JP2009014929A - Waterproof optical device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof optical device, which is used (a first state) by rotating a waterproof main casing and a waterproof sub-casing manually and relatively by 180° with excellent durability of waterproofness, and reduced in thickness (a second state) in no use, and to provide a control method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: The device comprises a collapsible lens barrel having a lens drive part; a waterproof main casing 2 having a first joint surface 7 formed on a side surface at 45° to the upper surface extending from the back surface to the front surface; a waterproof sub-casing 3 having a second joint surface 8 formed on one side surface at 45° to the upper surface extending from the front surface to the back surface and a waterproof lens 4 facing an objective lens of the lens barrel; a rotating seal means which is rotatable 180° between the first joint surface and the second joint surface to seal the joint surfaces; and a control means performing drive control of the lens drive part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof electronic device and a control method thereof.

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

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

There has also been proposed a waterproof case in which a lid that can be opened and closed in a direction orthogonal to the minimum surface of the waterproof case is provided by a hinge. (Patent Document 1)
On the other hand, looking at the digital camera market, models with a waterproof function for daily life are being sold for differentiation from other companies, and are gaining popularity. In recent years, domestic camera manufacturers are also selling full-fledged waterproof digital cameras that have waterproof performance of about JIS standard grade 7 and enable underwater photography at a depth of about 1 m.

Furthermore, a waterproof digital camera has also been proposed in which a lens cover configured to cover a retractable lens barrel in a waterproof state when used underwater is fixed with a screw. (Patent Document 2)
JP-A-2005-84658. JP 2006-106340 A.

  According to the waterproof digital camera that uses the lens cover fixed with screws as described above, the lens cover mounting work is troublesome, and there is also a risk that the lens cover will be in the way when it is not in use and may be lost. is there.

  Therefore, for example, a seal structure that drives the lens cover in the front-rear direction simultaneously with the retractable lens barrel may be provided, but in this case, a problem remains in the durability of the seal structure. In addition, the retractable lens barrel is driven between a projecting position for projecting the lens barrel and a retracted position for retracting the lens barrel by a small built-in motor, and thus an excessive load is applied to the seal structure. Then, there is a problem that normal withdrawal can not be done.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the waterproof main housing and the waterproof sub-housing are connected to each other through a rotation sealing means provided at each joint surface having an inclination angle of 45 degrees. An object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof optical device that is excellent in waterproof durability and can be prevented from being bulky when not in use, and a control method therefor, by combining the structures.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, the lens driving unit 106 is driven between a protruding position for projecting the lens barrel and a retracted position for retracting the lens barrel. The retractable lens barrel 12 has a first joint surface 7 formed on the side surface so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface from the back surface to the front surface, and is drilled in the first joint surface. A waterproof main housing 2 having a first circular opening 7a having a size for inserting the retractable lens barrel, and an inclined surface having an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface from the front surface to the back surface. A second joint surface 8 formed on the side surface of the lens, a second circular opening 8a formed in the second joint surface and having a size through which the retractable lens barrel is inserted, and the retractable lens mirror Waterproof lens 4 facing the objective lens of the trunk The waterproof sub-housing 3 provided on the other side surface, the waterproof main housing and the waterproof sub-housing are separated by an angle of 180 degrees between the first joint surface and the second joint surface. A rotation sealing means 20 that is rotatable and sealed, and the waterproof main casing and the waterproof sub casing are relatively rotated 180 degrees via the rotation sealing means. The longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing is in a first state in which the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing, and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing and the longitudinal length of the waterproof secondary housing. Waterproof type comprising detection means 101, 102, 105 for detecting that the second state coincides with the direction, and control means 100 connected to the detection means and for controlling the driving of the lens driving unit. An optical device,
When the detecting means detects that the second means is operated from the second state to the first state, the control means drives the lens barrel from the retracted position to the protruding position after the detection. When the operation from the first state to the second state is detected, the lens barrel is immediately driven and controlled from the protruding position to the retracted position. And a power switch connected to the control means and for turning on / off the power supply of the entire apparatus. The control means is operated from the second state to the first state by the detection means. When detected, the power switch is turned on, and when the operation from the first state to the second state is detected, the power switch is turned off.

  Further, the rotation sealing means forms an outer wall portion 22 that extends outward from an edge portion of the second circular opening, forms an inner wall portion 21 that extends inward from an edge portion of the first circular opening, The endless seal member is fixed to the outer wall portion or the inner wall portion so that the endless seal member 23 is interposed between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion, and the endless seal is inserted through the inner wall portion. Maintaining the sealing state by the member, and inserting the circular bracket member 25 formed with the flange portion 25c and the notch portion 25a contacting the inner surface of the edge of the second circular opening portion into the second circular opening portion, The notch portion of the circular bracket member is engaged with the shape portion 26 formed in the first circular opening portion to prevent rotation, and the substantially C-shaped portion disposed in the vicinity of the first circular opening portion. The fixing member 27 is used to The projection bracket 39 formed in the second circular opening abuts against a pair of stopper portions 31 and 32 formed in a symmetrical position on the inner peripheral surface of the first circular opening. Thus, it is formed so as to be rotatable at an angle of 180 degrees.

  The rotating seal means further includes an endless lip seal member 24 positioned between the first joint surface and the second joint surface, and the endless lip seal member is connected to the first joint surface or the second joint surface. It is characterized by being fixed to the surface.

  In addition, a back cover member is provided that is detachably provided in a sealed state from the back surface of the waterproof main housing to the first joint surface, and the rotation sealing means can be attached from the inside of the first circular opening. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the back cover member is made of an elastic material, and a cross-sectional shape by a surface perpendicular to the engagement surface is formed in a substantially concave shape having a groove portion, and an endless seal member for a cover is provided at an edge portion, and the waterproof type A double sealing function is ensured by forming an accommodation groove for accommodating the endless seal member for a lid continuously on one engagement surface of the main housing.

  The first joint surface and the second joint surface are circular surfaces having the same diameter, and the cross-sectional shape of the waterproof sub-housing is an elliptical shape formed continuously from the second joint surface of the circular surface. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the waterproof main housing is formed continuously from the first joint surface of the circular surface so as to gradually become a rectangular shape.

  In addition, the waterproof main housing has a shape that can stand on a horizontal plane in the second state.

  Further, the waterproof main housing includes a rotating lid member that is rotatably provided in a sealed state so that the battery and the storage medium incorporated therein can be exchanged through an open surface, and the rotating lid member includes: A lid assembly provided via an opening / closing slide mechanism that can be opened / closed and locked with respect to the opening, wherein the opening / closing slide mechanism includes a hinge member provided in the vicinity of one end of the opening; The lid body is configured to be slidably guided toward the other end of the opening by the butterfly plate member, and is configured to be able to be locked to the waterproof main housing. A seal-shaped member made of an elastic material, formed with a flat portion and an inclined portion following the flat portion, a rigid material, a support member provided on the lower surface of the flat portion of the seal-shaped member, and a rigid material, The sea When the spacer member provided on the upper surface of the flat portion of the shape member is stacked and fixed, and the lid assembly is rotated to close the opening portion, the inclined portion of the seal shape member opens the opening. The sealing function is ensured by being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the portion.

  In addition, the endless seal member, the endless lip seal member, the endless seal member for lid and the seal-shaped member are natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicone rubber, elastomer, Teflon (registered trademark) It is characterized by being formed from a material containing rubber or fluorine. Further, the endless seal member and the endless lip seal member are characterized in that their surfaces are subjected to a lubricating treatment or a water repellent treatment.

  The waterproof electronic device is an optical device including a digital camera and a video camera, and is characterized in that a light-transmissive display surface that covers a liquid crystal display surface is formed on the back surface of the waterproof main housing. .

  The detecting means includes an actuator provided on the second joint surface side, and a first sensor and a second sensor fixed at symmetrical positions on the second joint surface side so as to be turned on and off by the actuator. It is characterized by comprising.

  In addition, the actuator includes a small actuator that performs the on / off for a short time and a large actuator that performs the on / off for a long time, and the outer wall portion is in a locked state and a non-locked state. An electromagnetic solenoid connected to the control means, and in the second state, the first sensor is turned on by the small actuator, the second sensor is turned on by the large actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid is The outer wall is maintained in the unlocked state, the retractable lens barrel is positioned at the retracted position, and in the first state, the first sensor is turned on by the large actuator, and the second sensor is It is turned on by a small actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid maintains the outer wall in the locked state, and the retractable lens barrel is positioned at the protruding position. It is characterized in that to.

Also, a retractable lens barrel having a lens driving unit that drives between a protruding position for projecting the lens barrel and a retracted position for retracting the lens barrel, and an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface from the back to the front. A first joint surface formed on a side surface so as to form an inclined surface, and a first circular opening formed in the first joint surface and having a size through which the retractable lens barrel is inserted. A waterproof main housing, a second joint surface formed on one side surface so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the top surface from the front surface to the back surface, and the second joint surface is perforated. A second circular opening having a size through which the retractable lens barrel is inserted, a waterproof sub-housing provided with a waterproof lens facing the objective lens of the retractable lens barrel on the other side surface, and The waterproof main housing and the waterproof sub-housing Rotating seal means for making a rotatable and sealed state at an angle of 180 degrees between the first joint surface and the second joint surface, and the waterproof main housing and the waterproof through the rotational seal means When the rotary sub-housing is rotated by 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main casing, the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-housing is in a first state orthogonal to Detecting means for detecting that the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main casing and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-casing coincide with each other; and detecting means connected to the detecting means and of the lens driving section And a control means for controlling the waterproof optical device, wherein the control means detects that the detection means is operated from the second state to the first state. Lagging the detection, the lens barrel is moved away from the retracted position. A step of driving and controlling the lens barrel from the protruding position to the retracted position when it is detected that the first state is operated to the second state. It is characterized by providing.
The detecting means includes a small actuator that is provided on the second joint surface side and that is turned on and off for a short time and a large actuator that is turned on and off for a long time, and is turned on and off by each actuator. The first sensor and the second sensor are fixed at symmetrical positions on the second joint surface side, and further, the second joint surface side is set to a locked state and a non-locked state. An electromagnetic solenoid connected to the control means, and in the second state, the first sensor is turned on by the small actuator, the second sensor is turned on by the large actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid is Maintaining the outer wall in the unlocked state and positioning the retractable lens barrel in the retracted position; and in the first state, the first sensor is configured to move the large actuator. The second sensor is turned on by the small actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid maintains the outer wall in the locked state, and the retractable lens barrel is positioned at the protruding position. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, the waterproof main casing is formed by combining the waterproof main casing and the waterproof sub-casing through the rotation sealing means provided on each joint surface having an inclination angle of 45 degrees. And the waterproof sub-casing can be used by manually rotating them relative to each other at an angle of 180 (first state), so that they are excellent in waterproof durability and in a straight line when not in use (second state) It is possible to provide a waterproof optical device that can be prevented from being bulky and a control method thereof.

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

  Here, in the following embodiments, as a waterproof optical device, a digital camera having a cylindrical retractable lens barrel in which a photographing lens unit is retracted and the photographing lens is provided with an optical zoom system is mainly used. In the following. However, the present invention is not limited to the digital camera configured as described above, and can be applied to a digital video camera including a cylindrical retractable lens barrel having an optical zoom system in which a photographing lens unit is retracted. .

  Furthermore, a particularly desirable configuration is provided as a waterproof optical device, particularly when the lid is removed from the housing for repair and access to the main body device fixed inside the housing is possible. .

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

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

  That is, the structure which can maintain a waterproof performance over a long period of time and can ensure a double sealing function that can sufficiently withstand repeated opening and closing is provided.

  Hereinafter, as a waterproof optical device, a waterproof digital camera 1 having a cylindrical retractable lens barrel having an optical zoom system in which a photographing lens unit is retracted will be representatively described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Details will be described.

  FIG. 1A is an external perspective view illustrating a waterproof digital camera 1 having a retractable lens barrel 12 in a first unused state, and FIG. 1B is this waterproof digital camera. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating a state where 1 is in a second state of use. FIG.

  1A and 1B, a waterproof digital camera 1 (hereinafter also referred to as a digital camera) includes a waterproof main casing 2 that is injection-molded using a resin material, and also uses a resin material. The prepared waterproof sub-housing 3 is united between the second joint surface 8 formed so as to form an inclined surface having an angle of 45 degrees and the first joint surface 7. The first joint surface 7 is provided with a first circular opening 7a shown by a broken line in the drawing, and the second joint surface 8 has a second smaller than the first circular opening 7a also shown by a broken line. A circular opening 8a is formed.

  The first joint surface 7 and the second joint surface 8 are circular surfaces having the same diameter, and the cross-sectional shape of the waterproof sub-housing 2 is an elliptical shape formed continuously from the second joint surface 8 of the circular surface as shown in the figure. It has become. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the waterproof main housing 2 is continuously formed so as to gradually become closer to a rectangular shape from the first joint surface 7 which is a circular surface, thereby improving usability. In addition, each cross-sectional shape can be arbitrarily set based on industrial design, and may be a square or a complete ellipse.

  A back cover member 10 is provided on the back surface of the waterproof main housing 2 so as to be detachable from the back surface of the waterproof main housing 2 to the first joint surface 7 in a sealed state. By removing it, the rotation sealing means described later can be attached from the inside of the first circular opening 7a. In addition, in a state where the back cover member 10 is removed, all components to be incorporated in the waterproof main housing 2 can be accessed so that each component can be fixed or replaced.

  On the bottom surface of the waterproof main housing 2, a rotating lid member 6 shown by a broken line in the drawing is provided. In order to replace the battery and the storage medium built in the waterproof main housing 2, In addition, the rotating lid member 6 is configured to be opened when the cord is connected to a personal computer or an AV device. Also, during use including underwater photography, a completely sealed state is set as will be described later.

  The waterproof sub-housing 3 has a waterproof lens 4 facing the objective lens of the retractable lens barrel on the other side surface. Further, a shutter button 5 is provided at the illustrated position on the outer peripheral surface of the waterproof sub-housing 3. Alternatively, a shutter button 5 is provided at a position shown by a broken line so that it can be used in the state shown in FIG.

  When the waterproof main housing and the waterproof sub-housing are relatively rotated by 180 degrees via a rotation sealing means described later provided between the first joint surface 7 and the second joint surface 8, FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the first state where the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-housing 3 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing and the optimum position for pressing the shutter button 5 It is comprised so that it may become.

  That is, the user uses the waterproof digital camera 1 while holding it or placing it on a horizontal surface in the state shown in FIG. After this use, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), the bag is prevented from becoming bulky by returning to the second state in which the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing 2 and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-housing 3 coincide. So that it can be stored. At this time, there are a case where the power switch is automatically turned on and off and a case where the power switch is turned on and off individually.

  In addition, when left in the first state of FIG. 1B for 2 minutes or more, for example, the power switch is automatically turned off to provide a function for preventing the built-in battery from being consumed.

  2 (a) is a plan view of FIG. 1 (a) simultaneously illustrating that the back cover member 10 is removed, and FIG. 2 (b) is a plan view of FIG. 1 (b).

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts already described, and the description is omitted. The waterproof main housing 2 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface 2t from the rear surface 2r to the front surface 2f. The first joint surface 7 is formed so as to form Further, the first circular opening 7a drilled in the first joint surface 7 forms an opening having a size for insertion through the retractable lens barrel 12 (shown by a broken line) as shown in the figure.

  The waterproof sub-housing 3 has a second joint surface 8 formed so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface 2t from the front surface 2f to the back surface 2r. A second circular opening 8a having a size to be inserted through the lens barrel 12 is formed.

  The objective lens of the retractable lens barrel 12 is configured to face the waterproof lens 4 of the waterproof sub-housing 3 in the second state illustrated in FIG.

  The retractable lens barrel 12 is fixed on a mounting substrate 15 (shown by a broken line) as shown in the figure, and a lens driving unit that drives between a retracted position and a protruding position for retracting the lens barrel 12 as will be described later. Is provided. A liquid crystal display device 13 is mounted on the mounting substrate 15 at a position facing the display surface 10 a of the back cover member 10. The switches of the external operation unit 14 provided in a sealed state are also mounted on the mounting board 15.

  The back cover member 10 is set in the black arrow direction in the figure. When the back cover member 10 is removed, a large opening surface appears, so that the first joint surface 7 can be accessed from the inside. Here, on each of the casings 2 and 3 and the back cover member 10, a decorative panel (not shown) made of a metal plate except for the above display surface is detachably attached by screwing to improve the appearance. And is configured to maintain wear resistance.

  Next, FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2A, and FIG.

  In FIG. 3 (a), components and components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The waterproof collapsible lens barrel 12 includes an objective lens 12a, an electronic shutter 112, a CMOS, and a CCD. An image pickup device 111 such as is incorporated. The waterproof collapsible lens barrel 12 is configured to be interlocked and driven by the lens driving unit 106, and is configured to be driven to the protruding position and the retracted position as shown above.

  On the other hand, the entire waterproof lens 4 is made watertight by the O-ring 16 and is kept waterproof by fixing the fixing member 17 with screws.

  The rotary seal means 20 forms an outer wall portion 22 that extends outward from the edge of the second circular opening 8a, and a groove portion that fixes the endless seal member 23 including the 0-ring is provided on the outer wall portion 22. An endless seal member 23 is fixed as shown. Moreover, the inner wall part 21 which goes inward from the edge part of the 1st circular opening part 7a is formed, and it is interposed between the outer wall part 22 and the inner wall part 21 so that the endless sealing member 23 can be elastically deformed moderately. Thus, the sealing state by the endless sealing member is maintained and the resistance during rotation can be reduced as much as possible.

  Next, referring further to FIG. 3B, in order to provide the endless lip seal member 24 located between the first joint surface 7 and the second joint surface 8, the endless lip seal member 24 is replaced with the first joint surface. The endless lip seal member 24 is suitably elastically deformed by being housed in the groove portion, and the sealing state by the endless seal member is maintained double. The endless lip seal member 24 may be provided on the second joint surface.

  Next, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the rotational seal means 20, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the rotational seal means 20. First, in FIG. 4A, the same reference numerals are given to the components or components already described, and the description thereof is omitted. The endless lip seal 24 is built in the circular groove portion of the second joint surface 8. Further, the outer wall portion 22 is held so as not to drop off by fixing the circular bracket member 25 formed with the flange portion 25c contacting the inner surface of the edge portion of the second circular opening portion 8a with the fixing member 27. At the same time, the waterproof sub-housing 3 is configured to be rotatable by an angle of 180 degrees.

  An actuator 105 constituting a magnetic sensor is embedded in the second joint surface 8. A first sensor 101 and a second sensor 102 that are turned on and off by the actuator 105 are fixed to the first joint surface 7 at symmetrical positions of the first joint surface 7, respectively.

  In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the sub-housing 3 is rotated to the first state, the actuator 105 is positioned to face the second sensor 102, so that this state can be detected. Become. In addition to magnetic sensors, there are optical sensors as sensors. Moreover, when using a mechanical contact sensor, it is necessary to use an actuator that passes through the opening of the circular bracket member 25 because of waterproofing.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a view taken along line XX in FIG. Further referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 which is an exploded view of the rotation seal means 20, the circular bracket member 25 is provided with a flange portion 25c and a cutout portion that contact the inner surface of the edge of the second circular opening 8a. 25a is formed. The circular bracket member 25 is inserted into the second circular opening 8a, and the notch 25a of the circular bracket member 25 is fitted to the shape portion 26 formed in the first circular opening to prevent rotation. A substantially C-shaped fixing member 27 disposed in the vicinity of the first circular opening is fixed to the circular bracket using three screws 30. By configuring in this way, it is possible to perform fixing at a limited portion on the tip side of 45 degrees in particular.

  In addition, the projection 39 formed in the second circular opening abuts against the pair of stoppers 31 and 32 formed in a symmetrical position on the inner peripheral surface of the first circular opening so that an angle of 180 degrees is obtained. It is formed to be rotatable in minutes.

  FIG. 7A is a bottom view illustrating a state in which the rotating lid member 6 provided to be freely opened and closed on the bottom surface of the waterproof digital camera 1 is locked, and FIG. FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a state where the rotating lid member 6 is opened from the waterproof digital camera 1 and the opening 2k is exposed.

  For this rotating lid member, the configuration filed by the present applicant as Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-217441 on August 9, 2006 can be adopted. That is, the lid assembly is provided via an opening / closing slide mechanism that can be opened and closed and locked with respect to the opening, and the opening / closing slide mechanism includes a hinge member provided in the vicinity of one end of the opening of the housing, The lid body is slidably guided toward the other end of the opening by the butterfly plate member, and is configured from a lid body that can be locked with respect to the housing. A seal-shaped member formed with a flat portion and an inclined portion following the flat portion, a support member provided on the lower surface of the flat portion of the seal-shaped member, and an upper surface of the flat portion of the seal-shaped member formed of a rigid material. A spacer function is provided by laminating and fixing the spacer member, and when the opening is closed by rotating the lid assembly, the inclined portion of the seal-shaped member is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening, thereby providing a sealing function. Secured It is intended to be.

  Specifically, in FIG. 7A, the bottom wall of the waterproof main housing 2 is formed with a concave shape portion 2a for allowing the rotating lid member 6 to slide in the left direction in the figure. . The rotating lid member 6 is positioned in the shape portion 2a and is maintained in the illustrated locked state, thereby closing the opening 2k illustrated in FIG. 7C in a watertight state. The lid body 621 of the rotating lid member 6 is integrally formed with a protrusion 621a to which the fingertip is hooked, and the protrusion 621a can be moved in the arrow direction shown in FIG. 7B by the fingertip. Yes.

  In FIG.7 (c), the small battery 104 is set in the opening part 2k so that polarity may be alternated. Further, an AV terminal that is directly connected to the television by a cord and a storage medium 120 that stores a captured image are further incorporated. In order to replace the battery and connect the connector between the external connection terminal and the external device, the opening 2k is opened by rotating the rotating lid member 6 from the state shown in FIG. 7B. It is made into the state opened. For this reason, the hinge member 628 to which one piece is fixed is fixed to the rotating lid member 6, and the other piece is fixed to the lid main body 621 via a slide mechanism.

  A seal body 630 is provided below the lid body 621 that can be rotated and locked by an open / close slide mechanism. The seal body 630 is located in the opening 2k so that the sealing state of the opening 2k can be maintained.

  Next, FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the endless seal member 45 is inserted into the continuous concave portion 40 at the edge of the main housing 2, and FIG. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the protruding portion 10k of the back cover member 10 is infiltrated after insertion, and FIG. 8C illustrates a state in which the protruding portion 10k is infiltrated into the groove portion of the endless seal member 45 to be in a sealed state. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing action.

  As this configuration, the configuration filed by the applicant of the present application in Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-217440 on August 9, 2006 can be adopted. That is, a housing having one surface open, a lid that covers the open surface of the housing, and an endless seal member that is disposed on an engagement surface between the housing and the lid. This endless seal member is made of an elastic material, and the cross-sectional shape by a surface perpendicular to the engagement surface is formed in a substantially concave shape having a groove, and on one engagement surface of the housing and the lid, A housing groove portion for housing the endless seal member is formed continuously, and a projection portion that fits into the groove portion of the endless seal member is continuously formed on the other engagement surface of the housing and the lid, and the endless groove is formed in the housing groove portion. A seal member is inserted, and a double seal function is secured by fitting the protrusion into the groove.

  Specifically, in FIG. 8A, in order to form the endless seal member 45 into a substantially concave shape having a groove portion, the endless seal member 45 includes a bottom portion 46 and a first extension extending from both sides of the bottom portion 46. It has an installation part 47 and a second extension part 48. Further, the distal end portions of the first extending portions 47 and the second extending portions 48 are rounded so that burrs are not generated on the parting surfaces, similar to the seal-shaped member 35 described above.

  According to the endless seal member 45 prepared as described above, the sealing action surface for waterproofing can be increased in comparison with the endless O-ring. Furthermore, even if burrs remain on the parting surface during molding, the waterproof performance is not impaired by this effect. Further, since the waterproof performance can be maintained over a long period of time due to permanent distortion, it is not necessary to replace it with a new one, for example, at the time of repair, and it can sufficiently withstand repeated use. From the 1st extension part 47 and the 2nd extension part 48, the 1st peak part 49 and the 2nd peak part 50 are formed in the mutually opposing surface.

  In FIG. 8D, when the protrusion 10k is inserted into the groove 45a, the end portion of the first extension portion 47 and the second extension portion are used with the first peak portion 49 and the second peak portion 50 as rotation fulcrums. The end of the installation part 48 is rotated in the direction of the arrow toward the protrusion 3k. As a result, the sealing function is further enhanced. Here, the first peak portion 49 and the second peak portion 50 may be sufficient if either one is provided. Moreover, the 1st peak part 49 and the 2nd peak part 50 do not need, and it replaces with this and may form a peak part in the protrusion part 10k.

  By configuring the seal structure between the back cover member 10 and the main housing 2 as described above, it becomes possible to repeatedly attach and detach, so that repair and the like can be easily performed.

  Next, FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the digital camera of FIG. Referring to FIG. 4 in FIG. 9, the first sensor 101 and the second sensor 102 that are turned on / off by the actuator 105 that constitutes the detection means are connected to the control unit 100 via the interface circuit 103.

  The power switch 150 and the battery 104 of the entire apparatus are also connected to the control unit 100. In addition, a motor driver 105 that supplies power to drive the motor of the lens driving unit 106 is connected to the control unit 100.

  FIG. 10A shows a case in which a manual operation is performed from a state in which the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing 2 and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-housing 3 coincide with each other to a first state orthogonal to the second state. It is an operation | movement explanatory flowchart performed. (b) is an operation explanatory flowchart executed when a manual operation is performed so as to change from the first state to the second state.

  With reference to FIG. 10A and FIG. 4, from the second state in which the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing 2 and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-housing 3 coincide with each other as shown in FIG. The waterproof sub-housing 3 is manually rotated between the first joint surface 7 and the second joint surface 8 at an angle of 180 degrees. Then, the first sensor 101 that has been turned on by the actuator 105 in step S2 is turned off.

  Subsequently, when the OFF state is input to the control unit 100 in step S3, it is recognized that the manual operation is performed so that the second state is changed to the first state in step S4. Next, in step S5, the passage of time is waited, and the lens driving unit 106 is energized so as to drive the lens barrel 12 from the retracted position to the protruding position in step S6 with a slight delay from the detection timing in step S2. A series of drive control processing ends.

  By performing the drive control as described above, the lens barrel is driven to the projecting position after the lens barrel has been completely moved from the unused second state to the used first state by a manual operation. The lens barrel does not collide inside.

  On the other hand, referring to FIG. 10 (b), from the first state in which the waterproof main housing 2 and the waterproof sub housing 3 are orthogonal to each other, the waterproof sub housing 3 is attached to the first joint surface 7 and the step S7. When the rotation operation is manually performed between the second bonding surfaces 8 at an angle of 180 degrees, the second sensor 102 that has been turned on by the actuator 105 in step S8 is turned off. Subsequently, in step S9, when the off state is input to the control unit 100, it is recognized that the manual operation is performed so that the first state is changed to the second state. Next, in step S10, the lens driving unit 106 is energized so that the lens barrel 12 is immediately driven from the protruding position to the retracted position, thereby completing a series of drive control processes.

  By performing the drive control as described above, the lens barrel is driven in the sub-housing 3 so that the lens barrel is driven to the retracted position before being completely manually operated from the first state to the second state. The collision is prevented.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to prevent any load from being applied to the drive motor when the collapsible lens barrel 12 is stopped and during reciprocating drive. In addition, it is possible to provide a waterproof optical device in which a double sealing function is sufficiently ensured.

  11 (a) to 11 (c) are composed of a small actuator 105a that turns on and off the actuator 105 for a short time and a large actuator 105b that turns on and off for a long time, and is further connected to the control unit. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure which provides the electromagnetic solenoid 140 by which energization control is carried out and maintains the outer wall part 22 of a sub-casing in the latching state.

  In this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the components or parts that have already been described, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 11A shows the second state that is not used. At this time, the first sensor 101 is short. It is turned on by the small actuator 105a of the stroke. In addition, the second sensor 102 is turned on by a large actuator 105b having a longer stroke, and the electromagnetic solenoid 140 is in an unlocked state retracted from the groove portion 22m of the outer wall portion. At this time, the retractable lens barrel 12 is in the retracted position.

  From this state, when rotating in the direction of the solid arrow, the first sensor is turned off and the second sensor 102 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 11B. When further rotated by 180 degrees, the first sensor 101 is turned on by the large actuator 105b and the second sensor 102 is turned on by the small actuator 105a as shown in FIG. 11C. Before and after this, the electromagnetic solenoid 140 is energized to enter a locked state where it enters the groove portion 22m of the outer wall portion, thereby bringing the sub-housing into an immobile state. Further, the retractable lens barrel 12 is driven to the protruding position, and the power switch 150 is turned on to enter a standby state (first state) where photographing can be performed. Further, in order to change from the first state to the second state, the state shown in FIG.

  The above-described control can be performed by the pure mechanical configuration as described above.

  Finally, FIG. 12 (a) is a usage state diagram in which the waterproof digital video camera is used in an upright state, (b) is a usage state diagram in which the waterproof digital video camera is used while being held, (d) illustrates how the strap 300 is provided.

  In FIG. 12A, the operation button 5 can be switched to the continuous shooting mode, and can be subsequently placed on the horizontal floor F to perform continuous shooting. In addition, the main housing 2 is put in the breast pocket of the clothing, and the waterproof lens is continuously photographed while moving toward the subject, and can be returned to the second state after use and used.

  Further, in FIG. 12B, a light emitting strobe may be arranged on the left and right portions of the waterproof lens 4. Furthermore, if the internal volume of each housing is set large in order to ensure sufficient buoyancy, it can be in a state where it floats so that part of it appears on the water surface W as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 12D, if strap fixing holes 301 and 302 are integrally formed on the side surface of the main housing, and the strap 300 is fixed to each hole, the strap 300 can be used around the neck. It will be easy to carry around. In addition to this, it goes without saying that it can be used in various usage forms.

(a) is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the waterproof digital camera 1 including the retractable lens barrel 12 is in the unused state, and (b) is a state in which the waterproof digital camera 1 is in use. It is an external appearance perspective view which illustrated a mode in this 2nd state. (a) is the top view of FIG. 1 (a) which illustrated that the back surface cover member 10 was removed simultaneously, (b) is a top view of FIG.1 (b). 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2A, and FIG. (a) is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the rotational seal means 20, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the rotational seal means 20. FIG. 4 is an XX line view of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a rotating seal means 20. (A) is a bottom view illustrating a state in which a rotating lid member 6 provided so as to be freely opened and closed on the bottom surface of the waterproof digital camera 1 is illustrated, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the locking of the rotating lid member 6 is released. FIG. 8C is a bottom view illustrating the state in which the rotating lid member 6 is opened from the waterproof digital camera 1 and the opening 2k is exposed. (a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the endless seal member 45 is inserted into the continuous recess 40 at the edge of the main housing 2, and (b) is a diagram of the back cover member 10 after the endless seal member 45 is inserted. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the protruding portion 10k is infiltrated, and FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the protruding portion 10k is infiltrated into the groove portion of the endless seal member 45 to be in a sealed state. ) Is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing action. It is a block diagram of the digital camera of FIG. (a) is executed when a manual operation is performed from the second state in which the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main housing 2 and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-housing 3 coincide with each other to the orthogonal first state. FIG. (b) is an operation explanatory flowchart executed when a manual operation is performed so as to change from the first state to the second state. (a) to (c) are composed of a small actuator 105a that turns on and off the actuator 105 for a short time and a large actuator 105b that turns on and off for a long time, and is further energized by being connected to the control unit. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the structure which provides the electromagnetic solenoid 140 to be controlled and maintains the outer wall part 22 of a sub-casing in the latching state. (a) is a usage state diagram in which the waterproof digital video camera is used in an upright state, (b) is a usage state diagram in which the waterproof digital video camera is used while being gripped, (c) is a front view in a state of floating on the liquid level W, (d) is a front view illustrating a state in which the strap 300 is provided.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Waterproof digital camera 2 Waterproof main housing 3 Waterproof sub housing 4 Waterproof lens 6 Rotating lid member 7 First joint surface 8 Second joint surface 10 Back cover member 12 Retractable lens barrel 15 Mounting substrate 20 Rotation Seal means 21 Inner wall portion 22 Outer wall portion 23 Endless seal member 100 Control portion 101 First sensor 102 Second sensor 105 Actuator

Claims (16)

A retractable lens barrel having a lens driving unit that drives between a protruding position for projecting the lens barrel and a retracted position for retracting the lens barrel;
A first joint surface formed on the side surface so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface from the back surface to the front surface, and a size that is formed in the first joint surface and is inserted through the retractable lens barrel. A waterproof main housing having a first circular opening having a thickness;
A second joint surface formed on one side surface so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the top surface from the front surface to the back surface, and the second joint surface is drilled through the retractable lens barrel. A second circular opening having a size to provide a waterproof sub-casing provided on the other side surface with a waterproof lens facing the objective lens of the retractable lens barrel;
Rotating seal means for allowing the waterproof main housing and the waterproof sub-housing to be rotated and sealed in an angle of 180 degrees between the first joint surface and the second joint surface;
The waterproof main casing and the waterproof sub-casing are rotated relative to each other by 180 degrees via the rotating seal means, so that the waterproof type is relative to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main casing. It is detected that the longitudinal direction of the sub-casing is in a first state in which the longitudinal directions are orthogonal to each other and that the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main casing and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-casing coincide with each other. Detection means;
A waterproof optical device comprising: a control unit that is connected to the detection unit and controls the driving of the lens driving unit;
When the detecting means detects that the second means is operated from the second state to the first state, the control means drives the lens barrel from the retracted position to the protruding position after the detection. And
A waterproof optical apparatus, wherein when it is detected that the first state is operated to the second state, the lens barrel is immediately driven from the protruding position to the retracted position. A power switch connected to the control means and for turning on / off the power of the entire apparatus;
The control means turns on the power switch and operates from the first state to the second state when the detection means detects that the second state is operated to the first state. The waterproof optical device according to claim 1, wherein the power switch is turned off when it is detected that the contact is detected. The rotating seal means includes
Forming an outer wall extending outward from an edge of the second circular opening, forming an inner wall extending inward from an edge of the first circular opening;
Fixing the endless seal member to the outer wall portion or the inner wall portion so that an endless seal member is interposed between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion;
Maintaining the sealing state by the endless seal member by inserting the outer wall portion into the inner wall portion;
A circular bracket member formed with a flange and a notch that contacts the inner surface of the edge of the second circular opening is inserted through the second circular opening;
The notch of the circular bracket member is fitted to a shape formed in the first circular opening to prevent rotation, and a substantially C-shaped fixing disposed near the first circular opening. Fixing the circular bracket using a member,
The projection formed on the second circular opening abuts against a pair of stoppers formed at symmetrical positions on the inner peripheral surface of the first circular opening so that it can be rotated by an angle of 180 degrees. The waterproof optical device according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof optical device is formed so as to be free.   The rotating seal means further includes an endless lip seal member positioned between the first joint surface and the second joint surface, and the endless lip seal member is fixed to the first joint surface or the second joint surface. The waterproof optical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the waterproof optical apparatus is provided.   A back cover member that is detachably provided in a sealed state from the back surface of the waterproof main housing to the first joint surface, and the rotation sealing means can be attached from the inside of the first circular opening. The waterproof optical device according to claim 1, wherein:   The back cover member is made of an elastic material, and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the engagement surface is formed in a substantially concave shape having a groove portion, and an endless seal member for the cover is provided at an edge portion, and the waterproof main housing 6. The waterproofing according to claim 5, wherein a double sealing function is secured by continuously forming an accommodating groove for accommodating the endless sealing member for lid on one engagement surface of the body. Optical device. The first joint surface and the second joint surface are circular surfaces having the same diameter, and the cross-sectional shape of the waterproof sub-housing is an elliptical shape continuously formed from the second joint surface of the circular surface. ,
2. The waterproof optical device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the waterproof main housing is continuously formed so as to gradually approach a rectangular shape from the first joint surface of the circular surface.   The waterproof optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof main housing has a shape that can stand on a horizontal plane in the first state. The waterproof main housing includes a rotating lid member that is provided so as to be rotatable in a sealed state so that the battery and the storage medium incorporated therein can be exchanged through an open surface.
The rotating lid member includes a lid assembly provided via an opening / closing slide mechanism that is openable / closable and latchable with respect to the opening.
The opening / closing slide mechanism is
A hinge member provided in the vicinity of one end of the opening;
The lid body is slidably guided toward the other end of the opening by the butterfly plate member, and includes a lid body provided to be able to be locked to the waterproof main housing.
For the lid body,
A seal-shaped member made of an elastic material and formed with a flat portion and an inclined portion following the flat portion; a support member made of a rigid material and provided on the lower surface of the flat portion of the seal-shaped member;
It is composed of a rigid material, and is laminated and fixed with a spacer member provided on the upper surface of the flat portion of the seal-shaped member,
When the lid assembly is turned to close the opening, the inclined portion of the seal-shaped member is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening to ensure a sealing function. The waterproof electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The endless seal member, the endless lip seal member, the endless seal member for lid, and the seal-shaped member are natural rubber, chemically synthesized rubber, polymer resin material, silicone rubber, elastomer, and Teflon (registered trademark) rubber. The waterproof optical device according to claim 3, wherein the waterproof optical device is made of a material containing fluorine.   11. The waterproof optical device according to claim 10, wherein the endless seal member and the endless lip seal member are subjected to a lubrication treatment or a water repellent treatment on the surfaces thereof.   The waterproof electronic device is an optical device including a digital camera and a video camera, and a light-transmitting display surface that covers a liquid crystal display surface is formed on the back surface of the waterproof main housing. The waterproof optical apparatus according to any one of 1 to 11. The detection means includes an actuator provided on the second joint surface side;
2. The waterproof optical system according to claim 1, comprising: a first sensor and a second sensor fixed at symmetrical positions on the second joint surface side so as to be turned on and off by the actuator. apparatus. The actuator has a small actuator that performs the on / off for a short time and a large actuator that performs the on / off for a long time,
And an electromagnetic solenoid connected to the control means so that the outer wall portion is in a locked state and a non-locked state,
In the second state, the first sensor is turned on by the small actuator, the second sensor is turned on by the large actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid maintains the outer wall portion in the unlocked state, and the collapsed Position the lens barrel in the retracted position,
In the first state, the first sensor is turned on by the large actuator, the second sensor is turned on by the small actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid maintains the outer wall portion in the locked state. The waterproof optical device according to claim 13, wherein a lens barrel is positioned at the protruding position. A retractable lens barrel having a lens driving unit that drives between a protruding position for projecting the lens barrel and a retracted position for retracting the lens barrel;
A first joint surface formed on the side surface so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper surface from the back surface to the front surface, and a size that is formed in the first joint surface and is inserted through the retractable lens barrel. A waterproof main housing having a first circular opening having a thickness;
A second joint surface formed on one side surface so as to form an inclined surface with an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the top surface from the front surface to the back surface, and the second joint surface is drilled through the retractable lens barrel. A second circular opening having a size to provide a waterproof sub-casing provided on the other side surface with a waterproof lens facing the objective lens of the retractable lens barrel;
Rotating seal means for allowing the waterproof main housing and the waterproof sub-housing to be rotated and sealed in an angle of 180 degrees between the first joint surface and the second joint surface;
The waterproof main casing and the waterproof sub-casing are rotated relative to each other by 180 degrees via the rotating seal means, so that the waterproof type is relative to the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main casing. It is detected that the longitudinal direction of the sub-casing is in a first state in which the longitudinal directions are orthogonal to each other and that the longitudinal direction of the waterproof main casing and the longitudinal direction of the waterproof sub-casing coincide with each other. Detection means;
A control unit connected to the detection unit and performing drive control of the lens driving unit, and a control method of the waterproof optical device,
When the detecting means detects that the second means is operated from the second state to the first state, the control means drives the lens barrel from the retracted position to the protruding position after the detection. And a process of
And a step of immediately driving and controlling the lens barrel from the protruding position to the retracted position when it is detected that the first state is operated to the second state. Control method of optical device. The detection means includes a small actuator that is provided on the second joint surface side and performs on / off for a short time and a large actuator that performs the on / off for a long time,
A first sensor and a second sensor fixed at symmetrical positions on the second joint surface side so as to be turned on and off by each actuator;
And an electromagnetic solenoid connected to the control means so as to bring the second joint surface side into a locked state and a non-locked state,
In the second state, the first sensor is turned on by the small actuator, the second sensor is turned on by the large actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid maintains the outer wall portion in the unlocked state, and the collapsed Positioning the lens barrel at the retracted position;
In the first state, the first sensor is turned on by the large actuator, the second sensor is turned on by the small actuator, and the electromagnetic solenoid maintains the outer wall portion in the locked state. The method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of positioning a lens barrel at the protruding position.

Images