JP4418356B2 - Underwater switch mechanism - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an underwater switch mechanism, and more particularly to an underwater switch mechanism for equipment that can be used not only on land but also underwater.

  Devices used underwater, such as devices such as underwater cameras, are provided with various operation switches that can be operated underwater. Such an operation switch is required to be designed so that the watertightness can withstand a predetermined water pressure as well as an operation switch used only on land. Generally, in consideration of the usage form, size, weight, price, etc. of the device, it is determined how much the water depth is designed to withstand. The greater the water depth set at this time, the greater the water pressure applied to the device.However, since the hydrostatic pressure is applied evenly to the surface of the device, it is not only applied to the exterior member of the device, but of course also to the operation switch. It will take.

  Here, when the operation switch is a push switch type, the operation switch may be turned on / off by the pressing force of the water pressure. For this purpose, the push-type switch generates an urging force that can resist water pressure, for example, by providing a spring or the like inside. At this time, as the device has a deeper design water depth, it is necessary to increase the urging force. Therefore, when using such a device on land or in shallow water, when operating the operation switch, Therefore, a large amount of pressing force is required. Moreover, such an operation switch cannot be said to have good operability because the amount of pressing force required for the operation changes according to the water depth.

As a technique that can improve such a point, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 51-111343 provides a shutter release member with a balanced pressure-receiving surface having an area substantially equal to the pressure-receiving surface of the pressing portion, and balances the water pressure applied to both pressure-receiving surfaces. A shutter release device for a waterproof camera is described. More specifically, the pressing portion pressure receiving surface is provided on the upper surface side of the camera, the balanced pressure receiving surface is provided on the lower surface side of the camera, and the shutter release member is formed in a vertically long shape connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the camera. It has been made. The shutter release member is configured to be movable in the vertical direction connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the camera. With such a configuration, the shutter release member can be prevented from being inadvertently pressed by the water pressure without depending on the water depth.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 51-111343

  However, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 51-111343, the shutter release member passes through the top and bottom of the camera, and the shutter release member is provided on the camera side. Since a relatively large space is required, the size of the camera is increased. Further, when a plurality of push-type operation switches are provided in the device, such a configuration is required for each switch, so that more space is required and it is not necessarily practical.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a space-saving underwater switch mechanism including a pressing operation member that is not operated carelessly by water pressure.

  In order to achieve the above object, an underwater switch mechanism according to a first aspect of the invention is provided with an exterior member having a first hole and a second hole, and watertight with respect to the first hole of the exterior member. A pressing operation member, a switch means that is turned on / off by the movement of the pressing operation member, a water pressure detection means that is provided watertight with respect to the second hole of the exterior member, and an interior of the exterior member. A lever member that is pivotally disposed around the rotation support portion and is configured to act on the pressing operation member with a water pressure detection force generated by the water pressure detecting means being pressed by the water pressure in water. The amount of water pressure detection force is an external pressure that the pressure operating member receives from the water pressure that is an external force, and a force that acts in a direction opposite to the direction of action of the external pressure, and the internal force that the pressing operation member receives from the internal member When Those that are set to be the resultant force above the magnitude of.

  The underwater switch mechanism according to a second aspect of the invention is the underwater switch mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the internal force is a static friction force generated when the pressing operation member moves and the lever member is the pressing operation. It is a biasing force from biasing means provided to move the member to the outside of the exterior member.

  Furthermore, the submersible switch mechanism according to the third invention is capable of moving in a watertight manner with respect to the exterior member by an external operation, and the first cross-sectional area at the boundary between water and air is generated according to the water pressure in water. A pressing operation member that receives a force of 1; a switch means that is turned on / off by the movement of the pressing operation member; and a water-tight boundary between the water and air having a second cross-sectional area. A water pressure amount generating member for generating a second force amount corresponding to the water pressure in the water, and a transmission member for transmitting the second force amount to the pressing operation member. By configuring the second cross-sectional area of the force generating member to be larger than the first cross-sectional area of the pressing operation member, the water pressure amount generating member is more than the first force received by the pressing operation member. Departure Towards the second force is obtained by a larger to.

  The underwater switch mechanism according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided with an exterior member having a first hole and a second hole, and is watertightly provided in the first hole of the exterior member, and can be operated from the outside of the exterior member. A pressing operation member, switch means that can be turned on / off by the pressing operation member, a water pressure detection member that is provided in a watertight manner in the second hole of the exterior member and generates a force corresponding to the water pressure in water, and a fulcrum The pressure generated by the water pressure detection member in water is received at the power point and is applied to the pressure operation member at the point of action to substantially balance the water pressure applied to the pressure operation member. And a lever member.

The submersible switch mechanism according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the submersible switch mechanism according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the first hole is Sa and the effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the second hole. Sb, where Ra is the distance from the fulcrum of the lever member to the action point, and Rb is the distance from the fulcrum of the lever member to the force point, the first hole, the second hole, and the lever member are
Sa × Ra ≦ Sb × Rb
It is constituted so as to satisfy the relationship.

  According to the present invention, it is a space-saving underwater switch mechanism including a pressing operation member that is not inadvertently operated by water pressure.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1 to 17 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the underwater camera from the front side including a part of the disassembled portion. FIG. It is a perspective view shown from the back side including a part.

  The camera 1 is a so-called underwater camera that can be used on land and can be used up to a predetermined depth in water.

  The exterior member 2 of the camera 1 is configured such that a front cover 2a and a rear cover 2b are closed so as to be watertight and fixed by screwing screws or the like.

  A photographing optical system 3 configured as a zoom optical system with a variable focal length at the upper right corner when viewed from the front side (subject side) is a strobe for irradiating illumination light on the upper center. The light emitting units 4 are respectively disposed.

  On the upper surface of the camera 1, a release button 5 for inputting a shooting operation instruction is provided at a position where the photographer can perform a pressing operation with the index finger of the right hand.

  On the right side of the camera 1 (right side as viewed from the photographer), on the lower side, a power button 6 for turning on / off the power of the camera 1 and the operation mode of the camera 1 are, for example, still image shooting modes. A mode switching lever 7 for switching to / from a video shooting mode / playback mode is provided.

  On the rear surface of the camera 1, a zoom lever 8 for changing the focal length of the photographing optical system 3 to the tele side and the wide side at the upper right corner is photographed on most of the rear surface of the camera on the left side of the zoom lever 8. Display screens 9 for displaying still images / moving images and various information related to the camera 1 are provided.

  Needless to say, the photographing optical system 3, the strobe light emitting unit 4, the release button 5, the power button 6, the mode switching lever 7, the zoom lever 8, and the display screen 9 are watertight with respect to the exterior member 2. Each is provided to be.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display screen 9 covers a display element 9a made of, for example, a TFT with a water-resistant window glass 9b, and attaches a window cover 9c from the outside of the window glass 9b. Configured.

  Next, the configuration of the zoom lever 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 5 showing the configuration of the zoom lever 8, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5 showing the configuration of the zoom lever 8, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4 showing the configuration of the zoom lever 8, FIG. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. 5 which shows a mode when the side is pressed.

  As described above, the zoom lever 8 is for changing the focal length of the photographic optical system 3 between the tele side and the wide side. By pressing one end side, the focal length of the photographic optical system 3 is changed to the tele side. It is configured as a lever-like member that is adapted to change the focal length of the photographic optical system 3 to the wide side by pressing the other end.

  That is, the zoom lever 8 includes a lever member 11 constituting a balance mechanism, a push plate 12 and a screw 13 for attaching the lever member 11 to the rear cover 2b, two shaft members 14 constituting a pressing operation member, Each of the two shaft members 14 includes an O-ring 15 and a click switch 16 that is pressed by the two shaft members 14.

  The click switch 16 is mounted on a flexible printed circuit board 17 for switching, and the flexible printed circuit board 17 for switching is further attached to a fixed base 18 provided inside the camera.

  The lever member 11 is configured by connecting a pair of left and right pressing operation portions 11a by a bridge portion 11b. The pressing operation portion 11a is provided with two communication holes 11c each having a long hole for circulating air and water. The bridge portion 11b has a hole 11d through which a boss 19b protruding from the rear cover 2b is inserted. The hole 11d is formed as a hole that is slightly larger than the peripheral surface of the boss 19b so that the lever member 11 does not come into contact with the boss 19b even if the lever member 11 swings. In addition, on the upper surface of the bridge portion 11b of the lever member 11, a sliding convex portion 11e having an R surface having a cylindrical surface shape is formed, and on the lower surface, a sliding concave portion 11f having an R surface having an inner surface shape of a circular hole is formed. ing. On both sides of the boss 19b of the rear cover 2b, there are formed sliding convex portions 19d having an R surface with a cylindrical surface shape. The sliding convex portions 19d are in contact with the sliding concave portions 11f so as to swingably support the lever member 11. It is like that.

  On the bridge portion 11b of the lever member 11, a push plate 12 is placed. The pressing plate 12 contacts the sliding protrusion 11e at both ends, and contacts the boss 19b at the center. The lever member 11 is attached to the rear cover 2b by screwing the screw 13 with the screw hole 19c of the boss 19b through the hole formed in the center of the push plate 12. .

  The lever member 11 is configured to press the shaft member 14 toward the inner side of the camera in the axial direction at the bottom surface of the portion between the pair of communication holes 11c in the pressing operation portion 11a. Engagement projections 11g are provided for engaging with side flanges 14d formed at the upper end portion and for lifting the shaft member 14 to the outside of the camera in the axial direction. The upper surface of the engaging convex portion 11g is formed as an R surface having a cylindrical surface shape, and even when the lever member 11 swings and tilts, the axial force is stably transmitted to the side flange 14d. It is configured to be able to.

  The shaft member 14 is a substantially cylindrical shaft member. As described above, the shaft member 14 has the side flange 14d at the top, the pressing protrusion 14a at the bottom, and the circumferential surface 14b. An O-ring groove 14c is formed. Furthermore, the upper end surface of the shaft member 14 is also formed as an R surface having a cylindrical surface shape, and the pressing force of the lever member 11 can be reduced even when the lever member 11 swings and tilts. It is comprised so that it can transmit stably as the force which displaces to an axial direction.

  An O-ring 15 is attached to the O-ring groove 14 c of the shaft member 14. Note that F1 and F2 in FIG. 3 mainly indicate the static friction force generated by the O-ring 15.

  Two shaft members 14 each having such an O-ring 15 attached thereto are axially inserted into two circular shaft holes 19a formed in the rear cover 2b so as to be perpendicular to the surface of the rear cover 2b. It is fitted so that it can slide. At this time, the inside of the camera is kept watertight against the outside of the camera by the action of the O-ring 15. Further, in order to reduce the frictional force when the shaft member 14 slides in the axial direction, grease or the like is applied to the peripheral surface of the shaft member 14, and thereby the O-ring 15 is attached. Even in this state, the shaft member 14 can be displaced in the axial direction relatively smoothly.

  The click switch 16 mounted on the switch flexible printed circuit board 17 is generally configured as shown in FIG.

  That is, for example, a circular hole 16b is formed on the upper surface of the casing 16a formed so as to have a substantially short cylindrical shape by an insulating material. An insulating rubber curtain 16c is disposed inside the circular hole 16b so as to close the circular hole 16b. Further, the rubber curtain 16c is convexly formed by metal so as to press the rubber curtain 16c upward. A formed click spring 16d is disposed. An electrical contact 16e is formed below the click spring 16d with a space of a predetermined distance in between. The click spring 16d and the electrical contact 16e are each connected to a circuit side (not shown) via a signal line.

  When the shaft member 14 is pressed and the pressing projection 14a presses the rubber curtain 16c and the click spring 16d through the circular hole 16b, the click spring 16d and the electrical contact 16e are energized, and this is detected. It is possible to know whether or not the switch is turned on.

  Further, when the pressing force from the pressing convex portion 14a of the shaft member 14 is lost, the click spring 16d is restored to the position shown in FIG. 7 where the click spring 16d and the electrical contact 16e are separated by a predetermined distance by the restoring force of the click spring 16d. To do.

  When a user presses one of the two pressing operation portions 11a provided on the zoom lever 8 with a finger or the like, the result is as shown in FIG.

  That is, in the zoom lever 8, the bottom surface of the pressed operation portion 11 a displaces the shaft member 14 toward the inside of the camera in the axial direction, and the pressing convex portion 14 a of the shaft member 14 turns on the click switch 16. At this time, the other shaft member 14 is displaced to the outside of the camera in the axial direction by the engagement between the side flange 14d and the engaging projection 11g.

  Next, the pressure balance when the zoom lever 8 is in water will be described.

  As can be seen from the configuration as described above, the zoom lever 8 rotates with the contact portion between the sliding concave portion 11f and the sliding convex portion 19d as a fulcrum. When one pressing operation portion 11a (more specifically, the contact position between the pressing operation portion 11a and the upper end surface of the shaft member 14) is used as a power point, the other pressing operation portion 11a (more specifically, the side flange 14d). And a contact position between the engaging projection 11g and the engaging protrusion 11g).

Here, the distance from the fulcrum to one pressing operation portion 11a (first force point and second action point) is R1, and the other pressing operation portion 11a (first action point and second force point) from the fulcrum. ) Is R2. Furthermore, the effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the shaft hole 19a through which the shaft member 14 pressed by the one pressing operation portion 11a is inserted is S1, and the shaft member 14 pressed by the other pressing operation portion 11a is inserted. The effective minimum cross-sectional area of the shaft hole 19a with respect to the water pressure is S2. Then, the relational expression shown in the following formula 1,
[Equation 1]
S1 x R1 = S2 x R2
So that the sectional area of the two shaft holes 19a and the distance from the fulcrum to the two pressing operation portions 11a are configured.

That is, if the hydrostatic pressure at the water depth D (m) (this hydrostatic pressure includes atmospheric pressure, the same applies hereinafter) is P (D), the hydrostatic pressure causes one shaft member 14 to The amount of force is P (D) × S1, and the amount of force applied to the other shaft member 14 is P (D) × S2. The moments of force around the fulcrum at this time are P (D) × S1 × R1 and P (D) × S2 × R2, respectively. Therefore, the condition that these moments of force are balanced is as shown in the following formula 2.
[Equation 2]
P (D) * S1 * R1 = P (D) * S2 * R2
Therefore, a design condition for preventing one of the click switches 16 from being pushed by water pressure is obtained as Equation 1 above.

  In the examples shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 8, for the two switches having the opposite functions of zoom-up and zoom-down (that is, it is not necessary to make a difference in the frequency and importance of the switches), Conditions that seem to be natural are set, ie, S1 = S2 and R1 = R2.

  Next, a first modification of the operation switch such as the zoom lever 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the operation switch, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the operation switch.

  In the zoom lever 8 of the first modified example, the lever member 11, the shaft member 14, and the O-ring 15 are integrally formed of a relatively hard rubber having elasticity.

  That is, the lever shaft member 21 connects two pressing operation portions 21a corresponding to the pressing operation portion 11a by the bridge portion 21b. A screw hole 21d for penetrating the screw 13 is formed at the center of the bridge portion 21b, and a sliding recess 21c that performs the same function as the sliding recess 11f is formed on the bottom side. . A shaft portion 21e corresponding to the shaft member 14 is extended from each of the two pressing operation portions 21a, and a pressing convex portion 21g corresponding to the pressing convex portion 14a is formed at the tip of the shaft portion 21e. Is formed. Furthermore, a flange portion 21f that performs the same function as the O-ring 15 is formed on the peripheral surface of the shaft portion 21e.

  According to such a configuration, since the number of parts can be reduced, the cost can be reduced.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a second modification example regarding the operation switch having the same configuration as the zoom lever 8 will be described. FIG. 11 is a plan view including a partial perspective view showing a second modification of the operation switch.

  In the second modification, the cross switch 22 is configured by arranging operation switches having the same structure as the zoom lever 8 as described above in an orthogonal manner so that their fulcrums overlap each other. .

  That is, the cross switch 22 includes an operation lever 23 configured by connecting two pressing operation units 23a by a bridge unit 23b, and an operation lever 24 configured by connecting two pressing operation units 24a by a bridge unit 24b. And are combined in a cross shape.

  Here, the cross switch 22 is configured by combining two operation levers. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the four pressing operation units may be integrally connected by a cross-shaped bridge unit. I do not care.

  Furthermore, the number of pressing operation units is not limited to four. For example, three pressing operation units may be integrally connected by a bridge unit having three branches. At this time, what is necessary is just to design the cross-sectional area of a shaft hole, the length from a fulcrum, etc. so that the water pressure concerning a certain press operation part may be canceled (balanced) based on the water pressure concerning two other press operation parts.

  According to such a configuration, not only two operation switches but also three or more operation switches can be prevented from being inadvertently pressed by water pressure.

  Furthermore, a third modification of the operation switch such as the zoom lever 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a third modification of the operation switch, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a third modification of the operation switch.

  In the third embodiment, the bridge portion is bent into a polygonal line.

  That is, the lever member 25 is obtained by integrally connecting two pressing operation portions 25a via a bridge portion 25b bent in an L shape. A turning shaft portion 25c is provided at the bent portion of the bridge portion 25b, and the lever member 25 can turn around the shaft shown in FIG. The fulcrum in the lever member 25 is an intersection of a straight line connecting the two pressing operation portions 25a and a straight line extending the rotation shaft passing through the rotation shaft portion 25c. Does not exist.

  The angle α formed by the straight line from the center of the rotation shaft to the one pressing operation unit 25a and the straight line from the center of the rotation shaft to the other pressing operation unit 25a is 0 ° <α ≦ 180. It takes a value in the range of °, and more practically 90 ° ≦ α ≦ 180 °.

  Here, the bridge portion has a polygonal line shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be a curved shape such as a U shape or an S shape.

  According to such a configuration, since it is possible to connect the two pressing operation portions 25a with a bridge portion other than a straight line, the degree of freedom in designing the arrangement of members in the camera is improved.

  Next, the configuration of the power button 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the power button 6 in a non-pressed state, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the power button 6 in a pressed state.

  The power button 6 includes a power button 31 that is a pressing operation member, an O-ring 32, a power seesaw 33 that is a lever member and a transmission member, a power shaft 34 that is a rotation support portion, a water pressure detecting means, a water pressure detecting member, and a water pressure. The power rubber curtain 35 is a force generation member and is a curtain member, a spacer 36, a horizontal lid 37, and a power switch 38.

  The power button 31 is a substantially cylindrical shaft member whose upper surface can be pressed with a finger or the like. This power button 31 has a pressing projection 31a on the tip side, an O-ring groove 31c on the peripheral surface 31b, and a button hole 37a of the horizontal lid 37 on the upper side of the peripheral surface 31b. A flange 31d for preventing the power button 31 from coming off is formed.

  An O-ring 32 is attached to the O-ring groove 31c.

  A circular shaft hole 41 is formed in the front cover 2a, and the peripheral surface 31b of the power button 31 is fitted into the shaft hole 41 so that the O-ring 32 holds the inside of the camera watertight. Yes.

  The power seesaw 33 is a lever member configured to be rotatable around the power shaft 34 by a sliding recess 33a in the front cover 2a. A bifurcated fork portion 33b is formed at one end of the front seesaw 33a. The power button 31 is engaged with the front end side so as to protrude the pressing convex portion 31a from between. Also, an arm portion 33c is formed on the other end side of the power seesaw 33, and the arm portion 33c receives the amount of water pressure (water pressure detection force amount) applied to the power rubber curtain 35. Further, the arm portion 33c is provided with a spring hook 33d, and one end of a spring (biasing means) (not shown) is hooked to urge the power seesaw 33 clockwise in FIG. This spring is provided for the purpose of biasing the power button 31 in a direction away from the power switch 38 when the camera 1 is used mainly on land (or underwater where the water is shallow). Therefore, the spring is not intended to resist water pressure in water and does not generate a very strong biasing force.

  The power rubber curtain 35 that abuts on the arm portion 33c of the power seesaw 33 closes the water pressure detection hole 42 provided in the front cover 2a in a watertight manner, and an O-ring portion 35a is formed at the periphery. .

  The spacer 36 is formed with an engagement groove 36 a that is configured to sandwich the O-ring portion 35 a of the power rubber curtain 35 by pressing the upper end side thereof with a horizontal lid 37. The spacer 36 has a hole 36b for circulating air and water.

  The horizontal lid 37 is formed with the button holes 37a and a plurality of communication holes 37b (five in the example shown in FIG. 1) that communicate with the holes 36b of the spacer 36.

  The horizontal lid 37 has holes 37e and 37f for engaging with the bosses 43e and 43f of the front cover 2a at opposite corners, and circular holes 37c and 37d are formed at opposite edges in the longitudinal direction. ing.

  On the other hand, screw holes 43c and 43d are formed in the front cover 2a. By screwing the screws 39a and 39b into the screw holes 43c and 43d through the circular holes 37c and 37d, the horizontal lid 37 is moved to the front cover. It can be attached to 2a. At this time, as described above, the horizontal lid 37 prevents the power button 31 from coming off, and sandwiches the O-ring portion 35a of the power rubber curtain 35 via the spacer 36, so that the water-tightness of the water pressure detection hole 42 is secured. To keep.

  Further, the power switch 38 is disposed in the vicinity of the pressing convex portion 31 a in the axial direction of the power button 31. The power switch 38 functions to turn on the camera 1 when pressed in a power-off state and to turn off the camera 1 when pressed in a power-on state.

  Next, the pressure balance when the power button 6 is in water will be described.

  As can be seen from the configuration described above, the power button 6 rotates about the power shaft 34 as a fulcrum. Then, if the arm portion 33c is a force point of the force (water pressure detection force amount) acting from the power rubber curtain 35 by water pressure, the fork portion 33b becomes the action point.

Here, the distance from the fulcrum to the bifurcated fork 33b (working point) is Ra, and the distance from the fulcrum to the arm 33c (power point) is Rb. Further, the effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the shaft hole 41 (first cross-sectional area at the boundary between water and air) is defined as Sa, and the effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the water pressure detection hole 42 (water and air Sb is the second cross-sectional area at the boundary between the two. Then, the following relational expression 3
[Equation 3]
Sa × Ra ≦ Sb × Rb
So that the cross-sectional areas of the shaft hole 41 and the water pressure detection hole 42 and the distances from the fulcrum to the action point and the force point are configured.

Similarly to the above, when the hydrostatic pressure at the water depth D (m) is P (D), the following formula 4 is obtained by multiplying both sides of the formula 3 by the hydrostatic pressure P (D).
[Equation 4]
P (D) × Sa × Ra ≦ P (D) × Sb × Rb

  The left side of Equation 4 shows the moment of force around the fulcrum applied to the bifurcated fork portion 33b via the power button 31 by hydrostatic pressure, and the right side of Equation 4 applies to the arm portion 33c via the power rubber screen 35 by hydrostatic pressure. It shows the moment of force around the fulcrum. Therefore, Expression 4 means that when the water pressure is applied, the power seesaw 33 is balanced or a moment of force is applied to the power seesaw 33 so as to generate a clockwise rotational force in FIG. That is, the power button 31 cancels (balances) the force caused by the water pressure in water or is given a force in a direction away from the power switch 38. With such a configuration, the power button 31 is prevented from being carelessly pressed by water pressure in water.

At this time, the static frictional force Fa1 generated when the power button 31 moves, and the power seesaw 33 are hung on the spring hook 33d so as to move the power button 31 to the outside of the exterior member 2, and are not shown. In consideration of the internal force of the spring biasing force Fa2, the following formula may be satisfied.
P (D) × Sa × Ra− (Fa1 + Fa2) × Ra ≦ P (D) × Sb × Rb

  In other words, the water pressure detection force amount (“P (D) × Sb × Rb” in terms of the moment of force) applied to the power button 31 by the power seesaw 33 is the external pressure (force of the force) that the power button 31 receives from the external water pressure. In terms of moment, “P (D) × Sa × Ra”), which is a force acting in a direction opposite to the acting direction of the external pressure, which is an internal force (moment of force) that the power seesaw 33 receives from an internal member In other words, it may be set so as to be larger than the resultant force of “− (Fa1 + Fa2) × Ra”).

  In the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the power seesaw 33 is set so that the condition of Ra = Rb is substantially satisfied. On the other hand, the shaft hole 41 and the water pressure detection hole 42 are disconnected. The area is set to satisfy Sa ≦ Sb.

  The operation when the power button 6 is used on land, that is, in the air, is as follows.

  When no external force is applied to the power button 31, the power button 31 abuts against the lateral lid 37 in the vicinity of the button hole 37a by the biasing force of the spring (not shown), and the pressing convex portion 31a is at a position separated from the power switch 38 by a predetermined distance.

  In this state, when the user presses the power button 31 with a finger or the like against the biasing force of the spring or the frictional force generated between the O-ring 32 and the shaft hole 41, the power button 31 is displaced in the axial direction. Then, the pressing convex portion 31a presses the power switch 38, and the power of the camera 1 is turned on / off.

  Thereafter, when the user releases his / her finger from the power button 31, the power seesaw 33 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 14 by the biasing force of the spring, and when the flange 31 d hits the horizontal lid 37, the axial direction of the power button 31 is increased. The movement stops. Thus, on the land, the power button 31 is automatically returned by the biasing force of the spring.

  Next, the action when the power button 6 is used in water is as follows.

Since a configuration that satisfies Formula 3 is adopted, a moment of force as shown on the left side of Formula 4 and the right side of Formula 4 acts on the power seesaw 33 in water at a water depth D (m). That is, the power button 31 when the user's pressing force is not applied has the biasing force of the spring and the pressing force F from the power seesaw 33 toward the outer side of the axial camera as shown in the following Expression 5. In operation, the flange 31 d is in contact with the horizontal lid 37.
[Equation 5]
F = P (D) * Sb * Rb / Ra-P (D) * Sa

  In this state, when the user presses the power button 31 with a finger or the like against the biasing force of the spring, the pressing force F, and the frictional force generated between the O-ring 32 and the shaft hole 41, the power button 31 is Displace in the axial direction. Then, the pressing convex portion 31a presses the power switch 38, and the power of the camera 1 is turned on / off.

  Thereafter, when the user releases his / her finger from the power button 31, the power seesaw 33 is rotated in the clockwise direction of FIG. 14 by the biasing force and the pressing force F of the spring, and when the flange 31 d hits the horizontal lid 37, the power button 31. The axial movement of stops. Thus, in the water, the power button 31 is automatically returned by the spring biasing force and the pressing force F.

  Next, the configuration of the release button 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the release button 5 in the non-pressed state, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the release button 5 in the pressed state.

  The release button 5 includes a release lever 51, a release cap 52, a release shaft 53 that is a shaft member and a waterproof switch means, an O-ring 54, a release spring 55, and a release switch 56. ing.

  The release switch 56 is mounted on a switch flexible printed circuit board 57, and the switch flexible printed circuit board 57 is further attached to a fixed base 58 provided inside the camera.

  The release lever 51 is a lever member and an operation member that can rotate around a support shaft 51a serving as a fulcrum. As will be described later, the force point and the action point are provided on the same side as viewed from the support shaft 51a. It has been. The release lever 51 has a storage recess 51b having a lower opening at a middle portion, and a pressing protrusion 51c as a pressing portion formed as an R surface having a cylindrical surface shape is formed on the upper surface of the storage recess 51b. Is provided. The pressing convex portion 51c serves as an action point to press the upper surface of the release shaft 53. By forming the pressing convex portion 51c as an R surface, even when the release lever 51 is rotated and tilted, The pressing force of the release lever 51 can be stably transmitted as a force that displaces the release shaft 53 in the axial direction. Further, an engaging projection 51d that engages with the lower end surface of the flange 53d provided at the upper end of the release shaft 53 is provided from the side surface of the storage recess 51b. Further, a spring accommodating chamber 51e is provided on the distal end side when viewed from the support shaft 51a of the release lever 51.

  The release cap 52 is an operation member that covers the upper surface side of the release lever 51, and the surface of the release cap 52 serves as a surface of an operation unit that is pressed by a user's finger or the like.

  The release shaft 53 is a shaft member having a substantially cylindrical shape. As described above, the release shaft 53 has a flange 53d at the upper portion, a pressing convex portion 53a at the lower end, and an O-ring on the peripheral surface 53b. A groove 53c is formed.

  An O-ring 54 is attached to the O-ring groove 53 c of the release shaft 53.

  A recess 64 for disposing the release button 5 is provided on the upper surface of the front cover 2a, and the recess 64 is formed in the middle of the recess 64 so as to be perpendicular to the upper surface of the front cover 2a. A circular bearing hole 61 is provided. The bearing hole 61 is provided so as to stand in a cylindrical shape from the bottom surface of the concave portion 64, and a relief concave portion 61a is formed so as to cut out a part of the cylindrical portion. The relief recess 61a is a recess for the engagement protrusion 51d to enter when the flange 53d of the release shaft 53 comes into contact with the upper end surface of the cylindrical portion.

  A release shaft 53 to which an O-ring 54 is attached is fitted in such a bearing hole 61 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. At this time, the inside of the camera is kept watertight with respect to the outside of the camera by the action of the O-ring 54. In order to reduce the frictional force when the release shaft 53 slides in the axial direction, grease or the like is applied to the peripheral surface of the release shaft 53, but in order to give a feeling of operation during the release operation, A certain amount of force is required to move the release shaft 53 in the axial direction.

  The release switch 56 is disposed on the movement path in the axial direction of the release shaft 53. The release switch 56 mounted on the switch flexible printed circuit board 57 is generally configured similarly to the click switch 16 shown in FIG.

  A spring receiver 62 projects from the recess 64 of the front cover 2a, and the release spring 55 is arranged in a compressed state so as to be sandwiched between the spring receiver 62, the release lever 51 and the release cap 52. Has been. The release spring 55 urges the release lever 51 and the release cap 52 in the clockwise direction around the support shaft 51a in FIG.

  The clockwise rotation of the release lever 51 and the release cap 52 around the support shaft 51 a in FIG. 16 is locked by engagement with the button hole 59 a of the upper lid 59.

  The upper lid 59 is provided with a button hole 59a for exposing a portion to be pressed by a finger of the release cap 52 or the like. Furthermore, the upper lid 59 has holes 59d and 59e for engaging with the bosses 63d and 63e (see FIG. 2) of the front cover 2a at opposing corners, and circular holes at opposing edges in the longitudinal direction. 59b and 59c are formed.

  On the other hand, screw holes 63b and 63c are formed in the front cover 2a. By screwing the screws 60a and 60b into the screw holes 63b and 63c through the circular holes 59b and 59c, the upper lid 59 is moved to the front cover. It can be attached to 2a. At this time, as described above, the upper lid 59 prevents the release lever 51 and the release cap 52 from coming off and serves as a positioning member.

  The mechanical configuration of the release button 5 as described above is as follows.

  When the release button 5 is pressed, the portion of the upper surface of the release cap 52 that is pressed by the user's finger or the like becomes the power point. The fulcrum is the support shaft 51a as described above. The contact portion between the pressing convex portion 51c and the upper end surface of the release shaft 53 is an action point.

  Next, when the user releases his / her finger from the release button 5, when the release button 5 returns to its original position, the position where the release lever 51 and the release cap 52 receive the restoring force of the release spring 55 is the power point. It becomes. Similarly, the fulcrum is a support shaft 51a. The action point is a contact portion between the engagement protrusion 51 d of the release lever 51 and the flange 53 d of the release shaft 53.

  In any case, as shown in the figure, the distance from the fulcrum to the force point is longer than the distance from the fulcrum to the action point.

  In such an arrangement of each point, the release spring 55 causes the release shaft 53, the release lever 51, and the release cap 52 to act against the water pressure applied to the release shaft 53 in water shallower than a predetermined water depth. The urging force that can be returned to the initial position as shown in FIG.

That is, when the release button 5 returns to the original position, the distance from the fulcrum to the action point is Rx, and the distance from the fulcrum to the force point is Ry. Further, an effective minimum sectional area of the bearing hole 61 with respect to the water pressure is Sx. In addition, the maximum frictional force acting between the release shaft 53 with which the O-ring 54 is fitted and the bearing hole 61 (this is normally a static frictional force) is Fx, and the release spring 55 generates. The power is Fy. At this time, the mechanism of the release button 5 is configured so that the relational expression shown in the following Expression 6 is established at the water depth D (m) where the hydrostatic pressure is P (D).
[Equation 6]
Fy × Ry ≧ (P (D) × Sb + Fx) × Rx

From Equation 6, it can be seen that the urging force Fy required for the release spring 55, for example, is as shown in Equation 7 below.
[Equation 7]
Fy ≧ (P (D) × Sb + Fx) × Rx / Ry

  As described above, since the configuration is such that Rx <Ry, it can be seen that the amount of force required for Fy is smaller than in the case where Rx = Ry. In this way, by making the distance Ry from the fulcrum to the force point larger than the distance Rx from the fulcrum to the action point, the force of the release spring 55 can be reduced, that is, the spring can be made more compact. .

  Next, the operation of the release button 5 configured as described above will be described.

  The action of the release button 5 is basically the same when operated on land and when operated in water.

  Before operating the release button 5, the state is as shown in FIG. At this time, the release cap 52 protrudes above the upper surface of the upper lid 59 so that it can be easily operated. In this state, when the user presses the pressing operation surface of the release cap 52 in order to perform photographing, the release cap 52 and the release lever 51 rotate integrally around the support shaft 51a. At this time, the user applies a pressing force against the urging force of the release spring 55 and the frictional force between the release shaft 53 fitted with the O-ring 54 and the bearing hole 61.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the pressing projection 53a at the tip of the release shaft 53 comes into contact with the release switch 56, and the photographing operation is performed.

  Further, when the user stops applying the pressing force thereafter, the release lever 51 and the release cap 52 are rotated in the clockwise direction around the support shaft 51a in FIG. 17 by the urging force of the release spring 55. Since the urging force of the release spring 55 at this time satisfies the condition shown in the above formula 7, it can resist the water pressure and frictional force applied to the release shaft 53. Thus, when the release lever 51 and the release cap 52 are brought into contact with the upper lid 59, the return to the position as shown in FIG. 16 is completed.

  According to the first embodiment, in the zoom lever 8 or the like having a plurality of operation switches, the water pressure applied to one operation switch is canceled (balanced) by the water pressure applied to the other operation switch. However, the operation switch is not inadvertently pressed by the water pressure, and the amount of pressing force required for the operation does not depend on the water depth. At this time, since the offset of water pressure is performed using a seesaw-like lever member, it is possible to configure a balance mechanism that cancels the water pressure in a space-saving manner.

  Since the lever member 11 and the shaft member 14 are configured as separate bodies, the shaft member 14 can be moved perpendicular to the axial direction, ensuring higher waterproofness more reliably and improving operability. Is also possible.

  Further, by integrally configuring the lever member 11 and the plurality of shaft members 14 with an elastic material, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the freedom degree of design can be improved by forming the lever member 11 into a polygonal line shape or a curved line shape.

  In the power button 6 and the like, a water pressure detecting member (water pressure detecting means) is provided in addition to the operation switch so that the water pressure applied to the operation switch is basically canceled by the water pressure applied to the water pressure detecting member. However, the operation switch is not inadvertently pressed by the water pressure. Similarly, at this time, since the offset of the water pressure is performed using a seesaw-like lever member, it is possible to save space. In addition, by configuring the water pressure applied to the water pressure detection member to be greater than the water pressure applied to the operation switch, the power button 6 can be more reliably prevented from being inadvertently pressed. . At this time, since the biasing force and frictional force of the spring are taken into consideration, the present invention can be applied more widely.

  Further, in the release button 5 and the like, since the shaft member such as the release shaft is displaced in the axial direction using a lever member such as a release lever, the frictional force between the O-ring attached to the shaft member and the bearing hole is reduced. Even in some cases, it is possible to reduce the amount of pressing force and operate with an appropriate amount of force. In addition, since a release spring or the like for returning the release button 5 to the non-operating position is provided at a position farther than the distance from the fulcrum to the shaft member, the amount of force required for the release spring is reduced, The release spring can be reduced in size. At this time, by adjusting the length of the lever member or the like, it is possible to reduce the cost by using a general-purpose spring as a release spring.

  A space-saving underwater switch mechanism that is not affected by water pressure can be provided. Moreover, the amount of operation force of the pressing operation member can be adjusted. Furthermore, the operation force amount of the pressing operation member in water and non-water can be made the same as necessary.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the Example mentioned above, Of course, a various deformation | transformation and application are possible within the range which does not deviate from the main point of invention.

  The present invention can be suitably used for an underwater switch mechanism of equipment that can be used not only on land but also underwater.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the underwater camera in Example 1 of this invention from a front side including a partial decomposition | disassembly part. The perspective view which shows the structure of the underwater camera in the said Example 1 from a back side including a partial decomposition | disassembly part. DD sectional drawing of FIG. 5 which shows the structure of the zoom lever in the said Example 1. FIG. CC sectional drawing of FIG. 5 which shows the structure of the zoom lever in the said Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 illustrating the configuration of the zoom lever in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4 illustrating the configuration of the zoom lever in the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the click switch in the said Example 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 5 showing a state when one side of the zoom lever is pressed in the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the 1st modification of the operation switch in the said Example 1. FIG. The perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the operation switch in the said Example 1. FIG. The top view including the partial perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the operation switch in the said Example 1. FIG. The top view which shows the 3rd modification of the operation switch in the said Example 1. FIG. The perspective view which shows the 3rd modification of the operation switch in the said Example 1. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure in the non-pressing state of the power button of the said Example 1. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure in the press state of the power button of the said Example 1. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure in the non-pressing state of the release button of the said Example 1. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure in the press state of the release button of the said Example 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera 2 ... Exterior member 2a ... Front cover 2b ... Rear cover 3 ... Shooting optical system 4 ... Strobe light emission part 5 ... Release button 6 ... Power button 7 ... Mode switch lever 8 ... Zoom lever 9 ... Display screen 9a ... Display element 9b ... Window glass 9c ... Window cover 11 ... Lever member (balance mechanism)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11a ... Pressing operation part 11b ... Bridge part 11c ... Communication hole 11d ... Hole 11e ... Sliding convex part 11f ... Sliding concave part 11g ... engaging convex part 12 ... Pushing plate 13 ... screw 14 ... Shaft member (pressing operational member)
14a ... Pressing convex part 14b ... Circumferential surface 14c ... Ring groove 14d ... Side flange 15 ... Ring 16 ... Click switch (switch means)
16a ... Case 16b ... Round hole 16c ... Rubber curtain 16d ... Click spring 16e ... Electric contact 17 ... Switch flexible printed circuit board 18 ... Fixing base 19a ... Shaft hole 19b ... Boss 19c ... Bis hole 19d ... Sliding projection 21 ... Lever shaft member 21a ... Pressing operation portion 21b ... Bridge portion 21c ... Sliding recess 21d ... Screw hole 21e ... Shaft portion 21f ... Flange portion 21g ... Pressing protrusion 22 ... Cross switch 23 ... Operating lever 23a ... Pressing operation portion 23b ... Bridge Portion 24 ... Operating lever 24a ... Pressing operation portion 24b ... Bridge portion 25 ... Lever member 25a ... Pressing operation portion 25b ... Bridge portion 25c ... Rotating shaft portion 31 ... Power button (pressing operation member)
31a ... Pressing convex part 31b ... Circumferential surface 31c ... Ring groove 31d ... Flange 32 ... Ring 33 ... Power seesaw (lever member, transmission member)
33a ... Sliding recess 33b ... Fork part 33c ... Arm part 33d ... Spring hook 34 ... Power shaft (rotation support part)
35 ... Power rubber curtain (water pressure detecting means, water pressure detecting member, water pressure generating member, curtain member)
35a ... Ring portion 36 ... Spacer 36a ... Engagement groove 36b ... Hole 37 ... Horizontal lid 37a ... Button hole 37b ... Communication hole 37c, 37d ... Circular hole 37e, 37f ... Hole 38 ... Power switch 39a, 39b ... Screw 41 ... Shaft Hole 42 ... Water pressure detection hole 43c, 43d ... Screw hole 43e, 43f ... Boss 51 ... Release lever (lever member, operation member)
51a ... support shaft (rotating shaft)
51b ... Storage recess 51c ... Pressing convex part (pressing part)
51d ... engaging protrusion 51e ... storage chamber 52 ... release cap (operation part, operation member)
53 ... Release shaft (shaft member, waterproof switch means)
53a ... Pressing convex part 53b ... Circumferential surface 53c ... Ring groove 53d ... Flange 54 ... Ring 55 ... Release spring (biasing means)
56 ... Release switch (switch means)
57 ... Flexible printed circuit board for switch 58 ... Fixing table 59 ... Upper lid (positioning member)
59a ... button hole 59b, 59c ... circular hole 59d, 59e ... hole 60a, 60b ... screw 61 ... bearing hole (shaft hole)
61a ... relief recess 62 ... spring receiver 63b, 63c ... screw hole 63d, 63e ... boss 64 ... recess
Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (5)

An exterior member having a first hole and a second hole;
A pressing operation member provided in a watertight manner with respect to the first hole of the exterior member;
Switch means that is turned on / off by the movement of the pressing member;
Water pressure detecting means provided in a watertight manner with respect to the second hole of the exterior member;
A lever that is rotatably arranged around a rotation support portion provided inside the exterior member, and that acts on the pressing operation member with a water pressure detection force generated when the water pressure detection means is pressed by water pressure in water. Members,
Comprising
The water pressure detection force amount is an external pressure that the pressing operation member receives from an external water pressure and a force that acts in a direction opposite to the direction in which the external pressure acts, and is an internal force that the pressing operation member receives from an internal member. An underwater switch mechanism that is set to have a magnitude greater than the resultant force.   The internal force is a static friction force generated when the pressing operation member moves and a biasing force from a biasing means provided so that the lever member moves the pressing operation member to the outside of the exterior member. The underwater switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the submersible switch mechanism is provided. A pressing operation member that is movable in a water-tight manner with respect to the exterior member by an external operation, and that receives a first force generated by a first cross-sectional area at a boundary between water and air in response to water pressure in water;
Switch means that is turned on / off by the movement of the pressing member;
Water pressure generation that is arranged in a watertight manner with respect to the exterior member, the boundary between water and air has a second cross-sectional area, and in water the second cross-sectional area generates a second force according to the water pressure Members,
A transmission member for transmitting the second force to the pressing operation member;
Comprising
By configuring the second cross-sectional area of the water pressure amount generating member to be larger than the first cross-sectional area of the pressing operation member, the water pressure amount generation is greater than the first force received by the pressing operation member. An underwater switch mechanism characterized in that the second force generated by the member is larger. An exterior member having a first hole and a second hole;
A pressing operation member that is provided in a watertight manner in the first hole of the exterior member, and is operable from the outside of the exterior member;
Switch means that can be turned on / off by the pressing operation member;
A water pressure detecting member that is watertightly provided in the second hole of the exterior member, and generates a force according to the water pressure in water;
It can be rotated around a fulcrum, and receives the amount of force generated from the water pressure detection member at the force point in water and causes the pressure operation member to act at the point of action, thereby substantially balancing the water pressure applied to the pressure operation member. A lever member adapted to:
An underwater switch mechanism characterized by comprising: The effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the first hole is Sa, the effective minimum cross-sectional area with respect to the water pressure of the second hole is Sb, the distance from the fulcrum of the lever member to the action point is Ra, When the distance from the fulcrum to the force point is Rb, the first hole, the second hole, and the lever member are
Sa × Ra ≦ Sb × Rb
The underwater switch mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the underwater switch mechanism is configured to satisfy the following relationship.

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