JP2003295284A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera using a fuel cell incorporating fuel liquid as a power source and improved so that the residual capacitance of the fuel cell can be easily confirmed and detected. <P>SOLUTION: The camera is constituted by inserting and housing the fuel cell 105 having a transmission part 105a for confirming the amount of the incorporated fuel liquid in a housing part 104 from the base side of a camera main body 101 and holding it by a cover part 106, and providing a residual amount confirming window 107 for confirming the residual amount of the fuel liquid of the cell 105 from the outside of the camera at a position corresponding to the transmission part 105a of the cell 105 housed in the housing part on the front side of the camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a primary battery such as a manganese battery or a lithium battery or a secondary battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery has been generally used as a power source for a portable device such as a camera. On the other hand, the fuel cell has a higher energy per weight than the conventional lithium battery and the like, and therefore, the development thereof is progressing toward being mounted on a portable device such as a camera.

The basic structure of a fuel cell comprises a pair of electrodes (cell parts) sandwiching an electrolyte and an external load circuit connecting the electrodes, and one electrode is supplied with hydrogen or a fuel containing hydrogen to supply hydrogen ions. (H ⁺ ) and electrons (e ⁻ ) are generated, and oxygen (air) is supplied to the other electrode. The fuel electrode is supplied with a fuel electrode (anode) and oxygen is supplied. The electrode that is used is called the air electrode (cathode).

There are a plurality of types of fuel cells having such a basic structure, but the type that uses methanol as fuel is said to be safer than the type that uses direct hydrogen, and therefore A fuel cell using methanol is considered to be a promising battery for power supplies of such consumer portable devices.

In the fuel cell of the type using methanol, methanol is not reformed into hydrogen but is directly supplied to the cell portion for reaction. That is, in the fuel electrode, the supplied methanol reacts with water to be oxidized, and CO ₂ and H ⁺ ions and electrons are generated. The H ⁺ ions reach the air electrode through the electrolyte. At the air electrode, O ₂ in the air combines with H ⁺ ions and the electrons coming through the external load circuit to be reduced to produce water. In the process, electrons flow to the external load circuit,
It is designed so that it can draw an electric current.

[0006]

By the way, in a portable device that generally uses a battery as a power source, it is important to manage the remaining amount of the battery. This is especially important for devices with high power consumption. For example, in a digital camera, control is performed such that the remaining amount of the battery is displayed on the display unit at any time, a warning is given in advance when the remaining amount is almost exhausted, and a caution is required to replace the battery. The reason why you can't shoot suddenly is that it's so inconvenient to use.

In current digital cameras, manganese or lithium batteries are used. However, the output voltage of the battery is measured by the power source of the camera, and the remaining amount is estimated and managed by the measured value. Even when the fuel cell is installed, the capacity of the cell is finite, so that it is naturally necessary to manage the remaining amount. However, in a fuel cell having a structure different from that of a manganese or lithium battery, it is necessary to detect the remaining amount different from the conventional one.
No suitable proposal has been made yet for a suitable remaining amount detection method for a fuel cell used as a power source for a camera.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera using a fuel cell, which can easily detect the remaining amount of the fuel cell. To do.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source. A fuel cell in which at least part of the fuel cell has a permeation portion capable of confirming the amount of fuel liquid, and the fuel cell is accommodated inside the camera, and the fuel cell is accommodated. In order to check the amount of the fuel liquid of the fuel cell from the outside of the camera in the state, a remaining amount confirmation window provided at a position corresponding to the transparent portion on the external surface of the camera is provided. is there. Here, the camera appearance surface means a camera portion that the user can see from the outside, and includes not only a portion that is always visible from the outside but also a portion that is visible from the outside when the lid is opened.

In the camera thus constructed,
Since the fuel cell is stored inside the camera, it can be held securely, and even if the fuel cell is not taken out from the camera, the remaining battery level can be maintained from outside the camera through the transparent part and the remaining amount confirmation window even when the camera is in use. It becomes possible to confirm easily.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on a side surface portion of the camera.

In the camera thus constructed,
You can easily check the battery level by effectively using the side of the camera.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on a side surface portion of the camera on the side where the camera is gripped.

In the camera thus constructed,
It is possible to easily check the remaining battery level by effectively utilizing the side surface of the camera, and the fuel cell is arranged on the grip side of the camera, so that a camera with a good weight balance can be configured.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on an upper surface portion of the camera.

In the camera thus constructed,
It is possible to easily check the remaining battery level from above the camera.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on the front surface of the camera provided with the taking lens.

In the camera thus constructed,
Since the front part of the camera does not have a normal operation part, the remaining amount confirmation window can be easily arranged without being restricted by the operation part.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on the bottom surface of the camera.

In the camera thus constructed,
Since the bottom of the camera is the part where it is difficult to place other operation members, you can easily install the remaining amount confirmation window,
Since the bottom surface of the camera becomes a hidden portion in normal use or in a portable manner, there is little problem in terms of design.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the storage section is provided with an openable / closable lid for protecting the battery in a replaceable manner. It is characterized by being present.

In the camera constructed as described above,
The fuel cell can be exchangeably stored in the camera, and the stored fuel cell can be protected.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, the amount of the fuel liquid can be confirmed in at least a part of a battery housing containing the fuel liquid. A fuel cell having a transmissive part formed therein, the battery cell storing the fuel cell operably inside the camera, and the recording medium storing the captured image. And a lid for protecting the medium storage portion, and the medium storage portion of the medium storage portion so that the amount of the fuel liquid of the fuel cell can be confirmed in the state where the fuel cell is stored. And a remaining amount confirmation window provided at a position corresponding to the transmissive portion of the front surface portion.

In the camera thus constructed,
The remaining amount confirmation window of the fuel cell can be arranged so that it cannot be seen from the outside by the lid of the medium storage unit, and it is possible to realize a camera with less design hindrance.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the eighth aspect, an injection opening corresponding to a fuel injection port for replenishing the fuel to the fuel cell is further provided on the surface of the medium storage section. It is characterized by being present.

In the camera thus constructed,
It is possible to arrange the fuel injection opening together with the fuel cell remaining amount confirmation window with the lid of the medium storage unit so as not to be seen from the outside.
Further, it is possible to refuel with the fuel cell housed in the camera and to realize a camera with less trouble in design.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, a battery storage chamber for storing the fuel cell inside the camera and a recording medium for recording a captured image are stored. Refueling the medium storage unit provided in the vicinity of the battery storage chamber, the lid for protecting the storage unit, and the fuel cell provided on the surface of the medium storage unit. And an injection opening corresponding to the fuel injection port.

In the camera thus constructed,
The fuel cell can be refueled while being housed in the camera, and the fuel injection opening can be arranged so as not to be seen by the lid of the medium storage unit.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, the fuel cell is provided with an inlet for replenishing the fuel liquid, and the fuel cell is used in the camera. It is characterized in that it is provided with a battery accommodating portion that is operably accommodated therein and an injection opening provided on the outer surface of the camera so as to correspond to the injection port of the accommodated fuel cell.

In the camera thus constructed,
It is possible to replenish fuel directly from the exterior of the camera with the fuel cell stored in the camera.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the camera according to the eleventh aspect, the injection opening is provided in the bottom surface of the camera.

In the camera thus constructed,
Since the camera bottom is a portion where other operation members are difficult to be placed, it does not interfere with normal camera operation, and the fuel injection opening can be easily installed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, the amount of the fuel liquid can be partially confirmed at least in a battery housing containing the fuel liquid. A fuel cell having a transparent portion and an inlet for replenishing the fuel liquid, wherein the fuel cell is accommodated inside the camera, and the fuel cell is accommodated. In order that the amount of fuel liquid in the fuel cell can be checked from outside the camera in the closed state, a remaining amount confirmation window provided at a position corresponding to the transparent portion on the outer surface of the camera, and the fuel cell An injection opening provided on the external surface of the camera corresponding to the entrance is provided.

In the camera thus constructed,
The fuel cell can be securely stored and held in the camera, and the remaining battery level can be easily checked from the outside of the camera even while the camera is in use, without removing the fuel cell from the camera. It is possible to refuel even in the stored state.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the thirteenth aspect, the remaining amount confirmation window and the injection opening are:
It is characterized by being provided on the bottom surface of the camera.

In the camera thus constructed,
The effect of the invention according to claim 13 can be obtained, and the remaining amount confirmation window and the fuel injection opening can be easily installed without disturbing the normal camera operation.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the camera according to the fourteenth aspect, an openable / closable lid for protecting the remaining amount confirmation window and the injection opening is provided on the bottom surface of the camera. .

In the camera thus constructed,
The remaining amount confirmation window and the fuel injection opening can be protected, and since they can be hidden by the lid, it is possible to reduce problems in terms of design.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, the amount of the fuel liquid can be detected in at least a part of the battery housing containing the fuel liquid. A fuel cell having a transparent portion, wherein the fuel cell is operably accommodated inside the camera, and the residual amount of the fuel liquid is stored in the battery housing portion. A remaining amount detecting means provided in the battery housing so as to be optically detected via a means, and a remaining amount displaying means for displaying information on the remaining amount of the fuel liquid detected by the detecting means. It is characterized by.

In the camera thus constructed,
Since the information on the remaining amount of the fuel cell detected by the remaining amount detecting means is displayed on the remaining amount display means, the remaining amount can be easily and surely confirmed.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the sixteenth aspect, the remaining amount display means also serves as an image display section for displaying a photographed image.

In the camera thus constructed,
Since the remaining amount of the fuel cell is displayed on the image display unit that displays the captured image, it is not necessary to provide a new display unit for displaying the remaining amount.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspects, the remaining amount detecting means changes in accordance with the light emitting portion that emits light toward the fuel liquid level and the remaining amount of the fuel liquid. It is characterized in that it is provided with an optical sensor section comprising a light receiving section for receiving the emitted light.

In the camera constructed as described above,
The optical remaining amount detecting means can be easily configured.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell is constructed by forming one or more permeation parts for detecting the remaining amount of the fuel liquid by visual confirmation or optical detection in a cell housing containing the fuel liquid. To do.

With such a structure, it is possible to realize a fuel cell capable of easily detecting the remaining amount of the fuel liquid.

[0047]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments will be described. First, a configuration example of a fuel cell that is exchangeably or fixedly housed in the camera according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first configuration example of a fuel cell. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fuel cell casing, and a cell portion (not shown) including a fuel electrode and an air electrode sandwiching an electrolyte is arranged in an upper portion of the inside of the casing 1. A fuel liquid 2 such as methyl alcohol is filled in the portion from the central portion to the lower portion. Further, a transparent portion 3 is provided in a part of the housing 1 so that the amount of the fuel liquid filled in the housing 1 can be visually confirmed. Is further graduated. In FIG. 1, 4 and 5 are terminal portions connected to the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and 6 is a fuel inlet having a valve for replenishing the fuel liquid.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a second configuration example of the fuel cell. In this configuration example, the side wall portion of the fuel liquid filling built-in portion 12 of the fuel cell housing 11 is made of a transparent member, and the amount of the fuel liquid 13 built in the filling built-in portion 12 can be visually confirmed. ing. In the upper part 14 of the housing 11, the cell part is arranged as in the first configuration example. Further, the upper plate 15 and the lower plate 16 of the housing 11 have an upper transmission window 17 and a lower transmission window 18 for optically detecting the amount of the built-in fuel liquid 13.
Are formed respectively. In FIG. 2, 19 is a fuel absorbing member for supplying the fuel liquid 13 to the cell portion arranged in the upper portion 14 of the housing, and this fuel absorbing member is shown in FIG.
Although not shown in the figure, the configuration example shown in FIG. Further, 20 and 21 are terminal portions connected to the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and 22 is a fuel injection port for replenishing the fuel liquid filled-in portion 13 with the fuel liquid.

Next, a first embodiment of a camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to the schematic perspective view of FIG. In FIG. 3, 101 is a camera body, 102 is a release button, and 103.
Is a taking lens, 104 is a fuel cell housing having an opening in a part of the bottom surface of the camera body 101, and 105 is the amount of the built-in fuel liquid housed in the fuel cell housing 104 shown in FIG. Fuel cell having a transparent portion 105a for confirmation of
It is a lid portion for housing and holding and protecting the fuel cell 105 housed in 104. Further, in the present embodiment, the fuel cell 105 housed in the housing unit 104 is provided in the camera front surface portion where the taking lens 103 of the camera body 101 is arranged.
Remaining amount confirmation window 107 for checking the remaining amount of fuel liquid in the fuel cell 105 from outside the camera at a position corresponding to the transparent part 105a of the
Is provided.

In the camera constructed as described above, the fuel cell 105 is inserted and arranged from the bottom side into the storage section 104, and the lid section 1
Since it is held by 06, the fuel cell 105 can be securely held inside the camera, and the fuel cell 10
Since the remaining amount confirmation window 107 is provided so as to correspond to the transparent portion 105a of 5, the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell 105 can be measured from the outside of the camera while the camera is being used without taking out the fuel cell 105 from the camera body 101. Can also be easily confirmed. Further, since the front portion of the camera does not have a normal operation portion, the remaining amount confirmation window 107 can be easily arranged without being restricted by the operation portion.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view from the back side of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which members corresponding to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. There is.
In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell 105 is inserted into the housing portion 104 from the bottom side of the camera body 101 and held and held by the lid portion 106.
The remaining amount confirmation window 107 is provided on the back side of the camera body 101 so as to correspond to the transparent portion 105a of the stored fuel cell 105. In FIG. 4, 108 is a TFT liquid product display section for displaying a photographed image and the like, and 109 is an input operation button.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the third embodiment.
The members corresponding to those of the first embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. This embodiment is shown in FIGS.
Similar to the first and second embodiments shown in FIG.
Although 105 is inserted into the storage part from the bottom side of the camera body 101 and is stored and held by the lid part, the remaining amount confirmation window 107 is on the side part of the camera body 101, the transparent part of the stored fuel cell 105.
It is provided corresponding to 105a. It should be noted that the storage portion and the lid portion are not shown here.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a fourth embodiment.
The members corresponding to those of the second embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the remaining amount confirmation window 107 is provided on the side surface of the camera body 101. It is provided in.

By thus providing the remaining amount confirmation window 107 on the side surface of the camera where the fuel cell is gripped, it is possible to effectively use the side surface of the camera to easily confirm the remaining amount of the battery and to check the fuel cell. Since it is arranged on the grip side of the camera, it is possible to construct a camera with a good weight balance.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the fifth embodiment.
The members corresponding to those of the first embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the fuel cell 105
From the side of camera body 101 into the storage compartment
Store and hold with 6, and at the top of the camera body
The remaining fuel amount confirmation window 107 is provided at a position corresponding to the transmission portion 105a of the fuel cell 105 stored in the storage portion. Note that, also in this embodiment, the illustration of the storage portion of the fuel cell is omitted, and the posture of the camera at the time of checking the remaining amount of fuel during storage in the storage portion of the fuel cell is the same as the storage portion of the fuel cell. The insertion opening side is positioned downward. In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the fuel cell of the first configuration example shown in FIG. 1 is shown, but the fuel of the second configuration example shown in FIG. 2 is used. It is also possible to store batteries.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a sixth embodiment.
The members corresponding to those of the second embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the camera body
The fuel cell 110 of the second configuration example shown in FIG. 2 is inserted into the housing from the bottom side of 101, and is held by the lid 106. Further, a light emitting portion 111 of the remaining fuel amount detection sensor is provided at a position facing the upper transmission window 110a of the stored fuel cell 110 at the bottom of the storage portion, and the lid portion 106 in the closed state is provided. The lower transparent window of the fuel cell 110 on the back
At the position facing 110b, the light receiving unit 11
Two are provided. Further, a remaining amount display section 113 for displaying the detection information of the remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining amount detection sensor is provided in a part of the TFT liquid crystal display section 108. Note that, also in this embodiment, the storage portion is not shown.

In the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the detection and display of the remaining amount of the fuel liquid in the fuel cell 110 is performed as follows. That is, light emission from the light emitting unit 111 of the remaining amount detection sensor is emitted toward the fuel liquid surface through the upper transmission window 110a of the fuel cell 110, and the transmitted light that has changed corresponding to the remaining amount of the fuel liquid 110c is received. Light is received by the unit 112,
The remaining amount of the fuel liquid 110c is detected. Then, the detected remaining amount detection information is displayed on the remaining amount display unit 113.

In the sixth embodiment described above,
The remaining amount display section also serves as a TFT liquid crystal display section for displaying captured images and the like, and a part of the remaining quantity display is shown, but not the TFT liquid crystal display section, but a monochrome display for mode display. It is also possible to display the remaining amount using an LCD display unit or the like.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the seventh embodiment.
The members corresponding to those of the second embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the transparent portion and the fuel inlet provided in the fuel cell of the first configuration example shown in FIG. 1 are made so as not to be directly visible from the outside of the camera,
In addition to having a smart design, the fuel liquid can be replenished without removing the fuel cell.

That is, the fuel cell 105 includes the camera body 10
It is inserted from the bottom of 1 and stored in the storage part, and is held in the camera body by the lid part 106.
The housing portion provided with the transparent portion 105a and the fuel injection port 105b is arranged so as to be directly exposed at a portion adjacent to the memory card storage insertion opening 116 protected by the openable / closable card lid 115,
By closing the card lid 115, the memory card storage insertion opening 116 as well as the transparent portion 105a and the fuel inlet 105b of the fuel cell 105 are covered by the card lid 115 at the same time. The portion covered by the card lid 115 will be referred to as a memory card storage section.

With this configuration, the card cover
By opening 115, the memory card can be attached / detached, and the remaining amount of the fuel cell 105 can be visually confirmed through the transparent portion 105a. Can be refueled. Then, by closing the card lid 115, the memory card storage insertion slot 116 is protected and the fuel cell 105
The transparent portion 105a and the fuel injection port 105b can be covered to reduce the unsightly appearance.

In the above seventh embodiment,
A structure is shown in which the transparent portion and the fuel inlet portion of the fuel cell housed in the battery housing portion are directly exposed in the portion of the memory card housing portion adjacent to the card storage insertion opening 116. A part of the battery storage part is exposed in the part of the storage part adjacent to the card storage insertion port 116, and the remaining amount provided in the exposed storage part corresponding to the permeation part of the fuel cell and the fuel inlet. It is also possible to confirm the remaining amount of the fuel liquid and supply the fuel through the confirmation window and the injection opening.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the eighth embodiment, and FIG.
The members corresponding to those in the seventh embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the fuel cell is fixedly incorporated in the camera body, and the remaining amount of the built-in fuel cell can be checked and the fuel can be replenished by opening the card cover.

A fuel cell 121 is fixedly built in the housing of the camera body 101, and has a transparent portion 121a and a fuel inlet.
121b is arranged directly adjacent to the memory card storage / insertion opening 116 protected by the openable / closable card lid 115 so as to be directly exposed. Transmissive part 12 of battery 121
The 1a and the fuel inlet 121b are also configured to be covered by the card lid 115 at the same time.

With this configuration, the card cover
By opening 115, the memory card can be attached / detached, the remaining amount of the fuel cell 121 can be visually confirmed through the transparent portion 121a, and the built-in fuel cell 121 can be connected through the fuel inlet 121b. Can be refueled.
Then, by closing the card lid 115, the memory card storage insertion opening 116 can be protected and the transparent portion 121a and the fuel injection opening 121b of the fuel cell 121 can be covered, so that the unsightly appearance can be reduced.

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view in which the camera according to the ninth embodiment is inverted and the bottom side is placed as the upper side. This embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in that the fuel cell is fixedly built in the housing portion of the camera body. Place the fuel inlet 121b on the bottom side of the camera body 101,
In order to cover up the transparent portion 121a and the inlet 121b,
A battery cover 122 that can be opened and closed is provided on the bottom surface of the main body.

In the embodiment thus configured, the transparent portion 121a and the fuel inlet 121b of the built-in battery can be easily arranged on the bottom surface side where the operation portion of the camera is difficult to be arranged, and the battery lid can be easily arranged. By opening 122, it is possible to visually check the remaining amount of the fuel cell 121, and to refuel the built-in fuel cell 121. It should be noted that when checking the remaining amount of the fuel cell 121, the camera is positioned such that the bottom surface side of the camera body 101 is the side surface side. Further, by closing the cell lid 122, it is possible to protect the permeation part 121a and the fuel injection port 121b of the fuel cell 121 and reduce the unsightly appearance.

Incidentally, in the above eighth embodiment,
In a camera in which a fuel cell is fixedly housed in a housing, a transparent portion of the fuel cell and a fuel inlet are arranged on the bottom surface side of the camera body, and a cell lid is provided so as to be opened and closed with respect to these. I showed you On the other hand, FIGS.
Similar to each of the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, a lid for cell storage is separately provided so that the fuel cell can be exchangeably stored in the storage portion, and the fuel cell corresponds to the transparent portion and the fuel inlet. Place the battery compartment with the remaining amount check window and injection opening so that it is located on the bottom of the camera, and provide a battery lid that can be opened and closed with respect to the remaining quantity confirmation window and injection opening provided in the storage section. You may

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the tenth embodiment, and FIG.
The members corresponding to those of the second embodiment shown in are shown with the same reference numerals. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that the fuel cell 105 is a camera body.
It is inserted from the bottom side of 101 into the storage part and stored and held by the lid part 106, and the remaining amount confirmation window 107 is provided on the back side of the camera body corresponding to the transmission part 105a of the stored fuel cell 105. However, there is a fuel cell 10 on the side of the camera body 101.
5, an injection opening 123 is provided corresponding to the fuel injection port 105b.

With this structure, the fuel cell
Even if the 105 is not taken out from the camera body 101, the remaining amount of the fuel cell 105 can be easily confirmed from the outside of the camera, and the fuel cell 105 has an opening for injecting fuel from outside.
Can be replenished directly via 3.

In this embodiment, the injection opening for refueling is provided on the side surface of the camera body. However, other than the camera body depending on how the fuel cell is inserted and stored in the camera body. The external appearance surface may be provided, and the remaining amount confirmation window and the injection opening may be provided on the same surface depending on the form of the fuel cell. Further, as in the case of providing the built-in fuel cell shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to provide a lid portion that covers the remaining amount confirmation window and the injection opening.

[0072]

As described above based on the embodiments, the invention according to claim 1 ensures that the fuel cell is housed and held in the camera, and the fuel cell is not taken out from the camera. Even when the camera is in use, the remaining battery level can be easily confirmed from outside the camera through the transparent portion and the remaining amount confirmation window. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the remaining battery level can be easily confirmed by effectively utilizing the side surface of the camera. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the battery remaining amount can be easily checked by effectively utilizing the side surface of the camera, and the fuel cell is arranged on the grip side of the camera, and the camera has a good weight balance. Can be configured. Further, according to the invention of claim 4, it becomes possible to easily check the remaining battery level from above the camera. Further, according to the invention of claim 5, the confirmation of the remaining amount of the fuel cell can be easily arranged without being restricted by the arrangement of the operation portion. Further, according to the invention of claim 6, the remaining amount confirmation window of the fuel cell can be easily installed without being restricted by the arrangement of the operation portion and without causing any trouble in design. According to the invention of claim 7, the fuel cell can be exchangeably housed in the camera, and
The stored fuel cell can be protected. According to the invention of claim 8, the remaining amount confirmation window of the fuel cell can be arranged so as not to be seen by the lid of the medium storage part. According to the invention of claim 9, the remaining amount confirmation window and the fuel injection opening of the fuel cell can be arranged so as not to be seen from the outside by the lid of the medium storage portion, and the fuel cell is housed in the camera. You can refuel as it is. Claims
According to the invention of the tenth aspect, the fuel can be replenished while the fuel cell is housed in the camera, and the fuel injection opening can be arranged so as not to be seen by the lid of the medium storage unit.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to replenish the fuel directly from the external appearance of the camera while the fuel cell is stored in the camera. According to the invention of claim 12, the fuel injection opening can be easily installed without disturbing normal camera operation. Further, according to the invention of claim 13, it is possible to easily check the remaining battery level from the outside of the camera even while the camera is in use without taking out the fuel cell into the camera, and the fuel cell is stored in the camera. Can be refueled. Further, according to the invention of claim 14, the remaining amount confirmation window and the fuel injection opening of the fuel cell can be easily installed without interfering with normal camera operation. Further, according to the invention of claim 15, it is possible to protect the remaining amount confirmation window and the fuel injection opening of the fuel cell, and it is possible to reduce the trouble in design. Further, according to the invention of claim 16, since the information on the remaining amount of the fuel cell detected by the remaining amount detecting means is displayed on the remaining amount displaying means, the remaining amount can be easily and surely confirmed. You can Claims
According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, since the remaining amount of the fuel cell is displayed on the image display unit that displays the captured image, it is not necessary to provide a separate display unit for displaying the remaining amount.
According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the optical remaining amount detecting means can be easily configured. Further, according to the invention of claim 19, it is possible to realize a fuel cell capable of easily detecting the remaining amount of the fuel liquid.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first configuration example of a fuel cell.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second configuration example of a fuel cell.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a seventh embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an eighth embodiment of the camera of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a ninth embodiment of the camera of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a tenth embodiment of a camera according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Fuel cell housing 2 Fuel liquid 3 Transparent part 4, 5 terminals 6 Fuel inlet 11 Fuel cell housing 12 Built-in fuel liquid filling 13 Fuel liquid 14 Upper part of case 15 Case upper plate 16 Case lower plate 17 Top transparent window 18 Lower transparent window 19 Fuel absorber 20, 21 Terminal part 101 camera body 102 Release button 103 shooting lens 104 Fuel cell compartment 105 fuel cell 105a Transmission part 105b fuel inlet 106 Fuel cell lid 107 Remaining capacity confirmation window 108 TFT liquid crystal display 109 Input operation section 110 fuel cell 110a Top transparent window 110b lower transparent window 111 Light emitting part 112 Receiver 113 Remaining capacity display 115 card lid 116 Memory card storage slot 121 Built-in fuel cell 121a Transparent part 121b Fuel inlet 122 Battery lid 123 Fuel injection opening

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, wherein a transparent portion for confirming the amount of the fuel liquid is formed in at least a part of a battery housing containing the fuel liquid. A fuel cell, in which the fuel cell is operably accommodated inside the camera, and the amount of the fuel liquid of the fuel cell can be confirmed from the outside of the camera when the fuel cell is accommodated. A camera, comprising: a remaining amount confirmation window provided at a position corresponding to the transparent portion on the outer surface of the camera. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on a side surface of the camera. 3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on a side surface portion of the camera on the side where the camera is gripped. 4. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on an upper surface portion of the camera. 5. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on a front surface of the camera provided with a taking lens. 6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount confirmation window is provided on a bottom surface of the camera. 7. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a lid that is openably and closably provided on the storage portion to replaceably protect the battery. 8. In a camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, at least a part of a battery housing containing the fuel liquid is provided with a transparent portion capable of confirming the amount of the fuel liquid. A fuel cell, which stores a fuel cell that can be used inside the camera and a recording medium that records a captured image, and is a medium that is provided in the vicinity of the battery cell. A storage unit, a lid for protecting the medium storage unit, and the transmission unit on the surface of the medium storage unit so that the amount of the fuel liquid in the fuel cell can be confirmed in the state where the fuel cell is stored. And a remaining amount confirmation window provided at a position corresponding to. 9. The camera according to claim 8, further comprising an injection opening corresponding to a fuel injection opening for refueling the fuel cell, on the surface of the medium storage unit. 10. A camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, comprising a battery storage chamber for storing the fuel cell inside the camera, and a recording medium for recording a captured image, A medium storage unit provided in the vicinity of the cell storage chamber, a lid for protecting the storage unit, and a fuel inlet for refueling the fuel cell provided on the surface of the medium storage unit. A camera having an injection opening corresponding to. 11. A camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, the fuel cell having an inlet for replenishing the fuel liquid, wherein the fuel cell is operably housed inside the camera. A camera including: a battery storage section for storing the fuel; and an injection opening provided on the outer surface of the camera so as to correspond to the injection port of the stored fuel cell. 12. The camera according to claim 11, wherein the injection opening is provided on a bottom surface of the camera. 13. A camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, wherein a transparent portion for confirming the amount of the fuel liquid is formed in at least a part of a battery housing containing the fuel liquid, A fuel cell provided with an inlet for replenishing the fuel liquid, wherein the fuel cell is operably accommodated in the camera, and the fuel is accommodated in the fuel cell. In order to confirm the amount of fuel liquid in the battery from the outside of the camera, the remaining amount confirmation window provided at the position corresponding to the transparent portion on the external surface of the camera and the injection port of the stored fuel cell A camera, comprising: an injection opening provided on the outer surface of the camera. 14. The remaining amount confirmation window and the injection opening,
14. The camera according to claim 13, which is provided on a bottom surface of the camera.
Related camera. 15. The camera according to claim 14, wherein an openable and closable lid that protects the remaining amount confirmation window and the injection opening is provided on a bottom surface of the camera. 16. A camera using a fuel cell containing a fuel liquid as a power source, wherein a transparent portion capable of detecting the amount of the fuel liquid is formed in at least a part of a battery housing containing the fuel liquid. A fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell is stored in the camera so that the fuel cell can be used inside the camera, and in a state where the fuel cell is stored in the camera, the remaining amount of the fuel liquid is optically transmitted through the transmission section. A camera, comprising: a remaining amount detecting means provided in the battery housing portion for detection, and a remaining amount displaying means for displaying information on the remaining amount of the fuel liquid detected by the detecting means. 17. The remaining amount display means also serves as an image display unit for displaying a captured image.
Related camera. 18. The remaining amount detecting means includes an optical sensor unit including a light emitting unit that emits light toward a fuel liquid level and a light receiving unit that receives the emitted light that changes in accordance with the remaining amount of fuel liquid. The camera according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that. 19. A fuel cell, characterized in that one or more permeation parts for detecting the remaining amount of the fuel liquid by visual confirmation or optical detection are formed in a cell housing containing the fuel liquid.