JP2007093762A - Waterproof case for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof case for a camera capable of flexibly coping with the positional deviation of the projecting part of a switch lever in vertical direction when the switch lever is operated from the outside of a case body or a cover body. <P>SOLUTION: The waterproof case for the camera (2) is equipped with: an optical device (1) provided with the switch lever (11) turnably supporting to restore the projecting part (7) having a right surface part (7b), a left surface part (7a) and predetermined thickness (T); the case body (3) and the cover body (4) in which the optical device is attachably/detachably loaded at a loading position inside and also which has waterproofness necessary for underwater photography; and a switch operation means. The switch operation means is equipped with: a rocking member (12); and a sealing member (13) with which the rocking member is covered in a liquid-tight state so that it can be operated from the outside of the case body or the cover body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof case for a camera used when, for example, a normal optical device is used for underwater photography.

  Underwater photography cameras dedicated to underwater photography have been put into practical use as optical devices. Such a camera for underwater photography is expensive because it is mainly for professional use. Therefore, a camera waterproof case designed exclusively for underwater photography using an optical device such as a normal compact camera, digital camera, or digital video camera is designed for each model. It has been put into practical use.

According to these waterproof cases for cameras, the lid is opened, the lens part of the specified optical device is loaded so as to face the glass lens surface of the case body, and the push switch and switch lever of the optical device are attached to the waterproof case for cameras. An operation means for pressing from outside is usually provided. (Patent Document 1)
JP2003-15207A.

  For example, in a digital camera of an optical device, a switch lever that is operated to perform zoom-up and zoom-down of an optical lens system is provided around a shutter button so as to be pivotally supported.

  FIG. 7 shows a digital camera 1 that is pivotally supported around the shutter button 8 and includes a switch lever 11 provided with a convex portion 7 that zooms in and out of the optical lens. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of a zoom mechanism 100 that is loaded in a waterproof case for a camera and that operates a switch lever 11 from the outside of the case.

  The zoom mechanism 100 includes a pair of rotating members 101 and 102 that can be operated from the outside by a case body (not shown) and provided in a liquid-tight state. Each rotating member is automatically returned to a neutral position by a spring mechanism (not shown), and the contact surfaces 101a and 102a of each rotating member 101 and 102 individually separate the right surface portion and the left surface portion of the convex portion 7 of the switch lever 11. The switch lever 11 is configured to be operated from the outside by operating from the outside so as to be pressed.

  According to the conventional zoom mechanism 100 configured as described above, the contact surfaces of the rotating members 101 and 102 are within the thickness range of the convex portion 7 starting from the height position H of the convex portion 7 of the switch lever 11. 101a and 102a need to be positioned. That is, when the contact surfaces 101a and 102a of the rotating members 101 and 102 are out of the range of the thickness of the convex portion 7 starting from the height position H of the convex portion 7, the right surface portion of the convex portion 7 The left surface cannot be pushed, and the switch lever 11 cannot be operated from the outside.

  Therefore, it is necessary to accurately position the relative position of the digital camera with respect to the zoom mechanism 100 in order to prevent positional deviation. Further, the conventional zoom mechanism requires a spring mechanism, an O-ring seal member, and the like for automatically returning to the neutral position as described above, resulting in an increase in the number of parts, resulting in an increase in cost.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can flexibly cope with the relative displacement of the convex portion of the switch lever with respect to the switch operating means for operating the switch lever from the outside of the case body or the lid body. Another object is to provide a waterproof case for a camera that can be configured at low cost.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, a right surface portion that is rotated leftward when pressed, and a left surface portion that is rotated rightward when pressed, An optical device provided with a switch lever that pivotally supports a convex portion having a predetermined thickness so as to return to a neutral position, and the optical device is detachably loaded at an internal loading position, and for underwater photography. A camera camera waterproof case comprising: a case body and a lid body having a necessary waterproof property; and a switch operation means for operating the switch lever in the left-right direction from the outside of the case body or the lid body, The switch operating means includes a swinging member that is swingably provided in the case body or the lid body so as to rotate the convex portion in the left-right direction, and the swing member is connected to the case body or the lid body. External It is characterized in that it comprises a sealing member for covering operably liquid-tight state.

  In addition, a convex portion having a right surface portion (7b) that is rotated to the left by being pressed, a left surface portion (7a) that is to be rotated to the right by being pressed, and a predetermined thickness (T) ( 7), an optical device (1) provided with a switch lever (11) pivotally supported so as to return to the neutral position, and the optical device are detachably loaded in an internal loading position, and for underwater photography. A waterproof case for a camera comprising a case body (3) and a lid body (4) having necessary waterproofness, and a switch operating means for operating the switch lever in the left-right direction from the outside of the case body or the lid body ( 2), wherein the switch operating means includes a hole (3b, 3c) formed in the case body or the cover body so as to oppose the protrusion, and a shaft support formed in the vicinity of the hole. (3d, 3f) and inserted into the hole Both the right extension portion (22) forming a right inclined surface (22a) contacting the right corner portion (7b-1) of the right surface portion and the left corner portion (7a-1) of the left surface portion. A left extending portion (21) having a left inclined surface (21a) in contact therewith, a shaft support portion (23) pivotally supported by the shaft support portion, and a pressing surface (20a, 20b) operated from the outside. A swing member (12) formed with a base (20), and a seal member (13) covering the swing member in a liquid-tight state operable from the outside of the case body or the lid body. It is a feature.

  The hole is formed of a right hole into which the right extension is inserted and a left hole into which the left extension is inserted, and the shaft is interposed between the right hole and the left hole. It is characterized by forming a branch.

  Further, the switch lever is supported on the rotation shaft around the shutter button and is used for zooming up and down of the optical lens.

  The seal member further covers the shutter button and the power on / off switch of the optical device in a liquid-tight state operable from the outside.

  The case body or the lid body is formed by injection molding from a transparent or light transmissive polycarbonate resin.

  According to the waterproof case for a camera of the present invention, when the switch lever is operated from the outside of the case body or the lid body, it can flexibly cope with the vertical displacement of the convex portion of the switch lever, and also requires the number of parts. It is possible to provide a waterproof case for a camera that can be configured at a low cost by minimizing it.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an optical device, a digital camera of a type in which a photographic lens is provided with an optical zoom system having a magnification of 3 times or more and a photographic lens unit is retracted will be described. This digital camera is a flat box type having a camera front surface having a photographing lens portion, a camera rear surface having a liquid crystal display portion, a shutter, and a camera upper surface having a switch lever pivotally supported around the shutter. A waterproof case for a camera designed exclusively for this digital camera is prepared.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera configured as described above, and a camera waterproof case designed exclusively for a silver salt film camera and a digital video camera is prepared.

  FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a small and thin digital camera 1 that is an optical device, after the main part is loaded in a use position inside the waterproof case 2 for a camera, and FIG. Cross-sectional view of the main part after the normal size digital camera 1 is loaded into the use position inside the waterproof case 2 for the camera, (c) is the large digital camera 1 loaded into the use position inside the waterproof case 2 for the camera The subsequent principal part sectional drawing is shown, respectively.

  First, in FIG. 1A, a small and thin digital camera 1 is housed in a polycarbonate transparent resin case body 3 and then loaded into a use position shown in the figure by a member (not shown) provided inside. The photographing lens is set to face the glass surface 3 a of the case body 3. Thereafter, the lid body 4 pivotally supported by the pivot shaft support portion 31 near the lateral opening of the case body 3 is closed as shown in the figure, and the lock lever 32 is operated to operate the case body 3. The continuous seal member 30 embedded in the flange portion is lightly compressed to make the inside completely liquid-tight. As a result, waterproofness necessary for shooting under bad weather and underwater shooting is ensured.

  After being loaded in this way, the pressing switch 5 located on the back surface is in a state of facing the pressing operation unit 6 pressed from the outside of the case body 3. Further, a switch operation unit for operating the power switch 16 of the digital camera 1 and the shutter 8 of the digital camera 1 arranged on the upper surface and the convex portion 7 of the switch lever 11 for performing a zoom operation from the outside is provided in the case body. The liquid crystal display unit (not shown) can be seen from the outside because the case body 3 is made of a transparent polycarbonate resin as described above.

  Subsequently, in FIG. 1B, the components already described in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the digital camera 1 is stored in the case body 3 made of transparent resin. After that, it is loaded at a use position by a member (not shown) inside so that the zoom lens for photographing faces the glass surface 3 a of the case body 3. Thereafter, the lid body 4 pivotally supported by the pivot shaft support portion 31 on the right side surface of the opening of the case body 3 is closed as shown in the figure, and is embedded in the flange portion of the case body 3 by the operation of the lock lever 32. The inside of the continuous seal member 30 is lightly compressed to maintain a completely liquid-tight state.

  Thus, as a result of the cover body 4 being disposed opposite to the liquid crystal display section of the digital camera 1, a part of each of the press switches 5 faces the pressing operation section 6 pressed from the outside of the cover body 4. Therefore, an external operation is possible. Further, the case body 3 is provided with a switch operation unit for operating the power switch 16 of the digital camera 1 disposed on the upper surface, the shutter 8, and the convex portion 7 of the switch lever 11 for performing a zoom operation from the outside.

  In the waterproof case 2 for a camera for loading the large-sized digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 (c), the lid 4 is configured to be completely separated from the case 3 and removable. Since the left and right lock levers 32 and 32 pivotally supported at the left and right edge portions of the lid body 4 are engaged with the hook portions 3k and 3k of the case body 3, the liquid-tight state can be maintained. It is configured as follows. Further, the case body 3 is provided with a switch operation part for operating the shutter 8 of the digital camera 1 disposed on the upper surface and the convex part 7 of the switch lever 11 for performing a zoom operation from the outside. Further, the lid 4 is provided with a switch operating portion including a swinging member 12 for operating the convex portion 7 of the switch lever provided on the back surface of the camera adjacent to the liquid crystal display portion from the outside.

  The camera waterproof case 2 described above has a typical configuration, but it goes without saying that the camera waterproof case 2 is designed as needed in consideration of the shape of the optical device, the operability during attachment / detachment, and the like.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The digital camera 1 has a zoom lens portion 1a for photographing on the front surface of the camera. A large liquid crystal display unit 1 b is provided on the back surface of the digital camera 1. Further, a rubber bush 9 that is fixed by pressing the back surface of the digital camera 1 is fixed to the inside of the lid 4, and the digital camera 1 held by the rib 3 k of the case body 3 is held from the front and rear direction. ing.

  On the upper surface of the digital camera 1, a switch in which a power switch 16 (not shown) that is pressed to turn on / off the power of the digital camera 1, a shutter 8, and a convex portion 7 that performs a zoom operation are integrally formed. A lever 11 is pivotally supported around the shutter 8.

  A liquid crystal display can be obtained by injection-molding the case body 3 and the lid body 4 of the waterproof case 2 for the camera that accommodates the digital camera 1 configured as described above, using the transparent resin material such as polycarbonate resin and acrylic resin. All the internal states including the part 1b are visible from the outside. When the loaded state shown in the figure is set, all or a minimum necessary operation for photographing is performed by pressing the pressing operation unit 6 to perform the power switch, the shutter 8 and the projection 7 for performing the zooming operation. This operation can be performed from the outside through a switch operation section provided on the case body. For this purpose, the switch operating part seals the swinging member 12 disposed opposite to the convex part 7 and the shutter rod 14 disposed opposite to the shutter 8 with the seal member 13, and further to the case body 3 with the sub cover 15. It is fixed.

  According to the waterproof case 2 for a camera configured as described above, underwater photography at a maximum depth of about 30 m to 15 m is possible. Furthermore, a strap attachment portion (not shown) is integrally formed at the corner portion of the case body 3, and by attaching various types of straps so that the strap can be fixed, it can be hung from the hand or hung around the neck when carrying it. Thus, it is comprised so that portability can be improved.

  Next, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a front view of the swing member 12. In both figures, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. First, in FIG. 3A, the convex portion 7 of the switch lever 11 provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 1 is as follows. A right surface portion 7b that is rotated to the left when pressed, a left surface portion 7 that is rotated to the right when pressed, and a thickness T of about 5 mm so as to return to the neutral position. A rotating shaft is supported around the shutter 8.

  Further, a right corner portion 7b-1 is formed on the right surface portion, and a left corner portion 7a-1 is formed on the left surface portion. The user performs a zoom operation mainly by pressing a fingertip against these left and right corner portions. I am doing so. The right corner portion 7b-1 of the right surface portion and the left corner portion 7a-1 of the left surface portion are operated in the left-right direction by pressing the swing member 12 having the illustrated shape from the outside of the case body. Further, a power switch 16 shown by a broken line in the drawing is provided in an embedded state, and is configured to be prevented from being erroneously operated and to be turned on / off by operation of the power switch rod 17. The power switch rod 17, the swinging member 12, and the shutter rod 14 are partly embedded in the shape portions 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c of the seal member 13, and then fixed with screws so as to cover the sub cover 15. The

  Next, in FIG. 3B, the swinging member 12 includes a base portion 20 having pressing surfaces 20a and 20b that are operated from the outside, and a right extending portion 22 that extends from the base portion 20 as illustrated. The left extending portion 21 and the shaft support portion 23 are integrally formed from a predetermined resin material. Each extending portion is inserted into the hole portions 3b and 3c of the case body, and the shaft support portion 23 is swingably supported on a shaft support portion 3d formed in the vicinity of the hole portion.

  The right extending portion 22 forms a right inclined surface 22 a that abuts against the right corner portion 7 b-1 of the right surface portion of the convex portion 7. Further, the left extending portion 21 forms a left inclined surface 21 a that abuts against the left corner portion 7 a-1 of the left surface portion of the convex portion 7.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the switch operation unit after completion. After the completion of the illustration, the sealing member 13 is fixed in a sealed state by the sub cover 15 fixed to the upper surface of the case body 3 with the screws 19, so that the shutter rod 14 is in addition to the shape portions 13 a, 13 b, 13 c described above. The shape portion 13d with the upper end fixed can be made to protrude to the outside.

  FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the switch operation unit of FIG. In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and the description thereof is omitted. The case body 3 has holes 3b and 3c formed therein, and shafts are formed between these holes. A support portion 3d is formed, and four protrusions 3f are further formed. In addition, a hole for inserting the rods 14 and 17 and guiding them in the vertical direction is formed as shown in the figure. A rod portion 23a positioned between the protrusions 3f is extended from the shaft support portion 23 of the swing member 12 in the front-rear direction so that it can be supported in a stationary state in the left-right direction. Further, the left and right extending portions 21 and 22 are integrally formed with projecting portions 21b and 22b for setting in a predetermined position by moving in the direction of the arrow after being inserted into the holes 3b and 3c.

  The seal member 13 is molded from silicon rubber or the like, and an attachment shape portion shown by a broken line is further formed inside the shape portions 13a and 13b, so that the base portion of the swinging member 12 can be press-fitted and fixed. ing. Similarly, it is comprised so that the flange part of the upper end of each rod can be fixed.

  The sub cover 15 is made of resin, and has holes 15a, 15b, and 15c for allowing the respective shape portions of the seal member 13 to pass therethrough as shown in the figure. It is completed by being fixed to the case body 3 with the edge portion sandwiched.

  In this figure, when the digital camera 1 indicated by a two-dot chain line is loaded into the waterproof case 2 for the camera as described above, each operation unit 5 is pressed against the pressing operation unit 6 that presses the operation unit 5 from the outside. Is the opposite position.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of an operation in which the pressing surface 20b of the swinging member 12 illustrated in FIG. 6 is omitted, and FIG. 6B is an operation in which the pressing surface 20a of the swinging member 12 is pressed. Explanatory drawing and (c) are operation | movement explanatory drawings when position shift generate | occur | produces.

  First, in FIG. 6A, when the pressing surface 20b is pressed in the direction of the arrow, the swinging member 12 is rotated in the clockwise direction with the shaft support portion 23 on the shaft support portion 3d as a rotation fulcrum, and the right extending portion is provided. The right inclined surface 22a of 22 abuts against the right corner portion 7b-1 of the right surface portion of the convex portion 7, and rotates the convex portion 7 in the left direction. Thereby, a zoom function can be performed. Thereafter, when the pressing is released, the swing member 12 returns to the neutral position by the return force of the switch lever 11 and the elastic return force of the seal member.

  6B, when the pressing surface 20a is pressed in the direction of the arrow, the left inclined surface 21a of the left extending portion 21 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft support portion 23 as a rotation fulcrum, and the convex portion 7 abuts against the left corner portion 7a-1 of the left surface portion, and the convex portion 7 is rotated rightward. As a result, a zoom function can be performed.

  Further, in FIG. 6C, even when the loading position of the digital camera 1 is changed from H1 to the lower position H2, the protrusion 7 is moved in the left-right direction by pressing the swinging member 12 further deeply. Can move to. For this reason, when operating from the outside of the case body or the lid body, it is possible to flexibly cope with the vertical displacement of the convex portion of the switch lever. Alternatively, it is possible to sufficiently flexibly cope with some position fluctuations designed exclusively for different models.

  According to each configuration described above, the switch lever is a rotary type, but it may be a slide type. Further, the switch operation unit may be completely separated and fixed to the case body or the lid later. Also good.

  Note that the case body 3 and the lid body 4 are made of a light-transmitting resin material such as ABS resin or a predetermined resin material colored with a desired pigment, instead of the transparent resin material typified by the acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. Can be integrally molded by resin injection molding. Further, as another application of the waterproof case for a camera, it can be used for the purpose of protecting digital cameras from dust and moisture or protecting an optical device from an unexpected impact force when being carried.

(a) is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a small and thin digital camera 1 which is an optical device after being loaded in a use position inside the waterproof case 2 for a camera, and (b) is a normal size sectional view. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the main part after the digital camera 1 is loaded in the use position inside the camera waterproof case 2, and (c) is a view after the large digital camera 1 is loaded in the use position inside the camera waterproof case 2. It is principal part sectional drawing. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a front view of the swing member 12. It is an external appearance perspective view after completion of a switch operation part. It is a three-dimensional exploded view of a switch operation unit. FIG. 4A is an operation explanatory diagram in which the pressing surface 20b of the swinging member 12 is pressed without the above-described seal member, and FIG. 4B is an operation explanatory diagram in which the pressing surface 20a of the swinging member 12 is pressed. (C) is an operation explanatory diagram when a positional deviation occurs. It is an external appearance perspective view of the conventional zoom mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera (optical device)
2 Waterproof case for camera 3 Case body 3b, 3c Hole 4 Lid 7 Protrusion 8 Shutter 11 Switch lever 12 Swing member 13 Seal member 15 Sub cover

Claims (6)

A rotation shaft that returns a convex portion having a right surface portion that is rotated leftward when pressed, a left surface portion that is rotated rightward when pressed, and a predetermined thickness to a neutral position. An optical device provided with a supported switch lever;
The optical device is detachably loaded in an internal loading position, and has a case body and a lid body having waterproofness necessary for underwater photography,
A switch operating means for operating the switch lever in the left-right direction from the outside of the case body or the lid body, and a waterproof case for a camera comprising:
The switch operating means includes a swinging member that is swingably provided in the case body or the lid body so as to rotate the convex portion in the left-right direction, and the swing member is connected to the case body or the lid body. A waterproof case for a camera, comprising: a sealing member that covers the liquid-tight state operable from the outside. A rotation shaft that returns a convex portion having a right surface portion that is rotated leftward when pressed, a left surface portion that is rotated rightward when pressed, and a predetermined thickness to a neutral position. An optical device provided with a supported switch lever;
The optical device is detachably loaded in an internal loading position, and has a case body and a lid body having waterproofness necessary for underwater photography,
A switch operating means for operating the switch lever in the left-right direction from the outside of the case body or the lid body, and a waterproof case for a camera comprising:
The switch operating means includes
A hole formed to face the convex portion in the case body or the lid body;
A shaft support formed in the vicinity of the hole;
A right extending portion that forms a right inclined surface that is inserted into the hole and contacts the right corner of the right surface portion, and a left extending surface that forms a left inclined surface that contacts the left corner of the left surface portion A swing member formed with a base portion, a shaft support portion pivotally supported by the shaft support portion, and a base portion having a pressing surface operated from the outside,
A waterproof case for a camera, comprising: a sealing member that covers the swing member in a liquid-tight state operable from the outside of the case body or the lid body. The hole portion is formed of a right hole portion for inserting the right extending portion and a left hole portion for inserting the left extending portion,
The waterproof case for a camera according to claim 2, wherein the shaft support portion is formed between the right hole portion and the left hole portion.   4. The waterproof case for a camera according to claim 2, wherein the switch lever is pivotally supported around a shutter button and is used for zooming up and down of the optical lens.   The waterproof case for a camera according to claim 4, wherein the seal member further covers the shutter button and a power on / off switch of the optical device in a liquid-tight state operable from the outside.   5. The waterproof case for a camera according to claim 1, wherein the case body or the lid body is injection-molded from a transparent or light-transmitting polycarbonate resin. 6.

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