JP2003132758A - Switch structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch structure which has a few parts number, has easy attachment procedure, and has a waterproofing function. SOLUTION: The switch structure part assembled in this camera is constituted with operation buttons 9A and 9B, a switch board 22, to which a point-of-contact group is arranged, a switch board pressing board 24, and a wall parts 2g which is prepared inside a back cover 2 and surrounds the operation part of the switch board 22. In the above switch board 22, surrounding shape convex part 2d, which contacts to a tip plane surface 2c of the above wall part 2g, is prepared in the state along with the wall part 2g. If the switch board 22 is pressed from the back face of a press board 24, the tip plane surface 2c and the surrounding shape convex part 2d of the wall part become in an adhesion state, the switch point-of-contact part and the main board part 12 in the back cover 2 are isolated from the circumferences of the operation buttons 9A and 9B, which go through to an appearance part, and are kept in the waterproofing state.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a switch structure having a waterproof function with the outside of the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electrical equipment used outdoors, such as cameras, is required to have a waterproof function. As a conventional camera having the above waterproof function, there is one shown in the rear view of the camera in FIG. 9 and 10 are an EE sectional view and an FF sectional view of FIG.

In the camera 50 of FIG. 8, the rear cover 5
A viewfinder eyepiece window 56 and a liquid crystal display 57 on the rear surface of
And a memory card (media, recording medium) on the right end of the back
A card cover 54 that can open and close the insertion slot 52d, a zoom operation button 58 for a zoom switch, four cross key operation buttons 59A that can be pressed, and two various mode setting operation buttons 59B are arranged. A release operation button 60 for a release switch is arranged above the front cover. Although not shown, a taking lens, a finder window, etc. are arranged on the front surface of the front cover.

The inside of the rear cover 52 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, a switch board 65 is arranged at an inner position facing the cross key operation button 59A and the mode setting operation button 59B, and a card (media) connector 63 mounted on the main board 62 in a state substantially parallel to the switch board 65 is arranged. Has been done. The memory card 15 is attached to and detached from the card connector 63 from the right side of the rear surface of the camera with the card cover 54 opened.

On the switch board 65, a click plate 66A and the like and a switch contact group which are pressed by the cross key operation button 59A and the mode setting operation button 59B are mounted. Then, the switch substrate 65 is supported by being pressed by the switch substrate pressing plate 66 on the back side thereof. The switch board pressing plate 66 is pressed from the side opposite to the screw 6 while pressing the switch board 65.
It is fixed to the rear cover 52 by 7.

A waterproof rubber plate 64, which is a waterproof member, is sandwiched between the switch substrate 65 and the rear cover 52. A peripheral protrusion 64a surrounding the switch portion of the switch substrate 65 is provided on the rear cover surface side of the waterproof rubber plate 64, and by fitting the peripheral protrusion 64a into the circumferential V groove of the rear cover 52, the appearance portion Switch board 65 inside the rear cover 52 and inside the operation section that communicates around the button holes of the cross key operation button 59A and the mode setting operation button 59B.
The surroundings are isolated and a waterproof condition is obtained.

A switch mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-185101 is one of the operation switch structures adopting the waterproof structure shown in FIG.

In the waterproof membrane switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-321075, switch electrodes are provided on both of the folded flexible printed boards (hereinafter referred to as FPCs), and a pressure-sensitive element is formed on one of the switch electrodes. A resistive coating is printed. The switch electrodes on both of the FPCs are brought into contact with each other through the pressure sensitive resistance film to form a switch portion. According to this switch structure, since it is not necessary to provide a closed space in the switch portion, an air escape hole is not required, and a waterproof structure can be easily adopted.

[0009]

However, in the switch structure disclosed in FIG. 8 or in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-321075 described above, the waterproof rubber plate member 64, which is a separate member sandwiched on the switch substrate 65, is used. Is necessary,
The equipment becomes larger. In addition, the number of parts increases and the assembly becomes complicated. Further, in the membrane switch structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-321075, the FPC
It becomes a special thing. Further, although the switch portion itself can be waterproofed, in order to waterproof the fitting hole of the switch operation button and the inside of the device, the waterproof rubber plate member shown in FIG. This leads to an increase in the size of equipment.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a switch structure having a small number of parts and a waterproof function which is easy to assemble.

[0011]

A switch structure according to claim 1 of the present invention is a switch structure having a waterproof function with respect to a device external part, wherein an operating member provided in the device external part and the operating member are provided. A surface which is subjected to the displacement is formed of a waterproof surface, and an electric board having a contact portion which receives the displacement and converts into an electric signal is provided, and the electric board is a portion which receives the displacement on the waterproof surface side of the electric board. A peripheral portion surrounding the device is placed in close contact with the inner surface of the device so as to separate the inside of the device including the operation member.

A switch structure according to claim 2 of the present invention is
The switch structure according to claim 1, wherein the electric board is a flexible printed board.

A switch structure according to a third aspect of the present invention is the switch structure according to the second aspect, wherein the electric board is provided with an elastically deformable portion that elastically adheres to the inner surface of the device.

The switch structure according to claim 4 of the present invention is
The switch structure according to claim 3, wherein the elastically deformable portion is formed in a curved shape around the electric board.

The switch structure according to claim 5 of the present invention is
The switch structure according to claim 2, further comprising:
A holding plate that presses the electric board from the surface side opposite to the waterproof surface side is provided.

The switch structure according to claim 6 of the present invention is
The switch structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the electric board is closely attached to an end surface of a wall portion provided inside the device so as to surround the operation member.

A switch structure according to claim 7 of the present invention is
The switch structure according to claim 6, wherein the electric member includes a plurality of contact portions corresponding to the plurality of operation members, and the wall portion is arranged so as to surround the plurality of switch members.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a rear view of a camera that is an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch structure part and the memory card mounting part of the camera, taken along the line A in FIG.
FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the switch structure portion of the camera. FIG. 4 is a development view of an FPC for a switch board that constitutes the switch structure section. Figure 5
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC for a switch board as a switch board in a bent state. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a waterproof surface contact portion in a state where the switch board is incorporated in a rear cover of a camera.

The camera 1 is a digital camera capable of recording an image signal of a subject on the memory card 15. In this camera 1, a viewfinder eyepiece window 6 is provided on the outer surface of the rear cover 2 which is an exterior body of the camera.
A liquid crystal monitor unit 7, a card cover 4 that can open and close the memory card insertion opening 2d at the right end of the back, a zoom operation button 8 for a zoom switch, and an operation button hole 2a of the rear cover, and a pressing operation is possible. Four cross key operation buttons (switch structure operation member) 9A and two various mode setting operation buttons (switch structure operation member) 9B are arranged. A release operation button 10 for a release switch is arranged above the front cover of the camera exterior body. Although not shown, a taking lens, a finder window, etc. are arranged on the front surface of the front cover.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inside the rear cover 2, a cross key operation button 9A as a switch structure,
A switch substrate (electrical substrate for switch structure portion) 22 made of a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as FPC) and a switch substrate pressing plate (holding plate) 24 are arranged so as to face the mode setting operation button 9B. . further,
Inside the switch structure, a main board 12 fixed to the camera body and a card connector (recording medium connector) 13 mounted on the rear cover side of the main board 12 are provided.
Etc. are arranged.

The card connector 13 has a flat plate shape and is mounted and fixed on the main board 12 via connection terminals (not shown). A memory card (recording medium for image recording) 15 is attached to and detached from the card connector 13 from the right side C direction on the rear surface of the camera with the card cover 4 opened.

As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, four button holes 2a and two button holes 2a into which operation buttons 9A and 9B are pressably inserted are provided in the rear cover 2 where the switch board 22 is mounted. 2b is provided, and further provided in a range surrounding the button holes 2a and 2b and a boss portion in which a screw hole 2e is provided at the center of the four button holes on the inner surface of the rear cover 2.
A wall portion 2g having a front end flat surface portion 2c serving as a waterproof portion and four boss portions having screw holes 2f are provided outside the wall portion 2g.

The switch board 22 includes an operation button side FPC 22a and a holding plate side FPC 22a as shown in the development view of FIG.
22b and a bent portion 22c that connects the two parts,
It is formed by a connector portion 22k for connecting to the main board 12 provided at the tip of the extension portion from the pressing plate side FPC 22b.

The operation button side FPC 22a has an operation side surface 2n as a waterproof surface on the back side in the development view of FIG. 4, and the center of the opposite side of the operation side surface 2n (front side of FIG. 4). Four contact points 22g are arranged in the position facing the operation button 9A, and two contact points 2g are further positioned in the position facing the operation button 9B.
2h is placed. A screw insertion hole 22f is arranged at the central position of the four contact points 22g. Further, the operation button side FPC 22a is provided with a circumferential convex portion (elastically deformable portion) 22d having a semi-cylindrical curved sectional shape convex toward the operation side surface 22n in a state of making a round around the six contacts 22g and 22h. Has been formed.

On the other hand, the FPC 22b on the pressing plate side is also provided with four contact points 2 at a position facing the operation button 9A in the central portion in the same manner.
2i is arranged, and two contacts 22j are arranged at positions facing the operation button 9B. A screw insertion hole 22f is arranged at the central position of the four contacts 22i. Further, in the state where the periphery surrounding the above-mentioned six contacts 22i, 22j is made one round, a circumferential convex portion 22e having a semi-cylindrical curved cross-sectional shape convex on the surface side is formed in FIG.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of the molded state of FIG. 5, the switch board 22 is bent around two parts, that is, the operation button side FPC 22a and the pressing plate side 22b at the bending portion 22c, and the operation side surface 22n is on the upper side. The circumferential projection 22d is fitted into the convex projection 22e to form the switch substrate 22.

In the bent switch substrate 22, a spacer 22m is provided around the contacts so that the contacts 22i and 22g and 22j and 22h face each other with a predetermined switch gap therebetween.
It is sandwiched between a and 22b and adhered.

In the bent state, the FPC on the operation button side
On the pressing operation surface 22n of 22a, the contacts 22g, 22
The convex click plates 23A and 23B, which are elastically deformable and made of a thin metal plate, are fixedly arranged at a position above the h and pressed by the operation button 9A or 9B. The operation-side surface 22n of the operation-button-side FPC 22a and the circumferential convex portion 22d that can come into close contact with the tip end flat surface 2c of the wall portion 2g of the rear cover 2 communicate with the external appearance.
It will function as a waterproof surface and a waterproof contact surface for separating the surroundings of A and 9B from the inside of the camera.

When the operation switch structure is assembled to the rear cover 2, the operation buttons 9 are inserted in the button holes 2a and 2b, respectively.
With the A and 9B inserted, the switch substrate 22 is attached to the front end flat surface portion 2c of the wall portion 2g of the rear cover 2 with the circumferential convex portion 22d in contact. Then, the switch board pressing plate 24 is attached to the back surface of the switch board 22, and the screws 25, 26
Is fixed by screwing into the screw holes 2e and 2f. The switch substrate 22 and the switch substrate pressing plate 24 are bonded with a double-sided adhesive tape.

As described above, the switch board holding plate 2
By applying 4 to the back surface of the switch substrate 22, the circumferential projections 22d, 22 are formed on the tip flat surface portion 2c of the wall portion 2g.
e comes into contact, elastically deforms in the thickness direction and comes into close contact. Due to the close contact, the pressing operation surface 22 of the operation button side FPC 22a
n serves as a waterproof function surface that separates the operation button side from the inside of the rear cover 2 (FIG. 6). An air vent for elastic deformation in the thickness direction of the circumferential projection 22d is provided on the outer peripheral end surface of the circumferential projection 22d.

On the other hand, the card lid 4 is rotatable in the D direction and can be moved to the open position and the closed position, and the waterproof packing (not shown) is arranged at the closed joint portion with the rear cover 2. In the closed state of the lid 4, the outside of the card lid 4 and the inside of the card connector 13 are separated from each other due to the waterproof function.

Therefore, when the card cover 4 is closed, the operation-side surface 2 of the switch board 2 is surrounded by the switch board 22 and the main board 12 inside the rear cover 2.
2n and the circumferential convex portion 22d are brought into contact with each other by the operation buttons 9A,
9B is isolated from the communicating portion with the outer appearance portion and is kept waterproof.

In the camera 1 of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, when any one of the cross key operation buttons 9A is pressed, the corresponding contact portion on the switch board 22 is turned on via the click plate 23A, Adjustment of the digital zoom magnification, switching of the display image on the liquid crystal monitor 7, and the like are executed. Further, when any one of the mode setting operation buttons 9B is pressed, the corresponding contact portion on the switch board 22 is turned on via the click plate 23B, the display state of the liquid crystal monitor 7 is switched, and menu selection and the like are performed. Done. Also, with the card cover 4 open, the memory card 15
When the card lid 13 is inserted into the card connector 13 and the card lid 4 is closed, the captured image data can be recorded in the memory card 15.

In the camera 1 of this embodiment, the operation button 9
Around the operation portion communicating with the camera appearance portion of the button holes 2a, 2b of A, 9B, and the portion of the rear cover 2 where the electric member and the mechanical member are arranged, the switch substrate 22 with the tip flat surface 2c of the wall portion 2g. Of the circumferential convex portion 22d and the operation surface portion 22
It is isolated by n and is kept waterproof.

Therefore, unlike the conventional camera 50 shown in FIG. 9 and the like, the waterproof rubber plate 64 dedicated to waterproofing around the operation button pressing portion is not required, and the number of components can be reduced, and at the same time. Assembling becomes simple and cost can be reduced.

The circumferential convex portion 2 provided on the switch substrate 22 in the switch structure portion of the camera 1 of the above-described embodiment.
As a modification of 2d and the switch board pressing plate 24, a switch board shape shown in the waterproof surface contact partial sectional views of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D can be proposed. Hereinafter, with respect to these modified examples, portions different from the switch structure portion of the camera 1 will be described.

In the modification shown in FIG. 7A, the switch substrate 22 having the same shape is used, but the switch substrate pressing plate 24A is narrower than the switch substrate 22.
It is assumed that it does not extend to the lower part of the circumferential projection 22d. According to this modification, the area occupied by the switch structure is small and the camera can be downsized.

Further, in the modification shown in FIG. 7B, the switch substrate 33 is provided with an end flat portion extending to the outer side of the circumferential convex portion 33d and further receives the end flat portion. For this reason, the switch board pressing plate 24B is also extended outward. Therefore, according to this modification, the circumferential protrusion 33d can be brought into contact with the front end flat surface 2c of the rear cover 2 with a strong force, and a reliable waterproof state can be obtained.

Further, in the modification shown in FIG. 7C, the circumferential convex portion 34d is formed only by the operation button side switch substrate 34a constituting the switch substrate 34, and the end plane of the switch substrate 34 is flat. The portion extends outward from the circumferential convex portion 34d. Furthermore, the switch board holding plate 24C
Also extends to a position for receiving the flat end portion of the switch substrate 34. Therefore, also in this modification, the circumferential convex portion 34d can be brought into contact with the front end flat surface 2c of the rear cover 2 with a strong force, and a reliable waterproof state can be obtained.

In the modification shown in FIG. 7D, the operation button side and the pressing plate side switch substrates 35a and 35b are provided.
Without providing a circumferential projection at the end of the switch substrate 35 consisting of
The end of the switch board 35 is provided with a switch board pressing plate 24D.
Extend straight from the end of the to the outside. The extended end portion of the switch substrate 35 is brought into contact with the front end flat surface 2c of the rear cover 2 and is elastically deformed downward as shown in FIG. 7 (D). Reliable waterproofing can be obtained by the bent contact portion at the end of the switch board 35. According to this modification, the shape of the switch board 35 is simplified and the cost of parts can be reduced.

[0041]

As described above, according to the switch structure of the first aspect of the present invention, since the electric board itself is provided with the waterproof surface that comes into contact with the inside of the device, it is possible to obtain the same structure as that shown in the conventional example. Cost reduction and device miniaturization are possible without the need for a dedicated waterproof member.

According to the switch structure of the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the switch structure of the first aspect, the switch structure portion can be made thinner.

According to the switch structure of claim 3 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the switch structure of claim 2, the waterproof surface of the electric board is elastically deformed. Adhesion is more reliable.

According to the switch structure of claim 4 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the switch structure of claim 3, since a curved shape portion is formed as a waterproof surface of the electric board, a reliable waterproof effect is obtained. Is obtained.

According to the switch structure of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the switch structure of the second to fourth aspects, the waterproof surface of the electric board is surely brought into contact with the inner surface of the device. It is possible to obtain a more reliable waterproof state.

According to the switch structure of the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the switch structure of the second to fifth aspects, the waterproof surface of the electric board is surely attached to the end face of the wall portion of the inner surface of the device. It can be brought into contact, and a more reliable waterproof state can be obtained.

According to the switch structure of claim 7 of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the switch structure of claim 5, a plurality of switches are provided by the wall portion inside the device with which the waterproof surface of the electric board contacts. Since the entire periphery of the member is configured to be surrounded together, the entire periphery of the operation member can be downsized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a camera that is an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1 showing a cross section around a switch structure portion and a memory card mounting portion in the camera of FIG.

3 is an exploded perspective view of a switch structure portion of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a development view of an FPC for a switch board that constitutes a switch structure portion of the camera of FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC for a switch board of FIG. 4 in a bent state as a switch board.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a waterproof surface contact portion in the camera of FIG. 1 with the switch substrate incorporated in the rear cover.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing each modified example of the switch substrate applied to the camera of FIG. 1, and FIGS.
(C), (D) is an enlarged sectional view of a waterproof surface contact portion in each modification.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a conventional camera having a waterproof function.

9 is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Rear cover (appearance of device) 2g ... Wall of rear cover (wall inside device) 9A ... Cross key operation button (operation member) 9B ... Mode setting operation button (operation member) 22, 33 , 34, 35 ... Switch substrate (electrical substrate) 22d, 33d, 34d ... Circular convex portions (peripheral portion, curved portion) 22g, 22h, 22i, 22j ... Contact portion 22n ... Operation side surface (electrical Waterproof surface of board) 24, 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D ... Switch board pressing plate (holding plate)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) // G03B 17/08 G03B 17/08 5G052 F term (reference) 2H100 AA18 BB11 2H101 CC52 4E360 AB04 AB12 AB33 AB34 AB42 BA04 BA08 BB02 BC05 BD03 BD05 CA02 EA12 EA18 EC12 ED23 FA08 FA17 GA04 GA29 GA52 GB01 GB97 5E348 AA02 AA07 AA29 AA30 CC08 CC09 EE40 EF04 FF01 5G006 AB25 AZ01 BA01 CD03 FB04 LC01 5G052 AA05 HA11 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01 HA01

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A switch structure having a waterproof function with respect to an external appearance of a device, wherein an operating member provided on the external appearance of the device and a surface on which the operating member is displaced are formed of a waterproof surface, An electric board having a contact portion for converting into an electric signal, and the electric board separates a peripheral portion surrounding a portion on the waterproof surface side of the electric board, which receives displacement, from inside the device including the operation member. The switch structure is characterized in that it is placed in close contact with the inner surface of the device. 2. The switch structure according to claim 1, wherein the electric board is a flexible printed board. 3. The switch structure according to claim 2, wherein the electric board includes an elastically deformable portion that elastically adheres to the inner surface of the device. 4. The switch structure according to claim 3, wherein the elastically deformable portion is formed by forming a curved shape around the electric board. 5. The switch structure according to claim 2, further comprising a holding plate that presses the electric board from a surface side opposite to the waterproof surface side. 6. The switch structure according to claim 2, wherein the electric board is in close contact with an end surface of a wall portion provided inside the apparatus so as to surround the operation member. 7. The electric member includes a plurality of contact portions corresponding to the plurality of operation members, and the wall portion is arranged so as to surround the plurality of switch members. 6. The switch structure according to 6.