Switches and electronic devices

Abstract

To provide a switch that can easily adjust the detection positions of two stages of depressing operations without increasing the size of an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A switch module 20 detects at least two stages of depressing operations of a release button 3 of an imaging apparatus 1 being an example of an electronic apparatus, and comprises: a moving member 21 that has a conductive part 21a; a holding member 26 that holds the moving member 21 movably in a depression direction of the release button 3; a flexible substrate 25 that is provided with signal patterns 25c, 25d; a coil spring 22 that electrically connects the signal pattern 25c and the conductive part 21a to each other; a coil spring 23 that can electrically connect the signal pattern 25d and the conductive part 21a to each other; and a transmission type photosensor 27 that detects the position in the depression direction of the moving member 21 when the release button 3 is depressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a push-button switch and an electronic device equipped with the switch. [Background technology]

[0002] A two-stage switch that detects the first and second stages of pressing the release button is commonly used as the release switch for imaging devices. Imaging devices are generally configured to perform photometry and focus detection operations when the release switch detects the first stage, and to perform imaging operations (recording an image) when the release switch detects the second stage.

[0003] Here, in a configuration where the release button is not pressed any further after the release switch detects the second-stage pressing operation, the force of pressing the release button is transmitted to the imaging device body, causing the entire imaging device to shake, which can result in image blur, for example.

[0004] To address this issue, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a release switch in which three leaf-spring-shaped electrical contacts made of insulated conductors are arranged to overlap in the direction in which the release button is pressed. In the release switch of Patent Document 1, the first stage depression is detected when the first contact and the second contact come into contact, and the second stage depression is detected when the second contact and the third contact come into contact, making it possible to press the release button further even after the second stage depression.

[0005] The optimal distance between the detection positions of the first and second stages differs depending on whether you want it to be long to prevent unintentional shooting or short to avoid missing a photo opportunity. Therefore, this release switch is designed so that the distance between the detection positions of the first and second stages can be adjusted by tightening a screw (adjustment member) according to the user's preference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-49151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, with the release switch described in Patent Document 1, adjusting the distance between the detection positions of the first and second stages requires retightening an adjustment screw inside the imaging device. Furthermore, allowing the user to adjust the position of the adjustment screw requires, for example, securing space in the battery compartment to insert a screwdriver into the adjustment screw, which increases the size of the imaging device. Furthermore, from the perspective of operability, it is preferable for the photographer to avoid a clicking sensation when pressing the second stage.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a switch that can detect pressing operations with a click feeling and pressing operations without a click feeling, and that can easily adjust the detection position of two-stage pressing operations without increasing the size of the electronic device when incorporated into the electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A switch according to the present invention comprises: a moving member having a conductive portion; a holding member that holds the moving member so that it can move in a first direction; a substrate on which a first signal pattern and a second signal pattern are formed; a first elastic member that always contacts the first signal pattern and contacts the conductive portion when the moving member is in an initial position; a second elastic member that always contacts the second signal pattern and does not contact the conductive portion when the moving member is in the initial position, but contacts the conductive portion when the moving member moves in the first direction and reaches a first position; and a first detection means that detects a second position different from the first position when the moving member moves in the first direction. The first detection means detects a third position different from the second position when the moving member moves in the first direction. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in a switch that can detect pressing operations with a clicking sensation and pressing operations without a clicking sensation, it is possible to easily adjust the detection position of two-stage pressing operations without increasing the size of the electronic device when incorporated into the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the switch module, and a bottom view showing a state in which a moving member is assembled into a holding member. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the switch module taken along a first arrow BB. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a second cross-sectional view of the switch module taken along the arrow BB. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of movement of a moving member and the output value of a transmission type photosensor. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of movement of a moving member and a load. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the appearance of a game machine according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] First Embodiment In the first embodiment, an imaging device will be taken up as an example of an electronic device equipped with a switch according to the present invention, and a configuration in which a switch according to the present invention is combined with a release button of the imaging device will be described.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of an imaging device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 1 has a main body 2A and a lens unit 2B provided in the main body 2A. The lens unit 2B has an imaging optical system and forms an image of light from a subject on an imaging element (not shown) located inside the main body 2A. A release button 3, which is an operating member that is pressed when capturing an image, is located on the top surface of the main body 2A. A zoom lever 4, which is operated to change the focal length, is located rotatably around the release button 3. A power button 6, which is an operating member for turning the imaging device 1 on and off, is also located on the top surface of the main body 2A. The main body 2A is covered by an exterior cover 5 to protect internal components such as the imaging element and control board.

[0015] 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a switch module 20 that is combined with the release button 3 and mounted on the imaging device 1. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the switch module 20. FIG. 2(b) is an exploded perspective view of the switch module 20. FIG. 2(c) is a bottom view of the holding member 26 that constitutes the switch module 20, showing the movable member 21 incorporated therein. The release button 3 and the switch module 20 constitute a release unit.

[0016] 2(a) to 2(c), for the sake of convenience and to clarify the correspondence between the figures, three-dimensional orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z axes) are shown. The pressing direction of the release button 3 is indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2(a). The direction of arrow A is parallel to the Z direction, and as will be explained below, the movement direction of the moving member 21 constituting the switch module and the expansion and contraction direction of the coil springs 22 and 23 are both in the Z direction. Therefore, when expressing the direction of movement or displacement of these members, the term "Z direction" is used, and as necessary, the direction of movement or displacement is expressed using the terms "+Z direction (direction of arrow A)" and "-Z direction (opposite direction to the direction of arrow A)."

[0017] In the assembled state of the switch module 20 as shown in FIG. 2(a), the moving member 21, the holding member 26, and the flexible substrate 25 are exposed to the outside. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the switch module 20 has the holding member 26, the moving member 21, two coil springs 22 as first elastic members, two coil springs 23 as second elastic members, a transmission type photosensor 27, and the flexible substrate 25.

[0018] Coil springs 22 and 23 are made of a conductive material (specifically, a metal material) and are expandable and contractible in the Z direction parallel to the pressing direction of release button 3. In this embodiment, coil spring 23 is designed to exert a greater biasing force in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of release button 3 than coil spring 22. For ease of explanation, the ends of coil springs 22 and 23 on the flexible substrate 25 side (+Z side) will be referred to as the "lower end," and the ends on the opposite side (-Z side) will be referred to as the "upper end."

[0019] The flexible substrate 25 is a substrate that transmits electrical signals to a control substrate (not shown) mounted inside the main body 2A. Signal patterns 25c and 25d are formed on the flexible substrate 25 at positions facing the lower ends 22a and 23a of the coil springs 22 and 23, respectively. The transmission-type photosensor 27 is mounted on the same surface of the flexible substrate 25 on which the signal patterns 25c and 25d are formed. In FIG. 2(b), a light (e.g., infrared light) receiving / transmitting path 27a from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving portion in the transmission-type photosensor 27 is schematically represented by a rectangular parallelepiped. The transmission-type photosensor 27 outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of light (infrared light intensity) received by the light-receiving portion to the control substrate (not shown).

[0020] The moving member 21 is a metal plate-like member having a generally cross shape and has a conductive portion 21a extending in the X direction for electrical connection to the flexible substrate 25. The electrical connection between the signal patterns 25c and 25d via the coil springs 22 and 23 and the conductive portion 21a will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The tip of the extension portion 21b extending toward the -Z side of the moving member 21 is in contact with the release button 3 (not shown in FIG. 2) (see FIG. 3(a)). When the release button 3 is pressed, the moving member 21 moves in the +Z direction together with the release button 3. Depending on the amount of movement, the amount of expansion and contraction (total length) of the coil springs 22 and 23 changes, and the amount of interruption (interception area) of the transmission and reception path 27a by the moving member 21 changes. This will also be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0021] The holding member 26 has spring housing portions 26c and 26d that house the coil springs 22 and 23 so that they can expand and contract in the Z direction, and a sensor housing portion 26h that houses the transmission-type photosensor 27. The holding member 26 also has guide portions 26f1, 26f2, and 26f3 and a passage groove 26g for holding the moving member 21 so that it can move in the Z direction while suppressing displacement (vibration) in the X and Y directions. More specifically, the conductive portion 21a of the moving member 21 is inserted into the passage groove 26g of the holding member 26 and is guided by the guide portion 26f2, and the extension portion 21b of the moving member 21 is guided by the guide portions 26f1 and 26f3.

[0022] In the switch module 20, when the moving member 21 is not receiving an external force in the +Z direction (hereinafter referred to as the "initial state"), the lower end 22a of the coil spring 22 is in contact with the signal pattern 25c. Also, in the initial state, the moving member 21 is subjected to the biasing force of the coil spring 22, and its upper end 22b is in contact with the conductive portion 21a at the coil center. Meanwhile, in the initial state, the lower end 23a of the coil spring 23 is in contact with the signal pattern 25d, and the upper end 23b is in contact with the contact surface 26d1 provided on the holding member 26. When the release button 3 is pressed and the moving member 21 moves in the +Z direction, the conductive portion 21a of the moving member 21 is in contact with the coil center of the upper end 23b of the coil spring 23. In the holding member 26, the contact surfaces 26d1 are arranged on both sides (Y direction sides) of the passage groove 26g of the moving member 21, so that the biasing forces of the coil springs 22 and 23 can be received by the moving member 21 in a balanced manner.

[0023] The holding member 26 and the flexible substrate 25 are positioned by positioning pins and holes (not shown), which ensures the positional accuracy of the coil springs 22, 23 relative to the flexible substrate 25. Furthermore, the holding member 26 and the flexible substrate 25 are fastened to a frame (not shown) of the main body 2A or the like by screws using holes 26m and 25m. Therefore, even if the coil diameter of the coil springs 22, 23 is reduced and a thin plate material is used for the moving member 21, the moving member 21 can be held in a balanced manner, and the switch module 20 can be made more compact.

[0024] In addition, the above-mentioned prior art patent document 1 (JP 2010-49151 A) employs a configuration in which flat spring-shaped electrical contact pieces are stacked, which requires work such as bending the flexible board during the assembly process. In contrast, the switch module 20 can be easily assembled by simply assembling each component in one direction.

[0025] The switch module 20 can detect two-stage depression of the release button 3, and the detection operation will be described in detail below. FIGS. 3(a), (b) and 4(a), (b) are cross-sectional views taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 2(a). The amount of movement of the moving member 21 in the +Z direction differs between FIGS. 3(a), (b) and 4(a), (b). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the moving member 21 in the Z direction and the output value of the transmission photosensor 27. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of movement of the moving member 21 in the Z direction and the load required to move the moving member 21 (the force required to press the release button 3).

[0026] 3(a) shows the initial state of the switch module 20. In the initial state of the switch module 20, the coil spring 22 is always compressed with its lower end 22a in contact with the signal pattern 25c and its upper end 22b in contact with the conductive portion 21a of the moving member 21, and is in a state of biasing the moving member 21 in the -Z direction. Therefore, the signal pattern 25c and the moving member 21 (conductive portion 21a) are electrically connected via the coil spring 22.

[0027] Meanwhile, in the initial state, as described above, the lower end 23a of the coil spring 23 contacts the signal pattern 25d, and the upper end 23b contacts the contact surface 26d1 of the holding member 26. Therefore, a predetermined clearance is formed in the Z direction between the upper end 23b of the coil spring 23 and the conductive portion 21a of the moving member 21, and the signal pattern 25d is not electrically connected to the conductive portion 21a. Therefore, in the initial state, the signal patterns 25c and 25d are not electrically connected to each other.

[0028] As described above, the extension portion 21b of the movable member 21 is sandwiched between the guide portions 26f1 and 26f3 of the holding member 26, and the conductive portion 21a is sandwiched between the guide portion 26f2, so that the movable member 21 can move back and forth in the Z direction while being prevented from shaking in the X and Y directions. The position of the movable member 21 in the initial state is referred to as the initial position.

[0029] The transmission / reception path 27a of the transmission-type photosensor 27 has a constant width in the Z direction from the upper end 27a1 to the lower end 27a2. In the initial state, the transmission / reception path 27a is not blocked at all by the moving member 21, and therefore the output value of the transmission-type photosensor 27 indicates the maximum value P0, as shown in FIG.

[0030] FIG. 3(b) shows a state in which the release button 3 is pressed, causing the moving member 21 to move a distance S1 in the +Z direction from its initial position. When the release button 3 is pressed by the distance S1, the moving member 21 compresses the coil spring 22 and moves in the +Z direction by the same distance S1, causing the conductive portion 21a of the moving member 21 to contact the upper end 23b of the coil spring 23. In other words, the distance S1 can be considered to be the clearance in the Z direction formed between the upper end 23b of the coil spring 23 and the conductive portion 21a of the moving member 21 in the initial state. This connects the signal pattern 25d of the flexible substrate 25 and the moving member 21 via the coil spring 23. Therefore, the signal pattern 25c of the flexible substrate 25 and the signal pattern 25d are electrically connected via the coil springs 22, 23, and the moving member 21.

[0031] When a control means (microcomputer) (not shown) provided in the main body 2A of the imaging device 1 detects that the signal patterns 25c and 25d are electrically connected, it determines that the release button 3 has been pressed to the first position, and starts the shooting preparation operation. In other words, when the release button 3 is pressed and the moving member 21 moves from the initial position by the movement amount S1 in the +Z direction to reach a position (first position), the shooting preparation operation starts. The shooting preparation operation includes a photometry operation and a focus detection operation.

[0032] When the release button 3 is pressed and conductive portion 21a of moving member 21 abuts against upper end 23b of coil spring 23, the user feels a sensation (click) that pressing down release button 3 is hindered (hits against an obstacle). In other words, in order to perform a shooting preparation operation, the user simply presses release button 3 until a click is felt.

[0033] The output of the transmission-type photosensor 27 in the first-stage pressed-down state in Fig. 3(b) is lower than that in the initial state in Fig. 3(a) because part of the transmission-reception path 27a of the transmission-type photosensor 27 is blocked by the convex portion 21c of the movable member 21. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, in a state in which the movable member 21 blocks part of the transmission-reception path 27a by a movement amount S1, the output of the transmission-type photosensor 27 indicates an output value P1 that is smaller than the maximum value P0. Furthermore, in the first-stage pressed-down state in Fig. 3(b), the coil spring 22 is compressed by S1, and as shown in Fig. 6, the movable member 21 is subjected to a load F1 from the coil spring 22.

[0034] 3(b), in order to move the movable member 21 further in the +Z direction, it is necessary to compress the coil spring 23 in addition to the coil spring 22. In other words, it is necessary to apply a pressing force to the movable member 21 that is greater than the biasing force Fa of the coil spring 23. When the movable member 21 moves by an amount Sm when the coil spring 23 begins to compress, the load Fm required to press down the movable member 21 is the force obtained by adding the biasing force Fa to the load F1.

[0035] Figure 4(a) shows a state in which the release button 3 is further pressed down from the first step in Figure 3(b), causing the moving member 21 to move by S2 (>S1) from the initial position in the +Z direction. Figure 4(a) shows a state in which a second step of pressing the release button 3 is detected.

[0036] When the amount of movement of movable member 21 from its initial position reaches S2, the area where convex portion 21c of movable member 21 blocks transmitting / receiving path 27a becomes larger than in the first-stage depression state of Fig. 3(b), as shown in Fig. 5, and the output value of transmission-type photosensor 27 drops to P2. When the control means detects that the output value of transmission-type photosensor 27 has dropped to P2, it determines that the release button 3 has been pressed to the second stage, and executes a photographing operation (a series of processes from exposing the image sensor for a predetermined time, to generating and saving image data).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the load required to push the release button 3 until the moving amount of the moving member 21 becomes S2 is F2. The switch module 20 is configured such that after the second-stage pressing operation is performed, the release button 3 (moving member 21) can be further pushed in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the imaging operation is performed (the shutter is released), it becomes difficult for the force pressing the release button 3 to be transmitted to the imaging device 1, and it becomes difficult for the imaging device 1 to generate vibration or shake. Thus, the occurrence of image blur and the like is suppressed, and it becomes possible to obtain an image with high image quality.

[0038] The output value P2 of the transmissive photosensor 27 in the second-stage pressing operation is represented by 'P2 = P1 × k'. The coefficient k is determined within the range of 0 to 1 in order to determine the position of the second-stage pressing operation. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the coefficient is k1 and the output of the transmissive photosensor 27 is P2, if the coefficient k is changed to k2 (>k1), the output becomes larger, becoming P2c (>P2), and at this time, the moving amount of the moving member 21 becomes smaller from S2 to S2c (<S2). Conversely, if the coefficient k is made smaller than k1, the output of the transmissive photosensor 27 becomes smaller, and the moving amount of the moving member 21 becomes larger. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the coefficient k is set to k3 (<k1), the output of the transmissive photosensor 27 becomes P3 (<P2), and the moving amount of the moving member 21 becomes S3 (>S2). Thus, by changing the value of the coefficient k, it becomes possible to change the detection position of the second-stage pressing operation.

[0039] When the user wants to avoid the inadvertent execution of the imaging operation (the shutter is released), the user can make the coefficient k smaller to increase the distance between the first-stage pressing operation position and the second-stage pressing operation position. On the other hand, when the user wants to quickly move to the imaging operation after the imaging preparation operation (not wanting to miss the shutter chance), the user can make the ratio k larger to decrease the distance between the first-stage pressing operation position and the second-stage pressing operation position.

[0040] The imaging device 1 is configured to change and set the coefficient k through user operation (menu operation) on a menu screen (not shown) provided on the imaging device 1. The menu operation can be performed using known technology by touching the menu screen displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the imaging device 1 or by operating various operation buttons (not shown). In this case, it is desirable that the coefficient k be set in a way that is easy for the user to understand and can be performed more easily. For example, a level gauge indicating the distance from the start position of the shooting preparation operation to the start position of the shooting operation is displayed on a display unit equipped with a touch panel, with one end indicated as "short" and the other end indicated as "long." In addition, a marker that can be moved between the two ends of the level gauge is displayed, and a message is displayed on the "short" side explaining the advantages and disadvantages of setting the marker to "short" and "long." The user can move the marker to the desired position by touching or operating a button, and then perform an input operation such as pressing a SET button to set the start position of the shooting operation to the desired position. That is, the position where the movement amount is S2 (the movement amount of the release button 3 (moving member 21) from the position where the first-stage depression is detected to the position where the second-stage depression is detected) can be freely changed.

[0041] The output of the transmission type photosensor 27 may vary for each individual imaging device 1 due to individual differences in parts, deterioration over time, temperature dependency, etc. However, the user can set the detection position of the second-stage pressing operation to a desired position by setting the coefficient k when actually using the device.

[0042] FIG. 4(b) shows the state in which the release button 3 is pressed to its maximum depression position. When the release button 3 is pressed further in the +Z direction from the position where the second depression is detected, the coil springs 22 and 23 are further compressed, and the lower end 3a of the release button 3 abuts against the stopper portion 26k at the upper end of the holding member 26, thereby restricting the release button 3 from being pressed further. The maximum depression position refers to the position at which the release button 3 cannot be pressed any further. When the release button 3 reaches its maximum depression position, the entire transmission / reception path 27a of the transmission-type photosensor 27 is blocked by the moving member 21. Therefore, at the maximum depression position, where the amount of movement of the moving member 21 from its initial position is Sf, the output value of the transmission-type photosensor 27 is 0 (zero), as shown in FIG. 5.

[0043] As is clear from the above description, the switch module 20 detects the first-stage depression by electrically connecting the signal patterns 25c and 25d via the coil springs 22 and 23 and the conductive portion 21a. In other words, the detection of the first-stage depression is not triggered by the output from the transmission photosensor 27 becoming S1. Therefore, the image capture device 1 does not need to activate the transmission photosensor 27 in a shooting standby state. Therefore, when the first-stage depression is detected, the image capture preparation operation may be performed and the transmission photosensor 27 may be activated, thereby reducing power consumption. The shooting standby state refers to a state in which the image capture device 1 is powered on and the release button 3 is not operated.

[0044] So far, we have explained how to adjust the stroke of release button 3 from the first depression operation to the second depression operation. Next, we will explain an example in which switch module 20 is used as a multi-stage switch with three or more stages by setting more threshold values for the output value of transmission type photosensor 27.

[0045] For example, a first press of the button performs a photometry operation, a second press of the button performs a focus detection operation, and a third press of the button performs a shooting operation. In this case, the transmission photosensor 27 is assumed to be powered and operating in a shooting standby state. A threshold value for the output value of the transmission photosensor 27 is set to a value smaller than the output value P0 and larger than the output value P1. When the release button 3 is pressed and the output value of the transmission photosensor 27 falls to the threshold value, the first press is detected and the photometry operation is initiated. When the release button 3 is pressed further, the moving member 21 abuts against the coil spring 23, electrically connecting the signal patterns 25c and 25d, triggering the focus detection operation. When the release button 3 is pressed further and the output value of the transmission photosensor 27 falls to S2c (or S2 or S3), the shooting operation is initiated.

[0046] In this example, even if you want to perform photometry before focus detection, you can perform photometry by pressing the release button 3, eliminating the need to provide a separate operation button to instruct the start of metering. Furthermore, it becomes possible to perform photometry, focus detection, and shooting consecutively using only the release button 3, improving usability.

[0047] The operations assigned to the three-stage pressing operations are not limited to the above example, and configuring the switch module 20 to be able to detect three-stage pressing operations makes it possible to widely meet user needs. Also, in the switch module 20, multiple detection positions can be freely set in the output range (P0-0) corresponding to the entire area (from the upper end 27a1 to the lower end 27a2) of the transmission-type photosensor 27. This allows the user to configure a multi-stage switch with four or more stages and subdivide the processes activated by pressing operations.

[0048] Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is a top view of a game machine 30 equipped with a switch module 20. The game machine 30 has a display unit 31, operation buttons 32, a multi-stage switch button 33, and an exterior cover 34. The display unit 31 is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays game images and the like. The operation buttons 32 provided in two locations are tactile switches that the user operates when playing a game. The multi-stage switch button 33 is an operation member that is combined with the switch module 20 (not shown) described in the first embodiment and performs a predetermined operation depending on the amount of movement when the multi-stage switch button 33 is pressed. In other words, the multi-stage switch button 33 is a member equivalent to the release button 3 of the imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment. The exterior cover 34 covers the outside of a housing (not shown) that houses a control board and a power supply unit, thereby protecting the housing.

[0049] The operation of the switch module 20 is as described in the first embodiment above, and the output from the transmission type photosensor 27 changes continuously and approximately linearly according to the amount of depression of the multistage switch button 33 (the amount of movement of the moving member 21) when pressed (see FIG. 5). Utilizing this, the multistage switch button 33 can be used for purposes other than a tactile switch, for example, for linear operation during a game.

[0050] While the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0051] For example, in the above embodiment, a metal plate-like member is used for the moving member 21, but the extension 21b and the protrusion 21c may be formed of a non-conductive (dielectric) material. Also, without providing the signal patterns 25c and 25d on the flexible substrate 25, the photographing preparation operation may be performed using the output value P1 of the transmission type photosensor 27 as a trigger at the timing when the moving member 21 abuts against the coil spring 23 (the movement amount S1 of the moving member 21).

[0052] In the above embodiment, the transmission / reception path 27a of the transmission-type photosensor 27 is configured to be open in the initial state. However, conversely, the transmission / reception path 27a of the transmission-type photosensor 27 may be configured to be blocked by the moving member 21 in the initial state. In this case, the transmission / reception path 27a may be configured to be opened as the moving member 21 moves in the +Z direction. In this case, for example, a hole of a predetermined shape (a rectangle similar to the transmission / reception path 27a) may be formed at a predetermined position on the moving member 21. In this case, it is also possible to detect multi-stage pressing operations according to the output value of the transmission-type photosensor 27.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a configuration using a transmission type photosensor 27 as a means for detecting the position of the movable member 21 has been described, but a reflection type photosensor or a magnetic sensor can also be used instead of the transmission type photosensor 27. When a reflection type photosensor is used, the movable member 21 can be used as a reflective member, and when a magnetic sensor is used, a magnet can be attached to the movable member 21.

[0054] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the switch according to the present invention is applied to a release button of an imaging device and an operation button of a game console is described, but the present invention is not limited to these and can be applied to two-stage switches provided in various other electronic devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1. Imaging device 3 Release button 20 Switch Module 21 Moving parts 22,23 Coil spring 25 Flexible PCB 25c, 25d signal pattern 26 Retaining member 27 Transmissive photosensor 33 Multi-stage switch button

Claims

1. a moving member having a conductive portion; a holding member that holds the moving member so that the moving member can move in a first direction; a substrate on which a first signal pattern and a second signal pattern are formed; a first elastic member that always contacts the first signal pattern and contacts the conductive portion when the moving member is in an initial position; a second elastic member that is always in contact with the second signal pattern, that is not in contact with the conductive portion when the moving member is in the initial position, and that comes into contact with the conductive portion when the moving member moves in the first direction and reaches a first position; a first detection means for detecting a second position different from the first position when the movable member moves in the first direction, The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first detecting means detects a third position different from the second position when the moving member moves in the first direction.

2. the first elastic member and the second elastic member are stretchable along the first direction, and the first elastic member is longer than the second elastic member in the first direction; 2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first position is a position where the conductive portion comes into contact with the second elastic member as a result of the first elastic member being compressed by the moving member.

3. 3. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the first detecting means is one of a transmission type photosensor, a reflection type photosensor, and a magnetic sensor.

4. 4. The switch according to claim 3, wherein said first detecting means continuously outputs a signal corresponding to the position of said moving member in said first direction.

5. A switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a second detection means for detecting the first position by detecting an electrical connection between the first signal pattern and the second signal pattern via the first elastic member, the conductive portion, and the second elastic member; and a setting means for setting a position of the movable member detected by the first detecting means.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the setting means includes a button and / or a touch panel operated by a user, and a control means for controlling the operation of the electronic device sets the detection position in accordance with input from at least one of the button and the touch panel.

7. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the control means activates the first detection means when the second detection means detects the first position as a trigger.

8. an operating member that is disposed in contact with the moving member and is movable in the first direction, and that moves together with the moving member in response to an operation by a user; 8. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the holding member has a stopper portion that abuts against the operating member to restrict the amount of movement of the operating member in the first direction.

Images