-sectional view in which the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is moved to the protruding position. is there.

  First, in FIG. 12A, a cylindrical opening 3f is formed in the front wall of the housing 3, and an inner peripheral surface 3m is formed from the opening 3f toward the inside. In addition, a zoom optical system 60 having an objective lens 60a therein is provided, and a collapsible lens barrel 61 covered with a cover 65 is built in. A still image and a moving image are provided via a shutter and a diaphragm (not shown). Is formed on the CCD element 56.

  The retractable lens barrel 61 is driven to the protruding position shown in FIG. 12B in accordance with the operation of the zoom key 11. Therefore, the servo motor 57 is fixed next to the CCD element 56, and the retractable lens barrel 61 is driven back and forth between the protruding position and the retracted position by a predetermined drive to the servo motor 57. It is comprised so that.

  On the other hand, a waterproof collapsible lens mirror having a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 7b formed concentrically with the collapsible lens barrel 61, while the preventive lens 8 disposed in opposition to the objective lens 60a is built in a waterproof state. The barrel 7 is fixed to the front edge portion of the retractable lens barrel 61 via the O-ring 62.

  Further, by being interposed between the outer peripheral wall 7b and the inner peripheral surface 3m of the opening 3f, an endless lip seal 55 for maintaining a waterproof state when the waterproof lens barrel 7 is stopped and reciprocating is provided as a fixed ring member. 63 is fixed as shown in the figure.

  The endless lip seal 55 is made of an elastic material so as to have an inclined surface inclined toward the opening 3f as shown, and the inclined surface is against the outer peripheral wall 7b of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7. It is configured and attached so that it can be slid and elastically deformed from the position shown by the broken line in the figure to the position shown by the solid line. In this way, when the retractable lens barrel 61 is driven back and forth between the protruding position and the retracted position, no gap is generated between the outer peripheral wall 7 b of the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7. Thus, a slide seal structure is configured.

  Thus, in order to prevent any gaps from occurring between the outer peripheral wall 7b of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7, the finished surface of the outer peripheral wall 7b is mirror-finished and further baked with Teflon (registered trademark) resin or the like. Lubricating treatment and water repellent treatment may be performed. Further, the outer peripheral wall 7b is exposed to the outside, but if scratches or the like are caused at this time, a gap is generated. Therefore, at least the outer peripheral wall 7b is made of metal such as stainless steel, and the remaining portion of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is attached. It is better to use insert molding for resin molding.

  As the elastic material for molding the endless lip seal 55, natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicon rubber, elastomer, Teflon (registered trademark) rubber, or the like can be used. Further, it is particularly preferable that the parting surface is molded so as not to become a sealing surface as described above. Moreover, it is good to insert-mold a metal band in order to maintain the elastic force over a long period of time. Alternatively, the sealing surface of the inclined portion may be doubled or tripled to have a wiper function.

  FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional exploded view illustrating the main part of a waterproof digital camera provided with the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 of FIG. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and a description thereof is omitted. On the inner peripheral surface of the opening 3 f of the housing 3, screw holes 3 p shown by broken lines are formed. The fixing ring member 63 is integrally formed with a screw hole portion at a position corresponding to the screw hole 3p, and is fixed with an endless lip seal 55 interposed between the fixing ring member 63 and the housing 3.

  On the other hand, a screw hole is formed in the front edge portion of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 incorporating the waterproof lens 8, and the screw hole 61 a formed in the front edge portion of the retractable lens barrel 61 is O. The ring 62 is interposed so as to be integrally fixed using the small screw 29.

  By configuring as described above, it is possible to directly use the driving force for driving the retractable lens barrel 61 back and forth between the protruding position and the retracted position by predetermined driving to the servo motor 57. Become. For this reason, the rating of the servo motor 57 should be increased by one rank, and this can cope with the seal load applied to the slide surface.

  Note that the above configuration describes a case where the existing digital camera can be configured with the minimum necessary modifications, and needless to say, the configuration is not limited to this configuration.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 13, one surface of the housing 3 is opened, and the lid body 9 is provided to cover the open surface of the housing, and the engagement surface between the housing and the lid body is endless. When the inside of the housing is maintained in a completely waterproof state by providing the seal member 45, an internal pressure change is generated due to a volume change in the housing that occurs as the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is reciprocated.

  For this reason, when an excessive load is applied to the driving of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 and the inside is in a negative pressure state, it becomes impossible to prevent water from entering. Therefore, a volume complementing means for complementing the volume change generated with the movement of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is required.

  FIG. 14A is a fragmentary cutaway view showing a state of the variable volume portion built in the waterproof digital camera 1 when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is moved to the projecting position, and FIG. It is a principal part broken view which showed the mode of the variable volume part when the lens barrel 7 moved to the retracted position.

  In this figure, components and components that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Inside the waterproof digital camera 1, a cylinder portion 70 that communicates with the opening hole 72 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 3. Built in to communicate with the outside air. Inside the cylinder portion 70, a piston 71 having a seal structure and a fall prevention member is sealed and incorporated in a vertically movable manner.

  In the above configuration, when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is driven to the protruding position, the inside of the cylinder portion 70 also becomes negative pressure through the opening hole portion 72 as the inside of the housing becomes negative pressure state. Rises as shown in FIG. At this time, in the case of underwater use, water enters the cylinder part 70 through a grid (not shown) fixed to the opening of the cylinder part 70.

  On the other hand, when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is driven to the retracted position, the inside of the casing 70 becomes positive pressure through the opening hole 72 as the inside of the housing becomes positive pressure state. To descend. The piston 71 comes into contact with a lattice (not shown) fixed to the opening of the cylinder portion 70 and stops in order to allow dust to enter at this position. At this time, in the case of underwater use, the water in the cylinder unit 70 comes out through a grid (not shown) fixed to the opening of the cylinder unit 70.

  As described above, by supplementing the volume change generated by the movement of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 by the vertical movement of the piston 71, an excessive load is not applied when the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is driven. In particular, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the inside is in a negative pressure state and water enters the inside of the housing.

  Next, FIG. 15A is a fragmentary cutaway view illustrating the state of the variable volume portion of another embodiment incorporated in the waterproof digital camera 1 when the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is moved to the protruding position. 15 (b) is a fragmentary cutaway view illustrating the state of the variable volume portion of another embodiment when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is moved to the retracted position.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and the description thereof will be omitted. Inside the waterproof digital camera 1, a variable volume made of an elastic body including rubber communicated with the opening hole 82 is provided. The edge portion 80 is fixed to the side surface of the housing 3 by using a fixing member 81.

  In the above configuration, when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is driven to the protruding position, the inside of the variable volume portion 80 also becomes negative pressure through the opening hole 82 as the inside of the housing becomes negative pressure state. Shrink as shown in FIG. At this time, in the case of underwater use, water enters inside through the lattice.

  On the other hand, when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is driven to the retracted position, the inside of the variable volume portion 80 also becomes positive pressure through the opening hole 82 as the inside of the housing becomes positive pressure state. The water expands into contact with the grid and stops, and water comes out.

  As described above, the variable volume portion 80 is reduced and expanded to compensate for the volume change caused by the movement of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7. You may comprise so that the situation where a load may not be added and the inside will be in a negative-pressure state and water will permeate the inside of a housing | casing especially may be prevented.

  Further, FIG. 16A is a fragmentary cutaway view illustrating the state of the variable volume portion of another embodiment, and FIG. 16B is a fragmentary cutaway view illustrating the state of the motor-driven variable volume portion. FIG. 16C is a fragmentary cutaway view illustrating a bellows type variable volume portion.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 16A shows the movement of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 by the vertical movement of the piston 71. A configuration for more actively complementing the accompanying volume change is shown. In this figure, a permanent magnet 83 is fixed to the side surface of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7, and a magnetic body 84 containing iron is built in the piston 71.

  With the above configuration, the magnetic body 84 is attracted by the permanent magnet 83 as the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is driven, so that the piston 71 can be driven.

  In FIG. 16B, the piston 71 has a cylindrical body 88 built therein. A projection 88 a that fits into the groove 87 of the lead screw 86 is formed from the cylinder 88. The lead screw 86 is gear-driven by a motor 85.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to more effectively complement the volume change that occurs with the movement of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 by the forward / reverse driving of the motor 85.

  In FIG. 16C, a bellows 90 in which a large number of grooves are formed on the peripheral surface is provided in place of the variable volume 80, and the bellows 90 contracts between the position shown by the solid line and the broken line in the figure. It is configured to complement the volume change that occurs with the movement of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 so as to be expanded.

  FIG. 17A is a central sectional view in which the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 according to another embodiment is moved to the retracted position, and FIG. 17B is a diagram in which the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is moved to the protruding position. A central sectional view, FIG. 17C, is an external perspective view seen from the waterproof lens 8 side.

  In this drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. In FIG. 17A, the endless lip seal 55 is the outer periphery of the waterproof lens barrel 7 in which the waterproof lens 8 is built. It is fixed on the back side of the wall.

  Further, the endless lip seal 55 has an inclined surface that is in sliding contact with the cylindrical sliding surface 3w extending from the inner peripheral surface of the opening 3f toward the inside of the housing 3 so that it can be elastically deformed uniformly. Is provided.

  According to the above structure, since it can comprise so that the cylindrical sliding surface 3w may not be exposed outside, there exists an advantage which becomes difficult to receive the influence of a damage | wound etc. However, water enters the gap between the cylindrical sliding surface 3w and the outer peripheral wall 7b of the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 when used underwater.

  Since water may block the entire opening 3f due to surface tension, a chamfered shape portion 3x for draining is formed at the corner as shown in FIG. Is made to flow downward.

  As described above, when the retractable lens barrel 7 is stopped, the endless lip seal 55 interposed between the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel and the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the front wall of the housing is used. In addition, it is possible to provide a waterproof optical device in which a sealing function is sufficiently ensured during reciprocal driving.

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating a part of the decorative panel 2 of the waterproof digital camera 1, and FIG. 5B is a rear view illustrating the part of the decorative panel 2 of the waterproof digital camera 1. (A) is a bottom view illustrating a state in which the lid assembly 20 provided to be freely opened and closed on the bottom surface of the waterproof digital camera 1 is locked, and (b) is a state in which the locking of the lid assembly 20 is released. FIG. 4C is a bottom view illustrating the state where the lid assembly 20 is opened from the waterproof digital camera 1 and the opening 22 is exposed. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. It is a line arrow cross section. (A) is a central sectional view illustrating a state in which the lid assembly 20 is locked, and (b) is a central sectional view illustrating a state in which the locking of the lid assembly 20 is released. 3 is an exploded view of the lid assembly 20. FIG. (a) is a three-dimensional exploded view of the lid assembly 20, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the main part after assembly, and (c) and (d) are three-dimensional exploded views illustrating a part of the lid assembly 20 of another embodiment. FIG. (a) shows the molding dies 101 and 102 of the seal-shaped member 35, and the cover member 20 provided with the seal-shaped member 35 molded by the molding dies 101 and 102 includes the inner peripheral surface 22a of the opening and the spacer member. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a state of being sandwiched between the O-ring 200 and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating molding molds 201 and 202 of the O-ring 200 and an O-ring 200 molded by the molding dies 201 and 202. It is principal part sectional drawing which illustrated a mode that the lid member 20 clamped between the inner peripheral surfaces 22a of the opening part for comparison. (a) is a front view of the lid body 9 of the waterproof digital camera 1 illustrating a state before the lid body 9 is fitted into the housing 3, and (b) is a rear view of the housing 3. (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 8 (b) illustrating how the lid 9 and the decorative panel 2 are fastened together with the housing 3. FIG. It is the top view seen from. (a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the endless seal member 45 is inserted into the continuous recess 40, (b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the protrusion 3k is inserted after the endless seal member 45 is inserted, (c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the protrusion 3k is inserted into the groove portion of the endless seal member 45 to be in a sealed state, and (d) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing action. (a) is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the lid body 9 is fixed to the housing 3, and (b) is an external view illustrating a part of a state in which the lid body 9 of another embodiment is fixed to the housing 3. A perspective view, (c) is a cross-sectional view of the main part illustrating a state in which the lid body 9 and the decorative panel 2 are fastened to the housing 3 with a small screw. (a) is a central sectional view in which the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is moved to the retracted position, and (b) is a central sectional view in which the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is moved to the protruding position. FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional exploded view illustrating a main part of a waterproof digital camera including the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 of FIG. 12. (a) is a fragmentary cutaway view showing the state of the variable volume portion built in the waterproof digital camera 1 when the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 is moved to the projecting position, and (b) is a schematic diagram of the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7. It is a principal part fracture | rupture figure which illustrated the mode of the variable volume part when moving to a retracted position. (a) is a fragmentary cutaway view showing a state of a variable volume portion of another embodiment incorporated in the waterproof digital camera 1 when the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is moved to the protruding position, and (b) is a waterproof retractable lens. It is a principal part fracture | rupture figure which illustrated the mode of the variable volume part of another embodiment when the lens barrel 7 moved to the retracted position. (a) is a principal part fracture view illustrating the state of the variable volume part of another embodiment, (b) is a principal part fracture view illustrating the state of the motor-driven variable volume part, and (c) is a bellows type variable part. It is a principal part broken view which illustrated the mode of the volume part. (a) is a central sectional view in which the waterproof collapsible lens barrel 7 of another embodiment is moved to the retracted position, and (b) is a central sectional view in which the waterproof retractable lens barrel 7 is moved to the protruding position. c) is an external perspective view seen from the waterproof lens 8 side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Waterproof digital camera 2 Cosmetic panel 3 Main body 3a Battery cover accommodating part 4 Release button 5 Built-in flash 6 AF lens 7 Waterproof retractable lens barrel 8 Waterproof lens 9 Cover 10 Large liquid crystal device 11 Zoom operation keys 12, 14 Operation key 13 Cross Key 15 Waterproof rubber sheet for key (Figure 1)
16 AA battery 17 SD memory medium 18 AV terminal 19 USB terminal 20 Lid assembly 21 Battery lid main body 21a Projection part 21c Support shape part 21d Long hole part 22 Opening part 23 First latching part 24 Second latching part (FIG. 2)
25 2nd non-locking part 27 1st non-locking part 28 Hinge member (slide mechanism)
28a Hinge pin 29 Machine screw 30 Seal body (Fig. 3)
31 1st recessed part 32 2nd recessed part 33 Stainless steel plate member (slide mechanism)
34 hook part 35 seal member 35a mounting hole part 35b inclined part 35f edge part (FIG. 7)
36 Battery contact attachment lid member 36a Stud portion 37 Spacer member (FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7)
101, 102, 201, 202 Mold 35p, 200p Parting line (Burr)
C Cavity 40 Continuous recess (Fig. 8)
41 Extension part 41a Fixing hole part 3g Groove part (FIG. 9)
45 Seal component 46 Bottom 47 First extension 48 Second extension 49 First peak 50 Second peak 3k Projection (FIGS. 9 and 10)
55 Slide seal component 56 CCD
57 Servo motor 60 Zoom lens system 61 Retractable lens barrel 62 O-ring 63 Fixed ring member (FIGS. 12 and 13)
70 Cylinder 71 Piston (Fig. 14)
72 communication hole 80 variable volume 81 fixing member 82 communication hole (FIG. 15)

Claims (10)

Waterproof optical device comprising a cylindrical retractable lens barrel that is reciprocally driven between a protruding position protruding from a circular opening provided on the front wall of the housing and a retracted position retracting to the opening Because
The retractable lens barrel has an objective lens therein,
The retractable lens has a cylindrical outer peripheral wall that is formed concentrically with the collapsible lens barrel and has a built-in waterproof lens disposed in front of the objective lens that faces the objective lens. A lens barrel fixed outside the lens barrel so as to cover the retractable lens barrel;
By being interposed between the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel and the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the front wall of the casing, the casing and the casing when the lens barrel is stopped and reciprocating An endless lip seal that maintains a waterproof state between the lens barrel and the lens barrel.   The endless lip seal is made of an elastic material so as to have an inclined surface, and the endless lip seal is configured to be elastically deformed uniformly by sliding against the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel. The waterproof optical device according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof optical device is fixed to the inner peripheral surface in the vicinity of the opening.   The endless lip seal is made of an elastic material so as to have an inclined surface, and is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel so that the inclined surface extends from the inner peripheral surface of the opening to the housing. 2. The waterproof optical device according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof optical device is slidably contacted with a cylindrical sliding surface extending toward the inside of the body so as to be elastically deformed uniformly.   The waterproof optical device according to claim 3, wherein a chamfered portion for draining is formed at a corner of the opening.   4. The lens barrel according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral wall of the lens barrel and the cylindrical sliding surface have a finished surface near the mirror surface, and the finished surface is lubricated or water-repellent. The waterproof optical device as described.   The waterproof type according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elastic material includes natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicone rubber, elastomer, Teflon (registered trademark) rubber, and fluorine. Optical device. One side of the casing is open, and further includes a lid that covers the open surface of the casing, and an endless seal member that is disposed on an engagement surface between the casing and the lid, While keeping the inside of the case waterproof,
The volume complementing means for complementing the amount of volume change inside the casing that occurs when the lens barrel is reciprocated is built in the casing. The waterproof optical device according to Item.   The volume complementing means is a piston drive type in which a piston is moved by an internal pressure change generated in association with the volume change or a bellows type in which expansion and contraction are performed by the internal pressure change. 8. The waterproof optical device according to 7.   9. The waterproof optical device according to claim 8, wherein the piston-driven volume complementing means is configured to drive the piston by a motor.   The waterproof electronic device is an optical device including a digital camera and a video camera, and the lid is injection-molded using a light transmissive resin material to cover a liquid crystal display surface provided in the optical device. The waterproof optical device according to claim 7, wherein the waterproof optical device is provided.

Images