JP2004234861A

JP2004234861A - Electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2004234861A
Application number: JP2003018196A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Eitaro Kiwaki; 栄太郎木脇
Original assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-28
Filing date: 2003-01-28
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-28
Also published as: JP4104466B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus with heightened qualitative feeling of oneness which can surely be mounted on a main body part when a terminal is not used and can widely open a cover member with small force. <P>SOLUTION: Of the electronic apparatus provided with one or a plurality of outer connection terminals 61, 62 fitted to the main body part and the cover member 4 covering the one or the plurality of the outer connection terminals 61, 62 in free opening and closing, the cover member 4 is locked to the main body part in a closed state, from which, a hinge member 5 with a flexible property made of a material softer than the cover member 4 is extended, and advancing/retracting movement freely fitted to the main body part. Further, the hinge member 6 is restrained from moving to an out-going direction at an opened state of the cover member 4, and the restraint of movement of the hinge member 5 is released when the cover member 4 is put in an opened state, or the hinge member 5 is pulled with the cover member in an opened state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明が属する技術分野】
本発明は、外部装置との接続用端子を保護するカバー部材を具える電子機器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
ビデオカメラやデジタルカメラ等の電子機器には、パーソナルコンピュータとの間で撮像データ等の送受を行うための信号伝送用端子や、ＡＣアダプタより電子機器に給電するためのＤＣ電源端子等の外部接続用端子が設けられている。このような接続用端子は、電子機器の外観及びこれら端子の保護を考慮して、常時剥き出し状態にされることはなく、通常、開閉自在にこれら端子を覆うカバー部材が電子機器に設けられている。
【０００３】
外部接続用端子のカバー部材は、電子機器全体の大きさに対してかなり小さいものであり、さらには、近年電子機器自体の小型化が著しく進んでいる。そのため従来のように、電子機器の本体部に設けられた軸体にカバー部材を枢支するようなヒンジ機構は、設計及び製造上の問題から困難になっている。特に、カバー部材は頻繁に開閉するものであり、あまりに小さいメカニカルなヒンジ機構は、この際の不測の衝撃により容易に破損してしまう。そこで、従来より、外部接続用端子用のカバー部材及びヒンジ機構を、合成ゴムで一体的に形成することが広く行われている。
【０００４】
図６は、従来の電子機器における外部接続用端子用のカバー部材の構造を示す説明図である。本図の電子装置はデジタルカメラであり、図６（ａ）に示すように、外部接続用端子として、信号伝送用端子であるＵＳＢ（ＵｎｉｖｅｒｓａｌＳｅｒｉａｌＢｕｓ）端子（雄）（６１）と、ＤＣ電源端子（雄）（６２）とを具えている。これら端子（６１）（６２）は、デジタルカメラの筐体（８）の側部に形成された窪み部（８３）の底面にて外部に露出している。これら端子（６１）（６２）には、ＵＳＢ端子（雌）（７１）と、ＤＣ電源端子（雌）（７２）とが夫々接続される。筐体（８）には、窪み部（８３）に対して開閉自在に装着可能なカバー部材（９）が繋がれており、図６（ｂ）に示すように、これら端子（６１）（６２）の不使用時には、カバー部材（９）が窪み部（８３）に装着されて、これら端子（６１）（６２）及びその近傍への塵や埃の侵入が防止されている。
【０００５】
カバー部材（９）にはヒンジ部材（９１）が一体的に形成されており、カバー部材（９）は、このヒンジ部材（９１）を介して筐体（８）に、すなわちデジタルカメラの本体部に繋がれている。カバー部材（９）及びヒンジ部材（９１）は合成ゴムで形成されているので、カバー部材（９）は開閉動作を繰り返し行うことができる。カバー部材（９）の裏面には、ＵＳＢ端子（６１）とＤＣ電源端子（６２）とに夫々対応してキャップ部材（９２）（９３）が形成されており、これらキャップ部材（９２）（９３）が端子（６１）（６２）に嵌まることにより、カバー部材（９）は、窪み部（８３）への装着時において、すなわち閉状態において筐体（８）に安定に保持される。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−３３６５０４号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記のようにカバー部材（９）及びヒンジ部材（９１）を合成ゴムで一体的に形成することにより、小型且つ構造的に簡易であり、破損のおそれが少ないカバー部材（９）と、これに係るヒンジ機構とが得られるが、以下のような問題がある。第１に、カバー部材（９）が合成ゴムで形成されている一方で、筐体（９）はプラスチック樹脂又は金属で形成されているので、筐体の外観上、質的な違和感を利用者に与えてしまう。特に、筐体（９）が銀色系の色彩を有する金属で形成されている場合に、このような違和感は顕著である。
【０００８】
また、カバー部材（９）の装着時においてキャップ部材（９２）（９３）を端子（６１）（６２）に嵌め込んでいるだけであるため、カバー部材（９）が窪み部（８３）から浮き上がり易い。特に、合成ゴムの劣化によりキャップ部材（９２）（９３）が微小に変形すると、常時、カバー部材（９）が窪み部（８３）から浮き上がる事態が生じてしまう。さらに、硬質の筐体（８）との質的な一体感を考慮して、さらには端子（６１）（６２）を確実に保護するために、カバー部材（９）と、これと一体的成形されるヒンジ部材（９１）とには、比較的硬めの合成ゴムが材料として使用される場合が多い。この場合、ヒンジ部材（９１）による反力が大きくなって、カバー部材（９）を開ける際に、さらにはカバー部材（９）を大きく開けた状態を維持するには、使用者は、比較的大きな力をカバー部材（９）に加える必要がある。または、合成ゴムが硬いために、窪み部（８３）の底面に対して略垂直になる程度にしかカバー部材（９）を開けることができず、端子（雌）（７１）（７２）を端子（雄）（６１）（６２）に接続するための十分な作業空間を確保できない電子機器も存在する。
【０００９】
本発明は、上記の問題を解決するものであり、外観上の質的な一体感を高めると共に、端子の不使用時には確実に本体部に装着され、小さな力でカバー部材を大きく開けることができる電子機器を提供する。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の電子機器は、本体部に設けられた１又は複数の外部接続用端子と、前記１又は複数の外部接続用端子を開閉自在に覆うカバー部材とを具えた電子機器において、前記カバー部材は、閉状態において前記本体部に係止され、前記カバー部材からは、前記カバー部材よりも軟質の材料で形成された可撓性を有するヒンジ部材が延びており、前記ヒンジ部材は、前記本体部に対して出退自在に設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、本発明の電子機器では、前記ヒンジ部材は、前記カバー部材の閉状態にて出方向について移動を制限されており、前記カバー部材を開状態にすると、又は前記カバー部材の開状態にて前記ヒンジ部材を引っ張ると、前記ヒンジ部材の移動の制限は解除される。
【００１２】
また、本発明の電子機器では、前記ヒンジ部材に少なくとも１つのスライド孔が開設されており、前記本体部は、前記スライド孔に嵌まるガイド突片を具える。
さらに、本発明の電子機器では、前記本体部は、前記外部接続用端子が露出する開口が開設された第１面部、及び前記第１面部から略直角に延出すると共に前記ガイド突片が突設された第２面部を有するホルダ部材と、前記第１面部が露出する開口が開設された筐体とを具えており、前記ヒンジ部材の前記突起が前記第２面部の一端部に当たることによって、前記ヒンジ部材の移動が出方向について制限されている。
【００１３】
【作用及び効果】
本発明の電子機器では、カバー部材に、これと異質の材料で形成したヒンジ部材を組み合わせた構成を採用しており、ヒンジ部材はカバー部材よりも軟質で可撓性を有している。これによって、本発明は、従来の電子機器で採用されていた一体成形されたカバー部材及びヒンジ部材の利点を生かす一方で、その欠点を解消している。まず、本構成によって、電子機器の本体部の筐体が樹脂で形成されている場合には、筐体と同じ材料でカバー部材を形成することができ、電子機器の外観上の一体感を向上させることができる。電子機器の本体部の筐体が金属で形成されている場合には、硬質の合成樹脂樹脂でカバー部材を形成して、このカバー部材を筐体と同色に塗装することで、電子機器の外観上の一体感を向上させることができる。
【００１４】
また、本構成によれば、硬質の合成樹脂でカバー部材を形成できるので、カバー部材の劣化のおそれがない。よって、長時間経過しても、閉状態において、カバー部材が本体部に確実に係止され、カバー部材が本体部から外れたり大きく浮き上がることはない。さらに、ヒンジ部材を本体部に対して出退自在に設けることにより、カバー部材を引き出してヒンジ部材の変形領域を増加させて、小さい力でより大きくカバー部材を開けることが可能になる。
【００１５】
カバー部材を開状態にすると、又はカバー部材の開状態にてヒンジ部材を引っ張ると解除可能なように、カバー部材の閉状態にて出方向についてヒンジ部材の移動を制限することにより、ヒンジ部材のスライド移動を可能にしつつ、閉状態においてカバー部材のがたつきが低減される。さらに、本体部が上記のようなホルダ部材及び筐体を具えることによって、ヒンジ部材を筐体の外側から開口へ挿入して、ガイド突片がスライド孔に嵌まるようにホルダ部材を筐体の内側に取り付けることにより、カバー部材を本体部に容易に取り付けることができる。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施例を図を用いて説明する。本実施例は、本発明をデジタルカメラに適用したものであるが、本発明の実施はデジタルカメラに限定されない。本発明は、ビデオカメラ、携帯電話、携帯型オーディオ機器及び携帯型情報端末等の外部接続用端子を具える電子機器に対して広く適用される。
【００１７】
図１は、実施例のデジタルカメラの分解斜視図である。なお、本発明に関係のない部分は図示を省略している。デジタルカメラの本体部は、アルミニウム等の金属又はプラスチック等の合成樹脂で形成された第１筐体（１）及び第２筐体（２）を具えており、これらが組み合わされてデジタルカメラ全体の筐体が構成される。デジタルカメラの背面側に配置される第１筐体（１）は、液晶ディスプレイなどの表示装置が覗く開口（１１）が開設され、各種操作スイッチ（１２ａ）（１２ｂ）（１２ｃ）が配設されている。デジタルカメラの前面側に配置される第２筐体（２）は、レンズユニットとストロボ装置が配置される開口（２１ａ）（２１ｂ）が夫々開設されている。これら筐体（１）（２）が組み合わされて生じる内部空間に、後述するホルダ部材（３）、上記の液晶ディスプレイ、バッテリ、撮像データ記録媒体、電子回路基板等のデジタルカメラの構成要素が納められる。
【００１８】
第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）及び一側面部（１４）には、使用者がデジタルカメラの具える外部接続用端子にアクセスするための開口（１５）が開設されている。本実施例のデジタルカメラは、外部接続用端子として、ＵＳＢ端子（雄）（６１）とＤＣ電源端子（雄）（６２）とを具えており、これら端子（６１）（６２）は、図示しない固定用部材を介してホルダ部材（３）に固定される。ホルダ部材（３）は、外部接続用端子用開口（１５）を裏側から塞ぐように第１筐体（１）に取り付けられる。
【００１９】
ホルダ部材（３）は、第１筐体（１）に取り付けられた状態において、第１筐体（１）の側面部（１４）に沿う第１面部（３１）と、この第１面部（３１）から略直角に延出して、第１筐体の背面部（１３）に沿う第２面部（３２）とを具えている。これら面部（３１）（３２）の縁部には、第１筐体（１）の裏面に当接する壁部（３３）が形成されており、ホルダ部材（３）が第１筐体（１）に取り付けられると、第１面部（３１）及びその周囲の壁部（３３）は、第１筐体（１）の外面に対して窪み部（１７）を構成する（図３（ｃ）参照）。第１面部（３１）には、ＵＳＢ端子（雄）（６１）とＤＣ電源端子（雄）（６２）に接続される雌側の端子形状に対応した開口（３４）（３５）が夫々開設されており、各端子（６１）（６２）は、対応する開口（３４）（３５）に対し位置決めされてホルダ部材（３）に固定される。壁部（３３）には、第１面部（３１）の（デジタルカメラ前面側の）端部から延出している部分において、後述するカバー部材（４）の爪片（４３）が掛止されるロック孔（３７）が開設されている。また、この部分において、ロック孔（３７）の縁の一部は隆起しており（図５（ｃ）参照）、カバー部材（４）を閉じる際に、爪片（４３）の先端部がロック孔（３７）に進入可能なように、爪片（４３）を弾性的に変形させる。
【００２０】
第２面部（３２）には、第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）に向かって一対のガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）が並列に突設されている。これらガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）は、第１面部（３１）に対する垂直方向に沿って幾分長く形成されてる。第２面部（３２）において、第１筐体（１）の内側に位置する縁部には壁部（３３）は形成されておらず、第２面部（３２）の端部には、ガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）の間に凹部（３９）が形成されている。
【００２１】
カバー部材（４）は、第１筐体（１）の外部接続用端子用の開口（１５）に適合した形状に形成されており、この開口（１５）を開閉自在に塞ぐように、従ってホルダ部材（３）の第１面部（３１）及び第２面部（３２）を開閉自在に覆うように、デジタルカメラの第１筐体（１）に取り付けられる。カバー部材（４）にはヒンジ部材（５）が接合されている。ヒンジ部材（５）は、ホルダ部材（３）の第２面部（３２）の幅よりも若干短い幅を有する帯体であり、ホルダ部材（３）の一対のガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）が嵌まるスライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）が夫々開設されている。デジタルカメラの組立工程において、外部接続用端子用の開口（１５）にヒンジ部材（５）が挿入され、次に、ホルダ部材（３）が第１筐体（１）に取り付けることによって、ヒンジ部材（５）のガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）の各々が対応するスライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）に嵌まって、ヒンジ部材（５）及びカバー部材（４）は第１筐体（１）に取り付けられる。ガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）の先端部と第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）の裏面との間隔は、ヒンジ部材（５）の厚みよりもかなり短くされており、強い力で引っ張られてもヒンジ部材（５）が本体部から抜け出すことはない。
【００２２】
図２はカバー部材（４）及びヒンジ部材（５）を裏側から見た斜視図である。カバー部材（４）は、プラスチック等の合成樹脂で形成されており、開口（１５）を塞いだ際に第１筐体（１）の側面部（１４）とほぼ並置される第１部分（４１）と、該部分（４１）から略垂直に延出して第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）とほぼ並置される第２部分（４２）とを有している。カバー部材（４）は本体部に係止可能に構成されており、この第１部分（４１）の一端部からは、ホルダ部材（３）のロック孔（３７）に掛止されるロック用の爪片（４３）が裏側へ延出している。爪片（４３）の基端側には、使用者が、カバー部材（４）を開ける際に指先を掛ける目的で窪み（４４）が形成されている。なお、同様な目的で、カバー部材（４）の閉状態においてこの窪み（４４）近傍に位置するように、第１筐体（１）の側面部（１４）には、開口（１５）の縁に窪み（１６）が形成されている（図１参照）。カバー部材（４）の縁部裏面には外側に一段低くなるような段差部（４５）が形成されている。カバー部材（４）の閉状態において、ホルダ部材（３）の壁部（３３）の端部がこの段差部（４５）に嵌まって、カバー部材（４）のがたつきが押さえられる（図４参照）。
【００２３】
ヒンジ部材（５）は、カバー部材（４）の第２面部（４２）から延出しており、その一部がカバー部材（４）の裏面に埋め込まれるような形態で、カバー部材（４）に接合されている（図５参照）。ヒンジ部材（５）は、カバー部材（４）よりも軟質な可撓性を有する材料で形成されており、例えば合成ゴム等の合成樹脂で形成される。ヒンジ部材（５）は、接着剤を用いてカバー部材（４）に接合してもよいが、２色成形によってカバー部材（４）と一体的に成形することで、製造工程の簡略化を図ることができる。
【００２４】
ヒンジ部材（５）には、先に述べたように１対のスライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）が開設されている。これらスライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）は、ヒンジ部材（５）の長手方向に沿って形成された長孔である。ヒンジ部材（５）の内面側には、これら孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）の間に突起（５２）が形成されている。カバー部材（４）の閉状態において、この突起（５２）は、ホルダ部材（３）の第２面部（３２）に形成された凹部（３９）に嵌まる。
【００２５】
次に、本発明の電子機器に係るカバー部材の開閉動作についてより詳細に説明する。図３は、本実施例のデジタルカメラのカバー部材（４）及びその周辺の斜視図であり、（ａ）図はカバー部材（４）の閉状態を、（ｂ）図はカバー部材（４）の開状態を、（ｃ）図はカバー部材（４）をより大きく開けた状態を示している。図４は、図３に示した各状態におけるホルダ部材（３）及びヒンジ部材（５）の模様を示した斜視図であり、図５は、これら状態において、図３（ａ）におけるＡ−Ａ線を含む垂直平面でデジタルカメラを破断した部分断面図である。
【００２６】
図３（ａ）に示すように、閉状態において、カバー部材（４）は第１筐体（１）の外部接続用端子用の開口（１５）を塞いでいる。デジタルカメラの本体部に設けられた窪み部（１７）が、具体的には、ホルダ部材（３）の第１面部（３１）を底面とし、この第１面部（３１）及びその周囲の壁部（３３）により構成される窪み部（１７）が、カバー部材（４）に覆われることにより、この窪み部（１７）の底面にて外部に露出しているＵＳＢ端子（６１）及びＤＣ電源端子（６２）が保護されている（図３（ｂ）参照）。本実施例では、これら端子（６１）（６２）が露出する窪み部（１７）を上記のように構成しているが、本発明において、ホルダ部材（３）の第１面部（３１）及びその周囲の壁部（３３）を、第１筐体（１）と一体的に形成してもよい。
【００２７】
図４（ａ）に示すように、閉状態においてヒンジ部材（５）のスライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）に嵌められた、ホルダ部材（３）の一対のガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）は、夫々スライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）のカバー部材（４）側の端にある。また、ホルダ部材（３）の壁部（３３）の端部は、カバー部材（４）の段差部（４５）（図４（ｃ）参照）に嵌められている。
【００２８】
図５（ａ）に示すように、ヒンジ部材（５）は、第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）と第２面部（３２）との間にスライド可能に配置されており、カバー部材（４）及びヒンジ部材（５）は、微小ながたつきを有する状況でデジタルカメラの本体部に取り付けられている。カバー部材（４）の爪片（４３）の先端部が、ホルダ部材（３）に開設されたロック孔（３７）に掛止されることによって、カバー部材（４）の浮き上がりが防止されている。ヒンジ部材（５）のスライド移動を容易にするために、スライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）の幅は、ガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）の幅よりも若干大きくされており、スライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）及びガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）の嵌合のみでは、閉状態において、ヒンジ部材（５）とカバー部材（４）のがたつきが大きくなる。そこで、ヒンジ部材（５）から突出する突起（５２）を、ホルダ部材（３）の第２面部（３２）に形成された凹部（３９）に嵌めることによって、このがたつきを低減させている。
【００２９】
また、仮に、突起（５２）が存在しなければ、ヒンジ部材（５）が本体部に対してスライド可能に構成されているので、カバー部材（４）の第２面部（４２）側のがたつきが顕著になる。図５（ａ）に示すように、突起（５２）をホルダ部材（３）の第２面部（３２）の端部と当接させることにより、ヒンジ部材（５）の出方向（図５における左方向）への移動を制限して、カバー部材（４）のがたつきを低減させている。なお、ヒンジ部材（５）の退方向（図５における右方向）の移動は、カバー部材（４）の段差部（４５）がホルダ部材（３）の端部と当接することで制限されている。
【００３０】
使用者が指先でカバー部材（４）を若干押し上げると、爪片（４３）のロック孔（３７）への掛止が解除される。さらに、使用者がカバー部材（４）を回転するように引き上げると、カバー部材（４）は、図３（ｂ）に示すような開状態になる。図４（ｂ）及び図５（ｂ）に示すように、ヒンジ部材（５）は、カバー部材（４）の引き上げに伴って変形しているものの、突起（５２）により移動を制限されているのでスライド移動していない。
【００３１】
カバー部材（４）の第２部分（４２）の端部付近で、ヒンジ部材（５）が弾性的に変形して湾曲することにより、カバー部材（４）は閉状態から開状態へ移動する。図３（ｂ）乃至図５（ｂ）に示す示す開状態でも、本体部に設けられた外部接続用端子たるＵＳＢ端子（雄）（６１）及びＤＣ電源端子（雄）（６２）の各々に、ＵＳＢ端子（雌）（７１）及びＤＣ電源端子（雌）（７２）を接続させる作業を行うことは可能である。しかしながら、ヒンジ部材（５）の変形は、カバー部材（４）の第２部分（４２）の端部付近の限られた領域でしか生じないので、カバー部材（４）を大きく開けるためには比較的強い力を加える必要がある。また、ヒンジ部材（５）が比較的硬質の合成ゴムで形成されている場合には、カバー部材（４）を大きく開けることは困難である。
【００３２】
本発明の電子機器では、ヒンジ部材（５）が本体部に対して出退自在にスライド移動可能に構成されている。図３（ｂ）乃至図５（ｂ）に示す開状態から、第１筐体（１）の側面部（１４）に略垂直方向に且つ本体部から離れるように、カバー部材（４）を適当な力で引っ張る。すると、ヒンジ部材（５）の突起（５２）がホルダ部材（３）の第２面部（３２）の端部に押しつけられて、突起（５２）及び突起（５２）付近の領域が変形し、突起（５２）は第２面部（３２）の上に載り上がる。これにより、ヒンジ部材（５）の移動の制限が解除されて、ガイド突片（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）がスライド孔（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）の端に移動するまで、ヒンジ部材（５）は出方向（図５における左方向）に向かってスライド移動する。なお、開状態にすると、すなわちカバー部材（４）を適当な程度開けると、ヒンジ部材（５）の湾曲によって、突起（５２）の先端が第２面部（３２）の上面を超える程度まで、突起（５２）が第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）側に移動するように構成することで、ヒンジ部材（５）の移動の制限を解除してもよい。
【００３３】
図５（ｃ）に示すように、ヒンジ部材（５）がスライド移動することにより、カバー部材（４）の第２部分（４２）の端部付近の領域が、より具体的にはこの端部から第１筐体（１）の背面部（１３）に至るまでのヒンジ部材（５）の領域が増加する。これにより、カバー部材（４）の引き上げの際に生じる反力が緩和されて、比較的小さな力でヒンジ部材（５）を大きく開けることができる。また、ヒンジ部材（５）が比較的硬質の合成ゴムで形成されている場合でも、カバー部材（４）を大きく開けることができる。図３（ｃ）及び図４（ｃ）に示すように、カバー部材（４）を大きく開けることにより、ＵＳＢ端子（雄）（６１）及びＤＣ電源端子（雄）（６２）の周囲の空間が広くなって、ＵＳＢ端子（雌）（７１）及びＤＣ電源端子（雌）（７２）の接続作業が容易になる。
【００３４】
以上、カバー部材（４）を開ける動作について説明した。カバー部材（４）を閉じる場合には、図３（ｃ）の状態からカバー部材（４）を押して、突起（５２）が凹部（３９）に嵌まるまで、ヒンジ部材（５）を退方向（図５における右方向）にスライド移動させる。その後、カバー部材（４）を回転するように降ろせば、爪片（４３）の先端部がホルダ部材（３）のロック孔（３７）に掛止されて、図３（ａ）に示す閉状態に至る。
【００３５】
上記実施例の説明は、本発明を説明するためのものであって、特許請求の範囲に記載の発明を限定し、或は範囲を減縮する様に解すべきではない。本発明の各部構成は上記実施例に限らず、特許請求の範囲に記載の技術的範囲内で種々の変形が可能であることは勿論である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るデジタルカメラの分解斜視図である
【図２】本発明に係るデジタルカメラのカバー部材を裏面から見た斜視図である。
【図３】本発明に係るデジタルカメラのカバー部材の開閉動作を説明する説明図である。
【図４】本発明に係るデジタルカメラのカバー部材の開閉動作を説明する説明図である。
【図５】本発明に係るデジタルカメラのカバー部材の開閉動作を説明する説明図である。
【図６】従来の電子機器におけるカバー部材の構造を示す斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
（１）第１筐体
（１５）開口
（３）ホルダ部材
（３１）第１面部
（３２）第２面部
（３４）（３５）開口
（３８ａ）（３８ｂ）ガイド突片
（３９）凹部
（４）カバー部材
（５）ヒンジ部材
（５１ａ）（５１ｂ）スライド孔
（５２）突起
（６１）（６２）外部接続用端子[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device including a cover member that protects a terminal for connection to an external device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Electronic devices such as video cameras and digital cameras have external connections such as a signal transmission terminal for transmitting / receiving image data to / from a personal computer and a DC power supply terminal for supplying power to the electronic device from an AC adapter. Terminals are provided. Such connection terminals are not always exposed in consideration of the external appearance of the electronic device and the protection of these terminals, and a cover member that covers these terminals so as to be freely opened and closed is usually provided in the electronic device. I have.
[0003]
The cover member of the external connection terminal is considerably smaller than the size of the entire electronic device, and in recent years, the size of the electronic device itself has been significantly reduced. For this reason, a hinge mechanism for pivotally supporting a cover member on a shaft provided in a main body of an electronic device as in the related art is difficult due to design and manufacturing problems. In particular, the cover member opens and closes frequently, and a mechanical hinge mechanism that is too small is easily damaged by an unexpected impact at this time. Therefore, conventionally, it has been widely practiced to integrally form the cover member for the external connection terminal and the hinge mechanism with synthetic rubber.
[0004]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a structure of a cover member for an external connection terminal in a conventional electronic device. The electronic device in this figure is a digital camera. As shown in FIG. 6A, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal (male) (61) serving as a signal transmission terminal and a DC power supply are provided as external connection terminals. Terminal (male) (62). These terminals (61) and (62) are exposed to the outside at the bottom surface of the recess (83) formed on the side of the housing (8) of the digital camera. A USB terminal (female) (71) and a DC power supply terminal (female) (72) are connected to these terminals (61) and (62), respectively. The housing (8) is connected with a cover member (9) that can be freely opened and closed with respect to the recessed portion (83), and as shown in FIG. 6B, these terminals (61) and (62). ) Is not used, the cover member (9) is attached to the recessed portion (83) to prevent dust and dirt from entering the terminals (61) and (62) and the vicinity thereof.
[0005]
A hinge member (91) is formed integrally with the cover member (9). The cover member (9) is attached to the housing (8) via the hinge member (91), that is, the main body of the digital camera. Is connected to Since the cover member (9) and the hinge member (91) are made of synthetic rubber, the cover member (9) can repeatedly open and close. On the back surface of the cover member (9), cap members (92) and (93) are formed corresponding to the USB terminal (61) and the DC power terminal (62), respectively. ) Is fitted to the terminals (61) and (62), so that the cover member (9) is stably held by the housing (8) when the cover member (9) is attached to the recess (83), that is, in the closed state.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 10-336504 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By integrally forming the cover member (9) and the hinge member (91) with synthetic rubber as described above, the cover member (9) is small and structurally simple, and is less likely to be damaged. Such a hinge mechanism can be obtained, but has the following problems. First, while the cover member (9) is formed of synthetic rubber, the housing (9) is formed of plastic resin or metal, so that the user may feel a qualitative discomfort in the appearance of the housing. To give. In particular, when the housing (9) is formed of a metal having a silver color, such a feeling of strangeness is remarkable.
[0008]
In addition, since the cap members (92) and (93) are merely fitted into the terminals (61) and (62) when the cover member (9) is mounted, the cover member (9) rises from the depression (83). easy. In particular, when the cap members (92) and (93) are minutely deformed due to the deterioration of the synthetic rubber, a situation occurs in which the cover member (9) always rises from the recessed portion (83). Further, in consideration of a qualitative sense of unity with the hard housing (8), and in order to surely protect the terminals (61) and (62), a cover member (9) and an integral molding thereof are formed. The relatively hard synthetic rubber is often used as a material for the hinge member (91). In this case, the reaction force of the hinge member (91) becomes large, and when the cover member (9) is opened, in order to maintain the state in which the cover member (9) is widely opened, the user needs a relatively large amount. A large force needs to be applied to the cover member (9). Alternatively, since the synthetic rubber is hard, the cover member (9) can be opened only to the extent that it is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess (83), and the terminals (female) (71) and (72) are (Male) Some electronic devices cannot secure a sufficient working space for connection to (61) and (62).
[0009]
The present invention solves the above-described problem, and enhances the qualitative sense of appearance and, when the terminal is not used, is securely attached to the main body, and the cover member can be widely opened with a small force. Provide electronic equipment.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device comprising: one or a plurality of external connection terminals provided on a main body; and a cover member that covers the one or a plurality of external connection terminals so as to be openable and closable. Is locked to the main body in the closed state, and a flexible hinge member formed of a material softer than the cover member extends from the cover member. It is characterized in that it is provided to be able to move back and forth with respect to the part.
[0011]
Further, in the electronic device according to the aspect of the invention, the hinge member is restricted from moving in the outgoing direction when the cover member is closed, and when the cover member is opened, or when the cover member is opened. When the hinge member is pulled, the restriction on the movement of the hinge member is released.
[0012]
In the electronic device according to the present invention, at least one slide hole is formed in the hinge member, and the main body includes a guide protrusion that fits into the slide hole.
Further, in the electronic device according to the aspect of the invention, the main body may include a first surface having an opening through which the external connection terminal is exposed, and the guide protruding from the first surface extending substantially at a right angle. A holder member having a second surface portion provided, and a housing having an opening that exposes the first surface portion, wherein the projection of the hinge member hits one end of the second surface portion, The movement of the hinge member is restricted in the outgoing direction.
[0013]
[Action and effect]
The electronic device of the present invention employs a configuration in which the cover member is combined with a hinge member formed of a different material, and the hinge member is softer and more flexible than the cover member. As a result, the present invention makes use of the advantages of the integrally formed cover member and hinge member employed in conventional electronic devices, while eliminating the disadvantages. First, according to this configuration, when the housing of the main body of the electronic device is formed of resin, the cover member can be formed of the same material as the housing, thereby improving the sense of unity in appearance of the electronic device. Can be done. When the housing of the main body of the electronic device is made of metal, a cover member is formed of a hard synthetic resin, and the cover member is painted in the same color as the housing, so that the external appearance of the electronic device is improved. The above sense of unity can be improved.
[0014]
Further, according to this configuration, since the cover member can be formed of a hard synthetic resin, there is no risk of deterioration of the cover member. Therefore, even when a long time elapses, in the closed state, the cover member is securely locked to the main body portion, and the cover member does not come off from the main body portion or largely float. Further, by providing the hinge member so as to be able to move back and forth with respect to the main body, the cover member can be pulled out to increase the deformation area of the hinge member, and the cover member can be opened more with a small force.
[0015]
When the cover member is opened, or when the hinge member is pulled while the cover member is open, the hinge member can be released. The rattling of the cover member in the closed state is reduced while allowing the sliding movement. Further, since the main body portion includes the holder member and the housing as described above, the hinge member is inserted into the opening from the outside of the housing, and the holder member is mounted on the housing so that the guide protrusion fits into the slide hole. By attaching the cover member to the inside of the body, the cover member can be easily attached to the main body.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a digital camera, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is widely applied to electronic devices having external connection terminals, such as video cameras, mobile phones, portable audio devices, and portable information terminals.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the digital camera of the embodiment. Parts not related to the present invention are not shown. The main body of the digital camera includes a first housing (1) and a second housing (2) formed of a metal such as aluminum or a synthetic resin such as plastic, and these are combined to form the entire digital camera. A housing is configured. The first housing (1) arranged on the back side of the digital camera has an opening (11) through which a display device such as a liquid crystal display can be seen, and various operation switches (12a) (12b) (12c) are arranged. ing. The second housing (2) arranged on the front side of the digital camera has openings (21a) and (21b) in which a lens unit and a strobe device are arranged, respectively. A digital camera component such as a holder member (3), a liquid crystal display, a battery, an image data recording medium, and an electronic circuit board, which will be described later, is housed in an internal space formed by combining the housings (1) and (2). Can be
[0018]
An opening (15) is provided in the back (13) and one side (14) of the first housing (1) so that a user can access an external connection terminal of the digital camera. The digital camera of this embodiment has a USB terminal (male) (61) and a DC power supply terminal (male) (62) as external connection terminals, and these terminals (61) and (62) are not shown. It is fixed to the holder member (3) via the fixing member. The holder member (3) is attached to the first housing (1) so as to close the external connection terminal opening (15) from the back side.
[0019]
The holder member (3), when attached to the first housing (1), includes a first surface (31) along the side surface (14) of the first housing (1), and the first surface (31). ) And a second surface portion (32) extending substantially at a right angle along the back surface portion (13) of the first housing. A wall portion (33) is formed at the edge of the surface portions (31) and (32) to be in contact with the back surface of the first housing (1), and the holder member (3) is provided in the first housing (1). When the first housing (1) is attached to the first housing (1), the first surface (31) and the surrounding wall (33) form a recess (17) with respect to the outer surface of the first housing (1) (see FIG. 3C). . Openings (34) and (35) corresponding to the shape of the female terminal connected to the USB terminal (male) (61) and the DC power supply terminal (male) (62) are respectively formed in the first surface portion (31). The terminals (61) and (62) are positioned with respect to the corresponding openings (34) and (35) and are fixed to the holder member (3). A claw piece (43) of a cover member (4), which will be described later, is hooked on the wall portion (33) at a portion extending from an end (on the front side of the digital camera) of the first surface portion (31). A lock hole (37) is provided. In this portion, a part of the edge of the lock hole (37) is raised (see FIG. 5C), and when the cover member (4) is closed, the tip of the claw (43) is locked. The claw (43) is elastically deformed so that it can enter the hole (37).
[0020]
A pair of guide projecting pieces (38a) (38b) project in parallel from the second surface (32) toward the rear surface (13) of the first housing (1). These guide projections (38a) and (38b) are formed to be somewhat longer along the direction perpendicular to the first surface portion (31). In the second surface portion (32), no wall portion (33) is formed at an edge located inside the first housing (1), and an end of the second surface portion (32) has a guide protrusion. A recess (39) is formed between the pieces (38a) and (38b).
[0021]
The cover member (4) is formed in a shape adapted to the opening (15) for the external connection terminal of the first housing (1). The member (3) is attached to the first housing (1) of the digital camera so as to open and close the first surface portion (31) and the second surface portion (32). A hinge member (5) is joined to the cover member (4). The hinge member (5) is a band having a width slightly shorter than the width of the second surface portion (32) of the holder member (3), and a pair of guide protrusions (38a) (38b) of the holder member (3). The slide holes (51a) and (51b) into which are fitted are respectively opened. In the assembling process of the digital camera, the hinge member (5) is inserted into the opening (15) for the external connection terminal, and then the holder member (3) is attached to the first housing (1). Each of the guide projections (38a) and (38b) of (5) is fitted into the corresponding slide hole (51a) (51b), and the hinge member (5) and the cover member (4) are connected to the first housing (1). Attached to. The distance between the distal end portions of the guide projections (38a) (38b) and the back surface of the back portion (13) of the first housing (1) is considerably shorter than the thickness of the hinge member (5), and a strong force is applied. The hinge member (5) does not fall out of the main body even if it is pulled by the pull-down switch.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover member (4) and the hinge member (5) as viewed from the back side. The cover member (4) is formed of a synthetic resin such as plastic, and the first portion (41) which is substantially juxtaposed with the side surface portion (14) of the first housing (1) when the opening (15) is closed. ) And a second portion (42) extending substantially perpendicularly from the portion (41) and substantially juxtaposed with the rear portion (13) of the first housing (1). The cover member (4) is configured to be able to be locked to the main body. From one end of the first portion (41), a lock member (3) is locked by a lock hole (37) of the holder member (3). A nail piece (43) extends to the back side. A recess (44) is formed on the base end side of the claw piece (43) for the purpose of hanging a fingertip when the user opens the cover member (4). For the same purpose, the side surface (14) of the first housing (1) is provided with an edge of the opening (15) so as to be located near the depression (44) when the cover member (4) is closed. (FIG. 1). A step portion (45) is formed on the rear surface of the edge of the cover member (4) so as to be lower by one step outside. In the closed state of the cover member (4), the end of the wall portion (33) of the holder member (3) fits into the step (45), and the play of the cover member (4) is suppressed (FIG. 4).
[0023]
The hinge member (5) extends from the second surface portion (42) of the cover member (4), and a part of the hinge member (5) is embedded in the back surface of the cover member (4). They are joined (see FIG. 5). The hinge member (5) is made of a flexible material that is softer than the cover member (4), and is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as synthetic rubber. The hinge member (5) may be joined to the cover member (4) using an adhesive, but the manufacturing process is simplified by being integrally formed with the cover member (4) by two-color molding. be able to.
[0024]
The hinge member (5) has a pair of slide holes (51a) (51b) as described above. These slide holes (51a) (51b) are long holes formed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge member (5). On the inner surface side of the hinge member (5), a projection (52) is formed between the holes (51a) (51b). In the closed state of the cover member (4), the projection (52) fits into a recess (39) formed in the second surface (32) of the holder member (3).
[0025]
Next, the opening and closing operation of the cover member according to the electronic apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail. FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the cover member (4) of the digital camera of the present embodiment and the periphery thereof. FIG. 3A shows the closed state of the cover member (4), and FIG. 3B shows the cover member (4). (C) shows a state in which the cover member (4) is further opened. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the patterns of the holder member (3) and the hinge member (5) in each state shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows AA in FIG. 3 (a) in these states. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the digital camera cut along a vertical plane including a line.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3A, in the closed state, the cover member (4) covers the opening (15) for the external connection terminal of the first housing (1). Specifically, the depression (17) provided in the main body of the digital camera has the first surface (31) of the holder member (3) as a bottom surface, and the first surface (31) and a wall around the first surface (31). The USB terminal (61) and the DC power supply terminal exposed to the outside at the bottom surface of the concave portion (17) by covering the concave portion (17) constituted by (33) with the cover member (4). (62) is protected (see FIG. 3B). In the present embodiment, the recesses (17) where the terminals (61) and (62) are exposed are configured as described above. However, in the present invention, the first surface portion (31) of the holder member (3) and the first surface portion (31) thereof are provided. The surrounding wall (33) may be formed integrally with the first housing (1).
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the pair of guide projections (38a) (38b) of the holder member (3) fitted in the slide holes (51a) (51b) of the hinge member (5) in the closed state are provided. , At the ends of the slide holes (51a) (51b) on the cover member (4) side. Further, an end of the wall portion (33) of the holder member (3) is fitted to a step portion (45) of the cover member (4) (see FIG. 4C).
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the hinge member (5) is slidably disposed between the rear surface (13) and the second surface (32) of the first housing (1), and includes a cover. The member (4) and the hinge member (5) are attached to the main body of the digital camera in a situation where there is a slight backlash. The tip of the claw piece (43) of the cover member (4) is locked by a lock hole (37) formed in the holder member (3), thereby preventing the cover member (4) from rising. . In order to facilitate the sliding movement of the hinge member (5), the width of the slide holes (51a) (51b) is slightly larger than the width of the guide projections (38a) (38b). ) (51b) and the fitting of the guide projections (38a) (38b) alone, the backlash between the hinge member (5) and the cover member (4) increases in the closed state. Therefore, the rattling is reduced by fitting the projection (52) projecting from the hinge member (5) into the concave portion (39) formed in the second surface portion (32) of the holder member (3). .
[0029]
If the projection (52) does not exist, the hinge member (5) is configured to be slidable with respect to the main body, so that the cover member (4) has a play on the second surface (42) side. Stickiness becomes noticeable. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the projection (52) is brought into contact with the end of the second surface (32) of the holder member (3) to thereby allow the hinge member (5) to come out (left in FIG. 5). Direction), to reduce backlash of the cover member (4). The movement of the hinge member (5) in the retreating direction (rightward direction in FIG. 5) is limited by the step (45) of the cover member (4) abutting on the end of the holder member (3). .
[0030]
When the user slightly pushes up the cover member (4) with a fingertip, the hook of the claw (43) to the lock hole (37) is released. Further, when the user lifts the cover member (4) so as to rotate, the cover member (4) is opened as shown in FIG. 3 (b). As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, the hinge member (5) is deformed as the cover member (4) is pulled up, but its movement is restricted by the projection (52). So the slide has not moved.
[0031]
Near the end of the second portion (42) of the cover member (4), the hinge member (5) is elastically deformed and curved, so that the cover member (4) moves from the closed state to the open state. Even in the open state shown in FIGS. 3 (b) to 5 (b), the USB terminal (male) (61) and the DC power supply terminal (male) (62), which are external connection terminals, are provided on the main body. , A USB terminal (female) (71) and a DC power supply terminal (female) (72) can be connected. However, the deformation of the hinge member (5) occurs only in a limited area near the end of the second portion (42) of the cover member (4). It is necessary to apply strong power. When the hinge member (5) is made of a relatively hard synthetic rubber, it is difficult to open the cover member (4) widely.
[0032]
In the electronic device according to the aspect of the invention, the hinge member (5) is configured to be slidably movable with respect to the main body. From the open state shown in FIGS. 3 (b) to 5 (b), the cover member (4) is appropriately moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface (14) of the first housing (1) and away from the main body. Pull with great force. Then, the projection (52) of the hinge member (5) is pressed against the end of the second surface portion (32) of the holder member (3), and the projection (52) and the area near the projection (52) are deformed. (52) rises on the second surface portion (32). As a result, the restriction on the movement of the hinge member (5) is released, and the hinge member (5) extends in the outgoing direction until the guide projections (38a) (38b) move to the ends of the slide holes (51a) (51b). (To the left in FIG. 5). When the cover member (4) is opened to an appropriate degree, that is, when the cover member (4) is opened to an appropriate degree, the protrusion of the protrusion (52) is extended to a degree exceeding the upper surface of the second surface portion (32) due to the curvature of the hinge member (5). The restriction on the movement of the hinge member (5) may be released by configuring the (52) to move toward the rear portion (13) of the first housing (1).
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 5C, when the hinge member (5) slides, the area near the end of the second portion (42) of the cover member (4) is more specifically changed to this end. The area of the hinge member (5) from the front end to the back portion (13) of the first housing (1) increases. Accordingly, the reaction force generated when the cover member (4) is pulled up is reduced, and the hinge member (5) can be opened widely with a relatively small force. Further, even when the hinge member (5) is formed of a relatively hard synthetic rubber, the cover member (4) can be largely opened. As shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 4C, the space around the USB terminal (male) (61) and the DC power supply terminal (male) (62) is increased by opening the cover member (4) widely. As a result, the work of connecting the USB terminal (female) (71) and the DC power supply terminal (female) (72) becomes easy.
[0034]
The operation of opening the cover member (4) has been described above. When the cover member (4) is closed, the cover member (4) is pushed from the state shown in FIG. (To the right in FIG. 5). Thereafter, if the cover member (4) is lowered so as to rotate, the tip of the claw (43) is hooked in the lock hole (37) of the holder member (3), and the closed state shown in FIG. Leads to.
[0035]
The description of the above embodiments is intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the claims or reducing the scope thereof. The configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a digital camera according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member of the digital camera according to the present invention as viewed from the back.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an opening and closing operation of a cover member of the digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an opening and closing operation of a cover member of the digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an opening and closing operation of a cover member of the digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a structure of a cover member in a conventional electronic device.
[Explanation of symbols]
(1) First housing (15) Opening (3) Holder member (31) First surface (32) Second surface (34) (35) Opening (38a) (38b) Guide projection (39) Recess (4) ) Cover member (5) Hinge member (51a) (51b) Slide hole (52) Projection (61) (62) Terminal for external connection

Claims

One or more external connection terminals (61) and (62) provided on the main body, and a cover member (4) for opening and closing the one or more external connection terminals (61) and (62). Electronic equipment
The cover member (4) is locked to the main body in the closed state,
Extending from the cover member (4) is a flexible hinge member (5) formed of a softer material than the cover member (4),
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge member (5) is provided so as to be able to move back and forth with respect to the main body.

The hinge member (5) is restricted from moving in the outgoing direction when the cover member (4) is closed. When the cover member (4) is opened, or when the cover member (4) is opened. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the hinge member (5) is pulled in the state, the restriction on the movement of the hinge member (5) is released.

A projection (52) is formed on the hinge member (5), and the main body portion contacts the projection (52) to restrict a member that restricts movement of the hinge member (5) in an outgoing direction. The electronic device according to claim 2, comprising:

The hinge member (5) is provided with at least one slide hole (51a) (51b), and the main body is provided with guide protrusions (38a) (38a) fitted in the slide holes (51a) (51b). The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising (38b).

The main body includes a first surface portion (31) having openings (34) and (35) where the external connection terminals (61) and (62) are exposed, and a substantially right angle extending from the first surface portion (31). A holder member (3) having a second surface portion (32) on which the guide protrusions (38a) and (38b) protrude and an opening (15) through which the first surface portion (31) is exposed is opened. (1)
The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the movement of the hinge member (5) is restricted in an outgoing direction by the protrusion (52) of the hinge member (5) hitting an end of the second surface portion (32). machine.

The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein a concave portion (39) in which the projection (52) of the hinge member (5) fits is formed at the end of the second surface portion (32).

The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover member (4) and the hinge member (5) are integrally resin-molded by two-color molding.