U.S. patent application number 10/801337 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for waterproof structure provided on device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. Invention is credited to Akagi, Toshimasa, Koide, Wataru, Nakazato, Seiya, Shimizu, Tokuo, Takizawa, Kenichi.
Application Number | 20040195783 10/801337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33094834 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040195783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Akagi, Toshimasa ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Waterproof structure provided on device
Abstract
A waterproof structure that is provided on a device includes a
waterproof member. A pipe with no flash of a parting line, which is
formed by extrusion-molding an elastic material such as a rubber or
a resin, is used as the waterproof member. The waterproof member is
interposed at a coupling part between members that is to be
waterproofed, such that terminal-end faces of the pipe are disposed
to be opposed to each other with their center (axes) being aligned
(coaxial). When pressure is applied by engagement between the
to-be-waterproofed members, the terminal-end faces of the pipe are
put in close contact with each other. Alternatively, terminal-end
portions of the pipe are juxtaposed with their centers being made
parallel, and when pressure is applied, side faces of the
terminal-end portions are put in close contact with each other.
Thus, waterproofing is effected.
Inventors: |
Akagi, Toshimasa;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) ; Koide, Wataru; (Yokohama-shi,
JP) ; Shimizu, Tokuo; (Hachioji-shi, JP) ;
Nakazato, Seiya; (Inagi-shi, JP) ; Takizawa,
Kenichi; (Chiisagata-gun, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF, HOLTZ, GOODMAN & CHICK, PC
767 THIRD AVENUE
25TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10017-2023
US
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
33094834 |
Appl. No.: |
10/801337 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
277/645 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16J 15/062 20130101;
F16J 15/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
277/645 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 20, 2003 |
JP |
2003-077714 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A waterproof structure that is provided on a device, comprising:
a waterproof member that is interposed between a first member and a
second member and is put in close contact with the first member and
the second member by elastic deformation, thereby effecting
waterproofing, wherein the waterproof member is a pipe that is
formed by extrusion-molding a material with elasticity and
anti-permeation properties, terminal-end faces of the pipe are
disposed to be opposed to each other with their centers being
aligned, and the pipe is extended by pressure that acts when the
first member and the second member are engaged or attached to each
other, whereby the terminal-end faces of the pipe are brought into
close contact with each other and waterproofing is effected.
2. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, wherein the
waterproof member is formed by extrusion-molding a rubber or a
resin, and the waterproof member has one of a perfect circular
shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape and an oval
shape.
3. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, wherein the pipe
has terminal-end faces at both ends, the waterproof structure
includes a groove as a grooved portion that is formed in the first
member in an annular shape, and a projection portion that is formed
on the second member for engagement with the groove, and the pipe
is fitted in the groove as the grooved portion such that the
terminal-end faces of the pipe are opposed to each other at a
distance with their centers being aligned, and the pipe is extended
along the groove as the grooved portion when an outer peripheral
surface of the pipe is pressed by engagement between the first
member and the second member, whereby the terminal-end faces of the
pipe are brought into close contact with each other.
4. A waterproof structure that is provided on a device, comprising:
a waterproof member that is interposed between a first member and a
second member and is put in close contact with the first member and
the second member by elastic deformation, thereby effecting
waterproofing, wherein the waterproof member is a pipe that is
formed by extrusion-molding a material with elasticity and
anti-permeation properties, terminal-end portions of the pipe are
disposed to be adjacent to each other with their centers being made
parallel, and an outer periphery of the pipe is collapsed by
pressure that acts when the first member and the second member are
engaged or attached to each other, whereby the side faces of the
terminal-end portions of the pipe are brought into close contact
with each other and the pipe is brought into close contact with the
first member and the second member, thus effecting
waterproofing.
5. The waterproof structure according to claim 2, wherein an
annular groove as a grooved portion is formed in the first member,
the pipe is fitted in the groove, and terminal-end portions of the
pipe are disposed to be adjacent to each other with their centers
being made parallel, a projection portion, which is engaged with
the groove as the grooved portion, is formed on the second member,
and when a pressure is applied to an outer periphery of the pipe by
engagement between the first member and the second member, the pipe
is brought into close contact with the first member and the second
member and side faces of the terminal-end portions of the pipe are
brought into close contact with each other, thereby effecting
waterproofing.
6. A waterproof structure that is provided on a device, comprising:
a waterproof member that is interposed between a first member and a
second member and is put in close contact with the first member and
the second member by elastic deformation, thereby effecting
waterproofing, wherein the waterproof member is a pipe that is
formed by extrusion-molding a material with elasticity and
anti-permeation properties, and has terminal-end faces at both
ends, the first member is formed as an outer L-rib having a
close-contact face at a wall face thereof, and the second member is
formed as an inner L-rib that is engaged with the outer L-rib, and
the pipe is fitted on an inner wall face of the outer L-rib such
that the terminal-end faces of the pipe are opposed to each other
at a distance with their centers being aligned, and the pipe is
extended along the inner wall face of the outer L-rib when an outer
peripheral surface of the pipe is pressed by engagement between the
first member and the second member, whereby the terminal-end faces
of the pipe are brought into close contact with each other.
7. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, wherein the pipe
has terminal-end faces at both ends, the first member has a
U-groove that is formed in an annular shape, the second member has
a flat surface which opposes the first member; the pipe is disposed
in the U-groove such that the terminal-end faces of the pipe are
opposed to each other at a distance with their centers being
aligned, and the pipe extends along the U-groove when the pipe is
pressed as the first member and the second member are made to
contact each other, whereby the terminal-end faces of the pipe are
brought into close contact with each other.
8. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, wherein the pipe
has terminal-end faces at both ends, the first member and the
second member have U-grooves, each with an annular shape, which are
formed to face each other, the pipe is disposed in the U-grooves
such that the terminal-end faces of the pipe are opposed to each
other at a distance with their centers being aligned, and the pipe
is extended along the U-grooves when an outer periphery of the pipe
is pressed by as the first member and the second member are made to
contact each other, whereby the terminal-end faces of the pipe are
brought into close contact with each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-077714,
filed Mar. 20, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a waterproof structure that
is provided on a device for outdoor use and prevents entrance of
water from outside.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, portable devices are frequently used outdoors,
and measures are taken to prevent damage due to shock in case of
drop, or the like, and to prevent entrance of dust, water, etc. Of
these measures, waterproofing is realized in the following manner.
An elastic member of, e.g. rubber is interposed in a collapsed
state, for example, at an entire coupling part between casings of a
structure that comprises a plurality of divided casings, at an
entire coupling part between a detachable cover, such as a battery
chamber cover, and a casing, or at an entire coupling part between
a display screen of, e.g. a liquid crystal display, and an opening
part of a casing. Thereby, entrance of external water can be
prevented.
[0006] For example, the following waterproof technique is known. A
projection rib is provided along the entirety of a coupling part of
one casing, and a grooved rib is provided along the entirety of a
coupling part of the mating casing. An O-ring is fitted in a groove
formed in the grooved rib. In assembly, the projection rib is
engaged with the grooved rib, and the O-ring is elastically
deformed, thus preventing entrance of water from outside. Jpn. U.M.
Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 61-50947, for instance, discloses that
a waterproof packing, as well as the O-ring, can be used.
[0007] In the technique disclosed in this prior-art document, the
O-ring for preventing water leak and the waterproof packing have
annular shapes. Thus, these are formed using a pair of molds.
Consequently, there are two projecting flashes (parting lines)
along the coupling part of the molds. In many cases, flashes form
on an inside part and an outside part of the O-ring. In a case
where the O-ring is used and is put in tight contact state between
upper and lower sides, waterproof is effected if the O-ring 42 is
fitted in the groove 41a on the grooved rib 41 such that flashes
42a are present on both sides of a groove 41a, as shown in FIG. 10.
However, if the O-ring 42 is twisted when it is fitted in the
groove 41a, and the flashes 42a are turned toward the upper and
lower sides, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, water that is splashed
from outside would enter via the flashes 42a. However, if the
flashes 42a are removed by secondary processing, even if the O-ring
42 is fitted in the groove in the twisted state, entrance of water
could be prevented.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention may provide a waterproof structure
that is provided on a device, comprising: a waterproof member that
is interposed between a first member and a second member and is put
in close contact with the first member and the second member by
elastic deformation, thereby effecting waterproofing, wherein the
waterproof member is a pipe that is formed by extrusion-molding a
material with elasticity and anti-permeation properties,
terminal-end faces of the pipe are disposed to be opposed to each
other with their centers (axes) being aligned, and the pipe is
extended by pressure that acts when the first member and the second
member are engaged or attached to each other, whereby the
terminal-end faces of the pipe are brought into close contact with
each other and waterproofing is effected.
[0009] The invention may also provide a waterproof structure that
is provided on a device, comprising: a waterproof member that is
interposed between a first member and a second member and is put in
close contact with the first member and the second member by
elastic deformation, thereby effecting waterproofing, wherein the
waterproof member is a pipe that is formed by extrusion-molding a
material with elasticity and anti-permeation properties, and has
terminal-end faces at both ends, the first member is formed as an
outer L-rib having a close-contact face at a wall face thereof, and
the second member is formed as an inner L-rib that is engaged with
the outer L-rib, and the pipe is fitted on an inner wall face of
the outer L-rib such that the terminal-end faces of the pipe are
opposed to each other at a distance with their centers (axes) being
aligned, and the pipe is extended along the inner wall face of the
outer L-rib when an outer peripheral surface of the pipe is pressed
by engagement between the first member and the second member,
whereby the terminal-end faces of the pipe are brought into close
contact with each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a first embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 1B shows the state of arrangement of a
pipe that is fitted in a grooved rib;
[0011] FIG. 2A shows the state of terminal-end faces of the pipe
that is fitted in the grooved rib shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and
FIG. 2B shows the state of contact between the terminal-end faces
of the pipe when a projection rib is engaged in the grooved
rib;
[0012] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a second embodiment of the
invention, and FIG. 3B shows the state of arrangement of
terminal-end portions of a pipe that is fitted in a grooved
rib;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a third embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a fourth embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a fifth embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a sixth embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to a seventh embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
in a waterproof structure according to an eighth embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 shows an example of a prior-art waterproof
structure; and
[0020] FIGS. 11A and 11B are views for explaining a problem of the
prior-art waterproof structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022] A waterproof member that is used in a waterproof structure
of the present invention is first described.
[0023] The waterproof member of the present invention is provided
at coupling parts, for example, between casings of a structure that
comprises a plurality of divided casings of, e.g. an electronic
device, between a detachable cover, such as a battery chamber
cover, and a casing, and between a display screen of, e.g. a liquid
crystal display, and an opening part of a casing. Thereby, the
waterproof member prevents permeation of water or seawater from
outside.
[0024] The waterproof member is formed of, for example, a hollow
cylinder (pipe) that is produced by extrusion-molding a material
with elasticity and anti-permeation properties, e.g. rubbers
including a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber, or resins.
The pipe may take a variety of cross-sectional shapes, e.g. a
circular shape (perfect circle), oval shape, rectangular shape,
polygonal shape, star-shape (to be described later), etc. The
diameter, thickness, etc. of the pipe are properly changed in
accordance with design of a device to which this waterproof member
is applied. The thickness may be uniform, or may be varied from
location to location in consideration of the collapsed state of the
pipe so that the pipe may include thick portions and thin portions.
For example, in the case of a pipe with a track shape, the
thickness of straight portion of the pipe may be increased, as
desired.
[0025] The merit of the use of this pipe is that a greater stroke
of deformation (range of deformation in a waterproof state) is
obtained than in the case of the O-ring when the pipe is deformed
(collapsed) in a diametrical direction by pressing. Since the
conventional O-ring is solid, the volume change of the O-ring is
small when it is pressed. By contrast, the hollow part of the pipe
undergoes a volume change. Accordingly, even if the state of
collapsing varies, the state of tight contact hardly changes and
the waterproof function can be performed. In addition, by virtue
of-the presence of the hollow part, the reaction force of the pipe,
which corresponds to the amount of collapsing by the casing (member
to be waterproofed), is made less than in the case of the O-ring.
Moreover, since the pipe is fabricated by extrusion molding, the
cross-sectional shape of the pipe can freely be chosen, and there
is no flash of a parting line on the surface of the pipe.
[0026] Since the pipe of this invention has a longer deformation
stroke and a weaker reaction force than the prior-art O-ring, a
variation in amount of collapsing due to non-uniformity in
dimension of the casing can be canceled as a tolerable one and
there arises no problem of water permeation or deformation of the
casing. In other words, since the tolerable range of pressing is
greater than in the case of the O-ring, it is easier to manage the
precision of molds and the dimensions of the coupling part
(configured by the projection rib and grooved rib) between casings,
and this is advantageous in terms of cost. This pipe has no flash
along a parting line. Even if the pipe is twisted when it is fitted
in the grooved rib, sure waterproofing can be realized with no
problem.
[0027] This waterproof member does not have a closed-circular shape
(ring shape). The waterproof member is used as a pipe with two
terminal-end faces. The O-ring, which has no terminal-end face, has
no connection portion, and there is no possibility of water leak at
such a connection portion. In the case of the pipe, if there is a
gap between the terminal-end faces, there is a possibility of water
leak.
[0028] To solve this problem, when the pipe is being pressed by
engagement between both ribs, the terminal-end faces of the pipe
are brought into close contact with each other, with no gap being
created there-between. Alternatively, both terminal-end portions
are juxtaposed (superposed on each other) in the circumferential
direction so that side faces of the terminal-end portions are put
in close contact with each other, with no gap being created in
use.
[0029] FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of a
waterproof structure according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional structure wherein a pipe,
which serves as a waterproof member, is interposed at a coupling
part where a projection rib and a grooved rib are engaged with each
other. FIG. 1B shows the state of arrangement of the pipe that is
fitted in the grooved rib. FIG. 2A shows the state of terminal-end
faces of the pipe that is fitted in the grooved rib, and FIG. 2B
shows the state of contact between the terminal-end faces of the
pipe when the projection rib is engaged in the grooved rib.
[0031] This waterproof structure includes a casing 1 and a casing
2. The casing 1 has an end portion provided with a projection rib
1a. The casing 2 has an end portion provided with a grooved rib 2a.
The projection rib 1a and grooved rib 2a are formed such that a gap
is provided on both lateral sides, when they are engaged.
[0032] As is shown in FIG. 1B, a pipe 3 is fitted in a groove of
the grooved rib 2a. In this case, terminal-end faces 3a and 3b of
the pipe 3 are opposed to each other such that their centers (axes)
are coincident (i.e. coaxial) and a gap A is provided between the
terminal-end faces 3a and 3b. The gap A, as shown in FIG. 2B, is
determined such that the gap A is eliminated when the projection
rib 1a and grooved rib 2a are engaged, the pressed pipe 3 extends
along the groove of the grooved rib 2a, and the terminal-end face
3a comes in contact with the terminal-end face 3b. For example, the
gap A between the terminal-end faces becomes 0 mm on the
experiments under the condition as follows:
[0033] the gap at the time of engagement is 0 mm, when
[0034] hardness of rubber of the pipe =Durometer 60 Shore A,
[0035] outside diameter=.phi.1 mm,
[0036] inside diameter=.phi.0.5 mm,
[0037] width of the groove of the grooved rib=1 mm,
[0038] amount of collapsing due to engagement=0.5 mm, and
[0039] gap between terminal-end faces=0 to 1 mm.
[0040] The reason why said gap comes 0 is that the terminal-end
portions of the pipe are extended and the terminal-end faces
thereof contact each other, when the projection rib 1a and grooved
rib 2a are engaged. With no gap remaining, seal is effected and the
waterproof function is surely performed. From the actual
measurement values, it is understood that the proper gap A between
the terminal-end faces of the pipe, which is fitted in the groove
of the grooved rib 2a, is 0 to 1 mm. It is easy to provide the gap
A of 0 to 1 mm at the time of work for fitting the pipe in the
groove. However, this value varies depending on the diameter and
material of the pipe, the shapes of ribs, external environment,
etc. In consideration of this, in order to find an exact value, it
is desirable not only to perform simulations, but also to actually
fit the pipe in the groove at the time of manufacture.
[0041] There may be a case where even if the pipe is pressed, the
pipe does not extend in the direction of the groove because of the
quality of its material. In such a case, it is a possible method to
put the terminal-end faces 3a and 3b in contact with each other,
from the beginning, at the time of fitting the pipe in the
groove.
[0042] As has been described above, according to the waterproof
mechanism of this embodiment, the waterproof member that is formed
of the elastic pipe has a long stroke of deformation and a weak
reaction force. Thus, no problem arises even if the amount of
collapsing of the pipe slightly increases due to a variance in
dimension of the casings (projection rib and grooved rib). Compared
to the prior-art O-ring, the tolerable range of pressing increases.
This makes it easy to manage the precision of molds and the
dimensions of the coupling part. An increase in cost for realizing
high precision can be suppressed. Moreover, since there is no flash
at a parting line, sure waterproofing is achieved even if the pipe
is twisted when it is fitted in the groove of the grooved rib.
[0043] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show an example of a waterproof
structure according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional structure of a coupling part
between a projection rib and a grooved rib, where terminal-end
portions of a pipe that functions as a waterproof member are
juxtaposed. FIG. 3B shows the state of arrangement of terminal-end
portions of the pipe that is fitted in the grooved rib.
[0045] In the above-described first embodiment, the terminal-end
faces of the pipe 3 that functions as a waterproof member are put
in close contact with each other, whereby the waterproof function
is achieved. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A,
terminal-end portions 3c and 3d of the pipe 3 are juxtaposed (or
superposed on each other) such that their axes are made parallel.
Side faces of the juxtaposed terminal-end portions 3c and 3d of the
pipe 3 are brought into close contact with each other, making use
of their horizontal deformation that is caused by the pressing
force acting when the projection rib 1a and grooved rib 2a of the
casings 1 and 2 are engaged. Thereby, a sealing state without gap
is maintained, and a sure waterproof function is achieved. In the
meantime, when this arrangement is adopted, a hole in one of the
two terminal-end faces of the pipe can be collapsed and closed by,
e.g. heating. In the present embodiment, too, the same advantages
as with the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows an example of a waterproof structure according
to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional structure wherein a pipe 3
that functions as a waterproof member is clamped at a coupling part
between an outer L-rib 4a of a casing 4 and a mating inner L-rib 5a
of a casing 5. In the first and second embodiments, the pipe fitted
in the groove (grooved) is pressed in the thickness direction by
the projection. Thus, the pipe is deformed and put in close
contact, and waterproof is effected. In the third embodiment, when
the outer L-rib 4a and inner L-rib 5a are engaged, the interposed
pipe 3 is pressed and deformed in the lateral direction and
deformed, whereby waterproofing is achieved.
[0048] In the case of the above-mentioned pressing in the thickness
direction, the degree of pressing varies depending on the depth of
engagement between the projection rib 1a and grooved rib 2a. It is
thus necessary to give consideration to realization of uniform
depth of engagement. On the other hand, in the third embodiment,
pressing in the lateral direction is used. Hence, similar pressing
is realized even if the depth of engagement of overlapped parts of
both ribs increases or decreases due to a variance in length of
projecting parts of both ribs or in depth of grooves. Therefore,
even if an error in assembly occurs, the close contact state is
hardly affected by the deformation of the pipe and is
maintained.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example of a waterproof structure according
to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0050] In each of the above-described embodiments, engagement is
made between the projection-rib and grooved-rib or between L-ribs.
In the fourth embodiment, at least one of two mating parts, between
which there is a coupling part to be waterproofed, is flat, as in a
case of engagement between a casing and a liquid crystal display
screen.
[0051] In the waterproof structure of the fourth embodiment, a pipe
3 that functions as a waterproof member is disposed in a circular
groove 6a that is formed in an LCD attachment surface at the
opening of a casing 6. A display screen 7a of a liquid crystal
display (LCD) 7 is fixed by, e.g. screws, using a display device
holding member (not shown). The pipe 3 is pressed in the direction
of the arrow. In this case, the pipe 3 is deformed by the pressing
force that is produced by the fixation, and the circular groove 6a
and display screen 7a are put in close contact. Waterproofing is
thus achieved. In this embodiment, the depth of the circular groove
is adjusted, thereby to properly control the degree of collapsing
of the pipe. This embodiment is applicable to not only a structure
wherein only one of mating bodies is flat, but also to a waterproof
structure between flat surfaces. In this case, however, a stopper,
or the like, is provided between the flat surfaces so as to prevent
excessive collapsing of the pipe. The provision of such a component
ensures proper deformation of the pipe.
[0052] This waterproof structure is applicable to not only the
screen of the LCD, but also to glass or mirror-finished metal. For
instance, the waterproof structure may be applied to a window or a
door that comprises a glass sheet and an aluminum sash. In
addition, it may be applied to waterproofing between a glass sheet
and a frame of a water tank or a show window.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows an example of a waterproof structure according
to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] In this waterproof structure, the coupling part to be
waterproofed is configured such that a pipe is clamped between
grooved ribs with circular grooves.
[0055] This waterproof structure is used, for example, for
waterproofing between a flat member 8 and a flat member 9. The
surfaces of the flat members 8 and 9 are provided with circular
grooves 8a and 9a, which are mated to press and collapse the pipe
3. When the flat surfaces of the flat members 8 and 9 are brought
into contact with each other, the pipe 3 may possibly be collapsed
excessively. Thus, the depth of each circular groove 8a, 9a is
adjusted so as to properly control the degree of collapsing of the
pipe 3 even when the flat members 8 and 9 are put in close contact
with each other.
[0056] FIG. 7 shows an example of a waterproof structure according
to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] In the preceding embodiments, the cross section of the pipe
has a perfect circular shape. However, since the pipe is formed by
extrusion molding, it can be provided with a variety of
cross-sectional shapes only by altering the nozzle shape of a
molding machine.
[0058] In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the cross
section of a pipe 10 has a rectangular shape, for instance, a
rectangular shape. If this shape is applied to the coupling part
where the projection rib and grooved rib are to be engaged, twist
of the pipe 10 hardly occurs when it is fitted in the groove of the
grooved rib. Moreover, when the pipe 10 is clamped, the area of
tight contact increases advantageously. Alternatively, the pipe 10
may have an oval shape, etc.
[0059] FIG. 8 shows an example of a waterproof structure according
to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] In this embodiment, a pipe 11 has a splined cross-sectional
shape. If this shape is applied to the coupling part where the
projection rib and grooved rib are to be engaged, the pipe 10 can
be fitted in the groove of the grooved rib with little twist. Even
if twist occurs, the occurrence of such twist can easily be
understood. Compared to the pipe with the perfect circular
cross-sectional shape, the pipe 11 is advantageous in that water
moves along the outer periphery of the pipe 11 and does not easily
enter the inside.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows an example of a waterproof structure according
to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] In the above-described first embodiment, the pipe has a
perfect circular cross section, which is obtained when the pipe is
cut in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the pipe. In
this eighth embodiment, a pipe 12 has an oval cross section, which
is obtained by cutting the pipe 12 in a direction oblique to the
center axis of the pipe 12. Like the first embodiment, terminal-end
faces with oval cross sections of the pipe 12 are disposed at a
predetermined distance A. When the pipe 12 is pressed, the
terminal-end faces are put in close contact with each other.
[0063] According to this embodiment, the area of close contact
increases, and the tight-contact state is improved. Hence, the
waterproof effect is enhanced.
[0064] The waterproof member (pipe) of the waterproof structure of
each of the above-described embodiments can easily applied to a
variety of devices, in place of conventional O-rings and packing
members. For example, the waterproof member is usable as a
waterproof member provided on casings of portable devices, such as
transparent waterproof cases for underwater use, which contains
cameras, video cameras, etc. Additionally, the waterproof member is
applicable as a waterproof member that is used when windshields
(e.g. front window) of automobiles or headlight coves are attached,
or when covers for street lights are attached.
[0065] The pipe that is the waterproof member of the present
invention is effective not only for prevention of permeation of
water, but also for prevention of leak of oil, liquid detergent,
etc.
[0066] According to the present invention, as has been described
above in detail, water leak via a flash of a waterproof member can
be prevented. In addition, a tolerable range of amount of
collapsing of the waterproof member is increased, and the required
precision for formation of the coupling part of casings, on which
the waterproof member is provided, is relaxed. Thus, the waterproof
structure that ensures waterproofing can be provided.
* * * * *