JP2019049603A - Switch and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a switch and an imaging apparatus that have good operational feeling, that can be miniaturized, and that can be easily assembled.SOLUTION: A switch comprises: a pressing member that moves in a pressing direction when a pressing operation is performed; and a first through a third elastic members that contact with a first through a third signal patterns formed on a substrate respectively, and that are conductive. The second elastic member is expandable and contractible along the pressing direction. When a first pressing operation for moving the pressing member from an initial position in the pressing direction is performed for the pressing member, a first and a second signal patterns become electrically connectable through the first and the second elastic members. And, when a second pressing operation for moving the pressing member in the pressing direction against bias force being in an opposite direction to the pressing direction due to the first and the second elastic members is performed for the pressing member after the first pressing operation, the first through the third signal patterns become electrically connectable through the first through the third elastic members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a pressing operation type switch and an imaging device.

  Conventionally, the imaging device is configured to perform a photometric operation and a focus detection operation when detecting a first stage pressing operation of a release button, and release a shutter when detecting a second stage pressing operation of the release button. With a release switch configured so that the release button does not move any further after the shutter is released, the force to press the release button is transmitted to the imaging device when the shutter is released, and the entire imaging device shakes, etc. It gets in the way. Further, for the photographer, after the second-step pressing operation is detected, there is no click feeling, and it is better for the user to be able to perform the pressing operation.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a release switch in which three leaf spring-like electrical contact pieces made of insulated conductors are arranged so as to overlap in the pressing direction of the release button. In the release switch of Patent Document 1, the first-step pressing operation is detected by the contact between the first contact piece and the second contact piece, and the second-step pressing operation is detected by the second contact piece and the third contact piece. The release button can be pressed even after the second pressing operation, which is detected by the contact.

  In patent document 2, in order to reduce the projection area of the pushing direction of a release button, the signal pattern part provided so that a flexible substrate may be bend | folded and it opposes may be touched, and the 1st-step and the 2nd-step press A release switch device for detecting an operation is disclosed.

JP, 2001-305643, A JP, 2012-128998, A

  However, in the release switch of Patent Document 1, in order for the electric contact piece to obtain predetermined biasing force and elasticity, a sufficient plate thickness and length are required, which hinders downsizing of the release switch.

  Further, in the release switch device of Patent Document 2, the space in the height direction for facing the signal pattern portion and the expansion space of the flexible substrate are necessary for pressing the release button, which hinders the miniaturization of the release switch.

  Further, the configurations disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are complicated, so the assembly becomes complicated, and the reduction of man-hours is hindered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a switch and an imaging device that are easy to operate, can be miniaturized, and can be easily assembled.

  A switch as one aspect of the present invention includes a pressing member which moves in a pressing direction when pressed, a substrate on which a first signal pattern, a second signal pattern, and a third signal pattern are formed, and A conductive first elastic member in contact with the first signal pattern, a conductive second elastic member in contact with the second signal pattern, and a conductive third member in contact with the third signal pattern The second elastic member is stretchable along the pressing direction, and the first pressing member is moved from the initial position in the pressing direction with respect to the pressing member; When the pressing operation is performed, the first and second signal patterns become electrically connectable via the first and second elastic members, and after the first pressing operation, With respect to the pressing member, the pressing member is When the second pressing operation to move in the pressing direction against the biasing force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction by the first and second elastic members is performed, the first to third signal patterns Is characterized in that it becomes electrically connectable via the first to third elastic members.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch and an imaging device which are easy to operate, can be miniaturized, and can be easily assembled.

It is an outline view of an imaging device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a release switch of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a release switch module. It is a figure which shows the base member and electric conduction member of a built-in state. It is a sectional view of a release switch. It is a related figure of the movement amount of a release button, and load. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a release switch of Example 2; FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a release switch of Example 3; FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of a release switch of Example 4;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an imaging device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lens unit 2 includes an imaging optical system, and focuses light from a subject on an imaging element. A release button (pressing member) 3 which is pressed when shooting is performed, a zoom lever 4 which is pivotable about the release button 3 and which is operated when changing the focal length is provided on the upper surface of the imaging device 1 And the power supply button 6 operated when starting a power supply is provided. The exterior cover 5 is a cover for protecting an internal structure such as an imaging device or a control substrate.

  The structure of the release switch 19 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the release switch 19. 2 (a) is a perspective view of the release switch 19, and FIG. 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 2 (a) including the release switch 19 at the center of the release button 3 and the housing.

  The release switch 19 is composed of the release button 3 and the release switch module 20. The release button 3 includes a flat portion 3a, a shaft portion 3b, a pressing portion 3c, and a stopper portion 3d, and when pressed, moves in a pressing direction (pressing direction) which is the arrow A direction in FIG. The flat portion 3a is a portion pressed by the photographer. The shaft portion 3 b is assembled by being inserted into the bearing portion 4 a of the zoom lever 4, and guides the linear movement of the release button 3 in the pushing direction. The stopper portion 3 d abuts on the receiving portion 4 b of the zoom lever 4 when the release button 3 is maximally moved. The coil spring 14 is attached around the bearing portion 4 a and biases the release button 3 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction. The release button 3 is engaged with the zoom lever 4 by a hook portion (not shown) to prevent the coil spring 14 from coming off against the repulsive force.

  The zoom holder 13 is integrally fixed to the zoom lever 4 by heat caulking or the like. The zoom lever 4 and the zoom holder 13 are mounted so as to sandwich the exterior cover 5 and are thus mounted rotatably about the shaft portion 3b while being restricted in position with respect to the pushing direction. A contact brush (not shown) is attached to the zoom holder 13. The contact brush contacts the signal pattern of the substrate (not shown), and the zoom drive of the lens unit 2 is performed according to the rotational position of the zoom lever 4.

  The component configuration of the release switch module 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the release switch module 20. As shown in FIG. 3 (a) is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 2 (a), in which the release button 3 is not depressed. Is shown.

  The release switch module 20 has a configuration for detecting a two-step pressing operation of the release button 3. The conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 have conductivity and can extend and contract along the pressing direction. In the present embodiment, the conductive coil spring 23 has a biasing force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction which is larger than the conductive coil springs 22 and 24. The flexible substrate 25 is a substrate that transmits an electrical signal to the control substrate. The flexible substrate 25 has positioning holes 25a and positioning notches 25b used for positioning. Further, on the flexible substrate 25, a plurality of signal patterns 25c, 25d, 25e opposed to the end portions 22a, 23a, 24a of the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24, respectively are formed. In the incorporated state (initial state) incorporated in the release switch 19, the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 and the signal patterns 25c, 25d, 25e are in contact with each other and are electrically connected.

  The conductive member 21 is formed in a U-shape by bending a metal wire rod, and a contact portion (contact portion) 21a that contacts the conductive coil springs 22, 23 and 24 for achieving electrical conduction, a contact A movement restricting portion 21b formed in parallel with the portion 21a and an intermediate portion 21c are provided. The conductive member 21 moves when the release button 3 is pressed, and contacts the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 according to the amount of movement.

  The base member (holding member) 26 movably holds the conductive member 21 and holds the conductive coil springs 22, 23 and 24 so as to be expandable and contractable in the pushing direction. The base member 26 includes an opening 26a through which the pressing unit 3c is inserted, and claws 26b disposed on both side surfaces. The pressing portion 3 c abuts on the conductive member 21 after passing through the opening 26 a.

  The fixing member 27 is formed by bending a sheet metal, and is provided with engaging portions 27a on both side surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 3 (b), the conductive member 21, conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 and the flexible substrate 25 are held by the engagement portion 27a engaging with the claw portion 26b. It is done.

  The assembly of the release switch 19 does not require a conventional process such as bending of the flexible substrate, and the components can be attached from one direction. Therefore, the release switch 19 can be easily assembled, and can be easily adapted to assembly by automation.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the base member 26 and the conductive member 21 in the assembled state. FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c) respectively show a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view as viewed in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 4 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the base member 26 includes storage portions 26c, 26d, 26e capable of storing the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24, respectively. In the assembled state, the conductive coil spring 23 abuts on the contact surface (first contact portion) 26d1 provided on the base member 26 in the assembled state as shown in FIG. 3B, and has a predetermined length. The conductive member 21 is compressed and held so as to maintain a predetermined first clearance. As shown in FIG. 4C, the passage groove 26g guides the contact portion 21a to move in a direction parallel to the pressing direction of the release button 3. The movement restricting groove 26 h guides the movement restricting portion 21 b to move in a direction perpendicular to the pushing direction. That is, when the contact portion 21a is pushed in the push-in direction (arrow A direction), the movement restricting portion 21b moves in the arrow H direction, and the conductive member 21 is guided and moved by the base member 26 while being inclined.

  The contact surface 26d1 is formed in a range excluding the passage groove 26g and the opening 26a. In the present embodiment, in order to receive the force of the conductive coil spring 23 in a well-balanced manner, the conductive coil spring 23 is disposed to abut on the conductive member 21 at the coil center, and the contact surface 26d1 is the passage groove 26g of the conductive member 21. It is arranged on both sides across the bridge. Therefore, in order to reduce the coil diameter of the conductive coil spring 23 in order to miniaturize the release module 20, it is effective to thin the conductive member 21 using a wire.

  When the conductive coil spring 24 is assembled like the conductive coil spring 23, the tip 24b abuts on the contact surface (second contact portion) 26e1 provided on the base member 26, and is compressed to a predetermined length, The conductive member 21 is held so as to maintain a predetermined second clearance. The second clearance is configured to be longer than a first clearance which is a clearance between the conductive member 21 and the conductive coil spring 23.

  The positioning protrusions 26f1 and 26f2 are respectively inserted into the positioning holes 25a and the positioning notches 25b. The flexible substrate 25 and the base member 26 are positioned by these members, and the positional accuracy between the conductive coil springs 22, 23 and 24 and the flexible substrate 25 is secured.

  A two-step pressing operation detection method will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the release switch 19 taken along the line B-B in FIG. 5A to 5D show an initial state, a state at the time of the first-step pressing operation detection, a state at the second-step pressing operation detection, and a state of the release button 3 at the maximum movement, respectively. It shows. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the release button 3 and the load when the release button 3 is pressed. The horizontal axis indicates the amount of movement of the release button 3 and the vertical axis indicates the load required to press the release button 3.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the initial state, the conductive coil spring 22 is held in a compressed state in which the tip end portion 22b is in contact with the conductive member 21. At this time, the conductive coil spring 22 biases the conductive member 21 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The conductive member 21 and the signal pattern 25 c are electrically coupled to each other through the conductive coil spring 22. Further, as described above, the conductive coil springs 23 and 24 are compressed to a predetermined length, and are held so as to maintain a predetermined clearance with the conductive member 21.

  When the release button 3 is pressed from the initial state, the pressing portion 3c abuts on the conductive member 21 as shown in FIG. 5 (b). When a load greater than the biasing force of the conductive coil spring 22 is applied to the conductive coil spring 22, the conductive coil spring 22 starts to be compressed. When the release button 3 is further depressed, the conductive member 21 contacts the conductive coil spring 23. That is, the signal patterns 25 c and 25 d are in the first state where they can be electrically connected via the conductive coil springs 22 and 23 and the conductive member 21. The pressing operation of the release button 3 from the initial state to the first state is referred to as a first stage pressing operation. A first detection unit (not shown) provided in the imaging device 1 detects that the signal patterns 25c and 25d are electrically coupled, thereby detecting a first-step pressing operation. When the first detection means detects the first-step pressing operation, the photometric operation and the focus detection operation are started.

  As shown in FIG. 6, assuming that the amount of movement of the release button 3 from the initial state until the first-step pressing operation is detected is S1, the load required to push in is F1. Assuming that the biasing force of the conductive coil spring 23 is Fa, in order to further compress the conductive coil spring 23 from this state, it is necessary to apply a pressing force equal to or greater than the biasing force Fa. Assuming that the movement amount when the conductive coil spring 23 starts to be compressed further is Sm, and the load at that time is Fm, the weight Fm is expressed by the following relational expression (1).

Fm = F1 + Fa (1)
When the release button 3 is further depressed from the state of the movement amount Sm, the conductive member 21 contacts the conductive coil spring 24 as shown in FIG. 5C. That is, the signal patterns 25 c, 25 d, 25 e are in the second state in which they can be electrically connected via the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 and the conductive member 21. The pressing operation of the release button 3 from the first state to the second state is referred to as a second-step pressing operation (second pressing operation). A second detection unit (not shown) provided in the imaging device detects that the signal patterns 25c, 25d, and 25e are electrically coupled, thereby detecting a second-step pressing operation. When the second detection means detects the second-step pressing operation, the shutter drive device operates to open and close the shutter and expose the imaging device. The biasing force Fa of the conductive coil spring 23 makes it easy for the photographer to stop the release button 3 in the state where the first-step pressing operation is detected, and it is possible to easily perform the photometric operation and the focus detection operation. As shown in FIG. 6, assuming that the amount of movement of the release button 3 at the time when the second step pressing operation is detected is S2, the load required to push in to this state is F2.

  When a load greater than the biasing force generated on the conductive coil spring 24 in the initial state is applied to the conductive coil spring 24 from the state of FIG. 5C, the conductive coil spring 24 starts to be compressed. As the biasing force is smaller, as compared with the larger biasing force, an unnecessary load is not applied after the second-step pressing operation is detected, and a good feeling can be obtained.

  The release switch 19 is configured to be able to further press the release button 3 after the second-step pressing operation is performed. Therefore, when the shutter is released, a good shutter operation can be performed without generation of vibration caused by the transmission of the force for pressing the release button 3 to the imaging device 1. When the release button 3 is further pressed from the state where the second stage pressing operation is performed, the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 are further compressed, and the stopper portion 3d abuts on the receiving portion 4b, as shown in FIG. The movement of the release button 3 is stopped at the position of. As shown in FIG. 6, the amount of movement in this state is Sf.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 are disposed in parallel to the pressing direction of the release button 3 to obtain a desired load, and the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 are detected. It is a signal path of the means. Therefore, the release switch 19 can be miniaturized with respect to the projection area in the pushing direction.

  In particular, in the case of using a conventional electric contact in order to obtain a large biasing force necessary after the first-step pressing operation is performed, the electric contact in order to prevent plastic deformation in repeated switch operation. Requires a sufficient thickness and length, and the release switch becomes large. Therefore, arranging the conductive coil spring 23 in parallel with the pressing direction to obtain the biasing force is effective for downsizing.

  Also, strictly speaking, the ideal pressing load of the release button 3 varies depending on each user. Therefore, when considering the customization of the relationship between the amount of movement of the release button 3 and the load, by using a coil spring as in this embodiment, the biasing force and the spring are improved as compared to the case of using the conventional electric contact piece. It is easy to cope with manufacturing in preparing parts with different constants.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the conductive member 21 is formed in a U-shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the conductive member 21 may have only the contact portion 21a and the middle portion 21c, and may be formed in an L shape. In this case, the conductive member 21 is rotatably held by the base member 26 with the intermediate portion 21 c as a pivot, and contacts the conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 by a rotational operation. Thus, the conductive member 21 can be reduced, and the size of the release switch module 20 can be further reduced.

  Moreover, although three conductive coil springs 22, 23, 24 are used in the present embodiment, other conductive elastic members such as conductive rubber may be used. However, it is desirable to use the conductive coil spring 23 as an elastic member in order to obtain the large biasing force and the accuracy of the load after the first-step pressing operation is performed because it relates to the feel of the release switch. However, since the conductive coil springs 22 and 24 are mainly intended for electrical connection, other conductive elastic members such as conductive rubber can be substituted.

  The structure of the release switch 29 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the release switch 29 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the release switch 29. FIG. FIG. 7B shows the release switch 29 from which the base member 36 and the fixing member 37 have been removed. FIG.7 (c) is the DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 7 (a).

  The conductive member 31 is formed in a U-shape by bending a metal wire. The conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34 are arranged concentrically as viewed from the pushing direction so that the centers of the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34 substantially coincide with the axial center (pressing center) of the pressing portion 30 of the release button. The flexible substrate 35 has signal patterns 35a, 35b, 35c (not shown) in contact with the end portions of the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34, respectively. In the assembled state, the flexible substrate 35 is electrically connected to each conductive coil spring. In the initial state, the conductive coil spring 32 biases the conductive member 31 to maintain the conductive member 31 in a stationary state. At the same time, the conductive member 31 is electrically coupled to the signal pattern 35 a via the conductive coil spring 32.

  The base member 36 positions the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34 and the flexible substrate 35. The fixing member 37 is formed of a sheet metal and holds the conductive member 31, the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34, and the flexible substrate 35 by engaging with the base member 36. In the initial state, the conductive coil springs 33 and 34 are separated from the conductive member 31.

  With reference to FIG. 7C, a method of detecting a two-step pressing operation will be described. The pressing portion 30 abuts on the conductive member 31 when moving from the initial state in the pushing direction (the direction of the arrow A). When the pressing portion 30 is further pressed, the conductive member 31 contacts the conductive coil spring 33 to conduct. By electrically connecting the signal patterns 35a and 35b via the conductive member 31 and the conductive coil springs 32 and 33, a first-step pressing operation is detected.

  When the pressing portion 30 is further pressed, the conductive member 31 contacts the conductive coil spring 34. The signal patterns 35a, 35b, 35c are electrically coupled via the conductive member 31 and the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34, whereby the second stage pressing operation is detected.

  The biasing force of the conductive coil spring 33 is larger than the biasing force of the conductive coil springs 32 and 34. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the amount of movement of the release button 3 and the load shown in FIG. Relationship can be realized.

  As described above, space can be saved by arranging the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34 concentrically as viewed from the pressing direction. In addition, since the center of the repulsive force of the conductive coil springs 32, 33, 34 always substantially coincides with the axial center of the pressing portion 30 from the initial state to the state at the maximum movement amount of the pressing portion 30, the pressing portion 30 is smooth. It is possible to realize the pressing operation.

  The structure of the release switch of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the release switch 39 of this embodiment. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the release switch 39. FIG. FIG. 8B is a view showing the release switch after the base member 46 and the fixing member 47 are removed. FIG.8 (c) is the EE sectional view taken on the line of Fig.8 (a).

  The conductive elastic plate member 41 is formed by bending a sheet metal. The conductive coil springs 42 and 43 are arranged concentrically as viewed from the pushing direction such that the centers of the conductive coil springs 42 and 43 substantially coincide with the axial center (pressing center) of the pressing portion 40 of the release button. The conductive elastic plate member 41 includes a contact portion (contact portion) 41a, an elastic portion 41b, and a ground portion (connection portion) 41c. The contact portion 41 a can contact the conductive coil springs 42 and 43. The elastic portions 41 b are disposed on both sides of the contact portion 41 a and can be elastically deformed in the pushing direction. The flexible substrate 45 has a signal pattern connected to the control substrate. In the assembled state, the end portions of the conductive coil springs 42 and 43 are electrically connected to the signal patterns 45 a and 45 b (not shown) of the flexible substrate 45, respectively. The ground portion 41 c of the conductive elastic plate member 41 is electrically connected to the signal pattern 45 c (not shown) of the flexible substrate 45.

  The base member 46 positions the conductive coil springs 42 and 43 and the flexible substrate 45. The fixing member 47 is formed of a sheet metal and holds the conductive elastic plate member 41, the conductive coil springs 42 and 43, and the flexible substrate 45 by engaging with the base member 46.

  A two-step detection method of pressing operation will be described with reference to FIG. The pressing portion 40 abuts on the conductive elastic plate member 41 when it moves from the initial state in the pressing direction (the direction of the arrow A). When the pressing portion 40 is further pressed, the conductive elastic plate member 41 contacts the conductive coil spring 42 and conducts. By electrically connecting the signal patterns 45a and 45c via the conductive elastic plate member 41 and the conductive coil spring 42, the first-step pressing operation is detected.

  When the pressing portion 40 is further pressed, the conductive elastic plate member 41 contacts the conductive coil spring 43. By electrically connecting the signal patterns 45a, 45b, 45c via the conductive elastic plate member 41 and the conductive coil springs 42, 43, the second stage pressing operation is detected.

  Since the biasing force of the conductive coil spring 42 is larger than that of the conductive elastic plate member 41 and the conductive coil spring 43, in the present embodiment, the amount of movement and load of the release button 3 shown in FIG. And similar relationships can be realized.

  As described above, in the release switch of the present embodiment, the rod-shaped conductive member can be changed to the conductive elastic plate member 41 so that the thickness can be reduced compared to the configuration of the second embodiment. Further, since the conductive elastic plate member 41 includes the elastic portion 41 b, one conductive coil spring can be deleted. Therefore, the number of assembling steps can be reduced and further miniaturization can be achieved.

  The structure of the release switch 49 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the release switch 49 of this embodiment. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the release switch 49. FIG. FIG. 9B is a view showing the release switch 49 after the holder member 57 is removed. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in FIG.

  The upper conductive member 51 and the lower conductive member 52 are formed by bending a sheet metal. The insulating member 58 is disposed between the upper conductive member 51 and the lower conductive member 52 and is adhesively fixed to the lower conductive member 52. In the assembled state, the end portions of the conductive coil springs 53, 54, 55 are in electrical contact with the signal patterns 59a, 59b, 59c (not shown) of the flexible substrate 59, respectively. The conductive coil springs 53, 54, 55 are respectively inserted into the housing portion of the base member 56 and positioned. The holder member 57 is held by the base member 56 so as to be movable in the pushing direction (arrow A direction). The base sheet metal member 60 is a receiving portion of the flexible substrate 59, and fixes the base member 56 by heat caulking (not shown) or the like.

  In the assembled state, the conductive coil spring 53 biases the holder member 57 to the side opposite to the pushing direction via the upper conductive member 51. Further, the conductive coil spring 54 biases the holder member 57 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction via the lower conductive member 52. Furthermore, the conductive coil spring 55 directly biases the holder member 57 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction. The holding portion 57 a of the holder member 57 abuts on the locking portion 56 a of the base member 56 so that the holder member 57 is kept stationary.

  In the assembled state, conductive coil spring 53 is in contact with upper conductive member 51 to be electrically coupled. The conductive coil spring 54 is in contact with the lower conductive member 52 and is electrically coupled.

  A two-step detection method of pressing operation will be described with reference to FIG. When the pressing portion 50 of the release button moves from the initial state in the pressing direction (the direction of the arrow A), it abuts on the upper conductive member 51. When the pressing portion 50 is further pressed, the conductive coil spring 53 having a weak biasing force is contracted, the upper conductive member 51 is inclined, and the convex portion 51 a of the upper conductive member 51 abuts on the lower conductive member 52. At this time, the signal patterns 59a and 59b are electrically coupled via the upper conductive member 51, the lower conductive member 52, and the conductive coil springs 53 and 54, whereby the first-step pressing operation is detected.

  When a force greater than the biasing force of the conductive coil spring 54 is applied to the pressing portion 50, the lower conductive member 52 moves in the push-in direction, and contacts the conductive coil spring 55. At this time, the signal patterns 59a, 59b, and 59c are electrically coupled via the upper conductive member 51, the lower conductive member 52, and the conductive coil springs 53, 54, and 55, whereby the second pressing operation is detected. Be done.

  Since the biasing force of the conductive coil spring 54 is larger than that of the conductive coil springs 53 and 55, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the amount of movement of the release button 3 and the load shown in FIG. Relationship can be realized.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the present invention.

3 Release button (pressing member)
19, 29, 39, 49 Release switch (switch)
22, 32, 42, 42 conductive coil spring (first elastic member)
23, 33, 43, 53 Conductive coil spring (second elastic member)
24, 34, 44, 54 Conductive coil spring (third elastic member)
25, 35, 45, 55 Flexible substrate (substrate)
25c, 35a, 45a, 55a signal pattern (first signal pattern)
25d, 35b, 45b, 55b Signal pattern (second signal pattern)
25e, 35c, 45c, 55c Signal pattern (third signal pattern)

Claims (17)

A pressing member that moves in the pressing direction when the pressing operation is performed,
A substrate on which a first signal pattern, a second signal pattern and a third signal pattern are formed;
A conductive first elastic member in contact with the first signal pattern;
A conductive second elastic member in contact with the second signal pattern;
And a conductive third elastic member in contact with the third signal pattern,
The second elastic member is stretchable along the pressing direction,
When a first pressing operation to move the pressing member from the initial position in the pressing direction is performed on the pressing member, the first and second signal patterns are the first and second elastic members. Can be connected electrically via
After the first pressing operation, the pressing member is moved in the pressing direction against the biasing force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction by the first and second elastic members with respect to the pressing member. The switch characterized in that the first to third signal patterns become electrically connectable via the first to third elastic members when the second pressing operation to be performed is performed. .   The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first and third elastic members are stretchable along the pushing direction.   The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first to third elastic members are arranged in a compressed state when the pressing member is at the initial position.   The second elastic member has an urging force in the opposite direction larger than the first and third elastic members when the pressing member is at the initial position. The switch according to any one of 3. It further comprises a conductive member in contact with the first elastic member,
In the first pressing operation, the pressing member moves against the biasing force of the first elastic member in the opposite direction after contacting the conductive member.
When the first pressing operation is performed, the conductive member contacts the second elastic member, and the first and second signal patterns transmit the conductive member and the first and second elastic members. Can be connected electrically via
When the second pressing operation is performed, the conductive member contacts the third elastic member, and the first to third signal patterns include the conductive member and the first to third elastic members. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch is electrically connectable.   The switch according to claim 5, wherein the first to third elastic members are coil springs.   The switch according to claim 6, further comprising a holding member configured to hold the first to third elastic members so as to be stretchable along the pressing direction with the substrate.   The switch according to claim 7, wherein the holding member has a storage portion capable of storing the first to third elastic members. The holding member is a passage groove in which the conductive member can move, and a first contact portion and a second contact portion that respectively abut the second and third elastic members when the pressing member is positioned at the initial position. And a contact portion,
The switch according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first and second contact portions are provided so as to sandwich the passage groove.   The switch according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first to third elastic members are arranged concentrically around a pressing center of the pressing member.   11. The conductive member according to claim 7, wherein the conductive member is formed of a metal wire in an L-shape or a U-shape, and is movably attached to the holding member. Switch.   The conductive member is in contact with the first conductive member in contact with the first elastic member, and in contact with the second elastic member, and is in contact with the first conductive member after the first pressing operation, The switch according to any one of claims 5 to 11, further comprising: the second conductive member contacting the third elastic member after the second pressing operation. In the first pressing operation, after the pressing member comes in contact with the first elastic member, the pressing member moves against the urging force in the opposite direction by the first elastic member.
When the first pressing operation is performed, the first elastic member contacts the second elastic member, and the first and second signal patterns transmit the first and second elastic members. Can be connected electrically via
When the second pressing operation is performed, the first elastic member contacts the third elastic member, and the first to third signal patterns transmit the first to third elastic members. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch is electrically connectable.   The switch according to claim 13, wherein the second and third elastic members are coil springs.   The switch according to claim 14, wherein the second and third elastic members are arranged concentrically around a pressing center of the pressing member.   The first elastic member is provided with a contact portion capable of coming into contact with the second and third elastic members, an elastic portion which is provided on both sides of the contact portion and which is elastically deformable along the pushing direction. The switch according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: a connection connected to the signal pattern of 1. 17. A switch according to any one of the preceding claims,
First detection means for detecting the first pressing operation by detecting that the first and second signal patterns are electrically connected;
And a second detection unit configured to detect the second pressing operation by detecting that the first to third signal patterns are electrically connected.