JP2004191917A

JP2004191917A - Waterproofing digital camera

Info

Publication number: JP2004191917A
Application number: JP2003161829A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kaoru Ito; 馨伊東
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-17
Filing date: 2003-06-06
Publication date: 2004-07-08

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproofing digital camera which selectively uses various batteries as its power source depending upon photographic conditions without any misoperation. SOLUTION: A rechargeable battery 50 and a columnar battery 34 are watertightly stored in a storage chamber 31 by gasket members 42 and 43 with an opening/closing lid 12 closed to enable all-weather photography, and a dummy battery 56 is arranged in the storage chamber 31 while a power chord 55 is led out and pressed against a friction plate member 62 by a bias spring 60 through a lever member 61 through the engagement between an end surface 56E of the dummy power source 56 and a battery fixing and retaining claw 63 to be prevented from falling out of the storage chamber 31 when the camera is slanted for photography. When the dummy battery 56 is taken out, a portion of the tip of the battery fixing and retaining claw 63 is locked to an edge of the end surface 56E to prevent the dummy battery from falling out. Thus, any battery is stably held in the battery storage chamber 31 and various batteries are easily selected with simplified and small-sized constitution according to photographic conditions and an atmosphere to enable photography under a variety of photographic conditions. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は防水機能を備えた防水デジタルカメラに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
デジタルカメラは、小型化され携帯に便利であり、また、撮影した画像データをパソコンに転送して、各種のデータ処理を行って、得られる画像データに対してプリントを行い、ディスプレイに表示させ、ユーザが利用し易いファイルとして格納することができるので、屋内屋外を問わず各種の分野で広く利用されている。
このために、ユーザがオリジナルな写真集を作成したり、オンラインアルバムを作成するという個人的な利用に限らず、例えば、建築現場で建築の進行情況を撮影して、画像資料として記録格納するなど産業界への利用も拡大している。
このように、各種の撮影現場で様々な撮影雰囲気下で快適に使用するために、デジタルカメラには、小型軽量で携帯性に優れているという条件の他にも、屋外で使用する場合に、悪天候下でも利用可能なように、耐防水性と耐震性にもすぐれていることが条件として要求される。
【０００３】
これらの条件に対応して、従来技術として、デジタルカメラなどの電子機器において、メモリカードや電池など複数のアクセサリが収納される収納部を閉塞する一つの防水蓋を備え、機器本体の開口部を減らし、要防水スペースを減らし部品点数を減少し、さらに防水蓋の開閉時には電子機器の動作を防止することにより安全動作を行なわせ、全体が小型化された電子機器の防水機構が提案されている（後記の特許文献１参照）。
【０００４】
ところで、一般のデジタルカメラには、乾電池を電源に使用するタイプと、充電池を電源に使用するタイプとがあり、前者ではどこでも購入できる乾電池を簡単に交換して使用できる点で便利であり、後者は充電池を繰り返し充電して使用できる点で経済的であるという特徴がある。
しかし、デジタルカメラを室内で使用する場合には、室内のＡＣ電源に接続されるＡＣアダプタ（本明細書ではダミー電池という）を使用することが、便利であり且つ経済的でもあり、デジタルカメラに対して、乾電池、充電池及びダミー電池を、撮影雰囲気に応じて簡単に選択装着して使用できると、デジタルカメラの使用範囲の拡大が期待される。
前述した従来技術では、ダミー電池を使用することは想定しておらず、乾電池、充電池及びダミー電池の選択使用の技術的思想は全く存在しない。
【０００５】
また、電子機器に凹みを備えた電池ボックスを設け、この電子機器に使用する外面に突起を備えたダミー電池を、電池ボックスの凹みにダミー電池の突起を合致させて装着することにより、特定規格のダミー電池を、対応する電子機器に誤挿入なしに装着する電子機器のダミー電池が提案されている（後記の特許文献２参照）。
しかし、この提案された発明では、電池ボックスに挿入されるダミー電池には、ＡＣアダプタを挿入するジャックが設けられることが必要で、構造が複雑になると共に、この発明には、乾電池、充電池及びダミー電池の選択使用の技術的思想は全く存在しない。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−２１９７９号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−２０８３８８号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、前述したようなこの種の電子機器の電源使用の現状に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、撮影条件や撮影雰囲気に応じて、乾電池、充電池及びダミー電池を電源として簡単に誤操作なく選択使用でき、防水性にすぐれた防水デジタルカメラを提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために、請求項１記載の発明は、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池、または充電型電池が収納される収納室と、該収納室の開口部を解放状態に設定し、または遮蔽状態に設定する開閉蓋とを備えた防水デジタルカメラであり、前記充電型電池の前記収容室への収納時に、前記開閉蓋により前記収容室の開口部を防水ロックする防水ロック手段と、前記ダミー電池の前記収容室への収納時に、前記開閉蓋を半開状態に設定し、前記電源コードをカメラ本体から外部に導出した状態で、前記ダミー電池を前記収納室内に固定保持する固定保持手段とを有することを特徴とするものである。
【０００９】
このような手段によると、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池、または充電型電池が収納される収納室と、収納室の開口部を解放状態に設定し、または遮蔽状態に設定する開閉蓋とが設けられており、充電型電池の収納室への収納時には、防水ロック手段によって、開閉蓋が収納室の開口部を防水ロックするので、充電型電池が電源として収納される収納室の開口部が開閉蓋で防水ロックされた状態で、充電型電池を電源とするデジタルカメラを、雨天時の屋外でも安全に携帯して撮影がスムーズに行なわれる。また、電源コードが接続され、電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池が電源として収納室に収納される場合は、保持固定手段によって、開閉蓋が半開状態に設定され、電源コードがカメラ本体から外部に導出された状態で、ダミー電池が収納室内に固定保持されるので、ジャック差込コネクタなどの付加部材が不要で、簡単小型化された低製造コストの構成で、ダミー電池を電源とするデジタルカメラによって、室内での撮影がスムーズに行なわれる。
【００１０】
同様に前記目的を達成するために、請求項２記載の発明は、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池、充電型電池及び両端面に電極端子を備えた円柱型電池の何れかが収納される収納室と、該収納室の開口部を解放状態に設定し、または、遮蔽状態に設定する開閉蓋とを備えた防水デジタルカメラであり、前記充電型電池の前記収納室への収納時に、前記開閉蓋により前記収納室の開口部を防水ロックする第１の防水ロック手段と、前記円柱型電池の前記収納室への収納時に、前記開閉蓋に具備された導電接片が、前記電極端子に接触した状態で、前記開閉蓋により前記収納室の開口部を防水ロックする第２の防水ロック手段と、前記ダミー電池の前記収納室への収納時に、前記開閉蓋を半開状態に設定し、前記電源コードをカメラ本体から外部に導出した状態で、前記ダミー電池を前記収納室内に固定保持する固定保持手段とを有することを特徴とするものである。
【００１１】
このような手段によると、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池、充電型電池及び両端面に電極端子を備えた円柱型電池の何れかが収納される収納室と、該収納室の開口部を解放状態に設定し、または、遮蔽状態に設定する開閉蓋とが設けられており、充電型電池の収納室への収納時には、第１の防水ロック手段によって、開閉蓋が収納室の開口部を防水ロックし、円柱型電池の電池室への収納時には、第２の防水ロック手段によって、開閉蓋に具備された導電接片が、円柱型電池の電極端子に接触した状態で、開閉蓋が収納室の開口部を防水ロックするので、充電型電池と円柱型電池とを任意に選択して、充電型電池或いは円柱型電池が、電源として収納される収納室の開口部が開閉蓋で防水ロックされた状態で、充電型電池或いは円柱型電池を電源とするデジタルカメラを、雨天時の屋外でも安全に携帯して撮影がスムーズに行なわれる。
【００１２】
同様に前記目的を達成するために、請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１または請求項２記載の発明において、収納室の開口部がカメラ本体の一方の側面に設けられ、開閉蓋が前記開口部の一縁辺部を中心に開閉自在に取り付けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１３】
このような手段によると、請求項１または請求項２記載の発明での作用に加えて、収納室の開口部がカメラ本体の一方の側面に設けられ、開閉蓋がこの開口部の一縁辺部を中心に開閉自在に取り付けられているので、ダミー電池を電源として使用する場合に、カメラ本体を机などに載置した場合に、カメラ本体の側面から電源コードが導出され、開閉蓋も該側面方向に解放されているので、カメラ本体が安定に載置され、カメラ本体の落下事故などの発生が防止される。
【００１４】
同様に前記目的を達成するために、請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２または請求項３記載の発明において、固定保持手段のダミー電池の保持部材は、収納室内において、円柱型電池の挿入・離脱を阻止しない位置に設けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１５】
このような手段によると、請求項２または請求項３の何れかに記載の発明の作用に加えて、固定保持手段のダミー電池の保持部材が、収納室内において、円柱型電池の挿入・離脱を阻止しない位置に設けられているので、ダミー電池と円形型電池との交換操作時に、電池の脱離と装着とが交換事故を起こすことなくスムーズに行なわれる。
【００１６】
同様に前記目的を達成するために、請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１ないし請求項４の何れかに記載の発明に、ダミー電池の一周面に対接して収納室内に配設される摩擦プレート部材と、前記ダミー電池を前記摩擦プレート部材に押圧する偏倚手段とがさらに設けられ、固定保持手段が、ロック位置とロック解除位置とに切換自在で、ダミー電池の収納室への収納時に前記ロック位置に切換えられ、前記ダミー電池の開口部側の端面に対接係合して、前記ダミー電池を前記収納室内に固定保持し、前記ダミー電池の前記収納室からの取出し時に前記ロック解除位置に切換えられ、前記ダミー電池の前記開口部からの放出を防止するように前記端面の縁部と係止することを特徴とするものである。
【００１７】
このような手段によると、請求項１ないし請求項４の何れかに記載の発明での作用に加えて、ダミー電池の一周面に対接して収納室内に摩擦プレート部材が配設され、偏倚手段によって、ダミー電池が摩擦プレート部材に押圧され、固定保持手段が、ロック位置とロック解除位置とに切換自在で、ダミー電池の収納室への収納時にはロック位置に切換えられ、ダミー電池の開口部側の端面に対接係合して、ダミー電池は収納室内に安定に固定保持され、ダミー電池の収納室からの取出し時にはロック解除位置に切換えられ、ダミー電池の端面の縁部と係止して、ダミー電池の開口部からの放出が防止されるので、ダミー電池の使用時に、カメラ本体が傾斜姿勢で使用されても、ダミー電池は収納室内に安定に保持固定されると共に、ダミー電池の取出し時にダミー電池の収納室からの放出落下が防止される。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
［第１の実施の形態］
本発明の第１の実施の形態を、図１ないし図５を参照して説明する。
図１は本実施の形態の構成を示す前面斜視説明図、図２は本実施の形態の構成を示す背面斜視説明図、図３は本実施の形態の円柱型電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図、図４は本実施の形態の充電型電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図、図５は本実施の形態のダミー電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図である。
【００１９】
本実施の形態では、図１の正面斜視図に示すように、カメラを操作するユーザの右手側に右手グリップ２が設けられたほぼ長方体状のデジタルカメラ本体１のほぼ中央に撮影レンズ３が取り付けられ、デジタルカメラ本体１の前面において、撮影レンズ３の上方には、ユーザが目視で被写領域を確認する光学ファインダ５、及び低照度撮影時に補助光を発光するストロボ６が設けられている。
また、デジタルカメラ本体１の上面には、各種の撮影モードの選択を行なう回転型モードダイヤル７が設けられ、この回転型モードダイヤル７の中心位置に、電源のＯＮ−ＯＦＦを行なう電源スイッチ８が設けられ、回転型モードダイヤル７の右手グリップ部２側にシャツタ釦９が、反対側に外部ストロボを取り付けるアクセサリシュー１０が取り付けられている。
【００２０】
さらに、デジタルカメラ本体１のアクセサリシュー１０側の側面位置には、デジタルカメラ本体１内に設けられる図示せぬ外部出力端子を覆う端子蓋１１が取り付けられており、デジタルカメラ本体１の右手グリップ部２位置には、図３に示すように、デジタルカメラ本体１内において、カードスロット部３０が配設され、また、各種の電池が収納される収納室３１の開口部を覆う開閉蓋１２が設けられている。
図３ないし図５に示すように、デジタルカメラ本体１内の収納室３１には、撮影データが記録されるメモリカード３３が着脱自在なカードスロット部３０が配設され、また、この収納室３１には、電源コードが接続されたダミー電池５６、充電型電池５０或いは両端面に電極部３５を備えた円柱型電池３４の何れかが選択されて装着されるような構成になっている。
【００２１】
デジタルカメラ本体１の背面には、図２の背面斜視図に示すように、ほぼ中央位置に撮影画像や撮影モードの表示を行なうＬＣＤモニタ２１が設けられ、ＬＣＤモニタ２１の上方にファインダ接眼部２２と各種設定の表示を行なうファインダ表示窓２３とが設けられ、右手グリップ部２側にはズーム釦２４が、ズーム釦２４とＬＣＤモニタ２１間には各種のモードスイッチ２５が設けられている。
【００２２】
また、本実施の形態では、図３に示すように、開閉蓋１２は、本体カバー４０に設けられた支持軸４７を中心に、デジタルカメラ本体１内に設けられた収納室３１の開口部を解放し、また遮蔽するように回動自在に取り付けられている。この開閉蓋１２には、開閉ダイヤル３７が取り付けられており、開閉ダイヤル３７を閉じ方向に回転すると、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９が、本体カバー４０の内側部４１に係合して、開閉蓋１２が固定ロックされ、開閉ダイヤル３７を開方向に回転すると、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９が、本体カバー４０の内側部４１から外れて、開閉蓋１２が解放されるように構成されている。
【００２３】
また、開閉ダイヤル３７と開閉蓋１２間には、リング状のパッキン部材４２が挟持配置され、開閉蓋１２に形成された収納溝４５に、リング状のパッキン部材４３が配置され、本体カバー４０には、開閉蓋１２のリング状のパッキン部材４３が押圧される外側が広く、内側が狭い押圧斜面４４が形成されていて、開閉蓋１２が閉じられると、バッキン部材４３が押圧斜面４４に押圧されて防水ロックが行なわれるように構成されている。
【００２４】
本実施の形態における各種電池の選択収納動作について説明する。
先ず、デジタルカメラ本体１の収納室３１に、両端面に電極部３５を有する円柱型電池（乾電池）３４を収納装着する場合を、図３を参照して説明すると、開閉蓋１２の開閉ダイヤル３７を開方向に回転し、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９の本体カバー４０の内側部４１との係合を解除して開閉蓋１２を開き、収納室３１の開口部を解放状態にし、収納室３１内に円柱型電池３４を挿入する。そして、開閉蓋１２を閉じて、開閉ダイヤル３７を閉じ方向に回転すると、開閉蓋１２に取り付けられた電池接片３６が、円柱型電池３４の電極部３５に電気接触した状態で、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９が、本体カバー４０の内側部４１に係合して、開閉蓋１２が収納室３１の開口部を閉鎖する。この閉鎖状態で、開閉蓋１２は固定ロックされ、開閉蓋１２が閉じられることにより、バッキン部材４３が押圧斜面４４に押圧され、また、開閉蓋１２と開閉ダイヤル３７間にパッキング４２が挟持されることによって、固定ロックされた開閉蓋１２によつて、収納室３１には防水密閉状態が設定される。
【００２５】
次に、デジタルカメラ本体１の収納室２１に、ほぼ長方体状の充電型電池５０を装着する場合を、図４を参照して説明すると、開閉蓋１２の開閉ダイヤル３７を開方向に回転し、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９の本体カバー４０の内側部４１との係合を解除して開閉蓋１２を開き、収納室３１の開口部を解放状態にし、収納室３１内に充電型電池５０を挿入する。
この挿入時には、スプリング５２が弾性変形することにより、電池ロック爪５３が撓んで充電型電池５０が収納室の端面まで挿入されると、スプリング５２が弾性復帰して、電池ロック爪５３が原位置に復帰し、電子ロック爪５３の先端部５４が、充電型電池５０の後端面５１に弾性係合される。
【００２６】
この状態で、開閉蓋１２を閉じて、開閉ダイヤル３７を閉じ方向に回転すると、収納室３１内に設けられた図示せぬ接片に、充電型電池５０の図示せぬ電極部が電気接触した状態で、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９が、本体カバー４０の内側部４１に係合して、開閉蓋１２が収納室３１の開口部を閉鎖する。この閉鎖状態で、開閉蓋１２は固定ロックされ、開閉蓋１２が閉じられることにより、バッキン部材４３が押圧斜面４４に押圧され、また、開閉蓋１２と開閉ダイヤル３７間にパッキング４２が挟持されることによって、固定ロックされた開閉蓋１２によつて、収納室３１には防水密閉状態が設定される。
この場合、開閉蓋１２を閉じると、開閉蓋１２に設けられた凸部４９が、充電型電池５０の後端面５１を押圧するので、ユーザによる充電型電池５０の収納室３１内への挿入が不十分でも、電池ロック爪５３の先端部５４が、充電型電池５０の後端面５１に係合する位置まで、充電型電池５０は収納室３１内で押し込まれ、充電型電池５０の装着は常に適確に行なわれる。
【００２７】
さらに、デジタルカメラ本体１の収納室３１に、電源コード５５が接続され、外部から電源が供給されるほぼ長方体状のダミー電池５６を装着する場合を、図５を参照して説明すると、開閉蓋１２の開閉ダイヤル３７を開方向に回転し、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９の本体カバー４０の内側部４１との係合を解除して開閉蓋１２を開き、収納室３１の開口部を解放状態にし、収納室３１内にダミー電池５６を挿入する。
この挿入時には、スプリング５２が弾性変形することにより、電池ロック爪５３が撓んでダミー電池５６が収納室３１の端面まで挿入されると、スプリング５２が弾性復帰して、電池ロック爪５３が原位置に復帰し、電子ロック爪５３の先端部５４が、ダミー電池５６の後端面５７に弾性係合され、ダミー電池５６は収納室３１内に固定保持される。
この場合、収納室３１内に設けられた図示せぬ接片に、ダミー電池５６の図示せぬ電極部が電気接触した状態で、ダミー電池５６は収納室３１内に固定保持され、ダミー電池５６に接続された電源コード５５は、デジタルカメラ本体１の側面において、半開きに設定された開閉蓋１２の間隙からデジタルカメラ本体１の側面から外部に導出される。
【００２８】
なお、ダミー電池５６或いは充電型電池５０の収納室３１への収納時に、ダミー電池５６の後端面５７或いは充電型電池５０の後端面５１に先端部５４が弾性係合される電池ロック爪５３は、図５に示すように、収納室３１の下部に設けられており、同図に２点鎖線で示すように、収納室の上部に挿入される円柱型電池３４の挿入・離脱を阻止することはない。
【００２９】
以上に説明したように、本実施の形態によると、デジタルカメラ本体１内に設けられる収納室３１のデジタルカメラ本体１の側面に形成された開口部を、解放或いは閉鎖するように、支持軸４７を中心に開閉自在に、開閉ダイヤル３７を備えた開閉蓋１２が取り付けられ、開閉ダイヤル３７を閉じ方向に回転すると、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９が、本体カバー４０の内側部４１に係合して、開閉蓋１２を固定ロックし、開閉ダイヤル３７を開方向に回転すると、開閉蓋ロックレバー３８の先端部３９が、本体カバー４０の内側部４１から外れて、開閉蓋１２が解放される。
また、収納室３１の下部には、先端部５４を備えた電池ロック爪５３がスプリング５２により弾性変形自在に取り付けられ、充電型電池５０或いはダミー電池５６の収納時に、電池ロック爪５３が撓んで、充電型電池５０或いはダミー電池５６が収納室の端面まで挿入されると、スプリング５２が弾性復帰し、電池ロック爪５３が原位置に復帰し、電子ロック爪５３の先端部５４が、充電型電池５０の後端面５１或いはダミー電池５６の後端面５７に弾性係合する。一方、円柱型電池３４の収納時には、開閉蓋１２に取り付けられた電池接片３６が、円柱型電池３４の電極部３５を押圧して、円柱型電池３４が収納室３１内に固定保持される。
【００３０】
このために、本実施形態によると、円柱型電池３４、充電型電池５０、或いはダミー電池５６の収納室３１への選択収納時において、収納室３１内に充電型電池５０或いはダミー電池５６を収納する場合には、挿入時のスプリング５２の弾性変形により撓んだ電池ロック爪５３の先端部５４が原位置に復帰し、充電型電池５０の後端面５１或いはダミー電池５６の後端面５７に弾性係合して、充電型電池５０或いダミー電池５６が、収納室３１内に固定保持され、円柱型電池３４の場合は、開閉蓋１２に取り付けられた電池接片３６が、円柱型電池３４の電極部３５を押圧して、円柱型電池３４が収納室３１内に固定保持される。
そして、充電型電池５０或いは円柱型電池３４の収納時には、開閉蓋１２が固定ロックされ、バッキン部材４３が押圧斜面４４に押圧され、また、開閉蓋１２と開閉ダイヤル３７間にパッキング４２が挟持されることによって、固定ロックされた開閉蓋１２によつて、収納室３１は防水密閉状態に設定される。
また、ダミー電池５６の収納時には、デジタルカメラ本体１の側面に形成された収納室３１の開口部から、側方に電源コード５５を導出した状態で、収納室３１内にダミー電池５６が固定保持される。
【００３１】
このようにして、本実施の形態によると、接続ジャックなどの付加部品のない小型化された簡単で低製造コストの構成で、円柱型電池３４、充電型電池５０或いはダミー電池５６を、カメラの撮影条件や撮影雰囲気の条件に対応して、簡単な操作によりスムーズに選択して電源として使用することが可能であり、円柱型電池３４或いは充電型電池５０の収納装着時には、開閉蓋１２によってデジタルカメラ本体１を固定ロックし、押圧斜面４４に押圧されるパッキン部材４３と、開閉蓋１２と開閉ダイヤル３７間に挟持されるパッキング４２によって、デジタルカメラ本体１を完全に防水密閉状態にし、悪天候時の屋外で、デジタルカメラによる撮影を安全且つスムーズにに行なうことが可能になり、ダミー電池５６の収納装着時には、開閉蓋１２を半開きにした状態で、デジタルカメラ本体１の側面から電源コード５５を導出し、デジタルカメラ本体１を机などに安定に置いて、撮影動作を能率的に行なうことが可能になる。
【００３２】
［第２の実施の形態］
本発明の第２の実施の形態を、図６、図７及び図８を参照して説明する。
図６は本実施の形態のダミー電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図、図７は本実施の形態のダミー電池収納部時の構成を示す側面図、図８は本実施の形態の充電型電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図である。
【００３３】
本実施の形態では、すでに説明した第１の実施の形態において、図４に示すように、収容室３１の一内周面にスプリング５２を介して突出配設される電子ロック爪５３に代えて、図６及び図７に示すように、収容室３１の一内周面には、クリック板６５が取り付けられ、このクリック板６５に係合して図６に示す矢印Ｙ方向に切換え摺動される電池固定保持爪６３が設けられている。電池固定保持爪６３の下部には、係合凹部６６ａ、６６ｂが形成され、電池固定保持爪６３は、この係合凹部６６ａ、６６ｂ位置でクリック板６５と係合するように構成されている。
そして、クリック板６５が係合凹部６６ｂと係合した状態では、電池固定保持爪６３の先端係合部６４が、収納室３１内部に収納されるダミー電池５６の鎖線で示す位置にある開口面側の端面５６Ｅと係合して、ダミー電池５６が収納室３１内に安定に固定保持され、クリック板６５が係合凹部６６ａと係合した状態では、収納室３１から取出し可能なダミー電池５６の実線位置にある端面５６Ｅは、電池固定保持爪６３の先端係合部６４の一部によって、開口部からの放出が防止されるよう係止されるように構成されている。
【００３４】
さらに、収納室３１内に収納されるダミー電池５６の一周面に対接して、摩擦プレート部材６２が配設され、ダミー電池５６の摩擦プレート部材６２との対接面に対向するダミー電池５６の周面には、先端部でダミー電池５６と対接するレバー部材６１が配設されており、収納室３１内にはレバー部材６１の先端部をダミー電池５６の周面に押圧する偏倚ばね６０が配設されている。
【００３５】
このような構成の本実施の形態では、ダミー電池５６の使用時には、開閉蓋１２を開き、収納室３１の開口部を解放状態にし、収納室３１内にダミー電池５６を端面５６Ｅが図６の鎖線位置に達するまで挿入して、電池固定保持爪６３を、係合凹部６６ｂがクリック板６５と係合する位置まで、矢印Ｙ方向に摺動させることにより、電池固定保持爪６３の先端係合部６４がダミー電池５６の端面５６Ｅと係合され、偏倚ばね６０のばね力によって、レバー部材６１の先端部が、ダミー電池５６を摩擦プレート部材６２に押圧する。
このために、ダミー電池５６は、収納室３１内で摩擦プレート部材６２に押圧され、端面５６Ｅが固定保持爪６３で保持された状態で、収納室３１内に安全に固定保持され、デジタルカメラ本体１を傾斜させた状態で撮影を行なっても、ダミー電池５６が収納室３１から離脱する事故は完全に防止可能になる。
【００３６】
また、ダミー電池５６の収納室３１からの取出し時には、電池固定保持爪６３を、係合凹部６６ａがクリック板６５と係合する位置まで、矢印Ｙと反対方向に摺動すると、電池固定保持爪６３の先端係合部６４の一部が、ダミー電池５６の端面５６Ｅの縁部に係止された状態となる。
このために、偏倚ばね６０のばね力に抗して、先端係合部６４の一部との係止を解除して、ダミー電池５６を収納室３１内から取り出すことができるが、電池固定保持爪６３の先端係合部６４の一部のダミー電池５６の端面Ｅの縁部との係止によって、ダミー電池５６が本体カバー４０の開口部から飛び出し落下する事故を完全に防止することが可能になる。
【００３７】
なお、充電型電池５０の収納時には、図８に示すように、開閉蓋１２の凸部４９Ａが、充電型電池５０の端面５０Ｅと対接するので、電池固定保持爪６３による充電型電池５０の保持固定は必要ないが、電池固定保持爪６３による保持固定を併用することも可能である。
本実施の形態のその他の動作及び効果は、すでに説明した第１の実施の形態と同一なので、重複する説明は行なわない。
【００３８】
ところで、本発明は以上に説明した各実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、例えば、各実施の形態に対して、開閉蓋１２が閉鎖されロック状態になったことを検出して、デジタルカメラの電源のＯＮが許容され、水漏れ事故の発生やメモリカード３３の誤抜き取りにより、記録内容の破壊の発生を防止する構成とすることも可能である。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の発明には、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池、または充電型電池が収納される収納室と、該収納室の開口部を解放状態に設定し、または遮蔽状態に設定する開閉蓋とが設けられており、充電型電池の収納室への収納時には、防水ロック手段によって、開閉蓋が収納室の開口部を防水ロックするので、充電型電池が電源として収納される収納室の開口部が開閉蓋で防水ロックされた状態で、充電型電池を電源とするデジタルカメラを、雨天時の屋外でも安全に携帯して撮影をスムーズに行なうことが可能になる。
また、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池が電源として収納室に収納される場合は、保持固定手段によって、開閉蓋が半開状態に設定され、電源コードがカメラ本体から外部に導出された状態で、ダミー電池が収納室内に固定保持されるので、ジャック差込コネクタなどの付加部材が不要で、簡単小型化された低製造コストの構成で、ダミー電池を電源とするデジタルカメラによって、室内での撮影をスムーズに行なうことが可能になる。
【００４０】
請求項２記載の発明には、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池、充電型電池及び両端面に電極端子を備えた円柱型電池の何れかが収納される収納室と、該収納室の開口部を解放状態に設定し、または、遮蔽状態に設定する開閉蓋とが設けられており、充電型電池の収納室への収納時には、第１の防水ロック手段によって、開閉蓋が収納室の開口部を防水ロックし、円柱型電池の電池室への収納時には、第２の防水ロック手段によって、開閉蓋に具備された導電接片が、円柱型電池の電極端子に接触した状態で、開閉蓋が収納室の開口部を防水ロックするので、充電型電池と円柱型電池とを任意に選択して、充電型電池或いは円柱型電池が、電源として収納される収納室の開口部が開閉蓋で防水ロックされた状態で、充電型電池或いは円柱型電池を電源とするデジタルカメラを、雨天時の屋外でも安全に携帯して撮影をスムーズに行なうことが可能になる。
また、電源コードが接続され、該電源コードを介して、外部電源が供給されるダミー電池が電源として収納室に収納される場合は、保持固定手段によって、開閉蓋が半開状態に設定され、電源コードがカメラ本体から外部に導出された状態で、ダミー電池が収納室内に固定保持されるので、ジャック差込コネクタなどの付加部材が不要で、簡単小型化された低製造コストの構成で、ダミー電池を電源とするデジタルカメラによって、室内での撮影をスムーズに行なうことが可能になる。
【００４１】
請求項３記載の発明によると、請求項１または請求項２記載の発明で得られる効果に加えて、収納室の開口部がカメラ本体の一方の側面に設けられ、開閉蓋がこの開口部の一縁辺部を中心に開閉自在に取り付けられているので、ダミー電池を電源として使用する場合に、カメラ本体を机などに載置した場合に、カメラ本体の側面から電源コードが導出され、開閉蓋も該側面方向に解放されているので、カメラ本体が机などに安定に載置され、カメラ本体の落下事故などの発生を防止することが可能になる。
【００４２】
請求項４記載の発明によると、請求項２または請求項３記載の発明での効果に加えて、固定保持手段のダミー電池の保持部材が、収納室内において、円柱型電池の挿入・離脱を阻止しない位置に設けられているので、ダミー電池と円形型電池との交換操作時に、電池の脱離と装着とを交換事故を起こすことなくスムーズに行なうことが可能になる。
【００４３】
請求項５記載の発明によると、請求項１ないし請求項４の何れかに記載の発明で得られる効果に加えて、ダミー電池の一周面に対接して収納室内に摩擦プレート部材が配設され、偏倚手段によって、ダミー電池が摩擦プレート部材に押圧され、固定保持手段が、ロック位置とロック解除位置とに切換自在で、ダミー電池の収納室への収納時にはロック位置に切換えられ、ダミー電池の開口部側の端面に対接係合して、ダミー電池は収納室内に安定に固定保持され、ダミー電池の収納室からの取出し時にはロック解除位置に切換えられ、ダミー電池の端面の縁部と係止して、ダミー電池の開口部からの放出が防止されるので、ダミー電池の使用時に、カメラ本体が傾斜姿勢で使用されても、ダミー電池を収納室内に安定に保持固定することが可能になると共に、ダミー電池の取出し時にダミー電池の収納室からの放出落下を防止することが可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態の構成を示す前面斜視説明図である。
【図２】同実施の形態の構成を示す背面斜視説明図である。
【図３】同実施の形態の円柱型電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図である。
【図４】同実施の形態の充電型電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図である。
【図５】同実施の形態のダミー電池収納時の構成を示す側面図である。
【図６】本発明の第２の実施の形態のダミー電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図である。
【図７】同実施の形態のダミー電池収納部時の構成を示す側面図である。
【図８】同実施の形態の充電型電池収納時の構成を示す断面説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１デジタルカメラ本体
１２開閉蓋
３１収納室
３４円柱型電池
３５電極部
３６電池接片
３７開閉ダイヤル
３８開閉蓋ロックレバー
４０本体カバー
４２、４３パッキン部材
４４押圧斜面
４５収納溝
５０充電型電池
５２スプリング
５３電池ロック爪
５５電源コード
５６ダミー電池
６０偏倚ばね
６１レバー部材
６２摩擦プレート部材
６３電池固定保持爪
６５クリック板[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a waterproof digital camera having a waterproof function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Digital cameras are compact and convenient to carry, and also transfer captured image data to a personal computer, perform various data processing, print the obtained image data, and display it on a display. Since the file can be stored as a file that can be easily used by the user, it is widely used in various fields both indoors and outdoors.
For this purpose, the user is not limited to personal use of creating an original photo book or creating an online album, but, for example, photographing the progress of construction at a building site and recording and storing it as image material Its use in industry is also expanding.
Thus, in order to use comfortably under various shooting atmospheres at various shooting sites, the digital camera is required to be small and lightweight and excellent in portability. In order to be able to use it even in bad weather, it is required to have excellent waterproof and earthquake resistance.
[0003]
In response to these conditions, as a conventional technology, an electronic device such as a digital camera is provided with a single waterproof lid that closes a storage portion in which a plurality of accessories such as a memory card and a battery are stored. A waterproofing mechanism for electronic equipment has been proposed in which the overall size is reduced by reducing the required waterproof space, reducing the number of components, and preventing the electronic equipment from operating when the waterproof lid is opened and closed so as to perform a safe operation. (See Patent Document 1 below).
[0004]
By the way, in general digital cameras, there are a type that uses dry batteries for the power supply and a type that uses rechargeable batteries for the power supply.The former is convenient in that the dry batteries that can be purchased anywhere can be easily replaced and used, The latter is characterized by being economical in that the rechargeable battery can be repeatedly charged and used.
However, when the digital camera is used indoors, it is convenient and economical to use an AC adapter (herein referred to as a dummy battery) connected to an AC power supply in the room, and the digital camera is used for the digital camera. On the other hand, if a dry battery, a rechargeable battery, and a dummy battery can be easily selected and mounted according to the shooting atmosphere, the use range of the digital camera is expected to be expanded.
The prior art described above does not assume the use of a dummy battery, and there is no technical idea of selectively using a dry battery, a rechargeable battery, and a dummy battery.
[0005]
Also, a battery box with a recess is provided in the electronic device, and a dummy battery having a protrusion on the outer surface used for the electronic device is mounted by matching the protrusion of the dummy battery with the recess of the battery box, thereby achieving a specific standard. A dummy battery of an electronic device in which the above dummy battery is mounted to a corresponding electronic device without erroneous insertion has been proposed (see Patent Document 2 described later).
However, in the proposed invention, the dummy battery to be inserted into the battery box needs to be provided with a jack for inserting an AC adapter, which complicates the structure. And there is no technical idea of selective use of the dummy battery.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-21979 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-208388
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the current state of power supply use of such electronic devices as described above, and its purpose is to use dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, and dummy batteries as power supplies in accordance with shooting conditions and shooting atmosphere. It is an object of the present invention to provide a waterproof digital camera which can be easily used without erroneous operation and has excellent waterproofness.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a power supply cord connected thereto, and a storage chamber for storing a dummy battery or a rechargeable battery to which external power is supplied via the power supply cord, A waterproof digital camera including an opening / closing lid for setting an opening of the storage chamber to an open state or a shielding state, wherein the storage is performed by the opening / closing lid when the rechargeable battery is stored in the storage chamber. A waterproof lock means for waterproofly locking an opening of the chamber, and when the dummy battery is housed in the housing chamber, the opening / closing lid is set to a half-open state, and the power cord is led out of the camera body. Fixed holding means for fixedly holding the dummy battery in the storage chamber.
[0009]
According to such a means, the power cord is connected, and through the power cord, the dummy battery to which external power is supplied or the storage chamber in which the rechargeable battery is stored, and the opening of the storage chamber is opened. An opening / closing lid for setting or setting a shielded state is provided. When the rechargeable battery is stored in the storage chamber, the opening / closing lid locks the opening of the storage chamber with the waterproof lock means by the waterproof locking means. With the opening of the storage room where the battery is stored as a power supply is waterproof-locked by the open / close lid, a digital camera powered by a rechargeable battery can be safely carried outdoors even in rainy weather, and shooting can be performed smoothly. . When a power cord is connected and a dummy battery to which external power is supplied via the power cord is stored in the storage chamber as a power source, the opening / closing lid is set to a half-open state by the holding and fixing means, Since the dummy battery is fixedly held in the storage chamber with the dummy battery being drawn out of the camera body, no additional member such as a jack insertion connector is required, and the dummy battery has a simple size, low manufacturing cost, and Using a digital camera powered by the camera, indoor shooting can be performed smoothly.
[0010]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that a power cord is connected, and a dummy battery to which external power is supplied via the power cord, a rechargeable battery, and electrode terminals on both end faces. A waterproof digital camera comprising: a storage chamber in which any of the provided cylindrical batteries is stored; and an opening / closing lid that sets an opening of the storage chamber to an open state or a closed state. A first waterproof locking means for waterproofly locking the opening of the storage chamber by the opening / closing lid when the battery is stored in the storage chamber; and the opening / closing lid for storing the cylindrical battery in the storage chamber. A second waterproof lock means for waterproofly locking the opening of the storage chamber with the opening / closing lid in a state where the provided conductive contact piece is in contact with the electrode terminal; and when the dummy battery is stored in the storage chamber. , The opening / closing lid in a half-open state Constant, and the power cord in a state of being derived from the camera body to the outside, is characterized in that it has a fixed holding means for fixedly holding said dummy cell in said housing chamber.
[0011]
According to such means, a power cord is connected, and through the power cord, any one of a dummy battery to which external power is supplied, a rechargeable battery, and a cylindrical battery having electrode terminals on both end surfaces is housed. And an opening / closing lid for setting the opening of the storage chamber to an open state or a closed state. When the rechargeable battery is stored in the storage chamber, the first waterproof lock is provided. By the means, the opening / closing lid waterproof-locks the opening of the storage chamber, and when the columnar battery is stored in the battery chamber, the conductive contact piece provided on the opening / closing lid is provided by the second waterproof locking means. In the state of contact with the electrode terminals, the opening / closing lid waterproof-locks the opening of the storage chamber, so that the rechargeable battery or the cylindrical battery can be arbitrarily selected, and the rechargeable battery or the cylindrical battery is stored as a power source. The opening of the storage room is waterproof Using the clock state, the digital camera to power a rechargeable battery or a cylindrical battery, photographing is performed smoothly even carry safely outdoors in the rain.
[0012]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening of the storage chamber is provided on one side of the camera body, and the opening / closing lid is It is characterized in that it is mounted to be openable and closable about one edge of the opening.
[0013]
According to such means, in addition to the function of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the opening of the storage chamber is provided on one side surface of the camera body, and the opening / closing lid is provided at one edge of the opening. The power cord is led out from the side of the camera body when the dummy battery is used as a power source, and when the camera body is placed on a desk, etc. Since the camera body is released in the direction, the camera body is stably mounted, and the occurrence of a fall accident of the camera body or the like is prevented.
[0014]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the holding member for the dummy battery of the fixed holding means is configured to insert the cylindrical battery into the storage chamber. -It is characterized in that it is provided at a position that does not prevent detachment.
[0015]
According to such a means, in addition to the operation of the invention according to claim 2 or 3, the holding member for the dummy battery of the fixed holding means can insert and remove the cylindrical battery in the storage chamber. Since the dummy battery and the circular battery are exchanged, the detachment and attachment of the battery can be smoothly performed without causing an accident in replacement.
[0016]
Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the invention is disposed in the storage chamber in contact with one peripheral surface of the dummy battery. A friction plate member and a biasing unit for pressing the dummy battery against the friction plate member are further provided, and the fixed holding unit is switchable between a lock position and an unlock position, so that the dummy battery can be stored in the storage chamber. The dummy battery is switched to the lock position, and is brought into contact with and engaged with an end face of the dummy battery on the side of the opening to fix and hold the dummy battery in the storage chamber. When the dummy battery is removed from the storage chamber, the lock is released. The dummy battery is locked to the edge of the end face so as to prevent the dummy battery from being discharged from the opening.
[0017]
According to such a means, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the friction plate member is disposed in the storage chamber in contact with the peripheral surface of the dummy battery, and the biasing means is provided. As a result, the dummy battery is pressed against the friction plate member, and the fixed holding means can be switched between the locked position and the unlocked position, and is switched to the locked position when the dummy battery is stored in the storage chamber. The dummy battery is stably fixed and held in the storage chamber, is switched to the unlocked position when the dummy battery is taken out of the storage chamber, and is locked with the edge of the end face of the dummy battery. Since the discharge of the dummy battery from the opening is prevented, the dummy battery is stably held and fixed in the storage room even if the camera body is used in an inclined posture when the dummy battery is used. At the take-out release fall from the storage chamber of the dummy cell is prevented.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 is a front perspective view illustrating the configuration of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the configuration of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the present embodiment when the cylindrical battery is housed. FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present embodiment when a rechargeable battery is stored, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the configuration of the present embodiment when a dummy battery is stored.
[0019]
In the present embodiment, as shown in a front perspective view of FIG. 1, a photographing lens 3 is provided substantially at the center of a substantially rectangular digital camera body 1 provided with a right hand grip 2 on the right hand side of a user who operates the camera. Is mounted on the front of the digital camera main body 1 and above the photographing lens 3, an optical viewfinder 5 for allowing the user to visually check the object area, and a strobe 6 for emitting auxiliary light during low-illuminance photographing are provided. I have.
A rotary mode dial 7 for selecting various photographing modes is provided on the upper surface of the digital camera body 1, and a power switch 8 for turning the power on and off is provided at the center of the rotary mode dial 7. The rotary mode dial 7 is provided with a shirt button 9 on the right hand grip 2 side and an accessory shoe 10 for mounting an external strobe on the opposite side.
[0020]
Further, a terminal cover 11 for covering an external output terminal (not shown) provided in the digital camera main body 1 is attached to a side position of the accessory shoe 10 side of the digital camera main body 1, and a right hand grip portion of the digital camera main body 1 is provided. At the two positions, as shown in FIG. 3, a card slot portion 30 is provided in the digital camera main body 1, and an opening / closing lid 12 is provided to cover an opening of a storage chamber 31 in which various batteries are stored. Has been.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a card slot section 30 in which a memory card 33 for recording photographing data is detachably provided is provided in a storage room 31 in the digital camera main body 1. Is configured such that either a dummy battery 56 to which a power cord is connected, a rechargeable battery 50, or a cylindrical battery 34 having electrode portions 35 on both end surfaces is selected and mounted.
[0021]
As shown in the rear perspective view of FIG. 2, an LCD monitor 21 for displaying a photographed image and a photographing mode is provided at a substantially central position on the rear surface of the digital camera body 1, and a finder eyepiece is provided above the LCD monitor 21. 22 and a finder display window 23 for displaying various settings, a zoom button 24 is provided on the right hand grip 2 side, and various mode switches 25 are provided between the zoom button 24 and the LCD monitor 21.
[0022]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing lid 12 is configured such that the opening of the storage chamber 31 provided in the digital camera main body 1 is centered on the support shaft 47 provided in the main body cover 40. It is pivotally mounted to release and shield. An opening / closing dial 37 is attached to the opening / closing lid 12, and when the opening / closing dial 37 is rotated in the closing direction, the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 engages with the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40, When the opening / closing lid 12 is fixedly locked and the opening / closing dial 37 is rotated in the opening direction, the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 is disengaged from the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40, and the opening / closing lid 12 is released. Have been.
[0023]
A ring-shaped packing member 42 is interposed between the opening / closing dial 37 and the opening / closing lid 12. A ring-shaped packing member 43 is disposed in a storage groove 45 formed in the opening / closing lid 12. The outer side of the opening / closing lid 12 against which the ring-shaped packing member 43 is pressed is formed with a pressing slope 44 which is wide on the outside and narrow on the inside. When the opening / closing lid 12 is closed, the backing member 43 is pressed against the pressing slope 44. The waterproof lock is performed.
[0024]
The operation of selectively storing various batteries in the present embodiment will be described.
First, a case where a cylindrical battery (dry battery) 34 having electrode portions 35 on both end surfaces is housed and mounted in the housing room 31 of the digital camera body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Is rotated in the opening direction, the engagement of the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 with the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40 is released, the opening / closing lid 12 is opened, the opening of the storage chamber 31 is opened, and The cylindrical battery 34 is inserted into the chamber 31. Then, when the opening / closing lid 12 is closed and the opening / closing dial 37 is rotated in the closing direction, the battery contact piece 36 attached to the opening / closing lid 12 is brought into electrical contact with the electrode portion 35 of the cylindrical battery 34, and the opening / closing lid lock is performed. The distal end 39 of the lever 38 is engaged with the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40, and the opening / closing lid 12 closes the opening of the storage chamber 31. In this closed state, the opening / closing lid 12 is fixedly locked, and when the opening / closing lid 12 is closed, the backing member 43 is pressed by the pressing slope 44, and the packing 42 is sandwiched between the opening / closing lid 12 and the opening / closing dial 37. As a result, the storage chamber 31 is set in a waterproof and sealed state by the lid 12 which is fixed and locked.
[0025]
Next, a case where a substantially rectangular rechargeable battery 50 is mounted in the storage room 21 of the digital camera body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Then, the engagement of the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 with the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40 is released to open the opening / closing lid 12, the opening of the storage chamber 31 is released, and the storage chamber 31 is charged. Insert the battery 50.
During this insertion, the spring 52 elastically deforms, the battery lock claw 53 bends, and when the rechargeable battery 50 is inserted to the end surface of the storage chamber, the spring 52 elastically returns, and the battery lock claw 53 is returned to its original position. And the front end portion 54 of the electronic lock claw 53 is elastically engaged with the rear end surface 51 of the rechargeable battery 50.
[0026]
In this state, when the opening / closing lid 12 is closed and the opening / closing dial 37 is rotated in the closing direction, an electrode part (not shown) of the rechargeable battery 50 makes electrical contact with a contact piece (not shown) provided in the storage chamber 31. In this state, the front end 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 engages with the inner side 41 of the main body cover 40, and the opening / closing lid 12 closes the opening of the storage chamber 31. In this closed state, the opening / closing lid 12 is fixedly locked, and when the opening / closing lid 12 is closed, the backing member 43 is pressed by the pressing slope 44, and the packing 42 is sandwiched between the opening / closing lid 12 and the opening / closing dial 37. As a result, the storage chamber 31 is set in a waterproof and sealed state by the lid 12 which is fixed and locked.
In this case, when the cover 12 is closed, the convex portion 49 provided on the cover 12 presses the rear end face 51 of the rechargeable battery 50, so that the user can insert the rechargeable battery 50 into the storage chamber 31. Even if insufficient, the rechargeable battery 50 is pushed into the storage chamber 31 until the front end portion 54 of the battery lock claw 53 engages the rear end face 51 of the rechargeable battery 50, and the rechargeable battery 50 is always mounted. Properly performed.
[0027]
Further, a case where a power supply cord 55 is connected to the storage chamber 31 of the digital camera body 1 and a substantially rectangular dummy battery 56 to which power is supplied from the outside is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. The opening / closing dial 37 of the opening / closing lid 12 is rotated in the opening direction, the engagement of the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 with the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40 is released, and the opening / closing lid 12 is opened. Part is released, and the dummy battery 56 is inserted into the storage chamber 31.
During this insertion, the spring 52 is elastically deformed, the battery lock claw 53 is bent, and when the dummy battery 56 is inserted to the end face of the storage chamber 31, the spring 52 elastically returns, and the battery lock claw 53 is returned to the original position. The tip 54 of the electronic lock claw 53 is elastically engaged with the rear end face 57 of the dummy battery 56, and the dummy battery 56 is fixed and held in the storage chamber 31.
In this case, the dummy battery 56 is fixedly held in the storage chamber 31 in a state where the electrode portion (not shown) of the dummy battery 56 is in electrical contact with a contact piece (not shown) provided in the storage chamber 31. The power cord 55 is connected to the side of the digital camera body 1 and is led out of the side of the digital camera body 1 through a gap between the open / close lid 12 which is set to be half-open.
[0028]
When the dummy battery 56 or the rechargeable battery 50 is stored in the storage chamber 31, the battery lock claw 53 whose distal end 54 is elastically engaged with the rear end face 57 of the dummy battery 56 or the rear end face 51 of the rechargeable battery 50 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, provided at the lower part of the storage chamber 31, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, to prevent the insertion / removal of the cylindrical battery 34 inserted into the upper part of the storage chamber. There is no.
[0029]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the support shaft 47 is opened or closed so that the opening formed in the side surface of the digital camera main body 1 in the storage chamber 31 provided in the digital camera main body 1 is opened. The opening / closing lid 12 provided with an opening / closing dial 37 is attached so that the opening / closing dial 37 can be freely opened and closed. When the opening / closing dial 37 is rotated in the closing direction, the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 engages with the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40. When the opening / closing lid 12 is fixedly locked and the opening / closing dial 37 is rotated in the opening direction, the distal end portion 39 of the opening / closing lid lock lever 38 is disengaged from the inner portion 41 of the main body cover 40, and the opening / closing lid 12 is released. You.
A battery lock claw 53 having a distal end portion 54 is attached to the lower part of the storage chamber 31 by a spring 52 so as to be elastically deformable. When the rechargeable battery 50 or the dummy battery 56 is stored, the battery lock claw 53 bends. When the rechargeable battery 50 or the dummy battery 56 is inserted to the end face of the storage chamber, the spring 52 elastically returns, the battery lock claw 53 returns to the original position, and the tip end portion 54 of the electronic lock claw 53 It elastically engages with the rear end face 51 of the battery 50 or the rear end face 57 of the dummy battery 56. On the other hand, when the cylindrical battery 34 is stored, the battery contact piece 36 attached to the opening / closing lid 12 presses the electrode portion 35 of the cylindrical battery 34, and the cylindrical battery 34 is fixed and held in the storage chamber 31. .
[0030]
For this reason, according to the present embodiment, when the cylindrical battery 34, the rechargeable battery 50, or the dummy battery 56 is selectively stored in the storage chamber 31, the rechargeable battery 50 or the dummy battery 56 is stored in the storage chamber 31. In this case, the distal end portion 54 of the battery lock claw 53 that has been bent by the elastic deformation of the spring 52 at the time of insertion returns to the original position, and is elastically attached to the rear end surface 51 of the rechargeable battery 50 or the rear end surface 57 of the dummy battery 56. By engaging, the rechargeable battery 50 or the dummy battery 56 is fixed and held in the storage chamber 31. In the case of the cylindrical battery 34, the battery contact piece 36 attached to the opening / closing lid 12 is replaced with the cylindrical battery 34. Is pressed, and the cylindrical battery 34 is fixedly held in the storage chamber 31.
When the rechargeable battery 50 or the cylindrical battery 34 is stored, the open / close lid 12 is fixedly locked, the backing member 43 is pressed by the pressing slope 44, and the packing 42 is sandwiched between the open / close lid 12 and the open / close dial 37. Accordingly, the storage chamber 31 is set in a waterproof and sealed state by the fixed lid 12.
When the dummy battery 56 is stored, the dummy battery 56 is fixedly held in the storage chamber 31 in a state where the power cord 55 is led out from the opening of the storage chamber 31 formed on the side surface of the digital camera body 1. Is done.
[0031]
In this manner, according to the present embodiment, the cylindrical battery 34, the rechargeable battery 50, or the dummy battery 56 can be mounted on a camera in a compact, simple, and low-cost configuration without additional components such as connection jacks. In accordance with shooting conditions and shooting atmosphere conditions, it is possible to select smoothly and use it as a power source by a simple operation. When the cylindrical battery 34 or the rechargeable battery 50 is stored and mounted, the digital camera is opened and closed by the open / close lid 12. The digital camera body 1 is completely waterproof and sealed by the packing member 43 pressed against the pressing slope 44 and the packing 42 sandwiched between the opening / closing cover 12 and the opening / closing dial 37 when the camera body 1 is fixedly locked. It is possible to take a picture with a digital camera safely and smoothly outdoors. While the 12 half open, to derive the power cord 55 from the side of the digital camera body 1, the digital camera body 1 at such a stable desk, it is possible to perform the photographing operation efficiently.
[0032]
[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the configuration of the present embodiment when the dummy battery is stored, FIG. 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the dummy battery storage section of the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is the rechargeable battery of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a configuration when a battery is stored.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the electronic lock claw 53 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation chamber 31 via the spring 52 is replaced with the electronic lock claw 53 in the first embodiment already described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a click plate 65 is attached to one inner peripheral surface of the storage chamber 31. The click plate 65 is engaged with the click plate 65 and is slid in the direction of arrow Y shown in FIG. A battery fixing and holding claw 63 is provided. Engaging recesses 66a and 66b are formed below the battery fixing and holding claws 63, and the battery fixing and holding claws 63 are configured to engage with the click plate 65 at the positions of the engaging recesses 66a and 66b.
When the click plate 65 is engaged with the engagement concave portion 66b, the distal end engaging portion 64 of the battery fixing holding claw 63 is positioned at the position indicated by the dashed line of the dummy battery 56 stored in the storage chamber 31. Battery 56 is stably fixed and held in the storage chamber 31 while the click plate 65 is engaged with the engagement recess 66a. The end surface 56 E at the solid line position is locked by a part of the distal end engaging portion 64 of the battery fixing holding claw 63 so as to prevent discharge from the opening.
[0034]
Further, a friction plate member 62 is disposed in contact with one peripheral surface of the dummy battery 56 housed in the storage chamber 31, and the dummy battery 56 is opposed to the surface of the dummy battery 56 facing the friction plate member 62. A lever member 61 that contacts the dummy battery 56 at the distal end is disposed on the peripheral surface. A biasing spring 60 that presses the distal end of the lever member 61 against the peripheral surface of the dummy battery 56 is provided in the storage chamber 31. It is arranged.
[0035]
In the present embodiment having such a configuration, when the dummy battery 56 is used, the opening / closing lid 12 is opened, the opening of the storage chamber 31 is opened, and the dummy battery 56 is inserted into the storage chamber 31 with the end surface 56E shown in FIG. By inserting the battery fixing and holding claws 63 in the arrow Y direction until the engagement recess 66b engages with the click plate 65, the battery fixing and holding claws 63 The portion 64 is engaged with the end surface 56 E of the dummy battery 56, and the tip of the lever member 61 presses the dummy battery 56 against the friction plate member 62 by the spring force of the biasing spring 60.
For this purpose, the dummy battery 56 is pressed by the friction plate member 62 in the storage chamber 31, and is securely fixed and held in the storage chamber 31 with the end face 56 E held by the fixed holding claw 63, and the digital camera body Even if the photographing is performed in a state where 1 is tilted, the accident that the dummy battery 56 is detached from the storage room 31 can be completely prevented.
[0036]
When the dummy battery 56 is taken out of the storage chamber 31, the battery fixing / holding claw 63 is slid in the direction opposite to the arrow Y until the engagement recess 66 a engages with the click plate 65. A part of the tip engaging portion 64 of the dummy battery 63 is locked to the edge of the end surface 56E of the dummy battery 56.
Therefore, the dummy battery 56 can be removed from the storage chamber 31 by releasing the engagement with a part of the distal end engaging portion 64 against the spring force of the biasing spring 60. By locking a part of the tip engaging portion 64 of the claw 63 with the edge of the end face E of the dummy battery 56, it is possible to completely prevent the dummy battery 56 from jumping out of the opening of the main body cover 40 and dropping. become.
[0037]
When the rechargeable battery 50 is stored, as shown in FIG. 8, the convex portion 49A of the opening / closing lid 12 is in contact with the end surface 50E of the rechargeable battery 50. Although fixing is not necessary, holding and fixing by the battery fixing and holding claws 63 can be used together.
Other operations and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described, and therefore, will not be described repeatedly.
[0038]
By the way, the present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described above. For example, a digital camera may be used in each of the embodiments by detecting that the opening / closing lid 12 is closed and locked. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the ON of the power supply is permitted, and the occurrence of a water leakage accident or the erroneous removal of the memory card 33 prevents the destruction of the recorded contents.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a power supply cord is connected, and a storage room for storing a dummy battery or a rechargeable battery to which external power is supplied via the power supply cord, and an opening of the storage room. An open / close lid that is set to an open state or a closed state is provided. When the rechargeable battery is stored in the storage room, the open / close lid locks the opening of the storage room with the waterproof lock means. The digital camera powered by a rechargeable battery can be safely carried outdoors even in rainy weather with the opening of the storage room where the rechargeable battery is stored as a power supply and the opening / closing lid is waterproof and locked. Can be performed.
When a power cord is connected and a dummy battery to which external power is supplied via the power cord is stored in the storage chamber as a power source, the opening / closing lid is set to a half-open state by holding and fixing means, Since the dummy battery is fixed and held in the storage room with the cord led out of the camera body, no additional member such as a jack plug connector is required, and the dummy battery has a simple, small-sized, low-cost manufacturing structure. With a digital camera powered by a battery, it is possible to smoothly perform indoor shooting.
[0040]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, any one of a dummy battery, a rechargeable battery, and a cylindrical battery having electrode terminals on both end faces to which a power cord is connected and external power is supplied via the power cord is provided. A storage room to be stored and an opening / closing lid for setting an opening of the storage room to an open state or a closed state are provided, and when storing the rechargeable battery in the storage room, the first case is provided. With the waterproof locking means, the opening / closing lid waterproof-locks the opening of the storage chamber. When the cylindrical battery is stored in the battery chamber, the conductive contact piece provided on the opening / closing lid is cylindrically shaped by the second waterproof locking means. Since the opening / closing lid locks the opening of the storage chamber in a waterproof manner in contact with the electrode terminals of the battery, the rechargeable battery or the cylindrical battery can be arbitrarily selected, and the rechargeable battery or the cylindrical battery is used as a power source. The opening of the storage room to be stored is waterproof Using the clock state, the digital camera to power a rechargeable battery or a cylindrical battery, it becomes possible to perform smoothly safely mobile for shooting outdoors in the rain.
When the power cord is connected and a dummy battery to which external power is supplied via the power cord is stored in the storage chamber as a power source, the opening and closing lid is set to a half-open state by the holding and fixing means, Since the dummy battery is fixedly held in the storage room with the cord led out of the camera body, no additional member such as a jack insertion connector is required, and the dummy battery has a simple, compact, low manufacturing cost configuration. With a digital camera powered by a battery, it is possible to perform indoor shooting smoothly.
[0041]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects obtained by the first or second aspect of the present invention, an opening of the storage chamber is provided on one side of the camera body, and an opening / closing lid is provided on the side of the opening. The power cord is led out from the side of the camera body when the dummy battery is used as a power source, and when the camera body is placed on a desk, etc. Since the camera body is also opened in the side direction, the camera body can be stably mounted on a desk or the like, and it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of a fall accident of the camera body.
[0042]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2 or 3, the holding member for the dummy battery of the fixed holding means prevents insertion / removal of the cylindrical battery in the storage chamber. Since the dummy battery and the circular battery are exchanged, the detachment and attachment of the battery can be performed smoothly without causing an accident.
[0043]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect obtained by the first aspect of the present invention, a friction plate member is disposed in the storage chamber in contact with the peripheral surface of the dummy battery. , The biasing means presses the dummy battery against the friction plate member, and the fixed holding means can be switched between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is switched to the locked position when the dummy battery is stored in the storage chamber. The dummy battery is stably fixed and held in the storage chamber by being brought into contact with the end face on the opening side, and is switched to the unlocked position when the dummy battery is removed from the storage chamber, and is engaged with the edge of the end face of the dummy battery. To prevent the dummy battery from being released from the opening, so that the dummy battery can be stably held and fixed in the storage room even when the camera body is used in an inclined posture when the dummy battery is used. Together it becomes, it is possible to prevent the release fall from the storage chamber of the dummy cell during extraction of the dummy cell.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory front perspective view showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the embodiment when the columnar battery is housed.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory sectional view showing a configuration of the embodiment when the rechargeable battery is stored.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the embodiment when the dummy battery is housed.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a configuration when a dummy battery is housed according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the embodiment at the time of the dummy battery storage section.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the embodiment when the rechargeable battery is housed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera body
12 Opening / closing lid
31 storage room
34 cylindrical battery
35 Electrode section
36 Battery contacts
37 Open / close dial
38 Open / close lid lock lever
40 Body cover
42, 43 packing member
44 Press slope
45 storage groove
50 rechargeable batteries
52 Spring
53 Battery Lock Claw
55 Power cord
56 dummy battery
60 bias spring
61 Lever member
62 Friction plate member
63 Battery holding claw
65 Click plate

Claims

A power cord is connected, and a dummy battery or a rechargeable battery to which external power is supplied via the power cord is stored, and an opening of the storage chamber is set to an open state or a closed state. It is a waterproof digital camera with an opening and closing lid set to
When the rechargeable battery is stored in the storage chamber, a waterproof lock unit that waterproof-locks the opening of the storage chamber with the opening / closing lid,
A fixing and holding means for fixing and holding the dummy battery in the storage chamber with the open / close lid set to a half-open state when the dummy battery is stored in the storage chamber and the power cord being led out of the camera body; A waterproof digital camera comprising:

A storage chamber to which a power cord is connected and which stores any of a dummy battery to which external power is supplied via the power cord, a rechargeable battery, and a cylindrical battery having electrode terminals on both end surfaces; A waterproof digital camera with an opening / closing lid that sets the opening of the room to an open state or a closed state,
First waterproof locking means for waterproofly locking the opening of the storage chamber with the opening / closing lid when storing the rechargeable battery in the storage chamber;
When the cylindrical battery is stored in the storage chamber, a conductive lock provided on the opening / closing lid is in contact with the electrode terminal and the opening of the storage chamber is waterproof-locked by the opening / closing lid. Waterproof lock means,
Fixed holding means for fixing and holding the dummy battery in the storage chamber with the open / close lid set to a half-open state when the dummy battery is stored in the storage chamber, and with the power cord led out of the camera body. A waterproof digital camera comprising:

3. The storage chamber according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the storage chamber is provided on one side surface of the camera body, and an opening / closing lid is attached to be openable and closable about one edge of the opening. Waterproof digital camera.

4. The waterproof digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the holding member of the dummy battery of the fixed holding means is provided in the storage chamber at a position which does not prevent insertion / removal of the cylindrical battery.

A friction plate member disposed in the storage chamber in contact with one peripheral surface of the dummy battery;
Biasing means for pressing the dummy battery against the friction plate member is further provided,
The fixed holding means is switchable between a lock position and an unlock position, and is switched to the lock position when the dummy battery is stored in the storage chamber. The dummy battery is fixedly held in the storage chamber, and is switched to the unlocked position when the dummy battery is removed from the storage chamber, so that the edge of the end face is prevented from being discharged from the opening of the dummy battery. The waterproof digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the waterproof digital camera is locked.