JP2007212885A - Light diffusing tool for waterproof case and photographing method using same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve stroboscopic photography underwater or in a bad weather while sufficiently securing emitted light quantity by making emitted light from a stroboscope direct to a light diffusion surface so as not to scatter to circumference, as well as while not getting in the way. <P>SOLUTION: The light diffusing tool is equipped with: a plate-like member 7 having a chipped part 7a profiled along the front edge peripheral surface of the case tube part 21 of the waterproof case with which a lens barrel is covered, and a light diffusion surface larger than the light emitting surface of the stroboscope and equipped with a light diffusing function; a cover member 2 where an inner wall surface for fixing the plate-like member at its front end and a reflection surface for directing emitted light from the front case part to the plate-like member are formed; and an annular attaching part 6 extended from the cover member to the case tube part and also detachably provided from the lens surface 3 side of the case tube part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light diffusing tool for a waterproof case used when an ordinary optical device is used for underwater photography, for example, and a photographing method using the same.

  Underwater photography cameras dedicated to underwater photography have been put into practical use as optical devices. Because such underwater shooting cameras are expensive, a waterproof case designed specifically for underwater shooting that can be used with ordinary compact cameras, digital cameras, or digital video cameras has been put into practical use by model. Yes.

  On the other hand, for example, a digital camera has a lens barrel protruding from the front surface and a strobe disposed on the front surface. When this digital camera is mounted in a waterproof case and photographed, “scratching” occurs because a part of the flash emission is obstructed. This “kake” is designed not to occur when the digital camera is not loaded in the waterproof case, and occurs when the digital camera is loaded in the waterproof case.

  The principle of occurrence of this “kake” will be described based on a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a conventional light diffuser is attached to the waterproof case shown in FIG.

  In this figure, the digital camera 10 has a lens barrel 11 protruding from the front surface 10a, and a strobe 12 disposed obliquely above the lens barrel 11 on the front surface 10a. When shooting is performed while only the digital camera 10 is used to emit the flash 12, the range indicated by the broken line S is designed to be illuminated, and no shadow is affected by the lens barrel 11. .

  The waterproof case 20 for loading the digital camera 10 in a waterproof state as shown in the figure is fixed in a state in which the corner portion of the digital camera 10 is supported by the internal member 24 when the lid 16 is set. It is comprised so that it can be loaded. At this time, the objective lens of the lens barrel 11 of the digital camera 10 faces the lens surface 3 made of glass or transparent resin. In addition, an operation unit 14 for operating the shutter 13 and a cross key for performing various shooting settings from the outside is provided. On the other hand, the lid 16 and the other case portion disposed opposite to the liquid crystal display portion 17 are generally made of transparent resin, and a flange portion in which a sealing member 15 made of endless silicon rubber or the like is fixed to the outer peripheral surface is further integrally molded. The seal member 15 is configured to maintain a watertight state in the illustrated state.

  As described above, when the digital camera 10 is loaded in the waterproof case 20 and the strobe 12 is used, a shadow (indicated by hatching) that is affected by the case tube portion 21 that covers the lens barrel 11 occurs. This part becomes “Ke” K.

  Therefore, conventionally, in order to prevent this “kake” K, a light diffusing tool 100 shown by a one-dot chain line having a light diffusing function is attached from the case cylinder portion 21 of the waterproof case 20 to the upper surface of the waterproof case 20. Has been done. After the light diffusing tool 100 is attached, the light emitted from the strobe 12 is greatly diffused on the front surface of the light diffusing tool 100 through the transparent front surface 22 of the waterproof case 20 made of transparent resin. It is known that the ranges S2 and S2 can be illuminated, and the “kake” K does not occur.

In addition, the light diffusion function as described above is to form a light diffusion layer containing an organic polymer binder and organic polymer particles by coating on one surface of the transparent plate member, the refractive index difference is 0.05 or less, The weight average particle diameter of organic polymer particles is 10 to 21 microns, the weight ratio of organic polymer particles to organic polymer binder is 1.9 to 3.6, and the total coating of organic polymer particles and organic polymer binder It is known that it can be realized by setting the weight distribution to 10 to 17 grams / square meter and the size distribution of the organic polymer particles within a standard deviation value within 3.5 microns. (Patent Document 1)
In addition, the light diffusion function described above has a large number of minute regions having different refractive indexes in the transparent substrate, and a refractive index distribution type antireflection layer is interposed between the minute region and the transparent substrate, or It is known that it can be obtained by impregnating a transparent polymer base material having a continuous porous portion with a polymerizable compound that forms polymers having different refractive indexes and subjecting it to a polymerization treatment. (Patent Document 2)
The above light diffusing function can be obtained by forming a cross-sectional concavo-convex shape formed by providing fine concavo-convex on a light-transmitting resin substrate surface as a curved surface and a cross-section in a plurality of directions. Are known. (Patent Document 3)
Japanese Patent No. 3352932. Japanese Patent No. 3820505. Japanese Patent No. 34759797.

  However, since the conventional light diffusing tool 100 is not configured to effectively cover the space between the light diffusion surface and the front surface facing the light emission surface of the strobe, the strobe light emission is scattered around the light. There is a problem that a sufficient amount of light emitted from the diffusion surface cannot be secured. Further, the conventional light diffuser 100 has a structure that is attached from the case tube portion 21 of the waterproof case 20 to the upper surface of the waterproof case 20. For this reason, for example, when the entire length of the case cylinder portion 21 of the waterproof case is long, the entire case becomes three-dimensionally large, which may be an obstacle when not in use. In some cases, the photographer's fingertip is positioned within the strobe illumination range during shooting.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the light emitted from the strobe is not scattered around the light source, so that a sufficient amount of light emitted from the light diffusion surface can be secured, and the photographer's fingertip can be secured. An object of the present invention is to provide a light diffusing tool for a waterproof case and a photographing method using the same.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, an optical apparatus including a digital camera having a lens barrel protruding from a front surface and a strobe disposed on the front surface is waterproof. A light diffusing tool for a waterproof case used in a waterproof case that can be used, and a light-emitting surface of the strobe, and a defect portion having a shape along the front edge peripheral surface of the case cylindrical portion of the waterproof case that covers the lens barrel A plate-like member having a larger light diffusion surface and having a light diffusion function, and extending between the front case portion of the waterproof case and the front edge peripheral surface facing the light emitting surface, excluding the defective portion. A cover member formed with an inner wall surface that fixes the plate-like member at the front end thereof, and a reflection surface that directs light emitted from the front case portion to the plate-like member, and the cover member The case tube While being extended over, it is characterized in that it comprises a freely annular mounting portion provided detachable from the lens surface side of the case tubular section.

  Further, the plate-like member includes a portion having a similar shape larger than the light emitting surface, and the inner wall surface and the reflecting surface of the cover member are parallel to the light emitting surface at the front end portion of the cover member. Is formed from an inclined surface that extends from the front case portion to the peripheral surface of the front edge.

  The annular mounting portion is integrally injection-molded using a resin material together with the cover member, and is elastically deformable with respect to a plurality of convex portions formed in a radial direction from the peripheral surface of the front edge. Or a fitting portion that is elastically deformed and fitted to a groove portion formed on the peripheral surface of the front edge.

  And using a light diffusing tool for a waterproof case used in a waterproof case that enables use of the optical device including a digital camera having a lens barrel protruding from the front surface and a strobe disposed on the front surface in a waterproof state A photographing method, comprising a defect portion having a shape along the front peripheral surface of the case tube portion of the waterproof case covering the lens barrel, a light diffusion surface larger than the light emission surface of the strobe, and a light diffusion function In order to position the plate-like member in parallel with the light emitting surface, it extends between the front case portion of the waterproof case facing the light emitting surface and the peripheral surface of the waterproof case except for the defective portion, A cover member formed with an inner wall surface for fixing the plate-like member at the front end thereof and a reflection surface for directing light emission from the front case portion to the plate-like member is formed from the lens surface side of the case tube portion. Detachable By fixing through the annular mounting portion provided, all the light emission is directed to the plate-like member, and “crash” by the case tube portion is prevented, and shooting is performed along with the light emission of the strobe. It is a feature.

  According to the light diffusing tool for a waterproof case and the photographing method using the same according to the present invention, the light diffusing tool is directed to the light diffusing surface so that it does not get in the way when not in use and the light emitted from the strobe is not scattered around. This makes it possible to perform flash photography under water or in bad weather with a sufficient amount of emitted light, and to prevent the photographer's fingertip from being located in the illumination range of the flash.

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

  Here, in the following embodiments, the lens unit for photographing is retracted as an optical device, and the lens barrel of the photographing lens having an optical zoom system in which the photographing lens is three times or more, a front surface having a strobe, a liquid crystal A waterproof case designed exclusively for a small flat box type digital camera having a rear surface on which a display unit is disposed and an upper surface on which a shutter is disposed will be mainly described. However, the present invention is not limited to the digital camera configured as described above, and may be a fixed-focus digital camera, or can be applied to a silver salt film camera or a digital video camera.

  First, FIG. 1 is a view in which a strobe 12 of a digital camera 10 loaded therein can be seen by breaking a part of a waterproof case 20 to which a light diffuser for waterproof case is detachably attached. In this figure, if the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described in FIG. 5 and description thereof is omitted, the entire waterproof case 20 is generally injection-molded using a transparent resin material, and the front surface 22 is a strobe. 12 is opposed. Accordingly, since the light emitted from the strobe 12 is emitted to the outside through the front face 22, the above-mentioned "damage" occurs in this state, so it is necessary to attach a waterproof case light diffuser for strobe photography. is there.

  An annular frame 4 for fixing the lens surface 3 in a waterproof state is fixed to the front edge of the case tube portion 21 with screws. In addition, on the peripheral surface of the front edge of the case cylinder 21, three protrusions 5a, 5b, and 5c are protruded at an equally spaced angle of 120 degrees, and are fixed as an integral resin or as separate parts. Of these three protrusions, the protrusion 5a is formed at a position facing the strobe 12, and a waterproof case light is provided from the lens surface 3 side so that a part of a cover member to be described later enters inside. By setting the diffuser, the rotation around the frame 4 is stopped, while the remaining protrusions 5b and 5c are used as attachment parts to make the waterproof case light diffuser detachable. .

  Next, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the waterproof case 20 with the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 attached together with two types of waterproof case light diffusing tools 1. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. First, hook portions 28 and 28 are integrally formed on the upper surface of the waterproof case 20, and the strap and band are attached. It is configured so that it can be used by hanging from the neck or shoulder. One end of a strap 44 (shown by a broken line) is fixed to one side of the hook portion 28, and the other end of the strap 44 is fixed to a hook portion 6k formed in a radial direction from the annular mounting portion 6 of the light diffusing tool 1 for waterproof case. By doing so, it can be prevented from being lost when not in use.

  The waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 shown in the lower left part forms a defect 7a along the arcuate surface shape of the frame body 4 and also covers a plate member 7 prepared from a transparent material from the front. And an annular mounting portion 6 formed downward from the cover member 2. The annular mounting portion 6 is formed with a shape portion that fits into the protruding portions 5b and 5c shown in the broken line in the figure, while the cover member 2 corresponds to the protruding portion 5a as shown in the figure, and has a plate shape. A portion of the member 7 that becomes the missing portion 7a is a space. The waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 formed in this way is set in the direction of the arrow from the lens surface 3 side, so that the cover member 2 faces the light emitting surface of the strobe while being stopped around the annular frame 4. The front surface 22 is covered.

  On the other hand, the light diffusing tool 1 for a waterproof case shown in the lower right shows a cover member in which a groove 2k for setting a plate-like member 7 having a defect 7a along the arcuate shape of the frame 4 is set in the vertical direction. 2 and an annular mounting portion 6 formed so as to be divided into two by a gap 6a from the cover member 2 downward. The annular mounting portion 6 is formed with a shape portion that fits into a groove portion 50 to be described later, while the cover member 2 is configured such that a portion that becomes the defective portion 7a of the plate-like member 7 becomes a space as shown in the figure. Is formed.

  Similarly, when the light diffusing tool 1 for waterproof case is attached / detached from the lens surface 3 side, the annular mounting portion 6 divided into two is elastically deformed in the radial direction of the frame body and attached / detached with a lighter force. Is possible.

  Next, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 shown in the lower right in FIG. .

  First, in FIG. 3A, the same reference numerals are given to the components or components already described, and the description is omitted. First, the lens surface 3 is the open end of the case cylinder portion 21 of the waterproof case 20 of FIG. 5. The frame 4 is fixed to the portion by screwing with a black rubber bush 27 described later. That is, the frame body 4 is made of a resin forming the outer peripheral surface of the case cylinder portion 21, and the case cylinder body with a small screw (a stainless self-tapping countersunk screw around M2.6) shown in FIG. 21 is fixed to the open end.

  On the other hand, the annular mounting portion 6 is integrally formed with a shape portion 6k that is elastically deformed between the solid line and the broken line so as to be fitted to the protrusion 5c, and is moved toward the lens surface 3 to be set. When the chamfered portion of the shape portion 6k is elastically deformed to the position shown by the broken line so that the chamfered portion of the shape portion 6k rides on the protruding portion 5c, the fitting state can be maintained by returning to the position shown by the solid line. Yes. Moreover, when removing, it is comprised so that a fitting state can be cancelled | released by moving the shape part 6k to the arrow direction.

  Next, in FIG. 3B, a groove portion 50 having an inclined surface continuously formed from the joint surface with the frame body 4 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the case cylinder portion 21. On the other hand, it is configured to be fixed as shown by the intrusion of the shape portion 6k.

  Further, when removing the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1, the chamfered portion 6c of the shape portion 6k of the annular mounting portion 6 rides on the inclined surface as shown in FIG. 3C, so that it can be easily removed. Furthermore, when an unexpected external force is applied toward the lens surface 3 after the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 is attached, the cover member 2 comes into contact with the front surface 22 to prevent further movement, thereby effectively preventing damage. This can be prevented, and when an external force is applied from the lens surface 3 to the outside, the chamfered portion 6c of the shape portion 6k of the annular mounting portion 6 is elastically deformed so as to ride on the inclined surface, so that it is released naturally. Thereafter, the strap 44 can be hung from the strap 44, so that damage due to dropping can be effectively prevented.

  The waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 is set to be larger than the light emitting surface so as to be similar to the light emitting surface of the strobe 12, and the plate member 7 is parallel to the front surface 22 of the waterproof case 20. 4 (a), which is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 (b), which is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG.

  First, in FIG. 4A, the strobe 12 of the digital camera 10 includes a light emitting surface having a width dimension W facing the front surface 22 of the waterproof case. The cover member 2 of the light diffusing tool 1 for the waterproof case has inner wall portions 2a and 2a formed with reflection surfaces 9 and 9 on the inner surface, and is fixed so that the left opening is closed by the plate-like member 7 described above. The left opening is molded from a light-impermeable resin material so as to face the front surface 22. The reflective surfaces 9 and 9 can be formed by using a white resin as a mirror surface, or can be formed by aluminum vapor deposition or electroless plating. As shown in the figure, the inner wall portions 2a and 2a are each formed with an inclined surface having an angle α, so that the area of the strobe light emission can be expanded and light can be transmitted to the above-described defect portion 7a. "Can be prevented. That is, when the strobe 12 emits light, each light advances in the direction of the broken arrow, and the range Sh can be illuminated by the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces 9 and 9.

  In FIG. 4B, the strobe 12 of the digital camera 10 includes a light emitting surface having a height dimension H facing the front surface 22 of the waterproof case. The cover member 2 of the light diffusing tool 1 for the waterproof case has inner wall portions 2b and 2b formed with reflection surfaces 9 and 9 on the upper and lower surfaces and upper and lower surfaces, and the plate-shaped member 7 covers the left opening. And the opening on the left side is molded so as to face the front surface 22. The reflection surfaces 9 and 9 are formed by a continuous mirror surface, an aluminum vapor deposition process, or an electroless plating process as described above. As shown in the figure, the inner wall portions 2b and 2b are each formed with an inclined surface having an angle of β degrees so that the strobe light emission area can be expanded and light can be transmitted to the above-described defect portion 7a. "Can be prevented. That is, when the strobe 12 emits light, the respective light travels in the direction of the broken arrow, and the range Sv can be illuminated by the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surfaces 9 and 9 and the light traveling straight.

  As described above, by attaching the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 to the waterproof case 20 from the lens surface 3 side, the plate-like member 7 of the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 is parallel to the light emitting surface of the strobe 12. Can be positioned, and strobe photography can be performed in a state where the light reflected by the reflecting surface 9 is effectively directed to the plate-like member 7 and diffused. Moreover, when removing, it can carry out in the reverse procedure to the above.

  Since the case body and the lid body of the waterproof case 20 that accommodates the digital camera 10 configured as described above are injection-molded or molded using a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, the internal state is entirely external. It will be visible. Further, according to this waterproof case 20, by attaching various long and short straps, portability can be improved by hanging from the hand or hanging on the neck when carrying. As another application, digital cameras can be protected from dust and moisture, and can also be used for the purpose of protecting them from unexpected external forces when carried.

  Next, the light diffusing function forms a light diffusing layer including an organic polymer binder and organic polymer particles by coating on one surface of the plate-like member 7 of the light diffusing tool 1 for waterproof case, and the refractive index difference Is 0.05 or less, the weight average particle diameter of the organic polymer particles is 10 to 21 microns, the weight ratio of the organic polymer particles to the organic polymer binder is 1.9 to 3.6, The total coating weight with the molecular binder is 10 to 17 grams / square meter, and the spread of the size distribution of the organic polymer particles is within a standard deviation value within 3.5 microns.

  Alternatively, the substrate of the plate-shaped member 7 of the light diffusing tool 1 for waterproof case has a large number of minute regions having different refractive indexes, and a refractive index distribution type antireflection layer is interposed at the interface between the minute region and the substrate. Alternatively, the light diffusion function can be obtained by impregnating a transparent polymer base material having a continuous porous portion with a polymerizable compound that forms a polymer having a different refractive index and performing a polymerization treatment.

  Further, the cross-sectional uneven shape generated by providing minute unevenness on the substrate surface of the plate-like member 7 may be a curved surface and formed as a cross section in a plurality of directions to obtain a light diffusion function. For this reason, the plate-like member 7 is desirably molded from an acrylic resin material having excellent transparency, but is not limited thereto, and can be formed from glass.

  As described above, according to the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 of the present invention and the photographing method using the same, the light emitted from the strobe 12 is directed to the plate-like member 7 having the light diffusing surface so as not to be scattered around. This makes it possible to perform strobe shooting in water or in bad weather with sufficient light emission. Moreover, when not in use, it does not get in the way, and after the waterproof case light diffusing tool 1 is attached, it can be effectively prevented from being damaged by coming off when an unexpected external force is applied.

These are figures which made visible the flash 12 of the digital camera 10 loaded inside by breaking a part of the waterproof case 20 to which the light diffuser for waterproof case is detachably attached. These are the external appearance perspective views which illustrated waterproof case 20 which attached light diffuser 1 for waterproof cases with two types of light diffusers 1 for waterproof cases. (A) is AA arrow directional cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, (b), (c) is sectional drawing of the light diffusing tool 1 for waterproof cases shown in the lower right in FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. These are sectional drawings which showed a mode that the conventional light-diffusion tool 100 was attached to the waterproof case.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light diffuser for waterproof cases 2 Cover member 3 Lens surface 4 Frame body 5a, 5b, 5c Projection part 6 Annular attachment part 7 Plate-shaped member 9 Reflecting surface 10 Digital camera (optical apparatus)
11 Lens barrel 12 Strobe 20 Waterproof case 21 Case tube

Claims (4)

A light diffusing tool for a waterproof case used in a waterproof case that allows an optical device including a digital camera having a lens barrel protruding from a front surface and a strobe disposed on the front surface to be used in a waterproof state,
A plate-shaped member having a light diffusing function, having a defect portion having a shape along the front peripheral surface of the case cylinder portion of the waterproof case covering the lens barrel, and a light diffusing surface larger than a light emitting surface of the strobe; ,
An inner wall surface extending between the front case portion of the waterproof case facing the light emitting surface and the peripheral surface of the front edge, excluding the missing portion, and fixing the plate-like member at its front end; A cover member formed with a reflecting surface for directing light emitted from the front case part to the plate-like member;
A light diffusing tool for a waterproof case, comprising: an annular attachment portion that extends from the cover member to the case tube portion and is detachably provided from a lens surface side of the case tube portion.   The plate-like member has a similar shape portion larger than the light emitting surface, and the inner wall surface and the reflecting surface of the cover member fix the plate-like member in parallel with the light emitting surface at the front end portion of the cover member. The light diffusing tool for a waterproof case according to claim 1, wherein the light diffusing tool for the waterproof case is formed from an inclined surface that extends from the front case portion to the peripheral surface of the front edge.   The annular mounting portion is integrally injection-molded using a resin material together with the cover member, and is elastically deformed with respect to a plurality of convex portions formed in a radial direction from the peripheral surface of the front edge and is detachably fitted. The waterproof case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a fitting portion that is fitted or elastically deformed and fitted to a groove portion formed on the peripheral surface of the front edge is integrally formed. Light diffuser. A photographing method using a light diffusing tool for a waterproof case used in a waterproof case that enables use of the optical device including a digital camera having a lens barrel protruding from the front surface and a strobe disposed on the front surface in a waterproof state Because
A light-emitting plate-shaped member having a light diffusing function, a chipped portion having a shape along the peripheral surface of the front edge of the case cylinder of the waterproof case covering the lens barrel, a light diffusing surface larger than the light emitting surface of the strobe To position it parallel to the surface,
An inner wall surface extending between the front case portion of the waterproof case facing the light emitting surface and the peripheral surface of the front edge, excluding the missing portion, and fixing the plate-like member at the front end thereof; By fixing a cover member formed with a reflective surface for directing light emission from the front case part to the plate-like member via an annular attachment part that is detachably provided from the lens surface side of the case cylinder part,
Shooting using a light diffusing tool for a prevention case, wherein all light is directed to the plate-like member, and “crash” by the case tube portion is prevented, and shooting is performed with the flash emission. Method.

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