Title of Invention	"CASE STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE."
Abstract	A case structure for an electronic device is unlikely to be damaged, even when using a wood of comparatively low strength for the covering member. A supporting frame 11 is provided along inner surfaces of a front cover 1 and a rear cover 2, that are formed of box shaped wood material open at one end. When an external force is applied to the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, the supporting frame 11 restrains deformation of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 by supporting them, and enables stress to be dispersed.

Title of Invention

"CASE STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE."

Abstract

A case structure for an electronic device is unlikely to be damaged, even when using a wood of comparatively low strength for the covering member. A supporting frame 11 is provided along inner surfaces of a front cover 1 and a rear cover 2, that are formed of box shaped wood material open at one end. When an external force is applied to the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, the supporting frame 11 restrains deformation of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 by supporting them, and enables stress to be dispersed.

Full Text	DESCRIPTION CASE STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE PRIORITY CLAIM Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-138248, filed May 7,2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a case structure for an electronic device. For example, this invention relates to a case structure that is appropriate for an electronic device such as a camera, a portable telephone, and an 1C recorder, or an electronic device such as a remote control for consumer electronic products such as a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, and a projector. BACKGROUND ART A covering member for an electronic device such as a camera, a portable telephone, and an 1C recorder, or an electronic device such as a remote control for consumer electronic products such as a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, and a projector constitutes a casing that contains built-in electronic parts or optical parts, and contributes to the design for outer appearance of these devices. Conventionally, these covering members are made up of a relatively thin plate member, a shell member, or the like, as for the shape hi order to reduce the size and the weight of the devices, and are generally produced of the materials such as synthetic resin or light metal, which are suitable for mass production. On the other hand, materials such as synthetic resin or light metal have a disadvantage in that they are difficult to hold comfortably in the hand, due to lack of hygroscopicity. Accordingly, a proposal has been made that as a covering material, natural materials such as wood or bamboo be used which tend to be comfortable in the hand and are endowed with excellent hygroscopicity and delicate features which provide good sensation. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-64021 (pages 2-4, and Figure 1) discloses a component material for constructing a casing for electronic devices which is formed of a wooden material, and whose surface is carbonized. The Publication also discloses a camera covered by a front cover and a rear cover using a wooden material, both being a thin shell type, where a circuit unit and an imaging unit are attached to a chassis. The front cover and the rear cover are connected together and secured to the chassis. However, the case structure for electronic device having a wooden covering member described above in the prior art has the following problems: For example, an electronic device such as a camera, a portable telephone, and an 1C recorder, or a remote control for consumer electronic products such as a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, and a projector, are portable devices that are operated in hand, and are consequently subject to external force from outside the covering member when being carried or operated. Thus hi a conventional case structure, external force causes considerable deformation, cracks, and damage. Accordingly, there is a strong demand for a case structure that is not easily damaged, even when a wood being fragile to the deformation by external force is used in the covering member. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The invention is made in view of the above problems. The object of the invention is to provide a case structure for electronic device that is unlikely to be damaged by an external force, while using a wood of comparatively low strength for the covering member. In order to solve the problems, one aspect of the invention relates to a case structure for an electronic device. The case structure comprises at least two covering members made of a wooden material for covering a covered member; and a supporting member provided along the inner surfaces of the covering members for supporting the covering members. According to this invention, when an external force acts on the covering member, deformation of the covering member is restrained through being supported by a supporting member provided along inner surfaces of the covering member, enabling a wood of low strength to be used for the covering member of an electronic device. Advantageously, the supporting member includes a frame structure. According to this invention, the supporting member includes a frame structure that can be light in weight and inexpensive. Since spaces between the frames can be used as far as the inner face of the covering member, space inside the case can be utilized effectively, achieving a space-saving structure. Advantageously, the supporting member includes a net-like frame structure. According to this invention, the supporting member includes a net-like frame structure that enables it to be easily formed in a shape that runs along the inner surfaces of the covering member, even if the shape of the inner surfaces is complex. Therefore, the inner surfaces of the covering member can be supported over a comparatively wide area, facilitating stress dispersion. Preferably, the supporting member is also a holding member for holding the covered member. According to this invention, since the supporting member also functions as a holding member that holds the covered member, the number of components can be reduced and the downsizing is /' attained. Preferably, the supporting member is also a holding member for holding an external member provided outside the covering member. According to this invention, since the supporting member also functions as a holding member that holds the external member provided outside the covering member, the number of components can be reduced. By using the member of higher strength than the covering member as the supporting member, ' it can hold the external member even when a wood of comparatively low strength is used for the covering member. Preferably, the supporting member has a frame-shaped securing member for securing the end portion of the covering member. According to this invention, when an external force acts on the covering member, the stress can be transmitted through the supporting member to a frame-shaped securing member, making it possible to restrain deformation of the end portion of the covering member and the supporting member, and to achieve a case structure of high strength. According to the case structure for electronic device of the invention, deformation of the covering member can be restrained by providing a supporting member along inner surfaces thereof, making it possible to form a casing that is unlikely to be damaged while using a wood of comparatively low strength for the covering member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera that uses the case structure according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a digital camera shown in Figure 1 in order to illustrate a structure of a covering system thereof. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along A-A of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along B-B of Figure 1. Figures 5 A and 5B are perspective views which schematically explain a first and a second modifications of the supporting member according to an embodiment of this invention, respectively. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments in accordance with the invention will be described with reference to the figures. In all the figures, even if the embodiments are different, the same reference numerals are applied to similar or equivalent elements, and explanations which are the same hi the embodiments are omitted. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera that uses the case structure according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a digital camera shown in Figure 1 in order to illustrate a structure of a covering system thereof. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along A-A of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along B-B of Figure 1. An X, X and Z rectangular coordinate system is described that is common to Figures 1 to 3. Under the coordinate system, when taking a position to take a photograph of an object hi front holding a right side of a digital camera, a direction to the front is designated as a Z direction, a direction to the left as an X direction, and an upper vertical direction as a Y direction. For simplicity, relative directions may be explained hereunder referring to the coordinate system. A case structure of an embodiment in accordance with the invention can be appropriately used, for example, hi a digital camera 100 (an electronic device) shown in Figure 1. A casing of the digital camera 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is made up of a front cover 1 (a covering member), a rear cover 2 (a covering member), a supporting frame 11 (supporting member), and a frame 3 (securing member). The casing contains, as the covered parts, the well-known optical parts, mechanical parts, and electrical parts that are necessary for a digital camera. In this embodiment, as shown hi Figures 1 and 3, are provided a built-in flash 6, a finder 7, an imaging unit 21, a liquid crystal display 24, an electrical control unit 23, a circuit unit 25, a memory card 27, batteries 29, and a barrier switch 26. One portion of the covered parts is exposed outside of an aperture provided on each of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2. The imaging unit 21, as shown in Figure 3, is composed of a group of lenses 21a, a rnirror 21c, and a group of lenses 21b which constitute a zoom lens optical system held at a lens barrel 2Id, and a CCD as an image pick-up device, arranged at an image surface thereof. *• The group of lenses 21 a is a fixed group located nearest to an object. The group of lenses 21b, at least a portion of which is set on an optical path folded by the mirror 21c, is a moving group movably held by a zooming mechanism 21e. This structure enables the imaging unit 21 to perform a zooming without protruding from the casing. A lens barrier 5 is used to cover the front of the group of lenses 21a when no photograph is taken. The lens barrier 5 is a plate hi a shape of an ellipse or oval having a size that allows an imaging aperture la to be closed, and is made up of, for example, synthetic resin or metal. When the lens barrier 5 is assembled, the minor axis of an ellipse or oval is guided to a lens barrier guide 12c (described later). On the lens barrier 5, a pin 5a is erected in a positive Z direction. The pin 5a, when assembled, is inserted into a slide hole Ig to be connected to a slide lever 4. Thus, the movement of the lens barrier 5 can be realized by the movement of the slide lever 4 outside of the casing. The barrier switch 26 is used to switch on or off the power of the digital camera 100 based on the movement of the lens barrier 5. As shown in Figure 3, a switch lever 26a protrudes movably into a movement path of the lens barrier 5. When the lens barrier 5 covers the imaging aperture la, an electronic circuit is open. On the other hand, when the lens barrier 5 uncovers the imaging aperture la, the electronic circuit is closed. The rear cover 2, as shown in Figure 2, is of a box shape having an almost uniform thickness open to the positive Z direction that has a rectangular bottom plate 2E parallel to the XY plane, the circumference of which is enclosed by four sides. At the top of each of the four sides are formed a left side end 2A and a right side end 2C in the positive and negative directions of the X axis, respectively, and an upper side end 2B and a lower side end 2D in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis, respectively. The end surface for each of these side ends is nearly aligned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. hi the upper side end 2B near the right side end 2C is provided a notch 2a that is cut out in the shape of a semicircle from the end surface of the upper side end 2B. In the middle of the lower side end 2D, a notch 2b is provided that is cut out in the shape of a semicircle from the end surface of the lower side end 2D. In the nearly middle of the bottom plate 2E, the display aperture 2c is provided so that the liquid crystal display unit 24 can be seen from outside of the casing. In the left neighborhood (in the positive X axis direction) of the display aperture 2c, operation apertures 2d are provided to protrude the operation button 23a to the outside. The rear cover 2 can employ wooden material, light metal (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, or the like) that allows press molding, or synthetic resin (ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like) that allows injection molding. In the embodiments wooden material is used that is excellent in hygroscopicity and superior in design making the most of natural features. The wooden material used in the embodiments is compressed wooden material of which the density is enhanced and the strength is unproved by compression molding. Compression molding is performed as follows. Natural wood is cut relatively thick with regard to the thickness of the rear cover 2 to manufacture a prototype. The prototype is compression molded by dies in an atmosphere of high temperature water vapor to transfer the shape of the die surface. In this way, a thin shell type of member can be obtained, the surface of exposed woodgrain lines Q and the inside of which is much stronger than the prototype wooden material. The notches 2a and 2b, the display aperture 2c, and the operation aperture 2d can be formed by, for example, secondary processing after compression molding. In the embodiments, since the prototype for the rear cover 2 is cut out of an edge grain material, the cross section of a wood fiber is exposed at the end surfaces of the left side end 2A and the right side end 2C. Because cohesive force between the wood fibers is weak, the left side end 2A and the right side end 2C are easily broken or come off. The surface of the rear cover 2 may be provided with a carbonizing layer or coating layer, or with a pattern, an unevenness, or the like, by secondary processing. Foreign materials such as synthetic resin and synthetic rubber, and metal can be embedded into or attached to the rear cover 2. As a wooden material, the following can be selected: Japanese cypress, paulownia, teak, mahogany, Japanese cedar, pine, cherry tree, bamboo, or equivalents thereof. Not only raw wood but also a woody material such as a compression formed material that is made up of collected and solidified waste chips and sawdust can be used. The front cover 1 is a formed article made of the similar compressed wooden material as the rear cover 2. The front cover 1, as shown hi Figure 2, is of a box shape having an almost uniform thickness open to the negative Z direction that has a rectangular bottom plate IE parallel to the XY plane, the circumference of which is enclosed by four sides. Furthermore, in order to improve design, the front cover 1 uses a prototype cut out of a flat grain material so that complicatedly curved woodgrain lines G can be obtained. In this situation, as is the same with the rear cover 2, variation in strength of the ends occurs, depending on the way in which the woodgrain is overlapped at the ends. At the top of each of the four sides are formed a left side end 1A and a right side end 1C in the positive and negative directions of the X axis, respectively, and an upper side end IB and a lower side end ID in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis, respectively. The end surface for each of these side ends is nearly aligned on a plane parallel to the XY plane. In the upper side end IB near the right side end 1C is provided a notch le that is cut out in the shape of a semicircle from the end surface of the upper side end IB. The notch le forms a round hole together with the notch 2a of the rear cover 2, and the notch Ih forms a round hole together with the notch 2b of the rear cover 2 when assembled. Near the end surface of the right side end 1C, a insertion hole If for inserting and removing the memory card 27 is provided along the end surface thereof. A hole cover 9 can be removably mounted to the insertion hole If. Near the right side end 1C of the bottom plate IE, a grip Ib is formed that is swollen in a semicircle in the positive Z axis direction. At the bottom plate IE, the imaging aperture la to receive incident light is provided for a lens aperture of the imaging unit 21. The imaging aperture la, as shown hi Figure 3, has a slope to reduce its radius stepwise in the plate thickness direction of which the surface is carbonized to prevent stray light. For the finder 7 and the built-in flash 6, a finder aperture 1 c and a flash aperture Id are provided to insert their top end, respectively. Between the imaging aperture la and the grip Ib, a slide hole Ig is provided extending in the X axis direction. Into the slide hole Ig, a pin 5a of the lens barrier 5 placed inside of the front cover 1 can be inserted. To the inner circumference of the frame 3 (a securing member) constituting a casing, a supporting frame 11 (a supporting member) is fixed. When the casing is assembled, the supporting frame 11 touches the inner surface of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, or is placed in a position adjacent to them. When an external force is applied to the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, the supporting frame 11 is a reinforcing member for curbing their distortion to the inner side and preventing damage. When placed adjacent, an appropriate space is provided considering the amount of allowable deformation according to the strength of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2. Away of fixing the supporting frame 11 may be a suitable way such as welding, caulking, or thread fastening. Alternatively, the supporting frame 11 may be formed integrally with the frame 3. The supporting frame 11 contains front frames 15a, 16a, and 17a, rear frames 15b, 16b, and 17b, and a lens barrier storing portion 12, and is mainly composed of a frame structure of rod members having a cross section of a square. The front frames 15a and 16a and the rear frames 15b and 16b are spaced with an interval in the middle of the longer direction of the frame 3, and are made up of a U-shaped member along a curvature of the inner surfaces of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 built between the span of the shorter direction of the frame 3. The front frame 15a is placed in a position corresponding to the left side (the positive X axis direction) of the imaging aperture la, while the front frame 16a is arranged in a middle position between the grip Ib and the imaging aperture la. The front frame 17a and the rear frame 17b are placed with an interval in the middle of the shorter direction of the frame 3 to be built between the front frame 16a, the rear frame 16b, and frame 3, respectively. The front frame 17a and the rear frame 17b consist of an L-shaped member curved to be along the inner surface of the bottoms IE and 2E. The front frame 17a contains a curvature for the grip Ib, in which an L-shaped bent portion projects circularly. A lens barrier storing portion 12 accommodates the lens barrier 5 together with the front cover 1 to movably hold the lens barrier 5 to the X axis direction. The lens barrier storing portion 12 includes a lens barrier guide surface 12b provided at a position slightly lower than the front surface of the front frame 15a and 16a (the surface opposite to the bottom platelE) by a thickness of the lens barrier 5, a lens barrier stopper 12a having a curvature to stop the end of the major axis of the lens barrier 5 from the middle of the front frame 15a, and lens barrier guides 12c and 12c having a slightly wider interval than a minor axis width of the lens barrier in the Y axis direction between the front frame 15a and the front frame 16a. The front surface of the lens barrier guide 12c is aligned with the front frames 15a and 16a. The lens barrier guide surface 12b has an aperture 14 in a position corresponding to the lens aperture of the imaging unit 21. Subsequently, the operation of the supporting frame 11 of the embodiment will be explained. When an external force is applied to the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, the supporting frame 11 can restrain their deformation at positions where the supporting frame 11 directly contacts them. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that stress caused by the external force does not exceed the breaking strengths of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 by providing appropriate gaps between them and the supporting frame 11. Moreover, as with the front frame 15a and the rear frame 15b, and the front frame 16a and the rear frame 16b, the structure circularly continuous to each other can resist an external force, which constitutes an advantage. Since the supporting frame 11 has a frame structure, the covered parts can be arranged near the inner surfaces of the covering member in the space surrounded by the frames, achieving a space-saving constitution and enabling to downsize. Alternatively, the space surrounded by the frames can be utilized to guide or store the member like the lens barrier 5 that is arranged in close contact with the covering member. A frame structure is advantageous in facilitating formation of a curved shape along the inner surfaces of the covering members. As a material for the supporting frame 11, wood, synthetic resin, or metal stronger than the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 can be employed. The frame is roughly so formed, as shown in Figure 4, that a rod material whose cross section is of an H shape, where a web 3b (an end holding portion ) is provided with side guides 3a (a side guide portion) as a flange, is bent according to a nearly rectangular aperture that each end of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 makes up to form a circular frame body (see Figure 2). In order to show the cross section, Figure 2 is partially broken. The web 3b and the side guides3a and 3a constitute a U-shaped groove that holds the ends of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, respectively. When the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are pushed in between the side guides 3a and 3a from the axis direction to be assembled, at least one portion of each of the end surfaces of the web 3b can strike against the front cover land the rear cover 2, so that the location of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 in the direction which they are pushed in can be controlled. Since the digital camera 100 should be repaired by opening the casing when in trouble, the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are removably fixed to the frame 3. Although not shown in Figure 2, for the drawings to be viewed easily, a fixing means is provided at appropriate positions in the frame 3. Various types of fixing means may be used; for example, the structure is employed that is composed of a projected piece which projects by at least the length enabling to fasten by screws from the side guide 3a of the inner side of the casing against the opposite side guide 3a, and has an appropriate width; and a female screw formed thereon to fasten the front cover 1 or the rear cover 2. In this case, the front cover 1 or the rear cover 2 is provided with a through hole to pass the screw. In this way, with respect to the covering member, only the through hole has to be processed, and no tapping may be made. Consequently, materials with low strength such as a wooden material can be fixed and removed repeatedly, and constitute a casing excellent in durability. As a material for the frame 3, synthetic resin or metal stronger than the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 can be employed. The supporting frame 11, integrally fixed with the frame 3, may disperse an external force applied through the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 and may transfer the stress to the frame 3. Being built in the frame 3, the supporting frame 11 is also a beam member for loading an external force from the circumferential direction of the frame 3. A various kinds of objects built in the casing can be touched with or fixed at the frame 3 and the supporting frame 11. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the electrical control unit 23 is attached to the rear frame 15b. A battery case 29a is mounted to the rear frame 16b and the frame 3. A card holder 28 is mounted to the front frame 16a and the front frame 17a. Likewise, the members whose attachment partners are not shown in Figure 3 are fixed at holding members (not shown) that are attached to the frame 3 and the supporting frame 11. Modifications of the supporting member of the embodiment will be explained. Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views which schematically explain a first and a second modifications of the supporting member according to an embodiment of this invention, respectively. As shown in Fig. 5A, a supporting frame 41 (supporting member) according to the first modification of the embodiment is built between opposing frames of the frame 3 along the inner surface of the covering member. For simplicity, the supporting frame 41 is illustrated to be of box-shape having U-shape in cross-section in Fig. 5A, but any three-dimensional shape is acceptable. The supporting frame 41 has a net-like frame structure that comprises, for example, a mesh 42 having multiple rectangular openings. The mesh 42 can be provided with an opening 43 where necessary. The outer periphery of the mesh 42 and the inner periphery of the opening 43 may be connected to a frame made of the material different from that of the mesh 42. Although not illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B, the covering member and covered parts may be directly contacted with, or secured to, the mesh 42 if necessary. When the mesh 42 is made of metal, it may be formed by twining or joining metal wires. When the mesh 42 is made of synthetic resin, it can be molded into various mesh shapes. Preferably, when using metal for the mesh 42, it should be treated by a thermosetting process, such as quenching, after being formed into the appropriate shape. This causes the mesh to be of high strength even when the diameter of the metal wires is reduced. According to the supporting frame 41 described above, the netty frame structure enables a complex three-dimensional curved face to be formed easily. By providing the opening 43 only where it is needed, a comparatively wide area of the inner surface of the covering member can be covered by the supporting frame 41, enabling an external force applied to the covering member to be dispersed over a wide area. As shown in Fig. 5B, the supporting frame 45 (supporting member) according to the second modification of the embodiment is built on the frame 3 in the same way as the supporting frame 41, and has a plate-shell structure wherein a multiple holes 47 are formed in a plate portion 46 instead of the mesh 42. An opening 48 that is larger than the holes 47 may be provided if necessary. A press-processed punching metal or a molded synthetic resin can be used as the material for the supporting frame 45. The plate-shell structure of the supporting frame 45 enables a complex three-dimensional shape to be formed easily. By providing the opening 48 only where it is needed, a comparatively wide area of the inner surface of the covering member can be covered by the supporting frame 41, enabling an external force applied to the covering member to be dispersed over a wide area. Since a wide area is covered, the plate can be made thin to form a space-saving supporting member. In the first and second modifications, when the mesh 42 and the plate portion 46 are made of metal, a wide area of the inner surfaces of the covering member is covered at an appropriate area density, enabling them to be used as electromagnetic shield members. This is advantageous in easily facilitating countermeasures against electromagnetic radiation of the electronic device, even when the covering member is formed of a nonconductive material such as wood. While the above explanation describes an example where the members held by the supporting member are mainly covered parts, the supporting member can be arranged to hold external members that are exposed outside the casing, by providing through holes in the covering member and the like. For example, while an external member such as the hole cover 9 is attached to the insertion hole If in the front cover 1 in the above explanation, the supporting frame 11 can be arranged so as to hold the hole cover 9 by extending the shape of the supporting frame 11 into the insertion hole If. While the embodiment describes the lens barrier 5 that can move between the covering member and the supporting member, a barrier may be provided as an external member that moves along the outside of the front cover 1, a guide for moving the barrier being provided in the supporting frame 11. While the slide lever 4, being an external member, moves along the slide hole Ig, the slide hole Ig may instead be treated simply as an opening, with a guide portion that corresponds to the slide hole Ig being provided in the supporting frame 11. When external members are held by the supporting member in this way, the load on the covering member is reduced and its durability is improved. While the above explanation describes an example where the frame-like securing member is provided to secure the ends of the covering member, such a securing member may be omitted from the structure. In this arrangement, the case can be formed by securing the ends of covering member together directly. If the supporting member is strong enough, the covering member may be secured to it. In the above explanation, while the frame 3 is H-shaped in cross-section, and is a member to which the ends of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are secured by striking the web 3b, the arrangement is not limited to this; for example, the cross-sectional shape of the frame 3 may be modified as appropriate, e.g. T-shaped, h-shaped, or the like. The above explanation is made of assuming that the frame 3 is a circular frame body. As long as the frame has a structure that hold the supporting member and bear the stress, the frame 3 may be formed while divided hi the circumferential direction of the top end of the covering member if necessary. For example, the constitution may be employed where beam members that are different from the supporting member are joined between a plurality of above frames 3. In the case, at positions at which the frame 3 is not placed, a suitable member shades light and blocks dust, depending on the situation. The above explanation is given to an example hi which a case structure for an electronic device hi accordance with the invention can be applied to a digital camera as an electronic device. The invention is preferable for all the electronic devices such as a remote controller for a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, or a projector, a portable telephone, an 1C recorder, and a PDA. In particular, the invention is most preferable for hand-held and hand-operated electronic devices to which using a wooden material as a covering member provides good hygroscopicity and good sensation. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The case structure for the electronic device in accordance with the invention can be applied to a casing of an electronic device. The case structure for the electronic device enables the covering members made of wood material to form the casing unlikely to be damaged. We Claim: 1. A case structure for an electronic device comprising: at least two covering members (1,2) made of a wooden material for covering a covered member; and characterized by a supporting member (11,41,45) which is of frame structure and is provided along the inner surfaces of the covering members for supporting the covering members (1, 2). 2. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in Claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the supporting member (11,41,45) and the inner surface of each covering member (1, 2). 3. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting member includes a net-like frame structure (41, 45). 4. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supporting member (11, 41, 45) is also a holding member for holding the covered member. 5. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the supporting member (11, 41, 45) is also a holing member for holding an external member (4, 9) provided outside the covering member. 6. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the supporting member (11,41,45) has a frame-shaped securing member_(3) for securing the end portion of the covering member (1,2).

Full Text

DESCRIPTION
CASE STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE
PRIORITY CLAIM
Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-138248, filed May
7,2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a case structure for an electronic device. For
example, this invention relates to a case structure that is appropriate for an
electronic device such as a camera, a portable telephone, and an 1C recorder, or
an electronic device such as a remote control for consumer electronic products
such as a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, and a projector.
BACKGROUND ART
A covering member for an electronic device such as a camera, a portable
telephone, and an 1C recorder, or an electronic device such as a remote control for
consumer electronic products such as a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner,
and a projector constitutes a casing that contains built-in electronic parts or optical parts,
and contributes to the design for outer appearance of these devices.
Conventionally, these covering members are made up of a relatively thin plate
member, a shell member, or the like, as for the shape hi order to reduce the size and the
weight of the devices, and are generally produced of the materials such as synthetic resin
or light metal, which are suitable for mass production.
On the other hand, materials such as synthetic resin or light metal have a
disadvantage in that they are difficult to hold comfortably in the hand, due to lack of
hygroscopicity. Accordingly, a proposal has been made that as a covering material,
natural materials such as wood or bamboo be used which tend to be comfortable in the
hand and are endowed with excellent hygroscopicity and delicate features which provide
good sensation.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-64021 (pages 2-4,
and Figure 1) discloses a component material for constructing a casing for
electronic devices which is formed of a wooden material, and whose surface is
carbonized. The Publication also discloses a camera covered by a front cover
and a rear cover using a wooden material, both being a thin shell type, where a
circuit unit and an imaging unit are attached to a chassis. The front cover and
the rear cover are connected together and secured to the chassis.
However, the case structure for electronic device having a wooden covering
member described above in the prior art has the following problems:
For example, an electronic device such as a camera, a portable telephone,
and an 1C recorder, or a remote control for consumer electronic products such as
a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, and a projector, are portable
devices that are operated in hand, and are consequently subject to external force
from outside the covering member when being carried or operated. Thus hi a
conventional case structure, external force causes considerable deformation,
cracks, and damage.
Accordingly, there is a strong demand for a case structure that is not
easily damaged, even when a wood being fragile to the deformation by external
force is used in the covering member.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The invention is made in view of the above problems. The object of
the invention is to provide a case structure for electronic device that is unlikely to
be damaged by an external force, while using a wood of comparatively low
strength for the covering member.
In order to solve the problems, one aspect of the invention relates to a case
structure for an electronic device. The case structure comprises at least two covering
members made of a wooden material for covering a covered member; and a supporting
member provided along the inner surfaces of the covering members for supporting the
covering members.
According to this invention, when an external force acts on the covering
member, deformation of the covering member is restrained through being
supported by a supporting member provided along inner surfaces of the covering
member, enabling a wood of low strength to be used for the covering member of
an electronic device.
Advantageously, the supporting member includes a frame structure.
According to this invention, the supporting member includes a frame
structure that can be light in weight and inexpensive. Since spaces between the
frames can be used as far as the inner face of the covering member, space inside
the case can be utilized effectively, achieving a space-saving structure.
Advantageously, the supporting member includes a net-like frame structure.
According to this invention, the supporting member includes a net-like
frame structure that enables it to be easily formed in a shape that runs along the
inner surfaces of the covering member, even if the shape of the inner surfaces is
complex. Therefore, the inner surfaces of the covering member can be
supported over a comparatively wide area, facilitating stress dispersion.
Preferably, the supporting member is also a holding member for holding the
covered member.
According to this invention, since the supporting member also functions
as a holding member that holds the covered member, the number of components
can be reduced and the downsizing is /' attained.
Preferably, the supporting member is also a holding member for holding an
external member provided outside the covering member.
According to this invention, since the supporting member also functions
as a holding member that holds the external member provided outside the
covering member, the number of components can be reduced. By using the
member of higher strength than the covering member as the supporting member, '
it can hold the external member even when a wood of comparatively low strength
is used for the covering member.
Preferably, the supporting member has a frame-shaped securing member for
securing the end portion of the covering member.
According to this invention, when an external force acts on the covering
member, the stress can be transmitted through the supporting member to a
frame-shaped securing member, making it possible to restrain deformation of the
end portion of the covering member and the supporting member, and to achieve a
case structure of high strength.
According to the case structure for electronic device of the invention,
deformation of the covering member can be restrained by providing a supporting
member along inner surfaces thereof, making it possible to form a casing that is
unlikely to be damaged while using a wood of comparatively low strength for the
covering member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera that uses the case
structure according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a digital camera shown in Figure 1
in order to illustrate a structure of a covering system thereof.
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along A-A of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along B-B of Figure 1.
Figures 5 A and 5B are perspective views which schematically explain a
first and a second modifications of the supporting member according to an
embodiment of this invention, respectively.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments in accordance with the invention will be described with reference
to the figures. In all the figures, even if the embodiments are different, the same
reference numerals are applied to similar or equivalent elements, and explanations which
are the same hi the embodiments are omitted.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera that uses the case structure
according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view
of a digital camera shown in Figure 1 in order to illustrate a structure of a covering
system thereof. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along A-A of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a
sectional view taken along B-B of Figure 1.
An X, X and Z rectangular coordinate system is described that is common to
Figures 1 to 3. Under the coordinate system, when taking a position to take a
photograph of an object hi front holding a right side of a digital camera, a direction to the
front is designated as a Z direction, a direction to the left as an X direction, and an upper
vertical direction as a Y direction. For simplicity, relative directions may be explained
hereunder referring to the coordinate system.
A case structure of an embodiment in accordance with the invention can be
appropriately used, for example, hi a digital camera 100 (an electronic device) shown in
Figure 1.
A casing of the digital camera 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is made up of a
front cover 1 (a covering member), a rear cover 2 (a covering member), a supporting
frame 11 (supporting member), and a frame 3 (securing member).
The casing contains, as the covered parts, the well-known optical parts,
mechanical parts, and electrical parts that are necessary for a digital camera. In this
embodiment, as shown hi Figures 1 and 3, are provided a built-in flash 6, a finder 7, an
imaging unit 21, a liquid crystal display 24, an electrical control unit 23, a circuit unit 25,
a memory card 27, batteries 29, and a barrier switch 26. One portion of the covered
parts is exposed outside of an aperture provided on each of the front cover 1 and the rear
cover 2.
The imaging unit 21, as shown in Figure 3, is composed of a group of lenses 21a,
a rnirror 21c, and a group of lenses 21b which constitute a zoom lens optical system held
at a lens barrel 2Id, and a CCD as an image pick-up device, arranged at an image surface
thereof.
*•
The group of lenses 21 a is a fixed group located nearest to an object.
The group of lenses 21b, at least a portion of which is set on an optical path
folded by the mirror 21c, is a moving group movably held by a zooming mechanism 21e.
This structure enables the imaging unit 21 to perform a zooming without
protruding from the casing.
A lens barrier 5 is used to cover the front of the group of lenses 21a when no
photograph is taken. The lens barrier 5 is a plate hi a shape of an ellipse or oval having
a size that allows an imaging aperture la to be closed, and is made up of, for example,
synthetic resin or metal.
When the lens barrier 5 is assembled, the minor axis of an ellipse or oval is
guided to a lens barrier guide 12c (described later). On the lens barrier 5, a pin 5a is
erected in a positive Z direction. The pin 5a, when assembled, is inserted into a slide
hole Ig to be connected to a slide lever 4.
Thus, the movement of the lens barrier 5 can be realized by the movement of the
slide lever 4 outside of the casing.
The barrier switch 26 is used to switch on or off the power of the digital camera
100 based on the movement of the lens barrier 5. As shown in Figure 3, a switch lever
26a protrudes movably into a movement path of the lens barrier 5. When the lens
barrier 5 covers the imaging aperture la, an electronic circuit is open. On the other
hand, when the lens barrier 5 uncovers the imaging aperture la, the electronic circuit is
closed.
The rear cover 2, as shown in Figure 2, is of a box shape having an almost
uniform thickness open to the positive Z direction that has a rectangular bottom plate 2E
parallel to the XY plane, the circumference of which is enclosed by four sides.
At the top of each of the four sides are formed a left side end 2A and a right side
end 2C in the positive and negative directions of the X axis, respectively, and an upper
side end 2B and a lower side end 2D in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis,
respectively. The end surface for each of these side ends is nearly aligned on a plane
parallel to the XY plane.
hi the upper side end 2B near the right side end 2C is provided a notch 2a that is
cut out in the shape of a semicircle from the end surface of the upper side end 2B. In
the middle of the lower side end 2D, a notch 2b is provided that is cut out in the shape of
a semicircle from the end surface of the lower side end 2D.
In the nearly middle of the bottom plate 2E, the display aperture 2c is provided
so that the liquid crystal display unit 24 can be seen from outside of the casing. In the
left neighborhood (in the positive X axis direction) of the display aperture 2c, operation
apertures 2d are provided to protrude the operation button 23a to the outside.
The rear cover 2 can employ wooden material, light metal (aluminum, stainless
steel, titanium, magnesium, or the like) that allows press molding, or synthetic resin
(ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like) that allows injection molding. In the
embodiments wooden material is used that is excellent in hygroscopicity and superior in
design making the most of natural features.
The wooden material used in the embodiments is compressed wooden material
of which the density is enhanced and the strength is unproved by compression molding.
Compression molding is performed as follows. Natural wood is cut relatively
thick with regard to the thickness of the rear cover 2 to manufacture a prototype. The
prototype is compression molded by dies in an atmosphere of high temperature water
vapor to transfer the shape of the die surface. In this way, a thin shell type of member
can be obtained, the surface of exposed woodgrain lines Q and the inside of which is
much stronger than the prototype wooden material.
The notches 2a and 2b, the display aperture 2c, and the operation aperture 2d
can be formed by, for example, secondary processing after compression molding.
In the embodiments, since the prototype for the rear cover 2 is cut out of an edge
grain material, the cross section of a wood fiber is exposed at the end surfaces of the left
side end 2A and the right side end 2C. Because cohesive force between the wood fibers
is weak, the left side end 2A and the right side end 2C are easily broken or come off.
The surface of the rear cover 2 may be provided with a carbonizing layer or
coating layer, or with a pattern, an unevenness, or the like, by secondary processing.
Foreign materials such as synthetic resin and synthetic rubber, and metal can be
embedded into or attached to the rear cover 2.
As a wooden material, the following can be selected: Japanese cypress,
paulownia, teak, mahogany, Japanese cedar, pine, cherry tree, bamboo, or equivalents
thereof. Not only raw wood but also a woody material such as a compression formed
material that is made up of collected and solidified waste chips and sawdust can be used.
The front cover 1 is a formed article made of the similar compressed wooden
material as the rear cover 2. The front cover 1, as shown hi Figure 2, is of a box shape
having an almost uniform thickness open to the negative Z direction that has a
rectangular bottom plate IE parallel to the XY plane, the circumference of which is
enclosed by four sides. Furthermore, in order to improve design, the front cover 1 uses
a prototype cut out of a flat grain material so that complicatedly curved woodgrain lines
G can be obtained. In this situation, as is the same with the rear cover 2, variation in
strength of the ends occurs, depending on the way in which the woodgrain is overlapped
at the ends.
At the top of each of the four sides are formed a left side end 1A and a right side
end 1C in the positive and negative directions of the X axis, respectively, and an upper
side end IB and a lower side end ID in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis,
respectively. The end surface for each of these side ends is nearly aligned on a plane
parallel to the XY plane.
In the upper side end IB near the right side end 1C is provided a notch le that is
cut out in the shape of a semicircle from the end surface of the upper side end IB.
The notch le forms a round hole together with the notch 2a of the rear cover 2,
and the notch Ih forms a round hole together with the notch 2b of the rear cover 2 when
assembled.
Near the end surface of the right side end 1C, a insertion hole If for inserting
and removing the memory card 27 is provided along the end surface thereof. A hole
cover 9 can be removably mounted to the insertion hole If.
Near the right side end 1C of the bottom plate IE, a grip Ib is formed that is
swollen in a semicircle in the positive Z axis direction.
At the bottom plate IE, the imaging aperture la to receive incident light is
provided for a lens aperture of the imaging unit 21. The imaging aperture la, as shown
hi Figure 3, has a slope to reduce its radius stepwise in the plate thickness direction of
which the surface is carbonized to prevent stray light.
For the finder 7 and the built-in flash 6, a finder aperture 1 c and a flash aperture
Id are provided to insert their top end, respectively.
Between the imaging aperture la and the grip Ib, a slide hole Ig is provided
extending in the X axis direction. Into the slide hole Ig, a pin 5a of the lens barrier 5
placed inside of the front cover 1 can be inserted.
To the inner circumference of the frame 3 (a securing member) constituting a
casing, a supporting frame 11 (a supporting member) is fixed. When the casing is
assembled, the supporting frame 11 touches the inner surface of the front cover 1 and the
rear cover 2, or is placed in a position adjacent to them. When an external force is
applied to the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, the supporting frame 11 is a reinforcing
member for curbing their distortion to the inner side and preventing damage. When
placed adjacent, an appropriate space is provided considering the amount of allowable
deformation according to the strength of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2.
Away of fixing the supporting frame 11 may be a suitable way such as welding,
caulking, or thread fastening. Alternatively, the supporting frame 11 may be formed
integrally with the frame 3.
The supporting frame 11 contains front frames 15a, 16a, and 17a, rear frames
15b, 16b, and 17b, and a lens barrier storing portion 12, and is mainly composed of a
frame structure of rod members having a cross section of a square.
The front frames 15a and 16a and the rear frames 15b and 16b are spaced with
an interval in the middle of the longer direction of the frame 3, and are made up of a
U-shaped member along a curvature of the inner surfaces of the front cover 1 and the rear
cover 2 built between the span of the shorter direction of the frame 3. The front frame
15a is placed in a position corresponding to the left side (the positive X axis direction) of
the imaging aperture la, while the front frame 16a is arranged in a middle position
between the grip Ib and the imaging aperture la.
The front frame 17a and the rear frame 17b are placed with an interval in the
middle of the shorter direction of the frame 3 to be built between the front frame 16a, the
rear frame 16b, and frame 3, respectively. The front frame 17a and the rear frame 17b
consist of an L-shaped member curved to be along the inner surface of the bottoms IE
and 2E. The front frame 17a contains a curvature for the grip Ib, in which an L-shaped
bent portion projects circularly.
A lens barrier storing portion 12 accommodates the lens barrier 5 together with
the front cover 1 to movably hold the lens barrier 5 to the X axis direction. The lens
barrier storing portion 12 includes a lens barrier guide surface 12b provided at a position
slightly lower than the front surface of the front frame 15a and 16a (the surface opposite
to the bottom platelE) by a thickness of the lens barrier 5, a lens barrier stopper 12a
having a curvature to stop the end of the major axis of the lens barrier 5 from the middle
of the front frame 15a, and lens barrier guides 12c and 12c having a slightly wider
interval than a minor axis width of the lens barrier in the Y axis direction between the
front frame 15a and the front frame 16a. The front surface of the lens barrier guide 12c
is aligned with the front frames 15a and 16a.
The lens barrier guide surface 12b has an aperture 14 in a position
corresponding to the lens aperture of the imaging unit 21.
Subsequently, the operation of the supporting frame 11 of the
embodiment will be explained.
When an external force is applied to the front cover 1 and the rear cover
2, the supporting frame 11 can restrain their deformation at positions where the
supporting frame 11 directly contacts them. Therefore, it is possible to ensure
that stress caused by the external force does not exceed the breaking strengths of
the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 by providing appropriate gaps between
them and the supporting frame 11.
Moreover, as with the front frame 15a and the rear frame 15b, and the
front frame 16a and the rear frame 16b, the structure circularly continuous to
each other can resist an external force, which constitutes an advantage.
Since the supporting frame 11 has a frame structure, the covered parts
can be arranged near the inner surfaces of the covering member in the space
surrounded by the frames, achieving a space-saving constitution and enabling to
downsize.
Alternatively, the space surrounded by the frames can be utilized to
guide or store the member like the lens barrier 5 that is arranged in close contact
with the covering member.
A frame structure is advantageous in facilitating formation of a curved
shape along the inner surfaces of the covering members.
As a material for the supporting frame 11, wood, synthetic resin, or metal
stronger than the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 can be employed.
The frame is roughly so formed, as shown in Figure 4, that a rod material whose
cross section is of an H shape, where a web 3b (an end holding portion ) is provided with
side guides 3a (a side guide portion) as a flange, is bent according to a nearly rectangular
aperture that each end of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 makes up to form a
circular frame body (see Figure 2). In order to show the cross section, Figure 2 is
partially broken.
The web 3b and the side guides3a and 3a constitute a U-shaped groove that
holds the ends of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2, respectively. When the front
cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are pushed in between the side guides 3a and 3a from the
axis direction to be assembled, at least one portion of each of the end surfaces of the web
3b can strike against the front cover land the rear cover 2, so that the location of the front
cover 1 and the rear cover 2 in the direction which they are pushed in can be controlled.
Since the digital camera 100 should be repaired by opening the casing when in
trouble, the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are removably fixed to the frame 3.
Although not shown in Figure 2, for the drawings to be viewed easily, a fixing means is
provided at appropriate positions in the frame 3.
Various types of fixing means may be used; for example, the structure is
employed that is composed of a projected piece which projects by at least the
length enabling to fasten by screws from the side guide 3a of the inner side of the
casing against the opposite side guide 3a, and has an appropriate width; and a
female screw formed thereon to fasten the front cover 1 or the rear cover 2.
In this case, the front cover 1 or the rear cover 2 is provided with a through hole
to pass the screw.
In this way, with respect to the covering member, only the through hole has to be
processed, and no tapping may be made. Consequently, materials with low strength
such as a wooden material can be fixed and removed repeatedly, and constitute a casing
excellent in durability.
As a material for the frame 3, synthetic resin or metal stronger than the front
cover 1 and the rear cover 2 can be employed.
The supporting frame 11, integrally fixed with the frame 3, may disperse an
external force applied through the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 and may transfer the
stress to the frame 3.
Being built in the frame 3, the supporting frame 11 is also a beam member for
loading an external force from the circumferential direction of the frame 3.
A various kinds of objects built in the casing can be touched with or fixed at the
frame 3 and the supporting frame 11. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the electrical
control unit 23 is attached to the rear frame 15b. A battery case 29a is mounted to the
rear frame 16b and the frame 3. A card holder 28 is mounted to the front frame 16a and
the front frame 17a. Likewise, the members whose attachment partners are not shown
in Figure 3 are fixed at holding members (not shown) that are attached to the frame 3 and
the supporting frame 11.
Modifications of the supporting member of the embodiment will be
explained.
Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views which schematically explain a
first and a second modifications of the supporting member according to an
embodiment of this invention, respectively.
As shown in Fig. 5A, a supporting frame 41 (supporting member)
according to the first modification of the embodiment is built between opposing
frames of the frame 3 along the inner surface of the covering member. For
simplicity, the supporting frame 41 is illustrated to be of box-shape having
U-shape in cross-section in Fig. 5A, but any three-dimensional shape is
acceptable.
The supporting frame 41 has a net-like frame structure that comprises,
for example, a mesh 42 having multiple rectangular openings.
The mesh 42 can be provided with an opening 43 where necessary.
The outer periphery of the mesh 42 and the inner periphery of the opening 43
may be connected to a frame made of the material different from that of the mesh
42.
Although not illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B, the covering member and
covered parts may be directly contacted with, or secured to, the mesh 42 if
necessary.
When the mesh 42 is made of metal, it may be formed by twining or
joining metal wires. When the mesh 42 is made of synthetic resin, it can be
molded into various mesh shapes.
Preferably, when using metal for the mesh 42, it should be treated by a
thermosetting process, such as quenching, after being formed into the appropriate
shape. This causes the mesh to be of high strength even when the diameter of
the metal wires is reduced.
According to the supporting frame 41 described above, the netty frame
structure enables a complex three-dimensional curved face to be formed easily.
By providing the opening 43 only where it is needed, a comparatively wide area
of the inner surface of the covering member can be covered by the supporting
frame 41, enabling an external force applied to the covering member to be
dispersed over a wide area.
As shown in Fig. 5B, the supporting frame 45 (supporting member)
according to the second modification of the embodiment is built on the frame 3 in
the same way as the supporting frame 41, and has a plate-shell structure wherein
a multiple holes 47 are formed in a plate portion 46 instead of the mesh 42. An
opening 48 that is larger than the holes 47 may be provided if necessary.
A press-processed punching metal or a molded synthetic resin can be
used as the material for the supporting frame 45.
The plate-shell structure of the supporting frame 45 enables a complex
three-dimensional shape to be formed easily. By providing the opening 48 only
where it is needed, a comparatively wide area of the inner surface of the covering
member can be covered by the supporting frame 41, enabling an external force
applied to the covering member to be dispersed over a wide area. Since a wide
area is covered, the plate can be made thin to form a space-saving supporting
member.
In the first and second modifications, when the mesh 42 and the plate
portion 46 are made of metal, a wide area of the inner surfaces of the covering
member is covered at an appropriate area density, enabling them to be used as
electromagnetic shield members. This is advantageous in easily facilitating
countermeasures against electromagnetic radiation of the electronic device, even
when the covering member is formed of a nonconductive material such as wood.
While the above explanation describes an example where the members
held by the supporting member are mainly covered parts, the supporting member
can be arranged to hold external members that are exposed outside the casing, by
providing through holes in the covering member and the like.
For example, while an external member such as the hole cover 9 is
attached to the insertion hole If in the front cover 1 in the above explanation, the
supporting frame 11 can be arranged so as to hold the hole cover 9 by extending
the shape of the supporting frame 11 into the insertion hole If.
While the embodiment describes the lens barrier 5 that can move
between the covering member and the supporting member, a barrier may be
provided as an external member that moves along the outside of the front cover 1,
a guide for moving the barrier being provided in the supporting frame 11.
While the slide lever 4, being an external member, moves along the slide
hole Ig, the slide hole Ig may instead be treated simply as an opening, with a
guide portion that corresponds to the slide hole Ig being provided in the
supporting frame 11.
When external members are held by the supporting member in this way,
the load on the covering member is reduced and its durability is improved.
While the above explanation describes an example where the frame-like
securing member is provided to secure the ends of the covering member, such a
securing member may be omitted from the structure. In this arrangement, the
case can be formed by securing the ends of covering member together directly.
If the supporting member is strong enough, the covering member may be secured
to it.
In the above explanation, while the frame 3 is H-shaped in cross-section,
and is a member to which the ends of the front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are
secured by striking the web 3b, the arrangement is not limited to this; for
example, the cross-sectional shape of the frame 3 may be modified as appropriate,
e.g. T-shaped, h-shaped, or the like.
The above explanation is made of assuming that the frame 3 is a circular
frame body. As long as the frame has a structure that hold the supporting
member and bear the stress, the frame 3 may be formed while divided hi the
circumferential direction of the top end of the covering member if necessary.
For example, the constitution may be employed where beam members that are
different from the supporting member are joined between a plurality of above
frames 3.
In the case, at positions at which the frame 3 is not placed, a suitable member
shades light and blocks dust, depending on the situation.
The above explanation is given to an example hi which a case structure for an
electronic device hi accordance with the invention can be applied to a digital camera as
an electronic device. The invention is preferable for all the electronic devices such as a
remote controller for a television set, a video recorder, an air conditioner, or a projector, a
portable telephone, an 1C recorder, and a PDA. In particular, the invention is most
preferable for hand-held and hand-operated electronic devices to which using a wooden
material as a covering member provides good hygroscopicity and good sensation.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and
illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and
are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the
foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The case structure for the electronic device in accordance with the invention can
be applied to a casing of an electronic device. The case structure for the electronic
device enables the covering members made of wood material to form the casing unlikely
to be damaged.

We Claim:
1. A case structure for an electronic device comprising:
at least two covering members (1,2) made of a wooden material for covering a covered member; and characterized by
a supporting member (11,41,45) which is of frame structure and is provided along the inner surfaces of the covering members for supporting the covering members (1, 2).
2. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in Claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the supporting member (11,41,45) and the inner surface of each covering member (1, 2).
3. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting member includes a net-like frame structure (41, 45).
4. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supporting member (11, 41, 45) is also a holding member for holding the covered member.
5. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the supporting member (11, 41, 45) is also a holing member for holding an external member (4, 9) provided outside the covering member.
6. A case structure for an electronic device as recited in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the supporting member (11,41,45) has a frame-shaped securing member_(3) for securing the end portion of the covering member (1,2).

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Patent Number

257288

Indian Patent Application Number

5314/DELNP/2006

PG Journal Number

39/2013

Publication Date

27-Sep-2013

Grant Date

20-Sep-2013

Date of Filing

14-Sep-2006

Name of Patentee

OLYMPUS CORPORATION

Applicant Address

43-2,HATAGAYA 2-CHOME, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO 151-0072,JAPAN.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	SUZUKI, TATSUYA	3-19-17, FUNABASHI, SETAGAYA-KU, TOKYO 156-0055, JAPAN.

PCT International Classification Number

H05K 5/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/JP2005/004710

PCT International Filing date

2005-03-10

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	P 2004-138248	2004-05-07	Japan