JP5335486B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a digital camera provided with operation buttons.

  Generally, an electronic device such as a digital camera is equipped with an operation button configured as a determination button or a cross button for a user to select a desired operation (setting item) from a plurality of operation menus. .

  The push button such as the enter button or the cross button includes an enter button body or a cross button body and a substrate on which a wiring pattern is formed. In the determination button or the cross button, when the determination button or the cross button is pressed, the pusher arranged on the side opposite to the operation side of the determination button or the cross button is pressed against the operation switch.

  Conventionally, as a push button used in an electronic device, a push button operation unit, a support unit of the push button operation unit, and a switch operation unit for pressing a switch are integrally formed of a resin material. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-198951

  However, the configuration of the conventional push button described above is for realizing an improved pressing feeling of the operation member when the support portion, the operation portion, and the push button operation portion are integrally formed. For this reason, an operation button unit having a plurality of operation buttons which are arranged in combination so as not to overlap each other on a plane and are integrally formed of a resin material, provided with a support unit, an operation unit and a push button operation unit. When trying to configure, the entire operation button unit becomes large.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the operation button unit having a plurality of operation buttons, if the support part in which the thin part that can be elastically deformed is reduced in size, the small support part is greatly elastically deformed. The feeling of pressing the button will deteriorate.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can reduce the size of the entire operation button unit and can maintain a good pressing feeling of the operation button.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device according to the present invention is formed with a fixing portion for fixing to a housing, a cross button, and extending from the fixing portion to the cross button so that the cross button can be pressed. A first support portion that supports the press operation button, and a second support portion that extends from the fixed portion to the press operation button and supports the press operation button so that it can be pressed. an electronic apparatus comprising the formed operating button unit, the first support portion is formed extending from an end portion of the rear surface side of the fixing portion Tei Rutotomoni, the second supporting portion is the fixed part It is extended from the end surface side of the formation, characterized in Tei Rukoto.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to realize an electronic device in which the operation button unit is downsized and the operation button is well maintained.

It is the perspective view which took out the operation button with which the digital camera was mounted | worn, and was seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which took out the operation button with which the digital camera was mounted | worn, and was seen from the front side. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the digital camera equipped with the operation button unit from the front side. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the digital camera equipped with the operation button unit from the back side. It is the external appearance perspective view which took out the rear cover 8 part of the digital camera, and was seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which took out the operation button unit with which the digital camera concerning the comparative example was taken out, and was seen from the back side.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a digital camera will be described as an example of an electronic device.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the operation button unit mounted on the digital camera taken out and viewed from the back side.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operation button unit mounted on the digital camera taken out and viewed from the front side.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the digital camera as viewed from the front side.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the digital camera as viewed from the back side.

  FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the rear cover 8 portion of the digital camera taken out and viewed from the back side.

  The camera body 1 is formed in a horizontally long shape, and a grip portion 2 for a photographer to hold the camera body 1 is formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction.

  In the camera body 1, a lens barrel 3 is arranged on the end side opposite to the grip portion 2 in the longitudinal direction. The lens barrel 3 is configured to change the focal length of the photographing optical system by being extended or retracted in the optical axis direction.

  The camera body 1 includes a release button 4 that can be pressed in two stages. The release button 4 starts a shooting preparation operation (photometry operation, focus adjustment operation, etc.) by a half-press operation, and starts a shooting operation (exposure to an image sensor such as a CCD) by a full-press operation.

  A mode dial 5 (rotary dial) is attached to the camera body 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The mode dial 5 is configured such that various shooting modes such as a shutter speed priority mode, an aperture priority mode, a portrait shooting mode, and a night scene shooting mode can be selected by a photographer rotating.

  The camera body 1 includes a power button 6 for turning on or off the power of the digital camera.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the camera body 1 is provided with an operation button unit 7 in which a cross button 7a and operation buttons 7b, 7c, 7d are integrally formed on a cover portion corresponding to the grip portion 2 on the back side. Has been. The cross button 7a (first operation button) of the operation button unit 7 is an operation button for performing various selections. The cross button 7a is movably supported by support portions 7a-1 (first support portion), 7a-2 (first support portion), 7a-3, and 7a-4 configured to be elastically deformable. ing.

  In the camera body 1, operation buttons 7b, 7c and 7d which are operation buttons for determining menus and performing functions are arranged around the cross button 7a.

  This operation button 7b (second operation button) can be pressed by support portions 7b-1 (second support portions) and 7b-2 configured as curved spring portions in the operation button unit 7. So that it is supported. Similarly, the operation button 7d (second operation button) is pressed by the support portions 7d-1 and 7d-2 (second support portion) configured as curved spring portions in the operation button unit 7. It is supported so that it can operate.

  Further, the support portion 7b-1 of the operation button unit 7b, the support portion 7d-2 of the operation button unit 7d, and the support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 of the operation button unit 7a are overlapped with the operation direction of the operation member 7. Arrange and configure.

  The operation button unit 7 configured as described above is configured to be fixed to the rear cover 8 by the fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D.

  Next, the rear cover 8 constituting the housing on the back side of the camera body 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  An image display device 9 for displaying various operations is disposed on the plane portion of the rear cover 8.

  The rear cover 8 is provided with pins 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D for fixing the fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D of the operation member 7 to the grip portion 2 adjacent to the image display device 9. Through holes are drilled in the fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D along the operation direction (pressing direction) of the operation buttons 7b, 7c, and 7d. Then, pins 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are inserted through the through holes of the fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, respectively, and the operation button unit 7 is fixed to the rear cover 8.

  In addition, the rear cover 8 has an opening 8a for loosely placing the cross button 7a (cross key) so as to be tilted, and loosely inserted so that the operation button units 7b, 7c, 7d can be pressed. Openings 8b, 8c and 8d are provided.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation button unit 7 is configured such that the entire outer shape is a rectangular frame shape that can be elastically deformed. Further, in this operation button unit 7, fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D formed in the shape of support columns are arranged in the middle portions of the four sides of the rectangular outer frame.

  In this operation button unit 7, operation buttons 7b and 7d are arranged at two adjacent corners in a rectangular outer frame. The operation button 7d is disposed at the corner between the fixed portions 7A and 7B. The operation button 7b is arranged at the corner between the fixed portions 7A and 7C.

  Further, in this operation button unit 7, a cross button 7a is arranged between the two fixing portions 7A and 7D facing each other in the rectangular outer frame.

  The operation button 7c is arranged at the corner between the fixed portions 7C and 7D by the support portions 7c-1 and 7c-2.

  In the operation button unit 7 configured as described above, the cross button 7a from the end (first position) on the back surface side in the thickness direction of the operation button unit 7 of the cross button 7a in the fixing portion 7A formed in a support column shape. A pair of support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 is extended. That is, in this operation button unit 7, one end of a pair of support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 configured as curved spring portions is connected to the back surface side of the fixed portion 7A. Moreover, the other end of a pair of support part 7a-1 and 7a-2 is connected with the cross button 7a. In the operation button unit 7 configured as described above, when the cross button 7a is pressed, the pair of support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 elastically deform to support the cross button 7a so that it can be pressed.

Further, the operation button unit 7 includes a support portion 7b-1 for supporting the operation button 7b from the end portion (second position) on the surface side in the thickness direction of the cross button 7a in the fixing portion 7A, and the operation portion. A support portion 7d-2 for supporting the button 7d is extended. That is, in the operation button unit 7, which connect is configured as a curved spring portion, the support portion 7d-2 to one end of the supporting portion 7b-1 on the front surface side of the fixed portion 7A.

  The other end of the second support portion 7d-2 is connected to an operation button 7d that is a second operation button. The support portion 7d-2 elastically deforms when the operation button 7d, which is the second operation button, is pressed, and supports the second operation button 7d so that it can be pressed.

  The other end of the second support portion 7b-1 is connected to the operation button 7b. The support portion 7b-1 is elastically deformed when the operation button 7b is pressed and supports the operation button 7b so that the operation button 7b can be pressed.

  That is, a pair of support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 that support the cross button 7a are formed extending from the end portion on the back surface side of the fixing portion 7A. At the same time, a support portion 7b-1 for supporting the operation button 7b and a support portion 7d-2 for supporting the operation button 7d are formed to extend from the surface side end of the fixing portion 7A. The portions where the support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 of the fixing portion 7A are extended and formed are different from the portions where the support portions 7b-1 and 7d-2 of the fixing portion 7A are extended and formed in the thickness direction. Is in position. That is, the thickness direction is the same direction as the pressing direction of the cross button 7a and the operation button 7d.

  A part of the support portion 7b-1 for supporting the operation button 7b extends from the fixing portion 7A at a predetermined distance from the support portion 7a-2 for supporting the cross button 7a in the thickness direction. Therefore, the support part 7b-1 and the support part 7a-2 are three-dimensionally arranged so as to be parallel to each other in the vicinity of the fixed part 7A. By arranging in this way, the support portion 7b-1 and the support portion 7a-2 are overlapped when viewed in the pressing direction of the operation button 7b in the vicinity of the fixed portion 7A.

  At the same time, a part of the support portion 7d-2 for supporting the operation button 7d extends from the fixing portion 7A at a predetermined interval in the thickness direction from the support portion 7a-1 for supporting the cross button 7a. Yes. Accordingly, the support portion 7d-2 and the support portion 7a-1 are three-dimensionally arranged so as to be parallel to each other in the vicinity of the fixed portion 7A. By arranging in this way, the support portion 7d-2 and the support portion 7a-1 are in a state of overlapping when viewed in the pressing direction of the operation button 7d in the vicinity of the fixed portion 7A.

  The operation button unit 7 is flat so that the support portion 7a-1, the support portion 7a-2, the support portion 7d-2, and the support portion 7b-1 do not overlap each other on the plane by the three-dimensionally arranged configuration. As compared with the conventional configuration, the outer shape projected on the plane can be reduced in size.

  In this operation button unit 7, left and right symmetrical support portions 7 a-1 and 7 a-2 for supporting the cross button 7 a are connected to each other in two planes, and a relief recess 70 is provided between them. Formed into a different shape.

  Further, the support portion 7b-1 for supporting the operation button 7b and the support portion 7d-2 for supporting the operation button 7d are formed in a symmetrical shape. The support portions 7b-1 and 7d-2 are formed by extending the portions extending from the end portions of the beam portions linearly extending from the fixing portion 7A to the corresponding operation buttons 7b and 7d, respectively, in the extending direction of the fixing portion 7A (operation button 7b and 7d) in a substantially S-shape.

  In the operation button unit 7 configured as described above, when the operation button 7b or 7d is pressed, the support portion 7b-1 or 7d-2 is elastically deformed. During this operation, the portion of the support portion 7b-1 or 7d-2 bent into a substantially S shape enters the space formed by the relief recess 70 of the support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2, thereby mutual Can be prevented from touching.

  Further, in the operation button unit 7, the cross button 7a and the operation buttons 7b and 7d can be independently moved, and the other can be prevented from moving in conjunction with one movement operation.

  This is due to the following reason. In the operation button unit 7, the fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are inserted and attached to the pins 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D on the rear cover 8 side of the corresponding camera body 1. For this reason, the fixing portions 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D of the operation button unit 7 are held in an immobile state with respect to the rear cover 8, respectively.

  Therefore, the support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 and the support portions 7b-1 and 7d-2 respectively extending from the fixed portion 7A held stationary are elastically deformed independently of each other. For this reason, in the operation button unit 7, the cross button 7a and the operation buttons 7b and 7d are independently moved.

  Next, a comparative example in which the operation unit is arranged so that the support unit for supporting the operation button 7b and the support unit for supporting the cross button 7a are arranged so as not to overlap in a plan view and the size is reduced. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the operation button unit of the comparative example taken out and viewed from the back side.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 10 denotes an operation button unit in which a cross button 10a and operation buttons 10b, 10c, and 10d are integrated. Reference numeral 10a denotes a cross button for various selections. Reference numerals 10a-1, 10a-2, 10a-3, and 10a-4 denote support portions that support the cross button 10a. Reference numerals 10b, 10c, and 10d denote operation buttons for determining menus and performing functions.

  Reference numerals 10b-1 and 10b-2 denote support parts that support the operation button 10b, and reference numerals 10d-1 and 10d-2 denote support parts that respectively support the operation button 10d.

  Reference numerals 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D denote fixing portions that fix the operation member 10 to a rear cover similar to that shown in FIG.

  The cross button 10a is supported by support portions 10a-1, 10a-2, 10a-3, 10a-4, and the support portions are rear covers similar to FIG. It is fixed to a fixing part (not shown).

  The operation button 10b is supported by support portions 10b-1 and 10b-2, and the support portions are fixed to a fixing portion of a rear cover (details not shown) similar to FIG. 5 by fixing portions 10A and 10C. The

  The operation button 10c is supported by support portions 10c-1 and 10c-2, and the support portions 10c-1 and 10c-2 are rear covers similar to FIG. 5 by the fixing portions 10C and 10D (details are not shown). It is fixed by inserting the pin.

  The operation button 10d is supported by support portions 10d-1 and 10d-2, and the support portions 10d-1 and 10d-2 are rear covers similar to FIG. 5 by the fixing portions 10A and 10B (details are not shown). It is fixed by inserting the pin.

  The support portions 10a-1, 10a-2 of the cross button 10a, the support portion 10b-1 of the operation portion 10b, and the support portion 10d-2 of the operation portion 10d are not supported by the fixing portion 10A. It is connected to.

  By being connected to each operation unit without using the fixing unit, for example, when the cross button 10a is operated, the support units 10a-1 and 10a-2 are operated, so that the respective support units are supported without using the fixing unit. The parts are connected. For this reason, 10b-1 and 10d-2 are interlocked with the operation of the cross button 10a, and the operation buttons 10b and 10d are also interlocked to impair the operational feeling.

  The reverse is also true, and when the operation unit 10b or 10d is operated, the support unit 10b-1 or 10d-2 operates. Therefore, since each support part is connected not via the fixing part, when the operation part 10b or 10d is operated, the support part 10a-1 or 10a-2 is also operated and the cross button 10a is operated in conjunction with the operation. Impair the feeling.

  In addition, in this operation button, the support portions 10a-3 and 10a-4 of the cross button 10a, the support portion 10c-1 of the operation button 10c, and the support portion 10-1 of the operation member 10 are arranged through the fixing portion 10D. Can be arranged in parallel. In such a configuration, the operation button 10c is not affected when the cross button 10a is operated. However, in the operation button configured as described above, since the respective support portions are arranged side by side in parallel, the arrangement space becomes large and it is difficult to reduce the size.

  Therefore, the operation buttons according to the present embodiment are configured as shown in FIGS. That is, in this operation button, the support portions 7a-1 and 7a-2 of the cross button 7a, the support portion 7b-1 of the operation button 7b, and the support portion 7d-2 of the operation button 7d are connected to the rear cover 8 side via the fixing portion 7A. It fixes to the fixing | fixed part 8A which is a fixing location. At the same time, in this operation button, the support portion support portion 7a-1 and the support portion 7d-2 configured as respective curved spring portions are arranged so as to overlap with each other in the operation button pressing direction.

  By arranging in this way, this operation button does not affect the operation button units 7b and 7d even when the cross button 7a is pushed in the operation direction.

  As described above, according to the operation button of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the operation unit without impairing the operational feeling of the operation unit.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can take other various structures in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

7 Operation button unit 7a Cross button 7a-1, 7a-2, 7a-3, 7a-4 Support part 7b of cross button 7a Operation part 7b-1, 7b-2 Support part 7c of operation button unit 7b Operation part 7c- 1, 7c-2 Support part 7d of operation button unit 7c Operation part 7d-1, Support part 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D of operation button unit 7d Fixing part 8 Rear cover 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D Pin 8a Cross Key 8a hole 8b Operation button unit 7b hole 8c Operation button unit 7c hole 8d Operation button unit 7d hole

Claims (2)

A fixing portion for fixing to the housing; a cross button; a first support portion that extends from the fixing portion to the cross button and supports the cross button so that it can be pressed ; a pressing operation button; An electronic device including an operation button unit that is formed to extend from the fixed portion to the push-down operation button and is integrally formed with a second support portion that supports the push- down operation button so that the push- down operation button can be pushed down.
Said first supporting portion is formed extending from an end portion of the rear surface side of the fixing portion Tei Rutotomoni, the second support portion Tei Rukoto formed extending from an end portion of the front surface side of the fixed part Features electronic equipment. Claim wherein said second support portion and the first support portion in the vicinity of the fixed portion, so as to overlap when viewed from the push direction, characterized in Tei Rukoto is extended formed from the fixed part 1. The electronic device according to 1 .