JP3695723B2 - Strobe switch device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a strobe switch device that starts charging a strobe device built in a camera or a lens-fitted photo film unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The film unit with a lens is a unit body with a simple shooting mechanism that has a built-in roll film with an unexposed cartridge in advance, so that you can easily take a picture without a camera. It is widely used because it is inexpensive and easy to use, and various types of lens-attached film units are also sold by the present applicant. In addition, the applicant of the present invention has also sold such a lens-equipped film unit with a simple strobe device so that it can be easily photographed indoors or at night.
[0003]
By the way, a strobe device built in a film unit with a lens as described above, an inexpensive compact camera, or the like is a switch operating member for operating a switch contact when charging a capacitor in order to reduce manufacturing costs. There are many methods that keep pressing until the capacitor is fully charged.
[0004]
However, on the other hand, the method of continuously pressing the switch operation member until the capacitor is fully charged every time the flash is shot is not only troublesome for the photographer but also when the flash is shot without the capacitor being fully charged, or There is also a problem that it is not possible to respond quickly to a photo opportunity.
[0005]
In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-268893, the photographer presses the switch operating member only once to close the switch contact piece, and immediately releases the pressing of the switch operating member. However, the main capacitor details a strobe device that is charged to a voltage level necessary for strobe light emission.
[0006]
By using the strobe device as described above, it is possible to eliminate the troublesome operation and the charging failure, which have been problems in the conventional film unit with a lens, an inexpensive compact camera, and the like, and it is possible to quickly cope with strobe photography.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if a strobe device that is charged to the voltage level required for the main capacitor by a single short pressing operation as described above is installed in a lens-fitted photo film unit or camera, these vibrations during transportation or display sales As a result, the switch operating member vibrates due to the pressure from the outside and the main capacitor is completely charged each time.
[0008]
In addition, even in a strobe device that keeps pressing the switch operating member until the capacitor is fully charged, if the pressing force is continuously applied to the switch operating member or the switch operating member vibrates frequently, the main capacitor is still charged. Will be done.
[0009]
In most cases, a film unit with a lens and a strobe device for a compact camera have a small power source capacity in order to reduce size, weight, and cost. Therefore, as described above, if the main capacitor is completely charged unnecessarily many times, it will not be possible to charge only the number of frames in the photo film, or if it is severe, it will not be possible to take a flash photography at all. It can also be a situation.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the power supply of the strobe device is not effective due to vibration or a light external pressure applied to the switch operating member of the strobe switch device that charges the strobe device. The purpose is to prevent consumption at a low cost with a simple mechanism.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the strobe switch device of the present invention displaces the conductive switch contact piece by pressing the switch operating member, and the switch contact piece is disposed between the first and second contacts that are spaced apart from each other. In the strobe switch device in which charging is started to the main capacitor for strobe light emission by making it conductive by a pair of the first contacts that are electrically connected to both sides of the second contact, respectively, The switch contact piece is formed by bending an elastic bridge portion, a second contact piece bent at a center portion of the bridge portion, and bent at both ends of the bridge portion sandwiching the second contact piece. A first contact piece having a bending length longer than that of the contact piece, and a central portion of the bridge portion is pressed by the switch operating member, and the pair of first pieces After Sawahen is respectively in contact with the first contact, wherein the bridge portion is characterized in that the second contact piece is in contact with the second contact by bent against the elasticity.
[0012]
In addition, it is preferable that the tip of the first contact piece rubs on the first contact when the bridge portion bends against elasticity.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lens-fitted photo film unit incorporating a strobe switch device embodying the present invention. The unit main body 2 includes a main body 3, a photographing mechanism 4 attached to the front surface of the main body 3, a strobe device 5 attached to the upper part of the main body 3, and a front cover 6 and a rear cover 7 that cover these from the front and rear. An unexposed photographic film is stored inside.
[0014]
The photographing mechanism 4 is provided with a known shutter device 8, photographing lens 9, finder 11, photographing number display plate 12, and the like. On the front surface of the front cover 6, an opening for exposing the photographing lens 9, the finder 11, and the like is provided. In addition, a switch operating member 13 that is inserted into an opening 26a provided in the center of a switch contact piece 25 of the strobe device 5 described later in detail is integrally provided at the lower front portion of the front cover 6.
[0015]
A release button 14 for operating the shutter device 8 is integrally provided on the upper surface of the front cover 6, and the number-of-photographing number display window 15 for exposing a part of the number-of-photographed number display board 12 and the completion of the strobe charging are confirmed. A charging completion display window 16 and the like are provided.
[0016]
An aperture 17 which is an exposure optical path is provided at the center of the main body 3, and a patron chamber 18 and a film roll chamber 19 are formed at both ends thereof. The patrone chamber 18 and the film roll chamber 19 store the photographic film patrone and the film roll drawn from the photographic film patrone in a light-tight manner. Further, a winding knob 21 for rotating the spool of the photographic film cartridge to wind up the photographic film is provided at the upper part of the patrone chamber 18.
[0017]
A strobe device 5 is attached to the front upper portion of the main body 3. The strobe device 5 includes a printed circuit board 22 on which various components necessary for a strobe circuit are soldered on a pattern, a strobe light emitting unit 23 including a flash discharge tube and a reflecting mirror, a battery 24 for supplying power to the strobe device 5, and the like. It is composed of
[0018]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the vicinity of a switch contact piece for starting charging of a capacitor in the strobe switch device of the present invention. A switch contact piece 25 that is operated by pressing a switch operation member 13 provided at the lower front portion of the front cover 6 is provided at the lower right portion of the printed board 22. As for this switch contact piece 25, each part is bend | folded integrally by the copper plate excellent in electroconductivity.
[0019]
The switch contact piece 25 includes a curved bridge portion 26 that is directly pressed by the switch operation member 13, first contact pieces 27 a and 27 b that protrude from both ends of the bridge portion 26, and an opening provided in the center of the bridge portion 26. A second contact piece 28 projecting downward from the end of 26a, a holding part 29 engaged with a contact piece holding hole 19a provided integrally in the film roll chamber 19, and the holding part 29 and the bridge part 26; It consists of the elastic part 30 which connects. The protruding length of the first contact pieces 27 a and 27 b is longer than that of the second contact piece 28.
[0020]
A printed pattern is formed on the printed board 22. In these print patterns, first contact points 31a and 31b and a second contact point 32 are formed at a portion facing the switch contact piece 25 as shown in FIG. The strobe switch device 1 of the present invention includes the switch contact piece 25 having the first contact pieces 27a and 27b and the second contact piece 28, the switch operating member 13, the first contacts 31a and 31b, and the second contact 32. Composed.
[0021]
Further, adjacent to these contacts, a battery contact piece attachment portion 34 to which a battery contact piece 33 in contact with one electrode of the battery 24 is attached is formed. The first contacts 31a and 31b and the battery contact piece mounting portion 34 are electrically connected directly on the print pattern. The first contacts 31 a and 31 b are in contact with the first contact pieces 27 a and 27 b of the switch contact piece 25 by pressing of the switch operating member 13, respectively, and the second contact 32 is in contact with the second contact piece 28. .
[0022]
Accordingly, when the switch operating member 13 is completely pressed, the bridge portion 26 is bent, and the first contact pieces 27a and 27b having a longer projecting length than the second contact piece 28 come into contact with the second contact 32, and the electric The first contacts 31a and 31b that are not directly connected to each other and the second contact 32 are connected via the switch contact piece 25, and charging of the main capacitor 35 of the strobe device 5 is started.
[0023]
The strobe circuit of the strobe device 5 in which such a battery contact piece 25 is used has a configuration as shown in FIG. In this strobe circuit, even if the switch operating member 13 is pressed only once to close the switch contact piece 25 and the switch operating member 13 is released immediately, the main capacitor 35 is charged to the required voltage level. The detailed configuration and operation of the circuit are described in detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-268893.
[0024]
The operation of the strobe device for a lens-fitted photo film unit having the above configuration will be described. When performing flash photography using a lens-fitted photo film unit incorporating the flash device of the present invention, the photographer first presses the switch operation member 13 to charge the main capacitor 35. As shown in FIG. 5A, the switch contact piece 25 of the stroboscopic device 5 is usually made of the first contact pieces 27a and 27b and the second contact piece 28 by the elasticity of the elastic portion 30. The contacts 31a and 31b and the second contact 32 are not in contact with each other.
[0025]
When the photographer touches the switch operation member 13 lightly, the switch contact piece 25 is lowered to the position shown in FIG. 5B, and the first contact pieces 27a and 27b come into contact with the first contacts 31a and 31b on the print substrate. To do. However, since the protruding length of the second contact piece 28 is formed shorter than the protruding length of the first contact pieces 27a and 27b as described above, the second contact piece 28 is different from the second contact 32 in this state. Do not touch. Accordingly, the first contacts 31 a and 31 b and the second contact 32 are not electrically connected via the switch contact piece 25.
[0026]
Further, when the photographer strongly presses the switch operation member 13, the bridge portion 26 is curved as shown in FIG. 5C, and the first contact pieces 27a and 27b are in contact with the first contacts 31a and 31b, respectively. The second contact piece 28 also contacts the second contact 32. As a result, a current flows between the first contacts 31 a and 31 b and the second contact 32 via the switch contact piece 25, and charging of the main capacitor 35 is started. Even if the photographer immediately stops pressing the switch operating member 13 from this state, the strobe device 5 is configured by a circuit as shown in FIG. 3, so that the main capacitor 35 is charged to the required voltage level. Done.
[0027]
Further, when the bridge portion 26 is curved, the tips of the first contact pieces 27a and 27b rub against the first contacts 31a and 31b, so that the surface of the first contacts 31a and 31b is cleaned every time the flash is charged, and an oxide film or By removing the fats and oils, a good conduction state is always maintained. Further, since the tip of the second contact piece 28 is also sharp, the surface of the second contact 32 is similarly cleaned.
[0028]
After confirming the lighting of the lamp from the charging completion display window 16 for displaying the completion of the strobe charging, the photographing range is confirmed with the finder 11 and the release button 14 is gently pressed. Then, the shutter device 8 is activated and the synchro switch 38 interlocked with the release button 14 is closed, and the high-voltage current stored in the main capacitor 35 flows into the flash discharge tube at once, from the strobe light emitting unit 23 toward the subject. Strobe light is emitted.
[0029]
On the other hand, vibration or light pressure is often applied while carrying such a lens-fitted photo film unit or after shipment. At this time, the switch contact piece 25 may be shaken via the switch operating member 13. May vibrate. However, since the protruding length of the first contact pieces 27a and 27b of the switch contact piece 25 is longer than that of the second contact piece 28, even if the switch contact piece 25 swings, as shown in FIG. In addition, the second contact piece 28 does not contact the second contact 32. Therefore, no current flows between the first contacts 31 a and 31 b and the second contact 32 via the switch contact piece 25.
[0030]
This prevents unnecessary charging of the main capacitor 35 even when vibration or pressing is applied during transportation, display, or carrying of the lens-fitted photo film unit. Therefore, the battery 24 is not consumed before sale, and the photographer does not unnecessarily consume the battery 24 when carrying.
[0031]
In the above-described embodiment, when the switch contact piece 25 is not pressed at all, the first contact pieces 27a and 27b are not in contact with the first contacts 31a and 31b, but the switch contact piece 25 is not pressed at all. Even at times, only the first contact pieces 27a and 27b may be in contact with the first contacts 31a and 31b.
[0032]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the stroboscopic device of the present invention is mounted on a lens-fitted photo film unit is shown. Of course, the present invention can be applied to a camera in exactly the same manner. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a strobe device in which charging is performed to a voltage level necessary for the main capacitor by a single short pressing operation is shown, but a method of continuously pressing the switch operating member until the charging of the capacitor is completed The same can be applied to the strobe device of FIG.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the strobe switch device of the present invention displaces the conductive switch contact piece by pressing the switch operating member, and makes the first and second contacts arranged apart from each other conductive by the switch contact piece. In the strobe switch device in which charging of the strobe light-emitting main capacitor is started by a pair of first contact points that are electrically connected to both sides of the second contact point, the switch contact piece is elastic. A bridge part, a second contact piece bent at the center of the bridge part, and a bent part formed at both ends of the bridge part sandwiching the second contact piece, the bending length being set longer than the second contact piece The center portion of the bridge portion is pressed by the switch operating member, and after the pair of first contact pieces contact the first contacts, the bridge portion is elastic. Since the second contact piece contacts the second contact point by bending against, by consuming light pressure from the switch operating member to the vibration or an external flash switch device for charging the flash device, the flash device It is possible to prevent the power supply from being consumed unnecessarily at a low cost with a simple mechanism.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the vicinity of a switch contact piece of a strobe switch device embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a lens-fitted photo film unit incorporating a strobe switch device embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a contact on a print pattern that contacts a switch contact piece in a strobe switch device embodying the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a strobe device.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the movement of a switch contact piece.
[Explanation of symbols]
5 Strobe device 22 Circuit board 25 Switch contact piece 26 Bridge portions 27a, 27b First contact piece 28 Second contact pieces 31a, 31b First contact 32 Second contact

Claims (2)

When the switch operating member is pressed, the conductive switch contact piece is displaced, and the first and second contacts arranged apart from each other are made conductive by the switch contact piece, whereby charging of the strobe light emission main capacitor is started. In the strobe switch device
A pair of the first contacts electrically connected to both sides of the second contact are disposed, and the switch contact piece is formed by bending an elastic bridge portion and a central portion of the bridge portion. and second contact pieces are formed by bending both ends of the bridge portion sandwiching the second contact piece, comprises a first contact piece in which the bending length than the second contact piece is set longer, the by the switch operating member central portion of the bridge portion is pressed, after said pair of first contact pieces is respectively in contact with the first contact, the second contact is the second contact piece by the bridge portion is bent against the elasticity flash switch apparatus characterized by contacting the. The strobe switch device according to claim 1, wherein when the bridge portion is bent against elasticity, a tip of the first contact piece rubs on the first contact .

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