JP2009216826A - Waterproof equipment having display window - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide waterproof equipment equipped with a waterproofing function of resisting water pressure under the depth of water without being influenced by a change of surrounding environment, while securing shock resistance. <P>SOLUTION: The waterproof equipment includes: a transmissive plate type display window member 5 through which display light is transmitted; a housing 4 which has a first aperture 4g configured such that the display window member is arranged therein, wherein a shelf-like bearing surface 4h formed all around the periphery on the inner periphery of the first aperture so as to overhang toward the inside from the inner periphery of the first aperture and supporting the display window member is formed; an outside appearance member 2 made of metal, which has a second aperture 2g at a position corresponding to the first aperture and is provided to cover one surface of the waterproof equipment 1; a first foaming body 6 which is arranged to be held between one surface 5h of the circumference of the display window member and the shelf-type bearing surface of the housing; and a second foaming body 7 which is arranged to extend over the other surface of the circumference of the display window member and the circumference 4j of the first aperture of the housing, and arranged to be held between a back surface 2j of the outside appearance member, and an outside circumferential surface 4j of the first aperture of the housing and the other surface of the circumference of the display window member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof structure having a display window, and more particularly to a waterproof structure in a waterproof apparatus having a display window that exposes a display portion of a display device for displaying images and various information on the surface of the apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a device such as a digital camera having a display device for displaying images and various information, various devices that have a waterproof function and have an impact resistance against an impact force caused by dropping or the like have been put into practical use.

  In this case, for example, a means for ensuring a waterproof function and a shock resistance of a portion provided with a display window that exposes the display unit of the display device to the surface of the device is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-79582 and 2003-2003. Various proposals have been made, such as No. 133754.

  The means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-79582 is a case structure in which a case made of a transparent member and a shock absorbing material having elasticity as an exterior member covering the outside of the case are integrally formed. The outer shock absorbing material is provided with an opening that partially exposes the inner transparent member to the outside, thereby ensuring a waterproof function and impact resistance.

The means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-133754 is an apparatus constituted by an exterior member having an opening and a transparent member provided so as to close the opening. Each member is joined using an adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or the like with an elastic packing member interposed therebetween.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-79582 JP 2003-133754 A

  However, according to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-79582, the shock absorbing member is provided over almost the entire outside of the casing. There is a problem that it will increase in size. In addition, when this means is applied to an extremely small and light portable device that has been widespread in recent years, there is a case where the load is applied to the load applied to the device itself.

  Further, in the means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-133754, the members are joined using an adhesive or a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. In this case, the adhesive and double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape have unknown bonding performance, for example, in an environment where the temperature changes drastically, and even if they have a waterproof function and impact resistance at room temperature, Since it is not intended for use at high temperatures, there is a problem that it cannot cope with changes in temperature environment.

  In recent years, for example, a small-sized device that can withstand water pressure in a deep water environment, has a waterproof function under severe use conditions, and has a simple structure in consideration of assembly is always desired. It is in.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to absorb a shock force caused by a drop or the like in a waterproof device having a display window and suppress destruction of components. It is an object of the present invention to provide a waterproof device having a sufficient waterproof function capable of withstanding a certain level of water pressure without being affected by changes in the surrounding environment such as a temperature change, while ensuring the obtained impact resistance.

  In order to achieve the above object, a waterproof device having a display window according to the present invention includes a transparent plate-like display window member that transmits display light in the waterproof device having a display window, and the display window member. A housing having a first opening to be arranged and formed with a shelf-like receiving surface that supports the display window member and is formed over the entire periphery so as to project inward from the inner peripheral edge of the first opening. A metal exterior member having a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening and covering one surface of the waterproof device, one surface of the peripheral edge of the display window member, and the above The first foam disposed between the shelf-shaped receiving surfaces of the housing, the other surface of the periphery of the display window member, and the periphery of the first opening of the housing. The outer peripheral surface of the outer surface of the first opening of the casing and the back surface of the outer appearance member, Characterized by comprising a second foam disposed sandwiched between the other surface of the peripheral edge of the display window member.

  According to the present invention, in a waterproof device having a display window, impact resistance caused by dropping or the like is absorbed to ensure impact resistance capable of suppressing the destruction of the constituent members and to change in the surrounding environment such as temperature change. It is possible to provide a waterproof device having a sufficient waterproof function that can withstand a certain depth of water pressure without being affected.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to illustrated embodiments.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, as a waterproof device to which the present invention is applied, an optical image can be photographed and recorded as electronic image data using an optical lens and an image sensor, and the photographed and recorded image data is recorded. 1 illustrates a digital camera that includes a display device that displays an image based thereon and includes a display window that exposes the display unit of the display device to the surface of the device.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the back side of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the digital camera shown in FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line [III]-[III] in FIG.

  First, a schematic configuration of the digital camera of the present embodiment will be described below mainly using FIG.

  A digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing (not shown in FIG. 1) that covers the outer surfaces of various constituent units provided inside and forms a camera body. Reference numeral 4 in FIG. 2 constitutes a part of the housing. The outer shape of the camera body is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example.

  The appearance member of the digital camera 1 includes a front appearance member 3 that covers the front side, the top and bottom surfaces, and both sides of the digital camera 1, and a rear appearance member 2 that covers the back side of the digital camera 1. Both the front appearance member 3 and the rear appearance member 2 are formed of a metal member or the like.

  In the present embodiment, in consideration of the posture when using the digital camera 1, the surface facing the subject when the digital camera 1 is used is the front surface of the digital camera 1, and the side facing the photographer Is referred to as the back side of the digital camera 1. In addition, an operation member to be operated during the photographing operation, for example, a surface on which the shutter button 10b or the like is disposed is a top surface, and a surface facing this is a bottom surface. In addition, when the digital camera 1 is in normal use (when the digital camera 1 is held so that the long side of the so-called shooting screen is in the horizontal direction), a side surface is referred to as a side surface.

  On the rear surface of the digital camera 1, various operation members, for example, changing the magnification (zoom rate) of the captured image at the time of shooting, and displaying the enlarged or reduced display of the playback image or the single image display and the thumbnail image display at the time of playback. A TW button 10c for switching an image display mode such as switching, a mode dial 10d for switching various shooting operation modes, a cross key 10f for instructing setting of various shooting conditions at the time of shooting and switching of a display image at the time of playback, A decision button (OK button) 10e for determining the photographing condition set by the cross key 10f is provided. In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of operation members (10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) are disposed on the right side toward the back of the digital camera 1. A part of the display device (not shown) is formed in a region other than the portion where the operation members (10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) are arranged on the back surface of the digital camera 1. A display 11 (see also FIG. 3) having a display screen on which images are displayed is provided. As the display 11, for example, a liquid crystal display is applied.

  Further, on the upper surface of the digital camera 1, operation members such as a power button (10a) for switching on / off of the power state and a shutter button (10b) operated during a photographing operation are disposed.

  The various operation members 10a to 10f are linked to electric parts of various constituent units disposed inside the camera body (not shown), and the user desires the operation members 10a to 10f. An instruction signal is generated by arbitrary operation at this time. This instruction signal is transmitted to a control circuit (not shown) provided inside the digital camera 1, whereby the control circuit performs various operation controls according to the received instruction signal. .

  In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the details of the member configuration on the back side will be described below mainly with reference to FIGS.

  In the present digital camera 1, the rear cover 4 is formed, for example, by resin molding or the like, and as described above, is a member that constitutes a part of the camera body (housing) and is on the back side of the camera body. It is a member provided so that it may cover. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear cover 4 includes notches 4a, openings 4c, 4d, etc. corresponding to the various operation members (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f), and the display unit 11. A display opening 4g which is a first opening corresponding to (see FIG. 1) is formed.

  On one surface of the rear cover 4, a rear external member 2, which is an external member made of a metal flat plate member or the like, is provided so as to cover one surface on the back side of the digital camera 1. The rear appearance member 2 includes openings 2c, 2d, and 2e for exposing each of the various operation members (10c, 10d, and 10e) to the outside, and a second opening corresponding to the display unit 11. A display window 2g is formed.

  And as shown in FIG. 2, it exists between the rear side cover 4 and the rear side external appearance member 2, and each site | part corresponding to the display opening 4g (1st opening) and the display window 2g (2nd opening). Is provided with a display window member 5. The display window member 5 is formed of a transmissive plate member that transmits display light from the display 11, such as a transparent acrylic resin or transparent glass.

  Here, the display window member 5 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the display opening 4g (first opening) and the display window 2g (second opening).

  For this purpose, the display opening 4g (first opening) of the rear cover 4 is formed so as to project inward from the inner peripheral edge of the display opening 4g, as shown in FIGS. A shelf-shaped receiving surface 4h is formed over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral edge of the display opening 4g. At the innermost peripheral edge of the shelf-shaped receiving surface 4h, as shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion 4i having a convex cross section is provided protruding toward the back side.

  On the other hand, on one surface of the outer peripheral edge 5b of the display window member 5, a shelf-shaped receiving surface 5h having substantially the same shape is formed in correspondence with the shelf-shaped receiving surface 4h. Accordingly, the outer peripheral edge 5b is thinner than the light transmission window 5a.

  With such a configuration, the display window member 5 is disposed so as to be fitted into the display opening 4g of the rear cover 4 from the back side, and the shelf-like receiving surface 5h is supported by the shelf-like receiving surface 4h. It is like that.

  In this case, the first foam is formed between the shelf-like receiving surface 4h of the rear cover 4 and the shelf-like receiving surface 5h of the display window member 5, and is waterproof and independent, for example. A first foam double-sided adhesive tape (hereinafter abbreviated as "first tape"), which is a first foam based on a foam such as a special polyolefin foam that is rich in flexibility by having a plurality of holes inside. 6 is arranged in between.

  Accordingly, the shelf-like receiving surface 4h and the shelf-like receiving surface 5h are bonded and fixed along the entire circumference of the opening while maintaining elasticity by the first tape 6. At this time, the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4 are arranged in a mutual arrangement by providing gaps D1 and D2 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in a state where the display window member 5 is fitted into the display opening 4g of the rear cover 4 from the back side and the shelf-like receiving surface 5h is supported by the shelf-like receiving surface 4h, the display window member 5 A second foam is applied to a portion (see reference numeral W in FIG. 3) along the entire periphery of the opening spanning the other surface 5j of the periphery and the outer surface 4j of the periphery of the display opening 4g of the rear cover 4. As with the first foam, a second foam double-sided adhesive tape (hereinafter abbreviated as a second tape) 7 based on a foam such as a special polyolefin foam is disposed.

  Thereby, the outer surface 4j of the rear cover 4 and the other surface 5j of the display window member 5 are bonded and fixed by the second tape 7 so as to be integrated in the planar direction. At this time, the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4 are arranged with respect to each other with a gap D3 shown in FIG. Then, on the outer surface side of the second tape 7, a back surface 2j in the vicinity of the inside of the display window 2g of the rear exterior member 2 is disposed.

  Accordingly, the second tape 7 has the back surface 2j near the inside of the display window 2g of the rear exterior member 2, the outer surface 4j near the inner edge of the display opening 4g of the rear cover 4, and the other peripheral edge of the display window member 5. It is placed between the surface 5j. Thus, the rear appearance member 2 is bonded and fixed to the rear cover 4 and the display window member 5 while maintaining elasticity.

  The rear cover 4, the display window member 5, and the rear exterior member 2 are made of different materials. For example, in the case of the rear cover 4 made of resin, the display window member 5 made of resin or glass, and the rear external appearance member 2 made of metal, each material has a different linear expansion coefficient. Accordingly, in consideration of different linear expansion coefficients due to different members when the digital camera 1 is placed in a high temperature / high humidity environment or a low temperature environment, for example, the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment has each member as described above. By providing gaps (symbols D1, D2, D3 in FIG. 3) in between and joining the members using the first tape 6 and the second tape 7 based on a flexible foam, waterproofing is achieved. The shrinkage can be absorbed by the temperature change between the different members while ensuring the above.

  With this configuration, in the digital camera 1, the first tape 6 and the second tape 7 that bond and fix the display window member 5, the rear cover 4, and the rear appearance member 2 at predetermined portions are foamed. 3 is used, and the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4 are provided with gaps indicated by reference numerals D1 and D2 in FIG. 3, and the display window member 5 and the rear exterior member 2 are connected to each other in FIG. Since the gap indicated by the symbol D3 is provided, for example, when an external impact force is applied to the display window member 5 or the rear external appearance member 2, the impact force is applied by the elasticity of the first tape 6 and the second tape 7. The display window member 5 and the rear external appearance member 2 can move in the direction of arrow X shown in FIG.

  When an external force in the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 3 is applied to the display window member 5, the first tape 6 and the second double-sided tape 7 are compressed or expanded. Thereby, the bending moment applied to the display window member 5 is absorbed.

  Accordingly, the first tape 6 absorbs an external impact force between the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4 and particularly in the vicinity of the shelf-like receiving surfaces 5h and 4h. The second tape 7 absorbs an external impact force between the rear appearance member 2, the rear cover 4 and the display window member 5.

  Further, since the first tape 6 and the second tape 7 are waterproof, waterproofing between the rear appearance member 2 and the display window member 5 and between the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4 is performed. Demonstrate the function.

  Since the display window member 5 is disposed so as to close the display opening 4g of the rear cover 4, the display window member 5 receives water pressure when the digital camera 1 is placed in an underwater environment. Thereby, the water pressure concerning the display screen of the indicator 11 provided inside is suppressed and protected. In this case, the display window member 5 can withstand a water pressure of, for example, a water depth of about 10 m.

  As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof function is ensured because the first foam double-sided adhesive tape 6 is sandwiched and fixed between the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4. In addition, the two can be elastically bonded to each other and absorbed when an external force is applied. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a waterproof function and contribute to an improvement in impact resistance.

  In addition, since the display window member 5 and the rear cover 4 and the rear appearance member 2 are bonded and fixed with the second foam double-sided adhesive tape 7 interposed therebetween, a waterproof function can be secured in the same manner. When both are elastically joined and an external force is applied, this can be absorbed. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a waterproof function and contribute to an improvement in impact resistance.

  The first foam double-sided adhesive tape 6 and the second foam double-sided adhesive tape 7 are deformed even when the rear appearance member 2, the rear cover 4, and the display window member 5 are deformed by an external impact force. It can be taken flexibly. Therefore, it can contribute to the improvement of impact resistance.

  Moreover, since the 2nd foam double-sided adhesive tape 7 is arranged in the site | part straddling the back side cover 4 and the display window member 5, and the back side appearance member 2 was provided so that this might be covered, more reliable waterproofing is carried out. When the external force is applied to the rear external appearance member 2, the waterproof strength can be further increased by compressing the second foam double-sided adhesive tape 7, and the impact resistance is also provided. be able to.

  On the other hand, in consideration of deterioration of the waterproof function caused by the linear expansion coefficient between different members, the arrangement between the members is set by providing gaps (D1, D2, D3), and foaming is performed at the joint between the members. Since the double-sided tape based on the body is used, a reliable waterproof function can always be secured without being affected by changes in the surrounding environment such as temperature changes.

  Furthermore, the positioning of the display window member 5 with respect to the display opening 4g can always be reliably and easily performed by the shelf-like receiving surfaces 4h and 5h provided on both of them, and in this state, the adhesive fixing with the adhesive tape is avoided. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to simplification of assembly work.

  In the above embodiment, a digital camera is exemplified as a waterproof device having a display window. However, the waterproof device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this, and for example, a video camera, a mobile phone, and the like. The present invention can be applied in the same manner to electronic devices mainly having a waterproof function, such as portable music players and IC recorders.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.

1 is an external perspective view showing a back side of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the digital camera shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which follows the [III]-[III] line | wire of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera 2 ... Rear side appearance member 2g ... Display window 3 ... Front side appearance member 4 ... Rear side cover 4g ... Display opening 4h ... Shelf-shaped receiving surface 5 ... Display window member 6 ... ... 1st foam double-sided adhesive tape 7 ... 2nd foam double-sided adhesive tape 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f ... Operation member 11 ... Indicator

Claims (3)

In a waterproof device having a display window,
A transmissive plate-like display window member that transmits display light;
A shelf-shaped receiving surface that has a first opening for disposing the display window member and is formed over the entire periphery so as to project inward from the inner peripheral edge of the first opening and supports the display window member. A formed housing;
A metal exterior member provided with a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening to cover one surface of the waterproof device;
A first foam disposed between one of the peripheral surfaces of the display window member and the shelf-shaped receiving surface of the housing;
The display window member is disposed across the other surface of the peripheral edge of the display window member and the peripheral edge of the first opening of the housing, and the outer periphery of the back surface of the external member and the first opening of the housing A second foam disposed between the surface and the other surface of the peripheral edge of the display window member;
A waterproof device having a display window. In a waterproof device having a display window,
An indicator for displaying, and
A transmissive plate-like display window member that transmits display light from the display;
A shelf-shaped receiving surface that has a first opening for disposing the display window member and is formed over the entire circumference so as to project inward from the inner peripheral edge of the first opening, and supports the display window member. A formed housing;
A metal exterior member provided with a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening to cover one surface of the waterproof device;
A first foam disposed between a peripheral edge of one surface of the display window member and the shelf-shaped receiving surface of the housing;
The display window member is disposed across the periphery of the other surface of the display window member and the periphery of the first opening of the housing, and the back surface of the appearance member and the outer periphery of the first opening of the housing A second foam disposed between the surface and the periphery of the other surface of the display window member;
A waterproof device having a display window.   The waterproof device having a display window according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first foam and the second foam are special polyolefin foams.

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