JPH05241227A - Watertight camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an inexpensive watertight camera having a waterproofing function even for a straight advancing motion besides the rotary motion of a lens-barrel, and excellent portability without making the size of an outer package large. CONSTITUTION:In the watertight camera, a fixing frame 2 is provided and a cam ring 3 passing through the aperture of the fixing frame 2 and driven to straightly advance toward the outside, is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the fixing frame 2. Further, a mobile frame 4 driven to advance/retreat in the direction of an optical axis 0 by the rotation of the cam ring 3, is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam ring 3. Then, annular packings 10 and 11 having nearly V-shaped cross-sections, are fixed on the inner peripheries of the top end parts of the fixing frame 2 and the cam ring 3. The packings 10 and 11 are abutted on the outer periphery 3a of the cam ring 3 and the outer periphery 4a of the mobile frame 4, in a state where the packings 10 and 11 are elastically deformed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a watertight camera, and more particularly to a watertight camera using an elastic member as a seal member for a sliding portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various waterproof structures for cameras have been proposed, and various waterproof cameras using the waterproof structure have been commercialized. Among these conventional waterproof structures, simple ones are limited to a waterproof structure of a fixed part or a waterproof structure of only a rotary motion part that does not include a rectilinear motion part. However, with respect to the zoom camera and the collapsible camera, it is necessary for the lens barrel part to make a straight-ahead movement for a long distance, and the waterproof structure is very complicated and large. Therefore, as a simple structure, a camera having a waterproof structure using an exterior body formed so as to enclose the lens barrel in the most extended state has been commercialized.

[0003]

However, the waterproof structure provided with the exterior body that wraps the lens barrel portion naturally becomes large in size, which is inconvenient for carrying, and the shooting posture at the time of shooting is further increased. Was inevitably limited. The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and has a waterproof function against linear movement as well as rotational movement of the lens barrel, and the exterior body does not become large and is excellent in portability. , Aim to provide an inexpensive watertight camera.

[0004]

The watertight camera of the present invention comprises:
A camera case formed in a watertight shape, a lens frame penetrating through an opening provided in the camera case and projecting outward and backward, and one end fixed to the inner circumference of the opening of the camera case. And an elastic member whose other end slidably contacts the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame and whose cross-section is formed in a substantially V-shape with the open end facing the outside of the camera housing. Characterize.

[0005]

The elastic member having a substantially V-shaped cross section facing outward is fixed to the inner circumference of the opening of the camera housing, and the elastic member is slid on the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame projecting freely. Keeps the waterproof function by abutting freely.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the essential parts of a watertight camera showing a first embodiment of the present invention. This watertight camera has a fixed frame 2 as a camera housing, a cam ring 3 forming a part of a lens frame, and a rotating and rectilinear sliding part of a moving frame 4 forming a part of the cam ring 3 and a lens frame. It is a camera with a waterproof function. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the present watertight camera has a fixed frame 2 fixed to the inside of the front cover-1 having an opening on the front surface thereof, and provided on the fixed frame 2. The cam ring 3 that is rotationally driven along a cam groove (not shown) and that is linearly driven outward through the opening of the fixed frame 2 is fixed frame 2.
Is disposed on the inner peripheral side of. Further, on the inner peripheral side of the cam ring 3, a moving frame 4 which is driven forward and backward in the optical axis O direction by the rotation of the cam ring 3 is arranged. Photographing lenses 5 and 6 are fixedly supported on the movable frame 4 via lens holding frames 7 and 8 or are supported so as to be movable back and forth.

A ring-shaped packing 10 which is an elastic member and has a V-shaped cross section is provided on the inner circumference of the front end of the fixed frame 2 with its opening 10a directed outward (toward the object). It is fixed at. Similarly, an annular packing 11, which is an elastic member and has a V-shaped cross section, is fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the tip end of the cam ring 3 with its opening 11a facing outward. There is. Further, the packings 10 and 11 have free ends 10a, 10b and 11b, 11c on their inner peripheral sides. The free ends are the outer peripheral surface 3a of the cam ring 3,
Further, it is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4a of the moving frame 4 in an elastically deformed state. The outer peripheral surface 3a of the cam ring 3 and the outer peripheral surface 4a of the moving frame 4 have water repellency, and the packings 10, 11 are
The surface of the movable frame 4 or the cam ring 3 itself is formed of a material having a lubricating property. For example, the outer peripheral surface 4a of the moving frame 4 is
The urethane resin or phenolic resin is used as a binder and coated with a lubricating material mixed with Teflon resin, or the moving frame 4
It is assumed that it is itself made of a material in which Teflon resin is mixed with fluororubber.

Further, as the shapes of the packings 10 and 11, as shown in the sectional view of FIG.
The angle α of 0b and 11b, 11c with respect to the contact sliding surface on the outer surface side is about 90 °, and the angle β with respect to the contact sliding surface on the inner peripheral surface side is about 30 °. In this case, the contact sliding surface is the cam ring 3, the outer peripheral surface 3a of the moving frame 4,
4a. By setting the shapes of the packings 10 and 11 in this manner, it is possible to prevent water from entering from the outside due to the forward / backward movement of the cam ring 3 and the moving frame 4 or the rotation, and further, in the unlikely event of water droplets inside the packing. Even if it penetrates, the water droplets are easily discharged to the outside.

In the watertight camera of the present embodiment constructed as described above, the cam ring 3 and the moving frame 4 are moved straight and rotated during photographing in an environment where water droplets are splashed, and if the lens barrel thereof is used. Even if water droplets adhere to the parts, the above two packings 1
0 and 11 prevent water droplets from entering, and even if water droplets enter the packing, the water droplets will be discharged to the outside. Furthermore, since a good frictional state is secured between the sliding surfaces 3a and 4a that come into contact with the packings 10 and 11, it hardly affects the drive torque of the lens barrel. As described above, it has substantially the same size as a conventional non-watertight camera having a lens barrel that moves forward and backward in the optical axis direction, but has a function of excellent waterproofness.

Next, a modified example of the packing applied to the watertight camera of the first embodiment will be described. 3A and 3B show the shape of the packing of this modified example, FIG. 3A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. The packing 20 of this modification is an annular packing of an elastic member. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape is V-shaped as in the first embodiment. Further, the fixed portion 20a mounted on the fixed frame 2 and the free end portion 20b are connected by a plurality of ribs 20c. The rib 20c has a predetermined inclination angle in the radial direction.
The packing 20 is also mounted by abutting the tip of the free end 20b on the outer peripheral surfaces 3a, 4a of the cam ring 3 and the moving frame 4 in a state of being elastically deformed, and sliding operation is performed. According to the packing 20 of the present modification configured as described above, due to the action of the plurality of ribs 20c, there is no risk of the free end portion 20b turning over during sliding, and the rib 2
The inclination of 0c with respect to the radial direction prevents an increase in the pressing force applied to the contact sliding surface of the free end portion 20b. Other features are similar to those of the first embodiment.

Next, a watertight camera showing a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The watertight camera of the present embodiment is a watertight camera having a function of preventing a change in internal pressure when the lens barrel of the camera held in a watertight state is moved back and forth. The internal pressure change prevention structure has a structure in which a ventilation hole 36a is provided in a rear cover 36 covered with a rear lid 37, and a water-repellent ventilation cloth 45 is adhered to the inside thereof (see FIG. 5). Is. In addition, if a ventilation hole is opened to prevent changes in internal pressure and a non-water permeable, breathable part is placed as the ventilation cloth to be placed on the inner surface, if water drops are attached to the ventilation part. Ventilation is not performed properly. There is a risk that the drive torque will be abnormally increased because the pressure is not adjusted during zoom driving of the lens barrel. In view of this, the camera of the present embodiment is not intended to be used in water, but is of a waterproof type, and a cloth having a certain degree of water permeability is used as the ventilation cloth 45. Then, even if water adheres to the vent holes 36a, zooming or the like is performed while sucking in a small amount of water as it is. Of course, the sucked water is treated so as not to interfere with the function of the camera as described later.

The detailed structure of the watertight camera will be described. First, FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the watertight camera. A camera housing having an opening is sealed inside the front cover 31 with a packing 42. A fixed frame 32 is provided. A movable frame 33 that is rotatable and can move back and forth is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the fixed frame 32.
Are arranged. Further, a lens holding frame 34 holding a taking lens 35 is supported on the inner peripheral portion of the moving frame 33 so as to be able to move back and forth. A packing 40 equivalent to the packing 10 or the like applied to the first embodiment is interposed between the fixed frame 32 and the movable frame 33 to provide a waterproof function. Similarly, between the moving frame 33 and the lens holding frame 34, a packing 41 similar to the packing 10 or the like applied to the first embodiment is interposed to provide a waterproof function. Further, in the camera of this embodiment, as shown in the enlarged view of the ventilation part in FIG. 5, the rear cover which is connected to the spool chamber cover 38 forming the spool chamber 39 in the vicinity of the support shaft 37a of the rear lid 37. -36, a recess 36b is provided on the rear lid 37 side. And
A plurality of vent holes 36a are provided at the center of the recess 36b. A ventilation cloth 45 is adhered to the inside of the ventilation hole 36a. As for the adhered state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the outer periphery thereof is adhered with an adhesive 45a. The ventilation cloth 45 has a certain degree of water permeability and is water-repellent.

The recess 36b in which the vent hole 36a is provided.
Since the ventilation cloth 45 has water permeability, it is arranged on the back side of the rear lid 37 as described above in order to prevent water droplets from splashing as much as possible. Furthermore, the depth d of the recess 36b is 0.5 m.
Secure at least m. If the depth d is less than 0.5 mm, the rear lid 37 and the rear cover-3 may be formed due to the surface tension of the infiltrated water.
A film of water will be formed between 6. Therefore, when zooming, a large amount of water will be inhaled. For this reason, the depth described above is secured, and the amount of water sucked in during zooming is minimized. The length of the ventilation hole 36a itself is preferably as short as possible in order to reduce the ventilation resistance and the amount of water that adheres. A guide sheet 46 for guiding the film is provided on the spool chamber 39 side of the ventilation cloth 45. This guide sheet 4
6 acts to move the water forward without touching the film in the spool chamber 39 when a small amount of water enters. Further, the foaming member 47 is arranged at one corner near the position where the ventilation cloth 45 is arranged, and the water that has entered as described above is absorbed by the foaming member 47.

When the watertight camera of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned structure is used in an environment that requires waterproofing in daily life, even if the lens barrel is zoomed, the vent hole 36a is formed.
Therefore, the air is sucked in and discharged through the water-permeable ventilation cloth 45, so that the resistance of the zooming operation does not increase. Since the vent hole 36a is hidden behind the rear lid 37, it is difficult for water droplets and the like to adhere to it, but even if water droplets adhere to the vent hole 36a, a large number of recesses 36b having a predetermined depth are provided. Water will not be sucked in through the vent holes 36a. Further, even if a small amount of water is sucked in, it is blocked by the guide sheet 46 and does not enter the spool chamber 39. Then, it is absorbed by the foam member 47 disposed inside. As described above, the present camera is a watertight camera capable of more reliable waterproofing without hindering the zooming operation.

Next, the ventilation cloth 4 of the watertight camera of the above embodiment.
A modified example of the bonding method of No. 5 will be described. Regarding the bonding of the ventilation cloth 45 of the second embodiment, the periphery of the ventilation cloth 45 was bonded as described with reference to FIG. However, as shown in the drawing, if a plurality of ventilation holes 36a are provided side by side, when water 50 enters there, as shown in FIG. 6A, which is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. There is a possibility that water 50 will collect in the gap of 45. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, the bonding of the ventilation cloth 46 of this modified example is performed with one ventilation hole 36.
Bonding is performed with adhesives 46b and 46c so as to surround a. With such adhesion, even if the water 50 adheres to the ventilation cloth 46, the ventilation cloth 46 does not swell and the water 50 does not accumulate as shown in FIG. 7B, and no problem occurs.

[0016]

As described above, in the watertight camera of the present invention, the lens frame projecting to the outside can be sealed with the V-shaped elastic member. It has a number of remarkable effects such as being able to provide a camera that is made of an inexpensive member and has a reliable waterproof function without increasing the size of the camera.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a main part of a lens frame of a watertight camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a packing used in the watertight camera in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a shape of a modified example of the packing used in the watertight camera of FIG. 1, wherein (A) is a front view thereof,
(B) is CC sectional drawing of (A).

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a main part of a lens frame of a watertight camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a main part of a ventilation part of the watertight camera of FIG.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing a bonded state of a ventilation cloth of the watertight camera of FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 6A is a view showing a bonding surface, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.

7A and 7B are diagrams showing a bonding state in a modified example of the bonding method of the ventilation cloth of the watertight camera of FIG. 4, in which FIG. 7A is a view showing a bonding surface, and FIG. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2, 32 …………………… Fixed frame (camera housing) 3 ………………… Cam ring (mirror frame) 4, 33 …………… Moving frame (mirror frame) 34 …… …………… Lens holding frame (mirror frame) 10, 11, 40, 41 ……… Packing (elastic member)

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 19, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

A ring-shaped packing 10 which is an elastic member and has a V-shaped cross section is provided on the inner circumference of the front end of the fixed frame 2 with its opening 10a directed outward (toward the object). It is fixed at. Similarly, an annular packing 11, which is an elastic member and has a V-shaped cross section, is fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the tip end of the cam ring 3 with its opening 11a facing outward. There is. Further, the packings 10 and 11 have free end portions on their inner peripheral sides.
10b and 10c and 11b and 11c. The free ends are the outer peripheral surface 3a of the cam ring 3,
Further, it is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4a of the moving frame 4 in an elastically deformed state. The outer peripheral surface 3a of the cam ring 3 and the outer peripheral surface 4a of the moving frame 4 have water repellency, and the packings 10, 11 are
The surface of the movable frame 4 or the cam ring 3 itself is formed of a material having a lubricating property. The packings 10 and 11 also have their contact portions 1
0b, 10c, 11b and 11c have water repellency and slidability
ing. For example, molded with silicone rubber or EPDM
Toka an inner peripheral surface of the urethane resin, phenol resin coated with a lubricious material which is mixed with a Teflon resin as a binder of the packing 10, the packing 10 itself is assumed to be formed of a material mixed with Teflon fluorine rubber ..

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Furthermore, the shape of the packing 10 and 11, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 2, the free end portion 10b, 1
The angles α of 0c and 11b, 11c with respect to the outer contact sliding surface are about 90 °, and the angle β with respect to the inner contact sliding surface is about 30 °. In this case, the contact sliding surface is the cam ring 3, the outer peripheral surface 3a of the moving frame 4,
4a. By setting the shapes of the packings 10 and 11 in this manner, it is possible to prevent water from entering from the outside due to the forward / backward movement of the cam ring 3 and the moving frame 4 or the rotation, and further, in the unlikely event of water droplets inside the packing. Even if it penetrates, the water droplets are easily discharged to the outside.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 1]

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Hiromi Ito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Toshifumi Nakano 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A camera case formed in a watertight shape, a lens frame penetrating through an opening provided in the camera case and projecting outward and backward, and one end of the inside of the opening of the camera case. Is fixed on the lap,
While the other end slidably contacts the outer peripheral surface of the lens frame,
A watertight camera, comprising: an elastic member having a substantially V-shaped cross section with an open end facing outward of the camera housing.