JP2020140901A - Multistage switch - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a multistage switch that makes it possible to prevent the feeling of a first-stage switch from being generated when the first-stage switch is unnecessary.SOLUTION: A multistage switch includes a push button, an operating plate that has first and second pushers, moves downward in accordance with an operation on the push button, switching means that has a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the operating plate, and that changes the position of the restricting unit by rotating, a first switch that is pressed by the first pusher by pressing the push button with a first load, and a second switch that is pressed by the second pusher by pressing the push button with a second load larger than the first load, and the regulating unit regulates the operation of pressing the first switch by the first pusher by rotating a switching member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-stage switch, particularly a switch capable of switching the number of stages in a camera shutter, a video camera shooting switch, a switch of various other electronic devices, and the like.

It is generally known that a conventional multi-stage switch uses a dome plate. As an example of a multi-stage switch using this dome plate, when a switch button is pressed by a user, the dome plate is deformed according to the pressing pressure due to the sequential pressing. This functions as a multi-stage switch that sequentially switches the operating state of the electronic device as the dome plate is deformed. Generally, when it is used for the release of an imaging device, the first stage is focused and the second stage is used for the release.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses providing a two-stage switch that has a small number of parts, can be made thinner, and has a clear feel.

Japanese Patent No. 5221819

In the two-stage switch disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, AF is assigned to the first stage and release is assigned to the second stage. However, in the prior art, even if the first-stage switch is unnecessary, the user needs to turn on the first-stage switch in order to turn on the second-stage switch. You may find the switch feel annoying. Further, when no function is executed even if the first-stage switch is turned on, the feeling of the first-stage switch may give the user a sense of discomfort.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is that in a switch capable of executing a plurality of functions with a stepwise switch, when the first stage switch is unnecessary or when the function corresponding to the first stage switch is not executed, the first stage switch is used. It is to provide a means capable of not causing the feel of the switch.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a push button, a working plate having first and second pushers, and moving downward with the operation of the push button, and the working plate. A switching means that has a regulating portion that regulates movement and changes the position of the regulating portion by rotating, and a first push button that is pressed by the first pusher by pressing the push button with a first load. It has a switch 1 and a second switch that is pressed by the second pusher by pressing the push button with a second load larger than the first load, and rotates the switching member. By moving, the regulating unit regulates the operation of the first pusher to press the first switch.

According to the present invention, in a switch capable of executing a plurality of functions with a stepwise switch, when the first stage switch is unnecessary or when the function corresponding to the first stage switch is not executed, the first stage switch is executed. It is possible not to generate the feel of the switch.

Image pickup device perspective view Metal dome switch disassembled perspective view Release button disassembled perspective view Perspective view of image pickup device (top cover not shown) AA sectional view in FIG. BB sectional view in FIG. AA sectional view in FIG. 4 when the first stage switch is ON. AA sectional view in FIG. 4 when the second stage switch is turned on. Cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4 when switching modes. Perspective view of image pickup device (top cover not shown) AA sectional view in FIG. A cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 10 when switching modes Perspective view of image pickup device (top cover not shown) AA sectional view in FIG. A cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 13 when switching modes.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a multi-stage switch used at the time of releasing the image pickup apparatus will be described as an example. Hereinafter, an example in which the multi-stage switch of the present invention is used as a release switch of an imaging device will be described, but the multi-stage switch of the present invention is applicable not only to the imaging device but also to other electronic devices. Further, the digital camera described as an imaging device can be applied to a still camera or a video camera.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image pickup apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exterior of the image pickup apparatus 100 is composed of exterior members of the front cover 101, the rear cover 102, and the upper cover 103. A release button 105, a mode changeover switch 106, and a finder 104 are arranged on the upper cover 103. The release button 105 and the mode changeover switch 106 are surrounded by the upper cover 103, and are usually in a state of slightly protruding from the upper cover 103. The user can take a picture by pressing the release button 105 while looking through the viewfinder 104.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the metal dome switch, and shows a configuration example of the first metal dome switch 116 and the second metal dome switch 117, which will be described later. The metal dome switch has a metal dome 108, a switch case 109, and a switch board 110. The switch case 109 includes a switch upper cover 109a and a switch lower cover 109b, and the switch upper cover 109a has a hole in the center. The central portion of the metal dome 108 is a dome portion 108a having a circular planar shape, and the dome portion 108a is elastically deformed and dented when the upper surface (for example, near the apex) is pressed, and is restored to the original shape when released. Gives the user a click feeling during elastic deformation (see FIG. 7 below). Further, the metal dome 108 is made of a conductive material. The switch substrate 110 has an electrode 110a in the center.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the release button 105, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the release button 105 of the image pickup apparatus 100. The upper cover 103 is not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.

The release button 105 includes a key top portion 105a, a shaft portion 105b, and a release button pusher 105d, and the shaft portion 105b has an E-ring mounting groove 105c. A release button urging spring 111 is arranged between the release button 105 and the mode changeover switch 106, and the release button 105 is urged in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The E-ring 112 is arranged in the E-ring mounting groove 105c of the release button 105. The switch base 114 is provided with a positioning boss 114a.

The flexible substrate 113 is a wiring board having a thin copper foil wiring pattern on a base material made of a thin film such as polyimide or polyester, and the surface of which is covered with an insulating film or the like for protection. The flexible substrate 113 is positioned and arranged on the switch base 114 by a positioning boss 114a and a positioning hole (not shown).

A first metal dome switch 116, a second metal dome switch switch 117, and a push switch 118 are mounted on the flexible substrate 113, and a positioning hole (not shown) is provided. The operating load of the first metal dome switch 116 and the second metal dome switch 117 are different, and there is a relationship of the second metal dome switch 117> the first metal dome switch 116.

The operating plate 115 has a first pusher 115a, a second pusher 115b, and a positioning hole 115c, and the positioning hole 115c is positioned by being passed through a positioning boss 114a. The first and second pushers 115a and 115b are on both ends of the operating plate 115, the first pusher 115a is on the first metal dome switch 116, and the second pusher 115b is on the second metal dome switch. It is arranged so as to be on top of 117. Then, normally, the push switch 118 is in contact with the regulation unit 106a and is in the ON state. The operating plate 115 is pushed downward as the release button 105 is pressed. Then, when the actuating plate 115 is pushed, the first pusher 115a operates the first metal dome switch 116, and when the actuating plate 115 is pushed further and the load increases, the second pusher 115b becomes the second metal dome switch. Operate 117.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4 when the user pushes the release button 105 until the first-stage switch is turned on without switching the mode changeover switch 106. When the release button 105 is pressed, the operating plate 115 is pushed by the release button pusher 105d, and in conjunction with this, the first pusher 115a pushes the metal dome switch 116, the metal dome 108 is inverted, and the dome portion 108a Comes in contact with the electrode 110a. As a result, the first-stage switch is turned on and the feel of the first-stage switch is obtained. At this time, due to the relationship of the second metal dome switch 117> the first metal dome switch 116 in the operating load, the dome portion 108a of the metal dome 108 inside the second metal dome switch 117 is not inverted and has a dome shape. It remains maintained.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4 when the second stage switch is turned on. When the release button 105 is pressed by the user from the ON state of the first-stage switch, the operating plate 115 is pressed by the release button pusher 105d. In conjunction with this, the second pusher 115b pushes in the second metal dome switch 117, the metal dome 108 is inverted, and comes into contact with the electrode 110a. As a result, the second-stage switch is turned on and the feel of the second-stage switch is obtained.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4 when the mode changeover switch is switched and the second stage switch is turned on. By switching the mode changeover switch 106, the regulation unit 106a moves under the operating plate 115 to the first metal dome switch 116 side, and the push switch 118 is turned off. At this time, the mode assigned to the push switch 118 is switched. From this state, when the release button 105 is pressed by the user, the operating plate 115 is pushed by the release button pusher 105d and comes into contact with the regulation unit 106a. As a result, the first pusher 115a does not descend to the first metal dome switch 116, and the first-stage switch is restricted from being pushed. Next, the second pusher 115b pushes in the second metal dome switch 117, the metal dome 108 is inverted, and the dome portion 108a comes into contact with the electrode 110a. As a result, the second-stage switch is turned on and the feel of the second-stage switch is obtained. In this series of operations, the user does not feel the feel of the first-stage switch, but only the feel of the second-stage switch.

By adopting the above configuration, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the first-stage switch is unnecessary, the feel of the second-stage switch is not generated and the feel of the second-stage switch is obtained. Can be generated.

The following is an example in which the user realizes the above effect when using the imaging device. For example, in an imaging device, it is assumed that a shooting preparation operation such as AF is assigned to the first stage and a release (shooting execution) is assigned to the second stage. The mode changeover switch is switched when the 1st stage switch function is assigned from the release button to another operation button, or when the 1st stage switch function is assigned to another operation member and the same other operation button is pressed. .. As a result, since the feeling of the first-stage switch is eliminated, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the disagreement between the activation of the function and the click feeling when the user presses the switch.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the release button 119 of the image pickup apparatus 100. The upper cover 103 is not shown. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

The release button 119 has an operation unit 120, and the mode changeover switch 121 has a regulation unit 121a. A push switch 123, a first pressure-sensitive switch 124a, a second pressure-sensitive switch 124b, a third pressure-sensitive switch 124c, and a metal dome switch 125 are mounted on the flexible substrate 122. Normally, the first pressure-sensitive switch 124a and the second pressure-sensitive switch 124b are in contact with the regulation unit 121a.

In FIG. 11, when the release button 119 is pressed by the user, the push switch 123 is first pressed by the operating unit 120. At this time, the first stage switch is turned on. From this state, when the release button 119 is further pressed, the metal dome switch 125 is pressed and the second-stage switch is turned on.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 10 when the mode changeover switch 121 is switched and the second stage switch is turned on. The mode changeover switch 121 is a switch for switching the mode of the one-stage switch and the two-stage switch. By switching the mode switching switch 121, the regulation unit 121a moves and comes into contact with the second pressure-sensitive switch 124b and the third pressure-sensitive switch 124c. As a result, the mode assigned to the mode changeover switch 121 is switched. At this time, the release button 119 also rotates in conjunction with the movement, and the operating unit 120 moves to a position where it does not come into contact with the push switch 123 when the release button 119 is pressed. From this state, when the release button 119 is pressed by the user, the metal dome switch 125 is pressed and the second-stage switch is turned on. In this series of operations, the user does not feel the feel of the first-stage switch, but only the feel of the second-stage switch.

By adopting the above configuration, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily switch from the state of the one-stage switch to the two-stage switch.

(Third Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the release button 126 of the image pickup apparatus 100. The upper cover 103 is not shown.

The release button 126 has an operation unit 127, and the mode changeover switch 128 has a regulation unit 128a. A photo interrupter 130 and a leaf spring switch 131 are mounted on the flexible substrate 129. The leaf spring switch 131 is composed of a first leaf spring 131a, a second leaf spring 131b, and a third leaf spring 131c. When the first leaf spring 131a and the second leaf spring 131b come into contact with each other, the first stage switch is turned on, and when the second leaf spring 131b and the third leaf spring 131c come into contact with each other, the second stage switch is turned on. The eye switch is turned on. Normally, a regulating portion 128a is arranged between the light emitting element (not shown) and the light receiving element of the photo interrupter 130 to block the light emitted from the light emitting element.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. In FIG. 14, when the release button 119 is pressed by the user, it is pushed by the operating unit 128, and the first leaf spring 132a and the second leaf spring 132b come into contact with each other. At this time, the first stage switch is turned on. From this state, when the release button 119 is further pressed, the second leaf spring 131b and the third leaf spring 131c come into contact with each other, and the second stage switch is turned on.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 13 when the mode changeover switch 128 is switched and the second stage switch is turned on. By switching the mode changeover switch 128, the regulation unit 128a moves, and the light receiving element of the photo interrupter 130 receives light. As a result, the mode assigned to the mode changeover switch 129 is switched. The mode referred to here is a mode that can be operated by one-step control and a mode that requires multi-step control. For example, in an imaging device, there are a moving image shooting mode and a still image shooting mode. At this time, the release button 126 also rotates in conjunction with the movement, and the operating unit 127 is moved to a position where it does not come into contact with the first leaf spring 131a when the release button 126 is pressed. From this state, when the release button 126 is pressed by the user, only the second leaf spring 131b and the third leaf spring 131c come into contact with each other, and the second stage switch is turned on. In this series of operations, the user does not feel the feel of the first-stage switch, but only the feel of the second-stage switch.

By adopting the above configuration, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily switch from the state of the one-stage switch to the two-stage switch.

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 can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the gist thereof. For example, the digital camera described as the imaging device in the above-described embodiment can be applied to a still camera or a video camera. In addition, the material, shape, size, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

100 Imaging device 105 Key top part 105a Key top part 105b Shaft part 105c E-ring mounting groove 105d Release button pusher 106 Mode changeover switch 106a Restriction part 107 Metal dome switch 108 Metal dome 108a Dome part 109 Switch case 109a Switch top cover 109b Switch Bottom cover 110 Switch board 110a Electrode 111 Release button urging spring 112 E-ring 113 Flexible board 114 Switch base 114a Positioning boss 115 Actuating plate 115a First push button 115b Second push button 115c Positioning hole 116 First metal dome switch 117 Second metal dome switch 118 Push switch

Claims (11)

Push button and
An actuating plate that has first and second pushers and moves downward in response to an operation on the push button.
A switching means having a regulating portion that regulates the movement of the operating plate and changing the position of the regulating portion by rotating,
A first switch that is pressed by the first pusher by pressing the push button with a first load, and
It has a second switch, which is pressed by the second pusher by pressing the push button with a second load larger than the first load.
A multi-stage switch characterized in that, by rotating the switching member, the regulating unit regulates an operation in which the first pusher presses the first switch. It has a spring that urges the push button and
The multi-stage switch according to claim 1, wherein the push button is urged in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The multi-stage switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second switches are metal dome switches. The multi-stage switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second pushers are provided at both ends of the operating plate. The regulating unit is characterized in that the movement of the operating plate or the position of the first switch is regulated so that the first pusher does not press the first switch when the push button is pressed. The multi-stage switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The regulating unit is characterized in that the movement of the operating plate is regulated by the restricting unit entering under the operating plate on the side where the first pusher is located as the switching member rotates. The multi-stage switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An electronic device having the multi-stage switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The first function is executed in response to the pressing of the first switch, and the second function different from the first function is executed in response to the pressing of the second switch. An electronic device characterized by. An image pickup apparatus having the multi-stage switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
An imaging device characterized in that the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode of the image pickup device can be switched according to the rotated position of the switching member. The first function is executed in response to the pressing of the first switch, and the second function different from the first function is executed in response to the pressing of the second switch. 8. The imaging device according to claim 8. The eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the preparatory operation for shooting is performed in response to the pressing of the first switch, and the shooting is executed in response to the pressing of the second switch. Imaging device. An image pickup apparatus having the multi-stage switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
An imaging device characterized in that a preparatory operation for photographing is performed in response to the pressing of the first switch, and imaging is executed in response to the pressing of the second switch.

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