JP2004146163A

JP2004146163A - Switch structure for waterproof electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2004146163A
Application number: JP2002308861A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kaoru Ito; 伊東　馨
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-23
Filing date: 2002-10-23
Publication date: 2004-05-20

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch structure for a waterproof electronic apparatus which is used for an electronic apparatus such as a camera equipped with a common switch for rotation operation and push operation avoiding undesirable matters such as increase of parts number, complicated structure, large sizing, increase of switching electrode number during rotation operation, and a large sizing of the electronic apparatus that is due to introduction of a waterproofing structure. <P>SOLUTION: The switch structure for the waterproof electronic apparatus has the first structure member 31, a mode dial 7 supported rotatably while being fitted into an opening 40a disposed in a top cover 40 of the electronic apparatus body, a push type power source switching button 8 which is disposed movably in an axial direction inside the first structure member, a waterproofing means which seals connection portions among the electronic apparatus body, the mode dial and the power source switching button, a plurality of mode contacts 62 which turn on and off in order according to rotations of the mode dial, and a push type contact 63 which turns on when the power source switching button is pushed. Surface of the power source switching button when the button is not pushed does not project from surface of the first structure member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、回転操作式スイッチと押圧操作式スイッチを兼用したスイッチを備えた防水型電子機器のスイッチ構造に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
デジタルスチルカメラ等の電子カメラ、銀塩カメラ等のカメラ類を初めとした各種電子機器には、押下げにより作動する押下スイッチと、回転（回動）させることによりモードの切り換え等を行う回転操作スイッチを装備したものがある。例えば、カメラにおける押下スイッチとしては電源スイッチが用いられ、回転操作スイッチとしては撮影モード等を切り換えるためのモードスイッチが用いられる。
しかし、カメラ等の電子機器の狭い外表面に、二種類のスイッチを別個に配置することは、小型化を妨げる原因となるため、この点の改善が求められている。
特開２０００−５６０４８『電子機器用複合スイッチ』（セイコーインスツルメンツ）には、回転操作と押下げ操作との異なる動きのスイッチ操作を一つのボタンで実現可能な複合スイッチを得るための技術が提案されている。即ち、回転方向のスイッチ操作においては、回転自在且つ軸方向移動自在に支持されたボタン軸の先端に一体化したカムの外周面により接点ばねを変形させることにより任意の電極を選択的に接続することとし、押下げ方向へのスイッチ操作においてはボタン軸下端部と対向配置された接点バネをボタン軸下端部により押圧して変形させることにより電極を接続させる。また、回転方向戻しばねと押下げ方向戻しばねをボタンの内部に設けることで、所定の位置にボタンを自動復帰させる。さらに、ボタン回転操作時には、ボタン外壁の下面がケースに設けたボタン受け台の上面に近接して平面的に重なる構成として、スイッチ機能の誤操作を防止している。
しかし、この従来例では、カムの外径方向に周方向に沿って配置された複数の接点ばねを、ボタン軸と一体回転するカムの外周面（カム面）によって選択的にＯＮ、ＯＦＦするように構成しているため、カムによりＯＮ、ＯＦＦされる接点ばねの設置スペースが極限され、カメラ等に設けられる多数のモードを全て実現できる程、接点ばねを多数設けることができない。つまり、回転操作式のスイッチをカメラ等のモード選択用のスイッチとして使用した場合には、選択可能なモード数が少数に限られてしまう欠点がある。
また、回転操作式のスイッチを指により回転操作するためには、少なくともスイッチの一部がカメラカバーの外表面よりも出っ張っていなければならないが、出っ張っていると、カバンやポケット等に入れている時に、誤って押されてしまう恐れがあるため、回転操作式スイッチを押しボタン式の電源スイッチと兼用することには問題があった。
また、上記の如き回転操作式のスイッチと押圧操作式のスイッチを兼用したスイッチを、防水構造を備えたカメラ等の電子機器のモードダイヤルとメインスイッチ（電源スイッチ）として使用する場合には、大型化、複雑化せずに防水構造を実現することは困難である。
【特許文献１】特開２０００−５６０４８
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は上記に鑑みてなされたものであり、回転操作式のスイッチと押圧操作式のスイッチを兼用したスイッチを備えたカメラ等の電子機器において、部品点数の増大、構造の複雑化、大型化、回転操作時の切り換え電極数の減少、防水構造を実現する際の大型化等の不具合を招くことのない防水型電子機器のスイッチ構造を提供することを目的とする。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、請求項１の発明は、回転式操作部としての環状の第１の部材を備え、且つ電子機器本体の上カバーに設けた開口内に嵌合されて回転可能に支持されたモードダイヤルと、該環状の第１の部材の内部に軸方向移動可能に配置された押圧式の電源スイッチボタンと、前記電子機器本体と前記モードダイヤルと前記電源スイッチボタンとの接続部を封止する防水手段と、前記モードダイヤルの回転時に順次ＯＮ、ＯＦＦする複数のモード接点と、前記電源スイッチボタンの押圧時にＯＮする押圧接点と、を備え、非押圧時における電源スイッチボタンの表面を前記第１の部材の表面から突出しないように構成したことを特徴とする。
回転操作スイッチとしてのモードダイヤルの中央部に、独立して作動する電源スイッチボタンを防水構造で配置し、しかも電源スイッチボタンの押圧面をモードダイヤルの表面から突出させないようにしたので、電子機器のコンパクト化を実現すると共に、電源スイッチの誤操作を防止することができる。
請求項２の発明は、請求項１において、前記モードダイヤルは、前記第１の部材と、該第１の部材の下方に位置して該第１の部材に固定される第２の部材と、該第２の部材の下部に連結されて一体回転する回転部材と、該回転部材の下部に配置した回転電極と、を備え、前記電源スイッチボタンは、前記第１の部材の内部に露出配置される弾性材料から成る押圧操作部と、該押圧操作部に上端部を固定され且つ中間部を前記第２の部材の中心部に位置するスリーブ内に回転及び軸方向移動自在に遊嵌され、且つ下部に押圧電極を備えた軸部と、を備え、前記回転部材下部の回転電極の円形の移動経路に沿った位置に回転電極と接触可能な複数の前記モード接点を備えると共に、前記押圧操作部を押圧したときに前記押圧電極とＯＮする位置に押圧接点を備えていることを特徴とする。
モードダイヤルを構成する第２の部材の下部に回転部材を連結して一体回転させる際に、回転部材下部に設けた回転電極が、円形に配置された多数のモード接点と選択的にＯＮできるようにしたので、コンパクトな防水構造でありながら、モード数に応じた多数のモード接点を確保することが可能となる。
【０００５】
請求項３の発明は、請求項１又は２において、前記第２の部材は、前記軸部を内部に遊嵌するスリーブと、該スリーブの上端縁に一体化したフランジ部と、を備え、前記フランジ部上には前記第１の部材を固定すると共に、該フランジ部外周縁と第１の部材の外周下面との間で前記上カバーの内周縁を挟み込むことにより、前記第２の部材を上カバーにより回転自在に支持し、前記上カバー、第１の部材、及び第２の部材をユニットとして、電子機器本体に対して取り付け可能としたことを特徴とする。
これによれば、組立作業性が良く、また、作動が良好な中央に電源スイッチボタンを防水構造で配置した防水回転型モードダイヤルの取付け構造を提供することができる。
請求項４の発明は、請求項１、２又は３において、前記電子機器本体は、前記フランジ部の下面と対向する位置に機器本体カバーを備え、該機器本体カバーの中心開口内に前記スリーブを回転可能に遊嵌し、前記機器本体カバーと前記第２の部材との間に配置した環状パッキンを前記防水手段としたことを特徴とする。
これによれば、機器本体カバーと第２の部材（スリーブ外面、フランジ下面）との間の水密性を確保して防水構造とすることができる。
【０００６】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１、２、３又は４において、前記開口を中心として円形を描くように前記機器本体カバーの上面に配置した複数の穴と、各穴内に配置された弾性付勢部材と、該弾性付勢部材により上向き付勢されたクリックボールと、前記モードダイヤルを構成するフランジ部下面に形成され且つモードダイヤルの回転時に前記クリックボールが嵌合するクリック用凹所と、から成るクリック機構を備え、前記各穴と各クリック用凹所との周方向位置関係は、前記回転電極と前記各モード接点との位置関係と対応しており、何れかのクリック用凹所内にクリックボールが嵌合したときに、特定のモード接点と回転電極とが接続して特定のモード状態に移行できるように構成されていることを特徴とする。
これによれば、中央に電源スイッチボタンを防水構造で配置した回転型モードダイヤルのクリック機構を部品点数が少ない簡単な機構で実現することができる。
請求項６の発明は、請求項１乃至５の何れか一項に記載の発明において、前記押圧操作部は、被押圧部と、該被押圧部から外径方向斜め下方へ拡開した弾性スカート片と、を備え、該弾性スカート片の外周端縁を前記第１の部材と前記フランジ部との間で挟圧固定することにより被押圧部を変位可能に支持すると共に、押圧操作部の下方に位置する前記軸部に対する防水手段としたことを特徴とする。
押圧操作スイッチとしての電源スイッチボタンを接点側に押し込んだ後で、原位置に復帰させる格別の手段を設ける代わりに、キートップとして機能する被押圧部の一部である弾性スカート片を復帰バネとして利用するのみならず、弾性スカート片の外周縁全長に渡って位置する厚肉部を第１の部材と第２の部材との間で挟むことによりこの部分を防水手段として活用した。このため、少なく部品点数で、復帰バネと、防水手段を実現することができた。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を図面に示した実施の形態により詳細に説明する。
図１は本発明の実施の形態に係る電子機器の一例としての防水型デジタルカメラの前方斜視図、図２は同じく後方斜視図を示す。また、図３はスイッチ部の拡大断面図である。
デジタルカメラ１は、正面から見て左側が右手グリップ部２であり、正面略中央には撮影レンズ３が取り付けられており、撮影レンズ３の上方にはユーザが撮影範囲等を目視で確認するための光学ファインダ５、低照度での撮影等の場合に補助光を発するためのストロボ６が夫々設けられている。
カメラ１の上面には、カメラの各種モードを選択する回転式スイッチから成るモードダイヤル７と、モードダイヤル７の中央に配置された押しボタン式スイッチとしての電源スイッチ（メインスイッチ）８と、シャッタボタン９と、外部ストロボを取り付けるアクセサリーシュー１０が設けられており、カメラ１の正面から見て右側面には、外部出力端子（図示省略）を被う端子蓋１１が設けられ、左側面にはメモリーカードと電池を装着可能なカードスロットと電池室（図示省略）を被う電池蓋１２が設けられている。モードダイヤル７と電源スイッチ８は、一つの兼用スイッチ１５を構成している。
図２に示すように、カメラ１の後面には、撮影画像を表示したり撮影モードを表示するＬＣＤモニター２１と、ファインダ接眼部２２と、ファインダＬＥＤ窓２３と、ズームボタン２４と、複数のモードスイッチ２５が設けられている。
【０００８】
図３は、本発明の一実施形態に係る防水型デジタルカメラの兼用スイッチ１５、即ち、回転操作式のモードダイヤル７と、モードダイヤル７の中央に設けた電源をＯＮ／ＯＦＦする電源スイッチ８の中心軸に沿う縦断面の概略を示す図である。
カメラ１の上面外装体を構成する上カバー４０には、兼用スイッチ１５を構成する部品を組み込んで支持するための開口４０ａが形成されており、上カバー４０の直下位置には所定の間隔を隔てて機器本体カバー４１がほぼ並行に配置され、機器本体カバー４１には上カバーの開口４０ａと同心形状で小径の中心開口４１ａが形成されている。本発明においては、機器本体カバー４１に対して、上カバー４０と兼用スイッチ１５から成るユニットを上側から取り付け可能に構成している点が一つの特徴をなしている。
モードダイヤル７は、環状の操作部としての第１の部材３１と、第１の部材３１の下方に位置して第１の部材３１とネジ３９その他の固定手段により締結されて一体化される第２の部材３２と、第２の部材３２の下端部に連結されて一体回転する回転部材５１と、回転部材５１の下面適所に固定配置された回転電極（接片ブラシ）５２と、を備えている。
第２の部材３２は、ネジ３９により第１の部材３１と連結されるフランジ部３２ａと、フランジ部３２ａの内径部から下方へ垂下された回転軸としての中空筒状のスリーブ３２ｂと、から構成されている。円板条の回転部材５１はその上面に回転対称に設けられた凹所５１ａを例えば２個備え、スリーブ３２ｂの下端部に回転対称に設けられた２本の回転ボス部３２ｃを、各凹所５１ａ内に嵌合させることにより、第２の部材３２と一体回転する。また、回転部材５１は、カメラ本体側の軸受部５３によって、外周面に設けた溝部５１ｂを摺動的に支持されている。
【０００９】
回転部材５１の直下位置にはプリント基板６１が配置され、プリント基板６１上には、回転部材５１の下面に固定された回転電極（接片ブラシ）５２の移動軌跡に沿った位置に所定の位置関係にて環状に配置されたモードパターン（モード接点）６２と、各回転電極５２の中心部に配置されたスイッチパターン（押圧接点）６３とが形成されている。モードパターン６２は、各モードを実現するための電極パターンであり、回転電極５２が接触導通することによって、当該モードを実現するためのモード位置信号を出力する。モードパターン６２は、比較的大径の移動軌跡を有した回転電極５２の移動軌跡に沿ったプリント基板上に配置されるので、多数のモードパターン６２の形成が可能となる。
第２の部材３２を構成するフランジ部３２ａの外周縁に設けた段部３２ｄと、第１の部材３１の外周下面３１ｂとの間で、上カバー４０の内周縁に設けた段部４０ｂを挟むことにより、第１及び第２の部材３１、３２は、その外周側を、上カバー４０により回転自在に支持される。また、同時に、第１及び第２の部材３１、３２を上カバー４０と一体化することにより、これらをユニット化して、デジタルカメラ１の本体カバー４１に取り付けることが可能となる。
また、第２の部材３２を構成するフランジ部３２ａの下面は、機器本体カバー４１の上面により支持されるように構成してもよい。スリーブ３２ｂは、機器本体カバー４１の開口４１ａ内に遊嵌挿通され、回転ボス部３２ｃによって機器本体カバー４１の下方に位置する回転部材５１と係合する。
【００１０】
機器本体カバー４１の内周側上面に設けた凹所４１ｂ内には弾性材料から成るＯリング等の環状のパッキン４５が配置されて、機器本体カバー４１と第２の部材３２との間の防水構造を実現している。凹所４１ｂの外径方向には所定の周方向配置にて複数の穴４６ａが形成され、各穴４６ａ内にはコイルバネ等の弾性付勢部材４６ｂ及びクリックボール４６ｃが配置されている。各穴４６ａと対向するフランジ部３２ａの下面適所にはクリックボール４６ｃが嵌合可能なクリック用凹所４７が形成されている。各穴４６ａと各クリック用凹所４７との周方向位置関係は、回転電極５２とプリント基板上のモードパターン６２との位置関係と対応しており、何れかのクリック用凹所４７内に各クリックボール４６ａが嵌合したときに、特定のモードパターン６２と回転電極５２とが接続して特定のモード状態に移行できるように構成されている。クリックボール４６ａが弾性付勢部材４６ｂからの付勢によって対向するクリック用凹所４７内に嵌合したり、クリック用凹所から離脱する際に操作者はクリック感を得ることにより、誤セットを防止することができる。のみならず、モードダイヤルの停止位置を規定するためのクリック力を発生させることができる。
穴４６ａ、弾性付勢部材４６ｂ、クリックボール４６ｃ、及びクリック用凹所４７は、クリック機構を構成している。
【００１１】
次に、電源スイッチボタン８は、環状の第１の部材３１の内部３１ａに露出配置されるゴム等の弾性材料から成る押圧操作部（キートップ）７０と、押圧操作部７０の下面によって上端大径部を係止固定され且つ中間部をスリーブ３２ｂ内に遊嵌され、且つ下端部に押圧電極７２を備えた軸部７１と、を備えている。
押圧操作部７０は、被押圧部７０ａと、被押圧部７０ａから外径方向斜め下方へスカート状（略円錐状）に延びる弾性スカート片７０ｂと、を備え、弾性スカート片７０ｂの端縁（厚肉部）７０ｃを第１の部材３１とフランジ部３２ａとの間で挟圧固定することにより、被押圧部７０ａを上下方向へ変位可能に支持すると共に、軸部７１に対する防水構造を実現し、更に電源スイッチボタン８をモードダイヤル７と連結している。即ち、第１の部材３１の内周と、被押圧部７０ａとの間の隙間から浸入する雨水は、弾性スカート片７０ｂの端縁の厚肉部７０ｃによってカメラ内（軸部７１側）への浸入を阻止される。また、弾性スカート片７０ｂは、被押圧部７０ａが下方に押圧されることにより軸部７１が下方へ待避した後で、押圧力を解除したときに、電源スイッチボタン８全体を図３に示した初期位置に復帰させるための復帰バネとしても機能する。
図示の如く、初期位置（非押圧時）における被押圧部７０ａの上面を、第１の部材３１の上面と同レベル以下に配置することにより、突出した被押圧部７０ａに対する誤操作によって電源スイッチボタン８を押圧することが無くなる。
【００１２】
なお、軸部７１の先端に設けた押圧電極７２は、その直下に位置するスイッチパターン（押圧接点）６３と導通可能な位置関係にあり、被押圧部７０ａが所定以上の力で押圧された際に、下方へ変位してスイッチパターン６３と導通し、押圧力を解消することによりＯＦＦ状態に復帰する。押圧電極７２がスイッチパターン６３とＯＮ、ＯＦＦすることにより、電源のＯＮ、ＯＦＦ信号が発生する。
上記の如き構成を備えた本発明の電子機器としてのデジタルカメラは、回転操作手段としてのモードダイヤル７の環状の第１の部材３１の内部に押圧操作スイッチとしての電源スイッチボタン８を配置してコンパクト化を図ると共に、電源スイッチボタン８の押圧操作部７０（キートップ）のスカート状の裾部７０ｂを第１の部材３１と第２の部材３２との間で挟圧保持することによりモードダイヤル７と電源スイッチボタン８の軸部７１との間を防水構造とした。このため、少ない部品点数により、コンパクト化と、防水構造を実現することができた。また、電源スイッチボタン８とモードダイヤル７とを一ヶ所に集中して配置することができるので、操作性の良い防水型デジタルカメラとすることができる。
更に、モードダイヤル７の回転軸となるスリーブ３２ｂとカメラ本体カバー４１との間にＯリング等の環状のゴム部品（パッキン４５）を挟んで防水構造としているので、簡単な構成で電源スイッチボタン８とモードダイヤル７を一ヶ所に集中して配置した経済的で操作性の良い防水型デジタルカメラを得ることができる。
【００１３】
また、回転操作するモードダイヤル７の中央に配置した電源スイッチボタン８の押圧操作部７０をゴム材料で形成し、モードダイヤル７を上下位置関係にある円環形状の上下の少なくとも部材３１、３２で構成してネジ３９にて固定し、電源スイッチボタン３３の周囲にある弾性スカート片７０ｂの周縁部７０ｃを第１及び第２の部材３１、３２にて挟み込んで防水構造とし、モードダイヤル７の下側の部材３２にクリック用凹所４７を形成し、そこにバネ４６ｂにより押されたクリックボール４６ｃを作用させることによりクリック力を発生させているので、簡単な構成で防水構造と、モードダイヤル７のクリック力を発生させることができ、経済的で操作性の良い防水型デジタルカメラとすることができる。
また、モードダイヤル７を上下位置関係にある２つの円環形状の部材３１、３２にて構成し、両部材３１、３２にて別部品の上カバー４０を上下から挟んでネジ３９止めして上カバー４０とユニット化して、カメラ本体カバー４１に上から組み付けることができる。そのために、組立性が良い。また、その時に上カバー４０の段部（小突条）４０ｂを、第１及び第２の部材３１、３２の外周部にて挟んで上カバー４０とユニットにし、デジタルカメラ本体カバー４１部分に取り付けられるので、上カバー４０によりモードダイヤル７の回転と位置のガイドがなされることとなり、モードダイヤル７の作動が確実になる。
なお、上記実施形態では、本発明のスイッチ構造を適用する電子機器としてデジタルスチルカメラを例示したが、本発明は銀塩カメラ、デジタルビデオカメラ、その他の電子機器一般に適用することができる。
【００１４】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明によれば、回転操作式のスイッチと押圧操作式のスイッチを兼用したスイッチを備えたカメラ等の電子機器において、部品点数の増大、構造の複雑化、大型化、回転操作時の切り換え電極数の減少、防水構造を実現する際の大型化等の不具合を招くことのない防水型電子機器のスイッチ構造を提供することができる。
即ち、請求項１の発明によれば、回転操作スイッチとしてのモードダイヤルの中央部に、独立して作動する押しボタンスイッチとしての電源スイッチボタンを防水構造で配置し、しかも電源スイッチボタンの押圧面をモードダイヤルの表面から突出させないようにしたので、電子機器のコンパクト化を実現すると共に、電源スイッチの誤操作を防止することができる。また、２つのスイッチを一カ所に集中配備できるので、操作が容易となる。
請求項２の発明によれば、モードダイヤルを構成する第２の部材の下部（スリーブ）に回転部材を連結して一体回転させる際に、回転部材下部に設けた回転電極が、円形に配置された多数のモード接点と選択的にＯＮできるようにしたので、コンパクトな防水構造でありながら、モード数に応じた多数のモード接点を確保することが可能となる。
請求項３の発明によれば、組立作業性が良く、また、作動が良好な中央に電源スイッチボタンを防水構造で配置した防水回転型モードダイヤルの取付け構造を提供することができる。
請求項４の発明によれば、機器本体カバーと第２の部材（スリーブ外面、フランジ下面）との間の水密性を確保して防水構造とすることができる。
請求項５の発明によれば、中央に電源スイッチボタンを防水構造で配置した回転型モードダイヤルのクリック機構を部品点数が少ない簡単な機構で実現することができる。モード切り換えをクリック感にて知ることができ、誤セットを防止できる。
請求項６の発明によれば、押圧操作スイッチとしての電源スイッチボタンを接点側に押し込んだ後で、原位置に復帰させる格別の手段を設ける代わりに、キートップとして機能する被押圧部の一部である弾性スカート片を復帰バネとして利用するのみならず、弾性スカート片の外周縁全長に渡って位置する厚肉部を第１の部材と第２の部材との間で挟むことによりこの部分を防水手段として活用した。このため、少なく部品点数で、復帰バネと、防水手段を実現することができた。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に係る電子機器の一例としての防水型デジタルカメラの前方斜視図。
【図２】図１のカメラの後方斜視図。
【図３】スイッチ部の拡大断面図。
【符号の説明】
１　デジタルカメラ（電子機器）、２　グリップ部、３　撮影レンズ、５　光学ファインダ、６　のストロボ、７　モードダイヤル、８　電源スイッチ（メインスイッチ）、９　シャッタボタン、１５　兼用スイッチ、３１　第１の部材、３１ａ　内部、３１ｂ　外周下面、３２　第２の部材、３２ａ　フランジ部、３２ｂ　スリーブ、４０　上カバー、４０ａ　開口、４１　本体カバー、４１ａ　開口、４１ｂ　凹所、４５　パッキン、４６ａ　穴、４６ｂ　弾性付勢部材、４６ｃ　クリックボール、４７　クリック用凹所、５１　回転部材、５１ａ　凹所、５１ｂ　溝部、５３　軸受部、６１　プリント基板、６２　モードパターン（モード接点）、６３　スイッチパターン（押圧接点）、７０　押圧操作部、７０ａ　被押圧部、７０ｂ　弾性スカート片、７０ｃ　端縁（厚肉部）、７１　軸部。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a switch structure of a waterproof electronic device provided with a switch that functions as a rotary operation switch and a push operation switch.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Various electronic devices such as electronic cameras such as digital still cameras, cameras such as silver halide cameras, and the like, include a push switch that operates by pressing down, and a rotation operation that switches a mode by rotating (rotating). Some are equipped with switches. For example, a power switch is used as a push switch in a camera, and a mode switch for switching a shooting mode or the like is used as a rotation operation switch.
However, separately arranging two types of switches on a narrow outer surface of an electronic device such as a camera may hinder miniaturization.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-56048, "Composite Switch for Electronic Equipment" (Seiko Instruments) proposes a technique for obtaining a composite switch capable of realizing a switch operation different in rotation operation and push-down operation with one button. ing. That is, in the switch operation in the rotating direction, an arbitrary electrode is selectively connected by deforming a contact spring by an outer peripheral surface of a cam integrated with a tip of a button shaft supported rotatably and axially movable. In the switch operation in the pressing direction, the electrode is connected by pressing and deforming the contact spring arranged opposite to the lower end of the button shaft by the lower end of the button shaft. Further, by providing a rotation direction return spring and a pressing direction return spring inside the button, the button is automatically returned to a predetermined position. Further, when the button is rotated, the lower surface of the button outer wall is planarly overlapped with the upper surface of the button receiving base provided on the case, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the switch function.
However, in this conventional example, a plurality of contact springs arranged along the circumferential direction in the outer diameter direction of the cam are selectively turned on and off by the outer peripheral surface (cam surface) of the cam that rotates integrally with the button shaft. Therefore, the installation space of the contact springs that are turned ON and OFF by the cam is limited, and it is not possible to provide a large number of contact springs so that all the modes provided in the camera or the like can be realized. That is, when a rotary operation type switch is used as a switch for mode selection of a camera or the like, there is a disadvantage that the number of selectable modes is limited to a small number.
In addition, in order to rotate the rotary operation switch with a finger, at least a part of the switch must protrude from the outer surface of the camera cover, but if it protrudes, it is put in a bag, a pocket, or the like. At times, there is a risk of being accidentally pressed, so there was a problem in using the rotary operation type switch as a push button type power switch.
In addition, when a switch that combines a rotary operation switch and a push operation switch as described above is used as a mode dial and a main switch (power switch) of an electronic device such as a camera having a waterproof structure, a large-sized switch is required. It is difficult to realize a waterproof structure without making it complicated.
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2000-56048
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in an electronic device such as a camera equipped with a switch that is both a rotary operation switch and a push operation switch, the number of parts is increased, the structure is complicated, and the size is increased. It is another object of the present invention to provide a switch structure of a waterproof electronic device which does not cause a problem such as a reduction in the number of switching electrodes during a rotation operation and an increase in size when a waterproof structure is realized.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes an annular first member as a rotary operation unit, and is rotatably supported by being fitted into an opening provided in an upper cover of an electronic device main body. A mode dial, a push-type power switch button disposed axially movably inside the annular first member, and a connection portion between the electronic device main body, the mode dial, and the power switch button. Waterproof means for sealing, a plurality of mode contacts which are sequentially turned ON and OFF when the mode dial is rotated, and a pressing contact which is turned ON when the power switch button is pressed, and a surface of the power switch button when not pressed. It is characterized in that it is configured not to protrude from the surface of the first member.
A power switch button that operates independently is placed in the center of the mode dial as a rotary operation switch in a waterproof structure, and the pressing surface of the power switch button does not protrude from the surface of the mode dial. It is possible to achieve compactness and prevent erroneous operation of the power switch.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the mode dial includes the first member, a second member positioned below the first member and fixed to the first member, A rotating member connected to a lower portion of the second member and integrally rotating; and a rotating electrode disposed at a lower portion of the rotating member, wherein the power switch button is arranged to be exposed inside the first member. A pressing operation portion made of an elastic material, an upper end portion of which is fixed to the pressing operation portion, and an intermediate portion is loosely fitted in a sleeve positioned at the center of the second member so as to be rotatable and axially movable, and A shaft portion provided with a pressing electrode at a lower portion, and a plurality of the mode contacts capable of contacting the rotating electrode at positions along a circular movement path of the rotating electrode below the rotating member, and the pressing operation portion. At the position where it turns ON with the pressing electrode when pressing Characterized in that it comprises a pressure point.
When the rotating member is connected to the lower part of the second member constituting the mode dial and integrally rotated, the rotating electrode provided at the lower part of the rotating member can be selectively turned on with a number of mode contacts arranged in a circle. As a result, it is possible to secure a large number of mode contacts according to the number of modes while having a compact waterproof structure.
[0005]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the second member includes a sleeve for loosely fitting the shaft portion therein, and a flange portion integrated with an upper end edge of the sleeve. The first member is fixed on the flange portion, and the inner peripheral edge of the upper cover is interposed between the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion and the outer peripheral lower surface of the first member, thereby raising the second member. It is rotatably supported by a cover, and the upper cover, the first member, and the second member can be attached to an electronic device body as a unit.
According to this, it is possible to provide a waterproof rotary mode dial mounting structure in which the assembling workability is good and the power switch button is disposed in the waterproof structure at the center where the operation is favorable.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, or third aspect, the electronic device main body includes a device main body cover at a position facing a lower surface of the flange portion, and the sleeve is provided in a central opening of the device main body cover. An annular packing rotatably loosely fitted and disposed between the device body cover and the second member is used as the waterproofing means.
According to this, it is possible to secure watertightness between the device body cover and the second member (the outer surface of the sleeve and the lower surface of the flange) to provide a waterproof structure.
[0006]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, third or fourth aspect, a plurality of holes arranged on the upper surface of the device main body cover so as to draw a circle around the opening, and an elastic member arranged in each hole. A biasing member, a click ball urged upward by the elastic biasing member, and a click recess formed on the lower surface of the flange portion constituting the mode dial and fitted with the click ball when the mode dial rotates, A click mechanism consisting of: the circumferential positional relationship between each hole and each click recess corresponds to the positional relationship between the rotating electrode and each mode contact, and within any one of the click recesses. When the click ball is fitted, a specific mode contact and a rotating electrode are connected to enable a transition to a specific mode state.
According to this, the click mechanism of the rotary mode dial in which the power switch button is disposed in the center in a waterproof structure can be realized by a simple mechanism with a small number of parts.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the pressing operation portion includes a pressed portion, and an elastic skirt that expands diagonally downward in the outer diameter direction from the pressed portion. And the outer peripheral edge of the elastic skirt piece is pinched and fixed between the first member and the flange portion to support the pressed portion displaceably and below the pressing operation portion. And a waterproof means for the shaft portion located at the position (1).
After pressing the power switch button as a pressing operation switch to the contact side, instead of providing special means to return to the original position, an elastic skirt piece that is a part of the pressed part that functions as a key top is used as a return spring In addition to utilizing the elastic skirt piece, a thick portion located over the entire outer peripheral edge of the elastic skirt piece is sandwiched between the first member and the second member, so that this portion is used as waterproof means. Therefore, the return spring and the waterproofing means can be realized with a small number of parts.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a waterproof digital camera as an example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the same. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the switch section.
The digital camera 1 has a right hand grip portion 2 on the left side when viewed from the front, and a photographing lens 3 is attached substantially at the center of the front. The user can visually check the photographing range and the like above the photographing lens 3. And a strobe 6 for emitting auxiliary light in the case of photographing with low illuminance and the like.
On the upper surface of the camera 1, a mode dial 7 composed of a rotary switch for selecting various modes of the camera, a power switch (main switch) 8 as a push button type switch arranged at the center of the mode dial 7, and a shutter button 9 and an accessory shoe 10 for attaching an external strobe, a terminal cover 11 for covering an external output terminal (not shown) is provided on the right side when viewed from the front of the camera 1, and a memory on the left side. A card slot in which a card and a battery can be mounted, and a battery cover 12 that covers a battery chamber (not shown) are provided. The mode dial 7 and the power switch 8 constitute one shared switch 15.
As shown in FIG. 2, on the rear surface of the camera 1, an LCD monitor 21 for displaying a photographed image and a photographing mode, a finder eyepiece 22, a finder LED window 23, a zoom button 24, A mode switch 25 is provided.
[0008]
FIG. 3 shows a dual-purpose switch 15 of the waterproof digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a rotary operation mode dial 7 and a power switch 8 provided at the center of the mode dial 7 for turning on / off a power supply. It is a figure which shows the outline of the longitudinal cross section along a center axis.
An opening 40a is formed in the upper cover 40 constituting the upper exterior body of the camera 1 for incorporating and supporting the components constituting the dual-purpose switch 15, and a predetermined interval is provided immediately below the upper cover 40. The device main body cover 41 is arranged substantially in parallel, and the device main body cover 41 is formed with a small-diameter central opening 41a concentric with the opening 40a of the upper cover. One feature of the present invention is that a unit including the upper cover 40 and the dual-purpose switch 15 can be attached to the device body cover 41 from above.
The mode dial 7 includes a first member 31 as an annular operation unit, and a first member 31 located below the first member 31 and fastened to and integrated with the first member 31 by screws 39 and other fixing means. A rotating member 51 connected to the lower end of the second member 32 and integrally rotating, and a rotating electrode (contact brush) 52 fixedly arranged at an appropriate position on the lower surface of the rotating member 51. I have.
The second member 32 is composed of a flange portion 32a connected to the first member 31 by a screw 39, and a hollow cylindrical sleeve 32b as a rotation shaft suspended downward from an inner diameter portion of the flange portion 32a. Have been. The rotating member 51 of the disk strip has, for example, two recesses 51a provided on the upper surface thereof in a rotationally symmetrical manner, and two rotating bosses 32c provided in the lower end of the sleeve 32b in a rotationally symmetrical manner. By fitting into the inside of 51a, it rotates integrally with the second member 32. Further, the rotating member 51 is slidably supported by a groove portion 51b provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof by a bearing portion 53 on the camera body side.
[0009]
A printed circuit board 61 is disposed immediately below the rotating member 51. On the printed circuit board 61, a predetermined position is set at a position along a movement locus of a rotating electrode (contact brush) 52 fixed to the lower surface of the rotating member 51. In this relation, a mode pattern (mode contact) 62 arranged in an annular shape and a switch pattern (pressing contact) 63 arranged at the center of each rotary electrode 52 are formed. The mode pattern 62 is an electrode pattern for realizing each mode, and outputs a mode position signal for realizing the mode when the rotating electrode 52 is brought into contact with the electrode. The mode patterns 62 are arranged on the printed circuit board along the movement trajectory of the rotating electrode 52 having a relatively large diameter movement trajectory, so that a large number of mode patterns 62 can be formed.
The step portion 40d provided on the inner peripheral edge of the upper cover 40 is sandwiched between the step portion 32d provided on the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 32a constituting the second member 32 and the outer peripheral lower surface 31b of the first member 31. Thereby, the outer peripheral sides of the first and second members 31 and 32 are rotatably supported by the upper cover 40. At the same time, by integrating the first and second members 31 and 32 with the upper cover 40, these can be unitized and attached to the main body cover 41 of the digital camera 1.
Further, the lower surface of the flange portion 32 a constituting the second member 32 may be configured to be supported by the upper surface of the device body cover 41. The sleeve 32b is loosely inserted into the opening 41a of the device main body cover 41, and engages with the rotating member 51 located below the device main body cover 41 by the rotating boss portion 32c.
[0010]
An annular packing 45 such as an O-ring made of an elastic material is disposed in a recess 41 b provided on the inner peripheral upper surface of the device main body cover 41, and provides waterproof between the device main body cover 41 and the second member 32. The structure is realized. A plurality of holes 46a are formed in a predetermined circumferential direction in the outer diameter direction of the recess 41b, and an elastic biasing member 46b such as a coil spring and a click ball 46c are arranged in each hole 46a. A click recess 47 into which the click ball 46c can be fitted is formed at an appropriate position on the lower surface of the flange portion 32a facing each hole 46a. The circumferential positional relationship between each hole 46a and each click recess 47 corresponds to the positional relationship between the rotating electrode 52 and the mode pattern 62 on the printed circuit board. When the click ball 46a is fitted, the specific mode pattern 62 and the rotating electrode 52 are connected so that the mode can be shifted to the specific mode state. When the click ball 46a is fitted into the opposing click recess 47 by the urging from the elastic urging member 46b, or when the click ball 46a separates from the click recess 47, the operator obtains a click feeling, thereby causing an erroneous setting. Can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to generate a click force for defining the stop position of the mode dial.
The hole 46a, the elastic urging member 46b, the click ball 46c, and the click recess 47 constitute a click mechanism.
[0011]
Next, the power switch button 8 has a large upper end formed by a pressing operation portion (key top) 70 made of an elastic material such as rubber and exposed in the inside 31 a of the annular first member 31 and a lower surface of the pressing operation portion 70. A shaft portion 71 whose diameter portion is locked and fixed, an intermediate portion is loosely fitted in the sleeve 32b, and a lower end portion is provided with a pressing electrode 72.
The pressing operation unit 70 includes a pressed portion 70a, and an elastic skirt piece 70b extending in a skirt shape (substantially conical shape) obliquely downward in the outer diameter direction from the pressed portion 70a. By pressing and fixing the meat portion 70c between the first member 31 and the flange portion 32a, the pressed portion 70a is supported so as to be vertically displaceable, and a waterproof structure for the shaft portion 71 is realized. Further, a power switch button 8 is connected to the mode dial 7. That is, the rainwater that enters through the gap between the inner periphery of the first member 31 and the pressed portion 70a enters the camera (the shaft portion 71 side) by the thick portion 70c at the edge of the elastic skirt piece 70b. Intrusion is prevented. When the pressing force is released after the shaft portion 71 has been retracted downward by the pressed portion 70a being pressed downward, the entire power switch button 8 is shown in FIG. It also functions as a return spring for returning to the initial position.
As shown in the drawing, by disposing the upper surface of the pressed portion 70a at the initial position (when not pressed) at the same level or lower than the upper surface of the first member 31, the power switch button 8 is erroneously operated on the protruded pressed portion 70a. Will not be pressed.
[0012]
Note that the pressing electrode 72 provided at the tip of the shaft portion 71 is in a positional relationship where it can conduct with the switch pattern (pressing contact) 63 located immediately below the pressing electrode 72, and when the pressed portion 70a is pressed with a predetermined force or more. Then, the switch pattern 63 is displaced downward to conduct with the switch pattern 63, and returns to the OFF state by eliminating the pressing force. When the pressing electrode 72 is turned ON and OFF with the switch pattern 63, an ON / OFF signal of the power is generated.
In the digital camera as the electronic apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the power switch button 8 as the pressing operation switch is disposed inside the annular first member 31 of the mode dial 7 as the rotating operation means. The mode dial can be made compact by holding the skirt-shaped skirt 70b of the pressing operation part 70 (key top) of the power switch button 8 between the first member 31 and the second member 32. A waterproof structure is provided between the power switch button 7 and the shaft 71 of the power switch button 8. For this reason, it was possible to realize a compact and waterproof structure with a small number of parts. In addition, since the power switch button 8 and the mode dial 7 can be centrally arranged at one place, a waterproof digital camera with good operability can be provided.
Further, since a waterproof rubber structure such as an O-ring is provided between the sleeve 32b serving as the rotation axis of the mode dial 7 and the camera body cover 41, a power switch button 8 is provided with a simple configuration. And the mode dial 7 are centrally arranged at one place, thereby providing an economical and easy-to-operate waterproof digital camera.
[0013]
Further, the pressing operation portion 70 of the power switch button 8 arranged at the center of the mode dial 7 to be rotated is formed of a rubber material, and the mode dial 7 is formed by at least upper and lower members 31 and 32 in an annular shape having a vertical positional relationship. The power switch button 33 is fixed by a screw 39, and the peripheral edge 70c of the elastic skirt piece 70b around the power switch button 33 is sandwiched between the first and second members 31, 32 to provide a waterproof structure. A click recess 47 is formed in the side member 32, and a click force is generated by applying a click ball 46c pressed by a spring 46b to the click recess 47. Therefore, a waterproof structure with a simple configuration and a mode dial 7 are provided. Thus, a waterproof digital camera which is economical and easy to operate can be provided.
Further, the mode dial 7 is composed of two annular members 31 and 32 in a vertical positional relationship. It can be unitized with the cover 40 and assembled to the camera body cover 41 from above. Therefore, the assemblability is good. At this time, the step (small ridge) 40b of the upper cover 40 is sandwiched between the outer peripheral portions of the first and second members 31 and 32 to form a unit with the upper cover 40, and attached to the digital camera body cover 41. Therefore, the rotation and position of the mode dial 7 are guided by the upper cover 40, and the operation of the mode dial 7 is ensured.
In the above embodiment, a digital still camera is exemplified as an electronic device to which the switch structure of the present invention is applied. However, the present invention can be applied to a silver halide camera, a digital video camera, and other general electronic devices.
[0014]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an electronic device such as a camera equipped with a switch that serves as both a rotary operation switch and a push operation switch, the number of parts increases, the structure becomes complicated, the size increases, and the rotation operation increases. It is possible to provide a switch structure of a waterproof electronic device that does not cause a problem such as a reduction in the number of switching electrodes at the time and an increase in size when realizing a waterproof structure.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the power switch button as a push button switch that operates independently is disposed in a waterproof structure at the center of the mode dial as the rotary operation switch, and the pressing surface of the power switch button is pressed. Is prevented from protruding from the surface of the mode dial, so that the electronic apparatus can be made compact and erroneous operation of the power switch can be prevented. Further, since two switches can be centrally arranged in one place, the operation becomes easy.
According to the invention of claim 2, when the rotating member is connected to the lower portion (sleeve) of the second member constituting the mode dial and integrally rotated, the rotating electrode provided at the lower portion of the rotating member is circularly arranged. Since a large number of mode contacts can be selectively turned on, it is possible to secure a large number of mode contacts according to the number of modes while having a compact waterproof structure.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a waterproof rotary mode dial mounting structure in which the assembling workability is good and the power switch button is disposed in a waterproof structure at the center where the operation is favorable.
According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to secure a watertightness between the device main body cover and the second member (the outer surface of the sleeve and the lower surface of the flange), thereby providing a waterproof structure.
According to the invention of claim 5, the click mechanism of the rotary mode dial in which the power switch button is disposed in the center in a waterproof structure can be realized by a simple mechanism with a small number of parts. Mode switching can be known by clicking feeling, and incorrect setting can be prevented.
According to the invention of claim 6, a part of the pressed portion functioning as a key top instead of providing a special means for returning to the original position after pushing the power switch button as the pressing operation switch to the contact side. Not only is the elastic skirt piece used as a return spring, but also a thick portion located over the entire outer peripheral edge of the elastic skirt piece is sandwiched between the first member and the second member to reduce this portion. Utilized as a waterproof means. Therefore, the return spring and the waterproofing means can be realized with a small number of parts.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a waterproof digital camera as an example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a switch unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera (electronic device), 2 grip parts, 3 photographing lens, 5 optical finder, 6 strobe, 7 mode dial, 8 power switch (main switch), 9 shutter button, 15 dual-purpose switch, 31 first member, 31a inside, 31b outer peripheral lower surface, 32 second member, 32a flange portion, 32b sleeve, 40 upper cover, 40a opening, 41 main body cover, 41a opening, 41b recess, 45 packing, 46a hole, 46b elastic biasing member, 46c click ball, 47 click recess, 51 rotating member, 51a recess, 51b groove, 53 bearing, 61 printed circuit board, 62 mode pattern (mode contact), 63 switch pattern (press contact), 70 press operation section, 70a pressed part, 70b elastic skirt piece, 70c edge (thick part), 71 axis Department.

Claims

A mode dial provided with an annular first member as a rotary operation unit, fitted in an opening provided in an upper cover of the electronic device main body, and rotatably supported; and a mode dial of the annular first member. A push-type power switch button arranged inside so as to be axially movable, waterproof means for sealing a connection between the electronic device main body, the mode dial, and the power switch button, and sequentially when the mode dial is rotated. A plurality of mode contacts that are turned on and off, and a pressing contact that is turned on when the power switch button is pressed,
A switch structure for a waterproof electronic device, wherein a surface of a power switch button when not pressed is not projected from a surface of the first member.

The mode dial is integrated with the first member, a second member located below the first member and fixed to the first member, and connected to a lower portion of the second member. A rotating member that rotates, and a rotating electrode disposed below the rotating member,
The power switch button has a pressing operation portion made of an elastic material exposed and disposed inside the first member, and an upper end portion fixed to the pressing operation portion and an intermediate portion provided at a central portion of the second member. A shaft portion rotatably and axially movably fitted in the located sleeve, and having a pressing electrode at a lower portion,
A plurality of the mode contacts that can be brought into contact with the rotating electrode are provided at positions along the circular moving path of the rotating electrode below the rotating member, and are pressed at positions where the pressing electrode is turned ON when the pressing operation unit is pressed. The switch structure of a waterproof electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact.

The second member includes a sleeve in which the shaft portion is loosely fitted, and a flange portion integrated with an upper edge of the sleeve,
The second member is fixed by fixing the first member on the flange portion and sandwiching the inner peripheral edge of the upper cover between the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion and the outer peripheral lower surface of the first member. Rotatably supported by the upper cover,
3. The switch structure for a waterproof electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover, the first member, and the second member can be attached to an electronic device body as a unit. 4.

The electronic device main body includes a device main body cover at a position facing the lower surface of the flange portion, and the sleeve is rotatably loosely fitted into a center opening of the device main body cover,
4. The switch structure for a waterproof electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an annular packing disposed between the device main body cover and the second member is used as the waterproofing means.

A plurality of holes arranged on the upper surface of the device main body cover so as to draw a circle around the opening, an elastic urging member arranged in each hole, and a click ball urged upward by the elastic urging member. ,
A click recess formed on the lower surface of the flange portion constituting the mode dial and into which the click ball fits when the mode dial is rotated;
With a click mechanism consisting of
The circumferential positional relationship between each hole and each click recess corresponds to the positional relationship between the rotary electrode and each mode contact, and when a click ball fits into any of the click recesses. The waterproofing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein a specific mode contact and a rotating electrode are connected so that a transition can be made to a specific mode state. Type electronic device switch structure.

The pressing operation portion includes a pressed portion, and an elastic skirt piece that is expanded obliquely downward in the outer diameter direction from the pressed portion, and an outer peripheral edge of the elastic skirt piece is formed by the first member and the flange. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said pressed portion is displaceably supported by clamping and fixing between said portion and a waterproof means for said shaft portion located below said pressing operation portion. The switch structure of the waterproof electronic device according to claim 1.