JP2010009985A - Waterproof switch structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof switch structure having extremely high waterproofness while allowing light and constant pushing operation even on land or in water. <P>SOLUTION: An elastic film 16 is applied to a communication hole 2e of an inner plate 2c in a watertight manner, and a push button 5 is provided on an outer plate 2a lateral to the inner plate 2c in a non-watertight manner for pushing the elastic film 16. Medial to the inner plate 2c, a lever 15 and a switch 17 are provided which abuts on the reverse face of the elastic film 16 to rock via the elastic film 16 with the pushing operation of the push button 5 and which can operate with the rocking operation of the lever 15, respectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a waterproof switch structure.

In the conventional waterproof switch structure, a push button is provided in the case so that the switch provided in the case can be operated from the outside, and an O-ring or the like is provided between the push button and the case to prevent water from entering the case. A configuration in which the sealing material is crushed is generally used (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
JP 2006-156113 A JP 2006-156114 A JP 2006-156115 A

However, the conventional waterproof switch structure has improved waterproofness by attaching a push button with a large amount of crushing seal material such as an O-ring. Therefore, as a reaction, the force that pushes the push button, that is, the operating force is large. As a result, the operation feeling was worsened.
In addition, the conventional waterproof switch structure described in the above-mentioned prior art documents 1 to 3 has a mechanism for pushing back the push button using the water pressure so that the push button is not inadvertently operated by the water pressure, and a force according to the water pressure. Although a waterproof switch structure with a mechanism to push back the push button with the generated power rubber film is described, the seal structure itself between the push button and the housing is a conventional seal structure using an O-ring, so that the waterproof property can be improved. The higher the value, the worse the operational feeling of the push button.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a waterproof switch structure capable of solving the above problems.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, the waterproof switch structure according to the present invention employs the following technical means.
In other words, the waterproof switch structure according to claim 1 is configured such that an elastic film is attached in a watertight manner to a communication hole provided in an inner plate, and the elastic film is pushed to an outer plate provided outside the inner plate. A lever that is in contact with the back surface of the elastic membrane and swings when the push button is pushed through the elastic membrane, and a switch that can be operated by swinging the lever is provided inward of the inner plate. It is characterized by being provided.
A waterproof switch structure according to a second aspect of the present invention is the waterproof switch structure according to the first aspect, wherein the lever is provided so that a longitudinal center thereof is positioned at a center of the elastic membrane, and the longitudinal center is a pivotal support portion. To do.
A waterproof switch structure according to a third aspect of the present invention is the waterproof switch structure according to the first aspect, wherein the elastic film is provided with a predetermined interval on the inner plate, and the lever is in contact with the center of the back surface of the elastic film. The elastic film is formed so as to straddle between the elastic films, and the center in the longitudinal direction is a pivotal support.

  According to the present invention, since the push button is provided in a non-watertight manner on the outer plate without adopting a seal structure such as an O-ring, the push button does not increase in operating force due to the seal structure such as an O-ring. A light and constant pushing operation can be performed even in water, and a very suitable operational feeling can be obtained. In addition, even if water enters from the push button, the inner plate in which the elastic film is attached to the communication hole so as to be watertight prevents the intruded water from flowing into the switch side, thereby ensuring waterproofness.

Next, an embodiment of a waterproof switch structure according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof switch structure according to the present embodiment is applied to the operation unit of the digital camera 1. 3 and 4 illustrate the first embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates the second embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates the third embodiment, and FIG. 7 illustrates the fourth embodiment.
Prior to the description of each embodiment, an outline of a digital camera 1 to which a waterproof switch structure according to this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The digital camera 1 can be used underwater as well as on land. The digital camera 1 includes a housing 2 that prevents water from entering the digital camera 1.
The housing 2 includes a front cover 2a, a front inner cover 2c disposed inside the front cover 2a, a rear cover 2b engaged with the front cover 2a in a watertight manner, and a rear cover 2b. It is provided with a rear inner cover 2d which is disposed and engaged with the front inner cover 2c in a watertight manner.

On the front of the digital camera 1, a photographing optical system 3 configured as a zoom optical system with a variable focal length is disposed at the center, and a strobe light emitting unit 4 for irradiating illumination light is disposed at the upper right.
On the upper surface of the digital camera 1, a release button 5 for inputting a shooting operation to a required position where the photographer can push with the index finger of the right hand, and for turning on / off the power of the digital camera 1. A power button 6, a mode switching dial 7 for switching the operation mode of the digital camera 1 to, for example, a still image shooting mode / moving image shooting mode / audio recording mode, and an accessory shoe 8 for attaching an external strobe, etc. Has been placed.
On the back of the digital camera 1, a zoom button 9 for changing the focal length of the photographing optical system to the tele side and the wide side is displayed on the upper right corner, and the photographed still image / moving image is displayed on the left side. A display screen 10 for displaying various information related to the camera 1, and a display screen between the display screen 10, switching to the playback mode, changing the shooting setting of the digital camera 1, deleting the shot image, A plurality of mode buttons 11 for changing the display content of 10 are arranged. The display screen 10 described above is a display element 10a composed of, for example, TFTs, and the display element 10a is covered with an acrylic member 10b so as to be watertight.
In addition, an electronic board or the like (not shown) is mounted in the housing 2 and is electrically connected to various buttons and dials provided on the outer surface of the digital camera 1 as described above. It is supposed to function.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the waterproof switch structure is applied to the release button 5, the zoom button 9, and the mode button 11 among the above-described constituent elements is shown. Each aspect will be described in detail below.
(Embodiment 1)
The waterproof switch structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the release button 5, and includes a front inner cover (inner plate) 2 c, an elastic film 16, a front cover (outer plate) 2 a, and a release button (push button) 5. And a lever 15 and a release switch 17.
As described above, the front inner cover (inner plate) 2c is water-tightly engaged with the rear inner cover 2d, and the communication hole 2e is provided at the position of the upper surface where the release button 5 is disposed. The communication hole 2e is a stepped hole having a rectangular shape in a plan view in which an upper portion is countersunk and a countersink surface 2f is formed. Note that the shape of the hole in plan view is not limited (the third embodiment described later exemplifies the communication hole 2n having a circular shape in plan view).
The elastic film 16 is formed of a rubber material that is formed in a rectangular shape that can be seated on the countersink surface 2f, and that has a rectangular annular rib 16a that can be fitted to the peripheral side surface of the communication hole 2e. The elastic film 16 formed in this manner has its peripheral end bonded to the countersink surface 2f by an adhesive 29 applied to the countersink surface 2f, and the annular rib 16a is fitted to the peripheral side surface of the communication hole 2e. The communication hole 2e is closed so as to be watertight. Since the elastic film 16 is formed so as to engage with the communication hole 2e described above, the third embodiment described later has a circular shape in plan view so as to engage with the communication hole 2n having a circular shape in plan view. The elastic film 21 is formed.

As described above, the front cover (outer plate) 2a is engaged with the rear cover 2b so as to be watertight, and is located above one end of the elastic film 16 where the release button 5 is disposed. An engaging recess 2g is provided in the recess. The engaging recess 2g has an upper edge extending inward to form a locking portion 2h, and is a circular recess having a communication hole 2k provided at the projected bottom center. . The front cover 2a is formed with a flow hole 26 through which air and water flow in the vicinity of the engagement recess 2g described above.
The release button (push button) 5 includes a button head 12c in which a hook-shaped retaining member 12b that can be brought into and out of engagement with the engaging recess 2g and can be brought into contact with the engaging portion 2h is formed to protrude downward. A push button main body 12 that includes a push rod 12a that is suspended from the button head 12c, is slidably inserted into the communication hole 2k, and abuts against the elastic membrane 16, and the push rod 12a. A compression coil spring 13 is provided which is mounted around and is stretched between the bottom surface of the engaging recess 2g and the back surface of the button head portion 12c and urges the button head portion 12c outward. In this way, the release button (push button) 5 is non-watertightly attached to the engagement recess 2g so that the release button 5 side of the elastic film 16 can be pushed down with the support shaft 14 as a boundary.

The lever 15 is formed in the shape of a band plate, and its center (longitudinal direction) is positioned at the longitudinal center of the elastic film 16 so as to be in contact with the back surface of the elastic film 16, and by the release button 5. The back surface portion of the member center (longitudinal direction) is pivotally supported by a support shaft 14 supported inside the front inner cover 2c so as to be able to swing as the elastic film 16 is pushed down. Further, a convex portion 15a whose center is located on the axial center line of the push rod portion 12a is projected from the rear surface of the lever 15.
A release switch (switch) 17 is mounted on a fixed base 19 installed inside the digital camera 1 and a switch printed circuit board 18 is mounted on the switch printed circuit board 18 at a position directly below the convex portion 15a. The projection 15a can be moved back and forth by swinging the lever 15.
As shown in FIG. 4, the waterproof switch structure according to the first embodiment configured as described above has the push rod 12 a supported by the photographer pressing the push button body 12 against the compression coil spring 13. With the shaft 14 as a boundary, the release button 5 side of the elastic film 16 is pushed down, the lever 15 that is in contact with the back surface of the elastic film 16 swings downward with the support shaft 14 as a rotation fulcrum, and the convex portion 15a By pressing the release switch 17, an electronic shutter (not shown) operates.

When the photographer releases the depression of the release button (push button) 5, the restoring force of the compression coil spring 13 raises the push button main body 12 until the stopper 12 b comes into contact with the locking portion 2 h and stops at the original position. To do. At the same time, due to the restoring force of the elastic film 16, the lever 15 returns to the original horizontal state with the support shaft 14 as a pivot, and the convex portion 15 a is separated from the release switch 17.
This series of operations is the same on land and in water, but the release button 5 is provided on the front cover 2a in a non-watertight manner without using a seal structure such as an O-ring, especially when operating in water. Since No. 5 does not increase the operating force due to the seal structure such as an O-ring, a suitable operational feeling of the push button can be obtained. In addition, water enters from the distribution hole 26 and the release button 5, but the elastic film 16 is attached to the front inner cover 2c so as to be watertight, thereby preventing water from flowing into the release switch 17 side. Secured. As described above, the waterproof switch structure according to the first embodiment can perform a light and constant pressing operation of the release button 5 both on land and in water, and at the same time, can obtain extremely high waterproof properties.
In addition, since the waterproof switch structure according to the first embodiment has a symmetrical configuration with the longitudinal center of the lever 15 being positioned at the longitudinal center of the elastic film 16 and the center of rotation being symmetrical, a sudden water pressure is applied to the elastic film 16. As described above, the lever 15 is prevented from being deformed while maintaining the horizontal state even when it is loaded, and the submerged release button 5 is not moved in the push-down direction because the same water pressure is loaded from all directions. In addition to the effect, it is possible to wipe out the possibility of malfunction due to the water pressure of the release button 5.

(Embodiment 2)
The waterproof switch structure according to the second embodiment is an example applied to the mode button 11, and components substantially common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted, as shown in FIG. Next, the rear cover 2b and the mode button 11 having different configurations will be described in detail. Since the location of the mode button 11 is the back of the digital camera 1 as described above, the rear cover 2b corresponds to the “outer plate” and the rear inner cover 2d corresponds to the “inner plate”.
The rear cover 2b is provided with a circular engagement hole 2m that communicates with the position where the mode button 11 is disposed.
The mode button 11 is inserted into the locking hole 2m so as to be able to protrude and retract, and a hook-shaped stopper 11a capable of contacting the edge of the locking hole 2m on the back surface side of the rear cover 2b is formed in the lower part. Button head 11b, a push rod 11c that is suspended from the center of the button head 11b and abuts against the elastic film 16, and extends from the bottom of the button head 11b and the rear cover 2b. And a leaf spring portion 11d for fixing the end of the button head portion 11b outwardly.
In the waterproof switch structure according to the second embodiment configured as described above, when the photographer presses the mode button 11 downward, the button head 11b is pushed down by the elastic deformation of the leaf spring portion 11d, and the push rod The portion 11c pushes down the mode button 11 side of the elastic film 16, and the lever 15 that is in contact with the back surface of the elastic film 16 swings downward with the support shaft 14 as a rotation fulcrum. As the lever 15 swings, the convex portion 15a presses the mode switch 20 to input various information.
The waterproof switch structure according to the second embodiment has a simpler configuration than the release button (push button) 5 illustrated in the first embodiment. However, as in the first embodiment, the mode button 11 can be used on land or in water. It is possible to lightly push and operate, and at the same time, extremely high waterproofness can be obtained. In addition, the risk of malfunction due to the water pressure of the mode button 11 can be eliminated.

(Embodiment 3)
The waterproof switch structure according to the third embodiment is an example applied to the release button 5 as in the first embodiment, and components substantially common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the front inner cover (inner plate) 2c, the elastic film 21, and the lever 22 having different configurations will be described in detail.
The front inner cover (inner plate) 2c has two circular communication holes 2n arranged in a plan view with a predetermined interval, and circular annular ribs 21a are vertically provided in the respective communication holes 2n. The elastic film 21 made of a rubber material having a circular shape in plan view is bonded in a watertight manner in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
The lever 22 is formed in a U-shape in a longitudinal sectional view in which protrusions 22a are provided at both ends of the upper surface at the same pitch as the arrangement pitch of the pair of elastic films 2, and the center of the protrusion 22a on the release button (push button) 5 side. A convex portion 22b whose center is located on the line protrudes from the back surface. The lever 22 formed in this way has a member center (longitudinal direction) so that the elastic films 21 straddle each other and the protrusions 22a are brought into contact with the back surfaces of the elastic films 21. ) Is positioned at the center between the elastic films 21, and is swingable as the elastic film 21 is pushed down by the release button 5. The member center (longitudinal direction) is supported on the support shaft 14 supported inside the front inner cover 2 c. ) Is pivotally supported.
In the waterproof switch structure according to the third embodiment configured as described above, when the photographer pushes down the push button body 12, the push rod 12a pushes down one elastic film 21 directly below, and the lever 22 supports. An electronic shutter (not shown) is operated by swinging downward with the shaft 14 as a rotation fulcrum and pressing the release switch 17 by the convex portion 22b.
In the waterproof switch structure according to the third embodiment, the release button can be easily pushed and operated on land or in water as well as the above-described embodiment, and at the same time, an extremely high waterproof property can be obtained. Further, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of malfunction due to the water pressure of the release button 5.

(Embodiment 4)
The waterproof switch structure according to the fourth embodiment is an example applied to the zoom button 9 as shown in FIG. 7, and the components substantially common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, the rear cover (outer plate) 2b, the zoom button 9, the lever 23, and the zoom switch (switch) 24, which have different configurations, will be described in detail.
The rear cover 2b is provided with a communicating hole 2p having a rectangular shape in plan view at a position where the zoom button 9 is provided.
The zoom button 9 is loosely inserted into the locking hole 2p, the upper end portions of the upper surface are formed in a horizontal shape, and the upper end portions of the upper surface are concavely curved, and the upper end portions of the upper surface and the concave curved portion are formed. And a pushing portion 9b that is suspended from the back side at the boundary with the elastic film 16, and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. In the zoom button 9 formed in this way, the back surface of the center (longitudinal direction) of the member is pivotally supported on the support shaft 25 whose back surface of the center in the longitudinal direction is supported inside the rear cover 2b.
The lever 23 is formed in the shape of a band plate, and its center (longitudinal direction) is positioned at the longitudinal center of the elastic film 16 so as to be in contact with the back surface of the elastic film 16, and by the zoom button 9. The back surface portion of the member center (longitudinal direction) is pivotally supported by the support shaft 14 supported inside the rear inner cover 2d so as to be able to swing as the elastic film 16 is pushed down. In addition, a convex portion 23a whose center is located on the axial center line of each of the pushing portions 9b protrudes from the back surface.
The zoom switch 24 has a switch printed circuit board 18 attached to a fixed base 19 installed inside the digital camera 1, and a pair of zoom switches 24 are mounted on the switch printed circuit board 18 at positions directly below the respective protrusions 23 a. The projection 23a can be moved back and forth by swinging the lever 23.

In the waterproof switch structure according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the pivot 25 is pivoted by pressing one end of the button head 9a of the zoom button 9 by the photographer downward. As the zoom button 9 swings, one pushing portion 9b is pushed down, one side of the elastic film 16 in contact with the one pushing portion 9b is pushed down, and comes into contact with the back surface of the elastic film 16 The lever 23 swings downward with the support shaft 14 as a pivot, and the projection 23a presses one release switch 24, so that the photographing optical system 3 starts the variable operation of the focal length as wide as possible or telephoto. To do. The same applies when the other end of the button head 9a is pressed downward.
In the waterproof switch structure according to the fourth embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, the zoom switch 24 can perform a light and constant push operation both on land and in water, and at the same time, can obtain extremely high waterproof properties. it can. Further, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of malfunction due to the water pressure of the zoom switch 24.

In this embodiment, in order to eliminate the possibility that the push button such as the release button 5 is pushed down due to water pressure and malfunctions, the centers of the lever and the elastic film are aligned, the center of the lever is pivoted, and the left and right are symmetrical. Although what was comprised so that it may illustrate, even if it is not set as the left-right symmetric structure as mentioned above, it is possible to balance left-right pressure by making it the structure which satisfy | fills the following formula | equation. In addition, the code | symbol used in Embodiment 1 is used using FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the right and left pressure balance is determined by the effective surface areas Sa and Sb with respect to the water pressure of the elastic membrane 16 with the center line of the support shaft 14 as the boundary, and the center line of the support shaft 14 to the center of gravity of the surface area. Each distance Ra, Rb is
Sa × Ra = Sa × Rb (Formula 1)
Therefore, if the hydrostatic pressure at the water depth D (m) (this hydrostatic pressure includes atmospheric pressure) is P (D), the hydrostatic pressure causes one of the levers 15 to The amount of force is P (D) × Sa, and the amount of force applied to the other is P (D) × Sb.
The moments of force around the support shaft 14 at this time are P (D) × Sa × Ra and P (D) × Sb × Rb, respectively, and the rotation directions are opposite, and the moments of these forces are balanced. condition is,
P (D) × Sa × Ra = P (D) × Sb × Rb (Formula 2)
Therefore, the design condition for preventing the release switch 17 from being pushed by the water pressure and preventing the pressing force necessary for operation in water and on land from changing is Equation 1. As required.
As described above, the waterproof switch structure according to the present embodiment has been described by taking a digital camera as an example. However, the above-described embodiment shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is not limited, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is a front side perspective view of the digital camera to which the waterproof switch structure concerning this Embodiment is applied. It is a back side perspective view of the digital camera to which the waterproof switch structure concerning this Embodiment is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the release button part to which the waterproof switch structure concerning Embodiment 1 is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the release button portion during operation. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mode button part to which the waterproof switch structure concerning Embodiment 2 is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the release button part to which the waterproof switch structure concerning Embodiment 3 is applied. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a zoom button to which a waterproof switch structure according to a fourth embodiment is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Digital camera, 2 housing, 2a front cover, 2b rear cover, 2c front inner cover, 2d rear inner cover, 2e communication hole, 2f counterboring surface, 2g engagement recess, 2h locking portion, 2k communication hole, 2m Locking hole, 2n communication hole, 2p locking hole, 3 photographing optical system, 4 strobe light emitting unit, 5 release button, 6 power button, 7 mode switching dial, 8 accessory shoe, 9 zoom button, 9a button head, 9b Pusher, 10 Display screen, 10a Display element, 10b Acrylic member, 11 Mode button, 11a Retaining, 11b Button head, 11c Pusher, 11d Leaf spring, 12 Pushbutton body, 12a Pusher Part, 12b retaining, 12c button head, 13 compression coil spring, 14 spindle, 15 lever, 15a convex part, 16 elastic membrane, 16a annular rib, 17 release switch H, 18 Printed circuit board for switch, 19 Fixed base, 20 Mode switch, 21 Elastic film, 21a Annular rib, 22 Lever, 22a Protrusion, 22b Convex part, 23 Lever, 23a Convex part, 24 Zoom switch, 25 Support shaft, 26 Distribution hole, 29 adhesive

Claims (3)

  An elastic membrane is attached to the communication hole provided in the inner plate so as to be watertight, and a push button for pushing the elastic membrane is provided on the outer plate provided on the outer side of the inner plate in a non-watertight manner on the back surface of the elastic membrane. A waterproof switch structure comprising: a lever that abuts and swings through the elastic membrane when the push button is pressed; and a switch operable by the swing of the lever is provided inside the inner plate.   2. The waterproof switch structure according to claim 1, wherein the lever is provided so that a longitudinal center thereof is positioned at a center of the elastic film, and the longitudinal center is a pivotal support portion.   Two elastic films are provided on the inner plate at a required interval, and the lever is formed so as to straddle the elastic films so as to be in contact with the center of the back surface of each elastic film. The waterproof switch structure according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal center is a pivotal support.

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