JP2008191715A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To devise the shape of an operation key for an electronic device and to enhance operability by defining a certain rule about a function performed according to the operating position for the operation key. <P>SOLUTION: The outer peripheral edge of the operation key 27 is formed by a pair of outwardly projecting curve parts 27b, 27b located on the opposite sides across a center portion, and a pair of parallel rectilinear parts 27a, 27a located on the opposite sides across the center portion, with each of their ends continuing with each end of each curved part. Of distances between the pair of curve parts, the maximum distance Y is greater than the distance X between the pair of rectilinear parts. The operation key is provided with a pair of first operated areas 27c, 27c serving as pushing operation areas facing the pair of curve parts, and a pair of second operated areas 27d, 27d serving as pushing operation areas facing the pair of rectilinear parts. When it is detected that the boundary between the first operated areas and the second operated areas or a portion near the boundary has been operated, a function corresponding to the second operated areas is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technical field in which the shape of an operation key is devised and a certain rule is defined for a function executed according to an operation position with respect to the operation key to improve operability.

  Some electronic devices such as an imaging device are provided with operation keys called cross keys that can be pressed in four directions, for example, up, down, left, and right, with a central portion as a reference (for example, patents). Reference 1).

  Since such an operation key performs a plurality of functions according to the operation position, it contributes to miniaturization of the electronic device by improving usability and reducing the arrangement space.

  The operation key described in Patent Document 1 is formed in a circular shape in order to ensure good operability.

JP 2000-217042 A

  However, since the operation key described in Patent Document 1 is formed in a circular shape, when the operation key is arranged in a small electronic device, the diameter decreases according to the arrangement space. It becomes small and the operability deteriorates.

  Therefore, it is considered that the shape of the operation key is changed in accordance with the size of the arrangement space, for example, the operation key is formed in a shape in which either the vertical or horizontal width is reduced. Because the operability on the narrow side is inferior to the operability on the wide side, when trying to operate the small side, it is unintentionally caused by misalignment of the operator's fingers. There is a risk of operation.

  Therefore, an object of the electronic device of the present invention is to overcome the above-described problems and improve operability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the electronic device according to the present invention has a pair of curved portions that are located on the opposite side of the outer peripheral edge of the operation key with the central portion interposed therebetween, and both ends are continuous to both ends of the curved portion. And a pair of parallel straight portions located on the opposite side across the central portion, the maximum distance between the pair of curved portions being larger than the distance between the pair of straight portions, and a pair of operation keys. A pair of first operated areas that are pressing operation areas toward the curved portion side and a pair of second operated areas that are pressing operation areas toward the pair of straight line portions are provided. And a function corresponding to the second operated area is executed when it is detected that the boundary or the vicinity of the second operated area is operated.

  Therefore, in the electronic device of the present invention, the function corresponding to the second operated area when it is detected that the boundary between the first operated area and the second operated area or the vicinity of the boundary is detected. Is executed with priority.

  The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device in which operation keys that can be pressed in at least four directions orthogonal to each other with respect to the center portion are arranged, and the outer peripheral edge of the operation key is on the opposite side across the center portion Between the pair of curved portions and a pair of parallel straight portions located opposite to each other with the center portion sandwiched between the pair of curved portions protruding outward and the opposite ends of the curved portion. The maximum distance is made larger than the distance between the pair of linear portions, and the operation key is a pressing operation region toward the pair of curved portions. A pair of second operated areas that are pressing operation areas, and the second operation area is detected when it is detected that the boundary between the first operated area and the second operated area or near the boundary is operated. The function corresponding to the operated area is executed. That.

  Accordingly, the risk of unintentionally performing the operated area on the larger area when attempting to operate the operated area on the smaller area side is reduced, and operability can be improved.

  In the invention described in claim 2, since the display monitor having the image display unit is provided and the operation keys are arranged in the state where one straight line portion is close to the outer peripheral edge of the monitor, the space is effectively used. Therefore, it is possible to ensure an increase in the size of the operation key, and to improve the operability with respect to the operation key.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the best mode described below, the present invention is applied to a still camera. Note that the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to a still camera, and can be widely applied to, for example, various imaging devices incorporated in video cameras and other devices.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions are shown in the direction viewed from the photographer when photographing with the still camera (imaging device). Therefore, the subject side is the front and the photographer side is the rear.

  In addition, the front and rear, up and down, left and right directions shown below are for convenience of explanation, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to these directions.

  An imaging apparatus (still camera) 1 includes an apparatus main body 3 in which required parts are arranged in an outer casing 2, and the outer casing 2 is formed in, for example, a horizontally long, flat, substantially rectangular shape (FIG. 1 to FIG. 1). (See FIG. 3). Therefore, the outer surface of the outer casing 2 is constituted by a front surface 2a, a rear surface 2b, an upper surface 2c, a lower surface 2d, a left side surface 2e, and a right side surface 2f.

  The outer casing 2 includes a front panel 4 formed in a shallow box shape opened rearward and a rear panel 5 formed in a box shape opened frontward in the front-rear direction. A rectangular large monitor arrangement hole 6 is formed in a portion excluding the right end portion of the rear panel 5, and button arrangement holes 7 and 7 are formed in the right end portion of the rear panel 5 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front surface 2a is formed in a substantially flat shape as a whole and is separated from the left and right at the upper end portion in order from the right side to the microphone 3a, the flash 3b, the self-timer lens 3c and the photographing lens. 3d is provided.

  A shutter button 3e is provided on the upper surface 2c.

  A slide cover 8 is supported on the front surface 2a so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The length of the slide cover 8 in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the outer casing 2 in the vertical direction, and the length in the horizontal direction is substantially the same as the length of the outer casing 2 in the horizontal direction.

  The upper end surface 8a of the slide cover 8 is located on the same plane as the upper surface 2c of the outer casing 2 at the upper moving end (see FIG. 1). This position of the slide cover 8 is a closed position that closes the microphone 3a, the flash 3b, the self-timer lens 3c, and the photographing lens 3d.

  The slide cover 8 has a lower end surface 8b located on the same plane as the lower surface 2d of the outer casing 2 at the lower moving end (see FIG. 2). This position of the slide cover 8 is an open position where the microphone 3a, the flash 3b, the self-timer lens 3c and the photographing lens 3d are opened.

  In the imaging apparatus 1, the power is turned on by sliding the slide cover 8 from the closed position to the open position, and the power is turned off by sliding the slide cover 8 from the open position to the closed position.

  A grip protrusion 9 protrudes from the right side surface 2f of the outer casing 2 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). As shown in FIG. 5, the grip projection 9 includes a continuous portion 9a protruding forward from the right side surface 2f and a finger contact portion 9b protruding leftward from the front end of the continuous portion 9a. . The finger addressing portion 9b is positioned in front of the slide cover 8 in the vicinity of the front surface of the slide cover 8 and plays a role for the photographer to hold the image pickup apparatus 1 with the finger addressed during shooting.

  When the slide cover 8 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the upper end face 8a coincides with the upper end face of the finger destination portion 9b of the grip projection 9 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when the photographer manually depresses the slide cover 8 to open and shifts to the photographing state, as shown in FIG. 6, the photographer's right hand 100 finger, for example, the index finger 101 or the middle finger that has depressed the slide cover 8 is moved. 102 is addressed to the finger addressing portion 9b from above.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 1, the upper end surface 8 a of the slide cover 8 and the upper end surface of the finger contact portion 9 b of the grip projection 9 when the slide cover 8 that is slid up and down is moved to the open position. Since the finger used to push down the slide cover 8 to release it (the index finger 101 and the middle finger 102) has been released, it is addressed to the finger destination portion 9b from above, and the finger is changed. Therefore, it is possible to perform photographing continuously with the opening operation of the slide cover 8 without performing the operation, and to improve the usability of the imaging apparatus 1.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus 1, the slide cover 8 that is a movable member is not provided with a grip protrusion, and the grip protrusion 9 is provided so as to protrude from the outer casing 2 that is a fixed member. A state in which the grip projection 9 is held with a finger is stabilized, and hand shake or the like during shooting is unlikely to occur, thereby improving usability.

  Further, since the left and right widths of the slide cover 8 are formed to be substantially the same as the left and right widths of the outer casing 2, the left and right widths of the slide cover 8 are large and the area where the finger is pressed when the slide cover 8 is opened and closed. The opening / closing operation of the slide cover 8 can be facilitated.

  Note that a flash 3b and a photographing lens 3d are arranged in the apparatus main body 3. Generally, when the flash 3b and the photographing lens 3d are close to each other, so-called red-eye is generated by reflection of flash light on a blood vessel in the eyeball. It is known to occur easily.

  However, in the imaging device 1, as described above, since the width in the left-right direction of the slide cover 8 that closes both the flash 3b and the photographing lens 3d is formed, the flash 3b and the photographing lens 3d are correspondingly formed. Can be separated, and the occurrence of red eyes can be reduced.

  In the imaging apparatus 1, the grip protrusion 9 is projected from the right side surface 2 f of the outer casing 2 so that the finger contact portion 9 b is positioned in front of the slide cover 8. It is not necessary to form the protrusions 9 for the grip so that the mechanism can be simplified.

  In the imaging device 1, as shown in FIG. 7, an insertion hole 8c is formed in the slide cover 8, and a grip projection 9 is provided so as to protrude from the front surface 2a of the outer casing 2, and the grip hole 9c is provided with a grip. A configuration in which the protrusion 9 is inserted is also possible. In this case, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the grip protrusion 9 with respect to the outer casing 2 can be improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a vertically long support hole 10 is formed in the front surface 2 a of the outer casing 2. The support hole 10 is formed at a position closer to the heel grip protrusion 10 side (right side) than the center in the left-right direction of the outer casing 2.

  On the front surface 2a of the outer casing 2, vertically long connecting holes 11 and 12 are formed on the left and right sides of the support hole 10, respectively, and a vertically long holding hole 13 is formed at a position closer to the left end.

  The slide cover 8 is slid with respect to the apparatus main body 3 by the slide mechanism 14.

  9 and 10, the slide mechanism 14 is attached to the support base 15 attached to the back surface of the front portion of the outer casing 2, the connecting plate 16 attached to the back surface of the slide cover 8, and the connecting plate 16. And a slider 17 movably supported by the support base 15.

  The support base 15 is formed with a roller support hole 15a and a pin support hole 15b which are vertically spaced apart and extend vertically. A spring support protrusion 18 is provided to the right from the portion of the support base 15 where the roller support hole 15a is formed. Spring support bosses 18a and 18a protruding rearward are provided on the spring support protrusion 18 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

  The support base 15 is attached to the back surface of the front portion of the outer casing 2 in a state where the roller support holes 15 a are overlapped with the support holes 10. In a state where the support base 15 is attached to the back surface of the front portion of the outer casing 2, the spring support protrusion 18 is positioned in the connection hole 12 of the outer casing 2.

  The connecting plate 16 is provided with connecting bosses 16a and 16b spaced apart from each other on the left and right. The connecting plate 16 is provided with a connecting portion 16c near the left end. The connecting plate 16 is provided with a spring hooking piece 16d in the vicinity of the right connecting boss 16b.

  The slider 17 includes a horizontally long connecting plate portion 19 and a vertically long supported plate portion 20. The slider 17 is formed in a shape in which a portion near the left end of the connecting plate portion 19 and a portion near the top end of the supported plate portion 20 intersect. Yes.

  A shaft portion 20a protruding forward is provided at the upper end portion of the supported plate portion 20, and a supported roller 21 is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 20a. A supported pin 20 b protruding forward is provided at the lower end portion of the supported plate portion 20.

  The slider 17 is superimposed on the support base 15 from the back side, and the supported roller 21 is inserted into the roller support hole 15a of the support base 15 and the support hole 10 of the outer casing 2, and is supported rotatably and movably. 20 b is slidably supported by the pin support hole 15 b of the support base 15.

  The slider 17 is connected to the connecting bosses 16 a and 16 b of the connecting plate 16 via the connecting holes 11 and 12, and the left and right ends of the connecting plate portion 19 are connected to the slide cover 8 via the connecting plate 16.

  In a state where the slider 17 is coupled to the slide cover 8, the cover plate 22 is attached to the back surface of the front portion of the outer casing 2, and a part of the supported plate portion 20 of the slider 17 is covered.

  In a state where the slider 17 is connected to the slide cover 8, the toggle springs 23 and 23 are supported between the spring support bosses 18 a and 18 a of the slider 17 and the spring hooking pieces 16 d of the connecting plate 16. The toggle springs 23 and 23 urge the slide cover 8 upward when in the closed position and downward when it is in the open position, thereby preventing the slide cover 8 from rattling against the apparatus body 3. .

  In a state where the slider 17 is connected to the slide cover 8, the right end portion of the connecting plate 16 is brought into proximity or contact with the right side portion of the right connecting hole 12 from the rear, and the slide cover 8 is detached from the apparatus main body 3. Is prevented.

  In a state where the slider 17 is connected to the slide cover 8, the drop-off preventing piece 25 is attached to the connecting portion 16 c of the connecting plate 16 from the back side. The left end of the drop-off prevention piece 25 is in a state of being close to or in contact with the left portion of the holding hole 13, so that the slide cover 8 is prevented from dropping from the apparatus main body 3.

When the user depresses the slide cover 8 with the slide cover 8 in the closed position, the slider 17 is slid downward against the urging force of the toggle springs 23, 23 as shown in FIG. Thus, a downward biasing force is generated and the slide cover 8 is moved downward. At this time, the supported roller 21 is moved downward along the support hole 10 and the roller support hole 15a while rotating with respect to the opening edge of the support hole 10 and the roller support hole 15a, and the supported pin 20b is moved down the pin support hole 15b. Moved to. When the slide cover 8 moved downward is partly in contact with a stopper (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 3 and the movement of the slide cover 8 is restricted, the slide cover 8 reaches an open position which is a lower moving end.

On the contrary, when the user pushes up the slide cover 8 in a state where the slide cover 8 is in the closed position, the slider 17 is slid upward against the urging force of the toggle springs 23 and 23 as shown in FIG. An upward biasing force is generated at 23 and 23, and the slide cover 8 is moved upward. At this time, while the supported roller 21 rotates with respect to the opening edge of the support hole 10 and the roller support hole 15a, the supported roller 20 is moved upward through the support hole 10 and the roller support hole 15a, and the supported pin 20b moves up the pin support hole 15b. Moved to. The slide cover 8 moved upward reaches a closed position which is an upper moving end by restricting the movement of a part of the slider 17 in contact with a stopper (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 3.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 1, the supported roller 21 rotates with respect to the opening edge of the support hole 10 and the roller support hole 15 a while the slide cover 8 moves, and the support hole 10 and the roller support hole 15 a are moved. Since the slide cover 8 is moved in the vertical direction, a smooth slide operation of the slide cover 8 can be ensured.

  Further, since the supported roller 21 is inserted into the support hole 10 formed in the outer casing 2, it is necessary to form an arrangement space for the supported roller 21 only inside the outer casing 2 or only outside the outer casing 2. Therefore, the space for arranging the supported rollers 21 can be effectively used, and the imaging device 1 can be thinned.

  Further, since the support hole 10 is formed at a position closer to the heel grip protrusion 9 side than the center in the left-right direction of the outer casing 2, a part of the slide cover 8 on the grip protrusion 9 side is usually used by the user. Since the slide cover 8 is opened and closed by pressing the (right end), the sliding operation of the slide cover 8 can be made smooth.

  In the above, an example in which only one supported roller 21 is provided to guide the slide cover 8 is shown. However, a plurality of supported rollers may be used by using the supported roller 21 instead of the supported pin 20b. 21, 21,... Can also be used. However, when the supported roller 21 is used, a tolerance based on both the clearance of the supported roller 21 with respect to the shaft portion 20a of the supported plate portion 20 and the clearance with respect to the support hole 10 of the supported roller 21 is generated, and the slider 17 Since the tolerance between the outer casings 2 may increase, it is desirable to use only one supported roller 21.

  A monitor block 25 is disposed on the rear surface 2b of the outer casing 2 except for the right end (see FIG. 3). The right end portion of the rear surface 2b is provided as a button arrangement portion 2g.

  A zoom key 26 and an operation key 27 are arranged on the button arrangement portion 2g so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction.

  A concave portion 28 having a substantially semicircular curved surface shape is formed in the button placement portion 2g at a position continuous with the lower end of the zoom key 26. The concave portion 28 is formed in a mortar shape in which the depth gradually decreases toward the outer periphery, and the inner portion becomes the deepest portion 28a having the deepest depth (see FIG. 12).

  The zoom key 26 is formed in a horizontally long shape, and has a concave portion 26a having a curved surface shape in the center in the left-right direction. The portions other than the recess 26a of the zoom key 26 are provided as flat portions 26b and 26b whose rear surfaces are formed in a flat shape. The concave portion 26a has a deepest deepest portion 26c at the center in the left-right direction (see FIG. 13), and is formed in a shape that gradually decreases in depth from the deepest portion 26c to the left and right. The position in the front-rear direction of the deepest part 26c of the recess 26a and the position in the front-rear direction of the deepest part 28a of the concave part 28 are substantially matched.

  The concave portion 28 of the outer casing 2 is a portion to which the photographer's finger is applied when the zoom key 26 is operated. In addition, by placing a finger on the concave portion 28, the concave portion 28 functions as a so-called finger rest that rests the finger when the zoom key 26 is not operated. Furthermore, the imaging device 1 can be held in a stable state by gripping and holding the concave portion 28 and the front surface 2a of the outer casing 2.

  As described above, the concave portion 28 is a portion to which the photographer's finger is applied when the zoom key 26 is operated, and in the front-rear direction between the deepest portion 26 c of the concave portion 26 a of the zoom key 26 and the deepest portion 28 a of the concave portion 28. Since the positions are substantially the same, continuous operation in the left-right direction of wide angle and telephoto can be smoothly performed when the zoom key 26 is operated.

  Further, the portions other than the concave portion 26a of the zoom key 26 are provided as flat portions 26b and 26b whose rear surfaces are formed in a flat shape, so that it is easy to perform a pressing operation at the time of operation, and the rear surface is not inclined so that it is rearward. Therefore, the image pickup apparatus 1 can be thinned.

  A finger resting recess 2h having a circular outer shape and a mortar shape is formed at a position between the zoom key 26 and the operation key 28 of the outer casing 2 (see FIG. 3). The finger rest recess 2h is formed so that the central portion is deepest and the depth becomes shallower toward the outer periphery.

  By placing the finger on the finger rest recess 2h, the finger can be rested at the time of photographing and at the time of non-photographing. In addition, the imaging apparatus 1 can be held in a stable state by gripping and pinching the finger rest recess 2h and the front surface 2a of the outer casing 2.

  The operation key 27 is an operation means referred to as a so-called cross key that can be pressed in at least four directions, up, down, left, and right. The operation key 27 performs various functions by pressing the center portion in addition to these four directions. Can also be implemented.

  The operation key 27 is formed in a generally mortar shape as a whole. As shown in FIG. 14, the left and right portions of the outer periphery are formed as straight portions 27a and 27a extending vertically, respectively, and the upper and lower portions of the outer periphery are formed. The portions are formed as curved portions 27b and 27b formed in a circular arc shape protruding upward and downward, respectively. The left straight portion 27 a is located close to the right edge of the monitor block 25.

  In this way, the operation key 27 is not circular, and the outer peripheral edge is formed in a shape constituted by the two straight portions 27a and 27a and the two curved portions 27b and 27b. For example, even when the monitor block 25 is increased in size and the button arrangement portion 2g is reduced in size, the operability of the operation key 27 is ensured without increasing the size of the imaging device 1. Can do.

  The operation key 27 can be pressed in at least four directions, up, down, left, and right, and the upper and lower regions operated during the up and down pressing operation are first operated regions 27c and 27c. The left and right areas operated during the pressing operation are the second operated areas 27d and 27d.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the operation key 27, the maximum distance Y between the curved portions 27b and 27b is larger than the distance X between the straight portions 27a and 27a. Therefore, the areas of the first operated areas 27c and 27c are made larger than the areas of the second operated areas 27d and 27d, and the operation on the first operated areas 27c and 27c is performed in the second operated area 27d. , 27d is easier to perform than the operation. Therefore, when the user presses the boundary between the second operated area 27d and the first operated area 27c or in the vicinity of the boundary, the user's intention is the operation on the second operated areas 27d and 27d. Even in such a case, there is a possibility that a function corresponding to the operation on the first operated area 27c, 27c may be executed due to a finger misalignment with respect to the operation position.

  Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 1, when the user operates the operation key 27, each function is executed by the following processing (see FIG. 15).

  (S1) When a pressing operation on the operation key 27 is performed by the user, the process is started, and it is detected whether the operation is performed on the second operated areas 27d and 27d. When it is detected that the operation is performed on the second operated areas 27d and 27d, the process proceeds to (S2), and when it is not detected that the operation is performed on the second operated areas 27d and 27d. The process proceeds to (S4).

  (S2) It is determined that the operation is for the second operated area 27d, 27d.

  (S3) The function corresponding to the operation on the second operated area 27d, 27d is executed, and the process ends.

  (S4) It is detected whether or not the operation is at or near the boundary between the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first operated areas 27c and 27c. If it is not detected that the operation is at or near the boundary between the second operated areas 27d, 27d and the first operated area 27c, 27c, the process proceeds to (S5), and the second operated area When it is detected that the operation is performed on or near the boundary between 27d and 27d and the first operated area 27c and 27c, the process proceeds to (S7).

  The detection of whether or not the operation is performed on or near the boundary between the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first operated area 27c and 27c is, for example, vertically and horizontally depending on the operation position of the operation key 27. Four arranged detection switches are provided, and when any one of the detection switches is operated, the operation is not performed on or near the boundary between the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first operated areas 27c and 27c. When the two detection switches, that is, the upper and right or left, lower and right or left detection switches are operated simultaneously, the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first operated areas 27c and 27c are detected. It is possible to perform control so as to detect that the operation is performed on or near the boundary.

  In addition, detection of whether or not the operation is performed on or near the boundary between the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first operated area 27c and 27c, for example, up / down / left / right according to the operation position of the operation key 27 In addition, four detection switches are provided between the top, bottom, left, and right to provide a total of eight detection switches. When any one of the top, bottom, left, and right detection switches is operated, the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first When it is detected that the operation is not performed on the boundary of the operated areas 27c and 27c or in the vicinity of the boundary, and any of the detection switches arranged between the upper, lower, left and right is operated, the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first It is also possible to perform control so as to detect that the operation is performed on the boundary of the operated areas 27c and 27c or the vicinity thereof.

  Furthermore, detection of whether or not the operation is performed on or near the boundary between the second operated areas 27d and 27d and the first operated area 27c and 27c, for example, according to the operation position of the operation key 27. A detection switch is provided in the circumferential direction, and depending on whether any one detection switch or two adjacent detection switches are operated at the same time, the second operated area 27d, 27d and the first operated area 27c, It is also possible to perform control so as to detect whether or not the operation is for the boundary 27c or the vicinity thereof.

  (S5) It is determined that the operation is for the first operated area 27c, 27c.

  (S6) The function corresponding to the operation on the first operated area 27c, 27c is executed, and the process ends.

  (S7) It is determined that the operation is for the second operated area 27d, 27d.

  (S8) The function corresponding to the operation on the second operated area 27d, 27d is executed, and the process ends.

  As described above, in the imaging device 1, even when the operability on the smaller side is inferior to the operability on the larger side because the vertical and horizontal widths are different, like the operation key 27, When attempting to operate the small width side, the risk of unintentionally performing an operation on the large width side is reduced, and operability can be improved.

  In addition, since the operation key 27 is arranged so that one of the linear portions 27a is positioned in the vicinity along the monitor block 25, it is possible to ensure an increase in the size of the operation key 27 due to effective use of space. The operability with respect to the operation key 27 can be improved.

  The monitor block 25 includes, for example, a display monitor 29 such as a liquid crystal panel and a monitor cover 30 that covers the display monitor 29 from the rear (see FIG. 4).

  A chassis 31 made of a metal material is disposed inside the outer casing 2. The chassis 31 includes a holding surface portion 32 that faces in the front-rear direction and a peripheral surface portion 33 that protrudes rearward from the outer peripheral portion of the holding surface portion 32. A holding frame 34 that holds the display monitor 29 is fixed to the chassis 31 by, for example, caulking, welding, or the like, and is provided integrally with the chassis 31.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the holding frame 34 includes a fixed portion 34a fixed to the outer surface of the peripheral surface portion 33, an intermediate portion 34b protruding inward from the rear edge of the fixed portion 34a, and an inner peripheral edge of the intermediate portion 34b. The holding portion 34c protrudes backward from the intermediate portion 34b, and the intermediate portion 34b is in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the holding surface portion 32.

  The display monitor 29 is formed by laminating various optical sheets such as a liquid crystal panel functioning as an image display unit and a diffusion sheet for diffusing light emitted from a backlight, and is formed in a rectangular plate shape as a whole. ing.

  The monitor cover 30 is provided with a receiving protrusion 30a that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the front edge thereof.

  A display monitor 29 is inserted into the holding portion 34 c of the holding frame 34 in an inner fitting manner and is attached to the chassis 31 by an appropriate means such as screwing or bonding while being in contact with the holding surface portion 32. The width of the holding portion 34c in the front-rear direction is made larger than the thickness of the display monitor 29, and a space 35 is formed on the rear surface side of the display monitor 29 inside the holding portion 34c when the display monitor 29 is attached to the chassis 31. The

  The monitor cover 30 is disposed in a state where the outer peripheral portion of the front surface is in contact with the rear end surface of the holding portion 34c, and the opening edge of the monitor placement hole 6 in the rear panel 5 of the outer casing 2 is pressed against the receiving protrusion 30a from the rear. It is attached to the housing 2. Accordingly, the monitor cover 30 is attached to the outer casing 2 while being sandwiched between the holding portion 34c and the rear panel 5, and the space 35 described above exists between the front surface of the monitor cover 30 and the rear surface of the display monitor 29. .

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 1, the display monitor 29 and the monitor cover 30 are held in a non-contact state, so that an external force is applied to the monitor cover 30 and the monitor cover 30 is bent. Even if it occurs, no external force is applied to the display monitor 29, and the occurrence of problems such as cracks and cracks in the display monitor 29 can be prevented.

  Further, since the monitor cover 30 is sandwiched and held between the front end surface of the holding frame 34 and a part of the outer casing 2, an adhesive layer for fixing the monitor cover 30 to the outer casing 2 and the holding frame 34. Therefore, the imaging device 1 can be made thinner by the absence of the adhesive layer, and the assembling property of the imaging device 1 can be improved by the amount of the adhesive process.

  Further, since the monitor cover 30 is sandwiched and held between the front end surface (rear end surface) of the holding frame 34 and a part of the outer casing 2, an adhesive layer is applied to the opening edge of the monitor arrangement hole 6 of the rear panel 5. There is no need to provide a portion to be formed, and accordingly, the visibility of the image displayed on the display monitor 29 can be improved by increasing the size of the monitor cover 30.

  Furthermore, since the liquid crystal panel of the display monitor 29 is generally made of a glass material, cracks and cracks on the end face are likely to occur particularly when an external force is applied. 29 is inserted and held in the holding portion 34c of the holding frame 34 so that the end face of the display monitor 29 is protected by the holding portion 34c, and the occurrence of cracks and cracks on the end face of the display monitor 29 is effective. Can be prevented.

  In addition, since a part of the monitor cover 30, that is, the front end portion is arranged inside the outer casing 2, the imaging apparatus 1 can be made thinner accordingly.

  In the imaging apparatus 1, since the holding frame 34 is made of a metal material, for example, the size and the rigidity can be improved as compared with the case where the holding frame is made of a resin material.

  The specific shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-described best mode are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited by these. It should not be interpreted in a general way.

2 to 16 show the best mode of the present invention, and this figure is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus in a state where the slide cover is in the closed position. It is a perspective view which shows an imaging device in the state which has a slide cover in an open position. It is a perspective view which shows the back side of an imaging device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a monitor block and the member holding this. It is an enlarged plan view of an imaging device. It is a perspective view which shows the state which hold | gripped the imaging device at the time of imaging | photography. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state in which the protrusion part for grips protruded and provided from the front surface of the outer casing. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a front panel, a connection board, and a slide cover. It is an expansion exploded perspective view showing a slide mechanism and parts related to this. It is a perspective view which shows a slide mechanism and components relevant to this. FIG. 12 shows the operation of the slide mechanism when the slide cover is opened and closed together with FIG. 12, and is a schematic enlarged front view showing a state in which the slide cover is in the open position. It is a schematic enlarged front view which shows the state which has a slide cover in a closed position. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the positional relationship of a zoom key and a recessed part. It is an enlarged front view of an operation key. It is a flowchart figure which shows a process when operation with respect to an operation key is performed. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the attachment state of a monitor block.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device (electronic device), 27 ... Operation key, 27a ... Linear part, 27b ... Curve part, 27c ... 1st operation area | region, 27d ... 2nd operation area | region, 29 ... Display monitor

Claims (2)

An electronic device in which operation keys that can be pressed in at least four directions orthogonal to each other with respect to a central portion are arranged,
The outer peripheral edge of the operation key is located on the opposite side across the central portion, and a pair of outwardly convex curved portions and both ends are connected to both ends of the curved portion, respectively, and are parallel on the opposite side across the central portion. A pair of straight portions,
The maximum distance among the distance between the pair of curved portions is made larger than the distance between the pair of straight portions,
The operation key has a pair of first operated areas that are a pressing operation area toward the pair of curved portions and a pair of second operated areas that are a pressing operation area toward the pair of straight sections,
The function corresponding to the second operated area is executed when it is detected that the boundary between the first operated area and the second operated area or near the boundary is detected. Electronic equipment. A display monitor having an image display unit is provided,
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the operation key is arranged in a state in which one straight line portion is close along the outer peripheral edge of the monitor.

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